Pleather-bound Heart

Enigma laid on his bed and stared up at the roof, hugging his pillow tightly to his chest. He couldn't believe how he'd reacted earlier. Yelling at them, running off like that. Crying like a little foal. How weak could one stallion be? He almost wanted to lock himself in a locker at this point.

She was right, of course. Everything she said made sense. It just made him feel all the weaker and shamed that she had to say it at all. He was so pathetic he had to have other ponies telling him it was okay that he was a coward. This wasn't how stallions acted. How they behaved. He curled up onto his side and held his pillow closer.

He'd have to go over there later and apologize. He wondered if the only reason she was being so supportive was because he was making that device for them. The moment he was finished would she tell him how much of a coward he was? Or maybe she was right. No, she was right. He was scared of the relationship and he fled. There were stories all the time on television about ponies who had the courage to escape their bad relationships. In fact, his ex had even made him watch a few about those courageous mares. So what was so different about his story and their story?

He sighed and curled up closer. Because those were real abusive stories. Stallions who beat their mare friends and hurt them all the time. I'm not like them, I'm just somepony who abandoned somepony I once claimed to love. Who loved me.

He let the pillow go and rolled back onto his back to stare at the roof. He then rolled onto his other side and stared at the phone. There were more messages, he couldn't bring himself to delete them again. A part of him wanted to go back, he knew that. That's another difference. If she was so bad, I wouldn't want to go back. No abused pony would ever want to go back to their abuser. That's just stupid. I'm the bad pony.

He picked up the phone in his magic and slowly hovered in over. He chewed on his lower lip before gently dialing a number.

Silverchain glanced over at her cell phone and cocked an eye. She pulled it over and flipped it open, looking at the ID. She turned it on. “This is Silverchain. Hello, Enigma. To what do I owe this call?”

“It's... I just... I ummmm...” There was a gulp on the other end. “I had some other designs I wanted to show you. Some things I thought you might be interested in kind of as a... first viewing, thing. I could bring them by next time I'm working on the toy, is that's okay?”

She paused and cocked her head to the side. “I suppose that would be fine. Is that all you wished to ask me?”

“No... I mean... yes. I just...”

“Did you wish to ask something about last night?”

There was a low yipe from the other end of the phone. She could almost hear his blush. “I-I'm sorry. My behavior wasn't acceptable, I--”

“You did nothing wrong, dear. I asked about your relationship and you told me. There's no shame in that.”

“Yeah, but my other behavior and--”

“You were upset. There is nothing wrong with being upset about a relationship that ended poorly. Ponies do it everyday. If a pony asks and you wish to speak of it, there is no shame in telling them.” She paused for a moment. “And I did not mind what you said. I've seen more than a few ponies in your exact situation. It is more common than you think.”

There was a pause on the other end for a few moments. Before he let out a nervous squeak. “Stallions?”

“I've met a few stallions who had to flee from bad relationships as well. A poor and dangerous relationship can occur to anypony.”

“But it's not supposed to happen to stallions, I'm supposed to be stronger and--”

“I know very few relationships where the final determining factor is who can win a hoof fight. So I do not believe your strength has much to do with it.” She paused. “Though, even if it did, I would not put much money on you winning a hoof fight with anypony.”

There was silence on the other end. After a few moments she heard a giggle.

“Are you okay?”

“S-sorry. That just... I tried imagining me and her in a hoof fight. I'm pretty sure she would have won that, too. Her magic was more... combat ready than mine ever was.”

“Well, there you go. Your behavior was fine. Ponies grieve and hurt all the time. I'd suggest you discuss it with some of your friends. Perhaps...” She paused again. “Ah. All of your friends were her friends, weren't they?”

“Yes,” he said softly. “I tried talking with one of them. He said I needed to man up and... go back. That I was--”

“It's fine. You're fine,” she said, glancing at her notes. “How about you come over for dinner tonight and bring your little designs. I'll look them over.”

“W-what? For dinner? But I already... I-I couldn't impose, it--”

“If you really feel like it's imposing, very well.”

She could practically hear his spirit being crushed under the rejection.

“Bring over a dessert of some kind. We tend to prefer fruits. Watermelons, cantaloupes, things like that.”

“W-what?”

“If you wish not to impose, then it is best you bring some contribution to the meal, correct?”

“W-well, I guess, but--”

“Then bring something of sufficient value. We are cooking and cleaning, I imagine you are a smart enough lad. Bring something you believe is of equal value when you come over tonight.”

“O-okay. I-I will!”

“Good. Now, have a nice evening and I will see you tonight.” She didn't wait for him to respond, instead hanging up. She couldn't keep a light smirk off her lips. It was almost too easy and she could hear the excitement in his voice. She then went back to her work, humming softly as she played solitaire on her computer and waited for a customer.

Enigma couldn't suppress the feeling of giddiness as he trotted through the store, looking over the aisles. He not only was going to have some time with friends, but he didn't have to feel bad since he was bringing something to contribute. Apparently they liked fruits, so he had to make sure it was something very fruity and delicious.

He stopped and stared at the rows of fruity snacks. I think of them as friends. What if they aren't friends? What if I'm just thinking of them as friends, but to them I'm just a stallion who builds for them? What if I'm being too pushy? What if-- He shook his head and cleared his mind. He'd spent too many days thinking stuff like that. It wouldn't do to second guess everypony who held out their hoof to him. They were his friends. They were really, truly his friends. They weren't using him, he was sure of it.

Besides, if Silverchain was getting annoyed, he had no doubt she would tell him. She didn't seem the kind of pony to hide how she felt just to get a better deal on their outfit. She hadn't even asked about it, so he was sure that wasn't part of her goal. She was just friendly and trying to help him through a really bad part in his life. He had to make sure whatever he got would be worthy of it.

He stopped and stared at the beautiful creation that filled up a platter. All manners of fruits inside a great watermelon shell. Arranged neatly in little circles with a white creamy sauce, likely a type of whipped cream, in the center. He let out a low whistle at the price tag, but gently gripped it in his magic and trotted towards the register.

Well, with something like this there was no way he couldn't be seen as contributing. There was no way they'd expect something as extravagant and expensive as this.

“I guarantee you, whatever he bought is going to be massively over priced and likely impressive. That or he'll have bought a few dozen different fruits in an attempt to ensure whatever he gets, we'll enjoy,” Silverchain said with an amused grin as she lightly stroked down her lover's back. The pegasus shivered as she worked, dicing up some carrots.

“Really? Is that why you cleaned out the fridge?”

“Indeed. He'll insist we keep it, of course. He'll likely still feel like he's taking advantage of us.” She nibbled just between the wings. “What can I say? I know his type.”

“Mmmmm. Oh? So you think he's boring, then?” The pegasus' wings spread out in appreciation of the attention.

“Mmmm... no.” She then moved up, licked the mare's neck a little. “Careful with that knife, sweetie.”

“Maybe if you'd stop molesting me for ten seconds,” the mare said with a little giggle. “So not boring then?”

“No. Damaged, but not boring. Maybe we can invite him for a little bit. After he's finished your design.” She paused. “I don't think he'd last long.”

She chuckled. “Most of ours don't,” the mare said with a little nuzzle. “But it should make him feel better, right? And we could get a discount on all kinds of neat toys.”

The earth pony snickered before giving her lover a light little tap on the cutie mark. “Now that's not very nice. Taking advantage of the poor stallion's misery to get cheap toys.” She leaned up to nip at her ear, tugging on it for a few moments. “Besides, I think you're worth paying full price on.”

The pegasus shivered. “O-okay. If you want me to c-cook dinner, you need to leave. Now. Otherwise we're going to have to sweep the floors with our bodies...”

“Mopping would have sounded better...” the earth pony said with another gentle tug.

“Out! Please? Mistress?” the pegasus said with a little whimper.

“Very well,” Silverchain said before pulling back. “We can continue this tonight, darling. Perhaps based on how good this meal is.”

“Oh yes please...”

The earth pony snickered before trotting out of the room and into the living room. She sat on the couch and pulled out the remote, flipping the television on. She was halfway through her show before the doorbell rang. She flipped it off and trotted to the door, pulling it open. A knowing smile spread on her lips when she saw the stallion, holding the hollowed out watermelon in his magic.

“H-hi,” he said softly. “I-I brought this. Since you said you liked fruit, I thought this might be something you liked. I mean, I-I can go get something else if--”

“No, no, it's fine. There is no need to be so insecure. I wouldn't have invited you to dinner, if I didn't find your company at least a little intriguing.”

He nodded. “So, ummm, where do I put this?”

“Follow me,” she said before walking down the hall. She glanced in the mirror as she went and smiled as she saw his reflection. He was eying her flank for a few moments before blushing and trotting after her. She was getting very good at predicting him. “Enjoying the view?”

“W-what? No! I mean, yes, I mean, i-it just caught my eye and--”

She stopped and glanced back. “I am quite aware that I am attractive. I am also quite aware that you are a lonely stallion who has, quite recently, lost his mare. It is natural for you to occasionally glance.” He squirmed in place like a scolded colt. “Just do not get carried away. The occasional glance is fine, I suppose. But do not make a habit of it. Understand? Otherwise this friendship shall be... short lived.”

He nodded rapidly. “Y-yes ma'am.” He said before trotting after her. After a few moments he gulped. “You... know, you're uhhh... well...”

“Yes?”

“Terrifying,” he mumbled softly. “But... I think very easy to talk with.”

“Indeed.” She looked back. “I do like to play games sometimes. But right now, you don't seem the sort who would much enjoy them. You're scared and jumpy enough as it is without me toying with your mind. So I'm trying to be as blunt as possible. So there are no miscommunications.”

He nodded. “Thank you. I don't...” He looked down, struggling to find the words.

“I don't believe you'd last long without a bit of guidance at the moment now, either. Don't worry, perhaps after some of your wounds have healed I'll be a little more playful with you.” She nudged open the door for him.

He walked inside and put the treat down. He then paused. “Wait, what? What does that mean? Being playful with me?”

She gave him another knowing smile. “Nothing. Now, these designs you wished to show me?” Her eyes glanced to Jadewing who was still dicing up vegetables. “Dear, would you rather wait until we can all sit together to start?”

“No, just pick some out you know I'll like to see.”

“Of course,” Silverchain said before motioning the unicorn to follow her. She led him back to the living room and sat on the couch. “If you would?”

He nodded and sat besides her, the papers moving over to her lap. “Here. Some of them are just doodles, really. But I was writing down everything I thought of and... let whatever go. I know it's stupid but--”

“I don't think it's stupid,” she said as she looked through them. “For every good idea there are countless bad ideas. The secret is picking them out when we need them.”

He nodded as he watched her. He then glanced towards the kitchen. “How long have you two been together?”

“Years.”

“How do you... do it? So easily? I mean... were you just meant to be?”

She paused for a moment before chuckling. “What makes you think it's easy?”

“W-well, you two seem to get along so well. I just thought that... err...”

“That we magically got along? I'm afraid to tell you that very few relationships work like that.” She paused. “I actually know of only one couple that never, ever seem to fight. It's extremely rare for two ponies to be perfect for each other, to challenge each other just the right amount, to share the right hobbies. To want to go out or stay in just the same amount. To want the same things out of life, or have their goals and dreams align. To be able to support each other when it's needed. Most ponies can't do this perfectly. For most relationships, it requires hard work, dedication, a desire to want to be together even through the hardest times.”

He nodded slowly. “Do you two ever fight?”

“Of course. We have fought plenty of times. But they are rarely large.” She sighed. “Communication is key. When we do something that upsets the other, we tell or let it be known, one way or another. We try not to let it build up. Even if we feel it doesn't make sense, we tell each other.” She paused. “We also take great care not to... downplay the other's feelings. Just because in our mind it may seem to be a petty and inconsequential problem, doesn't mean it is in our lover's.”

He nodded. “So all relationships are like that?”

She shrugged. “I doubt it, I am sure there are plenty that work differently as well. All ponies have their own little quirks and needs that make them different. It really depends on just how they do it.”

“Do you believe I should have stayed? Even with the fighting? I mean, maybe if we worked harder, we could have--”

“If you did not feel safe, then there was no relationship,” Silverchain said firmly. “It is one thing to be mad, sad or even at times lonely. But to not feel safe or that you can trust your partner is a danger all on its own. So no, I do not believe you should have stayed with her.”

“But... I mean, you said...”

“I want you to think about that relationship, really think. Could you see yourself happy ten years down the line with her? Do you think either of you would have been happy? How about twenty? Thirty?”

He thought about it for a moment and shivered, shaking his head. “No.”

“Then I do not believe staying was the right idea. Leaving, as hard as it may be at time, can be the best choice. Now, shall we discuss these designs?”

“R-right, of course.” He looked down at them. “How do you know when you find the right pony?”

“You may never know. But when you really can't imagine a life without them. When you're really certain you love them, that you want to be with them, even when they're mad at you or you're mad at them, I believe that is a good time. You might not be ready for a real relationship, though.”

“What does that mean? I'm plenty mature!”

“It's not an issue of maturity,” she said coldly as she flipped through the papers. “You seem to need somepony who can help you now. Perhaps therapy. Damage can heal, but after it's done who is to say you'll be the same pony?” She looked up. “Or maybe you need some time to be alone. Some time to think about it. Or maybe you really just need a chance to see what this life style truly is like.” She reached out, a hoof touching the side of his face. “Tell me, have you ever called somepony mistress or master?”

He squeaked, staring into her eyes. Red flooded his cheeks. “N-no.”

“Do you want to?”

He just stared back, his mouth falling open. He couldn't speak, his mouth felt as dry as a desert.

“It's done!” Jadewing's voice called from the other room, making him jump. Silverchain barely moved, aside from pulling her hoof back.

“I'll need more time to look through them, but a few have caught my interest.”

He nodded sheepishly, watching her trot off to the kitchen. He then looked where she was sitting. After a moment he sighed and trotted after her. I'm an idiot, no matter how I look at it. She was just playing, she's not really interested. How could she be interested in a pony like me? She has a mare friend for pony's sake. She probably just feels bad for me and was trying to cheer me up, that's all. There's no possible way either of them could be interested in me.