The I's Might Have It

Chapters

One
Two
Three
Four
Epilogue

One

Click. Iconic Portrait loved the sound of his classic Canon AE1. Granted there was times that a digital camera was needed, but when shooting something like Motocross having the actual film made the difference. He was almost surprised that he agreed to come out and shoot the event, but then Lemon had said her friend Indigo Zap was one of the contestants. That helped make the decision. He clicked another picture catching the mid air action of the current rider. He clicked again as the motorcycle touched down, its landing looked as if it would have thrown a more novice rider.

He stayed on the rider until she removed her helmet. Her hair clung to her from sweat, but it didn't detract from that brilliant, and confident, smile of hers. Between her smile and the fierce look of excitement in her goldenrod eyes he felt himself more than captivated. He snapped another couple of pictures in an attempt to capture and share what it was he was seeing. She waved, and he caught her presence on the camera before she pulled the helmet back on and rode off of the end of the track.

He looked back at the track, and began snapping pictures of the other riders. While he was certainly more comfortable shooting something like a fashion show he had to admit that this was exciting. Seeing the high air acts, watching as the riders managed to keep their bikes from getting away from them, and finally watching as they made their landings, waved, and rode off. By the end of the day he had went through twenty rolls of film, getting the prep shots, the action shots, and after the event shots.

He walked around the crowd, taking candid shots of those in attendance, knowing that some of the shots would most likely be used, but at the same time more in an attempt to finish up the current roll of film. He heard a familiar voice nearby and turned to see the reason he agreed to come in the first place.

Her motocross safety suit had been changed for a pair of faded blue jeans, a t-shirt sporting the famed lips and tongue of the Stones, and a pair of black high-top converse all-stars. He watched as she walked toward him.

“Cool, you made it out. Didya happen to catch my air time?” she beamed. “Nine seconds. That’s a shoe-in for first place.”

Given what he’d seen, and what he understood of the sport, he nodded in agreement. “You looked good out there.”

There was a slight blush to her cheeks. “Thanks, although I think it was more because of my skills than anything else.” She looked at him and then toward the ground. “Say, what are you doing after this?”

He held up his camera. “Using my darkroom to develop the pictures. Real film is awesome for high speed sports, but it takes a little time to get the pictures out.” He grinned at her. “Although I would certainly be up for something to eat. I haven’t had anything yet, and I could use a little something.”

She grinned at him, those goldenrod eyes shimmered with excitement as she nodded. “Yeah food sounds good. So, what did you have in mind?”

He shrugged his shoulders. In truth the both of them looked, and smelled, as if they had been outside all day. Plus the both of them were dressed pretty casually, and that meant that wherever they went they needed somewhere that had a relaxed dress code. The answer was simple, but given that they hadn’t really dated yet, mostly just talked with one another, he wanted to make a good impression. And in truth he didn’t want her to go somewhere she wouldn’t like.

“How do you feel about pizza?”

If her smile could get any brighter he was certain that he’d need some SPFs just to be in her presence. Of course she dialed it back a little, something he understood well enough, and nodded. “Yeah, Pizza sounds good.”

They walked toward the parking lot and Iconic spotted his car. Most of the photographers he worked with usually went for something a bit more streamlined, new, almost futuristic as their rides, but he couldn’t help by get something that he’d wanted since he was a kid. Sitting there was a mint green nineteen sixty-five Mustang. His friend, a barn find junkie, had found the car sitting inside of an abandoned repair garage. From what he understood his friend made half a dozen calls, found the original owner, bought the car for a couple hundred dollars, and then fixed it up into the car it was now.

Indigo whistled as she touched the door of the classic car. “Nice wheels.”

He grinned. “Thanks. Say, what about your bike?”

She shrugged. “Eh, it’s already loaded onto the trailer. Dad’s taking it back to the garage, and besides, I told him that I was going to hang around for a while. He knows that more than likely I would end up getting an Uber.”

He nodded, unlocked the doors, and she crawled into the classic Mustang. Cream white and mint green greeted her once she was inside of the sport car. The seats felt like leather, and she noticed him moving a handle. When he did he pushed a button and the top began to move. In a few seconds she felt the open air. The engine rumbled to life shortly after, and the feeling of the wind in her hair as Iconic’s ride began to head out of the parking lot.

Indigo breathed in the smell of the air around her. Being out in the open, competing, feeling the thrill of going up against someone that was almost as good as she was, all of it was the kind of thing she lived for. She looked over at Iconic, and she took him in for a moment. They’d seen each other a few times, not really dates, more like just hanging out, and that’s what this was. But then it felt a little different. It wasn’t like she hadn’t ever been interested in boys. But with her schedule it just made things difficult. She knew that Iconic had the same problem. He was almost always on the go, yet he had managed to get the job of working the Mustang Valley Regional Motocross Event.

Sure, for an athlete it was a pretty big deal. Winning here meant that the winner got the opportunity to compete nationally, and that was where she wanted to go. It just sort of meant that it was likely she wasn’t going to find anything meaningful. Instead she could see a potential of a chance. As she was focusing back on where they were going Iconic looked toward her. His cousin already knew that he was interested in Indigo.

Of course Lemon had teased him about it for days. He could tell that she was happy that someone had taken an interest in her friend though. He neared the pizza place he had seen earlier, now realizing that it was part of the kiddie arcade/pizzeria chain known as Silly’s Pizza and Arcade. Mustang Valley wasn’t a small town, but he didn’t know it that well. The fact that he’d seen a pizza sign earlier had been enough to keep the location in mind in case he wanted to get a quick bite to eat.

“Ummm, cool? I mean, I guess?”

He felt a little deflated at her words. It wasn’t like she was being a snob, or saying no out of hand, but the fact did remain that he did choose what had to be one of the worst places possible.

“Sorry, I’m not usually in this area, and to be honest I just happened to see this place on the way in. Do you want to go somewhere else?”

She shook her head. “Naw. The pizza at the Silly’s in Canterlot City is pretty decent, plus I don’t mind to play some skeeball.”

He laughed. “You know, I’m pretty decent at that game. The last time I was on assignment there happened to be a boardwalk arcade nearby. I did well enough to get one of the good prizes.”

Her eyes practically sparkled at that. “Well, what do you say about us playing a few games? Maybe see who’s better than who, huh?”

Getting inside the smell of pizza, candy, and children assaulted the noses of the two. Making their way to a table Iconic caught the attention of a waitress. She walked over toward them.

“Welcome to Silly’s Pizza and Arcade. What can I get for you?”

Indigo smiled. “A supreme with extra cheese, and a couple of sodas.” She turned Iconic. “Sound good?”

He nodded. “Yeah, that's fine.”

Shortly after the waitress left the two of them Indigo pointed to the skeeball. “So, ready to get your butt kicked?”

Two

Iconic Portrait had to admit it to himself. Indigo Zap's game face was both cute and intimidating. Her cocky grin. Her one eyebrow arched up. Her goldenrod eyes staring straight into his. He had to make sure she didn't see him blushing and gulping at the same time.

"Say, before we start..." Indigo began with confident glee. "... why don't we make the game a little more interesting?"

"What did you have in mind?"

"One game each. Highest scorer gets one request granted from the lowest..." She winked. "... which is going to be you, just so you know."

Iconic smiled. A request, eh? "Fine by me."

"You can go first, then," Indigo declared as she fed in a token for him.

The machine chimed and nine yellow balls rolled out into position. Iconic took the first one. He eyeballed the lane, the ball-hop, and then the targets. He needed that highest point hole at the top left. He hauled back and launched. The ball rolled straight and jumped the ball-hop, but only to hit and bounce off the outermost ring. Into the gutter it went.

Indigo burst out laughing. "Were you telling the truth that you were decent at this game, Iconic? You're not truly a 'rook-skee', are you?"

Not the greatest first impression. Iconic grimaced as he grabbed the next ball. Doesn't have to be the highest target, but anything's better than the gutter...

He tossed. Twenty thousand points. Not bad. Of course, that would be about the average he could muster. After the remaining seven balls, he racked up a score of one hundred and ten thousand.

"Nice try," Indigo smugly teased. "Now step back and let a pro show you how it's done!"

In her token went. Once more, nine balls were at the ready. Indigo snatched the first one and immediately rolled as if she didn't even think about it. It jumped the ball-hop and sailed directly into the highest point hole.

"One hundred thousand, baby!" Indigo cheered as she grabbed the next few balls.

Balls two, three, and four were launched in quick succession. Each went into the one hundred thousand point hole. Iconic's eyes widened. He considered for a moment in trying to take back that request agreement...

Indigo then grew even cockier. She seized her remaining balls. One by one she tossed them under her leg. Five, six, seven, eight...

"Not even going to look!" Indigo announced as she rolled the final ball with her eyes closed.

The machine chimed excitedly, flashing a "JACKPOT" message. Nine hundred thousand points! Tickets spewed forth to the victor.

Indigo threw her fists into the air and hopped around. "Boo-yah!"

Iconic chuckled. Her enthusiasm in winning was adorable, but he still dreaded what she intended to ask of him. They both returned to their table to find their pizza and soda ready and waiting to be consumed.

"So..." Iconic hesitated as he sat down. "What's going to be your request of me, oh victorious one?"

Indigo smirked. "I want to visit your next shoot."

"My next shoot?" He was taken off guard a bit. "My next gig is just for an advertising campaign. You might be a little bored."

Indigo laughed and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, maybe. But I would get another opportunity to hang out with you, now wouldn't I?"

Iconic blushed. "Yeah... I guess you would."

The two then dug into their supreme pizza, enjoying small talk despite the kids screaming and the oversized alligator costume hobbling all around them.

****************

Indigo Zap followed Iconic Portrait's directions to the Supreme Snap Studio in uptown Canterlot City. She had been part of several photo shoots in the past because of her sporting activities. However, this was the first time she had visited one of the really fancy studios. Inside was covered with wall-to-wall backdrops, props, and blinding lights. She saw Iconic setting up his digital camera. He spotted her walking in and waved.

"Hey, Indigo," Iconic greeted. "We should be ready to go any second. Feel free to try the craft table."

Indigo looked over to see a fully stocked table. There were finger sandwiches, a veggie platter, assorted snacks collected into bowls, and plenty of bottled water. Indigo grinned. She didn't mind if she did.

She was scarfing down her third sandwich when the entrance of a small crowd caught her attention. She glanced over, only for her eyes to widen. The women were dressed up in stunning designer wear, makeup, high heels, with their hair done up in extravagant styles. Indigo subconsciously peered down to her own relatively plain attire. She felt a small twinge in her heart she couldn't quite explain.

A few of the women peered her way. She decided to place her weird feelings to the side and welcome them.

"Yo," Indigo said, raising her hand. "The grub's great!"

She immediately wanted to slap herself on the forehead. She had forgotten that her mouth was still full. The models all looked at her with judging or even disgusted glares.

"Sorry, dear, but we all have a figure to maintain," one of them responded snootily.

Yep, I look like a total hog, don't I? Indigo sighed internally.

The models crossed her path on their way toward Iconic. Indigo was getting those odd feelings once again. Of course, that was before she beheld the face of someone who she didn't expect. A face she hadn't seen since the Crystal Prep Academy graduation ceremony. She quickly reached out and grabbed the shoulder of the young woman.

"Starlight Glimmer?" Indigo said in disbelief.

"Oh, hi, Indigo Zap," Starlight muttered with some discomfort.

"Since when are you a model? Shouldn't you be seizing the means of reproduction or whatever you commies call it right now?"

With that, Starlight tilted her chin up with mock confidence. "I'll have you know that no revolution is successful without its widespread propaganda. I'm just giving the world a taste of how sexy and attractive the proletariat cause can be." She threw her hands up and laughed maniacally. "Before long, I'll have an army of enamored teenage boys at my command! They shall be known as the Purple Guard! They will crush all that is bougie and opposing of equality!"

Indigo lifted an eyebrow. "There's no shame in admitting that you want to make a living in modelling, you know."

Starlight blushed and angrily stomped off. "Kite supplies aren't as cheap as you'd think, alright?!" She quickly rushed back, only to shove a little red booklet into Indigo's hand. "Here, have a Manifesto." Finally, she joined the others.

Indigo sighed and shook her head. Some classmates should remain memories, she figured as she placed the Communist Manifesto on the craft table. She didn't intend on picking it up again.

She then began to watch as Iconic did his thing. Apparently, the "advertising campaign" he mentioned was for some new, brand-name perfume, which would explain the gorgeous women being trotted out before his camera. Iconic gave them directions of where and how to pose, how much head tilt they needed, how much their lips should pout, etc.

Indigo was beginning to feel sick. However, she didn't quite know whether it was from the finger sandwiches or the words Iconic was using as he shot.

"Beautiful!" *Click* "Angelic!" *Click* Breathtaking! *Click*

Indigo grimaced. She really didn't feel like she belonged there. It wasn't like she could just leave, though. Not only would it make her seem like a major jerk, but this was the one request she had won, fair and square. She had to grin and bear it. And so she did for two and a half hours.

Iconic snapped the last photo of the last model. Indigo's fists clenched as the bluehead kissed him on both cheeks for a job well done. She patiently waited for him to pack up his equipment and make his way to her.

"Sorry that took a while, Indigo," Iconic said sheepishly. "I hope it wasn't too dull for you."

"Dull?" Indigo laughed and waved it off. "No way! It was... something else..."

"Oh, you're looking good today, by the way."

Indigo put on a fake smile. "Just 'good', huh?"

"What do you mean?" Iconic asked, tilting his head.

Indigo felt some of those weird feelings again. Iconic sure seemed to have much more affectionate terms with those models than he did with her. She tried to remind herself that that was most likely just part of his profession. Reason didn't stop the queasiness, though.

"It's nothing," Indigo assured. "Just me being silly..."

Three

Indigo walked out to her the bike that was waiting for her. She touched the motorcycle as she neared it. It wasn’t new, but it shined like the sun. The soft lavender paint job was mixed with blue stripes that went down the frame of the bike. It was something her dad had found, and the two of them had gotten it running before sending it off to be painted. When it came back her dad was upset because the paint job was supposed to be the same color as her hair, but she had liked the way it looked anyway. Besides, it was just a getting around bike. She began to crawl on when the studio door opened.

“So, you really want to tell me what’s bothering you?”

She looked back toward Iconic, and what she saw was someone she honestly wanted to know. The problem was she wasn’t like those models. Her body wasn’t perfect. Oh, she was slim, and she was in pretty good shape, but she wasn’t a walking goddess. She began to shake her head, and Iconic moved out toward her.

“I thought that maybe we could hang out. I’m sorry if this was too boring. Believe me, I know how old it gets.”

She almost wanted to laugh at that. She wasn’t sure how getting to take pictures of girls like that could ever get old. She looked at him and she noticed that he looked disappointed, and concerned, as his eyes went to the ground. It made her feel bad for him, but at the same time she didn’t want to keep hanging around. There was just so many reminders that she wasn’t the kind that could really impress him. She started to use the kick start on the older motorcycle before she looked back up at him. He walked closer to her.

“It’s a nice bike.”

Iconic almost cursed himself for those words. He wanted to make sure that she was okay, because she seemed really uncomfortable after the shoot. He was racking his brain, trying desperately to figure out what was going on, but at the same time he didn’t want this to end before it really even began. He dug for something, anything, that would get her attention long enough to talk for just a little longer.

“T...Thanks.” Her eyes looked down at the bike and not him. “It’s a fifty-five Harley. Dad and I found it at an old salvage yard. We bought it and got it running again.”

It wasn’t what was wrong, but she was still here. He breathed out in relief. “It looks like you spent some serious time on it.”

She nodded. “Yeah, we spent an entire summer getting it to run, and then he sent it to a shop to get painted and the finishing touch ups for the engine.” She looked up at him, and there was the slightest smile. “I’m okay. I... it doesn’t matter.”

He shook his head. “It does to me. Indigo, I really would like to spend some time with you. Just the two of us, if you’re okay with it.”

She looked at him, trying to figure out what it was that he could want from her. Finally she nodded. “Sure, but maybe not right now.”

She cursed at herself as she dug into her pocket and pulled out her cell phone. “What’s your number and I’ll text you real quick. That way you’ll have my cell.”

He smiled and pulled his own phone. “Five, five, five, six, eight, seven, one.”

She quickly texted him, and then gave him a small smile. “Maybe give me a text or a call tomorrow?”

With that she headed off. As she drove she headed not toward her house, but instead she headed to the closest person she could think of to talk to about all of this. Granted she wasn't exactly sure what she was going to say to Sunny Flare, but she really needed to talk to someone, and at least she was fairly sure that Sunny might be able to help her sort some of this out. She neared the estate and once more she was taken in awe at the presence of it. Sunny’s place looked as big as Mistress Marevelous’ home from the Mistress Marevelous comics. That was something that she didn’t exactly discuss with her friends either.

Sure, she was an athlete, but she also her geeky side. Like she enjoyed reading some comics, and she did enjoy playing Ogres and Oubliettes. It was actually kind of fun to create a character and send him, or her, on an adventure with other adventurers. It had been something she had started with her friends, and it was because they had nothing better to do on a Friday night. Afterward things just progressed until she had read up on the game quite a bit.

Of course she didn’t let everybody know about it either. It was a guilty pleasure, and it was one that she indulge in when she could. She pulled up to the gate and pressed the intercom. For a moment there was nothing, and then she heard the sound of some static before she heard the sound of Sunny’s voice.

“Yes?”

“Sunny, got a few minutes?”

“Indigo? Is everything okay, dearie?”

She started to nod, and then she caught herself. Sunny didn’t have a way to see if she nodding or not.

“Kinda, do you mind if I come in?”

The sound of a click echoed slightly, and Indigo watched as the gate opened. “Sure. I’ll meet you.”

She silently thanked God as she began to move forward. She slowly rode up to toward the mansion, and as she neared she parked her motorcycle. She watched as Sunny stepped out. It had been a gamble on Sunny being here. She had known that, but then she had hoped that she would be visiting her parents.

“Indigo, this is a surprise, but it’s a welcomed one. How have things been going, dearie?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Pretty good, I mean I’m kicking some ass in motocross, but… Sunny, do you remember Lemon Zest’s cousin?”

Sunny nodded. “Of course. He seemed like a nice enough person, although first impressions being what they were I can’t say that I have went out of my way to becoming friends over an acquaintance.”

Indigo smiled. “Yeah, it’s just… We’ve hung out a little bit. He came to my competition and took some pictures of everyone, and then we went for pizza. And then today I hung out with him at his studio… I kinda like him, but I don’t think that I really fit.”

Sunny motioned toward the door and they walked inside. She followed Sunny toward the kitchen where she was treated to glass of iced tea. Once the tea was had Sunny offered a seat, and she took it. Sunny then looked at her. “Why wouldn’t you fit into his world?”

Indigo sighed. “Maybe because he’s around girls that make me look pathetic.” She caught Sunny looking at her. “I’m serious. I was there while he was shooting pictures for an advertisement, and these girls had zero fat on them.”

Sunny shook her head. “Indigo, dearie, do you remember where he said he worked before he began doing what he is doing now?”

Indigo nodded. “Sure, he worked for Socialite Magazine, but…”

Sunny held her hand up. “I want you think about this for a moment, dearie. He was taking pictures for Sultry Image. If he was the kind of man you are implying he is then wouldn’t it be safe to assume that he would have never left Ms. Image’s employ?”

Indigo nodded. “I guess. It just feels like I might not be good enough.”

Sunny sighed. “You do realize that you’re perfectly fine as you are. The way that you speak about him tells me that you’d like to get to know him better. And dearie, if he took the job photographing your competition then I dare say he is interested in the same thing.”

“But that could have just been a job.”

Sunny shook her head. “Indigo, the price difference between shooting for a fashion show or an advertisement is far different than shooting a sporting event. Especially if the person shooting it is mainly someone who does fashion work.” Sunny smiled at her. “What I’m saying dearie is that he took the job to see you, obviously, and it is something of a discredit to him to think that he wouldn’t be interested in getting to know you better.”

Four

Iconic Portrait peered up at the sign which read, "GOODIE TUNES: LAND OF BEATS". Underneath in smaller letters was, "Every kind of music you could want, and so much more!" Instead of the classic bell ring, the door let out a guitar riff when opened. Iconic gazed around the store. Displays of vinyl records and CDs took up most of the space. Along the walls there was a large assortment of guitars and other band equipment. However, there was no sight of his cousin.

"Lemon?" Iconic called out.

"Come on into the back, dude!" her voice responded.

Iconic followed it behind the counter into the storage area. Lemon Zest was currently on her knees, using a boxcutter to open up some fresh deliveries.

"Glad to see that they trust you with sharp objects," Iconic said with a teasing smirk.

Lemon grinned evilly as she held up the tool. "It was either I cut boxes or I cut bitches. The manager chose wisely."

They laughed. Iconic went over, squatting down to help remove the contents, which happened to be a load of the latest vinyl releases.

"So, what brings you here?" Lemon asked. "Finally got tired of hanging out with supermodels and wanted to pursue an exciting career in retail?"

"Not today, I haven't," Iconic chuckled. He then frowned. "But supermodels do have something to do with it, I guess... and Indigo..."

"What's happenin' with you two? I thought you were getting along fine."

"Well, we were but yesterday something went wrong somewhere. Indigo came to one of my shoots and seemed to get upset by something. Was it boredom? Was it something I did? Was it food poisoning from the finger sandwiches?" Iconic shook his head. "I don't know what."

"Hmm, I can't think of anytime I've seen Indigo upset over anything," Lemon admitted. "Angry at losing a mashed potato eating contest to me, yes, but upset-upset? That's a nope."

Iconic sighed. "There is one thing I can think of what's going on, but it's hard for me to face the reality of."

Lemon reached over and planted her hand on his shoulder. "Hey, you can tell me anything."

"I really wanted to, you know, start something with her. And I was hoping she wanted to start something with me. However, I think she's realizing that we're not compatible."

"How's that?"

"Well, for one, I can't compete with her. She easily beat the pants off me at skeeball. She probably wants somebody who could challenge her. And then there's her behavior at the shoot. Maybe she just wasn't into what I do for a living. Maybe there's nothing we have in common. Like we don't belong together."

Lemon gazed at her cousin. He was always a go-getter when it came to things growing up, not to mention his career. Indigo likewise with friendly competition and her professional sports. She couldn't see any logical reason why the two couldn't hit it off. And for all she knew, if she couldn't do anything to help then they could fall into the never ending cycle of inadequacy drama that was Sour Sweet and Second Person’s relationship! Lemon shuddered at the thought.

Lemon gazed at her crestfallen cousin. A smirk forming upon her lips, she then picked up a stack of vinyls.

"Hey, would you take this to the front for me?"

Iconic broke out of his thoughts. "Huh? Oh, of course."

He received the stack, turned to be on his way, but was then stuck in the back with sudden weight. Iconic tightly gripped his haul, desperately trying to balance his standing without dropping it. Legs wrapped around his waist with playful giggling directed straight into his ears.

"Lemon, what are you doing?"

Iconic rolled his eyes, yet couldn't contain a chuckle. He was brought back to the good old days when the two of them would play together. Piggyback rides were her favorite. However, he remembered her being lighter back then. He chose not to verbalize that observation.

"I hoped this would cheer you up," he heard whispered. "Don't worry about a thing with Indigo. Go with the flow. If things don't work then they don't work. If things do work... then rock on."

Iconic smiled. "Thanks, cousin. But, uh, mind getting off me now?"

"That would be a large nope!" Lemon laughed, slapping his shoulders. "Now onward piggy! Heeyah!"

Iconic sighed. He stumbled into the store area, struggling between his hold of the vinyls and his energetic cousin. He was relieved that there wasn't any customers at the moment to witness this. The sound of a guitar riff instantly destroyed that relief. He turned into the direction of the front entrance, only to cringe extra hard.

Indigo Zap starred at the two and broke out into snickers. "Wow, Lemon. Goodie Tune's service is getting rather personal these days, isn't it?"

"Piggybacks on special today only, Indy!" Lemon cheered. "Iconic will cover it."

"Not today, Lemon," Indigo said before directing her gaze to Iconic. "Hey."

"Hey," Iconic returned. "Uh, Lemon? Do you mind now?"

Without anymore to be said, his cousin released her hold on him and planted herself on the floor. She took the stack of vinyls from him to finally do her own job. Still, Lemon couldn't help to give one last wink for good luck as she walked off.

Iconic awkwardly stepped up to Indigo. "So..."

"So..." Indigo repeated. It was just as uncomfortable for her as for him. Likely even moreso. "I thought we could hang out?"

"Yeah, hang out," Iconic said, nodding. "Sounds great. Anywhere you got in mind?"

Indigo smiled sheepishly. "Not really."

"Ah. Well, we don't need anywhere to go. We can just go." Iconic smiled. "Just go with the flow and rock on."

Indigo cracked a smile as well. "Yeah, I probably do need to get you as far away from Lemon's influence as possible."

Ignoring the pinkish bird being shot at her from across the store, Indigo led Iconic out to her fifty-five Harley.

"Got an extra helmet," Indigo hinted.

"Then let's ride."

Indigo was about to mount, before she paused. She then turned to him. "Can you drive?"

Iconic was taken a bit aback. "It's been a while, but yeah."

Indigo stared straight into his eye. "She's yours, then."

Iconic mounted and firmly gripped the handles. It felt so right. Indigo settled in from behind and wrapped her arms around him. That felt even more right. Much preferable than his cousin, too.

The Harley roared to life. They pulled out on their way. Road become highway. City become countryside. There was no destination. There was no track of time. There was just them, the wind, and the occasional pothole to swerve. Iconic eventually heard the voice of Indigo directing him to an upcoming turn. He complied.

The road led them to the side of a lake. Iconic parked next to an old fishing dock. Didn't appear to be too rotted to tread upon. They reached the edge and looked out. The water was calm and serene. Such perfection. Indigo sat down and removed her sneakers and socks. A content sigh escaped her lips as her bare feet met the water. Iconic shrugged and decided to join her. Off went his genuine moccasins and socks and in went his own feet.

"You handled the Harley great," Indigo finally said. "How about I let you try my motocross bike next?"

"I think I'll pass on that one," Iconic laughed. "I wouldn't be as great as you on it, anyway."

Indigo gave him a look. "You don't have to be as great as me, you know."

"Yeah, I know," Iconic lied.

Indigo hesitated a moment, before finally uttering, "Iconic? Can I ask you a question?"

"You just did," Iconic said teasingly. "But if you really want, I'll let you ask another."

"Have you ever dated any of the models you work with?"

Iconic laughed and shook his head. "I think the fashion world has enough drama as is."

"That's good," Indigo muttered, barely audible.

Suddenly, she felt an arm wrap around her shoulder. Indigo's cheeks instantly tinted red. She looked over to see Iconic's warm smile.

"Indigo, would you like see my editing room?"

****************

The ride back over to Iconic’s studio didn't take too long. The entire way a ball of nerves began forming in Indigo’s stomach. She wasn’t sure exactly what it was that she was feeling. Iconic had invited her into the editing room of the studio, and she wasn’t sure why she agreed. Looking at him it began to strike her just how opposite the two of them were in so many ways. Iconic practically lived in the same kind of fashion world that Sunny did. It was a little different, but she wasn’t too sure that she actually fit in with Iconic. She watched as he brought up the photos, and as he worked she didn’t hear the words he had been saying before.

“Okay, so Primrose certainly didn’t listen when her manager told her not to do any cosmetic surgery. That line isn’t too noticeable, so just a little editing.”

She watched as he found the line, one she hadn’t even noticed, and began using the editing software to make it disappear. It still felt weird, but seeing that flaw made her feel a little better. As she watched he touched up on almost all of the models, all of them except for Starlight Glimmer. He sat there for a moment, shook his head, and groaned.

“Starlight, you would be a great model, certainly suited for the runway, if you’d just make sure that your skirt went down another two inches.”

He began the process of layering on another small layer on Starlight’s skirt, making it look natural, keeping it as realistic as possible, and at the same time covering up what Starlight had unintentionally (or possibly intentionally?) been showing. He finished, looked at her, and he could see how Indigo looked a little uncomfortable. He began to shut down the editing software, and then Indigo saw something else come up. There was photos of the Motocross. The pictures looked sharp, but not unnaturally so.

One of the pictures he brought up was one of her. Her hair sticking to her forehead from sweat. She could see that he actually zoomed in enough to catch her smile, and from what she could see the picture was amazingly clear. She wanted to groan. The difference between her and those girls that were in here earlier was clear enough without this example. Instead of saying anything he simply stayed on the photo.

“I can’t improve this.”

She wanted to turn around and leave. He just admitted it. She was hopeless. She wasn’t some high fashion model that flittered around in fancy clothes. She was an athlete. She began to move toward the door when he saw him lean in closer.

“It’s already perfect.”

She stopped. There was no way she heard him right. She watched as he looked at the picture. It was the same way he had been looking at the other models that had been in the room with him, but unlike them he wasn’t going over what she could have done differently. Instead he was actually studying her. He turned toward her, his expression was the same, and he motioned for her to come closer. She did, and he pointed at the picture.

“The lighting here is perfect, it captures the essence of the picture perfectly. There’s nothing unnatural about the setting, you, or the motorcycle. Everything came together to make one of the best photos I’ve ever taken. I honestly almost didn’t want to share this one.” He smiled. “But then I think that it would be wrong to hide something as perfect as this photo from the world.”

Something else filled Indigo, a sort of joy she had never really felt before, and before reason could ever take hold she acted on it. She leaned over and kissed Iconic. It wasn't a friendly kiss, but it was filled with as much passion and promise as she could give.

Epilogue

Indigo lay across the silk sheet. She felt the softness of it caressing every inch of her body. Her smile was happy, and maybe a little seductive, as she looked toward the other person in the room. The clicking sound of Iconic’s camera was welcomed, and she couldn’t help but want to laugh at what she was doing. Here she was, taking a few provocative pictures for her boyfriend. In truth it was her idea, and besides it seemed like fun.

He finished up, and then he looked at her and smiled. “That’s the roll.”

She slowly got up, feeling the air caressing her skin. She moved not toward her clothes, but instead over to Iconic and gave him a kiss. It was one he returned, and then she broke it for a moment while she walked over to her cutoff shorts and tank top. She pulled her clothes on and walked out of the room with him. As she walked out she looked around at the studio itself. It had been a couple of months, but they fit together.

He tried to come to as many of her events as he could, either as a photographer, or as a spectator, and she hung out with him at some of the photo shoots he did. She quickly learned that his words of affection for the models were just ways of getting them to pose without a fuss. The two of them also continued to play games and, at least in Iconic's case, improve with practice. It would forever remain one of Iconic's deepest regrets that he did not have a camera there to capture the look on Indigo's face the day he had actually won at skeeball against her.

She watched as the door opened and a slightly older woman walked in. She looked far younger than Indigo knew she was. The woman walked toward Iconic and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. She then turned toward Indigo and did the same. She breathed out a sigh of relief and looked around her. She was obviously someone that held herself very high, a powerful woman in her own right, and certainly the kind of woman that knew how to get what she wanted done.

“Iconic, precious, this is too much! I’m so glad that you agreed to do this shoot for me!” She looked at Indigo. “Although I feel that your reasoning might be because your lovely friend was in it.”

Iconic nodded. It was the truth regardless. “I’m afraid that’s the truth of it. Although I will say that doing a calendar to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity didn’t hurt either. It’s nice seeing you, Ms. Image.”

She gave him a smile. “Well, I shan't keep either of you. Go have a wonderful day.”

The two of them walked out. Iconic slipped his hand into Indigo’s as they walked toward his Mustang. The fact that he got to choose which picture went into the calendar made him happy. There was several he took, that he planned on making an art book just for her with them, but the one he wouldn’t mind sharing with the world was the one that had the same fierce look of confidence he fell in love with. He wasn’t sure what waited for them, but he was certain of something. He was certain of them.

THE END