Starlight breathed an agitated sigh for what was probably the tenth time since laying down, when once again she felt the girl she’d been laying with begin to shift around beside her. She was only half awake, drowsy from her attempt at a nap. “Trix… please stop moving around so much,” she groaned quietly. For a brief moment, Trixie seemed to respond to the command and stopped wiggling. For that short amount of time, Starlight smiled and nuzzled back into the warmth of both her bed and her girlfriend’s shoulder. But alas, no good thing lasts forever. Especially not a mid-day nap and cuddle session with Trixie Lulamoon. When Trixie once again began moving about, Starlight growled silently to herself and peeped an eye open to see what all the commotion was about.
She was met with a look both curious and fascinated. This was not uncommon to see when the magician saw something that captured her interest. Starlight waited patiently for Trixie to tell her what the hell she was so enraptured by so they could do something about it and go back to sleep. But upon not hearing a word leave Trixie’s mouth, Starlight decided to take cutting the silence upon herself. “Trixie, what are you looking at?”
“Those,” Trixie responded very matter-of-factly. As if that at all answered Starlight’s question.
“And what,” Starlight retorted, tired-induced annoyance in her voice, “might I ask are ‘those?’”
To Starlight’s delight, her girlfriend was able to pull her head out from the clouds long enough to give her an actual, if simple, answer to her question. “Your ears.”
“What about them?”
“Are those new?”
Trixie was referring to the purple gauges that now adorned Starlight’s previously un-pierced lobes. They were pretty small, honestly not too different looking from a large stud. Starlight smiled, glad that Trixie had finally noticed them. Albeit at the cost of her sleep. “Yeah, I got them like… a couple weeks ago Trix. You didn’t notice?”
Trixie huffed, puffing her cheeks out like Starlight’s question had been some sort of insult. “And how pray tell was the great and powerful Trixie meant to notice them when you’re always wearing those dumb hipster-y looking beanies over your ears?”
Trixie’s attitude was endearing. But Starlight couldn’t resist the urge to tease. “One, the great and powerful Trixie is both greatly unobservant and awfully quick to get powerfully pissy with me. Two, you’re not allowed to call my hats dumb little miss wizard hat.”
Trixie’s cheeks redoubled their efforts to puff angrily outwards. If the gesture was meant to inspire guilt, it didn’t, for it was simply too damn cute. “I shall have you know that the magician's hat is a symbol of magical prowess and-”
“Yea, yea, yea,” Starlight interrupted. “I was just teasing you. You know I think your dumb wizard hat is just as cute as you are. But now that we’ve discussed dumb hats and my sexy new gauges, go back to sleep.” Starlight was nothing if not determined. Her prayers went sadly unanswered however, as Trixie too was determined… determined to keep this conversation going.
“Why did you get them?” Trixie asked with genuine curiosity.
The temptation to ignore the question and try in vain to get more shut-eye was strong. But the mental battle was won by the half of Starlight’s brain that couldn’t resist the adorable look Trixie was flashing her. She finally abandoned the comfy mattress and sat up. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand, hoping that maybe it’d somehow rub away the sleepiness. It didn’t.
“Geez, Starlight,” Trixie chuckled, “you should really try and get some more sleep.”
Begrudgingly, Starlight bit back whatever smart-assery she had on the tip of tongue. She swallowed the snarky comment and seething glare for the sake of her girlfriend. “Noted.” Came her flat sounding reply to Trixie’s conventional wisdom. She then took to answering the previous question. “And, I dunno. I’ve been wanting to get something pierced for a while now. I was going to go facial, but decided it didn’t suit me. So I got these instead.”
“Hmmm…” Trixie’s eyes narrowed as they often did whenever she let deep pondering take over her mind. Several moments of deafeningly silent pondering later, Trixie boldly and confidently declared, “I too want this done to my ears! Starlight, the great and powerful Trixie demands you escort her somewhere to have the deed done!”
Starlight sighed, and stared sadly at the soft and welcoming sheets of her bed. “Like… today?”
“Yes.”
“Really…?”
“This is non-negotiable!”
Starlight sighed, finally accepting defeat. “Fine,” she groaned, “I guess I can call up Sunset.”
“Wait,” Trixie’s eyes widened at the mention of a certain punk-rocker’s name, “you mean Sunset Shimmer? As in tattoo artist, Sunset Shimmer?”
“Yes…?” Starlight perked an eyebrow, not sure who else her girlfriend thought she would’ve meant. “I’m sure you’re aware she does piercings too. Plus, we’ll probably get a discount since she knows us.”
Trixie mumbled something or another about ‘nepotism striking again’ under her breath, before looking up at Starlight and making her concerns clear. “I like Sunset, a lot. But I don’t know if I want her with needles near my face…”
“Trix,” Starlight began with an eye roll, “sorry to say, but frankly I’m surprised you’d want anyone with needles near your face. You’re a total wuss with pain.”
“I am not!” Trixie defensively shouted. Her embarrassed blush and shrill voice conveyed though, that she knew it was true. Quickly, she cleared her throat and started back in a lower volume, though still with a bashful stutter, “I-I mean, what the great and powerful Trixie meant to say was that such baseless claims don’t bode well and any and all girlfriends in the area should refrain from accusing Trixie of ‘being a wuss.’”
Starlight giggled, then cocked a brow jokingly, “‘Any and all girlfriends’? Trixie Lulamoon, I thought I knew you well. Yet here I am talking to a shameless womanizer.”
“Wha- no!” The Trixie frantically threw her hands up in the air, “you know I didn't- I mean I don't-”
Starlight groaned and made quick work shutting her favorite babbling idiot up with a peck on the lips. It worked, thank the stars. When she pulled back Trixie had stopped talking. “Dove, I was kidding.” She smiled warmly at her girlfriend, “I know you're no cheater.” Before Trixie could breath a sigh of relief, Starlight made sure to tack to the end of that sentiment: “And if you are, god help the girl you're cheating with. You know I’ve got one hell of a past and that bad girl is still lurking deep down.” Of course, Starlight wasn’t serious. But there was a certain truthful undertone in her voice that sent a chill up Trixie’s spine.
“Noted.” Trixie nodded.
“Great,” Starlight chirped. “now then, when do you want to go? Sunset works today until around six, so we have a few hours.”
“Whenever is most convenient…” Trixie answered with a nervous edge in her tone. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that despite the brave face, Trixie was indeed worried. After all, she was afraid of needles. And pain. Starlight had a hunch as to why her lovable if spineless performer suddenly wanted ear bling of her own. But she figured they could save that conversation for later.
“Alrighty then,” Starlight pulled herself up off the bed and upright to her feet. She then pulled Trixie along with her, offering a smile. “Lets go right now. I'll call Sunset and tell her we’re coming.”
“Wait, what?”
As the two pulled into the parking lot of one of many local tattoo parlors, Trixie suddenly started looking rather pale. “You know,” Starlight looked towards her lover, both amusement and concern painting her face, “it's not too late to call this off. You don't have to do this if you don't want-”
“Nope!” Trixie lifted a finger up to hush Starlight mid-sentence. “I said I wanted piercings and that's what we’re here to do!”
“Trix, you look like you're gonna be sick.”
Trixie merely scoffed. “As per usual, I am sickened by nothing but allowing the world to see the great and powerful Trixie riding around in this piece of trash jalopy you dare call a car.”
Starlight grit her teeth, “Trixie, for the last damn time, quit complaining about the car you've been bumming rides off of. I'll buy a better car once I get tuition figured out. College is expensive.”
To this, Trixie didn't say anything. She simply nodded only to meekly follow her girlfriend's lead in unbuckling and getting out of the rust bucket. Soon after, the duo entered the shop. The ringing of the entrance's little bell alerted their friend to their arrival. Very soon, said friend made her way to the front room, smile on her face, fiery hair waving in the non-existent wind and looking just as badass as ever. Her intimidating appearance was always extremely offset by the sugar-sweet grin she wore and the friendly way she’d talk to people.
“Hey guys,” Sunset greeted them gleefully, “glad to see you made it.” She started with Starlight, who she’d been friends with for quite some time. “It's great seeing you again. How’s school been treating you?”
“Oh, y’know,” Starlight shrugged, “it's school. You know I’m majoring in liberal arts, but I'm thinking about taking a psychology class too.”
“Oh? What brung that about?”
“Well, the bitter realization that nobody gets jack out of a liberal arts degree, for one.” Starlight’s voice shifted, becoming noticeably both wistful and irritated. “That and Twilight wouldn't stop hammering me about taking more useful classes.”
“Ah, well,” Sunset let out a light and airy giggle, “you know how Twilight can be. She just wants the best for you.” Sunset then turned her attention to Trixie, who’d been uncharacteristically quiet since entering the building. “Trixie, good to see you too. How’s drop-out life?”
“Heh,” Trixie snorted, “you'd know wouldn't you?”
Sunset in turn, smiled and laughed. “You've got me there. Well, if not your life as a drop-out, how has life with Glimmer been?”
Knowing Trixie, Starlight figured the former would find it funny to say something along the lines of ‘Oh, just terrible. Starlight's bitchiness knows no bounds.’ Evidently, her guess had been correct, for the second Sunset had asked, one smarmy-ass grin washed over Trixie's face. The performer was obviously prepping to say something facetious and rude. Starlight was a quick thinker though, and before Trixie could get the words out, she covertly reached down and pinched her girlfriend’s behind hard enough to get the magician to yelp in surprise. Though she was shot a look made of daggers, Starlight gave herself a pat on the back for quieting Trixie before she was able to be a smartass.
Trixie’s face reddened with embarrassment and Sunset’s reddened sympathetically despite her delight at the couple’s antics. “I suppose I've got my answer then, huh? I personally don't mind, but if you wanna get all gropey wait till you get home, yeah? This is a respectable establishment.” She offered them both a playful wink, smile, and thumbs up. “Anywho,” Sunset began “I understand Trixie wanted her ears pierced?”
Despite her cheeks still flushing, Trixie nodded her head and responded “I want some like Starlight has. But I want blue.”
“We can do that,” Sunset confirmed with the cheerfulness of a child given candy. “This should take only a minute. And in case you were wondering, don't worry about payment. It's on the house.”
With that, Starlight struggled desperately to hide her victorious smile. Who could blame her? Piercings cost good money. And if the look on her face was any indication, Sunset noticed Starlight’s enthusiasm about not paying. But she was amused and didn't feel the need to say anything aloud. Friendly neighborhood tattoo artist Sunset Shimmer then turned and began walking into a back room, motioning for her guests to join her.
Trixie didn't move until nudged along by Starlight, who patted the poor girl’s arm reassuringly and reached to clasp their hands together.
With fingers interlocked, the pair gingerly made their way to the room Sunset had disappeared into. Once in, they took in their surroundings. It was small and cozy, various posters and artworks decorated the walls, giving the small area plenty of personality. In the center of the room was a leathery looking chair that Sunset ushered Trixie to take a seat in. Which, hesitantly, she did.
“Alright, just give me a second to get everything I need.” Sunset began digging through various drawers and pulling out an assortment of items.
Starlight looked down at Trixie, who held onto her hand like it were a life preserver. “Okay Trixie, last chance. I know how much you hate needles.”
“The great and-”
“Yeah,” Starlight cut her off, placing a hand firmly over Trixie's mouth. Much to the displeasure of latter. “‘the great and powerful Trixie doesn't back down’, I get it. All I’m saying is, if you decide last minute you don't want the gauges, it's all good.”
When Starlight removed her hand from Trixie’s lips, there was a smile. It was a nervous smile, but a smile nonetheless. But those lips were quick to turn downwards when Sunset took her seat in the little swivel chair to Trixie's right. She had with her a platter holding a handful of items. A couple clean needles, the gauges, cleaning fluid, cotton swab, to name a few.
Trixie gulped and squeezed Starlight’s hand almost painfully hard.
“Alright, now I need you to be still, okay? It’ll only hurt for a second.” Sunset, items in hand, inched closer to Trixie’s un-mutilated earlobes.
Trixie’s eyes slammed shut, almost as hard as she slammed her back up against the chair. She pressed her body into the leathery cushions. “A-actually,” she started, not daring to open her eyes. “M-maybe I don’t wanna do this. I mean who cares, right? Not me, that’s who… T-the great and powerful Trixie is beyond needing to decorate her body with trinkets to stand out. M-my natural charisma is all I need to wow strangers and charm those I meet. I for one think piercings are actually kind of silly.” Trixie was sweating buckets. “I mean, what was I even thinking? P-piercings don’t do anything, they don’t really serve any purpose. Who cares if Starlight has them and looks really cool and doesn’t get freaked out by needles and-”
“Aaaaand, done.” Sunset pulled back and smiled.
Trixie blinked, “Wha-?”
“Hey dove, she’s done.” Starlight prodded Trixie playfully. “You feeling okay there hot-shot? Don’t feel like fainting do you? I can’t carry you to my car.”
“It’s done…?” Trixie looked from Starlight to Sunset and back again.
“Yup,” Sunset answered, then brought a mirror over for Trixie to get a better look.
Trixie’s eyes practically lit up when she saw herself in the mirror. “Wow…”
Starlight ran her fingers gently through Trixie’s hair. She too, was looking at the blue gauges. They were identical to her own, color aside. “Sounds like you like them as much as I do.” She smiled down at her lover, who was admiring herself in the mirror with cartoonish enthusiasm.
“I do…” Was Trixie’s simple response. “I really do.”
About half an hour later finds the two in the car on their way back to Starlight’s flat. They said their goodbyes to Sunset and thanked her for doing the job for free. The first half of their ride home was driven in relative silence. Starlight glanced over to find Trixie once again looking to be thinking about something. She debated leaving her girlfriend to ponder, but curiosity overtook her. “What’s got those gears turning?”
“Hmm?” Trixie hummed, not really paying attention.
“Your gears,” Starlight repeated, accompanied with a light knuckle tap to Trixie’s head. “I can see you over there thinking about something.”
“O-oh.” Trixie shrugged. “I dunno. Would you believe me if I said I was just thinking about my sweet new gauges?”
“Hmmm, probably not,” Starlight chuckled. “I think I can guess what you’re thinking about though. May I ask you something?”
“What’s that?”
“Did you only want to get those cause you thought I looked cool with them? Or was it because you know I know you hate needles, and didn’t want to be bested by me?”
Trixie’s face heated up, embarassed how on the mark Starlight had gotten it. As much she wanted to tell Starlight to wipe the cocky grin off her face, or tell her not to flatter herself, she couldn’t bring herself to. Since she’d kind of hit the nail on the head. “Something like that…” The magician groaned, sinking into her seat.
“Aww, Trix.” Starlight kept her eyes on the road, but reached over to gently rub Trixie’s arm. “You know you don’t have to prove yourself to me.”
“I know…” Trixie rolled her eyes and sighed. “But when I’m with someone so cool all the time, it’s hard not to wanna show off.”
“More than you usually do, you mean?”
Trixie snickered at that. She brought her own hand up to smack at the one lovingly caressing her arm. “Shut up,” she shot, but the words held no sincerity. A brief few seconds of peaceful silence later, Trixie turned to her girlfriend, “Hey Starlight?”
“Yeah Trix?”
“Wanna take a nap when we get home?”
“Oh absolutely.”
Author's Note
I may or may not write future stories a part of this same universe. I don't know. But I wanted to write something short and cute about college aged startrix.
Chapter five of Fragile Flower is in the works. I'm gonna be busy for a while. This weekend I'll be in NY, and then next weekend I'll be at bronycon. So I'm not 100% sure when the next chapter will be out, but just know the story is still going strong.
