The next four nights passed in a sleepless blur, but Rarity had just managed to finalize the first three prototype outfits to present to Dark Mask in time for their meeting. She’d set aside all else, making it a top priority, and she was quite glad she did so. The outfits were demanding ensembles to craft, not unlike any worthy lover worth wooing. She cut and sewed her affection. Every stitch and stretch of material was treated with the utmost care and respect. These were not just clothes. They were armor. Declarations.

Too conventional? Too hemmed in? Ha! She’d like to see those Manehattan fillies tear their eyes away from such commanding art.

But, while she did feel a rare spring in her step on the eve of a client presentation, she hated the idea of leaving town for Manehattan with Fluttershy suffering such fraught nerves. Rainbow Dash had taken to surprise luncheons and fly bys, her eyes always scanning for that mysterious somepony to show up. While Fluttershy had already promised Rainbow that her curiosity would be sated on their very special playdate, patience had never been their friend’s strong suit. So Rarity did the one thing she felt she could do.

Over brunch at an outdoor table in front of Ponyville’s cafe (an outing conveniently scheduled whilst Rainbow was away for Wonderbolt practice) she asked, “Fluttershy, why don’t you come with me on my trip to Manehattan?”

Fluttershy fumbled her candy coated apple before catching it with a squeak, replacing it on her dish with an apologetic grimace. “Rarity, that’s so nice of you to offer,” she said with a pert flutter of her lashes. Her blue eyes darted side to side before she leaned in and whispered, “But aren’t you meeting with Dark Mask?”

Rarity failed to repress a deep throated chuckle. “Yes, darling. You needn’t be nervous! If the idea of meeting him troubles you, then you are always free to stay at the hotel instead.” She winked, drawing in closer. “Though I was hoping to employ your particular talents to model my new work for him…?”

“Me?” Fluttershy exclaimed. She fidgeted in her seat, that cute sunny glow rising up through her hide. “Y-you mean the clothes are--”

“All fitted to you, yes,” Rarity purred with a sultry lean, moving her sleek white hoof in enticing circles as she stirred her coffee (She’d given up on tea. Her latest endeavors required appropriate fuel, after all!). “Thinking of your mesmerizing dimensions turned my midnight toils into a far more pleasing pastime.”

Fluttershy actually meeped and turned her head, her wing extending forth to conceal her growing blush, as though she needed an immediate and private moment to process the information. Rarity smiled, her head lilting to the side as she sighed her affection.

If death must be sought, let it be by the saccharine sights bestowed upon me by this precious mare!

Some moments later, during which Rarity patiently sipped her drink, Fluttershy emerged, her hair only slightly mussed and a glow of pink still to her cheeks.

“Okay…” she breathed. Her eyes found Rarity’s, and the unicorn was sobered by the tiniest hint of a wrinkle over that heavenly gaze. “I’ll try. Because I think Dark Mask sounds nice, and… and because, maybe, it might be exciting.” She shuddered, the pink fading from her face. “But if it’s too much, I hope you understand if I use our safe word!” She slouched and mumbled, “Sorry.”

Rarity sat straight, her own brow drawing tight. “Do not ever apologize for asserting yourself, Fluttershy! If something sits ill with you, then say so!”

Fluttershy nodded, but judging by the very nibbleable jut of her lower lip, this idea still bothered her.

Rarity rubbed her temple, frustrated with herself for failing to comfort her sub. “Fluttershy, perhaps you can share your complete thoughts on the matter? That way we can reconcile the differences we have… for I dare say, they appear to be quite serious!”

Fluttershy released a little sigh. When she spoke, it was slowly… contemplatively. Her gaze pierced through the table to whatever troubling issue was in her head. “Everypony says I’ve come so far in terms of confidence. They really think I’m so assertive now! But… but maybe my confidence isn’t supposed to be wrapped up in being assertive just for myself? Maybe… Maybe I want to be assertive for somepony else? Even if that’s a little hard?”

Rarity’s eyes fluttered as she processed this. “Well,” she said with great care. “It appears that other ponies haven’t the right to make judgements on your decisions if they fail to understand your motivations so egregiously!”

“But that’s just the thing!” Fluttershy exclaimed, her wing feathers fluffing as her wing joints angled down. Rarity’s face slackened, her heart skipping a beat.

The way the sun hit her marefriend from behind… that heightened stance… So divine!

“They all mean well for me!” Fluttershy continued, seemingly unaware of Rarity’s open admiration. Her ears drooped with uncertainty. “For myself, I know what I want! To make you happy! I want you to accept me! And… And if that means pushing past my comfort zones, then so be it! I-isn’t that what gaining confidence is about?”

Rarity wasn’t quite so sure gaining confidence should be quite so outwardly focused, but it was true that building self-esteem meant leaving those safe havens one had learned to take refuge in. She found herself chewing her lip in consternation, a fillyhood habit she swore she had broken. My, but how quickly this short exchange quadrupled in importance! Thoughts chased memories, their courses as maddening as they were difficult to follow. Thread the needle, Rarity… she cautioned herself. We will do no disservice to Fluttershy with hastened answers!

“Of course my dear,” Rarity murmured after a time. “But you must know that I accept you as you are. You needn’t accept every fancy that passes through my head!” She made sure to catch her sub’s eyes, a feat which required quite the lean as Fluttershy had all at once become fascinated with the shop across the street. “And you do fight for others, ma belle. Why, where would those poor woodland creatures be without your stalwart care? Did you not stand your ground when it came to creating their lovely sanctuary?”

Fluttershy furrowed her brow in thought, doubt evident in her voice. “I’m not sure that compares, Rarity.”

That her earnest (and well aimed, she thought) counterpoint had been so easily stymied brought a pout to Rarity’s lips. “And why ever not?”

“Because when the sanctuary was built, I didn’t feel like I had to earn the love of my critter friends. We had already been close for years, and anyway, they are so open and simple with their needs! But… But ponies are so, so, so much more complicated! With you, for instance, I’m not just a friend anymore. I’m not even just your pet anymore! I’m… yours. That’s so much more layered then giving duckies a pond to rest in, or a squirrel some nuts to store! And the fact that you’ve let me in, heard me out without turning me away, when any other pony in their right mind would... I-I just wanted you to know what that means to me.” A sheepish smile spread across Fluttershy’s lips upon finishing, her eyes crinkling both with apology, and with that unmistakable shine of worshipful caring.

When Rarity had recovered her voice from the frothing slush that was her melted heart, she managed to say with a quaver, “Darling, I-I think you just did!” She drew closer, caring not a whit as her snowy hide warmed with a full body blush, and breathed, “If it were not for our mutual agreement to keep our new amour discreet, I would leap across this table and ravage you with kisses!” This elicited an adorable squeak from her companion, but Rarity soldiered on, determined to make one thing clear: “My sweet and beautiful Fluttershy, please-- retire these silly notions that you must somehow earn my love! You fight for a prize already in your possession!” With a deep, stabilizing breath, Rarity tilted her snout in the air and declared, “So I must underscore that any attempts at broadening your comfort zone ought to be done only for yourself! After all that we’ve done together, I could hardly ask more of you! Nay, in fact, I would never.”

Fluttershy nodded meekly, her blue eyes shocked wide and unblinking. Then she peered surreptitiously around them, her wings shifting nervously on her back. Rarity’s voice had been low enough, but her very aura pulsed with captivating presence. The unicorn cleared her throat and duck her head for a quick sip of coffee. Mental note: mind your behavior! One needn’t be loud to draw attention... Though Rarity honestly hadn’t the slightest idea how she could curb that from occuring again in the future. Passion always came as easily as breathing to her, for matters large and small-- and this was no small matter!

Fluttershy sat in silence as she processed Rarity’s love-heated words. Rarity felt a tension she hadn’t even been aware of release in her withers as the mare across from her gave a dainty lick at the candy apple on its plate. It was not unlike that memorable night when she had first brought Opal home. The then tiny kitten had spent hours avoiding Rarity’s offerings of treats and toys. It wasn’t until she had taken her first nibble of food that Rarity felt the cat was opening up to her as an owner.

When Fluttershy straightened in her chair, Rarity did as well. “Rarity,” the pegasus said with a tremor. “I think I would still like to model your work to Dark Mask.” She underscored this with a short nod of her head, petite nostrils flaring.

“Oh!” Rarity’s ears perked happily.

“But!” Fluttershy picked up her candy apple, the bright red gleam of its surface refracting the sunlight, visiting a lovely ruddy bloom on her muzzle (or was that just her natural warmth blessing her hide?). “I-if you’d please hear me out, I’d prefer to do it a certain way...” Fluttershy followed this by taking a tiny bite of her candy apple, as though she wanted to buy herself a moment from further speaking, the red syrup clinging to her lips like a shy seal.

Rarity allowed one ear to droop as she beheld her marefriend. “Well!” she exclaimed at last. “Please, do share your idea! After such a scintillating proposal, I daresay it would be a crime to hold me in suspense any longer!”

The blush (for it was truly her blush and not just a trick of the light this time) returned to her pet in full, but when Fluttershy spoke, it was with such clarity of vision that Rarity was captivated. Titillated, more like.

A curling smile crossed Rarity’s muzzle.

Why you devilish minx...

One impossibly short day later found Rarity seated in a Manehattan restaurant at her appointed meeting time, the handsome stallion Dark Mask situated across from her and smirking in all his roguish charm.

What was it about the atmosphere of consumption that so lent itself to discourse, Rarity wondered idly. She decided to make it a point to bring up the matter with Twilight later. Surely there was some layer of magic that still lingered around meals that encouraged the sharing of ideas and observances. Years ago, Rarity might have found speaking during gestation to be a vulgar indulgence, but it seemed all her latest conversations were being held over lunch, breakfast, or tea. Ah well. Ponies changed, she supposed.

There was of course the possibility that she found herself gravitating toward activity only to stave off the creep of exhaustion that was building on her, and what more acceptable way was there then to sit together with a friend and sup?

“Was your trip to Paneighma enjoyable?” Rarity asked before taking a nibble of her fruit salad.

Dark Mask sat back in his chair and let out a breath through loose lips. “Hmm… Well, I didn’t get to spend as much time in the city as I would have liked. The show for High Step was very intense. There were only four other models besides myself for a collection of twenty-nine outfits! And Step insisted there be no separation from backstage to front stage.”

Rarity gasped, her aura dropping what had been a carefully speared piece of melon fruit. “Oh my goodness! I didn’t realize he was attempting something so avant-garde!”

“Exhausting more like,” Dark Mask mumbled. He sipped his glass of water, then seemed about ready to cut a piece of his country steak when he dropped his cutlery and said, “Ugh! Pardon me Rarity, but please promise me that our shows will not be taken to the point of gimmicky performance art! I’m sure it’s thrilling from the audience point of view, but it distracts from the heart of the work!” He pressed his hooves at either side of his creamy white head, the dark streak over his brown eyes creasing with frustration as he glared through the table. “I would even argue that High Step was not putting on a fashion show, but some modernist deconstruction of public identity--which, I might add, he did not make clear to my agent!”

Rarity bared this tirade with just the barest hints of a grimace in her arranged smile.

Right! So I suppose we will not be demonstrating the functionality of our designs on the runway stage? She took a little breath, shaking away the disappointment with a small flip of her mane. Dark Mask makes fair a point… Our line is to be representative of kink culture, not demonstrative. And he is quite right to say that elaborate performances would overshadow the soul of the work itself.

With surety restored, Rarity gave a gracious bow of her head. “You have my word, D! Though I am sorry to hear that your time in Paneighma was such a trial. Didn’t you at least try some of their ceviche?”

He shook his head, relief softening his features that their show would be nothing like High Step’s. “No… But I did try their fish tacos!” He kissed a hoof and squeezed his eyes shut. “Divine!”

A comfortable lull fell between them, the subtle ambiance of the Manehattan restaurant eagerly filling the silence. Rarity was about halfway through her fruit salad when it struck her that perhaps she ought to update Dark Mask on her latest adventures in amour.

“D, you should know, I’ve spoken with Fluttershy and she’s agreed that speaking more frankly with you about our exploits would be acceptable.” She coughed daintily, absently poking at a grape with her fork. “That is, if you are still interested in blessing me with your superior knowledge?” She peeked at him hopefully.

Dark Mask arched an eyebrow at her, his mouth still chewing a piece of steak. Rarity could feel her body temperature rise as she went rigid. Oh, blast! He was chewing! How rude of me, I should have waited--!

The stallion swallowed and smiled, his forelegs spreading wide. “But of course! I’ve been using every ounce of my considerable restraint to resist prying--” Here Rarity scoffed. “--and now I insist that I not be made to wait a moment longer! Please, walk me through your first scene!”

Rarity hummed, both in relief and some apprehension. A quick look around her however revealed that nopony was within earshot--in fact, all the tables around them were quite empty. A bewildered look at Dark Mask satisfied her rising curiosity.

“When I made the reservation, I made an advance payment to ensure we’d have some privacy,” Dark answered her unasked question with an amused grin.

Rarity chuckled, both in friendly affection and humor at her own inexperience. As a fashionista, she had always lived her life with the drive of being noticed. Her social acumen, honed as it was, simply lacked D’s apparent experience in escaping such notice, doubtless a valuable skill for one so used to living in the limelight.

New ventures, new strategies! We will not fret, but instead, take eager notes from the master.

“I appreciate the measure, D,” Rarity said with a small laugh. Despite the ample privacy, she still felt compelled to lean in, speaking under her breath in conspiratorial tones, “Now, about our first scene!”

Dark Mask listened with little interruption, his eyes fastened on Rarity as she purred, gushed, and giggled her way through her first magical evening with Fluttershy as the ever playful, ever enticing kitty: Sunny. Upon completing her tale, the unicorn felt giddy and scandalous and damned proud of herself. And why shouldn’t she be? She’d hosted a dear and beautiful friend and fulfilled her longtime wish. Quite well, if I might say so!

Dark Mask clopped his hooves together, a small smile on his lips as he nodded. “Bravo, bravo, my lady! Your maiden sounded quite satisfied, as did yourself! You are a very complementary pair, if I may say so.”

“Thank you,” Rarity tittered, then promptly cleared her throat and raised her muzzle. Aplomb, Rarity! Always!

Though now Dark Mask made a show of biting his tongue, one eye squinting playfully as he looked Rarity over.

Confused by this change in attention, Rarity asked with a tilt of her head and a shine of worry to her azure eyes, “Is something the matter?”

Dark Mask opened his mouth, then seemed to think better of it, instead swallowing it with a grin. “Hmm…” He leaned back in his chair and tapped a hoof on the table.

Rarity could feel her cheeks burn and whined. “Do not tease! I just revealed something utterly private to you, and I demand to know your thoughts!”

Dark’s eyebrows rose, “Oh ho! Rarity demands, now does she?”

Her ears flicked, her tail swishing in agitation. “D!”

He held up his hooves. “All right! If my lady insists, then this rogue shall share what is on his mind.” Even saying this, he still took an extra moment to chew the corner of his lip. Rarity found herself mirroring him reflexively, her body scooting to the edge of her seat.

When Dark finally spoke, it was with a rush of air, like he was trying to shoo the idea out of his head. “You let Sunny tackle you? And begged her for cunnilungus?” He shook his head and tsked.

Rarity leaned far back, her eyes going very large and round. Well! That certainly wasn’t how she’d put it, but--!

Dark ran a hoof over his rakish mane as he made a wheeling gesture with his other hoof. “Eeeh, not to burst your bubble, but that sort of sounds like something a newbie Switch would do.” He gazed at her seriously for just a beat longer before he winked, a jaunty grin returning to his infernal lips. “Food for thought! You’re being safe, that’s what matters. But if you ever came by the club and let such details be known, other Doms will be quick to call you ‘other’.” He shrugged and rolled his eyes. “It’s a thing they do amidst their long-winded discussions on methodology and subtle pissing contests.”

“But, but I am not a--a Switch,” Rarity laughed in retort. She knew this term well. It had been one of the first basic things covered in her borrowed copy of Underground Love. A ‘Switch’, or a ‘Versatile’ was someone who… well… switched between top and bottom roles. But she’d worked too hard and come too far in her dominant persona to find the idea even remotely acceptable.

Her? A Switch? No, she was The Lady, and she was quite happy with that, thank you very much!

Dark Mask nodded patiently, “Okay, Rarity. If you believe you are not a Switch, then I suppose I’m in no place to argue. Still, you should know there’s nothing wrong with Switches!”

“I am not a Switch,” Rarity said with a little glare.

Dark Mask held up a hoof, in a If you say so! gesture. “Very well! But just FYI, it’s unusual for an experienced Dom to allow their sub to get the upper hoof like your pretty Sunny did. And it’s doubly unusual for an experienced sub to behave so boldly, for that matter! With more time, you’ll both learn to embody your roles more naturally. It makes a bigger difference when you’re in scenes with other ponies. That way no Doms feel threatened, and no subs are disillusioned.” He tapped his hoof on his chin his eyes turning up in thought. “Huh! Now that I think on it, Fluttershy doesn’t sound like a bratty sub, so… perhaps she could be a Switch?”

Someone in the rear kitchen dropped a plate, the ringing clatter provoking a surprised lull in the restaurant’s ambience. It was just as well, because Rarity didn’t quite know what to say in that moment, except--

To burst out laughing.

She tried to cover her mouth with both hooves, but the peals of laughter kept coming. Dark Mask smiled patiently, waiting for his opportunity to speak again. When Rarity had calmed enough, he said, “Now that you’ve taken such amusement in my thoughts, can I offer some tips on scene control for next time?”

Rarity daintily wiped a tear from her eye and nodded, the embers of her humor still flaring with occasional chuckles.

The rest of the luncheon proceeded with far less excitement. Rarity listened closely to Dark’s advice, even going so far as to pull out a notepad and pen to take shorthand notes. They were simple tips, more related to positioning and psychology, but it all sounded perfectly logical and effective. Twilight surely would have felt the need to dissect the information, but Rarity was happy to tuck it away for now. After all, they still had a schedule to keep! And a pretty mare still waiting at the hotel…

Their meals consumed, their checks paid, the pair made way for the humid streets of Manehattan.

Ah… Manehattan. The City of Equestria!

It was true it sometimes frothed and snarled like a hungry beast, the honk and holler of haggard ponies a raucous orchestra of competing desires. Still, Rarity’s faith in the city’s redemptive pluck made sussing out the better natures of her fellow Equestrians as natural as Fluttershy’s domesticating kindness. A gem here, a bit there… Rarity was well aware that Manehattan put a stress on her funds, but she felt such a basic and inescapable delight at seeing a pony down on their luck receive an unexpected boon.

Dark Mask observed this with tamped down amusement as she tipped the hostess on the way out of the restaurant with a healthy sized diamond from her purse. Rarity’s ears flicked at the sudden snort of laughter. Her lips pursed as she shot her svelte companion a sideways glare.

The more she conversed with D, the more he revealed himself to be a mischievous figure. Sometimes she thought it was because he was adamant to deconstruct her initial impression of his gentlemanly nature. Other times she suspected he simply wanted to draw her out of her practised poise.

Regardless the reason, she put up with his occasional caddishness the same way she might Pinkie Pie’s childlike exuberance, or Rainbow Dash’s unrepentant brashness. It was his unique quirk, and compared to certain others she had learned to (lovingly) endure, he wasn’t so much overbearing with it as--

“Rarity, you are every bit the generous soul the stories say you are. It is a sight to behold!”

Casually provocative.

A smile tugged her lips as they eased into the throng of ponies flowing over the sidewalks. “Oh? Truly? And here I thought I gave that mare a diamond, not a bit.”

Dark Mask chuckled with a flip of his dark chocolate mane. “Now, now. You know fully well the treasure that you are! This wayward fool would be left adrift were it not for your radiance.” He winked, his smirk curling ever higher.

Rarity shot him a sharp look, though the seeds of her humor bloomed into a grin. “Honestly, D. Why this unctuous game of yours? I was only trying to show my appreciation for their marvelous service!”

He nodded, his expression easing into something more sincere. “Yes, I know.” He shrugged, his tail flicking once as they came to a stop at a street corner. “You’ll have to forgive me, Rarity. I’ve lived in this town a long time. Until you came along, I don’t know that these streets have ever known such giving!” He sucked at his teeth and looked away. “To be honest, it makes me worry a little.”

Rarity stared at the back of his head, startled at the sudden turn of the conversation. Worried? she thought. I worry him?

“You’ll have to explain that to me, D,” she said with a small frown. “Are you perhaps afraid I’d be taken advantage of?”

The walk light came on, and the ponies around them began to flood the street. Rarity started to cross, Dark Mask following a moment later. She glanced back at him, her confusion growing with every clop of her hoof against the asphalt. He stared ahead with lips pressed pensively thin. This was another one of his quirks, she realized. The stallion opened with mild teasing, then as though he’d taken his measure of his subject, he’d suddenly grow serious, not unlike a flash storm. He’d done the same thing when he discovered Rarity’s borrowed BDSM book.

It wasn’t until they’d taken a few steps back onto the sidewalk that he said, “You know, there’s certain types that gravitate to the dominant roles in our hidden little world.”

Rarity slowed, her head raising just a little higher.

Dark Mask looked down at her, his brow a knot over his soulful brown eyes. “It’s true that being dominant can be seen as ‘taking’ what one wants when looked at from a certain light... but as I see it, the true dominant is more about giving.” He looked ahead again with a sigh. “You really revel in the giving, Rarity. But you can only give so much. Just take care to remember that.”

She moved a little closer to him, speaking softly. “D, would it be too much to ask how you’ve come across your wisdom?”

He smiled ruefully and bumped flanks with her. “I’m an experientialist. I’m sure you’ve gathered that.” He sighed. “I tell you these things because I’ve gone through them myself. I was once someone’s Dom. But things fell apart when my sub’s demands drove me to ever greater lengths to appease them. It takes time and effort to plan the kinds of scenes we were doing. But our fevered pace didn’t allow for that.” Dark Mask shook his head, his muzzle wrinkling. “I didn’t take the proper steps. They ended up hurt as a result.”

Rarity gasped, placing a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Oh no!”

“Fortunately, no permanent damage was done. But my partner left me. I haven’t been a Dom since.” He gave a little shrug of his eyebrows and smirked. “I may not have your immensely generous spirit, but I know the folly of trying to do too much as a dominant. Be realistic about what you have to give, and you and your partner will be better off for it.”

Rarity nodded slowly. Taking on too much-- Surely I can manage to avoid falling prey to that? She tossed her mane, stomping her hoof in resolution. The rules of Rarity can be applied in my new relationship with Fluttershy, after all. I need only adhere to my own standards, and I’m sure I’ll avoid such folly!

The remainder of the short walk was spent in silence. When they arrived at the hotel, Rarity took a deep breath, realizing that her next announcement was past due.

She sat before the lobby elevators and turned her head. “D,” she called, realizing that she was alone. The stallion had been stopped at the main entrance by a pair of mares wanting an autograph. They giggled, practically hopping on the spot as he signed slips of paper for each.

Task done, he handed the slips back, that familiar, practiced smile fixed on his face as he trotted up to her. “Yes?”

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. Rarity led Dark into the lift with a little grin. “You should know ahead of time, as I want to give you ample opportunity to say otherwise, but Fluttershy is up in my room. She has agreed to model my work for you.”

Dark Mask’s mouth actually fell open, and for a moment the butterflies in Rarity’s stomach seemed to double. Then D snapped his mouth shut, giving his head a rough shake. “Wow! Er, ok! I wasn’t expecting that!” He exclaimed, eyebrows raised in his surprise.

Rarity giggled. “Forgive me! You tease me so much, I wanted it to be something of a surprise. But you see…” and here she blushed, a rosy tint coloring her cheeks. “Fluttershy only agreed to do this under one condition.”

Dark Mask actually leaned in, his face still long from the enormity of her revelation. “Yes? What condition?”

Rarity smirked as she faced the elevator doors. They were nearly to her floor. “She is to be regarded as just a ponnequin.” She looked at him sideways, her smirk curling. “She is not a pony. She is an object to be used for our needs. Does this sound like a game you can play?”

Dark Mask gave a low whistle. “Ponnequin, huh?” Now he pouted, his eyes turning up in thought. “Hrmph! I actually don’t know which fetish that is! Transformation? Forniphilia, maybe? Though you could make an argument for Aga… um… Aga… Ugh! The fetish where you’re into statues!” He gave a rough shake of his head, his stylishly messy hair becoming less of the former and more of the latter. “Kinksters are a science unto themselves. You practically need a degree to keep up!”

The elevator stopped in the midst of Dark’s attempts at figuring out what particular kink he was about to walk into, giving a soft ding as the doors slid open. As they stepped out onto the carpeted hallway, Rarity gave him a bemused smirk. “So I take it you are perfectly all right with playing along?”

The stallion looked at her, startled out of his disgruntled thoughts. “Oh! Yes, of course. That’s fine.”

Rarity stopped at her door and winked. “Good! And anyway, you needn’t get too excited. She’s only interested in the roleplay, and even that for as long as it takes to show off the outfits.” She gave the door a brief knock so as not to startle the room’s occupant, then turned the handle to enter.

Stepping into the modest suite, she discovered Fluttershy reclining on a creamy chaise lounge situated near the window, where she could look out over the Manehattan skyline. The demure pegasus glanced back at her guests with the kind of expectant look one donned when well aware of impending company: clear, calm, and welcoming.

“Hello Rarity,” she said. She did stiffen when her eyes fell on the unfamiliar stallion, but she managed a careful smile. “Hello Mister Dark Mask,” she slid gracefully off the lounge and walked up to him. Dark sat near the door, just the barest hints of amusement in his grin. “I don’t believe we’ve formally met. I’m Fluttershy. A pleasure to meet you!”

Rarity could feel her chest swell with a pride which, she realized only seconds after, was a misguided appropriation. It was true that years ago, such an introduction would have been quite impossible for Fluttershy. (Goodness, it was one of Twilight’s fondest stories to tell-- of the squeaking pegasus who hid behind her mane and could barely say her own name!) Her journey from that paralyzing shyness had been a long one. Still, the reminder did nothing to lessen the pride Rarity felt at her friend’s success. After all, the knowledge that a pony of such personal growth would choose to be with her was humbling enough.

Dark Mask gave a little bow. “Miss Fluttershy, it is an honor to finally meet you properly.” He straightened with a chuckle, “I’d always hoped to be introduced to you on the circuit years ago, but it’s funny how fate works!”

“Splendid!” Rarity said, her heart quickening as she felt her persona of authority already taking its place in her mind, “Now that you two have said your greetings, shall we get on with it? Not to be brisk, but I know you have other engagements today, and I shouldn’t like to take up more time than necessary. My new ponnequin does require adequate time to dress.” She gave Fluttershy a meaningful nod. The pegasus swallowed audibly, her hide coloring to that lovely sunset shade as she trotted to the center of the room. Meanwhile, Rarity’s horn lit with her aura, zipping open one of three garment bags laying on the bed.

With a deep breath, Fluttershy closed her eyes, giving her wings a few small flaps to shake out any stiffness before opening her eyes and falling into form: fore hooves placed close, rear hooves planted flank width, head raised and centered, but with muzzle angled down so as to let her mane slide forward naturally.

Rarity had gravitated toward the bed as she smoothed out the travel creases from her first piece. It was a jacket, but one inspired by straitjackets used in fetish play and mental institutes. Of course, real straitjackets were often made from canvas or duck cloth, but Rarity turned her nose up at such unrefined materials and instead opted for white denim. A hidden zipper fastened it down the front, its long body slipping easily over folded wings. Along the sides thick belts threaded through wide hoops, their right ends adorned with fashionable silver buckles to fasten through the holes of their partners. The sleeves of the jacket were wide with cuffs, inverted up half a leg length rather than rolled. The intent of the design was that the sleeves, when pulled out to their true length, could then be pulled behind the wearer and fastened with the belts on the back. Finally, the sleeves bore a lining of pastel blue, with silver thread quilt-stitched in intricate diamond shapes. They were her trademark, after all.

Behind her, Dark Mask ooohed. She sent him a cheeky smile over her shoulder, before turning her attention to her pretty ponnequin.

“Ah but wait!” she told him as her aura carefully lifted one of her ponnequin’s hooves. The ponnequin bent to her will with ease-- much less difficult than those stiffer varieties! The jacket unzipped and floated to the hoof, and with some gentle suggestion, Rarity’s magic eased the hoof into the sleeve and through. Moments later, her model was fully dressed.

She and Dark Mask regarded her work with studious attention. Rarity had donned her ruby specs, and held her notepad and pen at the ready. The stallion circled around.

The ponnequin remained utterly still under his attention.

“Hmm,” he murmured. “Perhaps the belts could be a little wider and shorter? Practically speaking they appear fine, but for day wear it might be a bother to fasten each one at that length-- which you’d totally have to unless you wanted your belts to go dangling along the floor! Some ponies might even like the look of the belts undone-- like they’re escapees from an asylum.”

Rarity hummed in surprise. “My! That hadn’t occurred to me. Funny how being in the thick of the process can make one lose sight of such things.” She squinted at her notepad, jotting down his observations. “And what did you think about the lining? Is the color to your liking?”

“It looks fine on this ponnequin, but we might want to consider other color options. We can keep it pastel, though.”

“Mmm, noted.”

“Rarity?”

She looked up at him. Dark gestured at the ponnequin with a little frown. “Do you mind if I rearrange your ponnequin? I want to see the jacket with the sleeves strapped back.”

Rarity let her glasses slip down her muzzle to peer at him, her eyes flickering briefly to the ponnequin before returning to her notes. “Yes, yes. It’s fine,” she answered, almost dismissively.

Inwardly, she endeavored to keep the sly smile off her face.

When she finished her last note regarding the different colors for the sleeve lining, she looked up to see her model now in a sitting position. Dark Mask, being an earth pony, had to fasten the belts by hoof, though he managed it with remarkable ease. His work done, he sidled around to see the jacket from the front, absently trailing a hoof along the ponnequin’s soft flank as he went. Upon reaching the front he raised his other hoof to gently brush aside its long pink mane.

Rarity watched, holding her breath as Dark pouted his lips in thought, releasing an explosive sigh of relief when he finally gave an affirmative nod.

“This is excellent, Rarity!” he said, beaming. “Now I’m eager to see the other pieces we’ve been discussing!”

And so it went, as Rarity shared her next two outfits, and Dark Mask commented on them. Having been permitted to pose the ponnequin how he wished, the stallion eased the prop into different positions. With a soft yet firm hoof, he moved a leg there, turned the head here. More than once, the pair returned to previous outfits, discussing new ideas, the ponnequin left behind until it was once again needed.

Whilst discussing the final outfit-- the organza harness top-- Rarity’s gaze just so happened to drift toward the clock. She blinked in shock. Nearly forty minutes had passed. “Oh goodness!” She trotted to stand before her ponnequin and placed both hooves on its cheeks. “All right, my dear. I think that’s enough. Come back to us!”

The ponnequin blinked once. Twice. It’s wings extended, flapped once, then slowly resettled.

Fluttershy smiled sleepily at her owner, her eyes bearing a distant look which gave Rarity pause.

Dark Mask and their fashion project was momentarily forgotten as all her focus centered on her marefriend and sub. “Fluttershy,” Rarity said firmly. Her eyes searched Fluttershy’s face. “Darling, how do you feel? Are you stiff? Dizzy? You seem… how shall I put it? Off.”

Fluttershy’s smile widened as she leaned in to Rarity’s touch. “I’m okay. I’m not stiff or dizzy. Just happy.”

Rarity stroked a hoof over Fluttershy’s pink mane, a tentative smile on her face. “Then it was acceptable?”

An eager nod. “Yes!” Fluttershy said. She looked at Dark Mask, who sat patiently aside, waiting. To him, she said, “Thank you for humoring me! It made modeling the clothes much easier… and much more pleasant too!” She sighed, her eyes slipping closed. “It was like being in the spotlight, but... not? I was just a thing and my role was simple.”

Rarity smirked and looked sidelong at the stallion. “I trust our roguish friend’s hooves did not disagree with you at any point? I assure you, I kept a close eye on the scoundrel!”

Dark Mask feigned a gasp of insult, one hoof landing daintily on his chest. “Well, I never!”

Fluttershy blushed, her head ducking a little. “N-no. It was fine. Whenever he touched me it was kind of…” she leaned in to whisper only to Rarity, “Exciting!”

Rarity winked and whispered back, “He’s a handsome beast, isn’t he?”

Fluttershy’s blush intensified, but when she ducked to hide behind her mane, her body shook with withheld laughter.

Dark Mask, meanwhile, pouted at them. “Fillies, please do not toy with this poor stallion’s heart! Did I make the grade, or not?”

Rarity nuzzled Fluttershy, and after a shared look, the pegasus looked at Dark Mask and nodded.

He gave a little bow of his head in return.

“Marvelous!” Rarity said, looking between them. “More than marvelous, I might say! This ought to serve as a good practice for Rainbow.”

Dark Mask’s ears perked and he looked at her with mild curiosity. “Oh? Another pony might come play with you?”

Rarity’s lips pressed together as she held up a helpless hoof. Fluttershy offered no help, content to simply lean against her owner, a little yawn escaping her. Apparently being a ponnequin was more trying than it looked!

“I really couldn’t say,” Rarity finally admitted, one hoof absently circling her marefriend’s mane. “Rainbow Dash can be a bit unpredictable. But her intense interest in Fluttershy’s mysterious new partner makes attempting to conceal things further more trouble than it’s worth, so we’ve both decided it’s better to let her in on the secret.”

Dark Mask raised an eyebrow. “I take it this is going to be in some spectacular fashion, given that you haven’t just outright and said it?”

Rarity nodded.

The stallion crossed his forelegs, his brow still firmly raised. “All right… not to get preachy, but I do hope you give her ample warning beforehand! I realize that exhbitionism is a huge gray area in kink culture, but I’m not a fan. Springing something like that on an unsuspecting pony can be very shocking.”

Here, Rarity smiled. “No, do not worry, D. We’ve both agreed that is not how we wish to do things either. Fluttershy has extended her invitation to our friend without withholding what will happen. The only real surprise is me.” Her smile turned wry. “In fact, as Fluttershy has told me, Rainbow Dash has taken the invitation to be something of a dare!”

Dark Mask’s eyes narrowed, the name finally clicking with familiarity. “Rainbow Dash… you mean the newest Wonderbolt, right?”

Now Fluttershy nodded along with Rarity, another little yawn escaping her. Her eyes had fallen shut.

Dark’s mouth screwed up and glanced to the side in thought. “Yes, I’ve heard of how she can be…” He shrugged, his expression clearing of its contemplative storm. “Well! She may be unpredictable, but there can only be a few outcomes to this! Either she’s really not into it and leaves the pair of you alone, or she’s intrigued enough to want to keep exploring things through you.” He held up a hoof. “If the latter happens, chances are she’ll either be a Dom or a really bratty sub. Neither would surprise me.” His ear flicked as he wheeled his hoof through the air. “Though, I will say that if she’s a sub, especially a bratty one, you might send her my way if you don’t feel up to handling her.”

Rarity’s eyes widened. “You’d be somepony’s Dom again?”

The stallion laughed harshly. “What? Me? Oh no! As I said before, I’m done with that.” His tail flopped behind him and he said with a ruthlessly satisfied smile. “I think my mistress might enjoy breaking in a new slave.”

A gasp tore itself up Rarity’s throat. “My goodness! You’re a sub!? If you are able, please, tell me who is your mistress!”

Dark Mask chuckled. “I used to be a switch. Since hanging up my flogger, I suppose that would make me a full on sub, yes.” He rose to his hooves and drew in closer, one hoof extended for an incoming hug. “As to who my mistress is… For now I’ll keep that secret. When you return to the club here in town, I’ll introduce you.”

Rarity pouted within Dark Mask’s hug. She could certainly respect not outing somepony outside of safe spaces, but the curiosity felt like Opal clawing up her insides. Regardless, she smiled, giving him a wave as he left.

Another yawn from Fluttershy drew her attention as the door shut behind Dark. Rarity peered down at her with an amused smile. “Heavens! We should get you to bed tout de suite!”

Fluttershy pulled away and drowsily rubbed at one of her eyes. “M’sorry.”

“Now, now,” Rarity said soothingly as she led her marefriend to their bed for the night, pushing aside the clothing and folding back the comforter. “You needn’t apologize for wanting a rest. Maintaining such rigid poses whilst being closely observed can be quite trying on the body! And you did such an exquisite job of it,darling. Come, lay with me.” Rarity stretched out her hind legs as she climbed up onto the sheets. “Mm! I feel I could use a moment’s rest myself. Or perhaps two…”

She only just managed to swallow back her yawn. All but collapsing belly down on the mattress, she let out a delighted hum as she felt Fluttershy nestling in beside her, wings curled tightly against her sides as she pressed her back against Rarity’s side. Rarity shivered a little at the brush of those smooth but firm primary feathers along her barrel and flank. Her skin tingled where her marefriend’s warmth blended with her own. She decided she wanted more.

She rolled onto her back, her indigo locks cascading across the covers in waves. “Fluttershy, come here,” she murmured.

Fluttershy raised her head, her sleepy smile widening as she began to pull herself up. Her hind legs made it first, straightening as she pushed her forehooves out toward the headboard, arching her back into a very catlike stretch. A little squeal escaped her, and Rarity found it very hard to keep her eyes off the mesmerizing curve of her flank.

With smooth, careful steps, Fluttershy situated herself over Rarity, the unicorn only placing a suggestive hoof at the point of her shoulder, guiding her to settle down between her hind legs. Fluttershy hummed contentedly as her head came to rest atop her owner’s tummy. Her wings gently bumped the insides of Rarity’s legs, making them twitch with teasing stimulation. The warmth spread more evenly through Rarity’s body. She hoped Fluttershy found her body equally as pleasant.

If the happy sigh Rarity heard was any indication, that was a confident yes.

Rarity hummed, her head resting back from her observance as she let her eyes close, one hoof stroking the back of Fluttershy’s mane.

Much better.

“I’m happy you’re here with me, Fluttershy,” Rarity murmured to the ceiling. She stifled another yawn. “This meeting has gone all the better for your help, and you have my eternal thanks.”

“I was happy to do it,” Fluttershy mumbled into Rarity’s tummy.

The gentle vibration of her lover’s voice made Rarity giggle. “Hmm! Mon sucre d’orge!”

“What does that mean?”

“My sweet little candy…” Rarity’s hoof went to trail a careful line over Fluttershy’s ear. She smiled naughtily as it flicked away before she could even reach its tip. “For you are my sweet delight.”

She felt Fluttershy shift over her, but Rarity’s body had become heavier, the days of tireless work catching up to her in a rush. She sighed as the cold visited her newly exposed chest, but inertia left her unwilling to move. She said (with a little yawn to start) “The next step in our work is to complete our other pieces. He wanted a total of nine.” Her brow creased as her mind’s eye already began to slip down into that creative ether she so often entered before sleep. She saw her work in this mental haven and gazed upon it challengingly-- for no fashion was worth its fabric without being put through its paces! “Dark wanted a cat suit, which I argued against at first given how passé they’ve become, but then I had the idea of-- of adding gems along the… neck, cuffs, and waist-- a-almost like leopard… leopard s-spots-- Ah!”

Her waking mind jolted to attention at the feeling of Fluttershy’s tongue flicking over her teat. Her marefriend had more in mind for the afternoon than just rest, it would seem!

Author's Note

Much thanks to Tethered-Angel for editing! He's agreed to try and help me from here on out.