Chapter 1: The Old and The New
The rich tones of a ringing bell rang out from the clock tower overlooking the courtyard of Canterlot's city center. From business deals to sweet nothings, conversations of all kinds were put on hold as the deafening sound swept over the city's inhabitants. Many of the creatures walking through the city stopped in place to watch the tower as twelve knocks rolled from the tower's top. But one of the few who did not stop began to draw the attention of those who had. A beautiful white unicorn with curling violet locks and lashes as dark and full as raven wings, trotting across the square in a short, elegant purple dress being followed by a fleet of glowing bags and boxes. She had the look of a mare who knew what she wanted, and a gait that said she knew how to get it.
The unicorn walked towards a tall circular building at the edge of the yard. Its' brightly colored stonework stood out against the pale grey of the surrounding city. An understated wooden sign hung over the doorway, reading 'Canterlot Carousel' in a winding script. In the heart-shaped window in the center of the door stood a tall blue mare with a fiery auburn mane and a long pointed horn. The door swung open, and the mare stepped out wearing a warm smile. A few passersby stopped to look at her as she did so. She was also quite beautiful, in a flashy sort of way.
"Rarity!", she called out as the bell rang its last note. "Welcome back!" Her voice projected class and dignity, yet also an almost childish glee. She was happy to see her friend.
"Sassy, darling! How've you been?" The white unicorn walked up the stairs to the building entrance and embraced her. "It feels like it's been ages, though I know it's only been half-a-year."
"Wonderful, Miss Rarity. We've had an excellent Winter season, though I imagine you already know that from the quarterly reports."
Rarity smirked and rolled her eyes. "Gods, Sassy. I wasn't asking about work, I was asking about you. I'm going to be locked away in the studio from now until the gala, so the least you could do is indulge me with a bit of small talk."
"Oh! Well, I've had an excellent Winter season too! Let me tell you about it after we've gotten you settled in."
Her blue horn glowed brightly and several of the bags began to float towards the boutique's front door. One of the bags suddenly let out a high-pitched screech, causing Sassy to nearly drop everything she was holding up.
"Damn! Oh!" She looked around, making sure nopony had noticed her little outburst before turning back to Rarity. "Gods, I forgot about that darned cat."
"Just a moment, dear.", Rarity chided, pulling the bags back into the air. "I won't be staying at the boutique this year, I'm afraid. I've rented an apartment in the Heights District."
Sassy's eyes widened. "Are you serious, Miss Rarity? That's quite the investment for such a short stay."
The white unicorn shook her head wearing a wry smile, causing the thick purple curls draped across her head to bounce lightly. "I learned my lesson after last year. Eating, sleeping, and working in the boutique does wonders for making beautiful dresses, but does nothing for your own beauty, darling. By the time the gala rolled around, I was almost too ashamed to go. I looked like a mad-mare!"
She looked behind her, casting her gaze over the busy square. Her smile fell from her face and her voice turned slightly more serious. "And besides... I've been thinking about spending more time in Canterlot for a while now. I plan to be here for months after the gala as well. The more time I spend here, the more Ponyville starts to feel too small."
Sassy watched her boss from behind without saying a word. There was something sad about the way her shoulders tightened as she spoke.
"Come inside at least, Rarity. Let me make you some tea." She took care to keep her uneasiness out of her voice.
Rarity turned back to her with a gentle smile. "That sounds lovely, Sassy."
The small tin kettle clinked against the stovetop, heavy with water. Sassy turned the power dial slowly until it was aligned with the notch reading 'High'. She glanced back at Rarity, seated at the table and watching passersby through the window. With a flash of her horn, Sassy could have this water boiling in an instant. But she wasn't really interested in the tea.
Sassy walked back across the kitchen. "So," she remarked as she slid into the chair across from Rarity. "How are things?"
Rarity's shoulders rose in a barely perceptible shrug. "Just fine, dear. As fine as they can be. You know how it is."
Her red hair swayed as she shook her head. "No, I don't think I do. Why don't you tell me?"
The slender white mare sighed as she leaned into the table. She looked back out the window, her eyes flickering back and forth as she watched the ponies walk by.
"I suppose. Things are just changing, you know. I suppose it was naive to think things would always stay the same." Rarity seemed to deflate with each word. A pale haze had formed in her eyes, now motionless.
"You're talking about your other friends, right? The other Elements?"
Rarity nodded. "Yes, I suppose I am. It's not like we don't talk, you know? We still have our monthly meetings and everything, but... sometimes one of us can't make it, or we don't have anything to talk about. Everyone's lives are really starting to take off. Twilight's started teaching here in Canterlot, Rainbow is giving her all to the Wonderbolts, and Fluttershy is... well... I don't know that she'll ever get over him. And Pinkie started a nightclub! Can you imagine? A nightclub in Ponyville! It's the kind of idea only Pinkie Pie would have."
She laughed lightly and shook her head. "Listen to me, prattling on. I know it sounds like I'm just making gossip, but it really is... "
"Scary," Sassy interjected. Rarity looked up at her, her eyes slightly widened. "It's scary. I do know what you mean. I haven't spoken to Fleur in years, since she moved to Manehatten with that sugar-daddy of hers."
A heavy knocking came from the door leading into the foyer. Sassy leaned her head back and sighed. "I know I set the sign to 'Closed'. Could you do me a favor and make all of your dresses slightly less fabulous? Maybe then we might get some peace around here."
Rarity giggled as Sassy dropped down from her chair and walked through the doorway. She turned to face the entrance and stopped, blood draining from her face.
"Rarity? I think it's for you."
The white unicorn stepped out of the kitchen and looked towards the front door. A tall purple dragon stood in the heart-shaped window, waving his claw. Rarity's horn glowed and the door's lock slid open. The bipedal dragon pushed open the door and stepped inside, followed by a slightly smaller blue dragoness.
"Hey, Rarity. How've you been?"
A surprisingly deep voice came from the drake, who was much taller than she remembered.
She ran forward and wrapped her forehooves around his chest, crushing him in a powerful hug. "Spike! Oh Gods, it's been ages! Why don't you write anymore? Letter magic doesn't work in the Dragonlands?" Rarity let go and looked up at him, expecting an answer. Sassy scooted behind her, hiding from the towering apex predators standing in front of her.
"Well, I, uh... " Spike cast a glance at the woman standing behind him. "Rarity! You remember Ember, right?"
The slightly-less-tall blue dragon stepped forward and extended her long black claw. Rarity reached out and shook it, almost on instinct.
"Of course! Dragon Lady Ember, how could I forget?"
Ember smiled. "Always a pleasure, Rarity."
"Well, uh... " Spike's cheeks turned pink. "You know how Ember and I are going out now? "
"Oh, I remember. Your letter telling me about it was so sweet! I couldn't be happier for you!"
Spike looked towards the ground and rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, well, uh... I guess I stopped writing because of that."
Rarity's eyes widened. "Ooh, I get it! You were feeling guilty exchanging secret letters with your colthood crush!"
The dragon's cheeks burned hot as fire. "Y-yeah, I guess. It just didn't feel right."
Ember cleared her throat. "Just so you know: I was totally fine with you guys being pen-pals. I'd feel like a shitty girlfriend if I made him cut contact with his friends." She wrapped her arm around Spike's and wrapped her claw around his. "Especially after I basically forced him to move out to the Dragonlands."
The white mare laughed, covering her mouth with a manicured hoof. "Oh, it's alright. Spike's always been a bit awkward when it comes to women. It was naive to think that getting a fillyfriend would change that."
"We're here to meet with the Princesses!," Spike blurted out. "We're trying to get them to help us build a trade route through the Dragonlands. We think a partnership like that would be better for both countries in the long-term. So... uh... "
The blue dragon sighed. "What he's trying to say is that we need to look our best for the Princesses. I know this is the best fancy clothing store in Canterlot, so here we are."
Rarity stared at her, eyes wide with her mouth slightly open. Sassy tapped her side and waved her hoof in front of her face. "Rarity? Hello? Is there anybody in there?"
Suddenly, the white mare shook her head and wiped a drop of drool from the corner of her mouth. "I-I'm sorry, I could have sworn you just told me you wanted me to make a dress for Dragon royalty."
Ember cocked her head. "Well, I guess it doesn't have to be a dress. You're the expert, so you can do what you want."
Rarity stared at Ember. Sassy waved her hoof in front of her face, sighed, and shook her head. She turned back towards her guests and managed a strained smile.
"D-do you two want to come inside?" The high-pitched squeal of a boiling kettle rang out from the kitchen behind her. "I can make you some tea."
"But that's just it, Spike: I don't want to just churn out another Rarity classic! I'm making a dress for the leader of another country! It has to be more than perfect!"
Spike leaned back in his chair, making it creak under his weight. He glanced at Ember to his side who was giving him a look just like the one he was giving her. Sassy's voice carried into the kitchen as she talked to customers in the foyer. She must have seen this coming.
"It needs to be different from every dress I've ever made. It has to stand out from every dress in existence!"
He sighed and looked out the window. The sun shone directly into his eyes. It had been about noon when they'd arrived. Rarity had been gushing for hours.
"It needs to be beautiful, bold, brazen! It has to be beyond perf—"
"Okay, Rarity! I get it." Spike could barely keep the exasperation out of his voice. He smiled to himself. This was actually pretty nostalgic. "You want to make a dress that looks different from any other dress you've ever made. How about a new kind of cloth or gem?"
Rarity rolled her eyes. "A new type of cloth? Who do you think you're talking to? If there's ever a new type of cloth it's because I invented it. It won't stand out enough, you can be sure of that."
Spike pointed into the air. "A gemstone, then. Are there any gems you've never used in a dress before?"
She slumped back in her chair, rolling her head back and forth. "No, darling. I'm afraid I've no such luck. I used every type of gem I could get my hooves on when I was making the rainbow on Dash's dress from last year."
"Hmm... " Spike clacked his claws against his thick scales. "What about a new way to cut gems?"
He turned towards Ember. "Do you still have that bag from Vick?"
Her eyes went wide as she clutched her shoulder bag to her chest. "No. They're all gone. I ate them all."
Spike gave her a knowing look. "Come on, Em. I just want you to show her one and then you can have it back."
Ember narrowed her eyes. "Fine. But I swear: if you eat my gems, I'm gonna kick your ass."
He grinned. "That's fine." Spike extended his claw, palm up. Ember pulled a small leather pouch from her shoulder bag and turned it over. A single, twinkling gem fell into his palm. Rarity sat up in her chair. There was something strange about it.
Spike held out the gem, pinning it between two claws. The sun's light shone through it, casting a bright red shadow across the table. Rarity's horn glowed and the gem floated into the air. As it grew closer to her, Rarity let out a small gasp.
A realistic carving of Ember had been drawn into the side of it. Her snout, her eyes, her permanent scowl; it was all there, rendered in perfect detail. It was like nothing she'd ever seen before.
"Wh-where did you get this?" Rarity asked with amazement in her voice, unable to take her eyes off the immaculately carved ruby.
"An old friend of the family," Ember replied flatly, her eyes fixed on the gem. "He moved out here to Canterlot when I was just a little girl. Can I get that back now?"
Rarity glanced over at her. "S-sure." The ruby floating back over the table. Ember snatched it from the air and tucked it back in its pouch.
"Why are you so protective of it?" Ember looked up at her, looking slightly embarrassed.
Spike laughed. "She'll never admit it, but Ember loves her sweets."
"Sh-shut up!", she cried before elbowing Spike in his side. He seemed to not even feel it.
He continued explaining. "'Intaglio' is like a candy shop for dragons. I've been going there since I was little. I think the owner said he moved out here because he wanted a 'change of scenery' or something? I know business can't be nearly as good in Canterlot as it was in the Dragonlands, but he must be doing fine. The store's been there forever."
Rarity cleared her throat. "Can you tell me where it is? I should like to meet this 'Vick'."
"Oh, uh... " He seemed to choke up. Ember dug her elbow back into his side, though this time she seemed to be teasing him.
The blue dragoness spoke up. "Vicker's shop is on the edge of Redlight. You know, the part of town with all the sex shops and hookers." She grinned, pressing against Spike as she spoke. "I wonder how you even found his shop in the first place, Spike. Will you tell us what you were doing out there?"
"Sh-shut up!" Spike rubbed his face with his palms before turning back to Rarity. "It's a bit hard to find, so we can just show you where it is."
"Oh no, darling." Rarity shook her head. "I still have to move the rest of my things into my apartment and that will take a few hours on its own. I don't want to impose on you two like that, so just give me an address and I'll find it." After having finally cooled down, it was starting to dawn on her just how much of their time she'd taken up.
Spike nodded. "Okay, Rarity. I get it." A feather pen and parchment drifted onto the table. He held the quill between his claws, scribbling as he spoke. "It's in an alley off of Sovereign, between 62nd and 63rd. Spelled I-N-T-A-G-L-I-O."
He picked the note up and rolled it up with a practiced hand. A burst of green flame burnt the parchment to ash, only for it to reappear on the table in front of Rarity an instant later. She picked it up and stared at the words barely visible through the page. A master jeweler living in Canterlot, and she was just now hearing about him? How was it possible?
Ember looked at him with one eyebrow raised. "Why did you do that?"
Spike shrugged. "Old habits die hard."
A small bell rang lightly through the shop as Rarity opened the tall wooden door. The outside had been small and unassuming, with blacked-out windows and a small sign hanging from the wall. 'The Intaglio' was written there, in imposing gothic letters.
The inside, however, was a different story entirely. Rarity felt her heart skip a few beats as she processed what she was seeing. The room was small but beautiful. The floor was white marble and the walls were lined with rows and rows of thick oak shelving. Each shelf held its own collection of intricate crystal sculptures and were all arranged by the color of the crystal used, creating a rainbow of art that changed as you looked from one side of the room to the other. A large glass display case in the center of the room caught Rarity's attention. The bright spotlight positioned directly above it made it difficult to see what was inside.
Drawing closer, the crystal started to take shape. Her violet eyes glittered with amazement as she stared through the glass. An immaculately rendered sculpture of Princess Celestia stood two feet tall, so lifelike it could have looked back at her. Her body was formed from white quartz. Each color of her flowing mane was a separate gemstone, precisely carved to sit perfectly against one another. Rarity blinked as she realized the true implication of what she was seeing. Every single piece of the statue had been designed to lock together, like the pieces of an intricate jigsaw puzzle. The creator had gone to unbelievable lengths to avoid using any kind of adhesive or supports. The level of detail was beyond anything she could have imagined.
She looked around for its maker, but the small wooden counter in the back of the room stood empty. A tall doorway was tucked behind it, blocked by a thick black curtain. The sound of machinery leaked into the room from what Rarity could only assume was a workshop.
Rarity approached the counter and cleared her throat as loudly as she could. She looked around the room as she waited, almost getting lost in the endless detail put into every piece. After several minutes, she noticed a small silver desk bell mounted into the surface of the counter. The small ring of the bell was quieter than when she'd cleared her throat, but maybe the sound was clearer over the droning whirr.
More time passed. She took a closer look at the walls, noticing a small piece of parchment placed on each shelf.
"Prices, maybe...?", she murmured to herself as she approached one of the shelves. Rarity choked on her breath as she read the tag next to one of the carvings.
"E-eighty bits?" She pressed a hoof against her purse, feeling the weight of the coins that filled its pockets. Nearly one thousand bits were hanging from her shoulder that she'd intended to use to pay for a few color samples. But with these prices, she could buy out the whole store if she wanted!
Rarity's attention was brought back to the curtain-covered door as the harsh humming died down. She approached the counter and cleared her throat. "Excuse me, sir? Could yo—"
Suddenly, the machinery roared back to life twice as load. Rarity clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth in annoyance. She looked around to make sure she wasn't being watched, though she was alone in the store. And despite knowing how annoying it was to have strangers in your inner sanctum, Rarity couldn't afford to wait any longer. The sun was going to set soon and she had far too much money on her to be caught out after dark. She took a deep breath, and pushed through the curtain.
Rows of heavy machinery filled the brightly lit workshop. Instead of fine wooden shelves and marble floors, the floor and walls were made from heavy grey concrete. Rows of dim white lights hung from the ceiling, giving the room a sterile feel.
Somewhere across the room, the sound of metal digging into crystal rang out. It was much louder on this side of the curtain.
Rarity stepped quietly between the tightly-packed machines, careful to avoid dirtying her dress and handbag. The sound grew louder as she walked to the back of the room, but suddenly stopped again.
"Almost done." A deep, gravelly voice came from the other side of the machine in front of her. Was the owner a dragon? She hadn't been expecting it, but it made sense. He was supposed to be a friend of Ember's family after all.
The machine started up again, filling the room with a loud grinding noise. Rarity moved around the last row to finally face the shop's owner, but stopped in her tracks.
He was not a dragon but a human, seated in front of a strange table with wires leading to the tools in his hands. This one was almost completely furless with a medium length black mane pulled back into a ponytail, and his skin was a dim golden brown. Rarity had only seen a hoof-full of these creatures throughout her lifetime. They were an incredibly rare species said to come from another world, but that wasn't what had stopped her.
The long, sharp instruments in his hands dug into the blue gemstone in front of him like a knife through soft wood. His hands moved with the measured precision of a machine, carving intricate patterns into the face of the gemstone with a speed that she could only describe as supernatural. They seemed to move together in a strange dance across the surface of the crystal, leaving a myriad of whirling spirals and turns as they went.
She needed a better look. Rarity slowly walked forward, careful to avoid making any sounds. She could see his eyes now, completely focused. Driven. Single-minded. Like every part of his being was being poured into making the carving before him. Rarity could relate to that feeling, that kind of manic dedication bordering on insanity. She couldn't look away, and wouldn't even if she could.
Time passed, and Rarity was lost in the magic of his movements. Every flex of his fingers, every stroke of his scalpel, every single motion was perfectly efficient. After what could have been days, the human set his tools into their mount and switched off the machine. He pulled the sapphire from its vice and admired his work.
"Beautiful...", Rarity whispered. The human whirled to the side to face her, clutching the sapphire in his hands. The lower half of his face was covered by a white cloth mask, but his bright yellow eyes looked at her in surprise from behind a pair of leather and brass safety glasses.
He shook his head at her. "You shouldn't be in here." The human spoke like softly, but with authority. It reminded her of the headmaster at her art school.
Rarity took a step back, her face flush with embarrassment. "Oh! Right, sorry, I know that. Let me just get out of your hair and—oh!"
Her back hoof hit something hard and she felt her back half begin to fall. The human lurched forward and hooked his hand under her foreleg, pulling her back to her hooves before she hit the ground. Rarity looked down at the hand wrapped around her arm. It was warm and strong, if a bit rough.
"I'm not worried about you coming into my workshop." He pulled his hand back. "I'm worried about you getting hurt in here."
She looked up at him. His yellow eyes were full of sincere concern.
"S-sorry, it was my mistake. But was standing out front for quite a long time." Rarity gathered herself, not to be made the fool. "I've been waiting for nearly half an hour."
"Did you try ringing the bell?"
"Of course I did, sir. I rang it several times, in fact."
He rubbed the back of his head. "Oh. Well, I apologize for that. I don't get many customers, and sometimes I get lost in my work."
Rarity was starting to feel a little bad. She felt like she was bullying the poor man. "Well, apology accepted. I suppose it's understandable, as I've been known to do the same from time to time."
The human nodded. "I'm glad to hear it. Are you here to buy my carvings?"
Rarity nodded her head. His mask was covering his mouth, but his eyes told her he was smiling. "Excellent. Do you mind if we take this to the front of the shop then? I wasn't kidding around when I said this workshop was dangerous."
He walked ahead of her, showing her the way out. She watched his hands swing by his sides, by his long, thick legs. His bare forearms were lean and muscular, and were covered in thin black hairs. As they approached the exit, he tapped a small box by the door.
"If you want to come in here again, make sure you put these on first." He took his oddly shaped glasses off and placed them in the box next to a few other identical pairs. The human glanced back at her, looking her up and down. "Actually, I'll probably have to order you your own set. And I'd recommend against wearing dresses in here either. The oil on these machines stains clothes pretty easily."
Rarity smiled and gave him a nod. This human was being very understanding of her. If a stranger had walked into her workshop, she'd probably try to tear off their head.
"I'll try to remember that." She replied, turning her eyes to the floor.
He smiled and held the curtain to the side, gesturing forward with his off-hand. "Good. After you."
Rarity stepped through the doorway back into the front of the shop, walking around to the other side of the counter. The bright yellow lights were blinding compared to the ones in the workshop, but her eyes adjusted after a few seconds. She looked around the room for the second time and was still amazed at the level of craftsmanship.
The human dropped the curtain and stood across the counter. He leaned onto its surface, standing over her by about two feet. His hand pulled the cloth mask down from his face to reveal the rest of his sharp features. Deep wrinkles lined his cheeks, along with the shadow of a beard. He extended his hand down towards her, palm facing up, and gave her a warm smile.
"My name is Vicker. I own this humble shop and everything in it." He sounded honest, but she was still having a hard time believing him. Rarity glanced around the small room at the countless priceless sculptures and the extravagant furnishings before lightly shaking her head. Humble, indeed.
Rarity took his hand in her hoof and he shook it lightly. She gave him a nod as she spoke. "It's good to finally meet you, Mister Vicker. My name is Rarity. I am the owner of Carousel Couture."
Vicker pulled his hand back and propped himself up on his elbows. He leaned forward, setting his weight fully against the counter. "I know who you are, Miss Rarity. There probably isn't a creature alive who doesn't. It's a pleasure to meet you. What can I help you with this evening?"
Her horn glowed a bright blue before a small notepad, a quill, and a thin pair of red-framed eyeglasses floated out from her purse. The parchment of the notepad was covered in calculations done in broad, cursive script. "I was hoping I could get a quote from you regarding some custom gemwork. I've made an estimate of the amount and variety of gems that I will need, so—"
He raised his hand, cutting her off. "I charge two-hundred bits per."
She looked up from her notepad over the rim of her glasses. "I'm sorry?"
"I charge two-hundred bits per gem, regardless of type or complexity." He gestured towards the notepad with one hand while he scratched behind his ear with the other. "Sorry to make you waste all that ink."
The quill in the air snapped. "Mister Vicker, that's too low."
He cocked an eyebrow. "What? No, it's not."
She flung her hoof out to point at the carvings lining the shop. "Every one of these carvings is worth five-hundred bits at least. A regular gem shop would charge me a thousand bits for a single custom piece! I will pay six-hundred bits per piece and not a bit less. You are wasted making candy for dragons."
Both eyebrows were raised now. The warmth in his eyes was gone, replaced with a cold sheen. "Oh, I'm wasted am I? You think I should be squeezing my customers for all they're worth?"
"I'm saying you don't realize just how wonderful your work is!" She stood up on her hind legs and planted her forehooves on the counter. "I could pick up any of these figurines at random and it would be more beautiful than any other gemstone I had ever seen before today, save perhaps for the Crystal Heart itself!" She was almost shouting now.
"Rarity." Vicker's spoke quietly, but Rarity felt her hot blood turn to ice in her veins. She recoiled from the counter, falling back to four hooves. "You need to relax. I'm happy that you enjoy my work, but that's no reason to get so upset."
Rarity took a step back from the counter and looked down at the floor, unable to look him in the eye. "I... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to get so angry about it, I just... " She pulled a handkerchief from her purse and dabbed at the corners of her eyes.
Vicker drummed his fingers across the countertop. He looked towards the ground with his eyes closed. "It's fine. You don't need to worry about it."
"No!" She cried out, almost pleading. "No, it's not alright. Please, just... let me explain." Rarity closed her eyes and sighed with her entire body. She ran a hoof over her mane, pushing a few stray strands back into place.
"I was not very confident as a little filly. I had so many ponies telling me that they loved my clothes, but for some reason, it was very hard for me to believe them. It took years for my parents to convince me to open up my first store in Ponyville. And even then, I didn't think very much of myself. I charged next to nothing for all of my dresses because that's what I thought they were worth. Nothing."
Rarity took another deep breath before opening her eyes. She stared up at Vicker, who was looking back with an equally serious expression.
"Finally, a very good friend of mine became angry with me. She hated seeing me unable to recognize how beautiful my dresses were. It was hurting her to see me undervalue myself so much. I realized my own lack of confidence in myself was causing my friend a lot of pain. And so, after that day, I began to charge normal prices for my dresses. Then a little more. And then a little more. And now Carousel Couture is the most premier fashion brand in Equestria. Mares sign up years in advance to have me design their perfect dress, I use that money to bring beauty and confidence to girls just like me from all across the country. To girls who just need to feel like a Princess, even if it's just for one day."
Vicker let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. He took a deep breath before speaking. "Sounds like you've got a great friend back in Ponyville."
Rarity nodded, wearing a gentle smile. "Yes. I do. She's got a very kind soul."
She locked eyes with him for a second time. "But now you understand why I want to pay you triple, right? I want you to understand just how much I value your work, just like my friend did for me."
Vicker dropped his head to his chest and let out a brief sigh before looking back up at her. "Honestly? Now I want to give them to you for free."
Rarity's eyes went wide. "W-what!? Why? Didn't you hear anything I just told you?"
He shook his head and took on a wry smile. "Oh, I heard it. But you're misunderstanding something, Rarity: I already know my carvings are the fucking best. I've been perfecting my craft for twenty years. You tell me my gems are the best you've ever seen, and I've got no doubt in my mind that you're telling me the Gods' honest truth."
Her eyelashes fluttered as she blinked in confusion. "Then... why would you... ?"
"Because I don't care about money anymore. I've been in Equestria for long time, Miss Rarity. I've done all kinds of things, and met all kinds of people. And some time along the way, I realized that peoples' smiles meant more to me than their bits.
Money comes and goes, but friends are forever."
Rarity unconsciously traced the line of her collarbone with the tip of her forehoof, remembering the weight of a golden necklace she hadn't seen in a very long time.
Vicker leaned down across the counter to stare into her glittering violet eyes. "So I guess you can pay me whatever you want, as long as it makes you happy."
Rarity blinked. "I... I can understand that point of view. I think we have similar ideals, but different ideas about how to get there. It isn't really about the money, you understand? It's about—"
"The principle of the thing," he interrupted, nodding his head. "Yeah, I get it. You don't want me to think you don't appreciate my carvings. But trust me, Rarity: you have communicated very clearly just how much you like my work, and I thank you for that."
She took a step back, bumping into the glass display in the center of the room. "W-well, good." Rarity rubbed the back of her foreleg with the other and cast her eyes towards the floor. "I should apologize for assuming so much."
He held up his hand. "Again, it's fine. If anything, I'm flattered that you care." Vicker suddenly stood straight up and cleared his throat.
"Now, you wanted to talk business?"
"Sorry to make you stay so late."
Vicker turned the large iron key in the last lock in the door, sliding it into place with the solid sound of metal striking metal.
"It's no problem. Hell, it was actually refreshing to hear somebody talk about my sculptures as works of art instead of just fancy-looking candy."
Rarity laughed, covering her mouth with her forehoof. The muffled sound echoed down the darkened alley, catching a few glances from ponies walking down the street.
"You don't need me to walk you home?"
He looked down at her with real concern in his eyes, but there was something else there too. Something she didn't think she was quite ready for.
"N-no, that's quite alright. I can make it home from here."
Vicker smirked at her, yellow eyes gleaming. "Oh, I get it. You're just not comfortable with the big, scary human. I'd have thought one of the Elements would be a little more understanding, but oh well."
Rarity laughed again, not bothering to hold back this time. "Alright fine, you brute. You can walk me home if you're going to sulk over it."
He smiled and shook his head. "Nah... I think you'll be fine."
The two of them began walking in silence towards the street. Rarity would occasionally steal a glance at him, trying to get a better look at his clothes. His black denim pants, cut to sit on his hips. His dark brown shoes, shaped to fit his strange feet. His thick cotton shirt, wrapped tightly against his muscular chest.
"What are you looking at?"
Rarity looked off to the side, trying to hide her blush. "Why, whatever do you mean?"
Vicker smirked again, letting out a brief puff of air from his nose. "I wonder."
Slowly walking side by side, they finally reached the street. Vicker glanced up and down the road before looking down at her.
"I guess I'll be seeing you soon."
Rarity nodded. "I'll be making a few different prototypes for Ember's dress over the next few months, so I'll drop by whenever I'm putting on the finishing touches for one."
He cocked his head. "And how long will that take you?"
She thought to herself. "Three weeks at the earliest, I think."
Vicker rubbed at his face. "Well, that's not soon at all." He sounded disappointed.
Rarity shook her head, frowning. "No, I suppose it isn't." She stepped out onto the sidewalk before turning back to look at him. "I'll see you in a few weeks then?"
He put his hands in his pockets and nodded. "A few weeks. I'll mark it on my calendar."
She smiled and rolled her eyes before turning to walk down the street. "Good night, Mister Vicker," she called behind her.
Vicker watched her leave, tracking the gentle sway of her curled tail and taking note of the bright blue diamonds adorning her flanks. "Good night, Miss Rarity."
Chapter 2: The Flaw and The Fix
"But I think it would look better in green!"
Sassy put on a strained smile. "Of course it would, madame. But you see, it already is green."
"What?" The ancient mare squawked in surprise. She leaned down to inspect the dress which shined a bright emerald, lit up by midday sunlight pouring through the windows.
She shook her head. "This... this is obviously red!"
It was Sassy's turn to shake her head. "No, madame. This dress is green. Very green." She looked around the store at the rows of displayed clothes. "It might be the greenest dress we make."
The customer stared at the dress and held the fabric up to her eye. "This is... green?", she murmured, sounding strangely defeated. "Is your... is your mane green, too?"
A familiar high-pitched squeal caught Sassy's attention. "Excuse me for a moment." She left the older mare behind, still staring at the dress in disbelief.
Sassy's horn glowed to push aside the curtain blocking the entrance to the kitchen. She stepped inside and glanced around. The kettle was still squealing on the stovetop. She quickly pulled a large white mug and two tea bags from the cabinet and set them down on the counter. With practiced movements, she turned off the stove, lifted the kettle, and poured boiling water onto the teabags she'd set inside of the mug.
Careful to keep it upright, she lifted the steaming mug into the air and held it in front of her. Sassy moved towards the back of the kitchen, to the staircase leading to the second floor of the store. She slowly crept up the stairs, one hoof at a time.
She finally reached the top of the stairway and started to move a little faster as she walked through the second floor. Past the various storage rooms and offices, Sassy approached the end of the hallway. The lightbulb casting bright red light over the large ornate door told her that Rarity didn't want to be disturbed. Normally she'd respect her boss's wishes, but this time she came bearing gifts.
Sassy cracked opened the door and called out. "Rarity? I've brought you tea~" Receiving no response, she opened the door further and slipped inside. The workshop was a mess. A veritable whirlwind of cloth and canvas, the room seemed to be in a state of absolute chaos, yet Sassy knew she'd get an earful if she moved any of it. Somehow Rarity always seemed to know where everything was, down to the smallest scraps of fabric.
Rarity herself was seated at her desk, staring at something that she held in her hooves. She held it up to the window, letting the sunlight pass through it to cast a deep blue shadow across the table's surface.
Sassy called out again. "Rarity?"
The white unicorn jumped in her chair before spinning around to face her. "Sassy? Oh goodness, you almost gave me a heart attack!"
"You'll have to forgive me." She raised the mug floating in front of her. "I brought you tea. Earl, two bags, as per usual."
"Gimme." Rarity stretched out her hooves and clutched the mug as Sassy passed it to her. She took a long sip before casting her head back and letting out an exhausted sigh. "All is forgiven. Thank you, Sassy. Gods, you have no idea how much I needed that."
Sassy glanced at the tall stack of papers on Rarity's desk, and then to the oversized birds' nest tucked away in the corner of the room. "Well, I have some idea. You've barely left this room in the two weeks you've been here. What happened to sleeping at home?"
Rarity looked away, clutching the mug to her chest. She fixed her eyes on the sapphire on top of her desk. "I've just been focused, you know. Whenever I feel inspired, I have to draw it out in that instant."
"You've been feeling inspired a lot lately?"
She nodded her head. "I can't stop thinking about these gems. They're like nothing I've ever seen before."
Sassy levitated the sapphire into the air and brought it closer. She let out a low whistle. "That's spectacular." The sapphire was a perfect sculpture of Princess Luna, standing proudly wearing a confident expression. "You're going to try and put one of these into a dress?"
Rarity shook her head. "No, I'm not. I don't know what I'm going to do. Vicker's gem work is on a completely different level to anything I've ever seen before. I need to have his skill reflected in Ember's dress, but I have no idea how to do it!"
Her assistant sighed. This was just like last year. Rarity was tearing herself apart in here over every single detail, and she probably hadn't even started on her first draft... wait a minute.
"Rarity?" She pointed to the stack of papers on the desk. "What are those?"
"Failed ideas. Gods, everything I can think of just feels worthless!" She would have thrown her hooves in the air were it not for the mug she was holding.
Sassy pulled one from the stack, then another, and then another. She could hardly believe what she was seeing. Rarity had completed over a dozen full drafts in just two weeks, and each one was more beautiful than the last. She stopped at the last one, a winding tapestry lined with rows of intricately cut gems. "You're saying this Vicker person can cut gems like this?"
"Didn't you see the sapphire? Cuts like these would be foal's play for him." Rarity took another sip from her tea, her eyes glazing over as she lost herself in thought. "He's so good, it's heartbreaking. I don't know if I can do it."
Sassy stared at her. The curls of Rarity's mane sagged, and dark bags were starting to form under her eyes. Her clear complexion had taken on a sickly pallor. "Rarity, dear: you've been working yourself to the bone. You need to take a break."
She shook her head. "I can't do that. I still have to finish the draft for the first prototype."
"Nope." Rarity turned to Sassy, who was giving her an annoyed look. "You're taking a few days off. I'm not going to be responsible for your stress-induced heart attack, Rarity."
"You can't tell me to stop! I am still your boss, Sassy Saddles." Rarity attempted to sit up but clutched at her chest from the effort. She'd been sitting in this chair for too long.
"Gods, Rarity." Sassy sighed and rubbed at her snout. "I'm telling you this because I'm your friend. You are going to hurt yourself if you keep going like this."
Rarity sagged into the chair and took a deep breath. "Shit." She took a few more deep breaths before looking up at her and shaking her head. "I'm sorry, Sassy. I... I think you're right."
"Of course I am. Now you're going to take a shower, and then spend the next few days trying to relax." She rested her hoof on Rarity's shoulder. "You've got to take better care of yourself. Or find someone who will."
Rarity rolled her eyes and leaned forward to pull Sassy into a hug. "I get it, Sassy. Thank you."
"It's no problem." She wrapped her hooves around the small of Rarity's back. "What else are friends for?"
Steam rose from the stream of hot water pouring from the showerhead onto the tile below. It slowly filled the entire room, covering the mirror Rarity was using to inspect herself in a white haze. Her reflection was slowly blurring, but she could still see the effects that her work was having on her.
"One of these days...," she whispered to herself. One of these days she'd figure out how to have something resembling a healthy work-life balance. Until then, she'd have to rely on Sassy to smack her out of her tunnel vision.
Rarity picked up the small sapphire figurine sitting on the grey stone countertop. For some reason, she had brought it with her back to her apartment. She rolled it between her hooves, running her eyes over its fine details. This little statue, and the hundreds of others just like it, was the spark that had ignited her obsession. That man, Vicker: it was like he had poured fuel over her already flaming passion, causing it to burn so high that it was threatening to consume her.
She shrugged off her dress, letting it slide off of her body and onto the floor. It glowed with blue magic as she levitated it upwards and hung it on the hook that was mounted to the bathroom door. Rarity shuddered at the sudden exposure to the chilly bathroom, letting the warm fog swirling around the room cling to her fur.
Rarity slid open the glass panel shower door and tested the water before stepping in. Hot, almost burning. It was perfect. She paused for a moment to look back at the sapphire figurine standing proudly on the countertop. The mare cursed under her breath before levitating it towards her. She stepped into the white-tiled shower, feeling euphoric at the sensation of hot water running through her fur and across her skin. The blue figurine floated onto a small shelf in the shower, settling next to her collection of designer soaps and conditioners.
A deep breath escaped her lungs as she eased her haunches down onto the still-cold white tile. She looked up, letting the scorching water wash over her face and take away the day's impurities. One of her bottles floated up into the air, pouring a generous amount of shampoo across her mane and tail. Rarity's horn glowed brighter as she collected the water pouring from the showerhead. It formed into a sphere before she directed streams of it through her hair and fur, pulling away any grime and excess oil as it coiled around every curl. Hot water rushed over her head, wrapping around the base of her sensitive horn. Rarity shuddered at the sensation and pressed her back legs together.
Finally, she let the sphere fall to the ground where it pooled and violently spiraled around the drain. Rarity watched a few strands of her long purple mane travel through the water before eventually being caught in the grate. She rubbed her body with her forelegs, happy to relax in the warm water now that she was clean. She'd been working so hard for the past few days. It was amazing to finally be able to relax.
Rarity's skin had turned pink from the scorching water, but she felt her blush deepen. If she was supposed to be relaxing, maybe she should do something to really unwind. Her hoof ran across her torso, trailing down to her back legs. She let out a small moan as she pressed softly against it. Gods, she was sensitive today. She hadn't done this since her first night in the apartment.
Her hoof rubbed slowly at the spot between her legs. She leaned forward and ground against the floor. Rarity let out a louder moan as her flesh bud pressed lightly against the tile. Her head felt lighter as she took heavy breaths of the thick, foggy air. She could feel herself getting closer, but needed something more.
The corded showerhead rose from its mount and drifted down towards the floor. She turned it towards her belly, and then lower. "Fuck!", she squealed as the hot liquid shot against her marehood, partially entering her. Rarity cast it away in surprise, almost shattering one of the glass panes in the shower door. It was too much, far far too much. She pulled it back to her and twisted the dial on the showerhead, lowering its intensity. Slowly, she floated it back between her legs.
"Ooh, Gods~," she moaned as a rush of warm water massaged her most intimate parts. This was just right. With her hooves, she squeezed her horn and began to stroke along its length. Gods, it was so good, she was so close. But it wasn't enough. Rarity looked around the shower with half-lidded eyes, trying to find something else to push her further. Her eyes opened wider as they fell on the small sapphire figurine of Princess Luna facing her from the shelf. It looked so lifelike, Rarity could almost feel its gaze traveling across her body. She began to breathe harder and faster, driven forward by the shame-fueled pleasure traveling through her body in rapturous waves. The statue looked at her with disapproving eyes. Judgmental eyes. His eyes. The shame set her marehood on fire.
"F-fuck!~" Rarity squealed as her hind legs rattled against the tile. The tips of her hooves went numb as waves of pleasure ripped through her body. Her horn sprayed blue sparks across the shower, knocking over several bottles and creating a surreal effect as their glow mixed with the orange light coming from the ceiling. She pulled the showerhead away and melted against the floor, her hind legs sliding forward into the shower. Rarity rest her head against the tile and took long slow breaths as her climax faded.
She sighed, wiping tears from the corners of her eyes and smiling at the ceiling. "Gods... I hope you can forgive me, Princess." Rarity set the showerhead back into its mount and returned the dial to its original position. The water, now just lukewarm, sprayed over her heaving body stretched out against the shower floor. She brushed her long hair away from her face and closed her eyes, letting her body go limp. Her lower legs slipped further into the shower, where one of her hooves tapped something hard on the ground. Rarity opened her eyes, upset at having her post-orgasm rest interrupted. She rolled to the side to see what it was she had touched before gasping in horror.
The sapphire figurine had fallen from its shelf and broken against the floor. Rarity rose to her hooves and lifted the pieces into the air. She desperately tried to put them back together, but it was no use. She had nearly all of the fragments, but the magic of the original was lost.
With another, much less satisfied sigh, Rarity turned off the shower and slid open the shower door. She stepped outside and set the pieces of the sculpture next to the sink. A towel floated from its hook and wrapped around her body while two others carefully wrapped around her mane and tail. She approached the mirror and wiped away the thick droplets of water that had formed on its surface. Her fur looked clean and healthy, but she wore a disappointed expression.
"I was having such a nice evening, and then..." She looked down at the pile of shattered sapphire on the bathroom counter. Perhaps Vicker could repair it, or replace it. Rarity glanced back at the mirror where she saw a hint of a smile in the face that looked back. An idea was forming in her head. He had said that she could come by any time. And watching him work did relax her.
The smile expanded, curling with glee. Maybe her evening wasn't ruined after all.
A familiar ringing sound greeted her as she pushed open the door to the store, and again as it closed behind her. She smiled as she took in her surroundings, still as impressive as she remembered. And, just like before, the counter stood empty while a whirring sound entered the room from the door behind it. She ran a hoof over the side of her purse, feeling the shape of the delicate sapphire fragments within.
Rarity took a deep breath before stepping through the curtain into Vicker's workshop. The whirring sound seemed slightly louder this time, and the sour smell of oil filled her nose. She checked by the door for the box Vicker had shown her the last time she was here. The lid flicked open, revealing several pairs of strange-looking glasses. She pulled one out to study its unusual structure, trying to understand how it worked. This part sits on his nose, but these hooks... did they wrap around his ears? She put the glasses back, trading them for a second, less alien pair. They looked much newer than the first set. Instead of hooks, these glasses had a black elastic band running from one side to the other. Rarity was reminded of the goggles Twilight wore whenever she was working in her laboratory.
She pulled them over her eyes and pulled the band over her head, careful to avoid ruining her delicately styled mane. They sat comfortably against the bridge of her nose, not too loose and not too tight. She took a cloth mask from the wall and put it on in the same way, covering her nose and mouth. The sudden ring of metal striking metal brought her attention to the other side of the room. Rarity could hear Vicker cursing under his breath. She slowly retraced the safe path he had shown her and made her way over to where Vicker sat. He was immersed in his work and didn't seem to notice her as she crept closer to his back, trying to get a better look at his hands.
They moved with the same precision as before, running the blades of his tools across the surface of the gemstone mounted in front of him. He was cutting a large white diamond today, which explained the increased volume of his machine. The durable gem sparkled beautifully under the white light being cast from the spotlight on his workbench. Instead of a pattern in its surface, however, this time he was carving it into the shape of a pony. She pulled her dress up onto her back and moved to sit against the floor.
"You don't need to do that."
Rarity eyes went wide behind her glasses as she stopped in her tracks. Vicker, still facing away from her, reached out with an empty hand to rap a finger against a small mirror mounted to the wall in front of him. His yellow eyes flickered in the reflection. He leaned over and picked up a padded folding chair that was leaning against his workbench. With a jerk of his arm the chair folded out, and he set it on the ground beside him. He patted the thick cushion with the palm of his hand.
Wordlessly, Rarity pushed her dress back down and approached the chair. Vicker held placed one of his tools back in its mount and offered her his hand. She placed her hoof against his palm and pulled herself into the seat, sitting on her haunches with her forehooves placed on the workbench.
Vicker finally looked at her directly, smiling. "You're here early. And I see you found your glasses."
She returned his smile and nodded. "Yes, thank you. I have to say, they're much more comfortable than they look."
"I'm glad." He turned back to the sculpture in front of him and resumed carving. His strange-looking knives shimmered in the light.
"What are those blades you're using?"
"Adamantium plated surgical scalpels hooked up to a Sunburst frequency generator." He glanced to the side and smirked at her bewildered expression. "Basically, the blades are being vibrated so quickly that they're able to cut things at the molecular level. That actually changes the chemistry of the gemstone as I cut, which is why you can see the color of it change as I work."
Rarity gulped, unable to look away. "That's... very sharp. You make them sound as though they could cut through anything."
"Anything I've tried them on, yes." Vicker stopped moving his hands and looked back at her. "I wasn't kidding when I said it was dangerous in here. The good news is that, if you get cut by one, it probably won't even scar."
She didn't respond, transfixed by the tools in his hands. Vicker continued to carve, adding detail after minute detail. Once again, Rarity felt herself fall under the spell of his movements. Her concept of time faded away as she focused on his finely tuned, mechanical motions. After what might have been either seconds, days, or years, Vicker set his tools back on their rack. At the flick of a switch, a large filtration system on the ceiling sprung to life and began straining diamond dust from the air.
Vicker turned to her and gestured towards the exit, not bothering to try and shout over the hum of the vacuum. Rarity hopped down to the ground and set her chair back where it was. He followed her out, taking her lead as she took off her glasses and placed them back in the box by the door, followed by her face mask. Vicker held open the curtain to the main room and she passed under his arm. Rarity walked further into the room, checking out each of the shelves as Vicker cleaned himself up. He pulled a cloth from beneath the counter and began wiping at his hands.
Several minutes later Vicker leaned down against the counter, now having cleaned his hands of any dust or oil. "So, are you ready to put in your order?"
"Hmm?" Rarity looked up from the glass display in the center of the room. "Oh, no not quite."
"A social call, then." Vicker smirked. "Maybe you're here to invite me to dinner."
Rarity rolled her eyes, though her heart raced at the idea. "N-nothing quite so pleasant, darling." Her purse opened and the sapphire fragments within floated into the air. "I'm afraid I've broken your sculpture."
"It's your sculpture, Rarity. You already paid for it, remember?"
"That I did. Please, can you just take a look at it? It's a wonderful piece, I can't believe I managed to break it."
Vicker picked up one of the larger fragments and held it up to the light. "And how did you break it? Sapphire isn't exactly a fragile material."
Rarity's cheeks burned as she suddenly remembered what she'd been doing and whose face had gotten her there. "Oh, um... calisthenics." Vicker gave her a questioning look. "Yes, I was exercising in my apartment, and... knocked it off of the shelf."
"Hm, I guess that would do it." He looked back at the fragments, trying to understand how they might piece back together. Rarity breathed an internal sigh of relief, feeling like she had gotten away with it.
Vicker put a hand on his hip and sighed as he stared at the counter. "Yeah, I can do it. You're lucky it's made out of sapphire since it's the only gem I know how to repair."
"Oh, good!" Rarity's face lit up. "Is it an easy fix?"
"No." He slowly shook his head. "No, it is not. It's a very dangerous and very difficult process that's going to eat up a lot of my raw sapphire. It involves superheating the gemstones one fragment at a time in what's essentially an industrial oven and melting them back together."
"Oh." She could feel the hope draining from her chest. "How much will it cost me?"
"Your evening." Vicker smirked at her with narrowed eyes.
Rarity's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"
"It's fine if you refuse. I'll still do it either way." Vicker leaned further down, bringing his face closer to hers. Rarity could see her open-mouthed reflection in his wide yellow eyes. "But it'd be a lot easier after a date with a beautiful mare."
Rarity's face felt like it was on fire. Oh Gods, how was she this nervous? What was she, a teenager? Her heartbeat pounded loudly in her ears. She shook her head, trying to get her emotions under control.
Vicker's smirk vanished. "Is that a no?"
"What?" She looked back up at him. He looked so disappointed. "No, it's not!"
A hint of a hopeful smile returned to his face. "A yes then?"
"Y-yes! That sounds lovely, darling." Thank the Gods, she managed to choke out a proper answer. He looked so happy to hear it, too.
"It's probably too late to go tonight, so I'll see you tomorrow. Is seven good for you?"
Rarity nodded. She could only imagine the expression she was making.
"Great, I'll see you then. I can pick you up at your place if you'll give me your address. We're going somewhere black-tie, but I'm sure that won't be a problem for you."
Rarity sighed, staring at the dress she had draped over herself in the tall mirror mounted on the wall. No, this one wasn't quite right either. She placed it back on the bed and picked up the next one. This one... hmm. Long, black, and relatively simple.
She pulled it over her back and tied the connections in the front before examining herself. The thin, dark dress hung over her body, clinging tightly to her flanks and waist but falling loose as it wrapped around her legs. Normally she wore lingerie underneath her dresses, but that didn't look like it would be an option this time. Her panty-line showed clearly through the dark material, creating an obvious seam.
Rarity's horn flashed bright blue and she felt the thin strip of cloth slip down her legs. She turned back to the mirror, inspecting the smooth surface of the cloth wrapped tightly against her fur. A light pink tinge bloomed across her face. Ponies didn't normally wear clothes, but going without panties underneath her dress seemed so... scandalous.
Her horn flashed again, this time bringing her the half-full bottle of brandy she kept in her nightstand. She took a sip of the strong liquid, feeling its icy burn drain down the back of her throat and warm her stomach. Tonight, she could do with a little scandal or two.
A knocking at the door nearly caused her to release her hold on the curved glass bottle. Rarity turned around in a panic, searching for a clock. She breathed a sigh of relief, reading the face of the clock by her bed that read six-thirty. It wouldn't have been the first time she had been late to a date because she couldn't figure out what to wear. Still, she didn't even have her makeup on yet. It was good that he wasn't late, but it might be worse that he was early.
She set the bottle back inside its drawer and stepped out into the hallway wearing her dress. "Vicker?" Rarity called out. "You're early, darling. Very early."
His laugh echoed through the door. "Yeah, sorry about that. It's a bad habit of mine."
She pulled the door open and looked him over. A fine black suit, a white silk shirt, charcoal vest, and bright red tie. "Looking very stylish, Mister Vicker."
He smirked, flashing the white sharp teeth. "I suppose that means a lot coming from you. You don't look so bad yourself, sweetheart."
Rarity felt the corners of her mouth curl upwards. "I know, darling. Do you want to come in? I still have yet to put on my makeup."
He pulled back the sleeve on his left arm to reveal an antique silver watch. "We've got about twenty-five minutes until we need to leave. Is that time?"
Rarity rolled her eyes. "Who do you think you're talking to? I could do it in five, much less twenty-five." She walked over to the vanity set against the far wall, pulling her behemoth of a makeup kit out of one of the lower drawers.
"Really? I'd have thought it would take longer for a fashionista." Vicker sounded impressed. He watched her glowing makeup brush float through the air, slowly approaching her eye. "Wait a minute."
She stopped the brush mid-air and turned to face him. "What is it?"
He pulled a chair from the kitchen and set it beside her before holding out his upturned hand. "Can I try?"
Rarity looked at him like he had a screw loose. "I appreciate the thought, darling, but it would not be good for my business if I was seen in public looking like a clown. Almost half of the company's branding relies on my being the stylish Element of Harmony."
"Didn't you just tell me you could do it in five minutes?" Vicker flexed the fingers of his open hand. "Come on, just let me try. If it looks bad, I'll let you pay triple just like you wanted and you'll still have time to redo it."
Her eyes narrowed to slits. "And if it looks good?"
"I hadn't thought about that, but..." Vicker thought to himself before putting on a trickster's grin. "If it looks good, I'll make you tell me all about yesterday's calisthenics."
Rarity tried to keep a straight face but couldn't hide the blush spreading across her cheeks. "I don't know what you would possibly find interesting about that."
His grin grew wider. "Then I guess you've got nothing to lose, then."
The brush dropped into his hand. Rarity huffed and sat facing towards the mirror, waiting for Vicker to start, but was surprised to feel his other hand wrap around the bottom of her jaw. Gently, Vicker brought her head to face him from less than a foot away. He seemed to be staring into her eyes, but she knew he was just examining her lashes. Rarity shuffled in her chair, crossing her hind legs together. This was going to be much more intimate than she'd anticipated.
Vicker continued to stare. Rarity cleared her throat. Of course, he'd need a little direction. "First, you need to apply a base."
"I know that. I'm just... " His eyes narrowed further. "Trying to pick a color." Rarity weighted patiently in her chair, staring into his eyes. They were so intense. She had seen this look on him before, when he was focused on one of his sculptures. Suddenly his hand flicked down to her makeup kit. The brush swirled through vantablack powder before he picked it back up.
"Close your eyes." And she did. Rarity could felt the brush slowly graze over her eyelids, from the inside near her nose, outward. His hands never stopped moving, and never slowed down.
"Open them." She blinked a few times, adjusting to the light. Vicker studied her eyes, now even closer than before. Rarity felt her breath quicken slightly, and felt compelled to turn away. She felt the warm fingers on her neck tighten slightly. "Look at me, come on. Don't try to peek." Rarity turned away from the mirror and back to him, feeling anxious under his intense stare.
"Alright, close them again." She shut her eyes and let out a small, shuddery sigh. Rarity could hear the sound of the brush passing through makeup. He seemed to be mixing colors. The brush made contact with her eyelids, slowly sweeping over the delicate skin. Vicker began making smaller, deliberate strokes. She could smell his cologne. Was that rosemary? Gods, he was so close to her face. Rarity pressed her forehooves against the side of her chair.
She heard him set the brush on the table. "Shadow's done, mascara's next. Keep those eyes shut for me." The high-pitched sound of a glass bottle opening rang through her ears. Things seemed louder after keeping her eyes closed for this long. The hand on her neck seemed to be getting hotter as well.
The thin bristle tickled her eyelids as they passed over her lashes. She could feel the weight of them change as he worked. Vicker was applying the mascara in very small amounts. He moved slowly, carefully, delicately, as though he was painting each strand. She felt like one of his sculptures, having each minuscle detail applied with a master's practiced hand.
Rarity felt the hand on her chin retreat and opened her eyes to look at him. Vicker was turned away, scanning the array of brass tubes she kept in her makeup kit. Her hoof ran over the spot where he'd touched her, feeling the heat lingering in her fur. His eyes lit up as he made his choice. A dark, dark red that almost looked purple in this light. It was an excellent color, considering her choice of dress. Vicker turned back to her and returned his hand to her neck and chin, almost too comfortably. Rarity shifted in her seat, pressing her thighs tighter together. She had to admit, it wasn't a bad feeling.
Vicker quickly applied lip balm to her mouth before holding up the lipstick. "Pucker up, sweetheart." She rolled her eyes before obeying his command, pushing her lips forward. The stick ran slowly over her mouth, painting it darker than blood. First over the top, then across the bottom. He set the lipstick back on the vanity counter, but moved the hand under her chin upwards. His thumb pressed against her lips, spreading the red substance evenly over her fragile skin. Vicker kept going, retracing his movement over her mouth. Rarity breathed heavily, sending hot, heavy air spilling over his hand and forearm. She had a feeling he was already done, but she didn't want him to stop.
The loud clang of a belltower suddenly knocked them from their trance. Vicker pulled his hand away to check his watch before looking back up at her with a frantic expression. "We need to go now, or we're going to be late." He stood up and walked towards the door, leaving Rarity alone at the vanity. She turned towards the mirror, inspecting herself. Her eyeshadow was well-shaped, but not solid black like she'd expected. He had used greys and dark blues to create a smoky effect around the edges, reminiscent of a cloudy night sky. Her lipstick also looked good, with no uneven edges or smudges. She pressed the tip of her hoof against the corner of her mouth, remembering the coarse sensation of his skin.
"Is there something wrong with it?" Rarity turned around to see Vicker standing behind her with his hands in his pcckets.
She gestured for him to lean down before planting a light kiss on his cheek. He turned to her, eyes wide and face burning, to see her smiling at him. "Very clean, Mister Vicker."
His eyes got wider. "Excuse me?"
Rarity ran the tip of her hoof over the spot where she'd kissed him. "There's no lipstick left behind. You may have a future as a makeup artist."
Vicker stood back up and let out a nervous laugh. He ran his hands through the thick black hair on the back of his head before responding, "Thanks Rarity. Should we get going?"
An excellent start, to what would hopefully be a fantastic evening.
Vicker shivered in the chill of the early Spring, pulling his jacket tighter against his body. He glanced up and down the street at the other pedestrians. Mostly ponies, plus the occasional griffon or changeling. Sometimes even a yak. Strangely enough, no one seemed to be looking back at him. He took a long draw from his cigarette, holding the smoke in his lungs before sending it billowing into the wind. He smirked. Maybe they thought he was just a dragon.
He spun the cigarette between his fingers as he waited outside in the cold. Growing impatient, he looked behind him through the windows of the restaurant. Plenty of mares in black dresses, but none of them were her. What the hell was taking her so long? Vicker turned back towards the street. He was eager to be done, to get back home. In a moment of clarity, he dropped his cigarette to the ground and stamped it out under the heel of his shoe. He hadn't smoked since before his army days, and he wasn't going to start again now.
The front door of the building suddenly swung open. Vicker breathed a tired sigh before turning. "Finally."
His date giggled. "Sorry darling, some things take longer for us mares." Her pupils were dilated out the edge. As she approached him, she tripped over something on the sidewalk and stumbled forward. Vicker dashed forward to grab her, catching her before she hit the ground but instead causing her to fall into him. She looked up at him, the side of her face pressed against his stomach, wearing a smile. Her lipstick was badly smudged. "You always seem to... seem to catch me, darling."
Vicker helped her back to her hooves and wiped at the makeup now staining his shirt. "It's no big deal. Come on, I'm walking you home." He gestured down the street, signaling for her to follow him. They started walking side by side. Rarity occasionally bumped into him, softly apologizing each time, prompting Vicker to chuckle. After half an hour's walk, she stopped in her tracks and pointed to the building beside them.
"This is my stop, dear. Thank you for a wonderful night. I enjoyed myself... " Rarity let out a soft, hollow laugh. "Maybe a little too much."
He didn't reply. It sounded like she already knew what he had to say. He had taken her to The Blue Room, a jazz club owned by an old acquaintance of his. They had excellent seats and the evening had started extremely well. Rarity had been wonderfully charming, and she was impressed by the music. But things got worse as the night dragged on.
She didn't seem to realize just how much alcohol there was in her wine, and starting to sip it like it was water. The effects of it had hit her all at once. One minute they were having a nice conversation, and the next she was slurring her words, struggling to hold her silverware. She had started in on a story about a certain purple librarian touching herself to a certain sun god's letter when the waiter had asked them to leave. Gods, Adagio was going to be pissed when she found out they'd gotten kicked out after she'd gone through the trouble of getting him a table.
Vicker put on a wry smile. Regardless of all that, he had still enjoyed himself immensely. While it was a little embarrassing for him, it was probably going to be much worse for her once she sobered up. "I had a great time too. Shame we had to cut things short."
"Hmm... " Rarity purred, running a hoof along his arm. Her deep violet eyes looked up into his. "It is a shame, isn't it? Maybe our evening could continue... upstairs?"
He couldn't stop himself from laughing, causing Rarity to pout. "What kind of a..." Her eyes unfocused for a moment. "... a reaction is that?"
"A fair one. Get to bed, Rarity." As Vicker turned away, he felt something pull on his arm.
The blue light from Rarity's horn cast a shimmering shadow over her face, and caused the glitter he'd put in her eye shadow to sparkle like stars in the sky. It was the effect he wanted to create, but it looked better than he'd imagined. "That's no way to treat a lady. Can you at least tell me goodnight?"
Vicker rolled his eyes. "Goodnight, Rari—mph!" Rarity suddenly stood up on her hind legs and pressed her mouth against his. He froze in place, overcome with surprise at the sensation of her soft lips against his own. The rest of the world fell away for a moment, the only thing left being Rarity's face in front of his and the warmth spreading through his body. She tasted like sweet blackberries and strong alcohol. Vicker knew it was because of all the wine, but that didn't make it any less exciting.
She finally pulled back and released her magical hold on his arm. Rarity looked up and smirked at his dumbstruck expression. "Goodnight, Vicker," she whispered before walking confidently up the stairs into her apartment building.
The sound of the door shutting closed knocked Vicker from his daze. He looked around, making sure no one had seen him wearing such a stupid face. She probably wouldn't even remember it in the morning, but he'd never forget that kiss for the rest of his life.
Vicker started walking down the street, back towards his apartment.
Gods.
He could use another smoke.
