Up on a Crystal Spire.

Chapters

Like puppet strings
Spells gone haywire
Moving in
Dinner and a Show
Dinner denied

Like puppet strings

It's nice up here, a stiff breeze, the sight of the entire city, and the sound of music in the air. The guards are keeping their distance, I think, they think I'm going to jump. How ridiculous, how utterly absurd. Why would I climb all the way up here just to jump off?

I get it, I suppose I should stop teasing them. Each time one steps towards me I twirl around the edge, and they always retreat when I do. I can take solace in the fact that at least the pink one seems to be enjoying the music, however harrowing her expression may be.

"Princess, should we do something?"

"I've already sent for someone...and she's not going to jump. At least I don't think so."

I tapped my bow across the strings a few times to try and talk to her. She stared at me hard for a few moments before folding her legs and laying on her belly.

I smiled in return for her calm. I sat on the very edge of the spire, continuing my music and making the guards extremely uncomfortable. Each sway I put into the music would send their wings open, each dip made them jump, it was like playing with puppets.

I finished up my song and set my violin down. The guard inched closer until I twitched, causing them to jump back. I laid across the edge and stared at them, they were obviously not pleased with my behavior. Then again, I wasn't too pleased with their sour expressions, so I think I can call this karmatically neutral.

"Out of my way, out of my damn way!" A golden haired guard, obviously not from around here, burst into the scene. "Great...alright." she inched closer to me, ignoring my movements and standing a few inches away. "Can you talk?"

I stood up and perched my toes on the edge. I quickly started signing, unsure if anyone could understand me. (Not well, you won't understand it.)

The mare watched my fingers closely as I did, eventually looking up at me. "Well this is good enough, why the heck are you up here!?"

I gave a fleeting smile. (I saw a tall building, I wanted to be up here, so I came up here.)

"What's she saying?" the large pink one trotted over.

"Nothing smart...she said she just wanted to."

(Not exactly, I came to be alone. Good to see that worked out great.)

"Okay...I can get that," the mare shifted uneasily. "But why are you sitting on the edge?"

I looked behind me at the massive drop below. (It makes them nervous. They start prancing around like little girls when I do it.)

Cadence leaned down to the translator. "What did she say?"

The translator stared at me. "She uh...she wanted to play her music out here."

I started laughing. (That's not what I said.)

"She said she's ready to leave now...right?" the mare walked over and started tugging on my coat sleeve.

I yanked her away. (No, not yet. Tell her two things.) I pointed at Cadence, (Tell her I'll be back for more music, and that I want you to come with me. Then I'll leave.)

The translator let out a flustered groan. "You're nuts!"

"What did she-"

"She said she's just gonna come back!" the guards around the room tensed up.

(That's not what I said. Tell her exactly what I said.)

The translator started grumbling. "She said: She's gonna come back to keep playing...and that...she wants...she wants me to go with her when she leaves."

Cadence looked at me. "One of those things is okay...but no more edges okay?"

(But it's so much fun...fine.)

The translator parlayed my message. Cadence slowly walked over and moved me away from the edge with a wing. "Okay, now about her." she bobbed her head towards the mare. "Why do you want her to go with you? I can't really make her."

I found my way out of her wing and to the translator. (It would be nice if someone who understood me could help me around town.)

"Yeah well I'm not a tour guide!" Cadence looked confused at the mare. "Eugh- she wants me to translate for her once we're back on the ground."

(I can pay.)

"With what money!? Wait, I'm a royal guard, I can't be bought!"

A helmet-less guard walked over. "Parchment?"

The translator started fidgeting. "She said she can pay. But I don-"

"So she can pay, and needs a translator to speak? Ask her, her name."

(It's Bianca.) The translator, Parchment, relayed my words.

"Well Bianca, I think we can work something out...if you stop with the suicide jokes!" he snapped, losing his temper for just a moment. "I really should throw you in the dungeon."

(Then do it!)

"Don't test him!" Parchment started pushing me towards the stairs.

The helmet-less one stopped me at the first step. "You follow me, okay?" I shrugged and started down the steps. This way was much easier than climbing up the side of the tower.

I froze in place, Parchment bumping into my back. "Hey what the heck!" I pushed past her and darted back up the stairs. "Really!?"

I pushed to the top and found what I forgot. My violin and bow sat happily on the edge. I grabbed it and let out a soft sigh. I turned around to an extremely angry mare. "Are you kidding me!? Don't run back up here like an idiot!"

I tucked my violin beneath my arm and pet her head, ruffling her mane and rubbing her ears. "Oh you-" she tried to pull away, I followed her steps and continued to pet her. "Stop it!" I continued my light petting. "Stop- it- stop!"

A rough cough came from behind her. I peaked beyond her, letting her escape. The helmet-less guard was staring at us. "Can you stop...we have business to attend to."

I scratched my cheek and started after him. Parchment grumbled as we went down the steps. I stopped again and ran my hand along her neck. "Buck you!"

"Parchment! Control yourself!"

I smiled devilishly as Parchment tried to defend herself. "She keeps touching me!"

The guard just shook his head and continued down the steps.

The helmet-less guard lead me through the halls. He ducked into an office and found a seat. "Okay...one thing before we start. You can't come back to the tower."

I shrugged, he wasn't about to stop me.

"Alright then. Now about Parchment, I'm willing to work out a contract."

"What!?"

"Quiet Parchment. Now it will cost quiet a bit per month."

I cocked an eyebrow to my new help. (Tell him money isn't a problem.)

Parchment walked to the desk. "She said she can't afford it."

I started shaking my head hard. The Helmet-less one shook his head. "Parchment...tell the truth."

Parchment sank to her rump. "But I don't want to."

I looked at the desk, a small name slate gave the Helmet-less one a name. Shining Armor shook his head and started levitating out some papers. "If you can afford it, sign here...here...and here."

I found a pen on his desk and started reading the contract. Live in help, licensed through the royal guard. Four thousand bits a month. That is expensive, but it shouldn't be a problem. I started signing the contract.

I watched Parchment's face turn to a scowl as I handed the paperwork over. "Alright...local resident...okay...okay...okay!" Shining Armor tapped his hoof on his desk. "I'll send her over soon. Until then, please, no more climbing, it's getting a little old."

I gave him a fake hurt look. Standing up in a huff and spinning towards the door. I walked off in a false rage and started off towards home. I stopped just steps after leaving the office. I leaned against the wall and eavesdropped.

"Sir, you can't be serious about this. She should be in jail!"

"She's done this on the other spires, all she ever does is play her music. And yes I'm serious, we didn't bring you down from Canterlot for nothing."

"You had this planned!?"

"Oh calm down...I'm sure you'll get along great."

I started off with a smug smile. I waved to each and every guard on the way out, leaving some confused and others infuriated. Some knew me from the other times I'd climbed the buildings around town, but soon enough everyone would know the maniac who climbed the castle.

I danced my way outside and hit the streets. I strolled calmly through the town, perching my violin on my shoulder and letting it sway as I walked. My house came up soon, I quickly ran to it and stood on the porch, watching ponies and a few humans walk by.

I tapped my bow once again and started playing. I drew a bit of attention, passersby would sometimes stop and listen for a few moments before moving on. Others would walk backwards and listen to me play. Others still would stop entirely and enjoy the music.

Once the song ended the groups lingered until I headed inside. I always felt so safe in this town, always surrounded by people I could trust, people that loved my music, even when I was perched on the edge of a spire, I felt like I was floating.

I walked around my horribly empty home before settling into the couch and starting a fire. I curled up close to it and drifted to sleep on the floor.

Tomorrow, tomorrow was a big day. I should probably wear something nice.

I looked down at my brightly colored socks.

Naw, I'm sure she'll be all pissy either way.

I spread my legs out and bent as much of my front towards the fire as I could. I rubbed my toes to warm them up before drifting to sleep. The mare from earlier occupied my thoughts as I faded away.

Gold hair with a white coat...seemed a bit generic, but still it had a certain allure.

I shot upright.

Did I just think allure!?

Spells gone haywire

I stepped out of the shower, steam rolling over the crystal floors as I got dressed.

I'll never understand it, did they carve the buildings out of the crystal, or build them up? Eh, who knows....

I continued my strange thoughts as I pulled my socks up. It was impossible to keep warm without socks. The floor would always draw the heat out of your body like a vacuum I'd been ordering rugs from Canterlot and Ponyville but they never showed up, and when I went to sort it out, no one understood sign.

I stooled in my annoyance until a soft knock came from the front door. Of all the things to be made of wood, I suppose doors made the most sense. I wrapped the towel around my head, covering my face just below my nose. I hurried down the steps and swung the door wide open.

Cadence stood tall on the other side of the door, Parchment was bound next to her, ropes crossed all over her body, and a small ring was wedged onto the base of her horn. I started laughing, so hard I couldn't sign. Eventually I composed myself and started back up. (What happened?)

"Screw you, that's what." Parchment snorted angrily as she struggled in her bindings.

Cadence levitated her into my house and set her on the nearest seat. "She's not to happy about her new assignment...so I came to help." Cadence made sure Parchment was stuck in place and ushered me to stand in front of her. She went behind the seat and summoned up a small heart. "She might be a bit...lovey, for a little while, but this should work."

I watched as the Parchment pulled hard at her bindings, the tiny heart slowly floating towards her head. "Oh come on, this isn't okay!"

"Oh calm down...Shining said you were complaining about not having any friends back in Canterlot, so here's a new chance!"

"Bull- shi-" she jerked upright and froze as the heart popped on her crown. She slowly fluttered her eyes open. "Oh...hi there..."

(Hello...are you feeling okay?)

Cadence quickly unbound the mare and walked out. "If she gets to be too much just come find me okay? Great."

Parchment quickly hopped off the chair and started circling me, rubbing her flank against my hip and wrapping her tail around my waist as she paced around me. "I'm feeling great, better now that you're here."

I felt strangely warm as she wrapped her blond tail around me. I watched her flank, popping back forward as something snuck it's way up my shirt. I looked down just in time to watch Parchment force her muzzle under my shirt, she quickly ran her tongue along my navel, causing me to tense up and let out a soft squeal.

I clutched my arms to my chest as she licked across my stomach, working her way up to the underside of my bra. The feeling of her fleshy tongue rolling across my skin flushed my cheeks. I let out a soft grunt as I folder my arms under my breasts, keeping her from getting too fresh.

"You taste nice...." her voice sang softly from inside of my shirt. She continued to nip at my stomach, rolling her tongue across my skin and suckling lightly at my flesh.

This feels so weird! Good weird, but still. I'm not sure how I feel about this!

My thoughts were cut off as she blew a stream of air across my belly, causing me to twitch and step back, dragging her along with me as my shirt pulled at the back of her head. "Move your hands..."

I folded my arms tighter as she nipped at my ribs. "Let me love you...open your arms."

I slowly worked my arms down my body, forcing her towards the bottom of my shirt. She rebutted by nipping at the lowest exposed point of my stomach, causing my leg to shoot up as she pushed forward. I tripped and stumbled over my coffee table, landing on my back as Parchment hurried to take a dominant pose over me.

I held my shirt against my stomach, making her sneak into my shirt from the side. She quickly snaked through my shirt and nipped at the underside of my bra. I forced her head down, once again, causing her to lick across the base of my stomach. She quickly took it a step further and wiggled her tongue into my waistband.

I let out a small squeal as I shot my arms down, digging her out of my pants and giving her access to my chest again. We quickly traded over and over again, not giving up as she tried to force her way into my tender areas.

I relented, holding her at bay near my waist and letting her lick her way up my chest. My face was burning, my breath was a bit uneven, and a small heat was building up in my lower half.

She quickly straddled me, pushing her head through the neck hole and looking at me half lidded. "Can I take this off of you?" she yanked the edge of my bra ever so slightly.

I threw my head back as I forced my arms over my crotch. I felt her draw a long breath over my chest. "You smell nice too...."

I stared at the ceiling as she took the center of my bra in her mouth and started yanking it down. I looked up, her silhouette poking through my shirt, her horn making a little tent as she pulled my bra around my stomach. Free of their confinment my breasts rubbed roughly across the inside of my shirt.

The pressure was quickly alleviated as her tongue ran from my ribs, up my breast, and onto my tit. She quickly latched on and suckled with the lightest pressure. Her tongue flicked across my nipple as she sucked on my breast.

I let my hands fling themselves out as I lost my composure, my entire body burning from the contact.

I guess I should- be thankful- they've never- had this much- attention- before.

I let out a breathy moan as her tongue ran along my breast, a soft squeeze forcing her tongue into my breast as she drew her tongue back. She quickly traced the underside of my breast as she switched to the left. I spotted a golden eye peeking at me through the neck hole in my shirt.

She let out a soft moan as she rolled her tongue over my nipple.

I felt my legs tremble as I brought them together, jostling my sex as much as possible before losing control and buckling. My right shot out straight, my left still bent, fell over to the side. My body felt extremely warm as a soft wave of pleasure resonated through my body. Not exactly as powerful as I could have done, but the suckling continued to make me twitch as she stared up at me.

Eventually she stopped, wiggling her neck out of my shirt and resting on my chest. "I like how you feel...do you like the way I made you feel?"

I let my head fall back. My hand quickly shot to my chest, catching Parchment's side and running up to her head. I ran my fingers through her mane as I fell into a small nap. The warm body on my chest served as an amazing heater as I floated away, her golden eyes staring at me as I fell into a quick nap.

I woke up at some unknown point. My shirt a bit loose, my bra still on my stomach. I fixed my clothes and sat upright.

I stood up and started looking for Parchment. I didn't have to look hard, she was sitting awkwardly on a nearby chair. "Don't say anything...just don't...."

I stood up and walked over to her, an uncomfortable moisture making my walk a bit wobbly. (What am I supposed to say anyways, thanks?"

Parchment just shook her head. "It was just...you looked so cute...but that was so unprofessional!"

I felt oddly warm from her words. (You think I'm cute?)

"No! I mean- I don't- it's not that easy!" she wiggled around on the seat. "I mean...I was mad before, having to move out here was a pain in the ass and I-"

I sat next to her. (Do you think I'm cute?)

She scrunched up her muzzle and looked at the ground. "Since I saw you...you're tiny...you dress all nice...I mean...you are cute."

I threw my arms around her and held her. She fidgeted around until finally settling in and enjoying the hug. "Sorry...I just- it's weird I know...I said I was all mad before...I'm still kinda mad...but not at you, not anymore."

I pulled her head over my shoulder and pet her mane. Her mane smelled like peaches, but not overly sugary. Once she tried to break the hug I let her off and slid away. (It's fine, we're...friends.) I felt odd signing the word friends, especially after what just happened. (I won't tell anyone if that's what you're worried about.)

"Thanks." she slid closer to me, keeping an eye on my hands. "So...I guess I live here now?"

(That's what the contract said, don't worry I have a few extra rooms.) I wrapped my arm around her neck and continued to sign. (But, you are my translator, and I do need your help."

She took a few extra moments to reply, reading signs from this angle must have been difficult. "Oh sure! It's my job anyways!"

(Cool, I ordered some stuff that never came, you can help me figure out what happened.) I let her go and stood up, instantly reminded of what had happened. (I'm gonna go...change...stay here.)

"Oh...sorry...I guess that was my fault."

I watched as she looked deep into the couch cushions. (Yes it was your fault...but dwelling on it won't solve anything.... And...I might have liked it, but anyways, we have stuff to do!) my hands were starting to cramp up anyways. I started back up stairs and did a quick change.

I met her downstairs and lead her out the door and into town.

Our only stop was going to be the import office. It was only a few blocks from my house so conversation never really picked up between us. We pushed into the near empty shop and walked over to the counter. I signed to Parchment, she promptly spoke for me. "Hi, she ordered some area rugs a while ago. She said she never got them."

The colt behind the counter gave a bored sigh. "Transaction number?"

I signed. "Six-eight-eight-zero-nine."

The colt brought out a small book, quickly flipping through it. "Yep...said they got here a week and a half ago, but no one ever claimed them." the colt turned to me. "You should have said something."

I suppressed a miniature tantrum and watched as the colt melted into the back of the shop. He and another pony strolled back in with a few bundles at their sides. "Five bits for processing...."

I grumbled as I drew the bits out of my purse and threw them at the colt. The ponies quickly handed my rugs over and left.

I picked up two, as did Parchment. We quickly started back towards my house. "That kid was kind of a jerk wasn't he."

I went to sign, nearly dropping my expensive carpet. After my near trauma, I decided a curt nod would suffice.

We hurried into my house, setting the rugs down and letting me set them out where I wanted them.

There! Much better, much warmer too!

I poked the rugs with my toes as they flattened out. With that finally sorted I started giving my new guest a quick tour.

(Nothing special, anyways here's your room.) I pushed the door open and held it as she walked, dazzled, into her room.

"This place is massive!" she twirled around as she scanned the room. "How the heck can you afford this!?"

I sulked back and leaned my back against the hall. (My parents pay for everything...they didn't want me living with them, said: even for someone like you, you have no right to behave like such a child!)

She stopped dead and walked over to me. "How old are you?"

(How old are you?)

"Too old to be playing this game."

(Oh but it's so much fun!)

She shook her head before walking off towards the main room. "So I'm gonna look around. By the way...I don't know if you'd...I don't know...dinner...or...something?"

I followed her into the next room. (Well...you already had dessert.) I cupped my girls and made a lewd face.

She just got embarrassed and wandered off.

This is gonna be fun! In ways I hadn't expected perhaps...but still...fun, in multiple ways!

Moving in

"You don't have to do this you know...." Parchment walked uneasily behind me. "I mean...I'm fine with the room as is."

I stopped spinning on my toe and crouching down. (Come here.)

She wore a worried look as she walked over. "Okay...so-" I planted a deep kiss on the lips, cutting her off and making her take a step back. "Whoa hey-" she licked her lips. "What was that about?"

(Because I felt like it.) I stood up. (And you need to lighten up, money is never gonna be an issue for me so you're getting new stuff!) I started walking off.

"Okay...but that doesn't make it okay. I mean we- I, did something to you. We're not a couple. I just...had a moment of poor judgment. That doesn't make it okay to just kiss me."

(You didn't stop me, and you licked your lips.)

"I don't- that doesn't mean- just don't okay?" she looked at the floor as she spoke.

I caught her attention and started signing. (Fine... If you don't want to be my girlfriend it's fine. We'll always have that moment.) I started laughing as I turned around.

"That's not funny! And how can you laugh? You said you can't talk."

I stopped outside the store we were headed to. (I can't talk, I can still make noise.) I frowned hard as I thought about it. (It's...it's my head. I know the words but when I try to talk they just come out like I'm speaking a different language.)

"Oh...wow, that...that sucks. Can I ask what happened?"

I signed as I backed through the door. (Sorry. I'd tell my friend, boy or girl, but apparently we're just acquaintances.)

She followed me into the carpentry shop, the smell of seasoned wood and sheen filled the air. "Really? It's not gonna happen...I did a dumb, and you're trying to take advantage!"

I baited her further and further into the center of the shop. (Well sorry if I thought you might be attracted to me.)

She shook her head, her golden mane flowing about as she did. "So what if I am? I'm not going to jump on you like an animal...I take some work to court."

(So what was last night?)

She scrunched her muzzle up. "I blame Cadence, I just...I wanted to...you know."

(To what?)

"I'm not gonna say it...but it's not like I wanted to do it! It just kinda happened."

(No I get it. But you want to know something? Ponies are staring at us.) Parchment shop upright, swinging her head around and getting a look at the twenty odd ponies staring at her have, what looked like, a one sided conversation.

"I uh...I'm gonna...." she walked over to me and hid her face in my shirt. "This means nothing...."

I pet her head through my shirt, slowly leading the embarrassed mare towards the furniture. I pulled her head out and signed. (Pick anything you want, remember money doesn't matter.)

"Well it matters to me. How is money not a problem for you!?"

(My parents are stockbrokers, soulless drones.... Its why I'm here, it's why I don't mind spending their money.)

She gave me a chastising look before looking around the shop. She started walking off. "You make them sound like robots."

I shook her off and walked with her as she looked over the furniture. She looked at the tag on a redwood bed frame, quickly jumping back as she saw the tag. (You like it?)

"Not for that much. That's two months of work!"

I looked around the shop and waved down an attendant. "Yes ma'am, how can I help you."

(I need someone to make a list for me.)

"Nothing sir we-" I slapped her ear, getting my message through. "Ow. She needs someone to make a list for her."

The stallion looked at the bed frame we were standing by. "Of course ma'am. One moment please." he hurried off.

Parchment made sure he was gone before speaking again. "I'm not getting this."

Another smaller stallion hurried over. "Hello, what will you be purchasing today?" I loved how the crystal ponies looked, always so clean, well kempt, and always proper. I pointed to the redwood bed. "Excellent choice." he pulled a small notepad from his side and wrote with a pencil in his mouth. "Anything else?"

Parchment had skulked off. I followed her and pointed out things she took interest in. She tried to run, making me race after her as she browsed. By the end of her small excursion she had picked out a desk, a bookcase, bed, chairs, a wardrobe, and a dresser. She ran away from me as I walked up to the counter. "Done?"

I nodded. The short stallion went behind the counter and started ringing things up. "Total cost...oh dear..." he looked up at me with a nervous look. "Seven thousand bits."

I dug my card out of my bag and handed it over. The stallion brought out a new looking card slide and ran the card. He watched with a frown as the transaction went through. He looked up at me, a frightful look riding his face. "Thank you madame, where would you like it delivered?"

I looked around for Parchment, finding her sulking by the door. I waved her down, signing as she walked over. She walked over to the counter and looked at the stallion. "She said: don't call her madame."

The stallion looked at me and nodded. "Sorry ma'am...I assumed-" I waved him off and took his pencil and paper. I wrote down the address and an exact time. He looked it over. "Excellent, thank you for your patronage."

I waved goodbye as I was pulled out of the store by Parchment. "How much."

I pulled away as we got out the front door. (Don't worry about it.)

"Don't give me that crap, how much!?"

(Seven.)

"Seven what!?"

(Grand.)

"What!?" she panicked as I walked away. "Seven grand!? Seven thousand bits!?"

I shrugged as I walked. (Hey, you want breakfast? I could really go for something sweet.)

"You're crazy! You're a crazy person, like legitimately insane!" she zigzagged as she continued to berate me.

(Pancakes?)

She stopped dead, falling on her butt and staring at me. "You know what, fine, fine fine fine fine fine." she stood up in a huff and trotted past me. "You know a place?"

I nodded and took a hard left, heading down the main street through the city and towards a small alleyway. I lead her up into an old house. I knocked twice and was quickly met by an elderly pony. "Bianca!" I leaned down and gave her a deep hug. "Who's your friend- oh I'm-"

I shook my head and singed for Parchment, she quickly translated. "I'm her translator, I was wondering if you would mind making breakfast? Really?" Parchment turned to me. "You're rich, but but you mooch off an elderly mare?"

"Oh my, dear we can finally talk without paper. Come in, come in." Crystal Gleam waved us in with her tail. I followed her, as did the flustered mare at my rear. "Find a seat, I'll fix something nice."

I led Parchment to the dining table, sitting next to her and leaning back into the chair. (This is Crystal Gleam, one of the first ponies I met up here.)

"How nice...did you bribe her or is she senile?"

I let out a hurt huff. (She's a lovely lady and you shut your mouth about her.)

"Fine." she folded her forelegs. "But I want something."

(Okay, what?)

"Say something...try to say something."

I frown hard, starting to sign, but quickly letting my hands fall to the side. "Ah caan tray, bute' is not gud." my speech was slow, labored, hardly intelligible, and stupid sounding. (See, I know the words, but I just have trouble makeing them.)

Parchment sunk down in her chair. "Sorry...I didn't think it was like that...."

(It's fine, I-) I was cut off mid sign by a plate of pancakes sliding down in front of me. I let out a loud gasp as I looked at the plate. (Tell her she's the rest- best!) I fumbled the sign.

Parchment looked towards Gleam. "She says thank you, a lot."

Gleam smiled wide. "Oh course."

We took our time, idly chatting through Parchment.

"So...anyone special for you yet? I won't be around forever you know." Gleam asked, coyly pointing at Parchment.

(Well, sort of I'm not sure if she agrees yet, but maybe someday.)

Parchment just stared at me annoyed. "She said no."

I was about to start waving my arms when a loud tinny meow filled the air. I hurried and pulled my tablet out. Shit, the furniture! (Tell her I'm really sorry but I need to get going.)

Parchment relayed the message. "Wait, wait!" Gleam caught me at the door. "Don't be rude."

I popped upright when I realized what she meant. I ducked down and gave her a warm hug. (Tell her bye!)

Parchment walked past, ignoring my command. "I think its implied."

I ran past her, holding my skirt down as I ran back to my house. Take half the time as usual we arrived just as the furniture was arriving. "Ma'am...do you need help moving this inside?"

I nodded and threw open the door, helping them move things in and up the stairs. I grabbed some bits as the movers set the new stuff in place. I Met each worker as they left, giving them a sizable tip as they left.

I smiled wide as Parchment finally stepped inside, refusing to look at me and charging up the stairs. I followed her up the stairs and watched as she looked over the room. "This...I don't...." she fell on her haunches as she looked around the well decorated room. "I feel like I'm stealing...."

I laughed and walked out of the room. I found a book and settled into the downstairs couch. Peeking over the book to the place she had tackled me.

I crossed my legs and pushed my lewd thoughts away and reading my book.

Dinner and a Show

I woke up once again, but this time, I wore a smile as I faced the early morning gray. Today was going to be a good day, today was gonna be great.

I had pulled some strings after another night on the edge of the castle, and now I was slated to perform for the royalty and attend a nice dinner. Everything was ready for a spectacular first date.

A loud bang rang from my door. "Really?! What the hell is taking you so long, I mean are we going or not?"

I kicked the wall, accidentally turning off the lights. I grumbled angrily as I kicked the wall again. Once the lights stopped spazing out I pulled my stockings up and found my shoes. "Seriously, come on! Getting sick of you already!"

I picked up my shoes and charged out of my room. I tucked my shoes under my arm and signed. (What the hell do you want!?)

Parchment looked me up and down. "So what, you wear dresses now?"

(This dinner's a big deal!) I set my shoes down and pulled them on. (Oh fuck...how do...how...fu--" I nearly tripped, wholly unstable wearing heels.

Parchment started laughing loudly. "Oh dear Celestia, you look like a deer." she pranced around behind me. "Get a move on there Bambi." she started slowly pushing me towards the door.

I wanted to ask her how she knew about Bambi, but between me having to grab my violin and having to relearn how to walk, any added movement would send me tumbling.

And so it was that Parchment and I made our way towards the castle. We met our first obstacle at the porch. (I am going to die, this is how I'm gonna die!) I freaked out as I waited on the first step down.

"Oh calm down, it's just some stairs." Parchment continued to chuckle as she walked a long circle in front of my house.

(Fuck you! I can barely walk as is and this isn't gonna help!) I sat down on the steps and slowly went from step to step. Once I was on the ground I turned around. (Do I have anything on my butt?)

Parchment backed up. "I'm not gonna look at your butt!"

(Bitch, we're dating, now look at my ass!) I signed frantically as I slapped my hip.

Parchment scrunched up her muzzle before taking a quick glance. "No, nothing."

I patted down my backside and started trailing after her. (You act li- like I'm repulsing! If we're dating you can't be squeamish.) I tripped halfway through the sentence. (I feel like I'm on fucking stilts!)

"You look like you're on stilts.... Wait here." Parchment wandered back into the house and came out with a pair of saddle bags. "Here." she tossed a pair of sneakers down in front of me. "Now stop wobbling Bambi."

I stared at the sneakers. (I can't wear these! It's a formal event!)

"So take em off and put those things back on when we get there...dipshit."

(Hey you don't- ...okay yeah, that's a good idea.) I ducked down and changed out my shoes. When I lifted my head back up I found Parchment staring off to the side. (What, you're red, what happened?)

"I uh...bears?"

Bears? What the hell is she-- (Were you looking at my panties!?) I asked with a cheeky smile.

"Well I wasn't looking! Maybe you shouldn't be wearing such a short dress!"

I stuck my tongue out and flipped my dress up. Parchment scrunched up her muzzle as the slightest pink hue faded off her cheeks. "You're a crazy person, you know that right?"

(And you're a peeping tom- Peeping....) I let my hands fall to my side. (Something...peeping something.)

"Sure...keep telling yourself that." Parchment nodded haughtily and walked off. With my new shoes on I caught up in seconds.

We reached the castle before the main event and wandered in. We hurried around the castle and met the people I would be performing with. A grey mare wandered over. "Are you the violinist." her voice was smokey, it made a small shiver run down my spin.

I translated through Parchment. "Yes ma'am this is her, she can't speak properly so I'll be speaking for her."

"A mute?" A man with white gloves walked over. "Like an honest to god mute?"

I nodded.

"Huh...so can I ask something? Can mutes laugh?"

"Vincent! How rude." the grey mare shoved the man away.

"Hey they can't talk, so I want to know if they can make sound at all! Don't get snippy with me Octavia, I will throw you to the bats again!"

"What about bats?" A sweet voice with a creamy tone broke out from behind the grand piano behind the duo. A silky bat pony with a purple mane done back in a ponytail popped between them. "Did someone need something?"

Vincent looked down at the mare. "Uh...show her around?" he gestured to me. I bowed politely and walked to the bat mare.

The bat mare walked me to the stage and showed me the grandeur of the platform. "Don't mind them, they do that every so often. Datura." she held her hoof out. I gave it a quick shake and bowed.

Parchment bopped her hoof with the bat's and translated. "She's Bianca, I'm Parchment, her translator."

"Good to meet you both."

I spotted a red headed mare walking around the tables. (Who's that?)

Datura waited for Parchment to translate and looked towards the red mare. "Oh...his wife." she pointed to the human. "Roseluck."

"What!?"

"Nothing Rose!" Datura yelled across the hall. "Now I--"

A loud whistle caught our attention. "Shows on, clear the stage!" Vincent walked over and moved Parchment off the stage. I gave her my sneakers and got onto my heels. She found a seat with Vincent's apparent wife as the tables were filled.

Everyone got into position, leaving me to wobble around and get my violin out. "Ready? One, two, three." The pianist tapped his keys a few times before starting. It was a simple song, piano heavy, with myself and the others providing accompaniment.

The song went smoothly, only a small hiccup when a decent amount of strings on my bow cut free. In between songs a pony ran over and replaced it for me. Next up was my song, the song I was meant to play before heading down and joining the audience.

This was going to be between just me and the pianist. The other two mares walked to the wings and gave us space. I waited for him to tap his keys and began.

I relished in the somber tone of my violin as I went to work. The soft tone quickly grew more forceful as it overtook the piano.

I sat on the lid of the piano and continued to play, now free of the possibility of tripping I could throw my entire upper body into the movements.

It felt amazing, all eyes on me as I played my heart out. From my view all I could see where half cut silhouettes and the bright spotlight. But what I heard was even more amazing. No snickering, no talking, just utter silence aside from us.

It was an indescribable experience, like I was at the center of the universe. Even as the song finished up I felt electric. But the feeling was quickly cut down as I stared into the black void, the only sound a rough cough.

I felt horrid for a few seconds, they must have hated it. But then, like a monsoon, it all hit me at once. A thunderous round of applause. My heart melted as I slid off the piano, quickly snapping one of my heels and plummeting to the ground. A loud gasp cut the applause. The whole time I was face up on the ground all I could do was laugh.

I continued to laugh even as Vincent's head poked into view. "So you can laugh...huh." he chuckled to himself as he picked me up. "You okay?"

I got to my feet and took my stupid heels off. I gave the pianist a quick hug before leaving the stage.

I leaned against the far wall before sneaking over and finding my seat across from Parchment. "Well...that was--"

"Good!" Vince's wife bounced in her seat. "That was really good!"

I nodded greatfully and set my broken shoes down. "So...what happened?" Parchment prodded. "I mean, you hit the ground hard, are you even okay."

(I'm fine. Stupid pointy shoe broke.) I picked up the broken heel and showed her. She held back a laugh and settled back in her seat. (Oh yeah, really funny! Well I just did something amazing, so shut up.)

"Hey don't get snippy with me, you're the one who fell!" Parchment crossed her forelegs. "Anyways...."

Parchment was cut off by a crystal pony with a large bottle on his back. "Ma'am, wine?"

I nodded feverishly as a glass was poured for me. Once the dark red glass was full in front of me I took my first hearty drink. The heady flavor quickly washed away the slight pain from my tumble. "Bianca...are you even twenty-one?" Parchment's voice cut off my bliss.

I took another drink and set the glass down. (I am totally...nineteen....) I shrugged after my signed and picked the glass back up.

Parchment stared angrily at me. "You're kidding right!?"

(It's not a big deal, don't make it a big deal.)

"I could- Whatever!" Parchment sat back and stared at the stage. "This has been fun so far, just don't ruin it, please?" I let out a long horse like sigh and kicked my leg out. I flailed it around until I found Parchments stomach. "What the hell are you doing!?"

(My toes are cold....) I fumbled around with my glass as I pet her warm underside with my foot.

"Bianca stop...stop it...stop. Stop!" She shrieked, making my leg jump, slamming my knee into the table.

"Oooooow!" I grumbled as I rubbed my knee. (That really fucking hurt!)

"Well don't fucking play hoofies you weirdo!"

Vince's wife just stared at us as we argued. "Wow...you two really need to fuck already."

Parchment froze while I just started laughing. I threw back an extremely large gulp and felt the wonderfully fuzzy feeling of drunkness wash over me.

"We're not- I mean we don't--"

"Well you should." Rose took her glass and threw it back. "You'd make a great top, I mean...look at her." Rose pointed to me, making me laugh stupidly and kick my leg out.

I flailed my socked foot around until I found Parchment again. I forced my foot under her haunch and threw my head back. Her warm backside felt amazing as it sandwiched my toes between her and the chair. "Seriously!? Look at this." Parchment leaned back and Rose peeked over. "She's like a filly!"

"So? Vince is only about twenty-two, twenty-three." Rose looked at me. "Look at that face, she's adorable!"

Parchment stared at me head on. "She's also- playing with- my- stop it!" she barked, loud enough to make the tables around us turn towards us. Parchment sank down as I rubbed her lower stomach with my other foot. I was teasing the edge of her panties and sneaking my toes just inside.

It surely looked strange, like a kangaroo pouch. White panties, white coat, meant they blended extremely well.

I didn't pay it any attention and brought my toes out of her panties. I played with my glass as I mindlessly rubbed her with my foot, getting dangerously close to her tender parts with each pass.

Parchment was growing pink as Rose just laughed. "You're a fun drunk! Waiter, waiter! More wine."

I found my glass full again and threw it back, using Parchment's groin as a balancing point. "Dear Celestia...." Parchment let out a soft sigh as she stared at my foot going to work. "You done yet?"

(Potato) I completely fucked up the sign and started laughing hysterically as I realized. As the drinks grew bolder and the quantity higher things started to get fuzzy.

"How can you be dru-unk already!?"

(Because fuck you!) I stuck my tongue out and finished my second glass. I went back to hanging my toes in her panties and leaned back. (I feel...heavy.)

The waiter came back and refilled my drink. "Bianca...don't do it." I took the drink in my hand, against her orders. "Bianca don't."

"Do it...unleash your true sexy self!" Rose cheered as she stepped her forelegs onto table. "Do it for great justice!"

"What the fuck are you even talking about!?" Parchment snapped as the others started to join us. "She's not...drinking...." Parchments voice started cutting out as I felt the drunk overtake me.

I slid my foot between the seat and her sex and wiggled my toes. My last memories full of making Parchment jump and squeal. I watched her angrily yell at the others at the table as I fell face first onto the table.

I woke up in my bed, sporting a massive hangover. "Eehhhhhh." I yelled like a deaf as I pulled the covers over my head.

"Hey...watch it." I felt something push up out of the bed. A bed ragged blonde mane popped out from under the sheets. "I swear...the shit you pulled...."

I slowly snuck my head out of the covers. (Parchment...why are you in my bed?)

Parchment turned away and hopped out of bed. "Don't ask...the show went alright, but you probably need a shower...."

I smelled my body, finding it a bit sweaty and sporting a strange smell. Something just didn't set right. It was body based, but it wasn't musky or sweaty. I got out of bed and wandered over to parchment. I grabbed her by her neck and buried my face into her mane. "What the fuck!?" I ignored her and took a deep breath. That was it, that was the smell.

It was also about this time that I realized I was dressed in panties, a suit coat, but no skirt. (....I'm not going to ask, I'm just going to assume it was amazing.) I laughed hazily before succumbing to my headache. (Can you...make breakfast or something? There are a bunch of good takeout places on the fridge.)

Parchment shook her bedraggled mane out and nodded. "Sure...I'll start some coffee too...Celestia knows I need it." Parchment sauntered out of the room and away from me. I sniffed my arms contently and fell asleep in the shower, the warm water proving too much for my hungover self to resist.

Dinner denied

"No!" Parchment stomped her hooves. "I said no last week, I said no the week before that, I'm saying no now! I'm not going to dinner with you!"

(Fine! You don't have to be a jerk about it! I'm just trying to be nice. Besides, it's a special day!)

"Lies!" Parchment poked me with a hoof. "I tried once, and you kept touching my...my...my regions, with your foot! Under the table no less! I nearly screamed at the waiter when you touched me. I can't even go out with you anymore!" Parchment stormed off towards her room. "Screw you!" she slammed her door and left me alone in the hall.

Screw me? No...screw you, I'll show you. I'll show you good!

I started planning my revenge as I went into my room. I learned a trick from a pony doctor back in Canterlot. I was gonna have to sacrifice a toothbrush but I would have my petty revenge!

I moved slowly through my halls, ducking from doorway to doorway until I reached her room. I checked my pockets and made sure everything was ready. I pulled the cuffs from my pocket and tiptoed into her room. I snuck over to the side of her bed and bound her forelegs to the bedposts. Parchment snapped awake, quickly screaming and flailing as I hopped on the bed. "Help! Bianca, help!"

I covered her mouth to muffled her screams. I tore off her sleeping mask and tossed it away. I slowly let go of her mouth. "Bianca...what happened!?" she yanked her forelegs. "Bianca...what is this!?"

(Something fun. For me mostly, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it.) I grabbed the final accessory and held it in front of her.

She cocked her head and tried to wiggle free. "A toothbrush? What the heck are you-" I cut her off and turned it on. "...Bianca...no...Bianca look at me, this is rape."

(It's not rape, it's a struggle snuggle.) I sat back on the bed and picked up her hind legs.

She immediately realized what I was about to do was far worse then she could have imagined. "Bianca no, no, no!" I ignored her and brought it against the soft of her hoof. She immediately lost it, giggling like a maniac and kicking her leg about as I made an arc around the inside of her hoof. "Bia-ahaha- Bianca!" I continued to massage the inside of her hoof with the toothbrush as she squirmed. "Bianca- I'm gonna- I'm gonna pee!"

She was fine, squirming like mad as I tickled her hooves. I swapped hooves, watching as the previously brushed hoof twitch. The laughter was growing insane as she started glowing read and heaving as she lost her breath. "It hurts...my face hurts!"

Parchment was almost crying as I rubbed her other hoof with my thumb, keeping the toothbrush dead center on her hoof.

I smiled wide as she started breathing heavily. Her voice quickly deteriorated as her gasps got shorter and shorter, eventually ending in a long girlish moan as she locked up. My smile slowly faded as I let her hooves go.

Did she just.... I looked up and spotted a damp spot on the bedspread. She did...eughhhh...she's gonna be mad.

I sat there as she caught her breath. "Bianca...come here." I slowly leaned over to her. She stared me with bedroom eyes. "Idiot." her expression instantly soured as her leg shot out, catching me in the gut. I rolled back and slammed to the floor. "Now untie me!"

I shot upright again and gave her the dirtiest look I could. I turned around and walked out. "Bianca, don't you leave me here! Bianca, don't yo--" I slammed the door and went down stairs. I get up early, try to do something fun, and she kicks me in the stomach. Screw it, she didn't have anywhere to be, she can wait for a few hours hour.

I grabbed my violin and hurried out of my house. I slowly started walking through town. The early morning sun brought life to the streets as vendors set up and stores opened. I looked up to the spires, it was far too long since I've been up on the spire. I should go up when I get a chance. But first I had to finalize my plans.

I strolled through the town as I looked for something nice. I found a nice jewelry stall and looked through the wares. I picked a nice looking yellow crystal and hurried about the town. It felt a bit liberating to just walk around the street, money never being an issue, I could give money to beggars, but gifts for friends, and still live comfortable. It felt amazing, simply amazing. Even the crisp air on my face made my entire body pulse with joy.

I found a park and sat, playing a soft tune as ponies gathered around and listened. I played for nearly an hour before moving on and perusing the now bustling open market. You never found as good a trinket at a store then you would at a stall. It did help that I knew most of the vendors. I grabbed a few fresh fruits and settled back down it the park. Things were nice and calm as the day kicked into full swing.

I watched a few guards parade around the street, suddenly reminding me. I had left Parchment tied up for nearly three hours. She was going to...well, maybe this could change her mind. I looked at the chain in my hand and stowed it in my violin case.

I sprinted back to my house, my jeans made my sprint a bit rough, but I could always take solace in the fact I rarely needed a sports bra. Perks of being petite I suppose. I got back to my home and threw the door open. I hurried up the stairs and threw her door open. Parchment had managed to unbind herself and was packing her things.

"Oh good...you're here. Yeah I quit." she levitated her case to her side and walked over. "That was not okay, nothing about what you did was okay." I blocked her way as she tried to leave. "Bianca move...I'll send for another translator but I can't deal with this." I continued to block her escape as I fumbled with my bag. "Bianca, fucking stop! Stop, stop, stop!" Parchment started stomping the crystal floor. "I'm so fucking sick of you! You harass me, you tie me up, you stalk me, molest me, I just don't get it! You're just such a needy bitch, I wish I'd never even come to this frigid backwater! I fucking hate this place, I hate my job and I hate you! Shining armor can kiss my ass if--" I dropped the crystal necklace on the ground.

I fell against the doorway and tried to sign. My hands were shaking from the sudden rage. (Happy...birthday...) I didn't bother making the appropriate sign, she obviously didn't care. I stumbled out of the room and let my violin fall to the ground with a hollow twang. I felt like garbage, like rancid shit as I lurched towards my room.

I stepped inside my room, locked the door and fell to my knees. I curled up on the floor, clutching my legs to my chest as I thought about how I could have made her hate me so much. All I ever wanted to do was get her to give me a chance, that's all I ever wanted. Even if it wasn't gonna happen...we could have still be friends...but I guess that's gone now. I fucked it up.

I kicked my foot on the wall, turning off the crystal light and making the room pitch black. I just wanted to be alone. I wanted to be alone, on the floor, and sad. That's all I wanted right now. I wasn't even crying, I felt like I should have been but I wasn't. I guess I knew it was never gonna happen, somewhere deep inside me I knew.

I just laid there, wallowing in the dark and waiting for something to happen. I didn't know what, but I couldn't bring myself to do anything else. I just waited, I couldn't tell for how long, but eventually something did happen.

A loud knock rang in my ears. "Bianca...hey...can I come in?" I heard my doorknob shake. "Hey...unlock the door, please?"

I just remained curled up on the floor, waiting.

"Well...I'll be downstairs, you know...when you're ready to talk." Parchment continued to mumbled as her hoofsteps petered away.

I couldn't face her. Not right now, maybe never. For now, all I could do was try to sleep, pass out, or otherwise loose consciousness. I just didn't want to feel the emptiness anymore. Eventually the hollow feeling in my gut retreated, leaving behind a swirling sickness as I fell into a troubled sleep.

I woke up as my doorknob twisted open. Parchment slowly peeked her head in the door. "Bianca...hey...sorry...I picked the lock." she walked inside, tapped her hoof on the wall to turn on the light and sat next to my crumpled body. "Thanks for...you know...the chain. I completely forgot what day it was...." Once again I just stared at the floor. "Geez, a little dramatic don't you think?" I just sat there, staring past her at the wall. "Bianca, are you listening?"

I rolled away from her. I didn't feel like seeing her. "Okay come on! I picked the lock just to talk to you, do you realize how long that took!?" Parchment walked around to my vision once more and plopped down. "Come on...talk to me." Parchment laid her head down, looking straight into my eyes. "Let me say sorry...please, just let me apologize."

Once again I rolled away from her. Parchment stood up, sat down, stood up again, then plopped on the floor. "Bianca I can't deal with you like this! I wanna say I'm sorry, and I want you to believe me!" I felt a pair of hooves sneak around my neck, a body quickly pressing into my back. "Please...I was mad...I didn't mean it." she buried her face in the back of my neck. "I forgot my own damn birthday...but you didn't...I don't even know how you know, but you remembered! Please...let me be sorry."

I continued to curl up in silence. "Please, I don't want you to hate me...I never wanted you to hate me, I just wanted...I wanted you to respect me, you always invade my private space, you pester me, but I don't want you to be mad at me. I can't leave like that, I could deal with it if you were enraged or mean, but...I can't leave like this, I won't."

I felt her hooves wrap around the back of my neck as she buried herself further into my shoulder. "I told you no...but I thought...I thought you were just gonna try and make me uncomfortable again."

I held my hands out and signed slowly. (I wanted to be close to you, to make you feel good. I wanted you to have a happy birthday, but you turned me down, you kicked me, you told me you hate me. I guess I shouldn't blame you...it's my fault...I'm sorry, I really am...but I think you really should leave.)

"Please...you're...you're more than my friend...I don't like it when you harass me...but-- I'm sorry, and I don't want to lose you like this." Parchment let out a muted sniffle as her horn connected to my shoulder. "I don't know if I love you or not...but I care about you, and I'm...I'm willing to try."

(Then kiss me.) I wiggled free and turned to her, staring into her beautiful golden eyes. (Kiss me.)

She looked at the floor for a long time. She snapped her head up and gave me a quick peck on the lips. I felt a warm sensation in my chest as she looked bashfully at me. I picked her head up by her cheeks and gave her a long kiss. "I uh...this doesn't mean I--" I pressed my fingers against her lips.

(Don't ruin this.) I gave her a solid hug and crawled onto my bed and curled up. Parchment followed slowly after, trying to find a place outside the sheets before I pulled her against my chest and threw the sheets over us. I gave the wall a sturdy slap, turning off the lights and drifted off with Parchment curled against my chest.

Goodnight, even if it's just for tonight.