Assisting a Rarity

Chapter 2

The Interview

The next day, David packed his messenger bag with a few files of his work and his laptop safely stored inside. He picked out a nice black collared shirt, dark grey vest and bright green tie that matched his eyes. He quickly made his way to the translation and purchased his ticket for Ponyville. He boarded the train a few minutes later and found a place to sit. He could feel many ponies looking at him but brushed it off as he plugged in his I-pod and focused on the music.

Two hours later the train pulled to a halt and the conductor announced that they were at Ponyville. David pulled off his headphones and stood up from his seat. He rubbed his eyes as the morning sun shined on his face as he stepped of the train and onto the platform. He opened them to see a quaint town that looked like something out of a story book. Simple two story houses lined the cobblestone streets and several stores were selling their wares. He stepped off the platform and started looking for where he was going to meet his potential employer.

Eventually the ponies in the town started to take notice to the newcomer and didn’t look at him. There are two ways to not look at something; there’s the ‘oh I didn’t see you there’ and then there’s ‘not looking at something on purpose whether it’s sore for the eyes or you don’t want to draw attention to yourself by staring.’ This type was the latter.

At least it’s better than being gawked at like I’m on display at a zoo. Suddenly, a bright pink mare with bouncy pink hair and big blue eyes suddenly appeared in front of David. The human staggered back and almost lost his balance as he saw her pearly white smile.

“Ooh, a new pony in town!” She looked him up and down. “Well, not a pony a person!” Her smile suddenly faltered and her most made a large O shape while she let out a large gasp. The mare suddenly vanished in a burst of speed that literally left a blur of pink behind her.

“What the hell was that?” He said in a hushed tone as he stood dumbfounded as the pink blur went out of view.

“That was Pinkie Pie.” David whirled around to see an orange mare with a bright blonde mane tied into a ponytail. The mare looked like a quintessential cow girl, she had on a red plaid shirt, worn out blue jeans and a leather stetson hat sat on top of her blonde hair that was tied into a ponytail. “Don’t fret none, she’s always like that.” She said in her southern accented voice as the mare held out a gloved hand to shake. “My name is Applejack.”

“David,” He said as he shook her hand. Man she’s got a strong grip! He thought as he took his hand back and shook it in an attempt to shake off the throbbing sensation. The mare then started sizing him up and she crossed her arms under her chest.

“I take it your one of them humans?” David gave a hesitant nod waiting for the shoe to drop. Instead he was greeted with the first warm smile he’d seen in a while. “Well, welcome to Ponyville.” She gave him a hard slap on his back that made him stumble slightly.

Note to self, never make this mare mad.

“So, what brings you to Ponyville?”

“I’m actually on my way to a job interview.” He said as he straightened out his clothes. “Unfortunately, I have no idea where this place is. It’s my first time in this town.”

“What’s the name of the place? I know this town like the back of my hand.” She flipped over her gloved right hand.

“Carousel Boutique, it’s supposed to be around here I think.” Applejack’s eyes flashed and looked him over again, this time looking more closely at his clothes. “You know the place?”

“Sure do!” She pointed down the road. “Just go down the road that way and take the third right, then it’ll be right there. Rarity’s place has got a real big fancy looking roof. Ya can’t miss it.”

So Rarity is the mare I spoke to? David nodded in understanding. He thanked her and continued on his way down the street. He followed the farmer’s directions and sure enough he came up tot a posh looking establishment. David could smell the perfume before he walked through the front door.

As he opened the door the bell hanging over it chimed announcing his arrival. He looked around and saw several mannequins dressed in different kinds of clothes, mostly dresses and finer things that appealed to those with money to spend.

“H-hello?” A meek voice peeped out. David turned to his right to see an earth pony mare with an off-white coat of fur and a two-tone blue mane and matching tail. She was wearing a collared lavender blouse with white trim with matching pants. Around her neck was a scarlet red tie. Her blue mane had a tri-shade hair clip hair clip that held the back of her mane.

Just by looking at her David could tell she was shy. Her light teal eyes had much uncertainty as she looked at the human.

“Hi, I’m looking for Ms.Belle?” He said in the calmest and friendliest voice he could muster. “I have an appointment with her at 12:30.”

“Of course, have a seat and I’ll fetch her for you.” She gestured to one of the chairs. David sat down and adjusted his glasses.

“Tell her Mr.W is here.” He gave her a smile before she hurried off almost tripping as she went up the stairs. David waited patiently and flipped open his pocket watch to check the time. He heard a door close and looked tot he top of the stairs. It took every ounce of control he had not to stare at the Unicorn mare.

She had fur white as the snow and a mane of purple hair that cascaded down the right side of her face that was parted by her horn. The end of her mane and tail had a curl at the ends. She was wearing a bright white blouse and a violet business casual skirt that went down to her knees. He felt her sapphire blue eyes on him and a coy smile spread across her lips.

“Well, if it isn’t the mystery stallion,” She said as she reached the bottom of the steps. “or mystery man to be more precise.” David stood up and adjusted his glasses.

“You must be Ms. Rarity.” The mare raised an eyebrow at how he knew her name.

“You’re well informed.” She said as she reached out to shake his hand. David returned the gesture.

“I like to consider myself resourceful.” He said as he shook her delicate hand.

“Apparently,” She said as she took her hand back. “still I don’t know who you are Mr. W.” She said as a smile tugged at her lips.

“David Washington,” He said as he gave her a bow and a flourish of his hand. “it’s good to put such a lovely face to match the voice.” Rarity put on a smile that would make a cat jealous.

“Aren’t you charming?” She said coyly.

“Well, shall we get down to business?”

“Let’s, but I’m quite famished. Would you mind if we talked over lunch?” He gave a shrug.

“By all means. Although, I can’t give a good recomendation on where to eat.” Rarity walked over and grabbed her purse and slung it over her left shoulder.

“I know a lovely place.” She then walked back to the foot of the stairs. “Coco,” The mare from before poked her head out from the corner of the stairs. “I’ll be going out for lunch with a client. If anyone calls just take down their information and order.”

“Yes, Ms.Rarity,” She said in a tone that could barely be considered more than a whisper. Rarity checked her make up and mane in a nearby mirror before heading towards the door with the human in tow. After a bit of walking, The two arrived at a quaint little establishment called ‘The Dandelion.’ As soon as they sat down a waiter with light yellow fur and a light blue mustache arrived.

“Good afternoon Ms.Rarity,” He paused as he eyed David with a suspicious look.

“Hello Dandy,” She said with a smile. “I’d like a meal for myself and my friend here.” David gave him a smug grin seeing the slight irritation in the waiter’s face as she addressed him as a friend.

“Of course, can I offer either of you something to drink in the meantime?” He asked as he took out a pencil and pad.

“I’ll have the usual tea.” Rarity chimed.

“I’ll just have some ice water.” David said as another waiter came by and handed them each a menu. Rarity’s sapphire blue eyes danced across the pages until she found what she was looking for.

“I’ll have the salad special.” She said closing her menu.

“Likewise, but with ranch dressing.” David said as he handed him the menu.

“It’ll be ready momentarily.” Dandy said before walking off to deal with more customers. Just as soon as he left, their drink arrived and Rarity sipped her tea.

“There’s nothing quite like afternoon tea.” She set the cup down and focused her attention on the man in front of her. “So then David, if that’s even your real name.” She must still be a little irked at him for withholding his name. “Tell me a bit about yourself.” David set his glass of water down and adjusted his glasses.

“First off, let me apologize for the slight deception Ms. Rarity.” His tone was sincere. 
“It’s just that every time I called to apply for a job back in Manehattan the employer immediately hung up on me once they found out I was a human despite my resume. The same thing happened when I walked into places with a wanted sign posted out front.” Rarity’s eyes widened in surprise at this.

“I was worried that this would turn out as bad as all the others so I just withheld certain information until it became relevant.” He did feel guilty about the misdirection, especially to somepony who’d actually given him the time of day. “I’d prefer you rather judge me on who I am, rather than what I am.” He stopped talking as their salads arrived.

“Well, I’m terribly sorry to hear that dear. Some ponies just judge books by their cover without even turning the first page.” She said before she let out an irritated huff. “How many jobs did you apply for?” She asked as she took a bite out of a pice of lettuce.

“Since I got let go a week ago? I’d say over two dozen places.” Rarity looked at him with calm demeanor.

“Where did you work before hand?”

“A small company in Manehattan called Sunny Day Advertising. I got let go because some of the higher ups did a walkthrough and didn’t like the fact that a human was working at their company. The manager was nice enough, but it was either he do it in private or his boss would tar and feather me in front of everyone.” Rarity’s eyes shrank at the words.

“They’d what?” She said in a concerned in a confused tone.

“It’s a human phrase. It means they’d make a big spectacle out of it.” He took another bite from his salad.

“Well, that is just utterly uncouth.” She said in an irritated tone before sipping her tea. “May I see your resume?” David nodded and reached into his bag and pulled a sheet of manilla colored paper out of a folder. Rarity started reading the page to herself. She stopped when she got to his education.

“You have a degree in Computer Science?”

“It wasn’t easy.” He shivered as he recalled the dozens upon dozens of sleepless nights he had to endure to get his degree. “Plus I was working during those years so it took a bit longer than it should have.”

“So you’re good with computers and all those fun little toys you humans have?”

“Yes, I’m good at hardware and some software modification. I even built my own computer a few years back.” David saw something of a mix of excitement and relief appear in her eyes. “I’m also proficient in creating spreadsheets, schedules, slide show presentations and some graphic design.”

“What’s that?”

“I can edit photos I’ve taken with my camera and doctor them, along with creating different designs from a program on my computer. I have some printed if you’d like to see?” Rarity gave a nod as she handed him back his resume. David went back into his bag and pulled out some of the work he’d done for Rusty. Rarity looked through the small stack and hummed to herself.

As she looked through, David could feel more and more ponies starting to notice him. He ignored them and turned his attention back to the mare. As he looked closer, he could almost see the gears turning in Rarity’s head. She was analyzing his work with the same efficiency a computer might several lines of unknown code.

“You certainly have some talents.” She said handing back his papers.

“If you don’t mind, I have some questions of my own about the position in question.”

“Feel free to ask.” She said picking up her teacup once more.

“What exactly would my duties entail if I were hired?” He sat forwards and rested his hands on the table. “It looked like you already have an assistant. The other mare with the teal mane and tail.” He sipped his water as Rarity made the connection in her head.

“Oh, you mean Coco.” He gave a nod assuming that was her name. “Yes, she is my assistant, but she mostly helps me with designing and stitching. She does have experience in sales and keeping everything in order, but there’s only so much one mare can keep track of when you’re getting orders from all over Equestria and now some from a whole new world.”

“She seems a bit,” He bit his lip as he thought of the right word. “timid to be in this competitive field of work. If you don’t mind me saying.” Rarity nodded in agreement at the words.

“I know, she’s very shy. That’s because of her last boss.” Rarity rolled her eyes as she said the last bit. David didn’t ask about the previous employer, but he could tell that it didn’t seem like a pleasant experience. “Even though we have them, neither of us know how to use all the new computers and gadgets your species has introducing to us.”

Since David had first arrived in Equestria he noticed a distinct lack of cars or airplanes or any other kind of technology that was present on Earth.

“I bet it’s a bit of a culture shock and to be fair, I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that magic actually exists in this world.” He shrugged. “So we’re in similar boats.”

“I recall hearing that your world doesn’t have any magic, that’s quite strange from my standpoint.” She said as her horn glowed a light blue and levitated the teacup to her lips. David couldn’t help but shiver. Even though he’d been in Equestria for months he was still as wary of magic as much as most ponies were of him. “Well, I think this has been a very productive interview and I hope you’ll show me how to properly use those infernal contraptions.”

David stared at her blankly for a moment and tried to form the correct words.

“So just to clarify, I’m hired?” Rarity smiled a sweet smile. A wave of relief washed over the man as though he’d gone weeks without a shower and he’d just discovered a crystal blue waterfall. “Thank you very much Ms. Rarity.” She held up a hand stopping him.

“You can drop the formalities dear, Rarity is fine. I propose a toast,” She held out her teacup towards him. He gently clinked his glass against her cup. “to our new partnership.”

“Here, here,” He said with a smile. “Now all I need to do is find a place to live. I don’t feel like spending a ticket and a two hour ride by train everyday. Not to mention the apartment I have is killing my savings.” He pulled out his wallet and paid for his meal. Rarity did the same and left the waiter a gracious tip.

“I may know a place that just might work. Come along David~” She said as she strode out into the town with her new assistant by her side.