Her Collar, Her Love

The next day, Dark Mask returned to Manehattan. When Rarity saw him off at the train station, the stallion surprised her with a warm hug. As they pulled apart, he winked and flicked her chin with his hoof, earning him a half-hearted glare. Cheeky rogue...

“Remain steadfast in your pursuit, my lady!” he encouraged her. “Remember to be honest when you speak with your friend… The trust must go both ways.”

Rarity nodded, taking a moment to reach a hoof up and fuss with his mane. The fashion model’s coiffeur was nearly perfect save for this one... infuriating... curl... “Yes, of course. I shall be the very embodiment of sincerity!” She sighed with relief as she smoothed the offending lock, at last. “I have every intention of seeing this through. In fact, after you depart I will be stopping by Fluttershy’s cottage to request her presence this very night!”

“Please keep me in the loop,” Dark said with more seriousness. “I may not be your chosen scene partner, but I can still provide more in depth guidance than that book of yours.” Rarity thought it a tad unfair that his very sniffs carried a-- well, a dark mystique.

Rarity smiled warmly. “You may not be my scene partner, Dark, but I feel most fortunate to count you as a new friend and colleague. I look forward to resuming our work together. For your next visit, perhaps we should set aside more time for leisure and palaver, hmm?”

The stallion chuckled. “I’d like that.”

The station master began to call for passengers to begin boarding. Dark Mask and Rarity shared one last dear hug before the fashion model turned and boarded the train.

After the locomotive departed with a squeal of its whistle and a trail of hot steam, the fairly fuddled fashionista immediately embarked for Fluttershy’s. All the way her stomach turned sickeningly inside her. Still, despite her roisterous nerves, Rarity felt seized by a fervent need to satiate the strange and new desires that had been plaguing her so this past week. The questions of propriety and principle had been answered. Now the only way forward was to try.

Arriving at Fluttershy’s, Rarity knocked smartly on the front door.

She could hear soft movement inside. A moment later, the door opened. Fluttershy blushed at the mere sight of the unicorn, making the fashionista color in turn.

“Hullo, Rarity,” the pegasus said, her head ducking a little, though her wings stretched and fluttered hopefully.

“Hello, Fluttershy. I hope the day finds you well,” Rarity said, trying to keep a casual air, despite her treacherous throat's attempts to choke or squeak on the words.

Fluttershy smiled a little, her forelock slipping bashfully forward to cover one eye. “Yes. My day is going well. And yours?”

“Very well, thank you,” Rarity replied; surely, her heart wasn't beating so loud as to shake her voice, was it? She could feel her lips curve up on their own, quite without effort. Perhaps it was all this scandalous thinking in which she’d been daring to engage, but somehow it was like a veil had been lifted from Rarity’s eyes, and it was suddenly all the more apparent how comely Fluttershy was. How the light and shadow seemed to caress her and frame her for the eyes' delight. When the unicorn spoke again, it was in a softer voice. “Darling, I was wondering if I could request your presence at my boutique this evening? I wished to measure you for your new collar. And, ah…” she glanced away only briefly before returning her gaze firmly to her friend's exquisite eyes. “I had something I wanted to discuss with you of a personal nature as well.” Better to be upfront about her intentions-- mostly-- with a mare like Fluttershy. The pegasus didn’t really respond well to surprises.

“Oh!” Fluttershy’s eyes grew in sympathetic symmetry. “Is everything all right?”

Rarity nodded, eager to conclude the initial leap. “Yes, yes! Nothing is amiss, my dear. I just wanted to talk to you.”

The other mare straightened a little. “I’m so relieved! I was a little worried my request was a bother to you, somehow. I wouldn't like to be a burden,” Fluttershy said, looking earnestly into Rarity's eyes, her face a strange balance of concern and kindly delight.

The fashionista shook her head sincerely. “No, I--” her brow wrinkled, though her lips curved lightly as she murmured. “I’ve been rather enjoying myself, actually." Rarity reminded herself that some daring was called for, and so she pressed her game face on, smiling and adding, "This has perhaps been the most exhilarating accessory piece I have ever created! I really must thank you for the opportunity.”

Fluttershy’s lips flared into a broad smile. “You’re very welcome, Rarity. I’m so very grateful you’re doing this big favor for me.” Her wings rustled on her back, making Rarity glance at them with a little frown.

There go her wings again… So curious! I don’t seem to recall Fluttershy being fidgety in the wing department. Not like Rainbow Dash, anyway. Truly, our mutual friend always seems ready to take off at any moment.

“I’ll be there tonight,” Fluttershy said with some tremor in her voice. Her eyes flicked to the side after her wings settled, like something had gone amiss with them, and she was resisting the urge to look.

Rarity turned to leave, almost instinctively flirting her mane, and said over her shoulder. “I look forward to seeing you, darling…”

As she went, the fashionista couldn’t help but let her hips sway a little. She was fairly certain she didn’t hear Fluttershy’s door close until she reached the main road.

It was always nice to know one's efforts were appreciated, after all.

The time had come. The hour, indeed, was striking. Fluttershy would be here any minute. Rarity had struggled to remain focused on her customers. They deserved her full attention, and in some cases, were in dire need of a fashion rescue that simply could not be resolved with anything less than her full devotion. She couldn’t let her extracurricular activities distract her from her duties. She provided an important service to her town, after all, one that must not be foresworn, no matter the course of amitié ou l'amour.

Rivaling her unstoppable work ethic was the almost unbearable anticipation of what was to come. Try as she might, Rarity could not quell her fluttering excitement. Thus, at the first felicitous opportunity, she closed her boutique early and set about making her preparations.

When she heard that unmistakably delicate knock at the door, Rarity just about felt her heart leap into her throat.

After taking a brief moment to fuss with her coiffure, the fashionista took a deep breath and opened the door. Standing there on her doorstep in the cool of the evening was Fluttershy, reticent hopefulness on her gorgeous face.

“Hello, Rarity,” the pegasus said, then gulped and asked. “I-- I didn’t come at the wrong time, did I? Oh goodness… Did I come at the wrong time?” A note of distinct panic entered the pegasus’ voice just as Rarity stepped aside and opened the door wider with a gentle, inviting smile. Fluttershy backed up with her barrel down low to the ground, like she were trying to make herself as small as possible. “If I came at the wrong time, I’m very sorry! I could leave and come back later,” she finally squeaked.

Rarity smiled at the other mare with doting exasperation. Sweet Celestia, she really is a shoo-in for a submissive, isn’t she? “Now, now, Fluttershy. Enough of that. You are here right on time. Punctual as always and I do thank you for the princessly politeness! I’ve got the materials set out to finish making your collar. All is prepared! Just step inside, and let’s confirm your measurement.”

Fluttershy uncurled herself with effort, the anxiety slowly dissipating from her eyes. She entered, and Rarity shut the door. “I very much appreciate you taking the time to do this, Rarity,” the pegasus gushed. “I know you’re busy with your new clothing line. Have you spoken with Dark Mask again since Manehattan?”

Rarity nodded as she led Fluttershy upstairs. Courage, Rarity, she told herself. Courage and aplomb. “We’ve been keeping close correspondence via telegram since I’ve returned from Manehattan, and just yesterday he stopped by for our first in-pony meeting! It went very well.”

“Wonderful! I’m so happy you’re getting along with your new client,” Fluttershy said.

The fashionista unlocked her bedroom door and led her friend inside. “And I as well! In fact, I have the honor of calling him a new friend. He’s been very... kind.” She paused next to her work desk, her magic lifting a length of ribbon that was pleated ivory silk with a slim cut of black satin stitched down the middle, and an ivory button sewn into the center of the stretch of fabric. The actual length of the material was far too long to be a collar, but Rarity intended to cut it down to the appropriate length, then fasten snap button clasps to the hemmed ends; a perfect rationale for the personalized measurement.

“This is what I have arranged so far. I felt it would bring out the color of your coat and mane... assuming, of course, that you do not make use of a special costumé?” Rarity levitated the unfinished material toward Fluttershy, presenting to her like she were presenting a new dress.

Fluttershy breathed in sharply, her eyes brightening as she reached out and carefully touched the levitating fabric with her hoof. “Rarity… Oh, Rarity, it’s perfect!”

Rarity squealed and danced on the spot. “Truly? You like it?” Aplomb, Rarity, she reminded herself, and settled into a more ladylike pose and poise.

The pegasus nodded so hard, her forelock bobbed. “Yes! I love it!” There was that beaming smile again, as warm and all-enveloping as the sun's rays.

“Magnificent!” Rarity returned the collar to her work table, and next brought over her measuring tape and red glasses. When she unspooled the tape with her magic, a risque thought occurred to her, and her cheeks turned pink.

I wonder if I could... perhaps…?

The aura vanished from the measuring tape, and it fell into the unicorn’s waiting hooves. Now, how to begin? Ah yes; gentle command. “Fluttershy, please come here a moment.”

Fluttershy blinked, but she came closer with only the usual hesitancy. She glanced at the tape curiously. “Are you all right? You usually measure with your magic.”

“Quite fine, darling. I only wish to ensure the best fit possible for you, and I am far more accurate when using my hooves.” A complete and utter fabrication. Rarity was perfectly capable of taking all measurements with her magic. But this was such an irresistible opportunity, and the idea of getting closer to Fluttershy just…

Well. There was no respectable way of phrasing it. A delicious taboo-- and was that not, in fact, what this was all about?

Rarity cleared her throat as she reached up with her hooves and slipped her forelegs around her friend’s neck. “Pardon me, dearest,” she murmured into Fluttershy's twitching ear.

“Y-you’re fine,” Fluttershy squeaked, and Rarity was gently pressed by the poor dear's wings stiffening against her sides.

Rarity could feel the other mare shiver under her touch. Her eyes slipped closed for a moment as she inhaled the sweet scent of honey and jasmine. But she couldn’t stay here like this, much as she’d liked to. They needed to talk first. And they couldn’t talk if the fashionista continued to indulge in her new desires alone. With a little sigh, Rarity took note of Fluttershy’s neck measurement and pulled away.

“Right then,” she said, as much to herself as to Fluttershy. “I have what I need to finish. It should take me just a few minutes. Would you mind sitting in that chair there while I make the last touches?”

“Of course. Oh, I can’t wait!” Fluttershy giggled with nigh fillyish delight, clopping her forehooves together before turning in a bouncy spin and sitting in the plush pink chair that Rarity had indicated.

While Rarity cut the collar to the appropriate length and prepared to attach the button clasp, she said idly over her shoulder, “So if you’ll recall, I also said I wished to speak to you about something tonight.”

There was a pregnant pause before Fluttershy answered. “Yes.” Her voice sounded small. Uncertain-- ah, but was that, hopefulness?

Rarity hummed with satisfaction as she replaced the scissors with her magic, then set about placing the clasp just so. “I’m afraid it has to do with all of this business with the collar.”

An audible swallow. “Oh?”

The fashionista took a moment to finish her work properly. Professionalism in all things, and perhaps especially so in matters touching upon the heart. With the collar cut, hemmed, and ready to clasp, the accessory was finally finished. The unicorn turned and approached her friend, the new item floating before her like a herald of her purpose. “Yes, darling. You see… Y-you see,” she huffed, the collar dipping in the air as her concentration slipped; the mask of serenity cracked. Rarity rested on her haunch before the pegasus and said with muzzle lifted and eyes squeezed shut.

“You see, I am very, very sorry to say that I eavesdropped on a personal conversation you had with Discord a few days ago, and while I know there is absolutely no excuse for my behavior, I really must emphasize my regret--and--and--!” Rarity dared to crack one eye open, hoping desperately that the flush she felt was not displaying in her cheeks, blast her pristine, gorgeous hide anyway. “And to confess my reciprocate desires. I simply cannot deny that the thought of having you as my new kitten has me quite thrilled!” There. The shoe cast, the Rubicanter crossed.

Fluttershy didn’t seem to process this right away; indeed, her whole body seemed to freeze for a moment, then shrink. She stared blankly at Rarity with lips parted, one ear drooping. Then, it all changed in a moment; she seemed to visibly tighten up, her wings flaring open and full, each feather vibrating with repressed energy, as her sunny face took on the shade of the evening sky. “Y-you mean--!?”

Rarity sighed deeply. Ah, yes; this, once again. I must take on my role early, it seems... With more assertiveness, she said, “Fluttershy, I would be honored to be your owner.” Her gaze lowered as her uncertainty flared again. “That is...if you could forgive me for my trespassing your privacy. I could not deign to be your dominant having already failed your trust.” An old school filly habit struck her, uncontrolled, and she chewed on the inside of her lip, waiting.

The pegasus looked down at her hooves, expression veiled by her mane once more. With great effort, seemingly, her wings settled once more against her back. At last, slowly, hesitant as always, “Rarity I’m-- This is quite a surprise! I’d been-- I mean-- I was supposed to--”

“Approach me first? Yes, well… Given my somewhat unseemly prior knowledge of your wishes and my own growing interest thereby, I hardly thought it was fair to leave it all to you. It’s nerve-wracking. I know. My nerves are quite thoroughly wracked at the moment!” Rarity chuckled weakly and made a hopeful smile.

When Fluttershy joined in with her own nervous giggles, the unicorn felt a flare of hope and a rush of something primal. She scooted closer, levitating the collar a little higher. “So... will you consider being my new pet, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy’s brows pressed together as a warm look came over her gaze. With a deep breath, she whispered, “Rarity, I would love to.” As she spoke, she lifted her muzzle high and presented her throat...

Rarity reared back onto her hind hooves as well and squealed. “Delightful! Fluttershy, that is simply the best thing I’ve heard in ages!” After settling back down again, Rarity floated the collar onto Fluttershy’s proffered neck and lifting the back of her mane, clasped the accessory in place.

The effect was immediate. Rarity felt a swell of pride at seeing the collar on her new pet. It really did bring out the color of Fluttershy’s coat; the Rules of Rarity applied in all situations, as she'd always known.

But there were important matters that still had to be addressed; the keystone, as it were.

With effort, Rarity calmed herself and drew upon decorum once again. “Fluttershy, darling, you’ve made me quite happy… But now that we have both decided to move forward with this mad, lovely idea of ours, we must align our expectations so as to avoid any confusion.” Without turning her head, Rarity levitated a roll of parchment from her work desk. She hardly needed to see it; it had occupied a place of almost irritating privilege in her thoughts since writing it. “I seemed to have channeled a bit of our dear Twilight, as I have preempted this moment with a list.” She floated this carefully to Fluttershy who took it in her hooves with a surprised blink of her eyes. Rarity blushed and scuffed a hoof on the floor. “It’s an...ahem...list of things I wouldn’t mind exploring, as well as things that I would like to avoid. I had the benefit of a number of sources to cobble together an idea, but I would very much understand if you would need time to--”

“Um…” Fluttershy had unrolled the parchment, her eyes scanning Rarity’s list. She looked up through her eyelashes, eyes brimming with delightful need, and asked, “So very sorry to interrupt, but do you have another parchment I could write on?”

Rarity’s brows rose high. “You know what you wish to write down already?” How wonderfully unexpected! Even as she inquired, she floated over a roll of parchment, a quill, and an inkpot.

Fluttershy smiled meekly. “Yes. If I could please have a moment, I can prepare a list for you…” She set aside Rarity’s parchment and took a quill daintily in her mouth.

The fashionista watched, fascinated, as the pegasus carefully wrote a full document of desires and limits. When she finished, Fluttershy set the quill back into the inkpot. She then used short little nudges to move the parchment toward Rarity, as though she was uncertain of the proper distance. “I… I hope that’s all right,” she mumbled, her forelock covering one half of her face.

Rarity shook her head in wonderment and compassion. My goodness! I wonder just how long Fluttershy has been harboring these desires to be able to call them forth with such ease! The poor, pent up dear!

“I-I don’t know at what point you arrived during our conversation the other day, but I mentioned that Discord is the reason I came to learn of these things. At first, he brought it up as a joke. Then I sort of...wheedled the information out of him?” Fluttershy said this uncertainly with a small blush. It was like her ability to micro-manage her mischievous friend was a cause of guilt, and she feared Rarity would disapprove. “After so much time asking him so many questions, he started to take my interest more seriously. One way he helped me to understand things was by colors. Green means something I absolutely wish to try. Yellow is something I’m willing to try, but not sure I will enjoy. Red is something I have no interest in trying. If you need me to explain something on my list...” she squeaked, then bit her lip, and stared adoringly up at Rarity. "I will," she said with quiet firmness; an offering of courage.

Rarity nodded as she took her new partner’s list and read it over carefully.

Green
Tricks
Feeding
Bathing
Grooming
Dressing
Caging
Pet toys
Playing
Non-verbal
Vaginal/clitoral play
Bondage
Chores/service
Physical examination
Outdoors
Behavior rules

Yellow
Sensory deprivation
Pet play dates
Soft discipline
Parading
Orgasm control

Red
Humiliation
Pain
Beastiality
Anal play
Asphyxiation

Rarity considered the list. Well. The reds… Good gracious, no! The greens were delightful to intriguing, and my, but her inner gossip fondly noted the little hearts added to dot the i's for "Vaginal/Clitoral Play." As for the yellows… Hmm.

“One thing, my dear,” Rarity said, her brow wrinkling. “What do you mean by… ‘pet play dates’?”

Fluttershy bowed her head so low that her forelock effectively blocked her face entirely; she was almost folded in twain! “Um… I--I meant that if there, perhaps, was another pet who, er, you tolerated and trusted, and, um, who… who wanted to play with me, then you’d let me…” she squeaked out something unintelligible, followed by a last whisper of, "Or order me."

Rarity’s eyes became very large. “Oh!” That… had not come to mind at all!

She could also feel her abdomen tighten and her body burn hot, as though a furnace had been ignited in the attempt to digest this wider world.

With a deep breath and a return to her center, the fashionista nodded her head crisply. “Yes, well… That does sound interesting, but I think it might be something we explore once we’ve grown accustomed to one another. Is that all right?”

A meek nod.

“Right.” Rarity rolled the parchment up with her magic. “Then I suppose we have an understanding! My list is more or less in line with yours.”

“Except for the bit about your sister…” Fluttershy said, daring to lift her gaze. “Rarity, I would never--!”

Rarity raised a hoof, a kind smile on her lips. “Hush, darling. I know. I only added that for the sake of thoroughness.”

Fluttershy bit her lip, then nodded as well and asked. “So… Now what?”

The unicorn pursed her lips and looked up in thought. Rules, rules; the world truly did come down to rules written and unwritten, did it not? “Mmm… Well, we’ve made clear our limits. I suppose that next we could discuss under what sort of conditions we’d like to...ah...experiment?” she gestured at her room. “For instance, my home would be a suitable place for us to conduct scenes, provided that my sister is sure not to interrupt, and I have no customers. But if you do not object to the idea, we could engage in simpler dynamics whilst among others. Things only we’d understand.” She gave Fluttershy a coquettish smile and softly added, "Our langue de jeu, as roses are to many loves-- though not as tasty a treat!"

Fluttershy’s wings rustled on her back once again as she nodded her head jerkily. “Oh yes, I would love that!”

Rarity chuckled, feeling her body ease of a tension she hadn’t even realized had been there. “Of course I would think it lovely to try something outdoors as well. Perhaps much later, if you’re feeling up to it, we could try engaging in a scene in front of an audience? It needn’t be...sexual. Just a demonstration of our roles.”

The pegasus nervously smoothed down a wing, the other still stuck up awkwardly. “S-so long as we talk about it beforehand, I can consider it,” she said timidly. She shrank a little. “And provided the ‘audience’ isn’t too big!”

“We could try something once a week. I’m assuming the weekends would be best? I still do have my businesses to run, and you have your animals to care for,” the fashionista said, her eyes glazing in thought. She was already imagining the potential scheduling conflicts, arranging and ordering their little… something.

“Yes.” A little sigh. “Though… Rarity?”

“Yes, Fluttershy?” Rarity glanced at her, eyes still foggy with her inward planning.

The pegasus gazed at her with worry tensing her eyes. “I’m happy that we’re understanding each other but… how do you feel? About us, now?”

Rarity gaze softened. Pour l'amour, pour l'amitié. “Ah. Yes. That.” She rose up on the seat cushion, her eyes turning lidded as she nuzzled Fluttershy with a tenderness never used before between them. “Fluttershy, you are one of my dearest friends. No matter what, you always will be. I… I just hope you understand that it is there where my feelings remain. This is very new to me, and I would like to take it slow. If… If things develop further, I will let you know. If that is somehow unacceptable to you, please, do not hesitate to say so.”

Fluttershy smiled, her forehooves wrapping around Rarity’s neck to hug her. “Oh, Rarity, of course, I understand! Just from this, you've made me so very happy!”

Rarity could feel her heart drumming in her chest as she hugged the pegasus back. “I’m glad, darling.” After a moment, she frowned over Fluttershy’s shoulder. Well, if any time was proper for inquisitiveness, this was it! “Fluttershy, pardon my asking, but why in Equestria do your wings keep doing that? It’s got me quite puzzled!”

Fluttershy pulled back, gulping deeply, her eyes wide as she glanced meekly over her shoulder. “Oh… Th-that’s a pegasi thing.” Her head dipped down, and her forelock slipped forward to shield her gaze. “When we’re, well, a-aroused, our wings tend to…”

The fashionista felt her body tighten as she inhaled sharply, patterns within memories locking into place. “Oh!” was all she managed to say.

Her shy friend squeaked something unintelligible in response.

Silence hung between them.

Quivering, Rarity dared the question that had been plaguing her since they had exchanged lists:

“Fluttershy… I… I don’t suppose you’d like to try a small scene with me. Now?”

The pegasus response was swift:

“Yes.”