Part 1: En automne, les feuilles tombent lentement
Author's Note
So, here's a little oneshot involving an original characer mixing things up with the spa twins. I took a different approach with this one amd decided to focus more on action and less time on character and plot development. Writing this was a nice and fun little break from working on my more serious stuff. I hope you'll be able to enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. No real fetishes here, unless you consider... well, I'll just let you read on for yourself.
Have fun!
Part 1: En automne, les feuilles tombent lentement
“Just set those over there, darling,” Rarity waved a hand dismissively. Her eyes were currently glued to a fashion magazine that rested in her hands. She sighed before licking her fingertips and flipped the page over. “Oh, my. I’m shocked this was even featured,” she clicked her tongue and shook her head in disappointment at the newest trending fashions. Meanwhile, her friend Ivory stumbled into her newly acquired apartment, carrying a large stack of cardboard boxes, each of them labeled according to their contents.
The apartment itself was far more spacious than the average college graduate’s living space. In fact, it bored on luxury itself. The entryway was decorated with a few light fixtures that led into a large living room, walls lined with bookshelves accented with light fixtures that all converged on white-colored entertainment center. The far wall from the front door carried a large window currently covered with blinds. Upon entering, to the left was a hallway that led into the bedrooms and the bathroom. According to Rarity, this apartment space even held an office where she could work on her potential designs. Of course, she couldn’t very well do them here. She still had her boutique where that held most of her fashion equipment.
“Where do you want these again?” He asked in his deep, grumpy tone. Ivory couldn’t quite see very well, his vision obscured by the large brown boxes he was carrying.
“Over there, in front of the kitchen if you please,” Rarity paid him little attention she was extremely occupied on a magazine featuring starving models wearing tacky dresses. Ivory stood a couple of heads taller than the young designer, with the strength to match his height. Choosing someone to help her move was a no-brainer.
Ivory shook his head and sighed in slight frustration. “Yo, it’d be great if you pointed me in the right direction,” he grunted, readjusting his grip on his carry load. Knowing Rarity for as long as he has, lifting heavy objects was not her strong suit. Not in the slightest.
“Oh, alright,” she rolled her eyes and closed her magazine, heading to her stocky friend. “Just walk over there, you barbarian.”
He turned to give her a bemused frown. “Sure thing, princess,” he scoffed, “Would you like for me to chew your food for you too?” Rarity simply giggled and flipped her perfectly curled hair.
“Oh don’t be so grumpy, darling,” she said, “you know you are simply incomplete without me.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he chuckled, setting down the heavy boxes with a loud groan. “My heart is an unfinished puzzle and you’re the missing piece.”
“Such elegant words,” she teased with a snarky tone, “I would have almost mistaken you for poet.”
“Eh, you know me,” he said, stretching out his sore limbs, the sound of popping bones reaching his ears, “smooth as hot butter on a biscuit.”
“Indeed you are,” Rarity agreed apathetically.
“So, that’s it then right?” Ivory asked hopefully. The apartment room was currently flooded with brown cardboard boxes, every one of them containing Rarity’s personal effects. The most difficult part was carrying endless amount of dresses and outfits she wanted to keep stored in her bedroom, while the rest was put in storage at her boutique. As far as furniture went, prior to this moment, Rarity had movers bring in her big furniture such as bed frames and couches. The rest was left up to Ivory.
“I believe it is,” she yawned, covering her mouth with a hand. “I sincerely appreciate all the work you’ve done for me, darling. I would not have been able to do this all by myself.” With most of her friends out on their summer vacations, she’s lucky to have Ivory with her.
He let out a scoff. “Yeah, Hell would freeze over when that day came.”
She gave him an indignant stare. “It’s not my fault the goddesses blessed me with this petite figure,” she laughed, gesturing to her thin, yet wonderfully feminine body. “But of course, they sent me this big, strong companion to assist me in such endeavors.” Rarity gave his ribs a few teasing nudges, earning her a bemused look from her taller friend.
“Yeah, well, that’ll be thirty-seven-fifty, miss,” he said, leaning against the wall next to the front door, the left side of his mouth raised into a crooked half smile. “Plus tip.”
Rarity crossed her arms and smirked at him. “That is perhaps your most humorous joke yet,” she scoffed, shaking her head. “In all seriousness though, Ivy, I wish there was a way I could repay you.” Those words sparked a few thoughts in Ivory’s head. Considering everything she’s done for him, there was no way he could ever ask for repayment. Even for something like this.
“Nah, it’s cool, Rares,” he said, waving his hand with a smile, “We straight.”
“Sorry?” She asked, obviously confused. He chuckled a little.
“I mean, it’s fine,” he repeated. For a moment he forgot she wasn’t too familiar with urban jargon.
“I don’t know, Ivy,” she gained a solemn expression, “you’ve done so much for me during the move. There has to be some way I can repay you.” He gave her a wry little smile.
“Maybe some hot food’ll do.”
She smirked at him knowingly. “And I know just what to order us.”
“Man, I didn’t know the steak joint delivered,” Ivory chuckled as he forked another piece of sirloin into his mouth. The two friends ate their meals on a wooden table placed in the kitchen, an overhead lamp providing some light for them. A bottle of Moscato sat in between them as they took small sips from their glasses.
“Well they usually don’t,” she explained matter-of-factly, taking a sip of wine. “But the owner knows my father and will often do favors for my family.”
He smirked at her. “You sure have your way in life, I swear,” he laughed as he chewed his food.
Rarity gave him a posh laugh. “A lady has her ways, Ivy,” she said while cutting up her own steak.The food they ordered was from a restaurant known as the Porthouse, a place that gained its notoriety for making the best steaks in town. Ivory worked on the baked potato that came with the dish, spreading out some bacon bits and cheese all over the warm spud.
“It’s a shame your other friends weren’t able to come out and help you,” Ivory muttered before shoveling another piece of meat into his mouth.
Rarity lamented as she played with a piece of her steak with her fork. “I know, but I could not force them to abandon their own activities for my sake. I know they all have their own lives now. There was no way that I could ask them for a favor this big.”
Always thinking of others aren’t you? Ivory chortled as he swallowed another piece of his steak. “Good thing you have me then, right?”
“Yes, quite,” Rarity giggled before nibbling on a small piece of her steak. “Although, I do feel terrible.”
“Why is that?” he asked curiously.
“Because,” she sighed sadly, “you worked so hard for me and all I’ve done is given you a meal for your trouble.”
He shook his head and smiled. “Rares, please, this is definitely more than enough, for real,” he said sternly. “I mean, this is the least I could’a done for you, after everything you’ve done for me.”
“Yes, but please, Ivy,” she begged, reaching over to grab a hold of his hand, “at least allow me to return the favor. It’d make me feel so much better.”
He thought about it for a second, allowing the food in his mouth to be thoroughly chewed and swallowed as his thoughts floated around in his head. Considering the fact that he spent nearly five hours moving stuff out of his truck and into her apartment, not to mention spending another hour unpacking before the food arrived, perhaps some form of additional repayment was in order.
“Well, I dunno,” he shrugged his shoulders, “Whaddaya got in mind?”
“Hmm,” she placed her utensils down and scratched her chin contemplatively. Suddenly, she snapped her fingers and her eyes widened along with her mouth. “Idea~!” she exclaimed in her sing-song voice that Ivory detested so greatly. The young man cringed as she rode out her sudden stroke of genius.
“Uh, what ya got?” he asked curiously.
“I’ll be right back,” her utensils clinked against her plate as she stood up from her seat and hurried over to the living room.
“What are you doing?” he asked from the kitchen, looking back over his shoulder. He hoped that she wasn’t planning on actually paying him. He couldn't bear the guilt.
“Just going to give you a little something,” she returned to the table with her black handbag in her grasp.
“Rarity, seriously, you really don’t gotta pay me, girl,” he laughed nervously.
Instead of answering immediately, she dug through her purse for a few moments before gasping. “Found it!” she said before looking back up at Ivory with a sly smile. “Darling, I assure you, this is far more valuable than money.” She pulled out a small pink slip of paper and handed it over to Ivory, who slowly took it from her hand with a questioning frown. His brow furrowed as he inspected the piece of paper and read the fine print carefully.
Good For One Free Premium Massage!
Redeemable Only At: Orchid Garden Massage Therapy Clinic and Spa
Members Only!
The text was cursive and colored bright gold and accented with flower petals along the border. He started at it for a few more seconds before looking back up at Rarity. “Uh, what exactly is this?”
“A coupon to a spa that I happen to frequent,” she said, giggling, “it’s a members only type of place, but simply tell them that I gave you that coupon and I’m certain they'll allow you to experience one of their signature massages."
“They just gave this to you?” Ivory asked suspiciously.
“Well, Christmas is coming up soon,” she smiled at him kindly, “wouldn’t you say this would make a good gift?”
“I guess so, but what is this ‘premium massage'?" he asked, air-quoting.
Rarity suddenly gained a sly expression, one that he’d seen once or twice before. It usually meant she up to something. “It’s a special package that is usually expensive, with good reason. One that is worth the price paid. Very relaxing indeed, darling.”
“I don’t follow,” he pursed his lips, “what exactly do you mean by that? And why would they just let me in 'cause I know you?”
“Don’t think too much on it, Ivy,” she said, waving her hand with a grin, "just take my gift and enjoy it. You will. Trust me."
Ivory sighed and leaned back in his chair, holding the pink coupon in his hand. "I dunno, Rares," he shook his head, "I mean, I appreciate it and all, but I ain't too big on massages. Especially one that's pro'bly expensive."
Rarity shook her own head, curled hair bouncing as she did so. "Honestly, Ivy," she complained, crossing her arms, "You need to learn how to accept gifts! Including one that you worked hard for."
He thought things through for a brief moment. Shit. Drawing a heavy sigh, Ivory cracked a grin and nodded. "Alright, Rares, you got me," he held up his hands in submission, "I'll bite. When are they usually open?"
"The best time to go is at eight o'clock, Fridays," she explained, "I'm sure you know where it is?"
"Uh, yeah, yeah," he said, nodding, "It's that flowery-looking place downtown right? In the little plaza off fifth avenue?"
"Yes, that's the one, darling," she replied with a grin. "Also, before I forget, the clinic requires a sort of pass phrase. For identification purposes, of course. Changes every other week and only members know when it is changed."
"Thought you said I could get in if I just mentioned you?" Ivory asked with a brow raised in confusion.
Rarity laughed nervously. "Well, sometimes they can become wary of who they let in. On more than one occasion they've accidentally let in people who weren't recommended by paying members. It is only to avoid them wasting time and resources on people who don't pay. Otherwise they lose money."
"Yeah, I getcha," he responded, "Alright, so, thanks for this I guess." He slid the slip of paper into his pocket. "I won't forget this, Rares. I owe ya one."
She waved her hand again and laughed. "Darling, you don't owe me anything," she said, "You've done enough." Ivory only gave her a grin in return before finishing off the rest of his food. After sharing a couple of after dinner drinks, they proceeded to the doorway to say goodbye.
"So, you said this Friday at eight, right?" Ivory asked as he pulled on his jacket.
"Yes, now you remember the pass phrase, right?" she had told it to him shortly after they finished dinner.
"Yeah, I got it," he said, "I can't thank you enough, Rare."
"It's my sincere pleasure, Ivy," she said before planting a kiss on his cheek, which he accepted gingerly. "Now, have a good evening, dear. Hopefully I will see you soon?"
"Yeah, for sure," he wrapped his arm around her neck for a hug and she returned his embrace. "See ya, Rarity." She bid him farewell as he opened the door and stepped out into the cool autumn night. Ivory walked down the stairs, brown leaves falling from the trees and onto the hood of his dark blue pickup and the bed as well. He opened the door and settled into the seat and buckled up. Before he started driving, he pulled out the coupon again to inspect it once more.
"Shit," he scoffed, shaking his head as he placed a hand on the steering wheel. "I must be out my mind." Something bothered him. He didn't know what it was. Then again, what kind of massage clinic needed a password? And why did she tell him to go at a specific time? Most of all, what did this "premium massage" entail? Ivory didn't know. The way Rarity told him about the massage felt so strange. Something about her tone made him feel uneasy. He didn't know, but he tried to shake off the feeling as best he could.
He turned over the engine and set the vehicle in gear before backing out of his parking spot. As he drove him that evening, Ivory thought a little more about what Rarity had told him. Deciding that he was just being paranoid as usual, he completely shook it off and went to bed without a worry in the world.
Two days later
Friday rolled around much faster than he anticipated. He took a sick day from his job at a local restaurant so that he could finally see just what Rarity was bragging about the other night. The little building seated in a nearly empty plaza that was placed in a deserted part of the downtown area in Canterlot. The establishment itself looked nearly deserted, even for a Friday night. This part of the city was usually busy, however this particular sector seemed to be in the slow lane of things. Perhaps it was the lack of interesting locations.
Ivory ran a hand over his freshly faded, stubbly hair, taking in a deep breath. Taking another look at the coupon, which had been slightly crumpled in his pocket, and took one last look at it. "A'ight, let's get this over with," he said as he opened his truck door and stepped out onto the asphalt. Upon looking around, he saw that there was another car parked nearby. Maybe it belonged to a worker. Turning to look at the massage clinic, his gaze was drawn to a sign that sat next to the glass door: a bright red neon flower. What kind of flower it was he didn't know.
Upon approaching, he noticed that the windows were tinted and he couldn't quite see inside. Maybe to keep a peaceful atmosphere or something, knowing the type of place this is and the people who probably go here. He walked up to the glass door and... something funny caught his attention: the hours of operation.
Mon. - Fri. | 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday | 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday | 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
"What the fu...," he muttered to himself as he inspected the times. "It's closed. Why the hell would she tell me to come when it's closed?" he said a little louder as he turned away from the door and stared out onto the busy street. Looking back at the door, a sort of curiosity began to stir within him. Stepping closer to the closed door, he squinted as he tried to somehow peer inside and see if there was any type of activity going on. The sign was on, so maybe they were still open? He pulled out his phone and saw that it was barely ten past eight.
He was tempted to press his forehead against the glass to try and see inside better. But how would that seem if there was indeed someone inside? He'd probably look like a creep. Tempted to call Rarity and ask her what was going on, he held his phone and weighed his options. Sure, he could call her and ask her what was going on and why she told him to come after the place was closed. Of course, he could also leave and call it a night. Go back to his apartment and maybe watch a movie or two. Then again, his back was kind of sore from helping Rarity move her stuff.
"Fuck it, man," he clicked his tongue as he reached towards the door and tapped on the glass with his knuckles. He waited a few moments before turning around and laughing at his foolishness. "Pfft, as if someone gon' ans-"
He suddenly heard the ringing of a bell, the door swinging open slowly. "Oui,?" a feminine, high pitched voice with a light accent asked. Ivory jumped in shock as he turned to see a woman with blue eyes and hot pink hair stood in the ajar doorway. She wore a white headband with her hair tied back in a loose bun. Her eyes were accented with aqua eye liner and her lips dark red. On her dress was a name tag that said "Froufrou" on it. He assumed that was her name.
"What?" he asked, thoroughly perplexed.
"Is there something you need help with?" she asked politely, though with a tonal hint of suspicion. Her accent was light, but noticeable in some of her pronunciations.
"Uh," he stood slack jawed as he looked for the words he needed. "Yeah, yeah, see, I got this coupon here," he pulled out the pink slip of paper and showed it to the woman, whom he assumed was a receptionist or something. "And uh, it says I can redeem it here."
"Are you a member?" she asked, opening the door to reveal that she was wearing a fancy white dress.
"Well, no I ain't exactly a member-"
"Then, I'm afraid I cannot assist you, monsieur," she said curtly as she began closing the door.
He pressed his hand against the glass door to stop her. "Uh, wait, I mean, Rarity sent me," he sputtered. "She gave me a coupon for this clinic. She's a member here. Do you know her?"
The woman's eyes suddenly lit up and she offered him a wide smile. "Well of course I know her, monsieur," she said, waving her hand, "she is one of our favorite customers. Could I please see that?" The woman held out her hand expectantly and Ivory handed her the piece of paper. She took a few moments to inspect it before looking back up at him. "Oui, tres bien, monsieur. Can you tell me the pass phrase, s'il vous plait?"
He didn't understand some of the words she was saying, but at least she knew English well enough. "Uh yeah, it's uh... 'the lotus blooms in summer'?" he said, hoping that he recited it correctly. He relaxed when she flashed a pearly white smile and nodded.
"Tres bon, please come in," she opened the door fully and stepped aside for Ivory to enter. He smiled back at her and stepped into the parlor. The front desk was a counter top with a marble slab sitting on top of it. Behind it he could see a computer screen and a couple of chairs. In its entirety, the whole place was compact, however he felt that it possessed more than what he could see. Overall, the parlor was exquisitely designed with its ice white walls mixed in halfway with stone rising up from the floor; the floor itself covered with linoleum tiles. Behind her was a small water fountain. "I assume you did not set an appointment before coming tonight, non?" The receptionist asked as she took her seat behind the desk, fingers typing away at the keyboard.
His hands fidgeted inside the pockets of his jeans. "Uh, I didn't know I had to set an appointment or anything," he explained to the young woman. "Rarity kinda just told me to go in and give you this coupon."
The woman glanced up at him from her computer and smiled, shaking her head and laughing. "C'est ne pas un probeleme, monsieur," she said, "you are in luck. Aloe and Lotus have no further clients set for today. I believe I can squeeze you into the system. Bon?"
"Um, what?" Ivory asked, now thoroughly confused.
She suddenly placed a hand over her mouth and laughed silently. "Oh, cher, I apologize, excusez moi. Most of our members are familiar with the Prench language." That comment only made Ivory feel more like he didn't belong.
His face wrinkled into a frown before he eased up again. "Sorry about that," he said woefully, "That ain't gon' be a problem, right?"
"Non, non, cher," she giggled again, fingers gliding over the keyboard. "The girls are fluent in five languages. I'm sure it'll be no trouble, c'est sur. What is your name?" she asked, stopping her fingers for a second as she looked up at him expectantly.
"Ivory," he answered. The woman tapped one last key and the computer played a small ringing sound.
"There were are, Monsieur Ivory!" Froufrou exclaimed brightly, "you are in the system. You are ready, oui?"
"We? Who's we?" Ivory's mispronunciation caused the receptionist to let another laugh. Froufrou placed a hand over chest as she came down from her mirth.
"You misunderstand me, monsieur," she said, "Oui, means yes! Say it with me."
"Wee?" Ivory didn't put much effort into pronouncing.
"No, no, you must exaggerate," she explained to the linguistically confused young man. "Say it with me slowly. And exaggerate! Ready?" He nodded. "Go."
"Ooo-weee~," they both said in unison.
"Good," she clapped her hands together gleefully, "Prench is a language of love, monsieur. Les filles will fall at your feet when you speak it to them. It will make them melt, je vous le dit!"
"Uh, huh, right," he laughed, nervously rubbing his chin. "So, you were saying before?"
"Oh! If you will follow me, please!" she sauntered around from behind the desk and made her way to Ivory, where she wrapped her arms around his left forearm and pulled him towards a white door with a golden knob housed in a brightly lit, narrow hallway. "Just behind that door is the main service area, where the girls will be waiting for you." They arrived and she let go of him to open the door and usher him in. "I hope you find their service to your liking, monsieur," she said with a somewhat coy smile. Before Ivory could say thanks, Froufrou closed the door quickly, but gently, leaving him staring with his jaw lowered.
He closed his ajar mouth and turned his attention to the room before him. It was, for lack of better term, beautiful. Less than five feet away from him was a large, circular Jacuzzi, the water currently bubbling. Around the pool were several lawn chairs with white towels draped over the seats. On the left side were several massage tables, all draped with white bed sheets. Hot damn, everything's so white
Ivory laughed internally as he took a step forward. All along the walls were small alcoves that lit up the entire room. Across from him behind the pool was what looked like an ottoman, except there was an assortment of bottles in different colors. He assumed they were oils or something. Beneath his feet was a purple, carpet floor. He wiggled his toes and he could feel the pliable texture of the floor even through his hi-tops.
"Damn, this is pretty good," he let out a silent laugh as his eyes continued to survey the environment around him. While he did so, he was sadly unaware of the two people who had suddenly entered the room from a door in the back. Ivory turned around and saw...
"Bonjour, mon cher," two sensual voices, the likes of which seemed to make him shiver from afar, greeted. In front of him were two women, whom he assumed to be Aloe and Lotus; what surprised him a little was their attire. The two girls wore white robes that rose just above their knees. Their feet and legs bare. No socks or pants of any kind. For some reason that worried him.
"Uh, hi," he greeted them awkwardly with a small wave.
"Welcome, Monsieur Ivory," the girl with the bright pink hair greeted.
"To our lovely little clinic," the other girl with the aqua blue hair finished. "I am Aloe, and this is my beloved sister, Lotus."
The two of them stood close to each other, hands on their hips in seductive and enticing poses. Ivory felt a sort of excitement begin to stir within him. He could feel a burning sensation in his chest as his heart rate gradually sped up. Their voluptuary voices, mixed with the flirtatious image they were presenting him only helped fan the flames. And the way they introduced themselves nearly felt rehearsed. He was almost impressed.
"Uh, thanks a lot, nice to meet you," he said, his voice nearly failing him. "So, I signed up for the premium massage. What's that involve?" Ivory tensed up when the two girls sashayed over to him, easygoing smiles on their faces. Then, the two of them wrapped their arms around his and they started walking him over to a door on the far left corner of the service area. This door in particular possessed a golden plaque across that bore the word "Private" in cursive lettering. "Where we going, girls?"
"Worry not, cher," Aloe assured him, "we are taking you to the private area, where we will service you."
"Oui, mon amie," Lotus nodded, smiling, "my sister and I will service you to the best of our ability."
"Cool, can't wait," Ivory laughed nervously as they ushered him into the private room. What was in store for him, however, was a mystery.
To Be Continued...
