Spread

Chapter 4: The Italian Stallion

As the months rolled on, ponies gradually forgot about Rarity’s spread, although she did get some comments from some of the more persistent stallions. That was about the only good thing that happened. The boutique was still doing lousy, and she found herself once again in dire financial straits. Every time she had a slow day, she thought about that letter she threw away, that opportunity she let slip through her grasp. The letter was gone now, taken in the trash weeks ago, and she had no way to respond to it without the return address.

She still wasn’t even sure she wanted to go through with it, because that would be quite a leap from a photo shoot in a magazine. Even with what little she knew about pornography, she could at least guess that the sex was not simulated. She’d literally be fucking on camera. If the photo shoot didn’t destroy her reputation, a porno certainly would.

But was her reputation really so important if she was struggling now to make any kind of sales? What did she have to lose if she was about to be homeless anyway? She considered once again asking her friends for money, but she was too proud. She had always been taught you have to make it on your own, pull yourself up by your own horseshoes, and she wasn’t going to deviate from that lesson.

But even if she were to go through with it, she’d have no way to get there, so what was the point in speculating? She gave it up and prepared herself for the inevitable. She would have to ask for money from her friends now. She vowed to do it tomorrow, to go over to Twilight and see what she could offer. Rarity was most at ease with Twilight, whom she knew wouldn’t judge her (like perhaps Rainbow Dash) or downright refuse to help her (she could see Applejack doing something like this).

But with the next day came another letter. She recognized the return address immediately and realized she now had a chance to make it on her own again. She opened the letter and read through it quickly.

Dear Rarity,

Hey, it’s HC again. I know since you didn’t respond to my last letter that you probably weren’t interested, but I’ve finished my project and was now really hoping you’d get on board with this one. The pay’s still going to be pretty good, and it’s not going to take up too much of your time.

I don’t wanna bother you, so I’ll keep this brief. If you’re interested, write back so we can get the ball rolling. If not, could you please let me know anyway so I can work on finding somepony else? It would really be a shame if it wasn’t you though.

Anyway, write back either way. Stay pretty, baby!

HC

Rarity did not hesitate this time. She thought about penning a lengthy letter apologizing for not getting back to him at first and explaining how busy she had been at the store (a lie, of course, but she didn’t want to seem desperate). But every letter she wrote in her head sounded like too much. In the end, she resolved on something short and to the point. She sat at her desk and penned a quick letter.

Dear HC,

I’ll do it.

***

“So, you’re going to be in Canterlot for a month shooting for a TV show?” Twilight asked. Rarity had once again woken her up at four in the morning to announce this just before boarding the train. It had been an honest accident the last time, but this time she was sure Twilight was going to figure out what was going on and would try to convince her not to do it.

“Rarity,” Twilight said, “is this really a good idea? The last time you went up to Canterlot you came back with...well, you know. What is this show you’re going to be in?”

“Well, I’m not sure, really. They didn’t really tell me what I would be doing. All I know is that it’s a small role as an extra, but they need me for a month because I keep showing up in all the action scenes as sort of an inside joke.”

“Huh? That doesn’t make sense.”

Rarity’s eyes shifted nervously. “Well, it didn’t make much sense to me either, but a chance to star on the small screen was one I didn’t want to pass up. You understand, right?”

“I guess so. I’ve never had a desire to be in a TV show, so I don’t know that I can relate. But if you want to do it, then go for it. It can’t be any worse than the last time.”

“No. That was a silly mistake on my part. Never again.”

“Promise?” Twilight asked, looking intently at Rarity.

Rarity stared at the ground. “Promise.”

“Okay then. Have fun.”

“Thank you so much, Twilight,” Rarity said. She kissed Twilight on the cheek and hurried off with all her luggage. Twilight felt warm inside and remembered a feeling she had been grappling with for months.

She had lost the copy of the magazine soon after it came out, apparently not remembering which book she stashed it in. She hadn’t dared to buy another one in case Paper Back started heckling her or, even worse, started to get suspicious. Twilight didn’t want anypony to know about what was quickly becoming a crush on Rarity.

It had come so suddenly. Seeing Rarity in those alluring poses had triggered it in her, and even with the memory of those images fading away, Twilight had felt a growing feeling of passion for her friend.

She had been so mad when she misplaced the magazine, because in times of weakness she had wanted to use it to help her pleasure herself, something she wasn’t normally in the mood to do. She had tried to imagine her friend in her own head, and it worked from time to time to get herself off, but somehow Twilight knew it wouldn’t be as good as having the pictures in front of her, especially that centerfold.

Perhaps it was for the best, because if she had that then her feelings for Rarity might have become even more intense, and then they might have become harder to hide from her friends. She didn’t have time to think about it now, though. It was time to get some sleep. Maybe I’ll dream about her, Twilight hoped, or feared, she wasn’t sure which.

***

After Rarity had replied to the letter, the mysterious “HC” told her he’d meet her at the train station. Rarity was both eager and terrified to meet what was assuredly the director of this pornographic film. Nerves coursed through her for the entire train ride, and it was torturous to be unable to do anything about them. She had brought a romance novel to read, which turned out not to be so smart, because that just reminded her of what she was about to do, and it made her so anxious that she couldn’t focus on reading.

Finally, the train stopped at the Canterlot station, and Rarity stepped out with her luggage. With some effort, she finally spotted a short pony with a messy brown coat wearing a beret and sunglasses and holding a sign that said “RARITY.” Rarity knew that was the stallion, and she muscled her way over to him.

“We got Heavy Weight back to haul your luggage again,” he said briskly. “He volunteered to assist me after he found out you were coming back.”

Somehow that made Rarity even more anxious, but she did her best to hide it.

“Oh,” he said, “my name’s Hard Core.” Rarity shook his hoof. He had a firm hoofshake. “Kind of awkward to put in a letter, so I just go by ‘HC’ when I’m writing. Follow me.” Hard Core had a fast gait that Rarity struggled to keep up with. Apparently this stallion meant business, which actually put Rarity a bit at ease. It was better to know she was working with somepony who knew what he was doing.

Rarity saw the carriage and then Heavy Weight. He greeted her with a handshake, somehow softer than Hard Core’s despite being far more massive, and got to work loading her bags.

“We’re gonna start shooting this afternoon,” Hard Core explained. “Also, you’re not going to a hotel. You’re staying at a trailer at the studio.”

“Oh,” Rarity said, failing to hide her displeasure. Hard Core smiled, which, with his stained teeth, looked rather creepy.

“It’s not as bad as you think. It’s got all the commodities: a kitchen, a nice bedroom, a shower. Communal laundry, but that shouldn’t matter, seeing how almost nopony wears clothes.”

“Right,” Rarity said, smiling nervously. She followed Hard Core into the carriage just as Heavy Weight was finished loading it. He harnessed himself and set out on his way through the Canterlot streets. Rarity felt a strong sense of déjà vu, only this time she was much more noticeably nervous.

“You need to chill out,” Hard Core said. “You’re shaking like a leaf. Relax. I’m sure you’ve done this a million times already.”

“I’m sorry, what have you heard about me?” Rarity asked.

“Why?”

“Because this is my first time shooting a movie like this.”

“It is?” Hard Core asked. “No wonder I couldn’t find you anywhere at the porn shop! Geez, I thought you must have been in some really obscure ones, but I didn’t realize this was your first porno.”

“Does that change anything?” Rarity asked.

“Actually, it’s fine,” Hard Core said. “The character you're playing is supposed to be losing her virginity, so she’s gonna be real nervous and unsure what to do. You’ll fit perfectly. You’re not actually a virgin, are you?”

Rarity remembered one passionate night in summer with a client who couldn’t afford to pay for the clothes he had ordered. “No, I’m not.”

“Good. I’d hate to have that weighing on me, letting a mare lose her virginity shooting a porno.”

“Right,” Rarity said, laughing nervously. Hard Core then patted her on the back.

“You’ll do fine, kid,” he said. “I’m the best in the business. I know how to direct rookies. I’ve catapulted more than a few ponies to stardom in the industry, not the least of which is the actor playing opposite you. I’d tell you his name, but he introduces himself way better than I can. Guy’s practically his own agent now.”

“I’m looking forward to meeting him,” Rarity said. Hard Core laughed.

“Look, no need to be so formal. You’re filming a porno, nothing classy about it. Just relax and you’ll do fine.”

“Okay,” Rarity said, and she took a few deep breaths. Hard Core smiled again.

“That’s more like it,” he said.

***

“So, here’s your trailer,” Hard Core said, showing Rarity the space. It was a bit dingy, but she figured it could be much worse. Besides, she didn’t really have much of a choice, as the other ones she saw were even worse for wear, save one. Hard Core had told her that one was reserved for the lead actor, and that he’d been using it ever since his first film.

“Whaddya think?” Hard Core asked after Rarity had seen all the rooms.

“It’s...homey,” Rarity said.

Hard Core laughed. “Ah, you’ll get used to it. C’mon, I’ll show you the set.”

Hard Core took her inside the studio, where the finishing touches were being put on the set.

“I’m on a tight budget for this one, so we could only afford a few rooms, but that’s really all we need. You’re gonna be foolin’ around in the living room here,” he said, showing her the first set. There was a gorgeous front door and ornate furniture, so Rarity was sure her character was incredibly wealthy. There was no ceiling, but the wall had crown molding on it, another nice touch.

“It’s quite lovely,” Rarity said.

“Pfft, that’s nothing. Wait’ll you see the bedroom.”

Hard Core lead Rarity to a different set, and Rarity’s jaw dropped. On the wall hung a mural she recognized as being painted by Mohammed Saddle, one of the most important painters from Saddle Arabia. It depicted a horse lying collapsed in the middle of a dust storm. But what really drew Rarity’s attention was the bed. Mauve sheets and gorgeous pillows were all framed by sleek gossamer curtains which surrounded the canopy bed. She forgot her nerves as she stared in awe at what would be one of the most important sets in the movie.

“We got the sheets to complement your mane,” Hard Core said. “We figured the deep purple in your hair would stand out against the sheets. Go ahead and lie down on it, get a feel for the bed.”

“Really?” Rarity asked. She wished she could sleep on that bed instead of the plain twin mattress in the trailer.

“Go for it. It’s your movie. We need to make sure you’re comfortable.”

Rarity bounded over to the bed and collapsed in the sheets. It was even more luxurious than her own bed, which wasn’t something to sneeze at itself. If she weren’t so excited, she could easily imagine taking a nap here.

“You look ripe for the picking,” came a deep voice from the side of the set. Rarity jumped up and saw a rugged Earth pony with a jet black mane and a coat to match. Heavy Weight had been no bum, but paled in comparison to this stallion’s chiseled jaw and debonair smile. Rarity blushed as she rose from the bed to meet him.

“I am the great Italian Stallion,” he said, shaking Rarity’s hand gently. “You must be Rarity. I’ve heard so much about you.” He knelt on the floor and kissed her hoof. Rarity giggled nervously.

“He’s the leading man,” Hard Core said. “A little full of himself, but that comes with success. Besides, he’s got me to keep his ego in check.”

“Definitely,” Italian said, “although you could fill my ego up quite a bit,” he added to Rarity, giving her a wink.

“Oh, you’re awful,” Rarity said with a goofy grin on her face. Pull yourself together! she thought.

“Okay, no time for flirting,” Hard Core said. “Save that for the movie. Somepony get these two gussied up so we can start filming this thing!”

***

After Rarity was clothed and made up, she looked at herself in the mirror and was impressed. She had expected the makeup to be caked on in a really amateur way, but Hard Core must have set a higher standard for his films, for she looked absolutely gorgeous. It was just the right amount of crimson blush, eyeliner, and lipstick to accentuate her features. She was also wearing a white dress with gold trim that looked like it could be worn by Canterlot royalty.

She took a look at Italian, and he was looking quite dapper in a white tuxedo that contrasted his black coat. He didn’t need as much makeup, as his face was dark enough already, but he looked even more handsome than he did when Rarity first met him.

There was little time to ogle each other, because it was time to start filming. Hard Core directed them to sit on the couch with half-full glasses of wine on the coffee table. In the midst of all her excitement, Rarity realized that there was something missing.

“What are our lines?” she asked. “I haven’t seen a script.”

“You’re gonna improvise,” Hard Core said. “Italian’s better off script, and you’ll be able to play off of his dialogue real nicely. He’s fantastic at leading the conversation, with just the right amount of flirtatious drip. Just roll with it.”

Rarity was even more nervous now, but there was no time to mull about that.

“Action!” Hard Core said. Italian looked right at her and smiled.

“That was some party, wasn’t it?” he said. “The way we danced on the balcony under the full moon, it’s something I’ll never forget.”

“Yes,” Rarity said, “and when that shooting star passed, it was so beautiful. I made a wish on that star.”

“You did? Tell me, my sweet, what was it?”

“I wished that you would kiss me.” Suddenly Rarity burst out laughing.

“Cut!” Hard Core called, looking annoyed but amused as well. “That’s good, Rarity, but you’ve gotta get serious. Your laughter totally kills the mood. A little nervous giggling is fine, but you have to deliver your lines better. Also, I’d like things to progress a little slower, so hold off on the kissing until I tell you to get there.”

“Do you want me to say something else?” Rarity asked.

“Just agree with Italian for now. Let him do the talking,” Hard Core said.

“All right,” Rarity said. “I’m ready.”

“Okay. Lights! Camera! Action!” Hard Core shouted. Italian looked directly into Rarity’s eyes again.

“That was some party, wasn’t it?” he said. “When that song came on, I knew I was dancing with the perfect woman.”

“It was so dreamy,” Rarity said. “I’m afraid I’m going to wake up and realize this was all an illusion.”

“There’s nothing fake about this,” Italian said. “When I first saw you at those races, I thought you would never look my way. Then you came to me and introduced yourself so modestly, and I knew you were the one.”

“I was so nervous when I did that!” Rarity said. “I was afraid you wouldn’t like me.”

“How silly we once were,” Italian said.

“Cut!” Hard Core called.

“Did I do something wrong?” Rarity asked, looking at Hard Core.

“No, that was perfect. I just want a camera change. Thanks, guys. Nice and slow. Good.”

“You’re really good at improvising,” Italian said. “Have you worked with Hard Core before?”

“I’ve never been in a pornographic film until now,” Rarity said.

“What? That’s crazy. I mean, I can tell you’re nervous, but I thought that was an act you were putting on.”

“No, I really am quite nervous,” Rarity said. “But I also know how to perform.”

“I hope so,” Italian said with a wink.

“Okay, the cameras are in position,” Hard Core said. “Take it from right where you left off.”

“All right,” Rarity said, gulping.

“Action!” Hard Core called.

“Yes,” Rarity said, “we were both so foolish, so young. But now we’re older, more mature, more ready.”

“Ready for what?” Italian asked.

“Ready for...dammit, I lost my train of thought.”

“Cut!” Hard Core called. “It’s okay. I didn’t like where that was going anyway. Do you want me to prompt you?”

“No, I think I’ve got it,” Rarity said.

“It’s all right,” Italian said. “You’re doing great. Just fall back on me if you don’t know what to say next.”

“All right,” Rarity said. “I trust you.”

***

“Cut! That’s a wrap,” Hard Core said. “Pretty good for an afternoon’s work. I thought it would take you a lot longer, Rarity, to get used to this, but you’re a natural.”

“Thank you,” Rarity said, feeling much more relaxed than she had when she started.

“Don’t thank me just yet. The real test is going to be the sex,” Hard Core said. That made Rarity nervous all over again.

“We’ll pick up from where we left off tomorrow,” Hard Core said. “Get a good night’s rest. We’ve only got a month to pull this off, and I don’t need anypony sleeping on the job.”

“Goodnight, Rarity,” Italian said.

“Goodnight,” Rarity replied. They went off to their opposite trailers. Rarity was a little upset that he didn’t want to talk to her more. We only just met, Rarity said to herself.

Oh, but the way he was sweet talking me.

That was just for the film. When the cameras aren’t rolling, you’re coworkers. Keep it professional.

All right, I will, Rarity resolved. For now.