Pleather-bound Heart

by Jeweled Pen

Rating: mature
Tags: Romance, Sex, Slice of Life, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark
Length: 51848

After finally leaving his ex, Enigma finds a new life, along with new friends and possibly new loves.

Following yet another angry fight between fetish-designer Enigma and his ex, the stallion flees from their home in the night, abandoning the only relationship he's ever had and setting out into the world on his own. Emotionally beaten and damaged, he struggles to find the courage and strength to not only avoid his previous relationship, but believe in his own self worth.
Soon after leaving and struggling for bits, he accepts a commission that will change his life forever.

*Cover image made in gimp. I am a horrible artist.

Published 2015-04-26 07:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2015-08-01 16:03:31 UTC

Chapter 1: Leaving her

Enigma sat against the wall in a small, almost empty room. The walls were painted eggshell white and the carpet was a common teal. The window opposite the door was closed, the blinds shut to hide the room. The carpet held dozens of small indents where heavy things had been applying their ceaseless pressure for months, though now nothing remained aside from the small pieces and fragments from the work he had once down. He'd picked up all he could, but was far too afraid to use a vacuum and draw attention to his one time sanctuary.

The red coated stallion whimpered before glancing towards the closed door. She was asleep, he was sure of it. He hoped she was, at least. The stress coiled and bubbled around in his stomach, making him lightly belch an acidic burp. He whimpered and rolled onto the ground, curling into a little ball. She's right. I'm a mess. A useless, pathetic mess. I shouldn't do this. I can't do this. She deserves better. She's right, just like always. A hoof gently moved up to rub his cheek as a few tears welled up in his eyes.

He got to his hooves and trotted to the door, reaching out to pull it open. He then froze and recoiled, shaking his head. His head turned to the middle of the room, where a small, white envelope rested. No. She deserves better, but so do I. The rumbling in his stomach was temporarily suppressed as he slowly pulled the door open. I'm not... all those things. I have just as much right to be happy as she does. He slowly turned back towards the door and froze as the mirror stared back at him.

He was small, as stallions went. A unicorn with a short, black mane. He slowly laid his head forward, letting out a soft whimper as he rested his head against it. Small tears welled up in his eyes. “I... I can't do this. I can't,” Enigma whispered to himself. “S-she's right. I don't know how to take care of myself. I'm not smart, or good, I-I'll never find anypony else. I'm not good enough. I'm horrible with other ponies. I'm lucky to have her, lucky to have anypony.” His body shook and the mirror rattled from his trembles.

Finally, he pulled his head back and stared defiantly into the mirror. He took a slow, steady breath. “N-no. You can do this. You WILL do this. You're not... you're not weak. You're not bad. You're not... there are worse things than being alone,” he whispered to himself before slowly pulling the door open. It creaked, making him jump as he looked across the hall.

Another door, a large white one, stood waiting for him. Behind it he could hear the soft, gentle snores. Her snores. He nearly collapsed, recoiling from it. It would all be so easy. So very, very easy. All he had to do was step into the room, slide back into bed. He could move all his things back in a few days. She'd never even notice. He took a few steps closer. I bet she'll be sorry in the morning, too. It was an accident. She didn't mean to. She just got... upset. It was a one time thing. Just a one time thing. She won't even be mad in the morning, probably. The last few days had to have been enough. She can't still be mad. He reached out for the door, before pulling his hoof back. He gave a little shake of his head and turned away. No matter how much he wanted to believe it, he couldn't.

He started walking down the hall, thankful they had carpeted floors. Every creak made him cringe and stop for a few seconds, though he knew she had no reason to be up. She wouldn't know until the morning, if even then. He passed the kitchen and paused, glancing out the window. There was a clear sky, the moon hanging brightly above. He wished it was pouring rain, the extra noise could cover his retreat. He looked around frowned. The place was well stocked, the counters had a few bags of newly opened bread on them too. He glanced at the sink. Maybe I should do the dishes before I go? He took a step closer, but shook his head and started walking away. She'd probably just yell at me for not properly cleaning them or drying them, he thought bitterly.

He finally made it to the front door and pulled it open. He gently placed his key on a little mini-desk inside, before stepping out and closing the door behind him. He checked to make sure it was locked, before taking a deep breath. It's done. It's over. I'm locked out. Couldn't get in even if I wanted to, not without waking her. She's still mad, she'd be furious if I did. Probably even... He slammed his thoughts closed and shook his head, slowly trotting away.

He trotted down the small path from the door to the sidewalk. He took a deep breath and looked around. All the little houses on the street were the same, single story buildings with a few rooms and windows. At the end of the street he saw the one with the words 'Manager' over the door and a large sign that read 'Princess's Sunlight Apartments' besides it. He trotted to the building and pulled out a thick envelope. He peered inside and made sure everything was right.

Okay, note explaining me leaving. Rent until our lease is up. Apologies. She already has my cell phone to call if there are any additional... damages. He shivered then. He didn't think she'd trash the place, but if she did, he knew it would be his fault. It was all his fault. He was the weak one. He was the coward. He was the one who was running away. Why am I doing this? I'm weird. I'm a freak. I don't have many friends. No mare would be interested in a pony like me. What if I end up alone forever? It was just one time. The other things aren't important, they were just small things. I'm sure this was the one time. The last time. The envelope shook in his magic, but he finally took a deep breath and shoved it in the small mail slip on the front door.

The world crashed in around him. He felt his knees give out and he crumbled to the ground. Oh Celestia what am I doing? She's right! I'm a freak, a weirdo. No pony would ever want me. I'll be alone forever, no friends, no mare. I should go back, beg her for forgiveness. It was my fault, I deserved it, I was the bad one, me. Not her. She should be leaving me, not the other way around. I can't survive on my own, I just can't. She tells me all the time, I'm clueless, forgetful, I constantly leave messes. I'll be crawling back in a week and she'll never take me back.

He trembled on the ground before shaking his head. “N-no. Even... even if I'm alone, it's better than being trapped in a relationship like that. I don't... I don't deserve that. I don't want that.” He slowly got to his hooves and looked back towards their home. Her home now. He then turned and ran. He felt it tugging at his heart, but he didn't stop. If he did, he knew he'd run back to her. It took everything he had to just escape this once, he couldn't do it a second time.

He didn't stop until he was a block away. The air was cool, though he felt far too hot. The streets were almost bare, but after a few minutes he was able to flag down a taxi. He hopped inside.

“Where to?” the puller asked.

“I... I need...” He let out a small acid filled burp, covering his mouth. “Errr, someplace to get a milkshake. A Hayburger, please. Then to... my new apartment.” He took another slow, deep breath as the vehicle took off. He was finally escaping. He looked out the window but didn't dare look back. He was free. Finally, he'd escaped. That's what it felt like at least. His stomach churned and he felt like he might throw up, but he was finally doing it. He soon had a small vanilla milk shake and downed it, letting the cream calm his stomach. As the taxi took him across town, he started to feel better and gently mumbled to himself.

“It's fine. She won't come after me,” he whispered. “She's threatened to do this at least a dozen times. She'll be happy I'm gone. She'll let me go. She won't care. There's no way she'd come looking for me.” Still, his eyes wandered to his saddlebag that held his phone as if he expected it to start ringing at any moment. He should have left it behind, he knew. But he couldn't. It was still his only connection to her. But he was torn between tossing it out the window and calling her now and begging for forgiveness.

Before he knew it the taxi came to a stop and the stallion called back. “We're here!”

“Huh? Oh, right,” Enigma said before sliding out of the carriage. He held out the bits to the pony before watching him trot off. He then turned back to his new home.

It wasn't the nicest place, about ten stories tall and lined with apartments. But there was a gate outside he had to use a key to get through, so no unwanted visitors. It had also been the only place that he could get a hold of on such short notice. He walked quickly through the lot and then into the building, nearly in a full gallop by the time he made it up the stairs to his new home. He opened the door, ran inside and closed it.

It was done. Official. He was out. Escaped. The door closing behind him felt as if the last wires and threads connecting them had finally been severed. He was free. He felt a giddy excitement billow within him as he fell onto the ground and rolled around a bit.

He was free. He could do whatever he wanted. She wouldn't yell or scream at him. He wouldn't annoy her anymore. His job wouldn't embarrass her. She had no reason to chase him, after all she had told him more than a few times to just go. He'd never had the courage, but now he did. It felt wonderful, the world was a bright and cheerful place.

Within a few minutes he was on his side, his legs curled up close to his body and little sobs coming from him. I'm an idiot, a fool. She'll never take me back. Why would she? I'm selfish, an idiot, a slob, weird, inconsiderate, a complete coward. A normal pony would have just talked it out. A normal pony wouldn't run in the night because she hit him. Besides, it was barely even a hit. That's all, she was angry. We all get angry sometimes. It was my fault, I deserved it. I shouldn't have made her angry. Enigma rocked back and forth, little tears in his eyes as he tried to contain the sobs.

So what if I don't feel safe with her? Don't trust her? It's my fault, not hers. She's a lot smarter than me. She's had good reasons for everything she does. I'm the bad one, me. If I was a better person, she wouldn't be so mad all the time. I'd be more understanding, not act like such a little... like such a little bitch. He slowly pulled out his phone in his magic. He was halfway through dialing her number before he flung it against the wall.

“No. I don't... I don't trust her. I don't feel safe around her. I don't... want to be with her. I can't be. I... I...” He wiped the tears from his eyes and got to his hooves. His apartment was small, a single large room with a kitchenette. There were a few red and black plastic boxes and a futon, but aside from that the room was empty. There was only one door that led to the bathroom. He trotted to it, shoved the door open and walked inside, turning on the water full blast and as hot as he could bear. It turned his skin red under his coat, but he didn't care. He deserved a little pain. Once he was done he climbed out, using his magic to pull over one of the boxes and yank out a towel, drying himself of haphazardly.

He considered going straight to bed, but shook his head and pulled over another box. It was filled with all kinds of products from waxing to hair gel. He stared at them for a few seconds. How often had they fought just about these? How weird it was that he used some of them? He had to, though. The things he created could be dangerous if made improperly and that meant he had to test them himself. Since most of his designs used materials that didn't breath well and could be the enemy of badly maintained coats and hairs, it meant he had to take very, very careful care of himself to make sure he didn't get mangy. Besides, it made him feel nice when he got prettied up.

He thought about the times he'd gone to a spa before he'd figured out how to do most of them himself. How she'd yelled at him. How it was weird, how he was embarrassing them both. How ponies would talk. She'd eventually relented, so long as he promised to keep it a secret from others and not let her see all the things anymore and kept them boxed up. At least it had made getting out easier.

The little bit of pleasure he'd gained from the shower evaporated with those thoughts. I really am a weirdo... Enigma shoved the box aside and trotted into the room, collapsing on the bed. His stomach rumbled a bit, but he ignored it. Everything had happened so fast, heck, it was a miracle he even had a place he could go or a few boxes of things. He hadn't even thought of going shopping. He glanced towards the empty kitchenette.

“I'll go tomorrow...” he muttered before closing his eyes and drifting mercifully to sleep, the exhaustion overtaking him.

Author's Note

For those interested, well, while I do not plan to have clop, there will be a lot of adult themes. The main character is a designer of fetish garb, so it's to be expected. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 2: The lovers

Paperwork. You could tell how a day was going to go based on how much paperwork was on your desk when you arrived. Unfortunately for Jadewing, hers was just screaming how she was going to have a horrible day. She slowly went through the stacks of paper, the annoyance building. She flicked a bit of her striped hot pink mane from her eyes and shook her head. The papers were all so boring, which made it worse.

As a member of the Las Pegasus police force, her job was sadly mostly boring. They rarely had any actual threats and she had been designated to desk duty due to being a bit too enthusiastic. She couldn't help it, she was a thrill seeker. She spread out her green wings, her namesake and different colored from the rest of her light blue coat. She longed to be outside on such a day. Flying through the sky, spinning in tight circles. Even though there was rarely any actual crime, she could still do a few stunts for fun.

Instead she was trapped at her desk, going through hundreds, even thousands of pieces of useless paperwork. She swore if she ever found out which bureaucrat decided it was a good idea to make them requisition EVERYTHING, be it flash lights, bulbs, batteries, and so forth, she would track them down and stuff some of the batteries down their throats. She wouldn't even requisition them, either. She'd get away with it, too, not a pony on the force would arrest her. Most of them would probably cheer her on.

She picked up the first piece of paper and cringed. Of course. Thirty five lines depicting a request for three batteries. For a flashlight. She slowly went about typing all the information into her computer, her eyes developing a nervous twitch. Worse of all, it wasn't even properly filled out all the way.

Maybe she'd beat them with a flashlight first. She'd ensure that was requisitioned at least. The paperwork for a lost flashlight was almost three pages long. She wasn't cruel enough to leave that for anypony.

As she typed, a small strand of her mane moved in front of her eyes. She pushed it back up. After a few seconds, it fell back down. She leaned back and let out a growl, before pushing it back again. Her job required a large measure of professionalism, so her hair was tied back into a tail. Unfortunately, the same strand of hair managed to escape every time. After a few moments she managed to sneak it back in with its brethren, only for a new hair to escape and fall back in front of her view when she went back to the computer. She sighed and glanced to her clock, hopeful her few seconds of distraction had used some time. Sadly, she was only a few minutes closer to lunch and her break.

With no other choice, she started tapping away and entering form after form. She tried, unsuccessfully, to find some manner of excitement from it. After all, this was an important part of the job. Celestia knows what would happen if ten batteries were taken when only seven were ordered. Why, it would be as if there was a second coming of Discord. Panic, anarchy. Bunnies hopping through the streets and devouring all they could. Houses flying upside down. Cotton candy clouds.

She was almost done with one of the smaller stacks when her phone rang. With a sigh, she reached out and picked it up. “Hello, this is Jadewing, requisitions. How can I--”

“Hello, darling,” a sultry voice said. The pegasus couldn't help it, her wings instantly went rigid and stood at attention as the blood rushed to her cheeks. There were a few snorts and chuckles from her coworkers.

“H-hello, S-Silverchain,” she said softly, struggling to keep the stutter out of her voice. Not that it would allow itself to be denied. She needed more time to prepare. “To what d-do I owe this pleasure?”

“I was bored and I missed you,” the other mare said smooth as silk. “I thought I'd close down the shop and we could meet for lunch. What do you say?”

Jadewing irked and quickly looked down at herself. Her uniform was spotless, her badge was gleaming, there wasn't even a single loose thread. She was perfect, the strictest drill sergeant couldn't have found a thing wrong with her. She grinned and quickly stood back at attention, trying to keep her wings down. They ignored her entirely. “I think I have the time,” she said as casually as she could. At least the stutter was under control.

“You paused for a few moments there. You were checking yourself out, weren't you?” Silverchain said with just a hint of amusement in her voice.

“No!” Jadewing said, her voice cracking at the embarrassment of being found out. “I-I was just checking my schedule. It's been a busy day, you know how it is. Lots of paperwork, all those things. I have time, we can meet. So, err, where did you want to go?”

“There's a new neighese restaurant that opened down town. I'll call you with directions on your break and see you there, okay darling?”

Jadewing nodded for a few moments, before realizing her lover couldn't see that. “O-Of course. I'll see you there at lunch. Bye.” She quickly hung up, letting out a deep breath. She heard the chuckles from the next desk over.

“I wish my wife reacted like that when I called her,” the stallion said before shaking his head. “As many years as you two have been together, it's almost a miracle.”

Jadewing rolled her eyes. “Our relationship is just… special.” She said before going back to her paperwork. “Sometimes you find the perfect pony you just click with. It's amazing what happens then.” The blush refused to leave her cheeks, no matter what she did. Fortunately, after a few minutes her wings did slowly shrink down and fold against her back.

The piles of paper were still tedious and boring. But now she had incentive. Every form she entered was one less form and a few more seconds closer to being with Silverchain. Though it made her hate it all the more. Each piece of paperwork seemed to be slowing down time, as if it was trying to keep her from her love. To stop her from being where she belonged. It made it all the more satisfying once she finished with the papers and tossed them in the recycle bin.

Jadewing glanced around as she stood outside the neighese restaurant, her eyes scanning the crowd. She wasn't in uniform, instead just wearing a plain black jacket. But there was still no mistaking what she was. Even though she had been delegated to a paperpusher so long ago, it didn't get rid of her instincts or pose. She was an officer to the core and she always moved and reacted like one. She could make herself appear as serious and confident as needed, no matter what the situation. Well, almost no matter what the situation. Right now she felt as if a hundred butterflies were going to rise up in her stomach in fierce rebellion of her choice of restaurant. But now she was prepared, ready to face Silverchain no matter what sexy voice she used.

She stood by the door and waited. Occasionally ponies would walk up to ask if anything was wrong, even the wait staff occasionally gave her worrisome looks. She merely informed them she was off duty and waiting for somepony. Sadly, she couldn't pull off looking relaxed. Serious and confident was easy, but loose and relaxed was impossible, knowing what was coming.

Then she saw her. A small bead of excitement went down her spine. Silverchain. The mare wasn't anything special, by most pony's standards. A bit plump, a bit tall. A purple coat and silver mane. An earth pony of all things. Most would look at her and think she was nothing special.

Until you looked into those cerulean eyes. Those were the eyes of a pony who commanded instant attention and respect. The eyes that could stare down a minotaur and have it rolling over onto its back. The kind of eyes that when they told you to do something, you dropped whatever you were doing and you went and did it. Inconvenient or not. It didn't help that she had her mane in a little bun and was wearing a small tie. She looked almost like a school teacher. Which, considering her real job, was almost lecherous in itself. However, her clothes meant most ponies never gave her so much as a second glance. But to Jadewing, she was the center of the world.

The two had been dating for years and, even though Silverchain was quite a few years older than her, she could never imagine anypony who made her even a fraction as happy. They shared a quick hug that lingered just long enough for the elder mare to rub a hoof between her wings and allow the pegasus a deep smell of that strawberry shampoo she used. When the hug was broken, it left her craving more and the light embers of longing burning in her stomach. Despite what she'd told her coworker, sometimes she wondered how they had such chemistry after so many years.

“So, what made you decide this place?” Jadewing asked before moving to hold the door open for the earth pony, motioning inside.

“You mentioned you wanted some noodles last night, so I decided to look for someplace new.” Silverchain stepped by a few tables before finally stopping and motioning to one. “Let's sit here,” she said casually. There was just a small hint of an order to it, which made Jadewing quickly jump to it and take her seat. Fortunately, her wings were managing to, barely, keep flat on her back.

Silverchain watched her lover for a few moments, before taking a seat as well. She adored the little outings like this one, even if they were short. Sometimes work could be boring, but giving each other something to look forward to made the jobs all the easier. Her eyes stroked over the pegasus' body, scanning over each and every inch of her.

She finally decided what to say. “I see you've polished your badge again, it looks nice. Your uniform looks perfect, as usual.” It brought another flare of red to the other mare's cheeks. She found little compliments like that to be very effective in keeping her lover happy. Celestia forbid the mare ever think the Silverchain was getting bored of her, or failed to notice when she prettied herself up. Besides, it was an easy way to bring joy to her pet's life that had benefits far in excess of the required effort. “How has your day been? Have they changed any of their policies, or do they still have that... silly rule in effect?”

Jadewing groaned and barely managed to keep herself from slamming her head on the table. “It's as bad as ever. Three pages for a new hat. Three. Pages. Whoever okayed this new system belongs in tartarus. I hear it gets really hot and the ponies working those divisions get only a few weeks of vacation time a year.” She looked over the earth pony again. “Sooo, how about you? What have you been doing? How's the shop? Any new clients? Any new toys?”

Silverchain gave a light chuckle. “I'm afraid not, dear. I've mostly been dealing with paperwork as you have. Running one's own ship has its fair share.” She paused at the look of disappointment in her lovers eyes. “However, I may have one new pony interested in fencing their wares. I'll find out later this week. That will mean we have to... test some of their products, of course. I do hope you won't mind.”

Jadewing's wings shot out quickly, making her blush. “T-that would be f-fine,” she squeaked softly, her gaze lowering. She tried to hold back a shudder as she imagined what this new client might sell. Despite Silverchain's respectable, almost school teacher-ish, attire, she was anything but. She was the owner of an adult sex shop, the Pleather-bound Heart. The shop barely broke even on its own, but it did bring her other bonuses. The majority of the income came from setting ponies up, buyers to designers. If there was anything a pony wanted built, special order especially, they could come to Silverchain and she could find the right creator. She made a modest finders fee, of course, but most ponies were so grateful and willing to spend a lot of bits to have their fantasies turned into reality that they didn't mind. Many of the designers were happy to give her the cut as well, considering finding clients could be a difficult task at times. Especially for those who liked to keep their identity secret.

It helped that Silverchain made sure to buy and test the wares of her clients before suggesting them to customers. It tended to end with a night of sweat, passion and Jadewing's loins begging for both mercy and more. New clients were always an exciting time for both of them and it made her wings impossible to lower.

“W-what kind of t-toys do they m-make?” Jadewing asked, squirming in place as she chided herself for the tremble in her voice.

“Relatively tame compared to some we've tried. But not something we should discuss in... such a public venue,” Silverchain said with just a hint of tease in her voice. While she was excited as well, she had long ago learned to suppress her thrills. She'd learned that feigning indifference had a tendency to bring her lover's emotions to the forefront. It brought her such a thrill seeing the pegasus squirm in her seat like a filly caught cheating on a test. The fact her wings were stiff as steel rods made it all the more delicious.

Watching the mare so bothered made Silverchain want to slide out of the booth and sit besides her, kissing, nibbling, stroking that sensitive place just under her chin. To turn those smoldering embers into a raging inferno of desire and lust. Alas, in such a public atmosphere it could cause all kinds of problems at the pegasus' job. She loved the mare far too much to risk getting her in trouble. Instead, she had to settle for watching her squirm and struggle to get her wings under control.

Jadewing glanced up into her lover's eyes and couldn't suppress her own smile. Even though she knew Silverchain thought she suppressed it so well, the pegasus could still see the desire and lust burning behind those cerulean eyes. She wished they were back home so they could adequately display their affection for each other, to stroke and caress each other. Her eyes slowly went down the earth pony's body, stopping for a moment on her elbow, where she knew the mare was quite sensitive. A knowing grin formed on her lips and she was rewarded with just the smallest of red tinging her lover's cheeks. She sometimes wondered if the mare could read minds and could see the visions of her stroking a hoof down between her shoulder blades in that cute little region where wings would be if she were a pegasus. It was a little startling just how sensitive it was for an earth pony.

Jadewing was so lost in her thoughts she barely noticed when the waiter came up to refill their drinks. Funny, she didn't remember downing it, though she wasn't surprised. She felt like she could drink a whole sea at this point. She gave a gentle nod to the questioning look she received from the earth pony. Silverchain ordered for them, before the waiter walked away.

Normally she'd order for herself, but she really didn't feel like talking to anypony but Silverchain right now. Besides, it excited her a little bit, wondering what her lover would choose for them to eat. She'd probably tried in one variation or another everything on the menu, but it still brought a little thrill, the wonder of what she might get.

“You're awfully quiet, is everything okay?” Silverchain finally asked, breaking the silence and making the pegasus jump.

“S-sorry, just thinking,” Jadewing said with a small smile. “How much paperwork do you have? It's not too much, is it?”

“Worry not, my little pet,” Silverchain said softly. “I'll be nothing but attentive tonight. I might have to work on it this weekend, but it should be done by then.”

“If you want, I can cancel my trip and--”

“I won't hear of it,” Silverchain said firmly before reaching out to gently rub her lover's hooves. “I know you've been looking forward to this trip for ages.” A grin spread across her lips. “But, it does mean the world to me that you would offer.”

“But if you're going to be home doing boring paperwork, I--”

“I am a grown mare, I can take care of a little paperwork. Don't fret, darling. It's boring, not difficult. It should be done long before you get home, cancelling a trip over something so trivial would be horrible. Besides, the guilt of making you miss the trip would tear me apart far worse than a few pieces of paper would.” She gently drew the hoof up to place a little kiss on it. “I will be fine.”

Jadewing sighed before giving a little nod. “Fine. But when I get back, I'm helping you with it if there's any left. Deal?”

“Of course, darling. I know better than to argue with an officer.” A grin formed over her lips. “Especially one as cute as you. Now, how about we discuss your work a bit more? I know there's more you want to say. No hiding things from me.”

The pegasus sighed. “Ugh, it's horrible. Ever since they put this new policy in effect, no pony wants to do anything with it. Half the forms are improperly filled out, which means I have to separate the good ones from the bad ones, then track down the ponies who filled them in wrong and get the right information. I think this entire thing is just to justify the sheer amount of bits they spent setting up this new system. As if we don't know the only reason it was used is because the company that designed it is owned by one of the nephews of the mayor. So then I have to spend twenty to thirty minutes finding them and...”

Silverchain sighed as she looked down at the paperwork covering the glass case. The shop was devoid of natural light, the windows across the room covered in thick, heavy curtains. Behind her was a bead draped doorway to the back room. The bulk of the shop was taken up by three large cases, with the two walls on the side covered in shelves as well.

The shelves against the wall, furthest from the door, were lined with assorted porn videos ranging from amateur to the barely legal, all neatly categorized and stacked together. The shelves closest to the door were lined with the more 'tame' toys, or at least more recognizable. Gags ranging from ball to tube. Just past the gags were the hoofcuffs, saddles, gentle flogs, collars, everything a beginner might need for their first few experiences. The three cases were tightly locked and held the more expensive, and oftentimes larger materials. Near the center was a fully put together wooden pony, suspended by metal chains, saddled and properly gagged. From there, the devices just got more elaborate.

The shop was kept nice and cool, keeping anyone from getting too hot and excited. The front case that she was leaning against had some of the tinier, almost jewelry like toys. Cock rings, piercings, clamps and even a chastity belt embedded with gemstones. On top of the counter was a large binder, filled with pictures of custom devices that could be ordered.

Despite the shop's rather risqué nature, the scent was gentle and soothing. A hint of oiled leather was the only naughty thing that could be picked up from the gentle vanilla. She considered the scent just as important as the lighting and temperature. She'd, unfortunately, been to quite a few shops like her own that smelled of nothing but sex and sweat, nearly making her sick.

The door jingled, drawing her eyes up. A young mare, wearing a large jacket and a hoofball cap, quickly stepped inside and closed the door behind her. While it was hardly scorching outside, it was still a hot day and Moriah imagined the jacket must have made the poor mare feel like sizzling hay bacon. Her light red coat and brown mane were soaked in sweat.

Silverchain stacked up the papers and slid them to the side before giving the mare a gentle smile. “Hello, dear, how can I help you today?”

“W-what? Help? O-oh, ummm, no need. I-I'm just browsing. D-don't mind me,” the mare said softly as she lowered the cap over her eyes.

“I see...” Silverchain said warily. “I'll need to see your ID, please.” To her surprise, the mare didn't bolt. Instead she walked forward and pulled out her card and slid it onto the counter. She glanced down to make sure it wasn't fake and the date was correct, before giving a nod. “Very well. Is there anything in particular you're looking for?”

“Err, well, i-it's not for me. I-I have a friend, he's a uhhh, well, err...” The mare shuffled from hoof to hoof a bit. Silverchain noted the small edge poking against the cap. A unicorn. “He's a pegasus and, he uhhh... he wants to try some things. Some new things. It's his first time and, well, errr, he's too shy to get these things himself. So, well, h-he asked me.”

“I see,” Silverchain said with a knowing smile. She stood up straight and put on her confident, dominant stance. “Do you know what your friend is into? What he has been most interested in trying?”

“He's into some really weird things. He saw this video and now he wants to be tied up, saddled and gagged,” she said obediently, quickly reacting to the dominant presence. “I think the entire thing is creepy, but if it makes him happy I'll give it a try.” Her cheeks turned red. “I-I mean, I'll get him the things he wanted.”

“I see. I may have a few things that can help.” Silverchain stepped out from behind the counter to move besides the mare. She stood a little taller than the unicorn, which helped keep her air of dominance. “I am curious why you find it creepy?” She kept her voice calm but firm as she led the mare towards the video section.

“Well, err, no offense. But it just seems like the kind of thing that leads to swinging or sex clubs. Or even dressing like a fairy and trying to have... fun in the woods.”

Silverchain nodded knowingly. “I see, I see. Well, I would be lying if I said it never leads to that, but that is only a group. Many of the ponies that lead to that were seeking that even before hoof.” She reached out to pull a video out. “Now, for many like myself, it is about the trust and faith between the two ponies. Many ponies find it exciting to have somepony that they can be at the mercy of and helpless before, and know they're still safe.” A small grin spread across her face. “As a matter of fact, my own lover finds it quite enjoyable when she's helpless and I test her boundaries. So long as I'm careful not to push her too far, she enjoys seeing how much she can take.”

The mare was aghast, her mouth hanging open and eyes bulging. Silverchain placed the video she'd pulled out into the young mare's hooves. “Here, you'll want this. Free of charge.”

“H-huh?” the mare asked, finally shaken of her stupor. “A tutorial? Isn't this a bit overkill? I was just going to get a gag for a few bucks and try tying him up later.”

Silverchain's eyes widened as the color drained from her face. “P-please... please tell me you did not intend to just use any old rope to tie him up with.”

“Well, yeah. I have some rope from our camping trip, I was going to--”

“NO!” Silverchain said so harshly the mare recoiled. “Don't... not even, no. Heavens child, have you ever felt those ropes? They are coarse and jagged! If you did a knot wrong, likely for your first encounter, you could end up cutting up his skin and seriously hurting him! Not to mention issues with circulation! They are meant to be tied around metal, not a pony's coat!”

The mare shuffled her hooves nervously, now holding the video in her magic. “B-but, it's just rope, isn't it? Isn't it all the same?”

“No, it is not. Hold on one moment.” She turned and trotted towards the door, glancing over the shelves. She stopped when she came to a long row of looped ropes, unhooking one and trotting back over. “Feel this.”

The mare did, before gasping. She unfurled it and tried bending it in all kinds of different positions with her magic. “It's so soft and smooth. Not to mention bendy. Doesn't it break easily?”

“No, not normally,” Silverchain said with a smile of relief at the mare's enjoyment of the new tool. “It's made so it won't damage the skin, unless applied too tightly. It'll also bend and straighten easily, even after repeated use. There aren't any strands to cut into the skin and if you wrap it around more sensitive bits, well... I assure you, he'll enjoy it far more than he would a course rope which would cut into and break the more delicate skin. Especially if he has any desire for you to imprison his penis or balls.” The crude language made the other mare jump. “Now, if you yourself were tied up, which do you imagine you'd prefer?”

“I-I imagine this one,” the mare said with another embarrassed smile. “I guess the other ropes are a bit... uncomfortable.”

“Good. It's fairly cheap, good for beginners. Make sure to keep a pair of sheers nearby and I'd refrain from binding him in anything too complex. Your first time I'd also avoid binding anything... too delicate.” She trotted towards the counter. “I, personally, make sure to always have a pair of sheers nearby no matter what the occasion.”

The mare gulped. “R-really? Is it that dangerous?”

Silverchain shook her head. “When done correctly, no. I've only had to ever use them twice in all my years of experience. Both times were for unrelated reasons.” She glanced down at the row of sheers on one of the shelves. “But when you are the one in control, you're responsible for the safety of the other pony. They sacrifice their movement and freedom to you, it is best their faith is well placed, no?” She gave a gentle sigh. “Now, the ones I carry here are name brand. However, just about any pair of sheers, even from a hardwood store, would suffice. You just need something that can quickly cut through rope with enough precision to not cut the skin. Now, there is one last thing I should warn you about rope.”

The mare nodded, slowly following after the earth pony. “I-I didn't know this was all so complex. What else?”

“Replacement is very important. He'll likely be sweating, especially the first few times.” She grinned. “Not to mention other juices have a tendency to... get on them.” She doubted the mare's face could get any redder after that. “This rope won't last very long, but it should give you both a taste of what to expect and determine if you like it or not. If it gets sticky or smells funny, replace it immediately.” She gestured to the video. “I'm sure you'll both be excited to start, but I'd suggest watching the video together first. Stick to beginner ones the first few times. You're both inexperienced and will be stumbling through things your first times, so it's best you take care and work together to keep yourselves safe. Better than risking some form of... incident.”

“You make it sound so boring,” the mare grumbled. “In the movies it looks so much more exciting.” She whimpered. “I-I mean, the way he was talking about it.”

“That's because you're both virgins at this. You don't just ram it in, the first time. You'll just end up with one pony having fun at the other's expense. Perhaps both of you upset, with a sense of unpleasantness all around. You want to take it slow and easy, ensure you both feel safe and happy. Proper satisfaction depends on it. Once he's bound and you've ensured that he's helpless and safe, well, there are all manners of things you can do to him. Let your imagination soar. For my lover, I simply adore leaving her helpless and bound while I...” She trailed off and licked her lips, the thought bringing a warm glow to her stomach. “Well, that is not to be talked about in front of customers. But I assure you, once he is prepared, there are countless things you can do for either your, or his, pleasure. With experience, you'll be able to try even more things. But it is best to take it slow, so both parties can enjoy themselves the first time. Otherwise, you may never be willing to risk a second time.”

The mare nodded, chewing on her lip for a few seconds before speaking up. “Like... what kinds of things?”

“Well, those are for you to discover on your own. Different ponies enjoy different things.” Silverchain rubbed her chin. “Though, on that matter. Are you familiar with safety words?”

“A little bit. It's just basically saying stop and then I stop, right?”

“Well, yes. However, it is very important that you adhere to it,” Silverchain said firmly. “When they say stop, you stop. You don't say 'just three more minutes' or 'a few more spanks' or even 'just let me grope a little more'.” She paused for a moment. “Though, I advise you to choose an actual safety word. For many, being able to say 'stop' and having it unheeded just makes it more exciting. But the safety word is the final word and cannot be over ruled or ignored. Both for the sake of trust and the safety of the one bound.”

The mare shrugged. “I guess. Frankly, I don't think it'll be hard to stop. The entire thing just seems kind of... creepy to me.”

Silverchain chuckled. “I'd advise keeping an open mind. While it is not something everypony enjoys, for those who find it tickles their fancy sometimes find it to be the most exciting acts they've ever performed. As well as creating a much stronger bond between both members of the relationship. Now, onto the gags.” She held up a small leather strap, attached to two long cords, one at the top and bottom corners. “This will latch around the head and can be tightened as needed. Make sure you keep the nose uncovered as it can hinder breathing. I'd ensure he doesn't have a cold or anything the first time, breathing through the nose is very important.”

“I see. So, that's everything, right?”

“Not quite. One final piece of advice. Make sure you use alternative means of safety words when binding his mouth. He won't be able to say a safety word while his mouth his covered. There are a few dominants I know who don't always use safety words, but those tend to be during lighter bondage times, with a submissive they have known, and loved, for years. Or with unicorns, though many I know enjoy having their magic suppressed as well. For the beginning, I'd be certain to keep something to alert you when he's had too much. A few I know like to use metal balls, usually with some sort of noise making substance inside, that the submissive can hold in a hoof and drop when they need it to stop. The sound is usually loud enough to alert the dominant that they need to be unbound. For a pegasus, you could even leave his wings unbound and when he's had too much, have them flap.”

“I... I see.” The mare gulped and looked around. “Do you have anything like that? The... things to drop.”

“Yes, but mine can be a tad expensive. To be honest, just about any loud, small object will do. I've known a few dominants who even buy small plastic containers and fill them with marbles or beads, which works great on a budget. But, if you want ones designed for the purpose, they're here.” Silverchain gestured towards a small bin under the gags, filled with little colored balls. She walked over behind the counter with a small grin. “Feel free to come talk to me when you're finished.”

She pulled out her paperwork and began writing more notes and information down, as she waited for the mare. It didn't take long and, to her pleasure, the mare had added both a pair of shears and the noise ball to her order. It always made her happy seeing a customer paying the extra money for quality. She rang it up and soon the unicorn was on her way, shuffling out the door with the big, brown, unmarked bag.

“Now it's just time to see if she enjoys it enough,” she mumbled before adding a copy of the receipt to the pile. “If she follows the videos, it should at least be funner than all this paperwork.” She groaned and rested her head on the pile. “But then, what isn't?”

Chapter 3: The second night

Enigma sat on the floor of his apartment, staring outside into the cool night. The sky was clear again and the air was chilly, but he felt so hot it didn't bother him. His cell was laying on the counter, muted. It had rung at least a dozen times today and it took everything he had to finally mute it rather than answer it. She knew. He was hoping it would take longer, but she knew. She was probably angry. If he talked to her, he knew he'd cave. His resolve would melt and he'd be pulled right back to her, like a fish on a hook.

He turned towards the counter and instead admired the newest, most up to date piece of technology in the apartment. A microwave. The fridge was now stuffed with pre-made meals he'd picked up from the store. It wasn't the healthiest food, but just the idea of cooking or trying to go out to eat made his body scream out in objection. Even worse, she knew all his favorite places. She could ambush him at any time. Just the thought sent more pangs of yearning through his heart.

He couldn't help but think of going back. Of crawling on his knees, begging for forgiveness. Telling her that he was an idiot, that he had no idea what he was giving up. As harsh as her words had been, he longed to hear them. To let them tear into him like an old, familiar pain. Instead, he took out a small frozen bowl of noodles and tossed it in the microwave, watching it spin around.

I bet she'd cook something delicious if I came back. She'd always been the better cook. He'd tried cooking a few times, but she said the food had always been bland and tasteless. She never even finished her portion and instead made something herself. He'd even tried taking her out to eat, but she always hated the places he chose. In the end, all the restaurants they ate at were ones she chose. But that was for the best, she was the smart one. His tastes were weird, he probably didn't even know what good food was. He was just an idi--

The thoughts shook him to the core and he collapsed back, resting against the counter. “No. I'm not going back. I don't deserve that. I can't be happy with that. I can, and will fend for myself. I am a grown stallion, not some colt.” He looked up at the roof and sighed. “Even if I have to eat microwave dinners for the rest of my life.” Besides, he never minded his cooking. He didn't think it was bland at all. Once he had the energy he could cook for himself.

He glanced back to the stack of disposable cups, plates and silverware on the counter. I'll to get some real dishes, too. Sponges and soap. Everything to clean. Especially if I want to cook. That'll mean pots and pans. At least I have a stove. He held his stomach and sighed. I can't afford to eat every out every day. I'll HAVE to cook to get by. I'll need to budget. I'll need to work. He perked up and a grin formed on his lips. I can start designing outfits again. She cant get mad at me for it since she won't be here! I used to be pretty popular, there could be dozens looking for a real custom design now. Something to really pour my heart and soul into.

He froze, midway to reaching for his phone, his horn sparkling a little. I haven't designed anything custom in years. What if I'm not good anymore? What if I'm just a wash up? My generic items don't sell nearly as well as they used to. What if she was right, what if all my stuff is just creepy? What if ponies don't want them anymore? What if I only used to be popular? The anxiety redoubled on him and he nearly collapsed, curling up into a little ball on the floor. His horn glowed and the phone slid off the counter onto him. He stared at it. Could he really do this? Try again?

Every harsh word about his designs sprang to mind. Both from her and from poor reviews. What if I'm just a has been? My work probably isn't good enough for custom anymore. I haven't received any custom requests in ages. He gripped the phone in his magic and turned it on. Plenty of missed calls, but one caught his eye. It from his friend, Ironweight.

He grinned and pushed the callback number. Hearing some supportive words could be all he needed. The phone rang three times before it was picked up.

“Hey, Ironweight? It's me, Enigma. I--”

“What in Tartarus is wrong with you?” an angry voice answered back.

“W-what?”

“Prism has been yelling at me all morning. They think I was in on this crap! You leave in the middle of the night and just leave a note?” Enigma mentally kicked himself. Of course, Ironweight was married to Iceprism, who was best friends with his ex. It was how the two had met and become friends, since his ex had insisted that he try to become friends with the stallion. So he could have some normal ones.

“I... I just couldn't...” The stallion felt a foot tall as he held the phone a few inches from his head. “I couldn't stay, she... she always...”

“She what? What could she have possibly done to make you do something so stupid?”

Enigma gulped. “She... she hit me...”

That gave Ironweight pause. After a few seconds he spoke up again. “Like, with a knife? Did she try to stab you? Hit you with a crow bar? A bat?”

Enigma shuffled nervously. “N-no. We were having a fight and... and she slapped me. Across the face and--”

There was a burst of laughter. “Really? A slap? That's what this is all about? What kind of colt gets all whiny about a slap?”

Shame flooded the unicorn and his gaze lowered. “But... but it hurt. A-and I... I was... when she hit me I... I just...”

“Seriously, grow a pair. A slap isn't a hit. You probably deserved it if you're doing this. Besides, I thought you were all into that crap?”

That chilled him to the bone. “What?”

“I always hear the two talking about the weird things you design. All that leather and--” Enigma couldn't hear anymore, the fire building up inside his stomach.

“She told you?!” he roared into the phone.

“Well, she and Prism talk about--” Enigma slammed the phone down as hard as he could, cracking the case and sending the power crystal skidding along the ground.

After all the times she told me how embarrassing my job is, and made me promise to never tell anyone, she's been telling all her friends about it? She told me not even to tell Ironweight, then she goes and does this? Betrayal and anger surged through him. He tried to find something to vent his frustration on, but there was nothing. So instead he dropped down onto his futon and kicked the cushions.

“Right, so my job is too creepy to tell anyone. But no, you just go right ahead and tell all your friends how I'm such a sicko, huh?” he snapped at his pillow, before slamming his head against the futon as hard as he could. Pain shot through his skull as the thin cushion didn't manage to dampen the blow much. The pain shocked him from his anger and he laid there, trembling on the futon.

A few tears formed in his eyes. “H-he's right. It was just a slap. Just one little slap. I-I'm a grown stallion, I should be able to take a little slap. I deserved it. I had to have. Just a slap, not like she hit me.” He buried his head in his hooves. “I deserved it. Now more than ever.” He pulled the blankets and pillows closer.

“He's right. I'm pathetic.” He covered his face in his bedding. “A-a real stallion w-wouldn't have cared that she hit... slapped him. Wouldn't care that he feels scared around her. Doesn't feel safe or loved. That... that wouldn't matter. Shouldn't matter. I'm just too needy, too clingy. Weird. A freak. Never deserved her.”

He unwrapped his head and his horn began to glow. The phone flew over to him. After a second he realized the power crystal was gone. He looked around a few seconds before finding it. Shattered against the side of the fridge. He let out another shriek of grief before burying his head into the covers. “N-not fair. Not fair.” He sobbed before just going limp on the bed.

I should go crawling back. Tell her I'm sorry. That I need her. I was stupid to think I would be happier without her. He rolled onto his back and stared at the roof. She... probably doesn't want me back. She's so mad. I... I'll get a new crystal tomorrow and call her. Find out. If she... wants me back, I'll come back. He hugged the pillow to his chest and shivered. Even though he decided to go back, he couldn't shake the fear and dread, which followed him into his dreams.

Chapter 4: Back on the market

The morning came like a harsh slap in the face to Enigma, the sun peering in from the window to descend on the small stallion. His eyes opened before he rolled over with a groan. His body ached, his throat was sore and his eyes were puffy. Not to mention his mane was a mess. He barely worked up the strength to crawl out of bed and make his way into the bathroom, turning on the shower to cold and letting the harsh icy flow wake him up fully. He quickly climbed out, shivering as he looked at himself in the mirror.

“You are not going back,” he told his reflection. “You are a grown stallion. You have no more responsibility to her. You owe her nothing. You are not crawling back. You may not be able to do much, but you can take care of yourself. You left enough that she should be able to take care of herself. She's not your responsibility. You're not hers.” He leaned forward, resting his face against the mirror and making his horn tap against it.

“Besides. If you go back, she'll yell and scream at you. Call you stupid, an idiot. Tell you that it's normal how she treats you. Tell you how all her friends agree that you're in the wrong and she's an angel for putting up with you. You'll cave, just like you always do. She'll have more power. You'll never get another chance to leave. You'll never have the will or desire again. You'll be with her, forever.” He lifted his head up again and lightly pounded it on the glass. “Never, ever going back.”

He sighed and pulled a towel out of the boxes with his magic, drying his mane quickly. He trotted back into his room and froze. “What... if she's crying now?” Guilt cut him down to the core, twisting like a knife. “N-no. Be strong. Be. Strong.”

He grabbed his phone and his checkbook as he trotted out the door. Okay, first I'll get the phone fixed and call Velvet. See if she has any work I can do. He froze in mid step as a new thought dawned on him. Do I still even have her number? What if I can't get a hold of her? I haven't talked to her directly in... almost forever. Where did I write it down, I must have-- He face hoofed. It's in your phone, idiot. He rolled his eyes and trotted out the door, closing it behind himself. He couldn't shake the worry that he might not have transferred it when he last got the phone. Would his bits last long enough to get a hold of her by mail?

Buying the phone was far more difficult than he'd expected. The second he stepped into the store, the salespony practically had him pinned against the wall, telling him how his current phone was obsolete, useless, needed to be replaced. Why, at least four new models had come out since he'd gotten it and it was almost a year since his current model had been released. He found the pony so persuasive he almost caved and bought it. Fortunately, he didn't have nearly enough bits to waste on such a thing and he was unwilling to take a loan out.

When the battery was put in and the phone came alive, he nearly dropped it when it shook violently at him. Almost a dozen missed calls. He quickly blew by them, deleting the messages and going into his contacts. His heart beat quickly as he searched for his agent's number. He let out a breath of relief when he found it. Velvet. He trotted out into the lot and called it.

It rang three times before picking up. “Hello, Enigma.” He cringed at her use of caller ID. She sounded a bit bored and annoyed. He could hear her going through papers in the background.

“Err, Velvet? It's Enigma.” He mentally yelled at himself. She already knew that. “Are you busy?”

“Yes, I'm working.” There was a sigh on the other end. “If this is about your percentage, I'm sorry but that's what you made. Cookie cutter designs don't sell that well these days.”

“N-no, it's not that,” the stallion said as he moved farther from the street, trying to keep away from prying ears and getting to where it was quiet. He was thankful it wasn't windy. “I just wanted, I mean, I've been... err...”

“Listen, if this is a new design, just send it in the mail. I'll see what I can do, but there's not too much. Ponies want things special if they're going to spare a lot of bits.”

“That's just it. I'm back on the market.” It took a few seconds for the meaning of those words to get to his head. He turned red. “I-I mean, well, my designs. I want to make something unique again. I can make something unique again. I'm... able to do a custom commission.”

There was a pause and he heard the background sounds stop. “Do come again? Did you say you want to do a custom commission? I thought you said you were done with those? That your marefriend despised them?”

“She does. Did. I mean,” he mumbled pathetically as he shifted from hoof to hoof. “She hates them. But we broke up. I... broke up with her. I ummm, I'm kind of hurting right now, so I'll do one at a lower price. Even seventy-five percent cost.” He paused. “And I'd need half up front for materials and... other expenses. If they cover materials too, I'll go down to sixty percent on the other costs. But I need something soon.”

“I... I'll see what I can do,” Velvet said, a small quiver of excitement in her voice. Enigma rolled his eyes and smiled. He wasn't surprised that she was excited. He'd been working with her for years and he knew she took a higher share of the price than she admitted, not to mention she charged more than she told him.

But she also knew how the business worked, how to find customers, how to keep a steady stream of revenue trickling in. Even if she was a bit of a cheat, he needed her. Besides, she was only really cheating him and that didn't bother him too much. He was comfortable and, most importantly, he knew she'd get results and probably keep him from ending up on the streets. Even if he wanted to leave her, he had no idea where to find another agent who could do the work. He cringed as the phone beeped.

“I might have to change my number, though. If I do, I'll make sure to give you a call and let you know, okay?”

“Uh huh, sure. Whatever you say,” the mare mumbled, obviously not listening. “I'll call you when I find a buyer.” She hung up on him.

Enigma chuckled and closed his phone. He felt a little good now. He'd be getting some actual bits soon. I think it's time for a treat. I think... neighese.

Velvet felt her hooves quiver with excitement as she rapidly tapped away on the keyboard with her magic. She could hardly believe her luck, Enigma coming out of retirement. She knew holding onto him during his little no commission phase would pay off. To think she had come so close to just dropping him entirely. The fact he'd been gone for so long and stopped near the peak of his popularity meant she could get a small fortune off the commission. Since he was willing to take such a low cut, it meant all the more bits for her.

Best of all, it was going to be easy. She'd been lucky to find out of him near the beginning of his rise to fame and sink her horn into him before he knew what was going on. He knew next to nothing about what his work was actually worth or how the business operated. Not to mention the laws. That meant she got to set the prices and set how much he actually received. He never even seemed to care, just obediently doing as he was told. He wasn't, technically, her most profitable client, but for the amount of hassle he created for her he was a gold mine. If he was returning to do commissions, she'd have to milk him for every bit he was worth before he stopped again.

The only thing she didn't like was how long it took him to do each one. It usually took a month, sometimes longer, before he'd finish any piece. All of his talk about safety and quality, not to mention design. Artistic types always had something. It meant she could set a huge price, but it also meant she could only get one client at a time. Then again, perverts will pay almost any price for their junk. If they didn't, porn wouldn't be so profitable. And over the years he had been very, very profitable. Once word got out that he was building again, she'd be set to make a small fortune.

A grin formed on her lips. I'll have to make sure the news is released as only a temporary return. They'll pay even more if they think they won't get another chance. For the amount of work she had to do, it was going to be wonderful, she could hardly wait.

Sadly, she still had to find a buyer first. That required her to go through her contacts and seeing who could give some work to the stallion. She'd have to start small, he sounded desperate. Once he had the first commission and a little bit of money saved, that's when she could really go for the higher paying jobs. Word would spread. But if she started too high and took too long, there was no telling what stupid idea the stallion would come up with. You never knew with those creative types. She picked up the phone in her magic and started pulling out some phone numbers.

Silverchain glanced up from her paperwork as the phone started ringing. She reached out and plucked it up, holding it to her ear and put on her sultry voice. “The Pleather-bound heart, this is Silverchain speaking. What fantasy can I fulfill this evening?” She paused and listened, cocking an eye, quickly switching to her business tone. “Yes, this is the pony in charge speaking. Finish Inc? I'm sorry, I'm not really looking for any new marketing at the moment. I'm doing quite-- oh?” She paused for a moment before sitting up. “You heard about me from Lens? Sure, I'll listen.”

She rolled her eyes a few moments later. “Really? Enigma?” She'd heard dozens of ponies with names like that. Enigma. Phantom. Using Z's instead of S's. All in attempts to make them seem more important and mysterious to buyers with more money than sense. If she got ten bits for ever hack job who thought that was all it took to make money in this line of work she could retire. She wouldn't, but she'd have the option. “Listen, I'm not really... wait, what? A few years ago? Hold on, I'll see if I have anything.” She hummed and turned towards her own computer, typing a few things into it. After a few seconds she had him pulled up.

“I have a few things on him, not much. Temporary return you say? How much is he charging?” She nearly dropped the phone when she heard the price. “How much? Is that for one thing or for a whole line of them? Oh, you misspoke, huh?” she said, annoyance leaking into her voice. “Why, yes, that is far more manageable than what I heard. Tell you what, fax over a contract and your number, I'll see if I can find anything for him.” She clicked the phone down before the other mare could respond.

She rolled her eyes and glanced back to her paperwork, then to the computer. “Ehhh, why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?” She slid back in front of it and started looking into what she could find on this 'Enigma' pony.

Unfortunately, she had next to nothing. Plenty of variations of the name, but aside from a few minor toys that she had sold on the side, there wasn't much. He had apparently created one of the gags she'd used on Jadewing a few months back. They'd only used it twice though, so she was far from impressed.

When the fax came in she glanced back towards it and considered just tossing it in the trash. At those prices she doubted she could risk it. She then shrugged and picked up the phone, making a quick call. “Hey, Lens? Oh, sorry. Can I talk to Lens? Thanks.” She waited a few seconds, tapping her hoof. “Ah, finally! I just got a call from somepony's agent. What can you tell me about this 'Enigma'?”

She frowned. “Cute, but jokes aside, I mean the creator. Yes, I'm sure it was clever, wrapped in an enigma. Yes, I get it.” She rubbed her hoof over her forehead. “Onto the matter at hoof?” She leaned back and listened to her friend, barely suppressing her annoyance. Then her eyes widened. “Wait, he made... what? But that was... yes, I've seen it. I've seen that one too. Wait, he made... I borrowed that for Jadewing once! Oh, she loved it. If she ever meets this Enigma she may kill him for making it. Or kiss him. Probably kill him.” She leaned back over her desk and licked her lips. This character was starting to sound a lot more interesting. “And you're sure it's him? Why did he disappear for so long?” She then face hoofed. “I'm sure he wasn't... abducted by griffons. You're sure it's him then? Well... that's just interesting then. Thanks for your help.” She clicked the phone down and glanced at the paperwork for a few seconds.

She then pushed it aside for more important matters. She pulled out a pen and paper and started doodling, clumsily. She'd never been good at it, sadly as an earth pony it was all in the tongue. While her tongue was quite agile for... certain things, she'd never had any luck with a pen. Still, she imagined it would be sufficient. She had to hold herself back from sending her response instantly, a wide grin on her face. Instead she let the other mare stew for nearly an hour before sending her response. Within a few more short calls a price, design and terms had been set. When she hung up the final time her eyes were wide with excitement.

Jadewing was going to be ecstatic. Or terrified.

Enigma groaned in his bed, glancing up at his phone as it vibrated angrily at him. Again. The gentle hum of the microwave filled the room, the only other sound. Once the phone stopped vibrating he reached out with his magic and plucked it up, intending to turn it off again.

His eyes widened when he saw one of the missed calls were from Velvet. He quickly called her back. To his surprise, she picked up on the second ring.

“Enigma?”

“Yes. You called?” he asked nervously, a hint of hope in his voice.

“Perfect. Now, it wasn't easy but I know you needed something quick. I managed to, barely, find you a contract. Now, it's not the best paying, but it should keep you afloat for at least a little while.”

Enigma nodded. “I see. How many bits am I getting?” The microwave went off behind him. He let out a gasp at the answer. “W-wait, really? And that's half up front?”

“Indeed. Now, it'll probably take you a few months to make, so don't get too excited. What they're requesting is... fairly extravagant. But it pays nicely. Do you have a fax machine I can send it to?”

“No. Maybe you can send it in an e-mail and I can print it at the library?” The color drained from his face. “W-wait, no. After last time... no. That's a bad idea.”

“How about this, meet with me tomorrow and I'll deliver it to you personally, okay? Where are you staying?”

He gave her the directions and then she hung up. He gave a soft sigh before slowly clicking the phone down. A request already. Even if Velvet had pulled a lot of strings to get him the job, the fact it happened so fast and they were willing to pay so much filled him with glee. Maybe he wasn't a wash up after all. Sure, he was a bit out of practice, but he was sure he'd figure it all out soon enough.

He hopped up on his hooves and trotted to the microwave. It was going to be wonderful. He opened the microwave and sighed at his frozen lasagna stacked on top of a boiling hot plate. “Okay, that's it. I'm learning to cook.”

Chapter 5: A night apart

Silverchain grumbled as she went through the stacks of paperwork for her business. For a few glorious seconds, she considered just closing the shop. Never having to deal with any of this paperwork again. She abandoned the notion quickly. Even though the shop did little aside from pay for itself, it was the main way she founds clients and buyers. She and Jadewing didn't go to very many events pertaining to their sexual desires anymore, so they met very few from that. Occasionally a friend, client or customer would send others their way, but that was rare as well. Without the shop, she'd have almost no way to actually meet customers. As much trouble as the shop was, it paid for itself in networking.

She considered for another moment just closing the shop, quitting entirely and depending on Jadewing's income. The pegasus did technically make enough for the two of them to live comfortably. Money would be a bit tight from time to time, but they'd get by. Less treats and fun times. But, that too would lead to troubles she didn't want to risk. She'd seen too many relationships torn apart from money. They had been able to keep it a non-issue in their relationship only because of all the work they did on keeping it that way.

While Jadewing received a steady paycheck, it could only support them moderately. However, the shop made very little money, but every few months it got her a commission or sale that gave them a nice influx of bits and allowed them to go a bit wild. As such, they'd set up a joint account that they paid for all the bills and bigger toys with, and each allowed themselves a moderate allowance to which they trusted each other to adhere too. They also allowed each other a present allowance, so they could buy each other special gifts when they wanted.

There wasn't enough paperwork in all the world to make her want to throw off that balance. If she left the shop, all the money would come from her pet. She might become angry and bitter due to feelings of guilt for having to have her pay for everything. Jadewing might start feeling used in a non-sexy way. She'd seen relationships fall apart due to things like that and she just couldn't bear the thought of it. As strong as their relationship was, it was only strong because they both worked very hard to keep it that way. Besides, she loved her job even if she hated certain parts of it.

She paused and glanced out the window, thinking of her little pegasus. Despite the fact it had been nice and warm earlier, now it was cold and raining, the water coming down in thick drops. They'd known the rain was coming, but had planned to get to their camping spot and all set up before it hit. However, they had left late so she doubted they'd succeeded.

Right now Jadewing was probably trying to set up her tent, the rain splattering down as she worked. Every inch of her body coated in liquid. She was probably naked too. Just the thought of her pet working in the rain, mane and coat completely molded to her body, every single movement amplified by the layers of moisture made the earth pony squirm in her seat as her cheeks flooded with color. By the time she looked back to her work, her breath had gotten faster as well.

Oh yes, not stirring up issue in their relationship was definitely worth a little extra paperwork. A whole mountain of it if it meant she got to spend more time stroking and spanking that cute little plot of hers rather than staring as it walked off in a huff.

She looked back at the paperwork and tried to finish it, instead her mind kept drifting back to her little pet. Working desperately to hammer her stakes into the ground, soaked from head to hooves with water dribbling down her form. Those adorable little wings occasionally flicking out to try to get a little bit of moisture off. Her tail up as she tried to keep the damp thing from rubbing against her booty, she so hated getting wet tail for that reason.

From there her mind quickly went to cleaning off the little pegasus. Taking her into the bathroom and slowly soaping her up as the hot, steamy water cascaded down her body. Stroking and exploring every single inch of her as she begged for mercy but received none. She'd start by pinning the pegasus down and running the loofah over every single inch of her. Making sure to get between the feathers too. She'd be gentle, of course. Make her little pet long for it, yearn for it. Burn with desire. Then the real fun would start. She could maybe bring one of their toys in with them, torment her pet for hours. After all, they had a full weekend to make up for.

She licked her lips as she thought of which toy to bring. She cringed as she remembered a few of the toys that turned out to backfire. She thought about the charged hoof mittens she'd bought that had been marked 'safe for water use'. They were supposed to send out weak little shocks into her pet's body. However, when used Jadewing had called them 'less tormenting and exciting' and 'more awkward and annoying'. It, sadly, wasn't the first or last time one of their toys had turned out to be a completely useless flop.

She grinned none the less. That was the beauty of their relationship. For every failed toy there were three more that were successful. And for every ten of those, they could usually find one that was so mind numbingly wonderful that they could spend weeks playing with it before they wanted to try something new.

She leaned back and glanced at the papers. “Well, so much for getting any actual work done.” She got to her hooves and trotted to the kitchen, opening the freezer and pulling out a popsicle. She hoped the cold would help calm her down and remove some of the excitement raging through her veins. She sat back at the desk and tried to focus, the cold treat helping her relax a little.

However, even when it was finished she found herself unable to focus, her mind drifting back to Jadewing with every passing second. Silverchain finally stacked the papers up and slid them to the side, before looking down. “This is your fault, you know,” she told her hips before pulling over a few stapled pieces of paper. It was the purchase order from Enigma, listing all the requirements to design this special toy. She narrowed her eyes as she read through them. Apparently he didn't want the measurements themselves, he wanted to come and measure Jadewing himself. She'd done a bit more research after talking with his agent and was fairly certain he was legit. However, the request sent off all kinds of alarms in her head. What if he wasn't that good or he just used his talents as an excuse to grope her pet? She swore if that was what he was after, she'd make his life a living nightmare. Tartarus had no wrath like the lover of a mare molested.

She then sighed and kept reading. Maybe she was being a bit too hard, though. The stallion made numerous mentions and requests for safety. He had been very thorough in his mentions of any allergies or weaknesses either of them had. Fortunately, neither of them they had anything to worry about, so she wasn't concerned about that. But the stallion had likely been out of practice for a long, long time. It was possible all his requests were just because of nerves and fear of failure. Especially considering the amount of bits he was charging for such a thing.

Though, the more she thought about it the more sure she was that it would be worth it. She couldn't wait. The design was something she'd been considering for a long, long time, but never had a chance to order. Jadewing had a certain kink for being completely exposed and helpless, unable to defend herself. Restrained. She always found it a little humorous considering what she worked in.

Then again, they had played prison guard and escaped, vengeful convict more times than she could count, so perhaps it wasn't too surprising.

She licked her lips and glanced back towards the phone. She doubted there was any reception out where her lover was, but she was still tempted to give it a try. Instead, she pulled out the contract and flipped through to the end, where a few designs had been drawn. Very, very crude designs. While he may have had a great imagination and a thriving talent for naughty creations, an artist he was not. She'd seen better drawings from earth pony foals who were just learning.

Chapter 6: Her return home

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.

Chapter 7: Meeting the girls

Enigma gulped and stared at the house, his eyes looking up towards the roof. It was rather nice. Two stories, though it lacked a garage. The front lawn was small but well maintained and there was a single small tree in the center. The walls were painted a light blue, though it was faded and obviously hadn't been done in a while. He took a slow breath and walked forward, knocking on the door.

After a few moments the door opened and he took a step back. The earth pony mare standing there just stared at him, her eyes narrowed slightly as she eyed him almost curiously. He gave a little squeak, suddenly feeling like a newborn colt staring up at his school teacher. “H-hi,” he managed to choke out. “I-I'm Enigma. I-I was told this was the right address a-and I'm sorry this might be the wrong place I just thought that, s-sorry. I-I can--”

“This is the right place,” the mare said with a small, gentle smile. “Please, do come in.” She stepped aside and motioned him forward. “My name is Silverchain.”

“O-oh, of course. Sorry, I was just afraid I'd taken a wrong turn or gone to the wrong street. Sorry.” he bowed his head politely.

“Are you going to come in?”

“Oh! Right, yes, sorry,” he said before trotting in. The door closed behind him, making him jump. He gulped and looked around at the entryway. It was so... normal. Pictures of this mare and a pegasus against the walls. A small vase of flowers. He could even see the front room with a single couch and the television. Everything about the place screamed mundane and simple, almost casual. He then glanced back to the earth pony. Everything but her. There was a look in her eye. The way she watched him. It was as if she knew she was in charge. Not just of the situation, but of life itself. As if nothing could or would happen without her say so. As if she was in control of everything.

“Do continue,” she said, motioning down the hall. “Jadewing, the pegasus this is being designed for, is located down the hall, second door on the right. She's been waiting. I'd hate to make her wait longer.” The unicorn let out a little yelp and quickly started trotting down the hall. She eyed him as he walked. He was cute, but jumpy. Off balance and awkward. Not clumsy so much as it was as if he second guessed every step he made. It was a little cute, but she imagined it would get very annoying very quickly. She was quickly beginning to doubt this stallion was anything like the creator they had been told of.

Enigma took a deep breath as he pushed open the door with his magic. The light was on in the room, revealing the pegasus laying on the floor. The floor itself had a thin layer of padding over it and the walls were lined with shelves and cases, all filled with different naughty toys. He blinked after a moment and gasped. “Wait, is that what I think it is?”

“Hmm?” Silverchain asked as she came up behind him. “What?”

“That.” He motioned towards a small case. “I remember the pony who made those. The 'animal kingdom audio collection' dildos. The cow goes moo, the chicken goes cluck, the dragon goes rawr. You know, she told me she spent almost three months trying to track down a dragon to get the rawr correct. I didn't realize she still sold them.”

Jadewing giggled, a hoof to her mouth before she got up. “Well, we bought them when they first came out. We never used them, but they were such a cute novelty. Enigma, I take it? I'm Jadewing, a pleasure.”

He nodded, looking her over. “Errr, hi.” He held out his hoof. She seemed to be very fit and something about the way she carried herself gave the impression she knew how to break a pony with ease. Judging by her toned shape, she was probably stronger than the earth pony behind him. Yet, there was something else about her, some kind of energy, a playfulness. She somehow managed to be a lot less intimidating than her friend. “A pleasure. I ummm, I suppose we can start with the measurements. I'll need to start with the legs to make sure I get the--”

“No,” Silverchain said firmly. “Don't tell her what it's for. This is a surprise, I don't want her seeing it until it's finished. Is that acceptable?”

“Huh?” Enigma blinked and looked between them. “I... guess. I can probably do all the measurements as well. I'll just need to find out her range of motion, of course. I ummm... guess I better get started.” His horn glowed and a tape measure, pen and notebook flew out of his saddle bag. “Shall we?”

Jadewing nodded, giving him a little gesture with her head. He walked forward and started measuring. She watched Silverchain and tried not to grin at the look of jealousy on the earth pony's face. Most ponies probably couldn't have noticed it, but she could see the slight tightening in her jaw, the little squint in her eyes, the pressure building in her shoulders. Watching another pony run the tape measure over her was making her lover jealous. A part of her loved it.

Though, she was quickly finding there was nothing to be jealous about. The stallion seemed to be spending more time in his little notebook than focused on her. Once he did the basic measurements he flipped open the notebook and sat down. “I'll need to do some calculations, if you don't mind waiting a little bit?”

“Sure, I'll go grab a snack,” she said before trotting towards the earth pony. She looked up at her and gave a little smile. “So, what do you think? Can he do it?”

Silverchain eyed the stallion for a few moments before shrugging. “I don't know. I'm beginning to have a few doubts. Perhaps we should have started something simpler, to see how his work is. I just didn't want to miss this opportunity.”

“He's very focused,” Jadewing said with a little grin. “I gave him more than a few chances to admire certain... parts of me. He didn't even flinch.” She glanced back to the stallion, lost in his notebook. “He's like in his own little world.”

“Well, he is enjoying himself at least. We'll see how the night goes. Perhaps this will be exactly how we imagined.”

“I hope so.” The pegasus let a grin form on her lips. “Besides, he's kinda cute, too.”

“Not as cute as you, my little pet,” Silverchain said with a little nuzzle.

“Jumpy, too. I bet if he knew I was a cop, he'd wet himself.”

The earth pony chuckled. “Now that would just be cruel, dear. He isn't... quite what I imagined though. He's hardly the most professional pony I've ever met. If this ends up going poorly...”

“It'll be fine,” the pegasus said with a nuzzle. “You've done a lot of work to come up with this. Besides, if he doesn't... hold on.” She looked back to the room. “Hey, Enigma, if you mess up this toy, we're going to break you in half and bury the body in the back yard!”

“Sure, that'll be fine,” the unicorn mumbled. “Don't get too much mud on yourself, I still need to do more measurements.”

“Well... he heard part of what I said, at least,” Jadewing said with a shrug. “Want me to go start supper?”

“If you would be so kind,” Silverchain said before giving her nose a little nuzzle. “This toy will be spectacular, my dear. One way or another.” A hoof slowly reached up to stroke between her hooves. “Then we will play long and... hard. Until you, at least, are quite sore.”

The wings popped out again and Jadewing gave a weak nod. “O-of course. I'll go start dinner!”

Silverchain nodded and watched her pet go. She then walked up behind Enigma and glanced over her shoulder, looking at the things he was writing. It was true, he wasn't an artist by any means. But he was taking very precise measurements and, while many of the drawings were crude, they did get the idea across. She reached out and touched his shoulder.

The stallion yelped and jumped, recoiling from her hoof and holding his face. “I-I'm sorry, I just got distracted I was working on a--” He paused and slowly lowered his hooves. “O-oh. I'm sorry. I was just... errr...”

Silverchain cocked an eye as she watched him. What an interesting reaction. “You do remember where you are, correct?”

“Right, yes, outfit, making now. I'm going to need to get some pleather strips though. Do you have any kind of restrictive garments? Preferably ones that can latch together and restrict, partially, her movement?”

“Indeed...”

“Good.” A protractor flew out of his saddlebag. “Do you know how much endurance she has? How long she can... well, hold certain positions, for how long before it becomes unbearable and starts to hurt?”

Silverchain watched him coldly. She stared into his eyes. He's jumpy. Is he being lecherous, or does he truly need these measurements for the design? If he's trying to take advantage of Jadewing I will crush him like a grape. “For what purpose?”

He opened up the notebook and motioned to a few drawings. “Well, once I get the metal bars in place, I'll need to set up the pulley system. They need to be precise and have certain restrictions, though. Too many restrictions and you won't be able to really touch her once she's in it. Not enough and she might slip if she struggles and yank something out of its socket.” He took a deep breath. “I'm... not sure I'm the best pony for this. I-I mean, I'm kind of out of experience.” He looked down at them. “I... haven't built anything in a while. Something like this might be better left to somepony who isn't as washed up. Somepony more... talented.”

The earth pony just kept watching him, an eye cocked. She slowly reached a hoof out and took him by the chin, making him look up into her eyes. He froze and stared back at her. After a few moments she nodded and let him go. “Very well. I believe you will do fine. If you require any assistance in the crafting, do tell us. We want this to be perfect, as it means quite a lot to both me, and my lover. Do you honestly believe you are incapable of making it correctly, or are you just nervous and doubting yourself due to lack of confidence?”

“W-what?” he asked with a gulp. He started to look away.

“Look me in the eye,” she ordered.

He looked back up and stared into her eyes. He chewed on his lower lip before giving a little nod. “I... I think I can do it. I just... I might need a lot of measurements though.”

“That will be acceptable. Take as many as you need.” She turned and walked out. He watched for a few moments, before blushing and going back to his notes.

Silverchain stepped into the kitchen and let out a smile as she looked to the stove. Jadewing was already browning up some hayburger. “I was thinking pasta tonight, how does spaghetti sound?”

“It sounds delightful. I have... come to some decisions about Enigma. I believe it will be fine and he will create this toy without incident. Though, I will not deny that his methods are strange.”

“Oh? What makes you say that?” Jadewing asked with a grin before looking back.

“A pony like me knows.” She walked over and gave her a little kiss. “But he is a submissive and eager to please. He already doubts himself quite a bit. He will likely break down and have a fit before your new toy is complete.”

Jadewing snickered. “Really? Why do you say that?”

“He was already asking me to find somepony else more worthy to design it. Remember that one pony we met a few years back? Steelbit was her name?”

“Ohhhh yes. She was really jumpy. A lot of fun to play with, too.” She nuzzled the mare.

“Exactly. He had the same look in his eyes. That fear, the doubt.” Silverchain gently stroked her lover's wings. “And what kind of mistress would I be if I couldn't recognize such emotions? I need to make sure to keep them from your mind, after all.”

Jadewing nodded and gave her another nuzzle. “Mmmmm, you do such a good job of it, too. So what do you plan to do?”

“Let him impress us, of course. I'd rather have a pony making it who was desperate to please us, than one who just wanted the bits. His worries will just make him examine everything all the closer and keep a closer eye out for any mistakes. I expect success. In fact, I demand it.”

Jadewing nodded. “Okay. Do you want to invite him to dinner?”

“No. He's interesting for now, but I want to see just how talented he is. Until I'm certain I can trust him, I'd rather he not get too comfortable around us.”

“Okay,” Jadewing said before giving her a soft kiss. “Whatever you desire.”

Chapter 8: Getting to know each other

Enigma couldn't believe how good he was feeling. He scribbled out little lines across his papers as he worked. He'd finally settled on a final design for the toy and was now just waiting for parts. He'd already measured just about everything he needed from Jadewing, all he had to do now was wait for a few of the metal bars to arrive. He was good with pleather and those kinds of materials, but metalwork had never been his forte. Luckily, ordering the parts themselves had been simple and he hoped would be arriving today.

Stacks of papers were up against the wall in the side of the room. It had been a few days since he'd been to see them, but he felt so alive. So many different designs and ideas were flooding his mind. He barely had time to start writing out one before another came to his mind. He was sure most of them would be completely useless, but he was writing each and every one of them down just in case. There was no telling what could happen or what somepony might order. For all he knew one of these quick designs would one day be the basis of a whole new line.

Even if he never built any of these wonderful devices that flooded his mind, he didn't care. He could draw each and every one of them without fear, letting his creative juices flow. He was making enough on the commission he didn't have to worry about his bills for a little bit, either. It was going to be wonderful.

His phone rang and he picked it up without thinking. “Hello, Enigma speaking.”

“Enigma? Is that you?” a voice asked. Her voice. He froze in place and stared at the phone. Every thought and emotion they'd ever shared ran through his mind. He dropped the phone as if it was on fire, staring at it with terror. He got to his hooves and backed away, too scared to switch it off. He could hear her, calling out to him. Yelling. Why won't she just leave me alone? We're done! We're over, I don't want to be with her any more. I can't be with her anymore. No no no no! Hang up, please, please hang up! He stared at the phone, willing her to hang up. Then, mercifully, her voice eventually cut off and he heard the dial tone. He let out a sigh of relief and picked it up in his magic, turning it off.

He looked at his notes, though every creative thought, every design and idea were gone. All he could think about was her. Calling him. Wanting him back. Trying to get a hold of him. He crawled to his futon and collapsed, letting out a weak sob. “Leave me alone. Please just leave me alone. I'm happy. I'm happy!” he screamed. His body was covered in a cold sweat. He pulled the blankets over himself.

A knock on the door made him freeze. It was her. She'd found him. He knew it. She'd somehow managed to track him down and now she was here. She was going to yell and scream at him. Call him a foal, tell him--”

“Equestrian delivery service!” a voice called out from outside the door. Not her voice.

He jumped to his hooves and galloped to the door, pulling it open. A pegasus stood, holding a few long boxes. “Enigma?”

“Yes! Oh yes!” he said happily, quickly signing for them. He took the packages and closed the door. The boxes were torn apart, revealing the long, thick metal poles. It only took him a few seconds to lock them together and then pull them back apart. It took everything he had not to squeal like a child as he grabbed a few large boxes in his magic. He then reached for his phone and paused. He stared at it, before slowly pulling his hoof back.

He walked out the door, leaving his phone behind.

Silverchain frowned as she pulled the door open. “What are you doing here? Why didn't you call first?” She almost instantly regretted her harsh tone as the stallion recoiled and looked at her pathetically.

“My... phone broke,” he mumbled softly. “I thought it would be okay, since I told you they'd come in today. I'm sorry...”

“You should have used a pay phone at least,” she said, before giving a slow nod. “But, we all make mistakes. Come in.” She stepped aside and let him in.

“I'm sorry. Is she here?”

“No, I'm afraid not. She will be home soon, however. If you'd like to begin setting it up?”

“Of course. It will be a while before it's ready, but I can begin work now. This was the only thing I needed.” He trotted into the toy room and started setting up the metal rods. They locked in perfectly, so tight they didn't even jiggle when he shook them and threw his whole weight into it. They made a wall-less box, with only the bottom and top having bars all along them to make squares. “I should be able to do this without... well, having her here. But...”

“Yes?”

“If she's here to test it, I can do better calibrations. Make it safer.”

“Could you adjust it after finishing it?”

“Well, yes, I suppose. I'd have to move the limiters, but--”

“Then please do it in that way.”

He nodded and got to work, pulling out the things needed. “Do you know how to make proper bondage ropes? Some pieces of this will have to be replaced as time goes on, due to use. Most of it will be fine, but, well, the pleather strips especially.”

“I can make more as needed,” Silverchain said with a smile. “I have a fair bit of experience in making my own. Though I only rarely do it. It should be simple enough.”

“Oh, okay. Thanks.” He got back to work, measuring things out and humming softly as he worked.

The earth pony watched him. After a few moments she spoke up again. “Is something wrong?”

“What? No!”

“You seems very... tense.”

“I-I'm fine.”

“You're lying.”

He flushed and shuffled his hooves a little. “I just... had a bad call before I came here.”

“A bad call? Is that why your phone is broken?”

His cheeks burned bright red and he nodded. “Y-yes.”

“Is it financial problems? I do believe our payments should have--”

“No! No no no! Nothing like that,” he said quickly, waving his hoof. “It was personal. My ex. She... called me.” He shuddered. “And I wasn't paying attention and answered. I shouldn't have answered. I shouldn't have. Should have let it go to voice mail.” He closed his eyes and took a few deep, long breaths as he tried to calm himself, before opening his eyes again.

She watched him, staring at the haunted look in his eyes. He was sitting with his knees and legs scrunched up as he worked, instinctively trying to take up as little room as possible. “Not a... pleasant break up?”

“No, I ra... I...” He coughed and shook his head. “It wasn't... it wasn't pleasant.”

“She still angry?”

“In a manner, yes. She has every right to be. I was a horrible colt friend. Just awful. She'll do much better now that I'm out of the way.”

“And she called you?”

He nodded. “I kind of... I was a really bad colt friend.”

She watched him work. His hooves were shaking as was his horn. He still cut the pleather straight. “How long ago was this?”

“Not long. A few days before you made this order.”

“Do you plan to go back to her?”

“No! Yes! I... I don't know. No. No I won't. I can't, I don't...” He sighed. “It's hard to explain.”

“Try me,” she said softly as she eyed him. Her eyes narrowed, just a little. She'd seen this type of behavior before. The shaking. The cowering. It was rarely good.

“I just... didn't feel safe around her. I-I mean, I know that's a stupid reason to leave. I'm a colt, she's a mare, if anypony should be feeling unsafe it's her. I-I mean--”

“Why, are you violent?”

“W-what?”

“Are you a violent pony?”

“No.” He shook his head. “Well, I mean, sometimes I punch my pillow. That's kind of violent.”

“Then why should she be scared of you? Did you threaten her? Hit her? Torment her?”

He shook his head. “No. Why would I?”

“Then why should she be scared of you?”

He gulped and cringed as he cut the strip of pleather a little too tight. “Because... I'm the stallion. I'm... well, the... I shouldn't be scared of her. Mares are... and stallions are... I'm the stallion so I shouldn't be scared of her.”

Silverchain nodded. “I see. Did she ever hit you?”

He cringed then. After a few moments he shook his head. “N-no. She never hit me. That... wasn't a hit. I was just being too much of a cry foal.”

“I'm sorry?”

“Nothing.” He started working on another strip of pleather. “Can I work in peace, please?”

“Of course. Would you care to join us for dinner?”

“W-what?”

“Would you care to join us for dinner? I imagine you'll be working on that thing for quite a while and I'd hate to have to eat in front of you.”

He gulped and gave a small nod. “That sounds delightful. I ummm, I'm allergic to pumpkin.”

She paused and nodded. “Well, that is fine. I do not believe we were having pumpkin tonight. Do carry on, I must go start dinner.”

“O-okay! Thank you!” he called back.

Silverchain walked into the kitchen and hummed softly as she started molding the hay patties. By the time they were ready and on the stove, she heard the front door open. “I'm in here, dear!”

Jadewing came up behind her after a few moments, nuzzling. “Missed you. How was your day?”

“Good. Very good. Stay out of the toy room for now.”

“Awwww, am I in trouble? Did I do something wrong? Sorry!”

“You're not in trouble,” Silverchain said before turning to her lover. She looked her straight in the eye. “Enigma is in there making our new toy and I do not want you to look at it until it is finished.”

The pegasus perked up, her wings going up. “Ohhhh! That just makes me want to look more, why don't I--”

“You can go in there if you want, I won't stop you. I merely... do not want you to.”

The pegasus wilted. “That's... not fair.”

“What? I am merely stating that I would be... disappointed in you.”

“That... is so fighting dirty. Fine! I won't look. But it better be worth it.”

“It should be.” She turned back to the burgers. “I've invited him to dinner as well. Go change, would you?”

“Ohhhh, I'll put on--”

“We are not attempting to woo him or get a discount.”

“Oh. Well, nothing then. Do I at least get a hug?” she asked sheepishly.

Silverchain nodded before turning to wrap her legs around the mare. “Of course.” She placed a soft kiss on her cheek before letting her go. “You can, of course, still dress up for me.”

“Ohhhh! Of course,” the pegasus said with a little wink before trotting off.

Enigma gently nibbled his burger, occasionally glancing across the table at the two hosts. Silverchain was a vault, he couldn't begin to imagine what she was thinking. Occasionally she would look at him, but her expression never seemed to change. Jadewing, on the other hoof, was the exact opposite. At least, he assumed she was. He found his eyes drawn to her more often as she talked about her day. From what he could figure out, she worked in a department store. The sleek, black dress she was wearing made him imagine it was a nice store.

“So they added yet another form, another one! Can you believe it? Now every time one of the vehicles get so much as a tiny ding on them, bam, another form they have to fill out. Celestia help us if there's a scratch that isn't reported. Sometimes I wish more things happened in this city, at least then they'd spend less time giving busywork to us.”

Enigma glanced down at his burger, afraid to speak. What if he said the wrong thing? What if she'd only invited him to be polite? She'd never invited him before. Was it because what he said about his ex? Was she trying to decide if he really was violent? What if she was going to fire him? He'd already spent most of the advance on the materials. He needed the rest to survive. What if this dinner was all a test to decide if he was worth working for them?

What if there was another thing she wanted made? Or what if she was trying to get him to like her more, so he'd give a discount? What if he was doing a bad job and she was mad at him and this was all an elaborate ruse to make him feel bad and work harder? He was already doing his best, he couldn't do any better. He wasn't talented enough. He was too out of practice. He hadn't build anything this elaborate in years, even now it was taking everything he had to avoid ruining it.

“I think you're doing an excellent job so far,” Silverchain said.

“W-what?”

“The device. I think it looks marvelous. I cannot wait to use it on my little lover. I know she is excited as well,” the earth pony spoke in a calming, matter of fact tone. A hint of red crawled up the pegasus' face.

“O-oh, thank you. I am a bit out of experience, but I'm trying my best. It should be perfectly fine for her. Safe and everything.”

“That's good. Tell me, Enigma, what is it that got you into designing these outfits?”

“W-what?”

“How did it come to be? What made you decide to make them?”

He blushed. “It's... silly. Really silly.”

“So? I would not have asked if I didn't want you to tell.”

He gulped and gave a small nod. “I... I suppose. Well, it's... it started when I was a colt.” He took a slow, deep breath. “Not all of this, I mean. I didn't do these outfits until... later. But I was kind of...” He nudged his plate a bit. “I just always felt... helpless. A lot. When I was a kid. Like... I couldn't do anything to be safe. Couldn't... protect myself. Wanted some pony to protect me. Wanted somepony I could trust to help me.” He gulped. “Sometimes I felt like I deserved to be hurt. Bullied. Things like that. I thought up little... ways to hurt myself.” He shook his head. “N-not kill myself! I wasn't suicidal! I mean, I... well... I was a little but I never had the courage to ever...” He sighed and lowered his eyes again. “I thought I could do it with dish soap. I never did it, and even if I had it would have only made me throw up. But I just... I thought I deserved to be hurt. I made up special outfits. Things. I drew some of them. They were quite elaborate. I wanted to... find somepony I could trust to show them to. Who I could... trust to use them with. Somepony who would hurt me like I felt I deserved, then decide I was... good. Like I had gotten what I deserved and could be loved then.” He sighed. “It's silly, I'm sorry.”

“No, feel free to continue. As I said, if I didn't want to know, I would not have asked.”

“W-well... I got older and I ended up actually making some of them. I... made a friend who was an amazing designer at the time. She helped me make some of them, but she honestly didn't want to be known for her arts. So everything was listed under my name and she really helped me to learn everything. I started getting a bit of a reputation through word of mouth, then my agent found me. I've been working for her ever since.”

“Oh? And where does your ex come into this?”

The burger dropped from his magic and he locked in place.

“I'm sorry, was that too much? I don't mean to pry.”

He took a deep breath and shook his head. “N-no. It's... it's fine. I d-dated her in college. We were... very close. She was... okay with what I did at first. I think she wanted me to become a fashion designer, though. I took the classes, but my skills were always in the... toys section. It was what made me happy. I don't think she liked that after a while.”

“Oh? Why not?”

“She said it was creepy and... she just...” He lowered his head. “I... I don't want to talk about her. Please.” He felt like he was going to cry and he struggled to hold it in. “C-can I go use the restroom?”

“Yes, down the hall on the left.”

He nodded and got up, trotting away quickly.

“He's going to go cry, isn't he?” Jadewing asked softly.

“Indeed. We'll pretend not to notice, of course.”

“Of course.”

“He is an interesting pony, though. He is going to need quite a bit of help.”

“He needs to see a therapist,” the pegasus mumbled.

“Most definitely. Perhaps we could suggest one to him. I think we still have the number of the one Pettycoat was seeing. He seemed like quite the interesting stallion.”

“Won't that upset him more? Maybe we should wait until after he finishes? If we tell him now, he might get upset. Especially since he'll still have to finish the toy.”

Silverchain nodded. “I suppose. Shush now, he's coming back.”

Enigma came trotting back, a smile on his face. He'd wiped all the tears away and was certain he'd managed to get all the moisture off his face. He was certain there was absolutely no possible way they could tell he had been crying. “Sorry about that, sometimes drinks just go right through me.” He sat back down and started picking up the remnants of his burger. “So, how did you two meet?”

Silverchain smiled. “Oh, I'm afraid our story is quite standard. We met through work. My work, to be specific.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. Jadewing visited my little shop, searching for a few little toys for her and her coltfriend.”

“Wait, coltfriend? I thought you were into mares?”

The pegasus snickered. “I'm bi, actually. So is Silverchain. I was trying some new things at the time and she showed me how to reallllly get rough and wild with someone. I was just getting into being a dominatrix at the time.”

Enigma gulped and nodded, his cheeks flaming red. “Y-you were... t-the dom? I figured... well... I mean, I errr...”

“I am the dominant one in our relationship,” Silverchain said with a smile. “Or the top, or whichever term you prefer. Jadewing, on the other hoof, tends to prefer to switch on her preferences, though she is usually my bottom.” She leaned over to nibble her lover's ear. “Are we making you uncomfortable?”

“W-what? No, it's, errr, fascinating. I've never known any ponies who... I-I mean, never...”

“Really? I imagined plenty of your clients would be in such relationships. Or do you usually get one time users who use your wares?”

“Yes! I mean, no. I mean, errr, I don't usually talk with them much. I usually just... do the job and leave.”

“Why? Do you find it embarrassing talking to ponies about their desires?”

He shook his head. “N-no. I've just never... I mean...”

“Really? I'd imagined plenty of your friends might have discussed this.” A grin formed on her lips. “You do have friends who were interested in this kind of thing, do you not? Ponies you can talk to?”

“N-not really. Most of my friends tended to be her friends. She didn't want me talking about these things to them. None of them even know I do these kinds of things.”

“What? That's just silly. It's your job, isn't it?” Jadewing asked, cocking an eye. “What did they think you did?”

“Designed clothing,” he muttered. “She told me to tell ponies that.”

There was silence for a few moments, the only sound the ponies eating their meals. Finally, Silverchain looked up at him, staring into his eyes. “I see. It all makes sense then. Why I've heard such... interesting things about your designs.”

“W-what? What does?”

“You've always been an outsider looking in on this life style, haven't you? No pony to discuss it with, not allowed to talk about it. No way to explore it, except for in your own mind. I imagine you've thought of all kinds of interesting designs that you've longed to try. Ones that you would have given anything to try, if your mare friend would have allowed you to.”

Enigma cringed. “I-it wasn't... like that. I mean, she just found it creepy. She had every right not to like it if she didn't,” he muttered. “It's not like... she wasn't holding me back or anything. She just didn't want to try it. That was her decision. Me trying to make her would have just been selfish of me.”

Silverchain nodded. “Indeed, it would have been. Anypony has the right to deny any sexual activity they don't feel comfortable with. But sexuality can be such a big part of any relationship. Having to suppress that side of yourself for so long can't have been easy. Many ponies wouldn't have endured it.”

“Leaving over something like that would be stupid...”

“Not all relationships are meant to be. If you have to hide the pony you are, then what hope is there for the relationship to truly blossom? If you can't be yourself around the pony you're supposed to be closest to, how can you ever be yourself at all?”

Enigma shrugged. “I guess. She was... really good though. Lots of things. She... let me make stuff. She just didn't like it. That was okay.”

“I never said it wasn't.”

He nodded and nibbled his burger.

“But that doesn't mean you'd be in the wrong for not wanting to be in that kind of relationship.”

“T-that isn't why I left,” he said, lowering his head. “I-is this why you brought me here? Why you asked me to join you to dinner? So you could interrogate me about my past relationships? It just didn't work out, okay? I wasn't happy, I was miserable. I just wanted out so I ran, okay? Are you happy now? I'm just a coward who runs from things that scares him!” He glared at her. She stared back. She never seemed to blink, she just kept staring and watching him. It didn't take long before he closed his eyes and crumbled. “W-what do you want from me? What do you want me to say?”

“Nothing. You never had to say anything you didn't want to.” She paused. “And there is nothing wrong with fleeing a bad relationship. Sometimes they aren't meant to be. If fleeing was the only way to escape... then fleeing is the right decision.”

“Fine, whatever,” he muttered. “Thank you for dinner. I... think I want to get back to work. Okay?”

She gave a nod and he jumped to his hooves and galloped from the room as fast as he could, leaving the door swinging lightly behind him.

“I think you made him a bit uncomfortable,” Jadewing said.

“Perhaps,” Silverchain said before taking a sip of her water. “I merely stated the truth. He should feel no shame in escaping a relationship that he was scared of.” She paused and looked to her pegasus, before leaning in to give her a gentle kiss on the cheek. “I would certainly hope you never feel our relationship is scary, or that you had to flee from me.”

“I sometimes find you scary, but only in a fun way,” Jadewing said before giving a nuzzle. “Like a good horror movie that you know can't happen but sometimes it's fun to believe.” She lightly fell into her lover's hooves. “Oh no, I've been captured by the evil spirit of Silverchain! Whatever shall happen to me now, eeeee?”

The earth pony snickered. “Mmmm. I believe some punishment is in order for... let's say... donning my thousand year old cursed chastity belt.”

The pegasus snorted. “You really think I'd put on a thousand year old chastity belt? Who knows where it's been?”

“Only the spirits know. But you'll know where it'll take you soon enough.”

“Eeek!”

Chapter 9: Returning for dinner

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.

Chapter 10: Representing him

Enigma sat at the table and smiled sheepishly at the two. A delightful vegetable salad, filled with cut up other vegetables and croutons, sat in the middle of the table. “I'm sorry it's nothing too fancy,” Jadewing said with a smile. “We've just been eating a lot of high fat foods lately, I thought this would be good.”

“I-it looks wonderful,” he whispered softly. He swore the two kept looking at each other, having a silent conversation. He had no idea what about. His plate was soon piled high with lettuce and other vegetables and he gently nibbled at it. “What sauce is this? It tastes good.”

“Home made sauce my mother taught me how to make,” Silverchain said gently. “I've taught Jadewing. She's gotten quite good at it. I believe she's even better than I am at it, now.”

“Oh, you flatter me,” the pegasus said with a giggle. “Sooo, what kinds of things did you see? What did he show you?”

The earth pony chuckled. “We talked some more about his relationship.” He froze, closing his eyes and trembling. “But I did see a few of them. They looked interesting.” He let out a sigh of relief. “I was particularly interested in the little... neck and tail one. What was that... thing in the middle?”

“Oh, that was just a little metal quick release device,” Enigma said quickly. “The device itself, well, it could be dangerous if it got too tight. Pulling on the tail and head like that. It's supposed to cause a little pain, but if set up wrong, or if some weight got applied, it would automatically release once too much pressure was put on it. Though, it would mean the wearer could take it off at any time, if they lean forward too much.”

“An interesting idea,” the earth pony said. “Though it seems like it could break easily.”

“Better a broken toy than a broken lover. It's a simple design though, nothing too difficult. I also had another one in mind. Kind of like a... well... I once had these pairs of electric hoof gloves. I thought they were neat, and I was thinking I could do something like that, but a full suit.”

“Oh please no,” Jadewing groaned. “Safe for water use my flank.”

“I-I'm sorry?” Enigma said softly.

“We've had those gloves before,” Silverchain said with a chuckle. “The idea is interesting, but in practice we didn't much enjoy them. But for some customers, who knows? What else did you have in mind?”

“W-well, errr...” He looked to Jadewing. “I... I mean, the thing you're having me design is a bit... I was thinking a mobile version of that. It might... be hard, not as restrictive. But, it could...”

“Allowing my little pet to walk around the house in such a thing? I think that is quite an... intriguing thought. What do you think, darling?”

“I think I want to see this device you're making now,” the pegasus grumbled, blushing into her salad. “What else do you have?”

“Lots of little things, I can show you after the meal,” he mumbled softly, giving a weak smile.

“I'd like that.” Soon, the meal was finished and the dessert was brought out. “Wow, you got so much of it! You really didn't have to go all out like this.”

He shook his head. “O-of course I did! You have both been so nice, letting me join you for meals, letting me come over and talk. I mean, I-I wanted to.” He nervously wiggled in his seat. “I hope I got enough.”

“You got plenty,” Silverchain said with a knowing smile, before giving Jadewing a wink. The other mare giggled as they dug in. Soon, they were full but plenty of the dessert remained.

“You two can have it, really,” he said quickly. “I brought it for you, anyway. So umm, the left overs should stay here.”

“You are too kind,” the earth pony said. “We'll clean up the dishes and then join you in the main room, okay?”

“I-I can help, I--”

“That's quite alright. We can handle this.”

“But--”

“Go,” she said firmly. He let out a soft yelp and scampered off.

Once he was out, Jadewing chuckled and turned to her lover. “You completely called it, all of it.”

“Of course. Was there every any doubt?” Silverchain asked before trotting to the cabinets and pulling out some containers. “However, I do think we should make him some to go. I think he'd appreciate it. I doubt he is eating right where he lives now.”

The pegasus nodded and helped, breaking the remains of the meal up.

“I should also let you know,” the earth pony said with a sigh. “I... did flirt with him. Just a little.”

Jadewing froze. “W-wait, you did? But I thought--”

“I know. I should have held off. But it felt like the right thing to say at the time.” She glanced to her lover. “I asked if he'd ever called anypony master or mistress. Or if he wanted to.”

The pegasus went slightly wide eyed. “I... see. What did he say?”

“Nothing. He froze, then dinner was ready.”

“Froze?”

“Completely locked up. It's a shame, I was curious what his answer would be.” She leaned in to give her lover a nuzzle. “You aren't upset, are you?”

“A little. I was going to make the first move,” she said with a light snort before nuzzling back. “But... I guess it's fine. He's cute. Interesting. But didn't you want to wait until after he was done with the device to get his interest?”

“He's working fast,” Silverchain said with a chuckle. “But, yes. I suppose I should try being more patient. I'd hate to scare him off with the job half finished.”

“Of course.” Jadewing pulled back and helped put the food away. “I'm only going to get mad if you ever decide you like him more than me.”

The mare snorted. “I do not believe anypony, mare or stallion, could compare with you.” She nuzzled the other mare's nose. “I can promise that. Besides, if we invited him... it would be different for him. After all, he'd have to be subservient to you as well. I believe it's been a while since you've been a top.”

Jadewing nodded, a grin on her lips. “True, it would be fun to try some of those toys on somepony else for a change.”

Silverchain froze for a moment, her smile wavering. Her tone turned soft. “Jadewing, you know if you ever need me to be your--”

“Don't,” the mare said with an uplifted wing. “We've tried you being the bottom. It's never fun for either of us.” She gave another nuzzle. “That's fine, we're both okay with it. I always have fun being under you, so there's no need to force yourself to do something you don't enjoy.”

Silverchain nodded before giving the mare a little nuzzle. “I know. But I... don't ever want you to feel I don't care about you. That I don't want you to be--” A hoof was placed to her lips.

“I have never, not for even one second, believed that you wanted anything but the best for me,” Jadewing said with a smile. “I know how much you care for me. How much you love me. I am never, nor will I ever be, upset about the fact you like to be on top only.” She gave another nuzzle. “Besides, you're much better at it than I am and you know how much I love it when you teach me.”

The earth pony gave a little nod, her cheeks red slightly. “Of course. You're such a marvelous student, how could I not show you every skill I know?”

“Exactly.” The pegasus slowly pulled back. “Besides, I know why you're interested in him anyway. I know how protective you are.” She gave a wink. “Wanting to keep others safe is a very attractive quality in a mate, you know.”

Silverchain gave a little snort. “Says the cop.”

“Hey, even cops want to be protected sometimes. We're not all run in, guns blazing.” She then sighed. “Besides, I'm not even really allowed a gun any more. Do you have any idea what the paperwork is to get my gun out of my locker? I have to sign for the gun itself, then all the bullets, make sure each one is cataloged when I get off the shift. Celestia forbid I try to bring one of my home guns on duty. There's a seventeen page form for that! Seventeen!”

Silverchain chuckled and reached out to pat the other mare's head. “I know. And I do enjoy keeping you safe.” She paused. “Well, except for from me.” She grinned. “I do so enjoy being the escaped felon to your prison guard. That's going to be something we're going to be playing all the time, darling. Once this is done.”

The pegasus gave a little whimper. “R-really?”

“Oh, yes. You've been locked into the cell with me due to a clerical error. And I'm going to have a lot of fun tormenting you.” She teased.

Jadewing giggled. “Really, a clerical error? You know that wouldn't really happen, right?”

Silverchain nodded. “Of course it would. For this is kinky naughty land, where naughty little cops like you need to be disciplined.” She leaned in closer, making the other mare yelp as they kissed.

Enigma hummed softly as he went through the designs. He sighed and set some of them aside, shame filling his cheeks. Why did he even bring all of these? Half of them were worthless, even he could see that. They were just the work of a depraved mind. Silverchain was right, he wasn't a part of their community. He had never even been tied up, how could he even begin to understand how it worked? He was just an outsider looking in and hoping to be accepted.

But why would they ever accept him? He'd only ever been with one mare and even then they'd only done things on occasion. The kinkiest they'd ever gotten was with a few strawberries and whipped cream. Even that had just ended with them having to do the sheets early and her yelling at him for being so clumsy.

He sighed and considered tossing them all away. It wasn't right for him to show anypony these. It wasn't right for him to design any of these. But he wanted to be. He wanted to call somepony mistress. His cheeks turned red as he thought about the other side of the coin. Would he have been okay calling somepony master?

“What are you doing?” Silverchain asked, making him jump and scatter the pages all over.

“What? Nothing! Nothing bad, I swear! I was just, there was, things and I--”

“You were staring at those pages so hard I thought they might burst into flame,” Silverchain said calmly as she walked around the room, picking the pictures up. She left out the fact he looked like he was about to cry. “Now, shall we?” She slid in besides him, Jadewing moving to her other side.

“S-sure,” he said with a little nod. One by one they went through the designs, the two occasionally giggling at some of them. A few of them were just unfeasible. At least not without a stronger unicorn, possibly an alicorn. He had nowhere near the magical power nor the knowledge on how to design some of these things or make them work properly. But they had looked like fun.

But after almost an hour, the stack of papers had been reduced to a small hoofful of ones they were interested in. From there, two were selected and placed on the table. One was a special kind of hoof lock that allowed the pony to move them, but other things got tugged on when they did. The other was a small pleather outfit with tiny little triangles on the inside to torment the wearer.

“Those would be simple to make,” Enigma said with a nod. “It shouldn't be an issue, if you'd like to talk to my agent she can--”

“Why?”

“I'm sorry?”

“Why involve your agent? If we pay you directly, can't you do it for cheaper and receive more of the bits?” Silverchain asked with a smile. “Besides, isn't it the agent's job to set you up with jobs, not get paid for jobs you find on your own?”

He stared for a moment before nodding. “I... guess? Errr... what's... fair?” he asked weakly.

She looked down at them. “Let's see... the pleather would be a bit spendy, though the others would probably be a bit more. The enchantments could be quite atrocious.” She licked her lips before finally nodding and leaning in to whisper in his ear.

His eyes bulged at the number. “W-what? In BITS? Are you mad? I could see... well... what?”

Silverchain cocked her head to the side. “Really? It's only about a fourth of what we're paying for the current design, and that would be for both of them. You--”

“Y-you're paying four TIMES that for the...” He glanced to Jadewing. “Toy I'm making? But that's... you think my work is worth that much?”

Silverchain nodded. “Indeed. Didn't your agent inform you?”

He shook his head. “N-no. She usually just pays me and I... she's really charging that much?”

“You really aren't aware of what your agent is charging for your services?” Silverchain asked harshly. “You are aware that this mare speaks for you, are you not? Anypony who tries to buy your services goes through her. And yet you keep yourself innocent of how she does her business?”

He blushed and lowered his eyes before giving a nod. “Y-yes.”

“Then you are a foal.”

He hung his head. “I-I don't, I just... she knows the business and I--”

“You hide behind your ignorance like a shield. Your name will end up being dragged through the mud because of this. There is nothing shameful in asking another pony for help, but it is foalish to not at least try to understand where this help comes from.”

He gulped and nodded. “I... I just--”

“But then, I am just one of your customers,” Silverchain said with a sigh. “If this is how you wish to run your business, that is fine. But do not expect any pity when this one day blows up in your face. And it will.”

He nodded, gulping. “I-I guess. I, errr, h-half of t-that for ummm, b-both would be fine.” He weakly poked his hooves together and squirmed in his seat.

Silverchain watched him for a few moments before nodding. “Very well. And you do understand that I do not, in fact, think you are a bad pony. I apologize if my words were too harsh. But you should not allow other ponies to speak for you if you do not know what they are saying.”

He nodded. “I know. It's just... hard to do it otherwise. I need her to--”

“If she has so much more power over you that you are afraid to ask what she is doing, perhaps it is time you tried to find a new agent. One you can be more equal with.”

He gulped and nodded. “But... I am equal with her. I mean, I supply the designs. A-all she does is find me the clients. She's not using me, if anything, I am using her. I-I don't know how any of this stuff works or--”

“Then you should discuss it with her. If you hold all the power, then you shouldn't be afraid to use it for what is right.”

He nodded meekly. “O-okay.” He picked the designs up in his magic and flipped through them. “Yeah, I can make these no problem. I-I'll do my best after I... finish everything...”

She nodded. “Very good. Now, is there anything else you'd like to discuss?”

He shook his head. “N-no, I can leave. Sorry, I didn't mean to--”

“You wish to leave so soon? Why? Are we not enjoyable company?”

He shook his head quickly. “No! I mean, yes, you are very enjoyable. B-but you're... I mean, business is done so--”

“Would you care to stay and watch a video with us?”

“W-watch a video?”

“Not naughty,” Jadewing said with a chuckle.

He gulped and gave a little nod. “W-well, actually, that sounds quite nice. I haven't... sorry. Thanks.”

Silverchain trotted to the television and turned it on, before popping a video in. After a few moments the three were laying comfortably on the couch, relaxing.

Emigma stared at the contract on the ground besides him. He'd been over it half a dozen times and, he was pretty sure, there would be no problem with what he was going to ask. In fact, the contract made no mention of him having to ask anything. He took a deep breath and called the number.

“Hello, Enigma,” a voice asked after the third ring. “Are you finished with your commission already? I thought it would take longer.”

“N-no. It's almost done, but that's not why I'm calling,” he said weakly. He could do this. He would do this. “I need to... talk with you about something.”

“What?”

“I... want to know the rates you charge people for my commissions. The full rates.”

There was a few moments of quiet, before the woman spoke up. “What?”

“I want to know exactly how much people are paying for my designs. How much you're charging them. I want--”

“Enigma, honey, what are you going on about? Why do you need to know that? I mean, sure I could send you the information, but why do you need it? It's just busywork. Stuff you don't need to worry about. Come on, what's this really about?”

“I-I was talking with Silverchain and... and I found out how much you charged them for the design.”

There was a long, almost dangerous pause from the other end. Finally, she spoke up. “You asked them?”

“N-no. I was just showing them some other things and... i-it came up. I didn't... realize you were charging such... large commissions.”

“Listen Enigma, this is a business. I find you business, you get paid, it all works out. Now, I don't think--”

“My devices aren't worth that much!” the stallion shrieked. “A-and I've been looking into what an agent's normal cut is, t-this is so far beyond--”

“Well, I'm not a normal agent, am I? I take care of everything for you you little ungrateful--” There was a harsh pause. Then after a few moments the mare returned. “Sorry, but very well. I will get these... for you. If that's what you want.”

“Y-yes, it is,” he said softly. “T-thank you, Velvet.”

Velvet stared at the phone, anger bubbling up inside her. How dare they. Enigma was her cash cow and now they turned him against her! She already had three more commissions lined up, waiting for him. But if word got out about how much she was over charging she could be in real trouble. She could get fired and lose her license.

Heck, with some of the rules she'd broken she could be charged. She put her legs on the table and rested her head on her hooves. She could be in real trouble if he decided to push. She needed to distract him. Get his attention off her.

She cursed that stupid sex shop owner. It was her fault. If that mare hadn't gotten involved, he'd have just kept obediently working. What was it about her that made him grow a spine?

Her eyes widened and she sat up. A grin formed on her lips. She pulled out Enigma's file and quickly flipped through it, humming softly until she found what she was looking for. It took a few more calls to get the pony she was looking for, but her grin only got wider when she heard the pony pick up.

“Hello, this is Velvet. Is this Love Tap?” She waited a few moments before nodding. “Good, good. I'm Enigma's agent.” She had to hold the phone away from her ear a few seconds for the shrieking to calm down. “Yes, of course. Oh? I'm just calling because I just talked to your ex. He seemed so sad and I was curious if you'd be interested in talking with him.”

She had to resist laughing. If this didn't distract him, she didn't think anything would.

Chapter 11: She's back

Enigma hummed happily as he trotted down the hall to his apartment. It had been another wonderful day, filled with talking to the mares, working on the outfit, getting everything done. It had been a little over a month since he'd started and he was almost ready for Jadewing to try it on. His mind was full of possibilities.

Then he froze at the end of his hall. A pony was standing outside his door. He took a step back, his eyes going wide. She was just as beautiful as he remembered. A light pink unicorn with a red, straight mane. He couldn't move, no matter how hard he tried.

Then her eyes turned on him and he swore his heart stopped. He could only cringe, awaiting the screams, the yells. All the horrible things she wanted to tell him. She took a step forward and he could only cower. Step by step she came nearer as his body longed to both run away and run to her at the same time. She had no such qualms. Soon she was running and finally, she leaped into the air and wrapped her hooves around him.

“Oh Enigma! I was so, so worried about you!” she said, tears in her eyes. Everything faded from his mind aside from guilt. She pulled back and looked up at him. “H-how could you? Why didn't you just tell me how you felt? Why did you have to run away, abandon me? We could have talked about this. We could have talked about everything!”

“I-I...” he said softly, looking down at her. “I just... I...”

“I-I'm so sorry,” she said, hugging him again. “I never... I never thought it upset you so much. Why didn't you tell me? If you'd just told me I would have changed, I wouldn't have done it again. I swear, I will never slap you again. I'm so sorry.”

He nodded slowly, gulping nervously. Everything he'd thought before crumbled away. His fears, his worries. She wasn't yelling at him. She wasn't mad. Why had he been so weak? He should have just told her. She was right, he just fled. He should have said something. “I-I'm sorry,” he managed to say softly.

“Of course. Come, let's go inside. We can talk it all out, okay?”

He nodded and led her to the apartment. He took out his key and opened the door, staring at it for a few moments. He'd escaped her, hadn't he? But she was here. She wasn't yelling or screaming, she was being comfortable. She was still holding him as if she was scared he'd run off. He stepped inside and she closed the door behind them, locking it. He cringed, waiting for the yelling. Instead, she looked around the room.

“You've been living here all this time?” she asked, shaking her head. “Oh Enigma, what have you been doing to yourself?” She reached out and gently stroked his mane. “Why did you run off? You know you need me. I take good care of you, don't I? Is it because I'm not into those sexual things? Is it just because I don't like the ropes? Is that why you ran off?”

He shook his head slowly, staring at her. Why had he run off? He was scared? She was scared. He could see it in her eyes. She was almost as big as him, but she looked so frightened. So sad. “I... I was just... I... I don't know.”

“How can you 'not know'?” she asked harshly, a frown forming on her face. “You abandon me in the middle of the night, leave a small note and refuse to talk to me, but you don't know?”

“I-I was scared! I-I didn't feel safe!” he said quickly, taking a step back. The frown disappeared to be replaced by a small smile.

“R-really? You didn't feel safe? I'm a tiny little mare, did you really think I could hurt you?” she asked with a chuckle. “Enigma, a normal pony doesn't do things like that. They don't just run off in the middle of the night, they talk. Come on, sit down. Let's talk this out.”

He nodded and moved to sit on his futon. He felt miserable. She was right, of course. A normal pony would have talked things out. How did he ever feel unsafe with her? She was small, a little mare. He was a stallion. He was just being foalish. “I'm sorry... when you slapped me I just... I... I panicked,” he said weakly.

She stood over him and nodded. “You should have told me. I wouldn't have... I had no idea it upset you so much. Why didn't you just say something?”

“It... it wasn't just that,” he said weakly. He could feel his body shaking as he looked up at her. I'm wrong. Just like always, I'm wrong. She's right, I did the wrong thing. A normal pony wouldn't have done this.

“What else was it?”

“It... it was things. Everything. You... you get r-really mad and... y-yell at me a lot.”

“I only yell when you do stupid things. When you leave messes, break things, go places without telling me. I'm not your mother, I shouldn't have to yell about them at all. But I only do it because I care. I'm trying to help you.”

He nodded. “Y-you're right. I just... after that. I was so... so scared. I... I didn't want...”

“You should have told me,” she said before moving down to lay by him. “Listen, honey. You can always tell me anything, right? I'll listen. If something upsets you, just tell me. Please?”

He gulped and looked at her. “My... my job. It's... you never... like telling anypony and... tell me to... lie...”

She blinked. “What? I never told you to lie.”

He stared. “B-but you told me...”

“I told you that not all ponies would understand. That you might want to hide it. I never meant you had to hide it from everypony. If you want us to tell ponies, we can. I just wanted to keep your feelings safe so other ponies wouldn't make fun of you. I know how sensitive you can be.” She reached out and gently stroked his mane.

She's right. Just like always. I over reacted and everything. “I'm sorry.”

She nodded. “Will you come home now? Please? We're adults, right? Don't you still love me, Enigma?”

He stared at her and gave a little nod. “Y-yeah. Yes. Yes I do. T-thank you, Tap. I-I was so wrong.”

She nodded and stepped forward, giving him a kiss. “Good, good. Come on honey, let's go home.” She stood up and started to the door.

“O-okay. I still have this place for the month, though,” he said softly.

“It's fine. We can move it all back tomorrow.”

He nodded and followed after her. She was right. She was always right.

“I was so scared I'd never see you again,” Tap said before she unlocked the door to their home. Their home, he could almost feel it. “When you left that note and wouldn't answer your phone, I thought you were gone forever.”

“I-I'm sorry. I was so... stupid,” he said softly. “I just wanted to... I wanted to... I felt...”

“It's silly you felt unsafe. You know I'd never hurt you. What were you scared of?” she asked as she stepped inside. “You like all that weird BDSM stuff. Shouldn't you like it if I hit you? How can you like being spanked, but getting slapped is too much for you?”

He shook his head. “No, that's not... that's not what it was. It's different when... I...” He had no idea how to put it into words. He knew what he felt, but it all locked in his throat. No wonder she was so confused, even he didn't know what he wanted.

“It's fine. It's... just please, promise you'll never do that again,” she said before wiping her eyes. “You... have any idea h-how scared I was? I thought you'd... I thought I'd never see you again. Why couldn't you just tell me how you felt? Did I really mean so little to you? That you could just toss me aside as if I was nothing? Just... just some trophy mare?”

He shook his head. “N-no. You meant... you meant a lot to me. You mean a lot to me. I was just... I just... I-I was scared and I...” He quivered and lowered his eyes. “I-I don't know what to say. I just...”

“Promise you'll never do it again. Please.” She moved forward and put a hoof over his and looked into his eyes. Her tears made him want to tremble. “From now on, we can talk about these things. Okay?”

He nodded. “O-okay.”

“Good. Come on, let's get you something to eat,” she said before motioning to the kitchen. “I know you haven't been eating very well. I bet you've just been microwaving your meals, right? Or getting take out?”

He cringed and gave a little nod. He could feel the judgment in her voice. “I was never a good cook.”

“I know, I know. That's why you need me to take care of you,” she said before giving him a little kiss on the forehead. “I wish you'd be more careful.”

He nodded and sat at the table. She put a small bowl of spaghetti in front of him. He wasn't hungry and it wasn't that good, but he'd already put her through so much he couldn't decline it. He gently nibbled at it. “Thank you.”

She nodded and sat across from him. “You love me, don't you?”

He froze and looked up at her. Her eyes were wet again, as if she might cry at any moment. I don't know. Please, stop looking at me. I don't know what I feel. Please. “Y-yes,” he said weakly.

“Then how could you do this to me? Is it the sex? Was I just not active enough for you? You could have told me.”

“It wasn't that,” he whispered. “I just... didn't feel safe. I didn't... I didn't feel I could talk to you. I didn't think you'd listen...”

“So you thought it was better to just run away? To abandon me? After all we've been through together, all these years, that's all I was worth to you?”

“N-no,” he said softly. “I... I thought I... I...”

She reached out and touched his hoof, before moving closer and kissing his cheek. “I still love you. I'm so sorry I scared you like that. Can we keep trying, though? Fix this? Make it the way it should have been?”

He nodded slowly. “I... think I'd like that. Fixing things.”

She nodded. “Good. See? If we have problems, all we have to do is talk. That's all, just talk. Isn't that nicer than hiding and running?”

He nodded. “Y-yes.” He smiled as she gave him a light kiss on the lips. It was nicer. Better. She wasn't even mad, she seemed okay with this. Things will be better. She'll listen. All I have to do is tell her from now on.

Chapter 12: A day together

Enigma woke up the next morning, nestled besides his mare friend. He smiled and gave her a little nuzzle. It had been so long since he'd had anypony to cuddle with, to feel close to. It felt right. As if he was back where he belonged. How stupid had he been, to abandon her of all ponies. He could barely believe how forgiving she was being. He gave her a soft kiss. “Love Tap?” he asked softly.

“Hmmmm? Yes? Enigma?” she answered softly, her eyes opening.

“Do you want to do anything today?”

“Just move your things here. We can talk to your landlord, okay? Get you out of that apartment.”

He nodded. She was right, of course. There was no reason for them to have two places. He'd only been there a little bit, so it would be easy to move back in. “Sure. Anything else?”

“Let's just do that. I'll go get breakfast started, okay?”

He nodded. “Okay.” He slid out of bed and pulled out his phone. It was all working now. He had a mare who loved him, he loved her. It was okay now. He then paused. “Oh, I do have a job tonight.”

“A job?” she asked, glancing back from the doorway. “What kind?”

“I've started taking on the big commissions again. I've been working on that for the last month.”

She froze for a moment. He saw anger and disgust flash across her face. She then quickly put on an obviously fake smile. “I... see. That's nice.” He could hear the condescension in her voice.

He lowered his eyes. “You... don't like it, do you?”

“I never said that.”

“You sound mad. Your tone and... body language is...”

“I never said anything. You can't just get defensive because my tone shifts,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “I don't care, if you want to build something, then build it.”

“A-are you sure?” he asked weakly, watching her. She was mad, he could tell. She wasn't doing much to hide it.

“I'm fine. I said I am fine. Can you let it go?”

He nodded slowly. “O-okay. Sorry. I just... sorry.”

Moving everything out of his apartment took most the day, but after all the hard work he was feeling quite good. His new land lord even said so long as he paid to the end of the month, it was good. The damages were almost non-existent. But he couldn't help feeling anxious after he got home. He popped out of the shower and looked at himself in the mirror. He was doing the right thing, he was sure of it. They belonged together. She loved him. He... he cared for her. She accepted the fact he was a coward. It was for the best.

He took out his box of hygiene products and got to work on his mane and coat.

“You still do that?” Tap asked from the doorway. He yelped and looked to her.

“S-sorry, I-I forgot to close the door, sorry,” he said weakly.

She shook her head. “It's... fine. Just because it's... weird doesn't mean I hate it. If that's what makes you feel good, then it's okay. Just please make sure to clean up after yourself.”

“O-of course, I always do,” he said quickly before getting back to work. He closed the door after a few seconds as well. Once he finished he looked into the mirror and slowly slunk down. I am happy, aren't I? Isn't this what I want? What I always wanted? He looked to the door. She was out there. He took a deep breath and opened it, stepping out.

“Do you want to catch a movie?” she called from the main room.

“No, I need to go. Remember? I told you I had to do that work tonight.”

There was an exasperated sigh from the other room. “Really? Why do you have to do it tonight? It's only our second night together. Can't the stallion wait?”

“It's actually for a pair of mares,” he said softly. “I told them I'd be there, though. It's my job, I can't flake on it,” he said quite a bit louder.

There was a pause. Finally, her voice rang out again. “What was that first part again? Did you say... mares?”

“Errr, yes. The outfit is for a couple. Two mares.” He didn't receive a response as he trotted down the hall. However, when he came to the door she was glaring at him.

“Is that why you left me? For two mares? Was all this being 'scared' stuff just an excuse? How could you?”

“W-what?” he asked, taking a step back.

“I've given you years of my life, a-and you're l-leaving me for another mare? H-how long has this been going on?”

“I-I didn't, I-I wasn't, they aren't!” he said quickly, shaking his head. She started to walk off and he followed after her. “Please, listen!”

“I can't believe you've been two timing me all this time!” she said, dropping onto the couch. He couldn't believe it, she was actually crying. Regret tore through him like a knife.

“P-please, listen,” he said as he reached out to take her hoof, though she pulled back. “They're just clients, nothing more. They're into each other, not stallions. There's nothing going on between me and them, I promise. I didn't even meet them until after I left you and I can guarantee that they have absolutely no interest in me.” He gently reached out to stroke her mane. “Please, I would never lie to you. I swear. This is all just a misunderstanding.”

She whimpered and looked up with tear filled eyes. “R-really? Y-you mean it?”

“I promise. They do not, nor will they ever, have an interest in me. They're just clients, nothing more.”

She nodded. “T-then why is it so important t-that you go tonight?”

He smiled and sat next to her. “Fine. I'll stay tonight, okay? I can reschedule. I'll call them right now, okay?”

She nodded. “O-okay.” She moved around and placed her head gently against him. “I-I'm sorry. I just...”

“It's fine, really. I would never, ever cheat on you. I swear.” He pulled out his phone and smiled. I can't believe she even puts up with me. No wonder she was so worried, me being around such pretty mares like them. But they don't have any interest in me. He gave her a little nuzzle. I'm such a jerk making her worry like that.

Silverchain gently picked up her phone on the third ring. She was sitting on the couch, Jadewing's head nestled softly in her lap. “Hello? Ah, Enigma. Are you still coming over tonight?” She paused and frowned. “I see. Is there a reason?” Her eyes widened as she listened. “And... she is there now? I... see. Well then, I wish you the best of luck. I'm afraid not, tomorrow we will be busy. The evening after will be fine. I will see you then, good bye.” She put down the phone and gave a soft sigh.

“Hmmm? He's not coming over?” Jadewing asked with a soft yawn. “What happened?”

“Apparently his... ex has stepped back into his life.”

The pegasus locked up. “She's... what? But I thought he said--”

“It seems he has fallen back into a relationship with her.”

“What? We've gotta do something then! You heard the way he talked about her, he--” The mare was shushed by a gentle hoof to her lips.

“We can do nothing aside from offering our support,” Silverchain said firmly. “Perhaps this mare has changed and a second chance is in order. We have not met her, it is not our place to pass judgment.”

“But you said... he was almost a wreck before. We can't just leave him like that. He needs help, he needs--”

“He needs ponies to help support him. Perhaps things have changed, if so it is not our place to try to separate them. Even then, we cannot force our help on him. If we try, he will only end up being hurt worse.” She took a deep breath. “But we can ensure he gets the help he needs, when he needs it.”

Jadewing nodded, before grumbling darkly. “We should meet her, find out what kind of pony she's really like.”

“Perhaps we will. But for now, all we can do is offer our support and hope he knows what he is doing.”

“And if he doesn't?”

“Until he asks for our help, nothing will be gained from forcing it on him.” She looked to the television. “After all, we can not force them to stay apart. It isn't our decision to make.”

Jadewing sighed and laid limp against her. “Fine. I still don't like it, though. I think it's stupid. He's stupid.”

“Perhaps he is,” Silverchain said as she gently wrapped her hooves around her mare. “We'll just have to wait and see.”

Chapter 13: New orders

Enigma gulped nervously as he knocked on the door. He'd called ahead to let them know he was coming so he knew they were home. Still, he couldn't help feeling bad. He'd had to reschedule four times now. Little emergencies kept coming up that he had to deal with and he couldn't imagine they were happy.

However, he was finally here. Which meant getting the job done. Or at least, near done. The door opened and Silverchain stood there, watching him. “Ah, so you managed to make it. I was beginning to worry.”

Enigma smiled timidly. “I-I really am sorry. I meant to come, honest. It's just been so wild lately, with getting back together with my ex and... you know.”

She nodded. “Mm hm. I am aware. Do come in.” She stepped aside.

He walked in and looked around. Everything looked the same. He could hear Jadewing in the kitchen. The door closed behind him and he turned to look at Silverchain. She stared back, but there was something different. He couldn't quite place it. “Is something wrong?” he asked softly.

“I wish to speak with you. About your... sudden return to your marefriend.”

He cringed and nodded. “I see. Listen, I know what I'm doing. I'm a grown stallion and I can--”

“You can do as you please, that is no problem of mine,” she said firmly. “I merely wanted to... give you this.” She held out a small piece of paper.

He took it and blinked. “A phone number? I already have your number though. Why would I need this?”

“It's for an abuse hot line. If you feel you cannot take it, or that she is pushing you too far, please do not be afraid to call for--”

“I don't need it!” he said, dropping it on the floor. “I... I'm fine, really.” A smile spread on his lips. “I appreciate your support, really. But she's not bad. I was just... exaggerating at the time. Making things up. Being too sensitive. There's no need for you to worry.”

She nodded. “I'm sure. But please, hold onto that number. Do know that if you ever require help, we are here.” She turned and trotted down the hall. “Shall we continue the job?”

“R-right, of course.” He looked down at the ground, eying the paper. He slowly picked it up and put the number into his phone before scrunching it up. I'll never need it, I'm sure. It's just to make her happy. That's all. He trotted behind the mare and stepped into the toy room. “I am sorry for all the delays. I really did mean to come sooner, honest. I just--”

“It is quite alright. A new relationship can be very time consuming at the start. Would you like to stay for dinner?”

“No. I can't, she expects me home before dusk. If I'm not home she'll get mad.” He cringed as he thought about two nights ago when he'd gone out to get some fruit. She'd been in a near panic when he got home, thinking he left her again. He just couldn't do that to her anymore. “Thank you for the offer.”

“Of course,” she said with a nod before trotting off. She paused halfway down the hall. “Enigma?”

“Yes?” he asked, popping his head out of the room.

“Will you still be making our other items, as requested?”

He paused and cocked his head to the side. He then nodded. “Of course. Why wouldn't I?”

“Merely curious. How long until you believe this will be completed?”

“Not much longer. Most of it's ready. A few more days and I think I can have the rest completed. I really am sorry it's taking so long.”

“It's fine,” Silverchain said before trotting off into the kitchen.

“How's he doing?” Jadewing asked as she stirred a pot on the stove.

“He is fine, for now. He took the number, there is nothing else we can do for him aside from hope he is making the right choice. Your toy is nearly complete, however.”

“Is he still going to make the other things?”

“Yes, he has said he will.”

Enigma stared at the dangling pieces of pleather and sighed. What was he going to tell Tap? She was already upset about him having to make this for them. Once she found out he'd agreed to make the others she was going to be furious. She'd probably try to contain it, but he could always tell. It wasn't her fault, she at least didn't tell him. Instead she just got mad, her tone would change, she'd punch the pillow, roll away from him, but she didn't say anything. She was right, it wouldn't be fair for him to get upset at her if she didn't say anything.

He wished she would say something. That she'd just yell at his. This felt so much worse. He knew she was mad, that she didn't like it, her body language was more than enough. But she contained it, which made him feel even guiltier since she was at least trying to deal with it. Trying to accept the fact he was designing creepy things she didn't like. He was, once again, the bad pony. He wished he wasn't, but he always was. He wished he knew how to be better, to be the kind of good, kind, loving pony she deserved.

He closed his eyes and laid his head against the metal bars, letting out a soft sigh. If only he wasn't such a freak, if only he didn't like things like this. If only his special talent had been in almost any other field. He didn't want to upset her, he just wanted to build these things and make other ponies happy. Why couldn't she like them?

He stared at the strips of pleather and sighed, going back to work quickly. It was simple, but he couldn't make himself enjoy them no matter how hard he tried. All he could think about was her, waiting back home for him. He worked on it for a few more hours before all his energy finally left him. He got up and crawled out of the room, wiping some sweat from his brow.

Silverchain was out in the hall, waiting for him. She gave a small smile. “How is it going, Enigma?”

“I think I'm done for today. I'm sorry about how long its been taking. But it's almost done. I'll try to come back later this week and the first test run should be ready. If that's okay with you.”

She gave a nod. “That will be fine. I am happy everything seems to be working so well.” She looked to the room. “I'd love to see your work.”

“Oh, right, it's in there, waiting,” he said softly, looking back.

She frowned. “You seem distressed. Is something wrong?”

“No,” he said with a shake of his head. “I just need to go. She's waiting for me. I'll see you later this week, okay?”

She nodded. “Fine. How about the day after tomorrow?”

“That'll be fine,” he said gently before trotting out the door. He looked to the sky, though it was calm and quiet. He half expected rain to start.

“I'm home!” he called out as he pushed open the door and stepped inside.

“Did you have fun?” Tap asked from the couch. She sounded pretty cheerful and he let out a sigh of relief.

“Yes. It's almost done.” He took a deep breath. He could do this. He had to do this. She would know eventually, best to let her know now. “How was your day?”

“I was just watching a movie. My friend invited us out tomorrow, Iceprism. Her and her husband, you okay with that?”

He cringed and gave a nod. “Y-yeah. I'm fine with that. That sounds delightful.”

“Good, come here. Watch the rest of the movie with me?”

He nodded and moved to sit by her, giving a little smile.

“Are you upset?” she asked gently.

“What? No! Of course not. Why would I be?”

Her hooves wrapped around him. “I want you to be happy. I want you to want us to be together. I... don't want you to disappear again. Please don't.”

He nodded. “I... I won't. I mean it. I'm sorry. I never... should have.”

“If it's my friends, you don't have to come. I don't mind making that sacrifice for you. That's what lovers do, they sacrifice for each other.”

He nodded. “I-I know. It's fine. Your friends are fine.”

“Good,” she said before looking back towards the television. “You should get to know Ironweight better, anyway. You two can be good friends.”

“We don't really have anything in common.”

“So? Find something. You want to have friends, don't you? Real friends? If you'd just let yourself be closer to him, you could have a real friend.”

He nodded. “I'll try, okay? I ummm... I need to talk with you about something. It's... my job.”

She cringed. “Yes?”

“Err... I have a few more jobs after this. I... I want to keep doing commissions. Real commissions. Like I used to. The money is really good and it's not that much harder. I just think it would be a good idea. It could help us pay bills and everything. We won't have any more... dry seasons again.”

She frowned and he could see the annoyance spread across her face. But after a few moments she took a deep breath and nodded. “Fine. If that's what you want, I don't mind. You can... keep selling these things if you please.” There was an edge to her words, like a knife. “I do want to talk with you about something, though.”

“What?”

She sighed. “When you... left me, you abandoned me and I had nowhere else to go. I... was floundering for a while. We had food, but not enough to last me forever. There were some other things and I had to borrow money from my parents.”

He paused and stared at her. “What?”

“I didn't have any choice! What was I supposed to do? I couldn't go looking for a job when I had no idea where you were. I was so distressed that I could barely get up in the morning! It was all I could do to keep from having a breakdown after you abandoned me!”

He cringed and nodded. “R-right. Y-you're right. I'm sorry.”

She nodded and gently put a hoof over his. “So you'll help me pay them back, right?”

“O-of course. How much did you borrow from them?”

“Not much, don't worry. We can talk about it later.” She gave him a small nuzzle. “I'm happy you're home. We should stay home together like this more often.”

“We're home together all the time,” he mumbled softly.

“I know. But you always lock yourself up in that stuffy little room by yourself. You should come down here and watch things with me.”

He nodded. “I can try, I guess. But it is my job, I do need to be able to go up there a lot and work on things. I can't spend--”

“It always comes back to that, doesn't it?” she asked, glaring at him.

“W-what?”

“I'm sorry I don't have a job,” she said softly, snuggling up to him. “You don't have to rub it in my face. If I did, who would take care of you all the time? Who would cook your meals, clean up your messes? I mean, you leave them all over the place.”

He blushed and looked down. “I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean it... l-like that. I just meant...”

“I could get a job, you know. I've put my career on hold for you, to take care of you while you do your little... naughty building things. Isn't that what you want me to do? Aren't you happy with me?”

He nodded quickly. “I-I am, I'm sorry, I didn't mean, I was just saying that, I thought, I mean, I-I'm sorry.”

She nodded and closed her eyes. “It's fine. So you'll try to come down more often to be with me? We can be together all the time. No more drifting apart.”

He nodded. “Of course.”

She frowned and looked up at him. “Is something wrong? Are you upset again?”

He shook his head. “N-no, of course not.”

“Honey, you know I said if you were mad or scared, all you had to do is tell me. I'm here for you. Remember?”

He nodded. “I know Tap, I'm fine. Let's just watch the movie, okay?”

She nodded. “Okay.” Her head laid gently on his shoulder, her horn against his side. He wanted to pull away and run upstairs, to get away from her. But that wasn't right. She wanted him there, so that's where he belonged.

Chapter 14: Listening

“I can't believe that worked,” Ironweight said, shaking his head and laughing. He was a large orange unicorn with a black mane. The two were in the middle of watching the frozen archery competition on the television.

Enigma looked up. “What? The shot? Her aim was really good.”

“No, the little scam you played on Tap,” the stallion said with a chuckle before lightly punching him in the withers. Enigma cringed, but didn't say a word. The other stallion was bigger than he was and acting like it hurt tended to make him try to toughen his 'friend' up. He'd gone home with an almost numb leg because of it once. “Pretending to run off so she'd track you down? Makes me almost wish I'd thought of something like that before I was married. I bet the sex was pretty good, after. Right?”

Enigma gulped. “Y-yeah.” They hadn't even touched each other in that way since. Tap had tried a few times, but he hadn't been able to gain even a modicum of excitement at the prospect. All it seemed to do was make her more angry. He'd even claimed a headache a few times.

“So, how long you planning to leave her hanging in the wind?”

“W-what?”

“Well, you have have to have something planned, right? I mean, you ran off from her. What do you have in mind to make it up to her?”

“She... she said all she wanted was for me to be back. She hasn't asked for anything else.”

“What, you're going to make her beg?” the stallion asked with a chuckle. “You're cold. I always thought you were supposed to be a nice guy.”

Enigma blushed. “I... I don't know. I-I'm sorry.” He rocked nervously in his chair. He was here, what more did the stallion want? He was doing everything he could for Tap. He wanted her to be happy.

“She was crying here almost every night. Seriously, man. That's pretty cold. You should try to make it up to her. I know I could never do that to my Iceprism. Not only because she'd kill me, either. Pretty abusive.”

He blinked. “Y-you think I've been abusive?”

“Yeah. Run off in the middle of the night, make her track you down. All because she slapped you? What kind of man does that?” the stallion said with a roll of his eyes. “Let me tell you, I've been hearing about it almost every single day since it happened. The wife thinks I'm somehow involved. What could have possessed you to do something so stupid?”

Enigma lowered her eyes. “I... I don't know. I just thought... I wasn't feeling... I couldn't feel happy there.”

“You ask me, you're too picky. A mare like that is fine. Most would have said good riddance to you. I kind of wish she had, if you pull any more crap like that I'm going to have to listen to them bitch about it for weeks. Again.” There was a hint of threat in his words that made Enigma gulp nervously.

“S-sorry. I never... meant to put you through that,” Enigma whispered, closing his eyes. “I just...”

“Maybe you're unbalanced in the head.”

Enigma froze, his eyes widening. “W-what?”

“Well, most stallions wouldn't do something like that over something so small. A little slap? Come on. Maybe you've got some trouble in the head. When's last time you had your magic checked?”

Enigma turned red. “I-I... I don't... can we just watch the game, please?”

The other stallion shrugged and looked back at the television. Enigma watched him nervously. He had a feeling the larger stallion didn't like him very much. He moved slightly away from him, huddled on the corner of the couch. He could hear Tap and her friend in the other room, talking. He just wished he could go home, he knew they'd be talking probably for hours and he hated being here.

But abandoning her again, even in such a minor way, was something he couldn't do to her. Ironweight was right. He was being abusive. He had to find another way to talk with her. He perked up. He could talk to her on the way home. It would be perfect.

Enigma waved the two bye as he and Tap trotted out of their house and started making their way home. “That was delightful, wasn't it?” she asked with a smile.

He gulped and nodded, before shaking his head. “No. It... really wasn't.” He took a slow, deep breath. “I... me and Ironweight don't get along. Next time, can I not come? I don't ever feel comfortable when I go over there.”

“What?” Tap asked, stopping to stare at him. “What do you mean?”

“W-well, I don't... like him. I'm sure he's a great guy, but he's not someone I ever have fun being around. I always feel nervous and--”

“Oh my gosh. Really? You barely know the guy and you're going to complain about how he makes you nervous? Maybe if you got to know him a bit more you wouldn't be so upset.”

“W-what?”

“He's married to Iceprism and I know he's a great guy. How hard is it for you to just try to know my friends?”

He shook his head. “I-I didn't mean, I just--”

“If you got to know him, you'd like him. Come on, he's a great guy. You just need to try more and stop being so sensitive.”

Enigma gave a slow nod. “Y-you're right. I'm sorry. I-I'll try harder. Sorry... I... I didn't mean to upset you...”

She sighed and rolled her eyes. “You didn't upset me. Just annoyed me. Come on, there's no reason for you to treat my friends so rudely. Why are you always so picky and sensitive about every little thing?”

“I don't know. I just didn't... really enjoy myself. I...”

“Was it because he likes sports? You know, most stallions like them. The wonderbolts are famous because of it. You're just being too picky. Too needy.”

“Y-you're right, I'm sorry, I-I'll try not to be so picky all the time. Sorry.”

She nodded and looked ahead as she trotted. “You know, we could ask other ponies if you don't believe me. See what they say. Maybe--”

“I said I was sorry and I agreed with you, what more do you want from me?” he shrieked, stomping a hoof down. He cringed when he realized the other ponies on the street turned to stare at him. His head lowered in shame.

“Enigma, you don't need to make a scene everywhere we go,” Tap said with a sigh. “I was just trying to look out for you and find out what's wrong.”

“R-right, I'm sorry. C-can we just let it go, please? Just... please.”

She let out an exasperated sigh before nodding. “Fine. You need to keep yourself under control better, though. Flipping out all the time is very unattractive.”

He nodded. “Right, I'm sorry. I'll try to keep in better control.”

“Good.”

Enigma stared at the roof, trembling. Tap was sleeping in the bed besides him. They'd managed to have a little romantic fun, but he hadn't enjoyed it. He felt like he was suffocating, like the world was closing in around him and there was nopony to help him. He couldn't focus on his work, no matter how he tried. Things were starting to feel just as bad as before. No, worse. He hugged a pillow to his chest and rolled over, as far from her as he could get.

She was right, he was weird and never gave anything a chance. He was horrible. He was judgmental and rude. Everything he did was just a big mess up. He crawled out of the bed and slowly trotted out of the room.

“Where are you going?” Tap asked, making him jump.

“I-I was thirsty, I-I just wanted a glass of water,” he said quickly.

“A glass of water? Really? You aren't trying to run off again, are you?” She tugged on him with her magic and he came a step closer. “You know what I said, remember? If you ever need to talk about anything, I'm here. You don't need to run off. You don't need to hide. Just tell me.”

He nodded. “I know. I'm fine, really.” He felt like he was going to throw up. “I just want a little drink. I swear I'm not going anywhere but downstairs.”

She nodded and started to get out of bed. “Well, I'm a little thirsty, how about I come with you?”

“T-there's no need, I'll bring you up a glass too, okay?”

She frowned, but gave a nod.

He quickly trotted out of the room and walked to the kitchen. He reached out for the cabinet with a hoof, and froze. His hooves were shaking. He shook his head and instead grabbed it with his magic. The cabinet opened and he quickly grabbed one of the glasses and pulled it out.

His magic faltered and it crashed to the ground, shattering. He let out an eep and pulled back.

“What was that?” Tap's voice called out from the other room.

“I dropped a few spoons!” he called back instantly, fear spurring him forward. He quickly started picking up the shards of glass in his magic, dumping them into the trash. He prayed she wouldn't come out. “It's okay, I picked them up!”

“You need to be more careful,” she called back. She didn't sound any closer. He let out a sigh of relief and grabbed the broom and dustbin, sweeping it all up as best he could before tossing it in the trash.

With his screw up hidden from view, he put the tools away and slowly pulled out two more glasses, placing them on the counter, slowly. He took a deep breath to steady his nerves, before filling them with water. “You can do this,” he whispered to himself. “It's just carrying water. That's all there is to it. You're a grown stallion, it's not hard. It's not scary. It's the easiest thing in the world.” He downed his before picking up hers and carrying it to the bedroom.

“Enigma, are you alright?” Tap asked after he handed it off. “You didn't spill any, did you?”

“A-a little.”

She sighed and shook her head. “You need to be more careful. Not go so fast. If you rush things you'll end up making a big mess and then I'll have to clean it up.”

“Sorry,” he mumbled softly. “I'll do better next time.”

She nodded. “Okay.” She took a few sips before laying it on the bedside table. “Is everything okay? Thinking about the job tomorrow?”

He blinked and shook his head. “No. But it's almost done. I just have the last few pieces to work on, then it's complete. Just a little more.”

She nodded and gave a smile. “That's wonderful. Are you excited?”

“W-what? Me, excited? W-well... a little. I mean, it's been... nice, working on it. It'll make me happy to see the end result.”

She gently reached out to put a hoof on his shoulder. “Well, if it makes you happy, that's what's important, right? Then you'll start work on those... other things you mentioned, won't you?”

He gave a nod. “Yeah. It won't take too long to develop them, though. They should be fairly simple, all in all. Compared to the big project.”

She gave another nod and kept stroking his back. “I... see. Well, good night.” She pulled her hoof back and flipped off the light.

He closed his eyes and laid on his back, trembling softly.

What was he going to do?

Chapter 15: Job complete

Enigma grunted softly as he put the last pleather strip into place, before standing back to take a look at his creation.

It wasn't much to look at, in fact it looked more like a broken piece of medical equipment. The outside was just a bunch of metal bars holding the pleather straps and ropes in place. But once Jadewing was put into it, he knew it would look magnificent. He was actually a little jealous of her. He took a deep breath and stepped out from the room. “Silverchain! Jadewing! It's done!”

The pegasus was there in a second, though her mistress took far longer. By the time the earth pony arrived, Jadewing was practically hopping up and down. “Where is it? I wanna see I wanna see show me show me where is it I wanna seeee!” she shrieked.

“Just a moment, darling,” Silverchain said firmly before looking to him. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I'll show you how to quickly take it apart and put it back into place as needed, as well,” he said with a smile. “Everything is marked easily so there should be no problems. Even if parts need to be replaced.”

She nodded. “Very well. If you would?”

He nodded and stepped aside. The pegasus let out a shriek and jumped inside. The two followed after. “Now, would you like to strap her in and--”

“Oh, no. You can. I'd rather not risk doing it wrong on my first try,” Silverchain said smoothly.

Enigma gulped and nodded. He pointed towards the longest piece of pleather, wide enough for the mare to lay down in on her stomach. Two slits were cut in the side, allowing her to spread her wings out. Piece by piece he strapped her in. Within a few moments the pegasus was completely immobilized, her legs and wings spread out as if she was flying. “It's pretty simple. The quick release is up here,” he said before pointing towards the top of the metal skeleton of the toy. “If you push it, all the ropes will be loosened at once and it will softly drop her to the ground. It's padded as well, so there should be no chance of her hurting herself.”

Silverchain nodded as she moved around her immobilized pet, before giving her a little swat on the rump. The pegasus yelped and tried to move, but the bindings restricted her too tightly. “What if the ropes get tangled?”

He smiled and gripped one with his magic and twisted it slightly. He let it go and it quickly straightened back up. “They're specially designed to restrict movement and stay straight. They'll be going straight up and can't tangle around each other without excessive attempts. Now, to move the bindings around, you need to move pieces of the skeleton. That's why all the pulleys are connected on sliders.” He gripped the one holding the pegasus' front right hoof and lowered it, forcing the mare's leg down. “You have most of the leverage so, well, she'll have no choice but to endure it.” His cheeks were getting redder as he watched the mare struggle in the device. “I still need to do some adjustments, but it's pretty much working now.”

The earth pony nodded. “Go ahead then, finish them. I'll watch.”

He blushed and gave a nod. “O-okay...” He moved up besides the mare, though he couldn't stop shaking. She was helpless, vulnerable, her body helplessly bound and suspended in the air. He wished he was in that position, with somepony he trusted. He started making little adjustments, tightening and maneuvering the pleather, straps, pulleys and sliders to limit how far they could go. “Tell me if it gets too hard or a position that is too uncomfortable.”

“Mmmmm... okay,” the pegasus said with a little grin. “Enjoying yourself?”

“N-no,” he said with a gentle squeak.

“You shouldn't lie to a cop,” she said with a little hint of mirth in her voice.

Enigma froze. “W-wait, what? You're a cop?”

“Mmmm, you didn't know?”

The stallion yelped and jumped back, his eyes going wide. “I didn't do anything I'm sorry please don't arrest me I didn't molest you I was just adjusting things I'm sorry!”

Jadewing and Silverchain shared a look before bursting into laughter. The earth pony moved up behind him and gently put a hoof on his shoulder, making him jump. “Shhhh, dear. Calm down. We know you've done nothing wrong. You're not in trouble.”

Enigma whimpered and looked between them. “I-I didn't, I mean, I-I'm not? I-I... I...”

“You've done nothing illegal, calm down,” Silverchain said before looking him up and down. “Perhaps you should be on medication. You do seem to be under quite a lot of stress. Have you ever considered medication?”

“N-no. I mean, I-I was for a little bit a few years ago, b-but I haven't been on any in... ages and...” He shuffled from hoof to hoof. T-thanks, but I'm fine. I, errr, so... errr... not in trouble?”

“Not in the slightest, dear. Now, would you finish?”

He nodded and got to work. Within a few moments the pegasus was strapped in fully and he showed them how to release it. “There, it's all done. Job complete.”

Silverchain nodded. “Good. Would you come with me? I'll write you the check for the second half.”

“O-oh, it's supposed to go through my agent, she...” He paused and frowned. He hadn't heard from her in weeks, ever since Tap had showed up. “Have... you spoken with her?”

“Hey! You left me in here!” Jadewing yelled.

“Don't worry, darling. I'll be in there soon to... take care of you,” Silverchain said with a smile before turning to him. “No, not since I hired you. Why?”

“Nothing, it's... nothing.”

Silverchain smiled and soon held out the check to him. She looked him over. “Is... everything alright? At home?”

He cringed and gave a nod. “O-of course. Why wouldn't it be?”

“You seem quite tense. Is--”

“Everything is fine! Completely fine! She's fine, I'm fine, we're all fine!”

The mare nodded. “Very well. When would you like to start discussing the creation of our next toys?”

“Oh, I ummm... I'll get back to you about it. I'll call soon, we can set everything up. Just make sure this thing works how you like first, okay? I want to be a hundred percent certain that there's nothing that needs to be fixed on it.”

She nodded. “Of course. Would you like to stay for--”

“No. I need to go home. I'll call you soon!” he galloped out of the room, leaving her behind.

Silverchain sighed and walked through the house, back to their playroom. “Things are not going well between those two.”

“Oh? Does that mean we get to help?” Jadewing asked as she struggled to pull free.

“No. We cannot help somepony who does not wish to be helped.” She closed the door and smiled, picking up a small switch. “However, I do believe somepony needs to be... calling for help soon.”

“Safety word pineapple?”

“Of course, darling.” The switch tore through the air.

“A-ahhhhh!”

Enigma smiled as he walked up to his home, the check gleaming in his magic. With this he could rest easy for a while, pay off Tap's parents and start work on some more projects. It was going to be wonderful. He pulled open the door and stepped inside.

“Enigma, darling, is that you?” Tap's voice came from the bedroom, making him jump.

“Y-yes dear, I'm here. I just got back from--”

“Come here,” she said, her voice firm and angry. He closed the door and locked it, before trotting to their room, trepidation building in him. What had he done now? When he arrived, his mouth nearly hit the floor.

Tap was sitting on their bed, dressed in a very tight, black pleather outfit. Every curve of her was revealed to his prying eyes. A small switch hovered besides her head. She gave him a sultry look and motioned to the bed. “Come here. Sit,” she ordered.

He nodded and darted over, sitting on the bed. “W-what are you doing?”

“You like this kind of stuff, don't you?” she asked with a smirk. “I'm going to tie you down and then make hard, rough, brutal love to you.” The switch lashed out and struck against his side, making him yelp. “Oh, you like that?” She hit him three more times, making him back up, holding his hooves up.

“S-stop! Stop it!” he squeaked.

“Oh, I'll 'stop' alright,” she said with a grin, before the switch lashed out and struck him again. He let out another yelp and fell off the bed, holding his hooves up.

“STOP! I-I mean it!”

She froze. “What's wrong? Enigma? I thought you liked this stuff?”

“W-we didn't... I-I mean, w-what about the safety word? Or... or p-preparations, or--”

“Safety word? Preparations? What are you talking about? I surprise you with your little fantasy and you whine because I didn't warn you? It's a surprise!” He could see the anger building in her, the switch shaking in her magic.

He cringed, his body still burning from the swing of the switch. “I-I just--”

“Damn it, Enigma!” She lashed out again, striking him on the side. “I thought you wanted this! You always work on these sick little toys, so I finally make one for you and you, you freak out and just, you're impossible!” She struck him two more times. “Just get up here! If you want a forceful, dominating woman, you'll get it!” she ordered, striking once more. “For once in your life, act like a stallion!”

“F-fine, I'll do it, j-just stop it with the switch!” he begged, holding up his hooves.

She glared down, before sighing. “Enigma, honey? I'm sorry. I was just trying to be your fantasy. I thought this was what you wanted. I'm putting the switch down, okay? How about you just... tell me what you want?”

He slowly looked up from behind his hooves, watching her put the switch down. Slowly, he got up and crawled into the bed besides her, though he ached all over. “Well... I... I just... I...”

“Well? Spit it out!”

“I-I don't know,” he said with a soft whimper. “I-I thought we'd... try things. Safely. Do... all of it. Safety words, being careful.”

“How is that your fantasy? You tell me you want... some mare like this. But then when I do it, you complain and whine that I'm not being safe enough? What else do you want from me?”

He shook his head. “Nothing. I... I was wrong. I just... I don't...”

She moved up besides him and gently kissed his ear. “Come on, honey. Let's just do it my way. It's better that way, right? A lot better?”

He gulped nervously and nodded. “Y-yeah. Let's just... do it that way.”

Chapter 16: Calling for help

Enigma stared at his phone, watching the number closely. Calling the support line was a big step, one he didn't think he could undo. But he was scared. He needed help. He'd considered calling Silverchain and Jadewing, but he'd already turned them aside so many times he couldn't bring himself to drag them into this. It wasn't fair. But he couldn't help feeling guilty.

He'd left her. He was the one causing problems. She'd even dressed in something he liked and tried to make his fantasy. How was he repaying her? By sitting in the bathroom and pretending to be doing his mane while deciding to call an abuse hotline. What kind of horrible--

“ENIGMA!” Tap's voice echoed through the house, making him drop his phone. He barely caught it before it hit the ground. “GET YOUR FLANK OUT HERE!”

He whimpered and pulled open the door, galloping out. She was in the kitchen, holding something in her magic.

His heart nearly stopped when he saw what it was. A small piece of glass. “What is this?” she asked, staring at him.

“G-glass?” he said softly, his entire body shaking.

“Why is there a shard of glass on the floor? I could have sliced open my hoof!”

“I-I thought I got them all, I-I thought--”

“You THOUGHT? How did this end up on the ground? What did you do?”

He took a step back. “I-I'm sorry, I-I broke a g-glass and... and I was afraid you'd get mad so I tried to pick it up and--”

“You broke a glass and you didn't tell me? I could have been hurt! What's wrong with you? Why do you do such stupid things?”

He took a step back, trembling. “I-I thought I... I thought I got them all, I-I--”

“Well, obviously you didn't! Why do you do things like this? Are you stupid? Oh, what, now you're going to start crying? Enigma, is this how it's going to be?” She threw the shard of glass in the trash. “Fine! I'm sorry, okay? Is that what you want? You did something stupid and dangerous, but I'm sorry I dared to react and get mad about it. Enigma. Enigma, stop crying. Enigma!”

He nodded, trying to wipe the tears from his eyes and backing away. “I-I'm sorry, I-I made a mistake. I thought I... I thought I'd gotten them all. I'm so, so sorry.”

Tap shook her head. “Fine. I'm going to go out and get some things for dinner. If you break anything, tell me. I don't want any more mistakes. Okay?”

He nodded and watched her go. Once the door closed he moved onto the couch and laid down, staring at the roof. He was stupid and scared. He hadn't meant to do that, he'd just had an accident. Why was she always so mad?

He picked up the phone and looked at the number once more. After a few seconds he pushed the call number. He curled up so he faced the back rest, holding the phone to his ear.

It took a few seconds before a machine picked up and then a few minutes until he was put through to an operator. “Hello, this is Aquamarine of the Equestrian Domestic Abuse hotline. May I take your name?”

“Enigma,” he mumbled softly. “I... I'd rather not give my last name.”

“I see, I see. Miss, how can I help you?”

“I... I just need somepony to talk to.”

“That's understandable. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?”

“Err, yeah. I ummm... I'm a stallion, unicorn. My... talent is designing. I uhhh... what kinds of things did you need?”

There was a long pause from the other side of the line. Finally, the mare cleared her throat. “Did you say stallion?”

“Y-yes?”

“Are you calling about a friend? We have a number of tips to help a friend escape a domestic abuse situation.”

“Err, no. I'm calling about... me.”

There was another long pause before the mare spoke up. “Ohhh, I see! Well, sir, I'm afraid you called the wrong number. This is to help those undergoing abuse. However, we do have a help line for those who are afraid they are abusing their partners. It is very good that you called, however. I will transfer you in one moment.”

“W-what, no! Wait! I... I think I'm being abused by her.”

The longest pause yet. “I'm sorry, what?”

“My marefriend. I... I think I'm in an abusive relationship with... her.”

There was an exasperated sigh from the other end. “Sir, I'm sorry but you're probably mistaken. What exactly happened?”

“She... yelled at me and... called me... stupid and...” He gulped, the words feeling dumber as they came out of his mouth. “She... hit me with a riding crop last night and--”

There was another exasperated sigh from the pone. “This is a real help line to help ponies in real trouble. Not for you to complain that your marefriend got too kinky.”

“B-but she... she slapped me before.”

“Really?” she asked dismissively. “What did you do?”

“We... had a fight and... she slapped me.”

“That's all? Is she a weight lifter? Body builder? Did she hit you with anything then?”

“N-no. She's... ummm... about my size. It... was just the once. She said she wouldn't do it again.”

"Sir, it sounds like you need to let it go then." There was a third sigh. "As it is, holding on to such small things is manipulative at best." A pause. "Are you sure you don't need me to transfer you to the other line?" She asked, her voice abruptly turning a shade malicious.

He froze. “W-what? No... I just...”

“Then please don't call here again. This is for ponies with real problems.” There was a click and the line went dead.

Enigma stared at it, his mouth agape. He flipped off the phone and buried his head in the corner, letting out a soft, pathetic sob as tears streamed down his face.

Enigma stared at himself in the mirror before taking a slow, gentle breath. Was it true? Was he being manipulative? Was he just playing with Love Tap's emotions to get what he wanted? He had broken the glass, he had ran off, he had made so many messes that she took care of. Even now she was making them dinner and what was he doing? Hiding in the bathroom and trying to hide the effects of his crying so she wouldn't know.

She took care of him, tended to him, and he treated her like dirt. She deserved better. He would do better. He--

“E-enigma!” her voice came from down the hall, making him freeze. She didn't sound mad, though. She sounded on the verge of tears. He slowly pulled open the door and trotted down the hall to her.

“W-what's wrong?” She stood there, holding his phone up. His eyes widened. “Y-you went through my phone?”

“I-I saw it on the counter and... y-you called an abuse shelter?”

He backed up and flattened his ears on his head and shook his head. “N-no, I didn't, I just... I...” He stared at her and lowered himself to the ground. She was crying, full crying, the tears flowing down her face. What kind of monster was he? “I... was told to call it and...”

“T-told? Told by who?” She stepped forward and wrapped her hooves around him, resting her head on his shoulder. “W-why? What did I do? W-why are you doing this t-to me?”

“I-I was... I just... A-after the... y-you got so mad about t-the glass I... I panicked and...”

“Y-you're going to l-leave me j-just because I got mad that you broke a glass? I-is this how it's going to be from now on? E-every time I get annoyed when you do something stupid, you're going to punish me? You're going to just abandon me or m-make me out to be some kind of m-monster? What did you tell them?”

He lowered his eyes. “N-nothing. T-they said... they said I was wrong. I-I'm sorry, I just...” He tried to pull away, but she refused to let him. Her tears cut him down to the core and it was all he could do to stop from breaking down as well. “I-I'm so sorry. I-I never meant for... for you to find out. I-I wasn't going to leave. I just felt... I felt I needed to talk to someone. To ask for help. I wasn't... please... s-stop crying.”

“E-enigma, w-why do you do this to me? I'm doing everything I can for you. Everything. Y-yet you always slap me in the face whenever you get a chance. What do you want me to do? What?”

He shook his head. “N-nothing. You're fine. Please...”

“I'm obviously not fine! You're calling abuse help lines and running away from me, abandoning me over and over. What do you want? Just tell me!”

“I-I don't know!” he said, looking her in the eyes. He wanted her to stop yelling at him, to stop calling him bad things, to stop screaming. But he couldn't bring himself to say it, not when she was so hurt and upset. She didn't deserve any of that. “I-I'm sorry. I was wrong. So wrong. P-please, forgive me?”

The mare stared for a few moments before nodding. “F-fine. But... p-please, stop hiding things from me. I... I don't want you to leave me. To abandon me again. Please. Oh please, Enigma.”

He nodded. “I-I won't. I won't abandon you, I promise. I swear.” He gave her a nervous smile and watched her walk off. He then let out a sigh as he tried to avoid drowning in guilt. He slowly picked up his phone and stared at it. She didn't have any right to go through it, it wasn't her phone. How often did she do it? Did she look at all his numbers? His texts? All the non-marked numbers he called, did she call them to find out what they were? How long had she been doing it? He wanted to confront her, but he knew she'd either get mad or cry again. He couldn't bear it. It was easier just to let it slide. Besides, he should have password protected his phone if he was going to be leaving it around their home. Or kept it with him at all times.

“Dinner is almost done, darling!”

Enigma nodded, slowly trotting into the kitchen before sitting at the table. She was all smiles and happy now as she served the meal. He managed to fake his own smiles as well. All he could think about was how he wished somepony, anypony would help him out of this.

Chapter 17: Dinner

Enigma's magic trembled as he cut the pleather strips. Tap was right behind him, watching as he worked. “Why do you even need to go out to visit them?”

“Not all designs are as easily transported as this one,” he said softly as he tried to focus.

“You have their measurements though, don't you? Why don't you just do everything here and bring it over when it's finished? Wouldn't that be easier and make them happy since they wouldn't have to bend their lives around your visits?”

He paused and sighed, lowering his head. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was right. Maybe they didn't like having him over and making them bend their lives around his visits was just unfair. He thought they liked having him over, but there was no way to know for sure. Maybe if he just dropped things off everypony would be happier.

“I... I guess.”

She smiled and moved up behind him, giving him a little nuzzle. “We could be together then more, right? And if you do things from home, you'll only have to bother your agent.”

He nodded. “Yeah. I... might have to get a new one soon anyway.”

“What? Why?” There was a sudden tension as he felt her pull back from him. “Because she told me where you live? Are you that made that I found you?”

His eyes widened and he turned back to her. “Wait, what? She told you? I-I thought you'd just tracked me down! I--” The look of anger on her face made him drop the shears. “N-no, of course not. I was planning to fire her because she's been lying about, well, just about everything. I asked her to give me some information about what she's been asking for my works, but she hasn't talked to me in weeks.” He sighed and looked back to the pleather strips, before tossing a few away. “She was the one who told you where I was?”

“Yes. She called me the night before I showed up outside your place. She said you seemed upset.”

Enigma stared at the strips. Of course. He'd asked for that information and so Velvet called his ex and sicked her on him. He looked down at the strips and sighed. “I... need to call her. Is that okay?”

“Of course,” Tap said before holding out his phone to him. He stared at it for a moment before dialing Velvet's number and pulling it to his ear. It kept ringing for a few moments before he got the answering machine. “Velvet, we need to talk. I want those numbers. I have every right to them. Call me back, soon.” He took a deep breath. “Please.” He then closed the phone.

“Was she busy?”

“She's probably avoiding me,” Enigma muttered. “I need to go visit some ponies.” He opened the phone again and started to dial, but it closed on him. “Huh?”

“See? Who?”

“Who?” he asked softly, before his cheeks turned a little red. “I was going to call Silverchain and Jadewing.” He cringed at the annoyance on her face. “I want to ask her if she knows any good agents. Maybe someone I can have look at my contract. It... might cause legal problems. I don't know.”

“Why do you have to talk to her?”

“Because she's more... involved in this kind of stuff than I am,” he said softly, before taking a step back.

“Why can't you just call and talk with her on the phone? You don't have to ”

Enigma gulped. “I... I guess I can. I'll... I'll do that.” He opened the phone and started dialing her number again. Tap just stood there, watching him the whole time. After a few moments it picked up and he cleared his voice. “H-hi. It's me, Enigma. I ummm, wanted to ask if you could help me with something.” He went quiet and listened. “No, it's not. Yes. No. It's about my agent. I... think I might have to... fire her. Or... quit her or... I don't know. I don't know if I can trust her any more and I need to ask if you know anypony.” He nodded and looked towards Tap. She looked annoyed, but wasn't saying a word. After a few moments he gulped. “Y-yes. Hold on. Ummm, Tap, are you okay if they come over here?”

Her eyes widened slightly. “Come over? I suppose, if that's what you want. I'll need to prepare a larger dinner, but that's fine. What day?”

He gulped and chewed on his lower lip. “Can... can they tonight? If that's okay with you?”

She sighed and shook her head. “No, I can't possibly prepare anything so soon. I--”

“I could take us all out! To dinner!” he said quickly. “I-I just got paid so we can afford it!”

Tap's eyes narrowed and for a frightened moment he thought she was going to slap him. Instead, she just smiled. “Well, that sounds delightful. Of course we can.”

He let out a sigh of relief and quickly settled things with the other mare before hanging up the phone, once he was off the smile fell from Tap's face. “Enigma, that was so rude.”

“W-what?”

“Ambushing me like that. I can't very well say no when you're on the phone with her, can I? Then you just make me look like the bad guy. What ever happened to discussing things and talking about them, not just putting me on the spot?”

He lowered his eyes and shook his head. “I'm sorry. I just... I thought...”

“It's fine.” She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. “I love you, so I don't mind putting up with your little faults. Let's go get ready for dinner, okay?”

He nodded and followed her into the bedroom, staring at the carpet.

Silverchain couldn't keep the frown from her face as they stood outside the restaurant, scanning over the other ponies. She was wearing a brown sequenced dress while Jadewing was wearing a green sequenced dress. It was a standard display and neither had put much thought into it.

She had heard the desperation and fear in the stallion's voice. The other mare had been there, watching him. She'd seen that sort of behavior before and the thought of one of her friends going through it made her grind a hoof into the ground. He needed them and she had no intention of disappointing.

Her eyes focused on Enigma as he and another unicorn came into view down the street. He was walking just behind her, his head lowered and staring at the ground. They seemed to be talking, but she had no idea what they were saying. The mare was wearing a white dress and he was wearing a bow tie. She couldn't help but snicker slightly at how simple his outfit was in comparison to hers.

“Hello, Enigma,” she said once the two were finally within speaking range. She noted the other mare tense up as they caught each other's eyes. “I am Silverchain and this is my lover, Jadewing. A pleasure to meet you.”

“This is Love Tap,” Enigma said softly as he gave a weak little smile. The mare bowed.

“A pleasure to meet you. I've heard such great things about you two,” Tap said with a smile before straightening up. “I do hope we can be great friends.”

“Of course, shall we?” Silverchain asked before turning and walking in. The mare seemed nice enough. Calm, friendly, but that could mean anything. The four were shown to their tables and she sat close to her little pegasus, a hoof reaching out to stroke hers. “So, Enigma. You wished to discuss business?”

He nodded. “Yes. I... don't think I can trust my agent now. I need to find a new one, who can help me... understand some things. I have the contract, I don't really understand everything in it. I... don't know how to do all this stuff on my own, though. Making these outfits is easy, but finding the buyers isn't. Oh! How have you liked the uhhh... toy?”

Silverchain saw the flicker of annoyance across the mare's face, but she let it slide. After all, if the mare wasn't into this life style, it wasn't surprising she didn't find this sort of talk engaging. Besides, she expected many of her questions to be answered tonight. “It has been functioning delightfully.”

“Yeah,” Jadewing said with a mischievous grin. “We spent almost an hour with it the other night. The cool down session after that was extra fun.” She gave her lover a nuzzle.

“There haven't been any troubles? Nothing too tight? Causing issues?” Enigma asked nervously.

“Not so much as the slightest problem,” Silverchain said with a smile. “How is our next order coming along?”

“Good,” he said before giving Tap a glance. “It's... uhhhh... good.”

“That's wonderful. Now, when it comes to finding another agent, that can be difficult. I'll see what I can find for you, though. I should be able to find you some work, however. Your last creation was quite interesting and I'm certain I can find more ponies interested in it when they visit my shop.”

Tap looked up. “Your shop? Do you make pleather?”

“Oh, no. I own my own sex shop.” She couldn't deny enjoying the way the mare jumped, just a little. She kept her face neutral, however. “Is something wrong?”

“N-no,” the unicorn said softly. “I, err... didn't realize. Why did you need Enigma to make your... thing, if you had access to a shop like that?” There was a hint of anger and jealousy in her tone.

“Enigma had quite the reputation for making safe, exciting devices. I merely wished to test how good he was. I was not disappointed, he has quite the talent.”

Jadewing nodded. “Mmmm hmmm. The pleather is so soft and just molds to me perfectly. I could dangle in it for almost an hour before--”

“I uhhh, need to use the restroom. I'll be right back,” Tap said quickly before getting to her hooves. “Please, continue without me.”

The three nodded. “An hour before I had to worry about falling off or having circulation problems. After...” Jadewing let the words trail off as Tap got out of range, then the two focused on Enigma.

The stallion tensed up. “W-what? What I do?”

“Is everything alright?” Silverchain asked softly, watching him. He was twitching, trembling. Whenever he drank from his water, the cup would shake. “You seem... tense.”

He looked towards the bathroom for a moment before looking to her. “I... I just... I...” He gulped. “I-I can't talk, I just... it's nothing. I...”

“Did you call that number I gave you?” Silverchain asked softly.

Enigma cringed and shrunk in his chair. “Y-yes. I... I don't... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I just, I was over reacting. I thought I...”

“What did they say? Did you tell them about your situation?”

He nodded. “Y-yes. They said I was mistaken and...” He stared into his water. “Being... manipulative. I needed to just let it go.”

Silverchain kept her face neutral as she watched him. “Did they ask about your situation?”

“A... little. She was right. I was just... I...” He looked back towards the bathroom, before looking to her again. “I just... I... I'm scared. She went through my phone and f-found the number. She got really mad about it and... and...”

“She went through your phone?” Jadewing asked.

“Y-yeah. I think I really made her mad. She hasn't let me out of her sight since and... I-I just don't know what to do. I-I'm trying to let everything go, but I just... I feel like I'm drowning, I-I don't know what to do.”

Silverchain gently reached out and covered his hoof with hers. “Enigma, if you need help, all you have to do is ask. You don't deserve to be in this situation if you don't want to be and we can help you get out of it.”

“W-why?” he asked softly, pulling his hoof back. “I can't... I... if I run, I'll just... I'll...”

“You'll what?”

“I'll be alone forever,” he muttered, staring down at the table.

“What? Why do you say that?” Jadewing asked. “You've had other marefriends before, right?”

“I haven't. Aside from Tap I've never even had any ponies interested in me. Not one. I've never had any mares even looking my way.” He wiped his eyes, trying to keep the moisture from forming. “It's not... I don't... I'm pathetic. Why would a mare even be interested in a pony like me? I--”

He locked up as Jadewing suddenly slid in besides him. Silverchain gave a small nod and before he knew it, the pegasus had her hooves on his shoulders and pulled him in for a soft, gentle kiss.

He pulled away quickly, his eyes going wide and red flooding his cheeks. “W-what... w-what did you do that for?”

“Because you're cute, interesting, a bit whiny but considering the situation I think it's understandable,” Jadewing said with a smile. “And you're wrong. There are plenty of mares who would find you interesting. We'd been considering you for a while.”

He stared, his eyes going even wider. “W-what?”

“Don't let your fear of being alone control you,” Silverchain said softly as Jadewing slid back into the seat besides her. “No pony deserves to be in a relationship where they feel scared, frightened or abused. Being a stallion doesn't change that.” She gently put a hoof over his. “We can't force you to leave her if you want to stay. But if you want to escape, we will be there to help you. It's not easy, but you never have to do this alone.”

Enigma nodded and stared. A hoof slowly moved up to his lips, rubbing where she'd kissed him. “I... I need... I-I think I need to go and... think about some things. Is that okay?”

Silverchain nodded. “That's fine. What would you like us to tell Tap?”

“I... I don't care.” He gently placed some bits on the table. “That should cover. I... I just need to think. I'm sorry.” He got to his hooves and walked out from the restaurant.

Jadewing sighed and watched him go. “What do you think he'll do? Do you think we were too forward?”

“No,” Silverchain said with a shake of her head. “I think being direct was the only way to get through to him. Now... I suppose we just wait. See how things go. If he needs our help, he can call us. If he decides he wants our help. If not, there's nothing we can do.”

Jadewing sighed. “We should just be able to swipe him from her and make her let him go.”

“That would be foalnapping,” Silverchain said with a sigh. “He is an adult, if he needs help he can choose where he gets it. He can make his own decisions.”

“Do you think we should just leave? She's been in the bathroom for a long time.”

Silverchain shook her head. “No. It would be rude of us to leave the poor mare without any idea of where we are. Besides, perhaps it is time we got to know her a little better.”

The pegasus grinned wickedly. “Oh, we could get to--”

“No. Actually know her.”

Jadewing deflated. “Fiiiiine. Ugh, so boring.”

Chapter 18: The last fight

Enigma stared at the roof, slowly tracing over the little lines and edges in it. His mind raced as he tried to think of something to do. What if they were right? What if he didn't deserve this? But things really weren't that bad. Times like now were pretty nice. He had times to think, times to relax. But he was terrified. She'd be home and things would start all over again.

He pulled the covers over himself. He couldn't run off, not this time. He'd tell her to her face, find a way. He slowly pulled out his phone and opened it. He put in Silverchain's number before stopping.

“No. I can do this on my own. They've... they've helped me enough. They... don't need to be a part of this.”

He dropped his phone on the bed and laid on his side to wait.

He heard the main door slam. “ENIGMA!” Tap's voice echoed from down the hall. He recoiled.

“Y-yes?” he called back. Her hoof steps were loud and angry as she stormed down the hall towards him. She slammed the door open and stood in the doorway, glaring at him.

“How could you? You just leave, abandon me with your friends? Do you have any idea how awkward that was? What kind of coltfriend does that? They weren't my friends, they were yours!” She stormed forward, glaring at him.

He quickly rolled away, moving behind the bed. “T-Tap, we need to talk. I--”

“Yes, we do. I've had it! I don't want you hanging around those mares any more. I've really been doing everything I can for you, trying to be the perfect little marefriend you want. But I can't. I've--”

“I WANT US TO BREAK UP!” Enigma shrieked, pulling back and closing his eyes. He bumped against the wall and gulped. “I-I'm miserable and upset and I-I just hate it here! I hate living with you, I hate doing what you say, I hate always having you yell at me and telling me how I'm wrong! I just... I just hate being with you! I never should have come back!”

He slowly opened an eye and let out a shriek. Tap was right in front of him. He backed up, hitting the wall again. She moved with him, blocking him off in the corner so the only way was through her. “Oh Enigma, I'm sorry. I was just a little mad. I-I didn't mean it.” Tears began to form in her eyes. “Please, honey, don't--”

“N-no, I-I did mean it,” he said softly, shaking his head. “I'm not... happy. I just want to leave... please. I just want... I just want to go. N-not run off a-and hide this time. I want to... go.”

She shook her head, lifting her hooves up to wrap around him. She stared at him with tear covered eyes and he felt himself wavering as his heart melted.

“P-please, Enigma. Please. Don't go anywhere. D-don't... I just... don't. I-I love you. You said you love me. Ponies don't hurt the ones they love, right? Remember all the things I've done for you? I've made so many changes, done so many things. I thought you loved me? I thought you wanted us to be together forever? H-how can you hurt me like this? How?”

Enigma trembled and stared into her eyes. He crumbled to his knees and closed his eyes. “No no no! I won't, I-I'm not going to, I just... I can't. I can't do this any more. P-please. What do you want? Rents payed for until the lease is over, y-you can have everything. I just want my things. That's it. You can have everything else j-just please let me go.” Tears began to well up in his eyes.

“Why? Why are you doing this to me? I've given up so much for you! I've done so much for you! Doesn't that mean anything? Doesn't--” She stopped. He slowly looked up and saw her focus was on his bed. His phone was laying there.

“Wait, I-I wasn't--”

She yanked it up in her magic and opened it. Silverchain's number was still pulled up. “I knew it!” she screamed before turning on him. “You've been two timing me all this time! You're scum! You're dirt! After everything I gave you, after everything I sacrificed for you, you cheat on me with a bunch of, a bunch of freaks!” She stared at the phone for a few moments before narrowing her eyes. She clicked the send button.

“T-Tap, wait, don't,” he said softly. “I-I wasn't... I never...”

There was a click on the other end. “Hello? Enigma?”

“No, this is Love Tap!” the unicorn said angrily. “You little... harlot! I know exactly what you've been doing behind my back! Well, you listen and listen good. You can have him! I'm too good for his two timing flank! I hope you... I hope you choke and die!” She closed the phone and threw it at him, smashing it over his head.

Enigma cringed and pulled back a little, backed against the wall. “T-Tap, I didn't... please... I-I never cheated. I'd never--”

“D-don't lie to me!” she screamed. Tears flowed down her face as she looked at him. “Just... just go! I never want to see you again! Just get your stuff and GO!” She starred at him for a few more seconds before her hoof lashed out and caught him against the cheek. “I wish I'd done a lot worse than slap you that time! You never deserved me!” she screamed before storming off, slamming the bedroom door shut.

Enigma stared at the door, his entire body shaking. He slowly picked up his phone, but the case was damaged and the screen had a large crack down the center. It did a pitiful ringing sound before nothing. Enigma slowly dropped it onto the bed before walking out from their room.

He could hear her down the hall, in the kitchen. Crying and sobbing. He thought he could hear words, but he couldn't make any of them out. He moved into his work room and started gathering up his things.

He hadn't thought this part through. Where was he going to stay? Tap had already made him drop off the key to his second place. He could stay at a hotel for tonight, but what then? He didn't have anypony he could stay with.

He paused and thought about Silverchain and Jadewing. Would they let him stay with them for a little bit? Until he found his own place? They really were nice and their place was big enough. Just until he found his own place. He considered calling them, but his phone was broken now. He'd have to go over there, with all of his supplies. He shivered and shook his head. A hotel would be fine for tonight. Dropping in like that, unexpected, would just be rude.

He was nearly done packaging everything up when he heard a knock on the front door. He cringed, before frowning. Who would come over at this hour of the night?

A moment later he heard Tap opening the door and an all too familiar voice answering. “Oh Tap, honey, what did he do to you?” It was Iceprism. He cringed and redoubled his efforts, filling the boxes and stacking up what he could. He stared at them and sighed, there would be no way for him to get it all out tonight. He'd just have to take whatever was most important and get out as quickly as he could.

The door opened and he froze in place. He turned slowly and cringed. Tap, Iceprism and Ironweight were all there. Of course, she'd dragged her husband along. Tap's eyes were filled with tears and he couldn't help but feel another pang of guilt. He wished he could take it back, to have not caused her pain, but it was too late now. Then he looked to Iceprism, the little blue unicorn.

She looked furious. “How dare you,” she said angrily before taking a step forward. He backed up, putting the box between him and her.

“I-I didn't, I just...” he said, struggling to find the words. “I just want to go.”

“Oh, of course you want to go. After using my friend for all these years, just hop out of her life and leave her behind like she's some kind of used rag. You're despicable!” she said angrily. “You should just go! You don't deserve any of these things! She took care of you for years, never wavering, and then you just cheat on her and run off with a couple of floozies!”

Enigma shook his head. “I-I never cheated on her. I... I never... I would never do something like that.” He lowered a little behind the boxes, trying to keep them between him and the angry mare. Tap just stared at him, tears in her eyes. Ironweight looked as if he wished he was anywhere else.

The mare finally got frustrated and her horn glowed. She picked up one of his boxes and threw it at him, knocking him over backwards and sending a pain through his head. “O-ow!” He held his horn and yelped, blushing as the pieces of pleather spilled all over the floor.

Iceprism looked down and red flooded her cheeks. She then turned her glare back on him. “You... you sick freak! You tried to make Tap do things with... this nasty stuff? Then you have the nerve to cheat on her?”

“I never cheated on her!” Enigma shrieked, quickly backing away. The mare tossed another box at him, but this time he was ready. His own horn came to life and he deflected it with his own telekinesis. “I-I just want to go, leave me alone, please!”

“No! You're scum! You're dirt!” the mare yelled, her horn glowing as he started picking up the scattered pieces of his work in her magic before hurtling them at him. He shrieked and cowered on the ground, covering his face with his hooves. Within a few moments he was buried in pleather, thread, a few coils of rope and the plastic bins. He was thankful she hadn't tossed the last, and heaviest, box that held most of his tools. “Just get out of here!”

“F-fine!” he said firmly, trying to shake off the assorted junk. He hurt all over and he couldn't hold himself back from crying, but he tried to keep what remained of his dignity and grab that last box. All he really needed was his tools, he'd be fine with that. He could get by with just those.

He was halfway to the door when he felt a tug on the box. He turned around to see Iceprism holding it in her magic, one hoof on top. “No! You don't get to take anything! You're an awful pony that does nothing but take and take! If you want to get out of here, you can do it without your stupid things! You don't deserve them!”

Enigma kept tugging on it, frowning. “Just let go! I just want this one box, I need these for my job! Leave me alone!”

“No! You wouldn't even be able to do your stupid job if it wasn't for Love Tap! You're nothing but a selfish, greedy--” The mare tapped firmly on the box with each word, finally knocking it free of his magic. She shrieked and fell backwards, the box rolling onto her and then bouncing, scattering across the ground.

He stared, his eyes going wide. “A-are you okay? I didn't mean to--”

He felt a firm hoof on his flank and he was turned to face Ironweight. The stallion just looked mad now, furious even. Enigma gulped and took a step back. “I-I didn't... I didn't mean to, i-it was an accident.”

“You big jerk!” Iceprism said as she slowly got up, rubbing her side. “You're nothing more than a violent bully! W-well, how do you like it when you're not pushing a little mare around?”

Enigma gulped and looked up into the larger stallion's eyes, his entire body trembling. “I-it was an accident. I just w-wanted to grab my things and--”

“What is going on here?” a firm, angry voice said. Every head whipped around to see Silverchain standing in the door frame.

Tap's eyes widened. “T-this doesn't h-have anything to do with you. J-just go away! H-how did you get in here?”

“We heard yelling and screaming,” Jadewing said, her eyes leveling on Enigma and then Iceprism. Finally they turned to Ironweight before narrowing.

The stallion stared back for a few moments, but there was something in the pegasus' eyes. They narrowed slightly and the unicorn quickly moved aside. She then looked to Enigma. “Are you okay? You look like tartarus.”

“I-I'm fine,” he said softly, his voice craggy and weak. “I-I just want o-out, please.”

Silverchain nodded. “Get your things. We'll help you. Is there any objections?” She worded it like a question, but something about her tone demanded silence.

However, Iceprism could barely hear any of that. She stormed over and glared at the earth pony. “What do you think you're doing? Who are you? This is none of your business!”

“S-she's t-the... o-one h-he cheated on me with,” Tap said, wiping the tears off her eyes. “J-just take h-him and go!”

The earth pony sighed before staring Iceprism in the eyes. “Enigma and I have never been anything more than friends. Perhaps that will change in the future, but if he has ever been unfaithful it has been with neither I nor Jadewing. However, we will not stand idly by and watch you abuse our friend. He has requested to leave and he will be allowed to do so.” She turned towards the unicorn. “Enigma, get your things. We'll help.”

“No! He can leav--” Iceprism started, but a sudden look from Jadewing made the words lock in her throat.

“Enigma, do you need a hoof?” the pegasus asked.

The stallion shook his head as he tossed his tools into the box. “No. I've got it.”

“Good,” Jadewing said before moving forward. She grabbed his head and forced him to look at her, a frown creasing her brow. “You have a black eye. Who hit you?”

“N-no one hit me,” the stallion said weakly. “It was an accident...” he mumbled softly.

“Hey! That's enough,” Iceprism snapped. “You're upsetting my friend. None of you have any right to be here, you should just get out! Just grab your things and go!”

Jadewing turned to glare at the mare. “Are you the one who gave him these bruises and the eye?” the pegasus asked, taking a step forward.

“W-what? He deserved them, I-- eep!” the unicorn let out a squeak as suddenly the pegasus was almost nose to nose with her.

“Listen. He may not be willing to hit you. But I have no such qualms. If I ever see you laying a hoof on him again I will--”

“Jadewing!” Silverchain snapped.

The pegasus cringed and pulled back. “Fine.” She looked to Enigma. “Are you alright? Do you have all your things?”

He shook his head. “I-I'm almost done.” He looked at the other boxes and sighed. Silverchain frowned and moved forward to start picking things up.

“You three should leave,” she said firmly.

“This isn't your home,” Iceprism said firmly. “You can't ask me to--”

“Leave,” the earth pony said before looking up to her. “You've caused enough trouble with your foalish behavior and I have no desire to deal with one of your petty little tantrums.” Her eyes then shifted to Tap and she glared. “You should not spread slander to your friends if they are so out of control of their emotions.”

Tap looked at the mare for a few moments before new tears formed in her eyes. She turned and galloped out the door. Iceprism and Ironweight followed a moment after.

“Are you okay, Enigma?” Jadewing asked softly as she looked him over again. “Anything feel broken?”

“No, she only had the boxes and a few small metal things to throw,” he said softly. After a few moments the boxes were all filled and he gulped. “I-I just have to get my phone. Or... what remains of it.” He took a deep breath and trotted towards their room. To his relief, Tap wasn't in there. He picked up the broken phone and trotted back to the room, gripping the tool-holding box in his magic. “I'm good. I uhhh... thank you. For coming.”

“We would have been here sooner, but we only had the address,” Jadewing said with a shrug. “If you hadn't sent it to us after you moved, we never would have been able to find you.”

He nodded. “Thank you. It... really means a lot that you came for me. If you hadn't...”

“They likely would have beaten you up,” Jadewing said with a roll of her eyes. “And then I'd have had to get violent. And then Silverchain would have been mad.” She looked him over. “Although, you already have gotten a bit beat up.”

“It's fine, she was just letting off steam,” he said softly before lowering his gaze. “I can hardly feel it, really.”

“There's no need to act tough for us,” Jadewing said before looking back. She and Silverchain both had a box on their backs. “Honey, are you okay?”

“It's fine, it's quite light,” the mare said with a smile. “I am happy we arrived before anything too serious occurred. You can stay at our house tonight, we'll examine the damage.”

His face turned red. “W-what? I-I can't impose on you like that. Y-you've already--”

“We've just stopped some guys from beating the cutie mark off you,” Jadewing said before reaching out with her wing to put it over his shoulder. “That's hardly imposing. Besides, after that nopony should be alone. It's what friends do for each other. We have the space and, frankly, you need somewhere safe to be tonight. I don't want you crawling back to her tomorrow.”

Enigma blushed and nodded. “I... I don't think she'd take me back. Even if I begged she--”

“That shouldn't even be an option,” Silverchain said firmly. “You've just been attacked and had your things flung all over the floor as she stood and watched. What more do you need to have happen before you learn? Need she stab you? Shoot you? Toss you out a window?”

His cheeks burned red. “I... I just... I mean... s-she has done a lot for me over the years. I can't just cut her out of--”

“You can and you should,” Jadewing mumbled as she opened the door. He could hear Tap still crying in the kitchen, but he tried not to focus on it. Outside a cab was waiting.

“Y-you got a cab and everything? I-I can pay you back, really, I just--”

“Relax,” Silverchain said as she followed him out, closing the door behind the three. “For now, let's just go home and get you cleaned up.”

Chapter 19: Trying the pleather

“Owie,” Enigma whimpered as his bruises and scrapes were gently dabbed at by Jadewing.

“It's okay, I'm almost done,” the pegasus said soothingly as she poured a little more medicine on the cloth before holding it against his eye. “There. Nothing seems too bad, I imagine in a day or two you'll look good as new. Just take it easy and hold this to your eye. Okay?”

Enigma nodded and held the cloth in his magic. “R-right. Thank you. I... I'm really sorry for dragging you all into this. I just--”

“Don't,” Jadewing said before gently patting him on the head. “You don't have to be sorry for everything, okay? Sometimes relationships just... go bad. Like fruit. It's not all your fault. You never cheated on her, right?”

“N-no. I'd never do that. She just... thought I was because we hung out all the time and... I'm sorry to bring you into this. I really don't mean to be a bother.”

She moved besides him and gently put a wing over his shoulders. “It's fine. Come on. Do you want to get some sleep? I can show you to your room. If you'd rather stay up for a bit, Silverchain and I are going to watch a movie. You're more than welcome to join us.”

Enigma nodded. “I'd like to watch a movie. If that's okay, please? I just... I don't really want to be alone right now.”

The pegasus gently led him into the front room and guided him to the couch. He blushed as he was set between her and Silverchain, their warmth on either side of him. To his surprise, they put on a gentle, light hearted comedy and he relaxed against them.

“Thank you,” he whispered softly.

“It's fine,” Silverchain said gently as she stroked his spine with a hoof. “You're hurting, a lot. Everypony needs help during times like this. Do you believe your ex isn't currently being comforted the same way?”

He blushed and shook his head. “N-no. I... guess she is. But... it's my fault. I-I broke up with her and... and I'm a...”

“Being a stallion does not mean you can't be hurt,” Jadewing said gently, her wing over his shoulder and gently cradling him. “We've seen relationships like that end before. They tend to be hard and brutal. There's no shame in needing comfort after.”

He nodded. “Thank you. For... everything. I... I don't know how to repay you. I just... I'm sorry.”

“It's fine, dear,” Silverchain said gently. “Just enjoy the movie. If you want to talk, we're here and we'll listen. Just do what you feel you need to do, okay?”

He nodded. “Yes. Thank you.” His face hurt a lot, but he tried not to complain. With both the mares besides him, he couldn't help but feel a little safe. Unlike his first night alone, he didn't feel the desperate need to go back to her. He felt safe and secure, like she couldn't find him here. Even if she did, they wouldn't let her hurt him. They wouldn't let him go back to that.

Timidly, he slowly lowered his head and laid it against Silverchain's side. She didn't object, so he closed his eyes and began to relax. He was safe. Really, truly safe.

When was the last time he'd felt like that?

Enigma woke up, his eyes shooting open. He was wrapped in something warm and soft and where was he? Why was--

Relief flooded through him as he realized where he was. A blanket was wrapped over him and he was still laying on their couch. They weren't around, though he could still hear them. They were in the kitchen, cooking. As far as he could tell.

Slowly, he crawled off of the couch and made his way to the room, smiling nervously as he stepped inside. “G-good morning.”

Jadewing yelped and looked up, her cheeks red as she nearly dropped the pan she was holding. Silverchain was behind her, a hoof in a rather... risque position. She quickly pulled it back. “Ah, I see you've finally awoken,” the earth pony said calmly. “Are you feeling better?”

“Much. I ummm, thank you for last night. I know I kind of broke down and all. I just... sorry.”

“There is no need to apologize,” Silverchain said firmly. “To be quite honest, I expected you to be crying quite a bit. That break up seemed quite... brutal. We heard some of the things yelled when we were coming up to your house, it couldn't have been nice.” She trotted over and gave him a gentle hug. “If you ever need to cry, or break down, it's fine. Do not bottle it up, you are safe now.”

He nodded and gulped. “I... I know. Thank you. I feel far better now. Having you two around was... nice.” He looked down. “I uhhhh... I just want you two to know... I understand why you said what you did. Before. I don't expect... anything like that. I-I mean, I know you were just trying to help me feel better.”

Silverchain cocked an eye. “Excuse me? Which things?”

“Err... w-well, the kiss and... stuff. I ummm--” His words were cut off as she pushed her lips to his. He yelped, but didn't pull back.

She pulled back after a moment and smiled. “Why? We do not lie. You are... quite interesting. And if you're interested in learning more about the life style that we have chosen... well, we wouldn't mind. All you need do is ask.”

He squeaked and stared into her eyes. They were so calm and collected, almost dismissive. As if she couldn't care either way. He felt about two inches tall. “A-ask?”

She nodded, before smiling. “Or... would you prefer we order you to?”

He squeaked and shook his head. “N-no. I... I don't really... k-know what I want now. I-I mean, Tap wore one of the outfits and... but... it really kind of hurt and I thought--”

“Hush,” Silverchain said as she put a hoof to his lips. “There is no force or command here. This is merely an offer. If you wish to partake of it, then it will be your choice and you need merely ask. But only do it when you feel comfortable and safe. We would rather it be a pleasant experience for all.” She glanced back. “Now. Breakfast is almost ready, are you hungry?”

He nodded slowly. “O-of course.”

“Good. Would you be a dear and help set the table?”

He gave another timid nod and slowly pulled out the cups and bowls before walking to the table and setting them up. He occasionally glanced over to them, nervously watching. Even though she said that, he couldn't help but feel she was just being nice. There was no way two such amazing mares could be interested in anypony like him. Even on a temporary basis. She just felt guilty for him, that was all.

All that made him do was feel guilty. But he still couldn't help eying them on occasion. “I uhhh, I still have the stuff I'll need to finish the toys you ordered. It was in those boxes. So, ummm, thank you.”

Silverchain gave a low chuckle. “That is good to know, but there is no rush. There is no need to push yourself when you're hurt, unless you wish to. Okay?”

He nodded and gave her another smile. Maybe he truly could be this lucky. He'd just poke at the waters for a little bit.

The days turned into weeks and he found he was getting quite comfortable with them. They'd let him stay in the guest bedroom which, while small, was nicely furnished and comfortable. He'd managed to get his phone fixed after a few days, though he only listened to the messages from them.

He'd managed to find a new agent in Silverchain and had been helping out at her shop a few times. He actually enjoyed it quite a bit, she let him put up a few of his designs in her order sheet and he was starting to feel productive and useful. The fact he lived with them now meant he was making excellent progress on their toys and after he'd finished both of them, he found himself once again on the market. Silverchain had found him a new job extremely quickly and with the commission he'd made he gave them a sizable payment for the food and rent.

They hadn't asked him to move out or find a new place yet, though they had started giving him chores. Still, even with those he was finding it enjoyable. Most of them were simple and fast, so long as he got to them they didn't seem to mind if he got lost in his work. Even when he forgot sometimes they'd just give him a soft reminder and he'd do them. They directed him perfectly, too, so there was no confusion or mistakes to make. He truly felt safe amongst them.

However, the longer he spent with them the more he got to notice things. He could hear them most nights, when they decided to get together and have their fun. The sound of them using the toys he'd made, the little cries of pleasure from both of them. It boiled his blood a little and he longed to join them. But the more he heard them, the more frightening it became.

The sound of a switch against flank made him cringe. Those two were advanced, experienced. He had no idea what he was doing. What they would do. What if they got mad and hated him for it. What if they kicked him out, decided to no longer help him? What if they started to hate him?

But then he'd lay on the couch with them as they watched a movie, or help them with a meal, or come home late. Sometimes they'd give him a sultry come hither look and he'd nearly melt. Both of them were so far beyond his league that a part of him believed it had to all be some kind of sick joke, but he couldn't see them doing that to him.

So finally, after countless times running it through his head, he looked up during their dinner. “U-uh, Jadewing? Silverchain?”

“Yes, Enigma?” the earth pony asked. Jadewing's mouth was so full of watermelon she just nodded.

“About what you said before, err... about the... me... calling... mist... and... with... you and... joining...” He trembled in his seat, his eyes down. After a moment a gentle hoof clasped around his.

“You wish to join us, tonight?” Silverchain asked. “The offer is still available, if that's what you're afraid of.”

He nodded, gulping. “Y-yes. I'd... like to... experience it and... learn.”

She nodded and gave him a gentle smile. “Good. Then after dinner we will prepare you for your first try.” She paused and looked him up and down. “Do not worry. You're new and inexperienced. We'll guide you. Jadewing will be your mistress tonight and... we'll give you a soft taste. I will be monitoring. Okay?”

He nodded, blushing. “S-so, what do I need to know?”

“Jadewing?” the earth pony said.

The pegasus gave a little giggle and rubbed her hooves together. “Don't worry, I'll be gentle, okay?” She reached out and gently stroked his hooves. “There won't even be any penetration. Just a taste for tonight to rile you and let you see what it's like. If you like it... well... we can try other things later. Learn your limits. Do you know about safety words?”

He nodded. “Y-yes. Err, a-a little.”

“Good, if you ever need me to stop, just say...” She hmmed for a moment a looked down. “Melon.” There was a light chuckle from Silverchain. “What? It's a valid word!”

“It's fine, dear. Don't worry, you're in control now. Do as you see fit.”

The pegasus nodded and then softly stroked his hoof. “Don't worry, I'll be with you the entire time. If anything makes you feel unsafe, or scared, just tell me.” She leaned forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “If it's getting too rough and you want me to slow down, just say apples. Got it?”

He nodded. “A-apples means... slow down or gentler and melons means stop?”

She nodded. “Yep. Just like that. Hee, this is gonna be fun.” She sat back down and took another bite of her melon, quickly swallowing it. “It's been a while since I've been dominant. Quite a while since we've had another playmate.”

His eyes widened. “You've... had others, between you two?”

“Of course. We have a very open relationship,” the pegasus said with a smile, before looking to the earth pony. “So long as you don't get any ideas about trying to get between us, you'll be fine.”

He nodded and gulped. “I-I'd never dream of it. You two are an amazing couple and I swear I won't try anything like that.”

The two chuckled. “Just eat up, honey,” Jadewing said with a smile. “Then we can start. Okay?”

He nodded weakly. He stared down at his food, his stomach jumping so hard he wasn't sure if he'd be able to eat anything.

Enigma laid on his stomach, his eyes watching as Jadewing slowly put the toys of the night on the bed in front of him.

“These are hoof cuffs. This is a cushioned paddle. This is a blind fold. Staying with me so far?”

He nodded, trembling nervously. “Y-yes.”

“Good. We won't be using a gag this time.” She moved forward and gently stroked him between the ears. “Now, remember. This is just naughtiness, okay? Things I say, teasing, even mean things, are all just for fun. They aren't real. This is all a safe little game that you can stop at any time you desire, okay?”

He nodded. “R-right. Apple and melon. I-I got it.”

She gently reached out and stroked his mane. “Enigma, relax. This is just a trial. It's all about safety, no matter what. Okay? Just remember that. I'm not going to do anything to hurt you or that is too much. You have the power to stop this at any time.” She gently kept stroking his mane. “And if you don't like it, that doesn't mean we can't try again later. It can take time to get over the fear and discomfort. And, if in the end you really don't like it, then you don't have to try it again. Okay?”

He nodded once more and looked up at her. She looked so gentle, smiling down at him. He gulped and gave a little nod. “R-right, I'm ready. Let's do this.”

Jadewing gently picked up the blindfold and started binding it around his head. “Okay, dear. We're starting now.” It had been a long time since she'd been the dominant one, so she couldn't help but feel a little quiver of excitement. Knowing that Silverchain was watching only added to the excitement. She'd be able to try out all those things her mistress had taught her. Well, after a time. She didn't want to go all out on the stallion yet.

Once she was sure he couldn't see, she gripped his hooves and began applying the cuffs. They wouldn't completely restrict his movements, but he was so jumpy she didn't want to make him feel that vulnerable yet. All of this was a new experience for him and she needed to start slow and gentle. She slowly began to circle him, gripping the paddle in her wing.

She made sure her steps were hard and firm, so he could hear as she walked. His ears twitched as he tried to follow her, predicting where the first swat would come from. She lightly tapped the paddle against her own side, making the stallion jump as the sound hit him, then red flood his cheeks as he realized that he hadn't been actually hit. She did it a few more times, letting the sound wash over the stallion and for his imagination to run wild of fear of what the paddle would do. The psychological torment was gentle, but it would add to his fear, give his desires just that added edge they'd need. That, and hitting herself with the paddle allowed her to get a solid feel for how firm the paddle would hit, how much it would hurt.

He'd never been through this, as far as she knew, so she had to make sure to be gentle. An untested flank would be easy to leave bruises and cuts. As tempting as it would be to make sure he couldn't sit for a while, that would again wait until he'd had a bit more experience. Once she was satisfied with her examination of the paddle, she moved to his side. She stood still for a while and grinned when he tensed up. She waited a few seconds before tapping her hoof on the ground, making him relax as she pretended to start walking again.

Then her wing lashed out. The paddle struck against his flank, making it ripple slightly from the strike and the stallion let out a little shriek. She then pulled back and started walking again. “Did you like that, little unicorn?” she asked softly in a taunting tone. She was rewarded with another little blush.

She circled a few times before her wing struck out again, leaving two swats against each side of his plot. He yelped and for a moment she thought she might have been too harsh, but he merely quivered and didn't say a word. “Mmmm, do you like your little spankings? You have been a naughty, naughty little colt, haven't you?” A hoof gently stroked down his mane before she gave it a little tug, forcing his head back before giving him three sharp swats across his flank. He jumped and yelped, but didn't object. “Very, very naughty. Mmmm, you do have the prettiest little mane though, don't you?”

She used the paddle to gently brush his tail aside, stroking it. “You take very good care of it, don't you?”

“Y-yes.”

There were four strikes this time, two against each cheek. “Yes, what?”

“Y-yes mistress!” he said quickly, his entire body shaking. Sweat was starting to form on his body and she couldn't help but worry she was being a bit too hard on him. She grinned and gave him a little shove onto his side, making him yelp.

A quick look at his underside revealed he was enjoying this a bit more than she thought. Her paddle gently moved down to lift up his sack. “My oh my. Enjoying yourself, pet?”

He locked up and she could see the fear starting to take over. She lowered the paddle and pulled it away from his most vulnerable areas, before giving his flank yet another swat. “Well?”

“Y-yes mistress!”

She nodded and then reached out to grip his front hooves and force them over his head. He let out a soft yelp, but didn't object. She stroked his chest and chuckled. “Mmmm, take pretty good care of your coat it seems, too. If I didn't see the evidence here, I'd have said maybe you were a mare after all.”

“S-sorry, m-mistress,” he said weakly.

“Oh? Why?” She then struck out, giving his cutie mark a swat. “You should try to look your best for your mistress, shouldn't you?”

He gave a quick little nod.

She smiled and rolled him back, laying him on his stomach. She had to switch wings, they were starting to get a little sore from swinging so fast. She slowly circled and stroked him with the paddle as she went, her eyes scanning over his body.

He was covered in sweat and panting. Judging by the indent on the bed, he was enjoying himself, even with his trembling and occasional whimpers. However, his flank was hotter to the touch than she liked, even spreading out the strikes as she had, she was a little worried she might have gone overboard.

She gave his opposite cutie mark a light strike, making him shriek. “You're quite adorable, little pet. Sometimes. You still have a lot to learn, however. Don't worry, I have plenty of time to teach you.” She slowly put the paddle down. Her wings gently moved out, stroking along, exploring him lightly. It was gentle and a bit ticklish, making the stallion giggle and wiggle in place, but he didn't object.

She grinned and slowly slid onto the bed. He tensed, but didn't object. She put herself over him, laying on his back and wrapping her hooves around him. “Mmmm, you know, you are actually quite soft. Maybe we should just leave you like this, use you as a little pillow. Would you like that? Being helpless and vulnerable, cuddled up under me and Silverchain every night? Unable to move?” She slowly nibbled on his ear, despite it twitching and struggling to get away from her mouth.

“Y-yes mistress,” he said softly, his voice getting high pitched and cracking.

“Mmmmm. Or maybe lay you on your back, use that cute little undercoat of yours. It is quite soft. Then again, your mane is soooo luxurious...” She gave it another tug, forcing his head back and nibbling his neck. “Quite nice for a pet. Gives me something to hold onto. Do you like that? Being under us?” She took a deep breath, unsure if she should go that far. What if it really upset him? What if it triggered him and reminded him of the abuse?

She and Silverchain were there, they could help him. Even if it scared him or made him feel bad, they would make sure he knew it was all part of the game. It was not true. “Do you like being subservient to your betters?” She held her breath, her ears twitching as she waited for his reaction.

He did tense up a little bit, before gulping. “Y-yes mistress,” he finally said softly.

“Good.” She gave his cutie mark another swat, this time with her leg. She held him pinned under her and gently explored and caressed his body, stroking and exploring as she wanted while he laid helpless and vulnerable under her. She could feel his excitement growing as time passed, but also watched how certain things made him tense up and cower.

He never said apple, but she couldn't help but feel a little afraid he never would, even if she went too far. Finally, once they were both good and sweaty, she pulled off him, nibbling his ear one last time. She gently lifted the blindfold off his head. “Okay, Enigma. We're finished.”

His entire body tensed up and he looked up at her with fear filled eyes. “W-what? What did I do wrong? I'm sorry, I never meant to--” She hushed him with a hoof to his mouth.

“Shush, darling. You did nothing wrong. You were the perfect, obedient pet,” she said with a smile before leaning forward to kiss him on the lips. “Tonight wasn't about sex though. It was about giving you a taste of what this life is. Is it what you dreamed? Being obedient?”

He gulped and slowly lowered his eyes. “I-I don't know. I... I think I liked it. I... I don't really... know though. I-I mean, I... was I okay?”

“You were wonderful. Wasn't he, darling?” she said, looking to Silverchain. She couldn't help but notice the way he jumped and the little flush of excitement in his cheeks when she called her lover by the same term she used for him.

“You were both very good,” the earth pony said before walking forward. “How are you both feeling?”

“I uhhh... a bit...” Enigma's cheeks burned red. “H-hot and sweaty. Sore t-too.”

“Horny as well, I imagine,” Jadewing said before giving him another soft kiss. “My wing is a little sore, been a while since I've swung a paddle. I need to take a shower, too. All that sweat. Eesh.” She reached down and started unlatching his hooves, looking over where the binds had been. There were a few small marks, but nothing that would last more than a few minutes. “Let's get cleaned up, okay? Honey, are you going to join us?” she asked Silverchain with a smile.

The earth pony looked them over for a moment, before nodding. “Indeed.” She softly stroked Enigma's mane. “I think it's time we teach you aftercare. It's very, very important.”

“O-okay,” the stallion said nervously. Slowly he was led from the bed towards the bathroom.

Enigma let out a soft, content sigh as he laid on the couch in what he could only describe as a cuddle pile. He was nestled up in the lap's of the two mares as they cuddled up against each other. His head was laying softly on the pegasi, his horn off to the side.

A small cartoon was playing on the television, though he could barely hear it. He was just too comfy. All three of them were still a bit damp from the shower and his back kind of hurt from where he'd accidentally slammed into the wall during the aftercare. Silverchain had been very, very thorough with her use of the sponge to make sure that both of them got rid of any residual excitement from the session.

After that, it had been nothing but gentle care, soft words and cuddles between the three of them. He couldn't deny having been a little worried that he had screwed up and they were never going to want to touch him again like that, but the way they kept stroking his mane and occasionally whispered those sweet, gentle words to him wiped those doubts away. He felt like they truly cared for him.

“Is there anything I did that scared you?” Jadewing asked softly as she twirled one of his hairs around her hoof.

“Hmmm? I'm sorry?”

“Did anything scare you? Make you worry I was going too far? Make you uncomfortable?”

He blushed. “W-well... there... was one thing.”

She nodded and gently stroked his chin, making him look up at her. “Yes? What was it, dear?”

He stared at her and blushed. “I... ummm... i-it's kind of stupid, a-and weak and... I-I know I should be stronger, s-since I... asked for this but... I... uhhh... I-I'm sorry I didn't--”

“Honey, it's fine,” Jadewing said with a smile. “The idea is for us both to enjoy this. Making you feel truly scared or uncomfortable won't make either of us happy.”

“W-well... I thought you were going to... strike my... balls,” he said finally, cringing and waiting for them to laugh.

Instead, she leaned down and kissed him on the lips again. “There there, darling. That's fine. Something like that I would save for a later session, depending on how much you liked pain. I won't deny that sometimes it's done, but only in the safest of manners and I would never do it if I didn't think you'd be able to take it.” She then pulled back and smiled. “And I won't do it until you tell me you're okay with it. Understand?”

He blushed and gave a nod, laying his head back down. “T-thank you,” he said softly. He couldn't help but feel safe, cradled up in their laps like this. Even when he had been tied up and blindfolded, he still felt safer with them than he had with Tap. Now, especially, he felt as if they'd never let anything in the world hurt him. “I... I'd like to... try this again, sometime. If... that's okay. N-not to pressure, or anything. Sorry.”

“It's fine, dear,” Jadewing said before giving his horn a little kiss and drawing a little spark of magic from it. “I'm happy you enjoyed being my submissive little play thing. Trust me, I have so many, many toys I plan to try on you during our time together.” She gave a little giggle at his little shiver of delight. “Maybe if we're lucky, Silverchain will join us soon.”

The earth pony smiled and gave the pegasus a little kiss on the neck. “I think I will be joining you for the next session. I... must admit, I am quite impressed. You were a marvelous mistress, my little pet. You've learned quite well.”

“I had the perfect teacher,” she said before giving her lover a little kiss. “I'm happy I could make you proud.”

“You make me proud every day I know you,” Silverchain said softly.

Enigma gently nuzzled the lap again and was rewarded with a soft stroke of the stomach. He opened an eye and smiled at the sight of the two mares gently kissing.

For the first time in a long, long time he felt completely safe and secure. He knew there would still be problems ahead, there was no telling if Tap would find him again, if Silverchain would be the right agent and always be able to find him work.

But, for now, it didn't matter. He felt happy, secure and like he could face the next days no matter what happened. Most importantly, he felt as if he had value, as if he was somepony that mattered. So long as he felt like that, he felt everything would be okay.

Author's Note

Here it is, the final chapter. Not the longest story I've ever written, but I did like how it turned out. I had originally intended to expand on a few things, but I honestly felt this was a good place to end it, with them all happy.
For those curious, this story is based on a book I intended to write, it was going to be my first romance. Sadly, I never got around to finishing it due to unmentionable reasons, but in the future who knows? I might expand on it then. For now, I hope everyone enjoyed.