Pleather-bound Heart

Enigma stared in wide eyed bewilderment. None of it made any sense, not a single piece of it. Rows upon rows of assorted appliances stood before him, the brands and fixtures mixing into a strange dance known as 'convenience cooking'. He already had a microwave, he had foalishly believed it to be the epitome of the cooking subject. Instead, he was now learning he had lived a dark, horrible life without the convenience of proper utensils. Why, they had self cleaning everything, from forks to waffle makers.

All he'd come here for was a few pots and pans, maybe a crock pot. He'd always liked soup. But apparently he could now make his own hay fries in three easy steps that the restaurants didn't want him to know, using one secret trick. Or delicious shakes that were also healthy and without any of the added calories of one from a restaurant. So many options and choices he felt his head might explode. No wonder she had always been so mad at him, he put her through such a horrible ordeal every time she went shopping. He should be on his hooves and knees, begging for--

He quickly shook his head and started walking again, pushing his cart ahead. No, he was here for pots, pans and some actual food. Real food. He was going to cook tonight even if it killed him. Give him proper nutrition or give him death!

Enigma stared at his burnt, charred potato wedges. He was starting to give the death part of his earlier statement proper consideration. He nudged them a bit before dipping a slice into the ketchup and slowly drawing it up to his mouth, nibbling. To his surprise, while it was a bit bland it didn't taste bad. A bit burnt, but that was fine. “YES! First meal a success! I will not starve to death and die!” He glanced to his bag of potatoes and smiled. They were super cheap, he could eat like this every day if he wanted. He would be the potato master. He quickly finished his meal before trotting to the sink and washing the plate, before putting it on the rack to dry.

He then trotted to a small work station he had set up. A small box was being used as his desk. It was already cluttered with papers and pens. He moved over to it and grinned, his horn glowing as he began writing. His passion flew out from his pen, marking all over the papers as ideas sprang to mind, one after another. He couldn't believe he was finally getting another chance to make something. It was going to be marvelous. The extra influx of bits would keep him afloat for a while, so long as he made sure to be frugal. It was also allowing him to buy supplies.

He couldn't wait until they called him to begin the measurements. Already he'd drawn over two dozen different ideas and designs for the toy, some of which he'd sent to the client. More were constantly flowing out, not to mention all the notes he'd made. Scrunched up pieces of paper were lined all around him and more than a few pens had been broken in his excitement. He felt alive. So very alive, like he hadn't felt in years. Best of all, he didn't have her yelling at him how creepy it was. Even if he spent all night working, it was fine, since he didn't have to worry about going to bed late and making her mad. He actually felt happy about the separation for the first time in a while.

She'd been calling less, too. He still had plenty of messages from her, but he was deleting them. The longer he spent away from her, the more in control he felt. Like he was doing the right thing. He was feeling less anxious and scared, like everything was going to fall out from under him. He finally pushed his work aside for a moment and fell onto his back.

He thought about her, truly thought about her. The way they snuggled, cuddled, the way they had watched movies together. How they could sometimes nestle up, talk about their days. All the things they'd done together. Or, at least, had done once. He couldn't remember the last time they'd really spent the day together and done things. Now all they ever seemed to do was fight. He always did something to make her mad. If he had been a better coltfriend, their relationship might have been happier.

He shook his head and got up, lightly jogging around the room. “I was not meant for her, that's all. We were not good together. It's fine, it's okay. I'm not going to die alone or... or become some miserable monstrous pony that nopony will ever like. I'm happy and doing great now. I'm sure she is, too. That's all that matters. All that ever mattered.” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “And I have a job now.” He sat back down and got to work. Soon the stress began to melt away as he let himself be absorbed in his work.

Jadewing let out a groan as she trotted towards the door of their home. She ached all over, was cold, her mane and wings were a mess. The trip had been fun, but she was exhausted and felt hideous. Running around in the mud and cold, not to mention the swimming, had been wonderful. But it was already dark and she had wanted to get home hours ago. If not for the issue on the train, she would have been.

Instead, the train had pulled into the station just a little after dusk. It had started raining again, so the trip home had been long and cold, sending little bites of icy chill across her body with each movement. All her supplies didn't help, either. She just wanted to crawl into the shower, warm up and then crawl into bed. She definitely didn't want Silverchain to see her like this, she looked like a mess. Probably smelled worse than garbage. She hoped her love had fallen asleep.

The lights were out at least, so maybe the mare had. She couldn't help feeling a little pang of disappointment that her lover hadn't waited up for her, but they both had to work in the morning so she could understand. She pushed open the door as quietly as she could and put her wet, soaked bags on the ground.

She closed the door and listened. There wasn't a single sound. Silverchain must have gone to bed. She glanced to her bags and shrugged. The entryway was tile, so it getting a little wet wouldn't hurt anything. She left her things there and trotted down the hall. She could get to it tomorrow.

She trotted quietly past their door, only to freeze when a harsh, cold voice yelled out. “Halt!”

Jadewing yelped and her mane went on end. She knew she should have put her things away. She was going to get yelled at for being lazy, she knew it. She was just tired though, she was going to pick it up in the morning. She turned to the mare, opening her mouth to give her excuses, only to have her jaw fall open and every thought escape it.

Silverchain was sitting at the foot of the bed, wearing nothing but black, pleather knee length booties. A horse switch was held in her front hooves and the gaze she was directing at the pegasus was one that demanded obedience, though it melted her insides. “You're late,” the earth pony said, her tone harsh, but in a playful manner.

Jadewing gulped and willed her wings to stay down. “I-I'm sorry, I missed the first train. Listen, I'm really sorry but it's been a long trip and... well, honey, I'm kind of ugly and all messed up right now. Can it wait? I don't want to--”

“Enough. Come here.”

“But--”

“Come!” The tone brooked no argument. The pegasus stepped forward sheepishly. She was dripping a little water on the floor and her mane and coat was a mess, not to mention the smell. She really wished Silverchain didn't have to see her like this. The switch was gently pushed against her chin and forced her to look up. “Now, what did you say about yourself?”

“I-I'm a mess. It's been a long trip and I smell and I'm leaving a mess and--”

“What did you say about yourself?”

“I-I'm ugly a-and messed up...” she said softly, though her wings began to spread out just a little bit. It wasn't fair for Silverchain to have such an effect on her, she was a grown mare. She should not be so excited to have the other mare look her over like this. Especially when she wasn't worth looking over.

“Well, then it's a good thing I don't let you make decisions like that,” the earth pony said off hoofedly before pulling the mare in for a kiss. Jadewing's wings popped out like boards as those lips enveloped hers and the tongue parted her lips. She hadn't even had a chance to brush her teeth, yet her mistress treated her as if she'd just come back from a long, cleansing spa. When the kiss finally broke, the pegasus had to struggle to keep from falling over. “I decide when you're beautiful and ugly. And my word is law. And I've decided that you, my little pet, look amazing when you're all wet. Now say it.”

“S-say it?” She let out a little yelp as the switch came down on her cutie mark, making her jump. “I-I am a-amazing when wet.”

“And?”

“S-sexy a-and desirable?”

“Now say it like you actually believe it.”

“I-I am s-sexy and desirable.”

“Again.”

“I am sexy!” the pegasus said quickly, shivering as her mistress looked down at her. She was perfectly calm, almost unmoving. There was no hint of doubt in her eyes. Even though Jadewing felt like a slob and ugly, when she was looked at like that she couldn't help feeling like the prettiest mare in the world.

“Good,” Silverchain said with a smile. “Now, you've left all kinds of messes all over the house. Trailing water? What do you have to say for yourself?”

The pegasus shivered. She knew that smile all too well. It was the smile of a mare about to punish a naughty pet. In a way she tended to adore. “I... I am very sorry a-and will go clean it up?”

“Oh, indeed you will. But first I believe you must be... disciplined. Go start the shower. I will be there momentarily.”

“B-but--”

“Are you going to be disobedient now?”

“N-no!”

“Good. Close the door when you're in.”

Jadewing galloped off to the shower down the hall, sliding inside. She sat on the edge of the tub and watched the door nervously, shivering a little. She could hear Silverchain out there, doing something. But whatever it was, she was taking her time in coming to the bathroom. Making the poor pegasus wait and shiver. There was no telling what her lover had in mind and store for her. The longer she waited, the more fearful and excited she became. She crawled into the tub and watched the door intently, willing her lover to come through and begin whatever she had in mind.

She could hear the earth pony outside and down the hall, doing something. Anything. Maybe preparing a new toy or an old favorite. Or maybe reading a small book to make her pet worry and fret about just how much trouble she'd be in. All she knew was that whatever it was, she was too excited to think of anything else and nearly every drop of exhaustion evaporated.

She finally heard the light clop of her mistress' hooves and the door swung open. The earth pony stood in the door, a grin on her lips. The pleather booties were gone, though a small bag dangled from her lips.

Silverchain trotted inside and put the bag on the floor. “Now, I think I may agree with one tiny thing about my little pet. She is certainly... dirty.” She pulled out a thick, coarse sponge. “I do believe she needs a deep, rough cleaning.” The pegasus shivered as thick, rubber hoof bindings were drawn out next, along with metal wing bindings. “Especially after the mess she made in the entryway. Tut tut. Now stand still.”

Within a few moments the pegasus let out a low groan. She was partially immobilized, the bindings over her body keeping her from bending her wings and moving her hoofs apart. She could throw her weight around a bit and flail a little, but she was still at a severe disadvantage. Whatever her mistress wanted would happen. All that did was make her more excited.

The water came on, cold at first and making her yelp. She shivered as the freezing water rubbed over her helpless form, making her shiver. Then, slowly, it began to warm. Then the sponge slowly drifted over her coat. The earth pony leaned in close and whispered into her ear. “I think it's best your mistress properly cleans you. Inside and out. Don't worry, I brought everything we need to make sure every inch of you is sparkling...”

Jadewing let out a low groan as she laid in her bed, head nestled against a pillow. Every inch of her, both inside and out, felt as if it was cleaned raw. She was quite sore, but it was a good sore. The kind of sore that occurred after a long, passionate time of attention at her mistress' hooves. She couldn't imagine a better way to spend the evening. Slowly, her wing spread out to gently nudge against the earth pony. “Did you have fun?”

“Mmmm hmm. Of course darling,” Silverchain said before leaning down to give her a kiss on the cheek. “You were very, very good and obedient. I was a little worried I was going to push you past your limits a few times.”

“Y-you came close, but never pushed over,” the pegasus said with a sheepish grin. “Thank you. I missed you during the trip.” She moved a little closer and nuzzled. “I noticed you cleaned up my mess, thank you. And for putting all my things away.”

“I had to do something while you squirmed in the tub,” Silverchain said with a light chuckle. “Besides, it was just a little water. A towel took care of that.” She laid down besides the mare and pulled her close for a hug. “I have another surprise for you, darling.”

“Oh? Did you finish all your paperwork?”

The earth pony shuddered. “Indeed. It wasn't a... pleasurable experience, but it is all done. But not that. I have a little surprise for you.” A hoof stroked down, pushing between the pegasus' wings. On command, they spread out like spring locked boards. “Remember a few years back, we borrowed that little ball toy? The one with the leg and wing braces?”

Jadewing blushed and nodded. “Uh huh. What about it? Are we borrowing it again? If so, I'm not sure I can endure it tonight.”

“Oh, of course not. Actually, the creator of it has recently come out of retirement. I've special ordered a toy from him. He'll be coming by next week to take your measurements.”

The pegasus sat up, her eyes going wide. “W-what? You... what?”

“Oh, yes. It's quite the little toy as well,” she said with a gentle purr. “I think you'll enjoy it. Complete helplessness, at my mercy.” She stroked the mare's chin. “How much do you trust me?” she whispered.

“With every fiber of my being...”

“That's good. You'll need it once this toy is finished. It will be something... you'll like quite a bit.”

Jadewing nodded and gulped. “W-what kind of thing?”

“You'll find out when it's finished. Though maybe I'll blindfold you and not let you see it at all.” She gave her pet a gentle kiss on the lips. “Measurements begin soon, I do expect you to be on time when he arrives. We don't want to give a bad impression, do we?”

Jadewing shook her head. “N-no, not at all.” She then gulped. “Wait, measurements? Why is he measuring me? Shouldn't you be doing it?”

“Oh, you know these creative types. They're always so picky. Worry not, my darling, you'll have plenty of fun in the end.” She paused. “I did have to go a little over our allowance to buy it, but I think it is more than worth it. Don't you?”

Jadewing nodded, a wide grin on her face. This was going to be amazing. She nestled up to her mistress and closed her eyes. She couldn't wait to see what surprise the mare had in store for her.