Harmony University: Strawberry Moon

by Dusk Melody

Rating: mature
Tags: Original Character, Equestria Girls, Sex, Fetish, Suicide / Self Harm, Slice of Life, Human, Drama, Romance
Length: 84134

Life is pretty good for Darkstar. She has a loving family, a doting boyfriend and a caring Master. Life though, has a way of throwing speed humps and pot holes in even the smoothest of roads.

Life is going well for Darkstar. She's part of a loving family, she's about to begin college, and her relationship with her boyfriend Slate is stronger than ever.

However, a family still shattered and a hereditary disease threaten to shatter this fragile peace. Can Darkstar hold herself together long enough to enjoy her new life, or will she drown in a whirlpool of deteriorating mental health?

~ ~ ~

This is the first story set in the Harmony University series.

Book 1 - Harmony University: Strawberry Moon
Book 2 - Harmony University: Blind Streak
Book 3 - Harmony University: Riding the Storm

~ ~ ~

Triggers include - self harm / suicide, mental health, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, teenage pregnancy, BDSM, fully consensual D/s relationship, casual nudity, exhibitionism, public sex, vaginal, anal, shibari, creampies and affectionate snuggles.

While this is a sequel to The Gloomies, it's just set in the same universe. Prior reading of the sequel isn't really needed.

Thanks has to go to Lug13 and to Zervon Tora for their pre-reading, advice and endless patience with me getting this story together.

Published 2021-01-01 16:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2021-03-12 00:16:20 UTC

Chapter 2 - Exposed in the Gazebo

“I'm glad Slate's nothing like my father,” Darkstar said softly as Slate fist bumped his sister behind her back, the white skinned teen hugged her arms around herself, “Whoever he is…”

Sea Salt saw the downer coming and she decided to head it off at the pass, as it were. The last thing they needed on this day of all days was Darkstar thinking about how her father abandoned Shining Star before she was born. She was confident her son wouldn’t ever do such a thing, not if he valued his life. “Sit with us while we watch our show. Son,” she bought a swift end to the silent one handed fight that Slate and Rockslide had gotten into, “We are in need of ice cream to celebrate!”

Standing up from the couch, Slate kissed Darkstar’s forehead while at the same time he roughed up his sister’s carefully combed hair. “Back with your ice cream in a moment, ladies,” he winked, skilfully dodging the swipe aimed at him from his sister.

“I miss you already,” Darkstar watched him walk through to the kitchen with a longing smile on her face.

“Child,” Sea Salt started gently, “You need to tell your momma too, I’m sure she would be as happy for you as we are.”

“Yeah…” Darkstar answered somewhat noncommittally, “I'll call her nurse at the hospital to see how lucid she is when your show’s finished, maybe they’ll let us visit. I’d rather tell mom in person than over the phone.”

Just then, Slate walked back into the living room carrying a tray laden with four bowls of chocolate and coffee ice cream, as well as four steaming hot coffees.

Darkstar didn’t really notice.

Sea Salt settled back into her comfy chair and fiddled with the TV remote, calling up the latest episode of ‘Out of Zebrica’ from the beginning, not that she or Rockslide minded watching the start over again.

Darkstar didn’t really notice.

Slate set the loaded tray down on the coffee table and sat back on the couch sandwiching Darkstar between him and his sister. He hugged her just as the opening titles finished and the actors on screen began the first scene of the show.

Darkstar didn’t really notice.

Slate, Sea Salt, Rockslide, even the sounds from the TV, they all faded away until Darkstar was inside her own little world. She rested her head on Slate’s shoulder and she drifted away from the living room altogether.

It was five weeks ago, the fifth of June. Everything had conspired to make that Friday a very good day. Not only had she completed the last of her final exams at CHS, but it had also been her nineteenth birthday and it had been a full moon!

It had been a good day.

Darkstar hadn’t been watching the soap opera drama at all. She didn’t see the point in it, because all the storylines were recycled. One character was having an affair with another, one was doing drugs, another was stealing, while two others were in a bullying storyline. In a month or two they’d be swapped around and recycled with different characters.

Still, Sea Salt and Rockslide liked it, and she couldn’t fault them for that, after all she liked her fluffy little rom com movies and they were basically all the same as each other, so who was she to complain? Besides, it was the only drama on TV to be broadcast exclusively in Zebran, so it did help with her language studies. So there was that going for it.

When the programme had finished, Darkstar reached for her phone. Dialling the number, she crossed her fingers and offered a silent prayer to the Goddess of the Night, until the receptionist answered. “Harmony Valley Institution,” came the well-spoken voice, “How may I direct your call?”

“Hi,” she tried to ignore the nervous tremor in her voice, “Can I speak with Nurse Friendly please? It's Darkstar,” Looking up she was so very grateful to see the encouraging faces of her family smiling back at her, “I’m calling about Shining Star.”

“One moment please,” the receptionist placed Darkstar on hold and she was treated to several minutes of light jazz music before the call was answered again.

“This is Nurse Friendly,” said a pleasant middle aged voice, “How are you doing, Darkstar?”

“Oh…same old ups and downs, y'know, the usual,” Darkstar tried her best to sound casual, though she doubted she was pulling it off. Friendly knew her too well. “Some days I can't deal with the world, some days you can't stop me.” Thankfully, Slate was on hand by her side, where he always was, to give her a much needed hug and she smiled at last, “How's mom? I have some big news, and I'd like to come see her.”

Nurse Friendly was silent for what felt like an eternity. “I’m afraid she isn't doing well at the moment, but you know how that can change. Are you in the area? I can call you right away when she’s lucid.”

When Slate nodded his head, Darkstar replied, “Yes ma'am, Nurse Friendly, that'd be great, thank you. Um...when you say she isn't doing well...how, not well?” she was almost too afraid to ask.

“She’s in one of her violent phases,” Nurse Friendly explained gently, “She’s not doing any self-harm, but she won't even tolerate my presence.”

“Full on Blood Queen, huh?” asked Darkstar somewhat rhetorically. Her mother had several distinct personalities in her head, the Blood Queen being the most violent. Most times she believed she was Princess Platinum. “Okay, well, gimme a call when she's herself, I guess.”

“I'll give you a call when she will know you,” Friendly corrected her, “Can you tell me the news?”

Again, Darkstar waited for Slate to nod before she spoke. “I'm pregnant,” although she didn't sound as excited as she did when she told Sea Salt and Rockslide.

“Bless you!” Friendly squealed down the phone line, “I'll call you the moment I think Shining can understand the news. Don't worry, you'll be the one to tell her.”

“Thanks Nurse Friendly, I appreciate that,” Darkstar said before she pressed the cancel call button on her mobile and then she slumped back onto the couch.

“I love her too,” Slate gave his fiancé’s thigh an affectionate squeeze, “But not as much as I love you.”

“Even when I get to be like that?” Darkstar shot accusatorially at the terracotta zebra, though she immediately felt bad when he winced like she had slapped him.

Quick as a flash, Rockslide budged over on the couch and hugged Darkstar from the other side, “There's no saying you'll be like that, Darkie, you just get unwell, that's all, and we deal with it.”

“You will always be you, even when I'm not me,” with a smile on his striped face, Slate placed a soft and tender kiss on Darkstar’s quivering lips.

Considerately, Rockslide waited until the two lovers had pulled apart – thanking the Goddess that they needed to breathe – before she asked, “Hey, Darkie, you'll be able to take your meds while you're pregnant, right?” she saw her mother’s ‘motherly’ look, “What? We need to know, don’t we?”

Sea Salt really couldn’t argue that. They did need to know if they were to properly care for her. “Nothing, child. It’s a good question.”

“I don't know, Rocky,” Darkstar replied with a shrug of her shoulders, “I'm seeing Requiem tomorrow, I can ask her then.” A sigh left her lips, a deep sigh that came from her very soul, “Momma, Rocky, If you don't mind, I'm going to have a lie down.” She kissed Slate, “Could you bring me up todays pills?”

“I'll be right there,” Rockslide said, getting up from the couch just as Darkstar and Slate left the living room for the stairs.

Upstairs, Darkstar flopped onto the bed, staring despondently up at the ceiling and surrounded by the many positive tests. She didn’t notice Slate laying down beside her. “There are a lot of positive things in your life,” he grinned as he played with one of the test results.

“Five of them in fact,” Darkstar said morosely, staring up without really looking, “I'm sorry, Slate, you're so happy, momma's so happy, so is Rocky... what's wrong with me?”

Quietly, Slate slid closer to Darkstar and he placed his arm under her neck around her shoulders. “What is wrong with you is you think there is something wrong with you. I'm not going to lie to you. You are different from most people I know. I'm not going to let that difference steal you away from me, and that difference is not going to drive me away.” he hugged her close, “I know it isn't easy being different. People can see my difference. Your difference isn't something the eye can see.”

Slowly, Darkstar turned her head to face Slate, and she was confronted by a face full of love and concern, “Yesterday, you had to feed me because I was so down I couldn't do it myself,” she propped herself up on her elbow, only to flop down again, “I'm so lucky I have you, Slate.”

“Nothing will drive me away,” Slate turned onto his side and placed the palm of his hand on Darkstar's flat tummy, “Not this new life. Not you pushing. I don't know what the future will bring, but I'm going to be there for it.”

“You’d better be,” Rockslide gave her younger brother a wink. She walked into the bedroom carrying Darkstar’s medication and a glass of cold water, which she set on the night stand. “Here you go, Darkie.”

Reluctantly, Darkstar sat up to take her medication. “Thanks sis,” she swallowed the pills along with the water and then she passed Rockslide the empty glass back. She laid back as the older zebra left them alone. “Put your hand on my tummy again, that felt good.”

Going above and beyond, Slate spooned Darkstar from behind with a hand on her tummy. “I hope it feels good, my love.”

“It feels good,” Darkstar pressed back into the spoony snuggle and she held Slate's hand in place with her own. “This feels really good.” Slate had to agree it did feel good. He was content to remain where he was until his lover should move for any reason. “What do you think,” she asked eventually, “Boy or girl?”

“A second male in this house would be nice,” Slate replied without a second’s pause.

“Only cos you're outnumbered three to one right now,” Darkstar shot back equally quickly.

“More so when the bridge club is over for the night.”

Darkstar actually giggled at that, her mood gradually lifted by the medication she had taken, “I'll do my best to influence the sexing for you, sweetie.”

Seeing as how he was behind her already, Slate snuffled under Darkstar’s grey hair and kissed the back of her neck, “You're pretty sexy as you are.”

“Oh you...” twenty minutes later Darkstar was still snuggling when her belly rumbled loudly, “I think someone's hungry. He says he wants to go to a burger joint, Master.”

Now it was Slate’s turn to laugh, “Not a health food junkie at least. How about the Burger Joint?”

“Burger Joint works for us!” Darkstar was all giggles when she turned over in Slate's arms to face her hunky zebra, where she gently brushed her lips over his nose, “Thank you, for just laying with me.”

Slate first kissed Darkstar’s nose and then he kissed her lips, “I got to give a flat tummy a rub as a bonus!” Standing, Slate helped his fiancé out of the bed. “Just us, or the other two invited?”

Darkstar looked down and examined herself, both hands on her belly. “Not going to be flat for much longer. I don't mind momma and Rocky coming with.”

“Okies!” Slate stole a quick kiss and, at the same time, he groped Darkstar’s left breast, his hand easily enveloping the small but perfectly formed B cup mound, “Might get a bit rounder too, eh?”

When Slate snickered, Darkstar gave him a playfully pouty look. A look that didn’t last very long when his thumbs rubbed her hardening nipples, “Just for that, I'm gonna tease you in the burger place,” she reached down and groped his crotch, adding a kiss of her own, “You know that, right?”

Slate snickered, “With momma and my sis there, I thought that would be a given. Do remember though,” he added as she gently squeezed his manhood through his jeans, “I will have something to do when we return depending on how naughty you are.”

The look in Darkstar’s yellow eyes said she was going to remember that very well. “You can count on me being the goodest-naughtiest ever!”

“I love you too.” Slate’s smirk spoke volumes. He knew just how naughty his exhibitionist pet could be once they were out in public. Not that he minded her showing herself off. That just meant that people were checking out his girl, and she was worth checking out. “We're going to the Burger Joint!” he hollered down the stairs.

Rockslide was quicker than the speed of light, “I'm in!”

“I’m not cooking for one,” Sea Salt was already reaching for her hat and coat.

While Slate was talking with his mother and sister, Darkstar was getting changed. After just a few minutes, she left the closet she shared with Slate wearing a pair of very tight, very pink hot pink leggings and a loose pink top with matching shoes, along with her collar, of course. “Baby said he wanted a burger, momma.”

Not one to resist a dig at her offspring, Sea Salt snickered, “Already a demanding child, just like its father.”

To that, Slate rolled his eyes, “Love you too, momma.”

Skipping her way happily down the stairs, Darkstar laughed brightly, seemingly without a care in the world at that moment. “He’s handsy too!” Standing at the door to the living room she asked, “Do you mind if we walk? I think the fresh air would do me good.”

“That depends,” Slate grinned, “Will you hold my hand?”

“Will you hold mine too?” asked Rockslide, who for some mysterious reason, could not take her eyes off Darkstar. Maybe it was the so-tight-they-were-a-second-skin leggings that perfectly showed off her bubble butt. Maybe it was the loose top that teased her with the tiniest glimpse of her breasts. Who could say. It was a mystery indeed.

“Don’t worry, I'll hold both your hands!” Darkstar did wait long enough for them to put on their jackets before she placed herself in the middle of the siblings, holding their hands.

Sea Salt was on Slate’s left, “I'll take that other hand, boy.” The elderly zebra was well aware how ‘active’ her son’s hands could be if left to their own devices.

On the street, walking in the late July sunshine, the foursome filled the sidewalk walking together side by side. Predictably, there were a few stares at the zebras – even now it was rare to see them in the suburbs of Canterlot - but a good number of those staring were doing so at Darkstar’s top. Much to Slate’s delight. “If only this summer day was a little more windy…”

“What are you talking about?” questioned Rockslide, “I can see down her top with no wind at all.” And she was too, at every opportunity she got. Only one of her eyes was looking where they were going.

Darkstar snickered, shamelessly enjoying all the attention she was getting from the passers-by, though none was more enjoyable than knowing her honorary sister was checking her out. “I think he means he wants my top to blow upwards, Rocky.”

“He just wants to show the world what he has, and what no one else has,” explained Sea Salt, completely unnecessarily.

“I'm fine with down the blouse,” commented Rockslide, who was openly doing just that, ogling Darkstar’s perfect breasts, “You want me to wear a top like that little brother?”

Slate, who thanks to Darkstar, knew that he was being teased, hit back with, “Not going to stop you, sister of mine.”

“One good thing you’ve done Darkie,” Sea Salt laughed as she affectionately squeezed her son’s hand, “He's not so easily embarrassed as he used to be.”

“Not any more, anyway,” Darkstar snickered, for once enjoying the feel of the sun on her face and the slight breeze in her hair, “He's not as shy as when we met. Still, you should've seen his face when I suggested Rocky and I team up. It was worth not sitting for two days!”

Rockslide had a look on her face that screamed she wouldn’t have minded teaming up with the white skinned teenager, but she contented herself with just ogling down her top. “He has come a long ways to make it so you couldn't sit, Darkie.”

Slate may or may not have been harder to tease thanks to Darkstar’s influence, but he still coloured up, his terracotta cheeks turning an intense crimson as all the girls were talking about him like he wasn't there. When Darkstar kissed him, she felt the heat of the blush on her lips. “No complaints from me or my ass!”

“I'm paying,” put in Sea Salt, “So you don't have to pick the cheap menu, Darkie.”

“Aaaww thanks momma!” squeezing Slate's and Darkstar's hands, Darkstar began skipping along the sidewalk, an act that made her already loose top billow upwards, “Seriously Rocky, you need to get a cute girlfriend.”

“Ready to give up on my brother yet?”

“I would tease you,” Darkstar replied, “But I'm not that mean.” Instantly, Slate leant forward so he could stick his tongue out victoriously at his sister. “Pleased to win one, Master?” asked Darkstar with a sly smile. A smile that became a laugh when a staring couple walked straight into a lamp post.

It was especially funny when the staring man who hit the lamp post fell on his ass and he was still staring. “I'm sure they were more stunned by your beauty than that lamp post,” Slate chuckled.

“I’m not so sure this top was a good idea, Master…”

“Yes it was!” both Slate and Rockslide countered Darkstar’s thought.

Slate though went further, “I think I’d like to see you in a skirt instead of leggings for our next outing to go with it.”

“As long as it's a hot pink one I'm good with that,” Darkstar grinned and by her side, Rockslide, who was checking out the teenager’s generous side boobage, silently agreed.

Slate had the perfect tease, “I think my sister would want you to wear that summer dress with no undies so she can see all the way down.”

“Would you Rocky?” asked Darkstar, who turned an intense smouldering look to the older sibling, “Would you like that?”

Poor Rockslide wore a blush so deep that her whole face was a bright crimson red. It wasn’t the only part of her that was heated. “Hush Slate,” she said quietly, “We're here.”

“We are, and we have five to feed,” Slate then patted his fiancé’s shapely rear, “You go first, Darkie. Do that tip toe lean when you order. I want to see if they mess it up.”

“Yes sir!” with a wink at him, Darkstar marched fearlessly through the doors of the Burger Joint and up to the serving counter where she placed her order of a large cheeseburger and extra cheesy fries, along with a chocolate milkshake.

While Darkstar was busy making with the tip toe lean, Sea Salt quickly rescued the hapless teenage boy who was obviously flustered at the sight of a real pair of breasts, “I'm picking up the tab, boy.”

The teenager barely heard what Sea Salt had said. It was suddenly had to concentrate when most of the blood had left his head for other parts of his body.

“You next, Rocky,” Slate had to nudge his older sister in the ribs. Twice.

Completely distracted by the show that Darkstar was putting on, Rockslide had to tear her eyes away from her to address the teen behind the counter. “I’ll have the same, but with a banana shake.”

“O-Okay…” the poor guy blinked several times, “Okay,” he repeated before actually ringing up the order early.

“Thanks for getting the bad news, momma.”

“Yeah,” Rockslide put in, agreeing with Darkstar, “The next time's on me.”

Slate ordered a double cheeseburger, a regular fries and a vanilla shake and, after Sea Salt had made her order and paid, the older zebra crossed the diner and sat with the others. “You're right,” she winked at her son, “He only rang up three meals.”

“What can I say,” Darkstar beamed with pride, “This top has its benefits!”

Minutes later, a worker came over and noted the order and the number of people. “Um, ma'am,” she started, before Darkstar’s top drew her eye, “W-What flavour milkshake did you order?”

Having fun, Darkstar gave the woman her very best bedroom eyes, eyes that usually made Slate weak at the knees, “Chocolate, please ma’am.” She purred in her best porn voice.

Quickly, she bought out a tray with all the meals on and she set it up next to Darkstar for one last look down her top before going back and on her break. Rockslide was very impressed, as well as being weak at the knees. “You so need to teach me that look, Darkie.” Or do it to her again, either way, she was good.

“Looking to entice some young teen?” asked Slate with a raised eyebrow.

“Look is universal,” Rockslide shrugged, “Works on any sex, but I won't be cradle robbing any time soon.” At twenty five, her days of chasing teenagers were long gone. Then she caught a glimpse of Darkstar’s side boob and sighed. Almost over.

“Trade secret of being sexy,” Darkstar snickered before she slipped her left foot from its sandal and slid her foot up the inside of Slate's leg.

The only sign that Slate gave of what his pet was doing was a slight cough when he tried to take a fry, “A naughty good sexy, to be sure.”

“That I am,” Darkstar grinned and she slid a couple of her cheesy fries into her mouth at the same time she slid her foot further up Slate's leg past the knee to his thigh.

Far from stopping her, Slate opened his legs so that Darkstar had easier access to her target. Sea Salt caught on pretty quickly to what was going on. She ate a mouthful of her fries and nudged Rockslide in the ribs, “Don't look under the table daughter, unless you want a peek at your brother's boner.”

“M-Mom…” Slate hissed, but Sea Salt nonchalantly ate her food with a smirk on her lined face while Rockslide almost choked on a fry. Slate though was far more interested in what Darkstar was doing with her foot on his steel hard erection than in his food.

To his eternal credit, Slate ‘endured’ Darkstar and her foot caressing his hard manhood for almost thirty minutes, all the while they ate, in fact. Something did occur to him though as he ate the last of his food. “Do you have your classes lined up, pet?”

Darkstar, who had just finished her double burger, pressed her toes gently but firmly on her Master’s impressively hard cock. “I do. I'm taking Zebran, Griffon and Dragonese languages and culture classes.”

“You got the bus schedule figured out, or is my brother dropping you off each day?” asked Rockslide curiously.

“Well,” Darkstar replied as she was determined to masturbate her fiancé through his jeans, “I’m thinking taking the bus. my classes start at different times depending on the day of the week, and Slate really can't drop me off every day, it'd be way too early. Either that or I stay there in the week and come home at the weekend.”

“Where would you stay?” asked Rockslide again, “A hotel?”

Slate wanted to roll his eyes at his sister, but he was too preoccupied with grinding his crotch into his pet’s foot, “They do have campus dorms, Rocky.”

“What Master said,” Darkstar said as she stroked away at Slate's bulging crotch, happy in the knowledge she was getting him off, “Dorms.”

“No offense,” Rockslide started, “But is that wise? Staying somewhere else, I mean? Away from us? Will they let you have children in those?”

Slate honestly didn't know the answer to that and so he did what he always did when he didn’t know something. He looked at Darkstar for answers. Unfortunately, she was just as unsure. “I don’t know, probably not, I can’t imagine the roommate would be too pleased with a baby.”

“I honestly wasn’t thinking that far ahead,” commented Rockslide, her demeanour changing to one of concern, “What happens when you have a down spell? Momma and I know how to care for you, the college wouldn’t, would they?”

“Doctor Requiem's office is close to the campus,” said Slate, “And we still need to figure out what the pregnancy is going to do with your meds,” he reached over the table and squeezed Darkstar's hand, “The goal is to end those 'down' times, but we will always support you.”

“I guess we should see what she says tomorrow when we go see her,” answered Darkstar, her head to one side, “I do need to get some course books though.”

“That’s something we can do after lunch.”

“Do what, boy?” Sea Salt asked her son as she came back to the table from her trip to the bathroom.”

“Taking Darkie to check out the campus book store, momma.”

“I think I'm alright with Zebran,” Darkstar smiled and took up the last of her chocolate milkshake with relish, “Though I'll need to study Griffon and Dragonese.”

Sea Salt gave Darkstar a wink, “I'm good with Zebran.”

“Yeah,” Rockslide laughed, “It’s Equish gives you issues.”

“You've got a knack for languages, Darkie,” Slate added with a smile.

“She’s got a knack for wearing revealing tops too,” Rockslide grinned, admiring the view from across the table.

Darkstar winked at her sister, “Wait till you see me in a skirt, sis.”

Slate smirked, “I'm sure I'll get to see a lot of you in a skirt.”

“No complaints here,” Rockslide returned Darkstar’s wink, though she was secretly adding the image of Darkstar in a very short skirt to her list of fantasies that involved her sister.

“I'd like for you to see a lot of me in a skirt,” giggled Darkstar as she slurped up the very last of her shake and she stood, at last removing her foot from Slate's bulge, “Excuse me, bathroom calls.”

After having relieved herself, Darkstar found herself distracted by the image of herself in the mirror above the washbasin. She didn’t even realise it, but she was stood there a good twenty minutes, just staring at her reflection.

Darkstar was gone so long that Slate, Rockslide and Sea Salt were looking at each other silently debating what to do, when two teenage girls walked past their table. “Did you see that girl in there?” one said to the other.

“Yeah,” her friend replied, “She was weird all right, just stood in front of the mirror with her top up like that?” the girl walked a few more steps before adding, just loud enough for the zebras to hear, “Some people are just odd.”

Slate shared a knowing look with his sister, “You got that, sis?”

“On it, brother,” Rockslide was up on her feet in an instant, her sneakers pattering on the tiled floor of the diner as she headed to the bathroom. Inside, she found Darkstar stood where she had been stood for the past thirty minutes, staring at herself in the mirror with her loose top pulled all the way up, hand on her belly.

Quietly, so as not to alarm her sister, Rockslide moved behind Darkstar and she lightly rested her hands on the troubled teenager’s shoulders. “What do you see?”

If Darkstar was surprised to see the blue zebra behind her, she gave no sign of it. “I see a big round belly,” she mimed it with the hand that wasn’t holding up her loose top, “I'm wearing a rope harness, and there are two boys running around playing.”

“I could see that,” Rockslide said gently, staring at the reflection of Darkstar in the mirror. “I'm sure my brother can make it happen, well the rope, anyway. Not sure about the boys, that is also dependent on you.”

Darkstar giggled, “Master did say he would like the numbers in the house balanced.” At last she let her top fall, “I was washing my hands, and I was looking at my scars,” she indicated the self-inflicted scars that criss crossed her forearms. “Then, from nowhere, I thought about the baby and I forgot about my arms.”

Rockslide’s heart broke, just like it did every time she looked at Darkstar’s wrists. “Those arms will hold that baby. You okay with that?”

Darkstar was quiet for an age, and then she nodded, staring at her reflection nodding back at her. “I have Slate and you and momma to hold me.”

“You do,” Rockslide slowly rubbed the teenager’s shoulders, “The world can be a scary place, but you have a safe haven. Even during the week we are just a phone call away.”

“Thanks sis,” Darkstar smiled and then, suddenly, her eyes went wide with realisation. “Have I been in here long?”

“Not so long that Slate had to come after you,” Rockslide said with a grin, “But long enough for him to send me.” There was a smile in her tone when she spoke, “Long enough for a couple of girls to admire the view.”

“I’m sorry,” Darkstar blushed and tried to cover by hastily washing her hands again, “I didn't mean to worry you.”

“You didn't reach that point yet,” Rockslide hugged her from behind, “Ready to go?”

“Yes,” her mind at ease, Darkstar dried her hands thoroughly on the towel before she turned and embraced Rockslide in a tight hug that was so tight their breasts squished together, “Thank you.”

A more selfish Rockslide could have remained in that hug for an eternity. She settled for a cheeky, “Rawr!” and she walked out holding Darkstar’s hand. After exiting the bathroom but before they reached the table, she said, “Did you think your footwork went unnoticed?”

As a matter of fact, she hoped it had. “Um...” Darkstar grinned sheepishly, “I'm guessing it didn't?”

“I'm sure he will do something about it,” commented Rockslide, “He does know and share your kink.”

As they made their way through the other tables back to where Slate and Sea Salt were waiting, Darkstar squeezed Rockslide’s hand, “I caught you looking too…”

“Just shows I'm still breathing.”

Darkstar giggled, “You're easy to look at too.”

Though Rockslide just smiled, inwardly she was performing somersaults. Plus, she had added the image of Darkstar with her top up to her wank bank to enjoy later in her bedroom. Back at the table, she explained, “She was trapped by the beauty in the mirror. I had to stand next to her to break the spell.”

“Is that right?” Slate asked through slightly narrowed eyes. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe her, but Darkstar had disappeared into bathrooms before, when sharp things hadn’t been locked away.

“Yes,” Rockslide affirmed with certainty, “And you would have failed as you're not prettier than her.”

“I'm sorry I was so long, everyone.”

As she sat back at the table, Slate took Darkstar's hand in his own and gave it an affectionate squeeze, “I could stare at you all day too, love.”

“You’d know, you have done before,” Darkstar leant over the table and kissed Slate’s hand, granting him a long generous view down the front of her top.

Good naturedly, Sea Salt shook her head, “She's got my boy wrapped around her little finger.”

Not even bothering to hide the snort of laughter that left her lips, Rockslide said, “Trust me, momma, he isn't looking at her fingers.” To be honest, neither was she.

Darkstar giggled again, not minding in the slightest that Slate and his sister were both checking her out. “Are you ready to go, Master?”

Quickly, Slate polished off the last of his fries that had until that point escaped his devastation. “I am now.”

“So are we,” Sea Salt shared a look and a nod of the head with her daughter, who like her was also ready to head on home. “We’ll see you later today, when you get back.”

Standing up from the table, Darkstar hugged Sea Salt tight. “Thanks for the lunch, momma,” then, she gave Rockslide a last hug, and after waiting for Slate to do the same, they left the diner hand in hand, headed for the nearest taxi.

Luckily, there was a waiting cab not far from the diner, one of many that served the nearby Canterlot Mall. Fortunately, the griffon driver wasn’t very talkative. In the back, after giving the driver the college as their destination, Slate turned to Darkstar, “How’s your foot doing?”

Darkstar caught the look in Slate’s eye. That dominant look she loved so much, that she craved. It made her go all weak at the knees and made her crotch hot and moist. “It's doing well, after I exercised it in the diner, Master.”

“Good,” by the moon above, Slate adored the way she answered him so innocently, like butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. It made punishing her so much fun! “I was worried that rubbing it against a rock would injure you.”

“I felt you were enjoying the attention, Master,” Darkstar turned her deadly bedroom eyes to her fiancé and she rested her hand high up on his thigh.

“I didn't stop you,” like he ever would, as long as he had breath in his body, “Have you put in the paperwork to get a dorm space?”

“No Master, I really should, shouldn’t I?”

“I want to see the place anyways,” Slate said thoughtfully, a plan for his pet’s punishment forming in his head as the cab wove its way through the traffic towards the college, “So we can do some admin stuff too as well as buy your textbooks.” The terracotta zebra smirked devilishly, for he had a third bird to kill while they were there too.

“Thank you,” Darkstar squeezed her hand on his thigh.

“I’m sure you will,” as the taxi pulled onto the college campus and into the parking lot, the devilish smirk was back in full force on Slate’s face. Ooh, the possibilities! “Do you have a map of this place?”

“Yes Master,” after Slate had paid the cab driver, Darkstar took her phone from her purse and, swiping her way through the touch menus, she pulled up a map of the campus.

“Nice,” Slate looked over her shoulder and studied the map, “Admin or book store first?”

“Um...admin,” Darkstar made her choice after a moment’s thought, “Then we aren't carrying books around.”

“Okay,” Slate agreed, “They might have your schedule too, and you can see if you need to make any changes.”

As she hoisted her purse onto her shoulder, Darkstar got her first proper look at the large campus and the many buildings that made up Canterlot College, known as Harmony University. “Wow...” was all she could think of to say to that, “It's bigger than CHS…” compared to the High School, this was like a small city.

“I'd certainly hope so. Oh,” Slate acted like an idea had just that moment occurred to him, when in reality he had been cooking this up since the diner. “Let me adjust your top…” as students and adults walked past them, each with their own agendas and destinations in mind, Slate played with the loose tank top until he had made it so she had some excessive side boob going on and her left nipple was clearly visible. Perfect! “You may only fix this if someone points it out to you.”

“I understand, Master,” Darkstar looked down and she smiled at her lover’s handiwork. Though nobody was looking at her right then, just being so exposed made her nipples harden up immediately, and she knew they were in for a fun time.

Walking further on to the campus proper, Slate stayed slightly behind and on Darkstar's right side so he could not see her exposed breast but he was within quick reach should anything go wrong. Just in case. Darkstar studied her map as she walked, “The admin offices are this way,” she pointed and led the way to the largest of the buildings, marked as reception on the map.

There wasn’t a lot of people around, due to the term having not started yet, but even so, there were a few. Slate was more watching them – parents with sons and / or daughters overseeing the moving in, or buying materials, or busy with other things - than he was watching Darkstar. While they were playing, her safety was the utmost thing in his mind. That was his role.

Despite there being a faint blush on her face, Darkstar was nonetheless very excited, and the exhibitionist was very aroused and wet between the legs at how exposed she was. Brazenly, like nothing was out of the ordinary, she walked up to the closest desk. “Excuse me, sir?”

The man at the desk, who looked to be well into his middle age, looked up at Darkstar, then at Darkstar's chest, where his gaze lingered for a long time, then finally back at Darkstar. Some days he loved his job. This was one of those days. “Welcome to Harmony U. May I help you two?”

Smiling sweetly, Darkstar asked, “Could I please get the paperwork for a dorm place?”

The man’s gaze drifted slowly from the girl’s face back down to her exposed small breast, where it lingered and remained. “Student housing is in Room 210, and they are open till five p.m. today.”

“Thank you, sir,” Darkstar gave the man an exaggerated bow and treated him to a generous eyeful straight down her top, and then she used her phone to find the right room, which was in the same building, just a few floors up.

“Your schedule?” asked Slate, observing with satisfaction the man’s reaction to his pet’s actions.

“Aah...” two more button presses on her phone’s screen and Darkstar called up her schedule of classes. “I have Languages on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, then Foreign Culture on Thursday and Friday, Master.”

The poor man sat at the desk found his eyes riveted to Darkstar’s chest. Did she even have a head? She must have, he assumed, because he heard a voice. “Is that schedule the latest one?” he asked the left breast, “It gets updated this weekend. Some classes can change their times due to attendance. You may have to refresh to get the latest one. Schedules should be fixed the Monday the week before term starts.”

“Yes sir,” Darkstar quickly swiped a finger across her screen, “I refreshed it just now, this one I have is the most recent version.”

“Then, I wish you well here at Harmony U, miss.”

“Thank you, sir, you've been most helpful,” Darkstar flashed him her winning five star smile, as well as her five star breast, and she walked away with Slate close behind her, “Room 210 is this way, Master.”

Slate paused at the desk and said to man there, who had been eyeing up his pet like she was a prized shoulder of pork, “You held up well, sir. Congratulations.”

Upstairs, at room 210, Darkstar knocked on the open door, “Excuse me, ma'am?”

The lady who was busy working inside looked up from her computer and her eyes went wide open, as did her mouth, at the sight of the young woman stood before her. “Yes, can I help you?”

“I'm Darkstar, ma'am,” she introduced herself, “I'm here to get the paperwork for a dorm room.”

“I'm Lights Rest,” the lady waved her hand to the empty chairs in front of her desk, “Please have a seat. Are you single?”

“No ma'am,” Darkstar sat on one seat while Slate took up the other one beside her. “This is Slate, my fiancé and my Master. He's not attending though.”

Lights Rest looked from Darkstar to Slate and back again, a few times, noting the collar the girl wore and her state of undress. At least that explained that. “It seems your fiancé hasn't bothered to tell you that your left breast is exposed. Maybe it was your Master’s idea, maybe it was yours, but you should cover yourself up. Now, is there any personal issues that may limit your roommate?”

Darkstar didn't look down, she didn’t need to, not to adjust her top. She did however look down to avoid the lady’s gaze. “Well,” she said as she covered herself up, “I'm pregnant, and I suffer with clinical depression and um... self-harm...”

“Are you seeking treatment, or are you being treated?”

“I'm being treated, ma'am. I'm on a course of medication, and I see a psychiatrist regularly.”

Nodding her head, Lights Rest reached into a desk drawer and she passed Darkstar a form that had a lot of personal questions on it for her to fill out. “I will be the only one that sees this,” she said reassuringly, “I will be the one that enters it into the database. Mostly this is to help defer getting a roommate that may be diametrically opposed to your personal values.”

“I see, thank you, ma'am,” Darkstar took the form and started to fill it out. She took her time filling out the long form, trying to be as thorough as she could. “Here you go, ma'am,” she said when she was done filling out everything but her shoe size.

Lights Rest scanned over some of the key items on the form, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and nodded. “You are eligible for a room, and I don't see any problems getting you in. You'll receive a letter and an email the Monday prior to the start of school with the address.”

“Thank you, ma'am,” Darkstar shook Lights Rest’s hand then she stood and, when she and Slate were out in the hall, she pumped the air, “On to the book store!”

On Darkstar’s left side, Slate casually placed a hand around her waist and he nonchalantly adjusted her loose top, leaving her breast exposed again. “She was a nice lady.”

“She was, I liked her, Master,” added Darkstar, who made no attempt whatsoever to cover herself up, even though her breast was once more exposed to anyone who might look her way. Just the way she liked it. “I wish I'd worn a skirt now.”

As they walked the halls, pretending not to notice those who stared at them, Slate's hand mysteriously drifted downwards to Darkstar's groin. “To try and hide this damp spot?” he asked with a sly smile, “At least the pink leggings have it blending in instead of standing out.”

“Hmmmmm,” Darkstar murmured, “Th-that...and I know you'd make me lift it, Master.”

“Maybe,” Slate said ‘maybe’ in a way that meant ‘definitely’, “But I do know you'd be bending over and picking up a lot of things for me.”

“Yes Master, I would,” Darkstar walked without a care in the world with Slate’s hand on her hot wet crotch like it was a leash clipped to her collar. The other students they passed who gawked at them just made her hotter and wetter. “Your hand feels nice, Master.”

Slate used his improvised ‘leash’ to lead Darkstar out of the admin building and down a small path where a little bridge bought them to a wide eight sided gazebo with a bench on each of the inside pieces. “Master?” seeing their destination, Darkstar was confused, “I thought we were going to the college book store?”

Slate shook his head as they entered the wooden structure, most of it hidden by the shrubbery that was growing all around and over it. “Someone still needs to pay for standing me up at lunch, but didn't put me away. Or have you forgotten already?”

“I'm sorry, Master!” Darkstar squeaked, Rockslide’s prophetic last words in the diner coming back to haunt her.

“Not yet,” Slate smirked as he moved his pet over to the right side of the gazebo so they were up against the railing between two large bushes that offered a modicum of cover, “Ready for me to make sure that the baby doesn't escape?”

Darkstar bit her lip and her cheeks flushed red with arousal, “Yes Master…” she had her delicate hands pressed on his broad chest, “Yes please...”

With her consent given, Slate spun Darkstar around so she faced away from him. “Hands on the rail, pet.” No sooner had she obeyed him than he pulled down the hot pink leggings just far enough past her ass cheeks so he could gain access to her depths. Then, deftly with one hand, he unfastened his belt and zipper. To test her readiness, he placed his hand between her white thighs. “You are wet enough to be sure.”

“MMmmmm b-by the moon and stars...” Darkstar moaned and she parted her legs to grant Slate better access, as much as the stretch in the leggings would allow. As one end drenched his fingers with her juices, the other she made sure to grip the rail like her life depended on it.

Behind her, Slate entered Darkstar smoothly and in one single thrust, he was inside her to the hilt. “Try not to cry out and draw unneeded attention, pet.” The zebra then moved his wet fingers up to Darkstar's mouth. “Taste your love, my love.”

Immediately, Darkstar licked and sucked Slate's fingers clean. At the same time, she let out a low moan of pleasure at being filled by his generous length.

Once she had licked his fingers clean, Slate moved both of his hands up under Darkstar's loose tank top, where he cupped her small but perfectly formed perky breasts, using them as leverage to pull her further onto his cock. “No one is close, pet,” he said in her ear, “But you can see the people out there, can't you?”

“Y-Ye-Yes Master,” it was amazing how hard it was to speak when there was an iron hard cock buried deep in her sopping wet snatch, “I can see them,” none of the many students were really close, and none were looking at them, but she knew, deep down, that if any were to look, they'd see what they were doing.

Not that Darkstar cared. She would happily strip completely and walk naked if Slate ordered her to.

At her rear, Slate was not wasting time. He was concentrating hard on pounding her equally hard to get himself off as quickly as he could. Darkstar whimpered and moaned as quietly as she could.

Slate was so firm and vigorous that it was all Darkstar could do to keep hold of the wooden rail like she had been ordered. It was rare that her Master fucked her like he was then. She liked it.

In and out, in and out, Slate hammered his cock deep into her pussy with every thrust, each and every one tapping at her cervix. It was utter heaven. She could feel her orgasm coming close when Slate gave an almighty thrust of his hips and he came inside her, ejaculating good and deep, filling her up with copious amounts of his hot white seed.

Right at the point of his climax, Slate stopped dead before Darkstar had a chance to even get close to cumming. With him buried deep in her, she was left whining in frustration.

Slate didn’t move. He was happy to rest where he was inside Darkstar until nature took its course. He continued to play with his pet’s breasts under her top right there in the gazebo until he was soft enough to shrink out of her. “Is my leaving you wanting to harsh a punishment, my lovely pet?”

“N-No Master,” Darkstar replied with some difficulty, “Hmmm…I-I was a naughty pet, Master, and I should be punished.”

Reluctantly, Slate removed his hands from under the loose top and he turned Darkstar's head to kiss her as hard and passionately as he had just fucked her. “My beautiful pet.” Finally out of her, he lifted up the leggings before refastening his pants. “To the book store!”

Smiling, Darkstar could feel the fresh creampie in her and she kissed him like he had kissed her. She would never get tired of that full feeling. “To the book store!”

Chapter 3 - Requiem For a Falling Star

Following the impromptu fucking in the gazebo, Slate casually adjusted Darkstar's loose pink top so that both nipples were barely covered and he held her hand, “I'm having fun, pet.”

“So am I, Master,” replied Darkstar. After a few steps, in which she felt the zebra’s fresh load churning inside her creamed pussy, she paused and had a thought. “Master? May I make a request for when we get home?”

“I'm listening.”

“Rocky had this new video the other day while you were at work. The man tied the woman in a rope harness, spanked her then pounded her senseless up against a window,” as she spoke, she became more animated, miming a spanking, and her eyes grew wide with excitement, “It was so hot!”

Slate was a little surprised to hear that, though he supposed he shouldn’t be, not really. Darkstar was always coming up with new things for them to try. “Really? I can see doing you at a window, for sure, but bondage?”

“Please Master, I can't describe how hot it was!” Darkstar’s cheeks flushed a bright pink to match her clothing, “The way her breasts were tied so they swelled up, the way he tied her arms behind her back, she was so helpless to him when he took her against the glass…”

A resigned sigh left Slate. When his girl got like this, he knew it was pointless to resist her. He hoped that one day he’d be allowed to do the thing he really wanted to do with her. “I wonder if they have something about that in the book store?”

“I'm sure they do, Master.”

Together, they entered the college building and they walked the halls to get to the book store. On the way, Darkstar loved the way the few students there were openly gawking at what she was almost not wearing. “Do enjoy yourself as you look for your books,” Slate said in her ear, “I'll be watching over you, and I will protect you if needed.”

“I know you will,” Darkstar turned and kissed her big strong zebra. The one thing in the world she could be absolutely sure of was Slate. “That's why I love you and you're the best Master ever.” A gentle caress of his cheek later and she walked off to the language books, making sure that at least one breast was visible.

True to his word, Slate watched his fiancé and pet. He knew that just moving around would lead to some students getting a generous view down her top, as well some side boob action. Possibly even a view up her top. Slate had a hard time not laughing when one staring man walked into a bookshelf.

Darkstar smirked at the poor guy's reaction, and at a woman who stared at her so much she wasn’t paying attention and dropped her books. Just to add to the spectacle, she decided to reach up high to get a Griffon book from the top shelf.

Some distance away, Slate continued to watch. While her breasts were nice, he was focused on her ass. He was an ass man. As he stared at her butt, imagining himself plowing her tightest hole, he felt himself getting hard again in his jeans.

“Say there sexy,” a tall man in a college sweater came swaggering over full of ego, “How about I get a leash on that collar and get you over to my place for a private lap dance?”

Darkstar, who had three books in her hands, turned to face him, an in her finest Zebran said, “Master where are you?”

Appearing behind him so fast it was like he had teleported there, Slate said, “Here love. Someone giving you a hard time?”

Hearing that, the man turned and though he was tall, he still had to look up. “Um, wow, look at the time…” all the confidence and swagger leeched out of him, “I think I need to get going. I hope you both have a wonderful day!”

As he quickly retreated to the safety of an aisle, Darkstar smiled at her saviour. “My knight in stripy armour,” she kissed him, “I got the books I need.”

“I think we may need one more.”

Looking down at the books she had in her arms, college level Zebran, Griffon and Dragonese, Darkstar realised what book she was missing. “Oh! Right!” it was all she could do not to facepalm hard as Slate walked with her over to the adult section. “There,” she pointed to a large hardback book, “Shibari, Master.”

“I approve,” and so did his manhood, if the sudden tightening in his jeans was anything to go by.

Choice made, Darkstar picked up the book, which according to the cover, covered beginner, intermediate and advanced ropework. “Thank you, Master.” After Slate had paid for the books, and when they were in the back of a second taxi cab on the way home, Darkstar asked, “Do you have any rope?”

“Work rope that I don't want to use on your pretty body,” replied Slate, who parted his legs just enough to allow a white hand to slip between them and caress his junk, “I'm thinking a detour to a hardware store is in order.”

Darkstar showed her approval of that idea by affectionately stroking Slate's crotch. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

“Maybe a tiny bit more than I love you,” Slate grinned back at her. Fortunately, the taxi driver was willing to pull over at the store so Slate could buy some varying lengths of three quarter inch and one half inch nylon rope. “I do hope you'll let me learn what I'm doing before we do something that could be dangerous,” he warned her when they were both back in the cab.

“Of course, silly. I don't expect to jump straight to the advanced section,” Darkstar then opened the Shibari book to the first few pages after the introduction, a page that showed a female model wearing a five pointed star tie over her chest, with breasts tied and her arms in a box tie behind her back. “What about that one?”

After taking a look at the page, Slate was by this time getting tired of the near constant erections he was getting. “Okay,” he admitted, “That does look hot.”

“I'm getting wet just looking at it,” commented Darkstar as the cab swerved around some traffic, “I’m imagining that's me, all helpless for you, on my knees with your hands in my hair, then pressed up against the window for all to see…”

“I'm thinking many things,” Slate said with a sly smile.

“I do hope so,” Darkstar fidgeted in the seat, and it was obvious she couldn’t wait to get back home. She dearly wished the cab driver would hurry it up.

Annoyingly, Slate kept up the sly smile all the way home, even after he had paid the taxi fare. Darkstar had asked him what he was thinking several times but she got no answer every time. Eventually she gave up and pouted until she got out of the cab. “Can I undress inside?” she asked, knowing that Rockslide and Sea Salt had seen her nude many times before.

“You can undress now,” Slate ordered, wanting to give the taxi driver a ‘tip’. “Put your clothes in the book bag and I'll take that and the rope.”

“Thank you Master!” Immediately, and without any shame whatsoever, Darkstar began to strip off right there on the drive way. She pulled off the loose tank top, folded it neatly, and placed it in the bag. In no hurry, she then slipped off her shoes and peeled off the wet leggings. Once they were folded up neatly and she was totally naked but for the collar, everything went into the book bag.

“Get along inside,” Slate ordered her as he took the bag and the rope, thoroughly enjoying the look on the driver’s face, “But no running.”

“Yes Master,” Darkstar blew Slate a cheeky kiss and then she turned and sashayed her way sensuously up the drive and casually through the front door. She was fairly sure a couple some distance away had seen her, but she didn't rush.

Inside the house, Rockslide was busy watching one of her talk shows on the flat screen TV in the living room. She could hear Sea Salt bustling away in the kitchen, her little empire of food. “Did the books cost the clothes off your back?” asked Rockslide, who was very glad she looked away from the TV when she saw the naked teenager.

“No Rocky, that was just a bonus,” Darkstar walked up to the side of the couch and looked at the TV. “Whatcha watchin'?” she discovered, to her – not – great surprise it was the talk show the zebra liked. The host was addressing what could only be described as a ‘youth’ dressed in a tracksuit with a baseball cap on backwards while five girls threw insults at him and each other. “Let me guess, that guy there's had it off with all those girls and now they've all found out?”

“You could write for this show,” Rockslide replied, clapping her hands when the girls started fighting amongst themselves.

“Muckraker’s the same every time,” Darkstar commented dismissively, last week, two women openly declared love for the same dog, so this was tame, “Has one of their mothers – pregnant by him - come out yet?”

Just then, Slate walked in fresh from paying the cab driver carrying the bags under an arm. “Bedroom please,” he ordered, deftly rescuing his pet from the talk show, “Supper at the usual time?” when Rockslide nodded, he followed Darkstar up to the bedroom.

Ahead of him on the stairs, Darkstar made sure to add a wholly unnecessary sway to her hips. She knew how much her Master admired her bubble butt, and she was nothing if not a tease.

In their bedroom, Slate quickly sorted out the rope into the different sizes, he put the clothes on the dresser along with the college books then, he opened the Shibari book to the first proper page while Darkstar sat crossed legged on the bed. “How's it look, Slate?”

“Go get the EMT sheers, pet,” Slate said by way of reply after studying the detailed instructions for a few moments, “They look like sturdy scissors.”

“For emergency release, right?” Darkstar asked, catching on quickly, “I'll go get them.” Slate simply nodded and continued to read from the book. At the bottom of the stairs, the white skinned teen realised she would need to ask for the sharp stuff. “Hey, Rocky, can you get me the EMT shears please?”

That actually made Rockslide look away from the talk show with a raised an eyebrow, “That depends on who is doing the cutting?”

“They’re for Slate,” Darkstar blushed softly, and just like that she knew why she had been ordered to get the shears, “He's gonna tie me up, like this,” she demonstrated the cross chest box tie by placing her arms behind her back.

And just like that, Rockslide was up on her feet, “Okay, that should make dinner interesting,” she smirked, and hurried to unlock a kitchen drawer and pulled out the sheers and handed them to Darkstar handle first. “Have fun.” She was certainly having fun imagining what the teenager would look like dressed in ropes.

“I can't wait!” Darkstar gushed as she took the shears. “Thanks Rocky!” she made her way back upstairs straight to the bedroom. “Here Master, shears, just like you wanted.”

“Thank you,” said Slate, taking the shears from her, “Now don't make me use them,” he was unusually solemn and serious, “If you want out, just say ‘Red’ or ‘untie me’, okay?”

“I understand, Slate,” Darkstar kissed her zebra’s cheek before once more sitting cross legged on the bed. “Red or untie me. Got it.”

“I should tie you up first,” he smiled at her from the dresser as he gathered up a length of the rope. “Stand if you please. Clasp your hands behind your back.”

“Just testing our safe words, Master.” Darkstar was quick to stand and obediently, she placed her arms behind her back, one forearm on top of the other.

Slate decided to tie the box tie first, before attempting the breast binding. The first time he tried, the ropes were too tight, making Darkstar flinch and moan until he eased it and tied her a second time. “Hmmm…” she tested the bonds the second time, “That feels much better, I like that.”

“Now to give you some D cups at long last,” Slate smirked, thoroughly enjoying the pout on Darkstar’s face as he wound the ropes around her small B cups and bound them until they were tied and swelled up like two large muffins in the completed Karada box tie.

“Oh...oh that feels weird...” Darkstar looked down at her swelled up breasts once Slate was done and sure enough, to her delight, they were bigger, by at least two whole sizes!

“Now at last you’ll give my sister a run for her money.”

“Dinner!” hollered Rockslide loudly from downstairs. Her call wasn’t strictly necessary, they could smell the cooked meal all the way from the kitchen calling them like a siren.

Slate was finishing up his last tie and tucking the end of the rope away just as Rockslide called them. “Hmm, it looks like I'll have to feed you tonight,” he grinned and kissed his pet on the mouth.

Darkstar returned the kiss, “This is so hot…” she wasn't expecting that last bit, but she was clearly aroused by the idea of going downstairs in her present state.

“Oh, one moment,” Slate reached for the leash and he attached it to the D ring on Darkstar's collar. Now everything was ready. “Come along, pet.”

“Aaaaaahn...” Darkstar moaned, biting her lip as her juices began to flow freely down her inner thighs the moment Slate tugged on the leash and led her carefully down the stairs.

“That takes getting dressed for dinner to a whole new level,” Sea Salt remarked the very second that Slate walked his pet into the large kitchen.

The elderly zebra wasn’t the only one to admire the view. Rockslide gawped openly at the sight of Darkstar all tied up like a Hearths Warming present. It was an even better sight than she could have hoped for. “Darkie gots tits!” Oh…how she wanted to grope them…

Darkstar’s soft blush became a beet red glow in an instant. “I'm glad you like them, sis.”

“No test drives,” Slate enjoyed the playful pout on his older sister’s face as he pulled out a chair next to him for his pet to sit on, for which she thanked him with a nod of her head and placed her butt down on the seat.

After Sea Salt had served up the meal to them all, Slate alternated feeding Darkstar and himself. He used the spoon like one would on a baby to scrape anything that ‘accidentally’ missed the mouth.

The bound teen was blushing up a storm, doubly humiliated and extremely aroused at having to be fed like that in front of Sea Salt and Rockslide, particularly with them both looking at her as they ate.

It was a whole new feeling, and she liked it, she like it a lot.

“Did you all sort out where Darkie is staying for school?” asked Sea Salt, eating while looking between her son and soon to be daughter in law.

“Yes,” Slate replied after swallowing what he was chewing, “She met all the requirements for the dorm. After we're married, there is some added restrictions, like me not staying the night there.”

“And after the baby is born?”

“U-Um...” Darkstar spoke up, at last finding her voice at the table. Amazing how being tied up made her want to be quiet, “Well, they have free day care, but I can't live in the dorm with a baby.”

“At least the baby will be close by for feeding,” commented Sea Salt, as she deftly speared some meat on her fork.

“Free day care?” asked Rockslide, who wasn’t hiding the fact that she most definitely was not looking at Darkstar’s face. Her gaze would have gone lower if she could have, but the table was in the way.

“Yeah,” Darkstar replied, “It's run by the psych department as part of the family development class, but after he or she is born, I'll have to come back here.”

Sea Salt waved her had dismissively in the air, “We'll sort that out when it comes. Plenty of time yet.”

“You're right, momma…” unfortunately, Darkstar chose that moment to make eye contact with Rockslide, who was busy making very suggestive wiggles of her eyebrows in her direction. She knew what the zebra was thinking – it didn’t take a genius – and she bit her lip. If it was possible, Rockslide was making her more and more aroused, until the scent of her arousal could be smelled.

Wearing an amused smirk on her face, Rockslide inhaled and said, “I thought the dessert was still in the fridge?

“It is, why...” Sea Salt paused and then the old zebra blushed when the distinct scent hit the back of her nose, “Oh my! Well, as soon as they finish their plates I'll go get it.”

On her chair, Darkstar squeezed her thighs together to try and hide her aroma, at the same time opening her mouth to be fed, which Slate duly obliged, “I think someone will have maid duty once the ropes come off,” he smirked.

“Y-Yes Master!” Darkstar’s voice was a barely audible squeak in between mouthfuls of food.

“You should do this more often, brother,” opined Rockslide, who was again ogling Darkstar’s body.

Maybe,” Slate teased, “If she is a good girl. Like she was today.” Darkstar wanted to squeal 'oh yes!' but right then, she was preoccupied with the business of chewing and swallowing at that very moment.

“Well,” Rockslide felt up the submissive teenager with her eyes, “She can walk in like this evening any time you like.”

“I didn't want to delay the ropes,” Slate said with a shrug, “Saves time, don't you know.”

“I’m glad you like the show, Rocky,” Darkstar’s blush was now reaching all the way up to the tips of her ears, and she had given up squeezing her legs together as she was dripping her juices onto the floor beneath the chair, “Th-Thank you for dinner, momma!”

Sea Salt inclined her head, “I'll be right back with the rhubarb pie,” she said as she carried the empty plates to the sink and went to the fridge.

“Do you think she can handle dessert, brother?” asked Rockslide, “The way she's fidgeting she'll pop before you get her upstairs.”

“I can try to calm her down,” said Slate considerately, before reaching down with his right hand between Darkstar's legs and, once he had then spread, he slid three fingers deep inside her.

“Yeah, that should do the trick,” Rockslide didn't duck down to look under the table, she was far more entertained watching the changing expressions on Darkstar’s face.

“MMsMmmm h-hooooly moooon!” Darkstar’s eyes were wide and watering, especially when Slate inserted a fourth finger inside her sopping wet tunnel and his thumb began rubbing her hard clit. She was so aroused and humiliated by the lewd wet noises coming from being fingered that she climaxed right there on the chair.

As Darkstar was leant over and panting hard through her orgasm, Sea Salt set the pie down on the table. “We usually save that for the living room, but you did say she would be cleaning up later,” she snarked as she dished out some pie to everyone.

“Hot!”

Still panting almost a full minute later, Darkstar wasn’t sure if Rockslide was talking about the pie or her. She was finally bought down from her high by a piece of the pie in front of her face. “Th-Thank you, momma.”

“No feeding yourself, pet,” Slate smirked at how close Darkstar’s face was to her pie. Brandishing his spoon, he proceeded to feed the pie to Darkstar and himself. When the dessert was gone and the plates were all empty, Slate pulled his pet up from her chair by the leash. “Come along pet, still things to do.”

Awkwardly, Darkstar was up on her feet. “Coming Master!” as she left the seat, she left behind her a large wet patch on and under the chair.

Slate pulled Darkstar up the stairs and into the bedroom, where he closed the door and pointed to the middle of the room. “Stay,” he ordered, and then he looked at the book for some more instructions. He then came back to her and without warning, he flicked her nipples.

Obediently, Darkstar was stood perfectly still, watching what Slate was doing, then the moment he flicked her nipples, she let out a loud, “HmmmaaAAAAH!” while at the same time squeezing her legs together once more.

“Was that pain or pleasure?” asked Slate, unsure from the sound she made and the expression on her face.

“B-Both, Master…” gasped Darkstar, her inner thighs glistening with the fluids she had released from her pussy, “Mmmmm d-definitely both!”

“Okay, I think you're good for a bit longer in the ropes then,” judged Slate, who saw that his pet’s bound breasts were not discoloured – would have been easy, given she was pure white – and he led her to the bed and then on it so that she was standing in the middle facing the head of the bed. “Wait there.”

“What are you doing?” questioned Darkstar, who while she couldn’t see her Master, she could hear movement behind her. As curious as she was, she didn’t dare move her head to see, in case he was watching her.

Behind his pet, Slate got undressed and he was quite hard just from looking at Darkstar stood on the bed with her arms tied behind her back just above that ass that he adored so much. Starting at the foot of the bed, the zebra laid on his back and he slid forward between Darkstar's open legs. Once he was in position, he took hold of the leash. “Ride me, and make sure I cum first.”

“Yes Master,” Darkstar lowered herself down to her knees and, after a moment of fumbling, she managed to get the head of his cock inside her dripping wet hole. Then, she lowered herself down all the way.

With Darkstar straddling him on her knees, Slate used the leash and kept it taut so that she couldn’t fall backwards. When she leant forwards, he was ready with groping hands to her bound breasts to straighten her back up.

Darkstar rode her Master enthusiastically, only too happy to bounce up and down as she impaled herself repeatedly on his impressive dick. But, as she had already climaxed down in the kitchen, and therefore was already highly aroused, soon she reached her peak ahead of him. “M-Ma-Master I-I'm gonna cum...”

Hearing that, Slate quickly reached up with both hands and he flicked her nipples, really quite hard, “Not yet, pet.”

“A-AaaaAAH Hnnnng...” she winced, the pain in her breasts stopping her growing climax stone dead for the moment, which allowed her to carry on bouncing up and down his shaft, “Fuuuuck!”

While he was being fucked, Slate was, at the same time his pleasure was building and building, was keeping a close eye on her so he could flick her again when needed. Watching her ride him though was incredibly hot, and he judged it wouldn’t take long to reach his release.

The second time Slate flicked her bouncing juggling nipples, the pain succeeding in bringing her down, but the third time he flicked her, just at the point that he came deep inside her, it tipped her over her edge with him.

They both screamed out their respective climaxes at the same time and, while Darkstar squirted out a waterfall of girl cum over his crotch, Slate was humping up into her, his seed coating her insides. It was one orgasm he needed many moments to recover from.

Likewise, Darkstar also needed some time to come down from her climax, especially with him still inside her. Leaning forwards, she panted heavily as sweat matted her long grey hair. “Oh...oh wow...” she breathed, “Wow...th-that was...wow!”

“Yes,” Slate agreed after ten minutes had passed, “That was wow. Now to untie you. Um, up and stand on the floor, please.”

Still breathing heavily, Darkstar moved up and she swung a long slender leg over Slate’s body and she got to her feet on the floor. With her off of him, Slate got up and he reversed the breast bondage, followed quickly by removing the ropes tying her arms.

“Hmmmmm,” Darkstar flexed her arms, then she looked down and pouted because her inflated D cups had been reduced to B's once again. “Damn. I liked them, too.”

Purely to restore her circulation, and totally not to grope her at all, Slate vigorously rubbed Darkstar's arms and breasts. The mewling noises she made was purely a bonus. “You handled that very well, pet. What about going out to do something with that under your clothes?”

“I'd love to...eeeek!” Darkstar’s reply devolved into a squeak when she felt the need to scratch herself now that the circulation was coming back, “Itchy!”

“No, no scratchy for you!” Slate interrupted Darkstar’s scratching and her imminent protest with a long, hard, deep kiss. “We both love doing it in public, but now you've added bondage to the mix. Anything else you want, my kinky pet?”

“I was going to ask you if there was anything you'd like to add,” Darkstar countered before kissing his nose, “My kinky Master?”

“I had fun at dinner,” Slate grinned broadly, “Teasing my sister is a joy. I need to learn more in that book, and maybe we can get a more advanced one next month.”

“Mmmm,” Darkstar agreed, “The way you made me cum sat in that chair was so, so SO hot! I don't think I've ever cum so hard!”

“Challenge accepted.”

“Actually,” Darkstar sat back on the bed with Slate by her side, “There is one thing I've just thought of, along the lines of wearing ropes under my clothes,” when Slate motioned for her to go on, she said, “Well, I’m thinking a bullet vibrator, in me, then the ropes, and you have the remote to the vibrator, and we go out!”

“Well, we'll have to go dancing then,” Slate commented with a wide smile, “That way you'll still be dancing between sets.”

“You don't think that's too much?”

“You are too much,” he replied, “But I'll survive. Circulation back?” when she nodded her head, Slate asked, “Are you sure you're okay with my sis and not me tomorrow?” he knew her appointment with Requiem was tomorrow, but Saturdays were hard for him to get off.

“I'll be fine, Slate, you don't need to worry,” then, Darkstar grinned a most sly and teasing grin, “That is unless she finds a gazebo and wants to do what you did.”

Though he didn’t bite to her tease, Slate did laugh, “She might suggest that, but she would never do that. I think everyone loves to tease you.”

“To be fair, I do my share of teasing. Wearing that top wasn't an accident, love.”

“Why do you think I love you wearing them?” asked Slate, though his question didn’t need an answer. “I would have died of embarrassment six months ago in the Burger Joint. Now, you excite me and I love you. All of you.”

“Colour me shameless!” Darkstar declared with pride, “What do you want me to wear tomorrow?”

“One of your sundresses,” Slate made his choice after a quick thought, “No underwear. No side boob, but does do some good down blouse action when you pose. Almost to your knee, so no major upskirt unless you are on some stairs. Let my sis fantasize.”

“I'll wear my pink one and the matching sandals, Master. I know you like that one.”

“I like you,” Slate countered and he stole a quick kiss, “So I do like what you wear, but pink is nice when you wear it.”

Darkstar went in for a deep kiss of her own, but halfway through, the kiss became a huge yawn, that came literally out of nowhere. “Oh...” she giggled, “I'm sorry! I didn’t mean to yawn in your face.”

“One thing before bed, my love.”

“Yes?”

“I believe you have a chair to clean up and around,” Slate booped Darkstar’s nose, which earned him a generous eye roll and a sigh as she got up and marched out of the bedroom. “You can be my little spoon when you get back!”

Darkstar’s raspberry almost drowned out Slate’s laughter.

~ ~ ~

The following morning, which happened to be a bright sunny summer Saturday, went by without incident. As was the norm, Slate was out of bed early for his work, leaving Darkstar to get up whenever she woke up.

Unusually, the white skinned teen was up at eleven and she didn’t need to force herself out of bed like she sometimes had to. She ran through her routine – a routine she kept to when she felt able – of toilet, shower, teeth and brushing her hair with a sense of detachment.

She wasn’t down, but she wasn’t up either. She was treading water, which was a default ‘fine’ setting. There was no particular feeling either way as she slipped on the pink sundress that Slate had allowed her to wear. On went her sandals and, for good measure, she put on her wide brimmed pink sun hat.

When you had the complexion of Casper the Friendly Ghost, you didn’t take chances with the sun.

“Yesterday was fun,” started Rockslide as she sat in her sensible little electric city car, “But how are you doing this morning?”

In the passenger seat, about to be on her way to her weekly appointment with Doctor Requiem, Darkstar shrugged her shoulders. “I’m fine, I guess,” she didn’t know how else to reply and be truthful.

“Fine, is it?” Rockslide didn’t sound completely convinced, mostly because she knew the teenager sat next to her, “I do care about you, Darkie. I'll listen, and I’ll even keep quiet while I do.”

“I dunno,” Darkstar shrugged again and rested her head against the glass of the door window as Rockslide put her car in gear and pulled out of the drive, “Nothing's wrong. Nothing's set me off like it normally does, I just...I dunno...it feels hard to exist today.”

“You looked cute in the ropes at dinner last night,” commented Rockslide, deftly steering around the parked cars on their street, “Was that a bit more filing for your soul?”

“Last night...I can't describe last night,” Darkstar smiled, though the smile barely reached her yellow eyes, “I felt so free when I was bound and being fed.”

“Was it that you were the centre of attention, or that you're Slate's world?”

“I like being Slate's world,” replied Darkstar, not moving her head even though the small city car was bouncing over the speed humps, “I mean, the attention thing's nice, but that's more important to me.”

“Well,” the pale blue zebra commented, “I like what you've done with my little brother. When pops went, he really closed up. Then he met you.”

“Sometimes I envy you,” Darkstar muttered sadly, a great note of reticence in her voice, “Not that your father died, that sucks loads,” she put in quickly before her ‘sister’ could snap at her, “But at least he's gone, it's done. Mom...I dunno...”

Rockslide found it significant that Darkstar should mention her mother and not her absentee father, whoever or wherever he might be. “Mom is mom, no matter where she may really be. You're positive that will be you one day?”

For a third time, Darkstar shrugged. “Doc said there was a good chance of it. Something to do with inherited mental instability and the females of my family. Least my brother will be spared it.”

“Know what if it does happen?”

Of course she knew. It haunted her dreams most nights. “I will lose my mind, like my mom,” Darkstar commented while the zebra drove through the suburbs, “And Slate, you and momma will stand by me, and not allow me to forget you or the baby.”

“That is true, and Slate will be doing cosplay to keep up with you,” Rockslide smiled affectionately at her and then, fifteen minutes later, she pulled up next to a large four storey red brick building. “We're here, want me to wait outside?”

“Sure, if you don’t mind.” Darkstar pointed ahead of them to the intersection. “There's a little mom and pop coffee shop round the corner, and I don't think I'll be long. I haven't added any more scars to my collection since the last time.”

“Okay, stop by when you're done and I'll treat you to a coffee, and a donut.”

“Salted caramel donut?”

“That or the maple bacon, oh, that would be me!” Rockslide giggled, already tasting the sweet, sweet maple bacon.

“You have a deal, Rockslide,” Darkstar even shook on it once they were stood on the sidewalk and she had her hat back on. After Rockslide had locked up the car and walked off to find the coffee shop, Darkstar straightened her dress and walked into the psychiatrist’s office building, where she greeted the secretary with a practised smile. “Hey, Noteworthy.”

“Hello Darkstar,” Noteworthy glanced up from his computer screen behind his desk, not at all surprised to see she was five minutes early. “Requiem is ready to see you now.”

“Straight in, huh? Cool.” Darkstar gave the hard working secretary a more genuine smile and she knocked on Requiem's office door.

“Enter.”

“Happy Saturday Doc,” Darkstar walked into the finely appointed office and she took her usual spot on the leather couch. She liked Requiem’s office. It was big, wide open, with lacquered wood on the walls and nice smelling plants and huge windows that let in tons of light.

Most of all, Darkstar liked Requiem. The tall woman was a deep red colour with bright blue splotches all over her skin, her hair the reverse. It made her look unusual, and Darkstar liked unusual.

“A happy Saturday to you too,” Requiem smiled genially, “Any triggers since your last visit?” she asked, getting straight to the point.

Darkstar knew what she meant by triggers. Triggers included, but weren’t limited to, cutting, spacing out, breaking down, or any of the above. “I guess I spaced out a couple of times yesterday, apart from that, no.” she showed her forearms as proof.

“It's all about trust,” Requiem smiled warmly, before getting up from her comfy chair. “Coffee?” she asked as she smoothed out her black knee length skirt.

“A milky one,” Darkstar requested as she laid back on the couch and looked up at the ceiling, “Please Doc.”

“Ah, good,” Requiem grinned over at her kettle, “Now I know you aren't Darkie's secret evil twin.” She then made a coffee for each of them, “Do you know what made you space out?”

“Yeah, actually I do. I got some news yesterday morning.”

“Do tell.”

“I'm pregnant.”

Requiem looked surprised to hear that. Of all the things she was expecting, that had been pretty low down on her list. “Slate’s?” she asked as she set the tray down on the coffee table next to the couch.

“Of course, Slate!” Darkstar spluttered, suddenly shocked from her little fugue, “Yes, Slate’s the father, who else could it have been?”

“Certainly not me!” Requiem smiled at her little victory over her patient. “Planned pregnancy?”

As soon as her spark had come, it vanished again, leaving Darkstar calmed and slumped back, “No, it wasn’t planned.”

“Well, this is a really big life change,” Requiem took up her clipboard and pen, ready to take notes, “Now, do you think it’s good news?” may as well start with the big question first. Although, she had an idea how the teenager was going to answer.

“Sometimes.”

Requiem grinned a broad wide grin. She always admired the fact that no matter what Darkstar may or may not be feeling, no matter her state of mind, she was always told the truth. “And Slate?”

“He's made up,” Darkstar replied quickly, “They all are. When I told Sea Salt yesterday she was dancing around the living room singing a happy song.”

“Could be because she wasn't expecting a grandchild from Rockslide,” commented Requiem with a wry smile as she made notes on her clipboard, “You said sometimes?” and she knew why. “Are you worried you'll have a daughter?”

“Yeah,” Darkstar admitted heavily, “But...sometimes, I mean, there were times yesterday I was really happy, then there were times I just wanted to lay down and not wake up.”

“It isn't easy to go through such a major change, Darkie,” Requiem took a moment to gather up her thoughts, which she disguised by sipping her fresh coffee, “When you could be where your mom is now, and your child where you are now. Does that possibility turn you off?”

“I’m not gonna lie,” Darkstar scoffed at her own words. Not going to lie. She couldn’t. Born under the Sign of Honesty. “I was thinking that when I was laying in Slate's arms on the bed. But...in the Burger Joint's bathroom, I had my top up and I couldn't stop imagining what it would be like.”

“You are an exhibitionist,” Requiem stated the very obvious, “Did Slate choose your outfit for the day?”

“I chose yesterday's outfit,” Darkstar answered her, “Slate chose what I did with it.”

“And today? The pink dress? When you jumped up, I noted you weren't wearing anything but the dress.”

“Slate chose a dress for today. I chose this pink one.”

“And who chose no underwear?”

“Slate. Master, Slate.”

Now. That was certainly new. New, and it got Requiem’s attention. She scribbled her notes on her clipboard. “Stand up, Darkie.” When the teenager stood up, Requiem tossed her a throw pillow. “Slide this up under your dress to rest against your belly.”

“Okay...” Darkstar stood and lifted up her dress, giving Requiem a bit of a show as she did so, and she slipped the throw pillow up under her dress. “Oh wow!” she breathed, looking down at the now large, rounded bump under her dress.

Once the pillow was under her dress, Requiem motioned to the large full length mirror on the wall, “Is this what you were thinking of yesterday at the Burger Joint?”

As she looked at herself in the mirror, Darkstar got that spaced look again. “Yeah,” she breathed softly, so softly that she hardly spoke at all, “Yeah, yeah...” she caressed the bump like it was her nine month bump. She liked it.

“What is it in the look that causes you to lose yourself?” queried Requiem curiously, “Hope, fear, indifference, or all of them?”

“Longing, I guess?” Darkstar tried her best to articulate what she was feeling. It wasn’t easy. “Hope? Fear? Definitely.” She blushed and stamped her foot, “All of the above? I'm excited, so excited, and scared, I’ve never been more scared.”

That wasn’t strictly true, but this wasn’t the time or the place.

“Well, I have two, so I can understand what you're thinking with the first one.” Requiem smiled warmly, “Your hope is that you will not go it alone. The fear is can I even be a mom? I did it. Seems Sea Salt did it too.”

Darkstar was always impressed that the psychiatrist could cut straight to the heart of what was bothering her. She supposed that was why she was the shrink. “That, and like you said, if I have a girl, will I be like mom and she be where I am?”

“I told you that you do have a chance to be like your mother because of genetics,” Requiem chose her words carefully, “Treatments are advancing, but I won't lie to you about what may be in your future. If you have a son, then at least he won't have the same future fear you daughter may have.”

“That's something, though, right?” Darkstar flopped back onto the couch and she sighed, staring despondently up at the ceiling, “Why can't I just be happy? Why do I do this…” she gestured at her forearms, to the scars there, “To myself? Bad enough I have this time bomb in my head!”

“We've talked about the why,” Requiem said, “It is control over that time bomb. Giving up control is not easy. Even with Slate, you really haven't given up control.” Although, that said, it certainly sounded like she was making steps in that direction.

“You said I need to let it go, just accept it,” Darkstar retorted, but how could she? How could she just accept what was going to happen to her? “What will happen will happen. Isn't that what you said last time?”

Thoughtfully, Requiem nodded, “I did say you need to accept the possibility, and give control over to Slate. Calling it a time bomb in your head is not acceptance. It is an accusation against yourself.”

“How do I do it then, Doc?”

Requiem laughed, but not to mock her patient. “The easy answer is, you live. But the real answer is acceptance and then delegation. From what you've told me about Slate, he is someone that you can rely on. Do you really trust him with your fears? Can he handle those fears?”

“Yes. And yes.” It was something Darkstar didn’t have to even think about. The answer was there straight away. “I might not be sure of much, Doc, but Slate, I'm definitely sure of. I can trust him with anything. He's amazing with me. He’s patient, kind and caring, I know he'll take care of me, like last night.”

“After your episode?”

“He was there after my episode,” a fond warm smile crept over Darkstar’s face at the mention of Slate, “Just like I knew he would be, but later, after we went to the college to get my books, we ah...decided to add bondage, to what we do together.”

“Bondage?” Requiem’s pen scribbled note after note on her clipboard, “Well that is a step in the right direction to give up control. Did you feel free tied up?”

The eager tone in Requiem’s voice did not go unnoticed. Darkstar blushed bright red, not from embarrassment, far from it. “So free!” she stretched out her arms and she sighed happily, “I felt so liberated and free! Having Slate in total control of me...it was an amazing experience!”

“Now to interject some reality,” Requiem spoke seriously, “You need to stop taking the Paxil and Xanax now. Take them to the pharmacy to be disposed of, and then you can get this filled,” the doctor passed her a prescription, “It’s for Haldol. Has this pregnancy changed your college plans?”

Just like that, Darkstar felt like she’d had ice cold water dumped on her. “Stop taking them?” she asked, sitting straight upright, “What's Haldol, what's it do?”

“It’s a benzodiazepine that has been proven to have no effect on pregnancy,” Requiem explained, “But it also isn't as potent as what you've been taking. Why I need to know if you are still going to college.”

“Yes, yes I am,” slowly, Darkstar dropped back to the couch, “A degree in foreign languages and cultures will go a long way to getting me a job at the embassy.”

“That is good, as it will occupy your day. Do you have your schedule?”

“I have the latest version on my phone. It won't be finalised till a week before.”

Reaching out her hand expectantly, Requiem looked at the schedule. “Like I remember, lots of free time during the day. I'd like our visits to be weekly till you start, and them move to Tuesday and Friday while you're in school. The meds I'm putting you on will not feel the same as what you've been taking. Bondage with Slate will help you even out, but I would like to chat more while you are on the lower dose. Pregnancy itself can cause depression, as I think you are guessing. Only you will need a non-medical treatment for that.”

“Seeing you twice a week would be nice, thanks Doc.” Darkstar had no qualms about that. Indeed it made her feel better about dropping to the new medication. “I'll tell Rocky and momma the old meds need to be destroyed, y'know, they have the keys to all the dangerous stuff in the house.”

“I do as you told me, and it was your suggestion to do so. All part of giving up control to those that love you.”

“I know Doc, and I'm so grateful to you and to my family.”

Requiem knew instinctively that ‘my family’ didn’t mean Brightstar, but for the moment she chose not to pursue it. “We are just sounding boards and advice. You are the one that instigates change. Letting others in your life is a big step to taking your life back and living.”

“Not easy, this ‘life’ stuff,” Darkstar smiled softly, “I suppose we should go to the other type of Docs next, get the pregnancy confirmed by more than five home tests, huh?”

“Since you're enrolled you can do that at the campus clinic,” Requiem pointed out, “Save you a lot of money.”

“I hadn't even thought of that, thanks Doc. That can be Monday's job, I think.”

“Don't let Slate back off on the Bondage,” Requiem brandished her pen like it was a sword, “I would consider reading up on the subject so there are no surprises.”

“We bought a beginners book, which he used last night. I can't wait till he ties me up again!”

Darkstar’s enthusiasm made Requiem grin broadly. She did the same, for the grin was infectious. “There is a book on how to keep doing it through your pregnancy.”

“Do you have the title?”

“It’s a corny one,” warned Requiem, “Bondage in Birth.”

“I don't mind corny,” Darkstar giggled brightly, “You have met Slate, right?”

Requiem laughed out loud, “You allowed for me to see him twice, and limited my questions.”

“He was so nervous back then,” there was a fondness and an affection in Darkstar’s voice, “He's a different man now. Rocky and Salt blame me for that, not that they mind.”

“That that is what you need to know. If you can be a good influence on one person, then you can be a good influence on a second,” Requiem pointed a finger at the pillow under Darkstar's pink dress.

“Fine,” Darkstar gave the older woman a rueful smile, “You win this week, Doc,” the teenager patted her 'bump', “You're gonna want the pillow back, aren't you?”

“I can find another if you're attached to it,” Requiem smiled back, “I was going to remind you before you walked out.”

“You can have this one,” Darkstar stood up and she dropped the pillow to the floor, “But I'm keeping the one inside me.”

“See you next Saturday, Darkie,” Requiem took back her pillow, “Stay on track, and let Slate carry you when you're tired.”

“Thanks Doc,” up on her feet, Darkstar stretched out her arms and legs until her muscles popped, “Hugs?” immediately, Requiem hugged her patient, and was hugged in return. “Take care, Doc,” Darkstar walked out with a smile on her face, and a spring in her step, her destination the coffee shop and her ‘sister’.

Around the corner, in the little mom and pop store, Rockslide had procured a window seat and she was nursing her first coffee. She saw Darkstar and quickly ordered two fresh coffees and two donuts.

Even though she knew Rockslide had seen her, Darkstar walked up behind her and put her hands over her eyes. “Guess who?”

‘My next girlfriend!’ Rockslide thought, was what she wanted to say, but of course she didn’t say that. As much as she wanted to. “Requiem,” she offered a punt, “Did you hide the body?”

“Awww!” Darkstar giggled and sat down, “I thought the white hands would give it away. So, you see any sexy ladies you like?”

‘You!’ was again her first thought and what she wanted to say. She didn’t say that. Rockslide instead pointed with her lips at the woman at the serving counter. “Only the one behind the counter. Takes flattery well, but her boyfriend isn't sharing.”

Casually, Darkstar looked over to the counter at the woman stood there making a set of teas and coffees. “Mmm, she is pretty. Thanks for the donut and coffee, sis.”

“Never a problem,” smiled Rockslide as she blew the steam from her coffee, “How did your talk go?”

“It went well,” Darkstar answered honestly, “Requiem said my current meds need to be destroyed, she prescribed me this new stuff.” She showed the zebra the prescription.

“Best to be safe for that one. Did she put her hand on your belly?”

“Yeah,” agreed Darkstar, “It's safe for pregnancies. She didn't touch my belly, but she did give me a pillow to put up there,” she leant over the table, “Now I can't wait to be huge for real.”

“I'll let you experience that for the two of us.” Rockslide had no intentions of getting pregnant. Not since her friend told her it rearranged her downstairs. She liked her downstairs just the way it was. She certainly didn’t want to push a couch through it. “You must have told her about the bathroom break at the Burger Joint.”

“Oh, I told her. That's what led to the pillow up my dress. I also told her about the bondage with Slate.”

“Did she approve?”

“She did,” Darkstar replied as she took a long sip of her coffee, “Very much so. I didn't tell her exactly what we did, but she said to keep doing it.”

“If that wasn't reason enough to like this doctor.”

“I know, right?” Darkstar set aside her coffee and turned her attention to the real prize. She lowered her head and took a long slow lick of her salted caramel donut, “She said the giving up control like that was good for me.”

When she heard that, Rockslide glanced down at Darkstar's scarred wrists, “Slate is a good one to give it to.”

Straightaway, Darkstar saw where Rockslide was looking and she blushed, but didn’t try to hide her arms, “Yeah, I know.”

Gently but firmly, Rockslide took a hold of the teenager's wrists and she nodded solemnly, “Knowledge is power. I'd love to leave the knife drawer unlocked one day.”

“I'd love to be left in the house unsupervised. I'm sure you and momma have better things to do.”

“Don't you dare say that,” Rockslide’s smile vanished quicker than she could sneeze, “You are a better thing.”

“I didn't mean it like that, Rocky,” Darkstar defended herself before taking another slow long lick of the donut icing, “Perhaps we could, leave the draw unlocked, I mean. Just for a trial period?”

“I'd love to. Bring a note from Requiem and we'll do just that. Safety first.” Rockslide then caught what Darkstar was doing and she openly stared at her, “Practicing on that donut before you get back with Slate?”

“Next time I see her, I'll bring it up,” Darkstar smiled, “I was hoping to tease you with the donut, but now you mention my hunky zebra, I've had a thought. Tongue piercing!”

“Your tongue.” Rockslide stared at her and blinked slowly several times, “Going to just do it, or talk with my brother first?”

“I read it can enhance the oral experience,” Darkstar said as she took a proper bite and swallowed, “I should talk to him first though.”

“He is wrapped around your finger,” Rockslide waved her hand in the air, “Once he is sure you really want it, he will help you achieve it.”

“And you know what I'm wrapped around…” Darkstar gave the zebra her dirtiest wink, “You want to watch that bondage video you bought last week when we get home? It'll be just us till Slate gets home, momma's at her friends doing bridge today.”

“I'm not sure what I like more, you teasing me or you watching me masturbate.”

“Pfft,” Darkstar snorted and made short work of her donut and coffee, “Like you don't watch me either, miss roaming eyes…” she then leant forward over the table to give her a clear view down the top of her dress.

“You are pretty on the eye, and you were delightful at dinner last night,” Rockslide leant over the table and whispered, “But I still squirt farther.”

“We'll see about that when I'm tied up for dinner next,” Darkstar drank drink the rest of her coffee, “Are you ready?”

Just as quickly, Rockslide finished her second coffee and muffin, all too eager to fantasize about Darkstar wearing nothing but ropes again. “Ready!” Together, they left the coffee shop hand in hand back to the zebra’s car, a wide smile on both their faces.

Chapter 4 - Kisses and Misses

“I'll take the script and order it online for you,” said Rockslide when they were back at home and safely inside, “We can go pick it up later today.”

“Okay Rocky,” Darkstar stretched and went the other way into the living room. Prescriptions were boring. She had a pornographic DVD to choose. Far more interesting. “Do you want me to get a disc in the machine ready while you do that?”

“Sure,” Rockslide called from the kitchen where she had left her laptop from breakfast where she has been checking out her dating profile. Still nothing. Always nothing. “You can pick one with cock sucking as long as it has carpet munching too.”

“You got it, sis!” Darkstar perused the many, many options they had on offer and after a moment’s looking she found a newer one that fit the bill. It had a lot of oral for both sexes, plus ropes as well, that was a bonus. “Perfect!”

Once she had ordered the new prescription for Darkstar, Rockslide shed her denim shorts and her tee shirt and she walked out naked from the kitchen with a vibrator in her hand. One she had around the house for vibrator emergencies. “What movie did you pick?”

“Dongs and Dolls 2!” Darkstar giggled as she took hold of her pink sundress and lifted it up over her head, undressing herself in one quick motion. There was a reason she never wore underwear. Hardly ever wore underwear. “I hope the content is better than the title.”

“Doubtful,” Rockslide commented as she sat in her spot on the couch, her feet propped up on the coffee table, knees apart and a smile on her face. “It’d be cute if my bro got off early.”

Smirking, Darkstar sat on her spot on the couch beside Rockslide and spread her legs wide. “Nice choice of weapon, by the way,” she said, meaning the large very anatomically correct sex toy, “I have my five friends!” she wiggled her fingers, “Slate doesn't like me to have a dildo.”

Rockslide let out a snort, “Doesn't want to be compared, you mean.”

“He just doesn't want me using anything bigger than him,” Darkstar explained with a giggle, “He has nothing to worry about.” She then adjusted her position on the couch as the film started, her hand at the ready.

“From what I've seen,” grinned Rockslide, “I don't think so either.”

“MMmmmm,” Darkstar rubbed her delicate fingers gently and slowly over her crotch while with her other hand she groped at her modest B cup breasts. Looking over at the blue zebra, she pouted, “I wish mine were as big as yours.”

“Oh, and do you wish you had the back pain that comes with them?” queried Rockslide as she slid her dildo in slowly and played with one of her larger D cup breasts.

“Good point,” Darkstar squeezed her nipples until they hardened up, “Your girls are amazing though.”

“My milkshake brings all the girls to the yard. I'd teach you, but I'd have to charge.”

After spluttering out a laugh, the white skinned teen concentrated on the tied up submissive on screen. The male in the role of dominant had tied a complex but beautiful looking tortoiseshell pattern on her body and completed the look by tying her wrists to the back of the collar she wore. Then, she was pushed down to her knees. “Mmmm…” Darkstar knew where this was going.

“I see you picked this one for the rope tricks,” Rockslide snickered. While the bondage wasn’t her cup of coffee, she could appreciate the expertise on show.

“It's hot!” Darkstar squeaked in her defence, “And so's that…” she watched as the dominant on the screen held the submissive's long hair, holding her head in place, and started to feed his length into her throat. “I can do that,” she boasted proudly before she slipped two fingers of her left hand in and out of her wet pussy.

“I wouldn't know,” commented Rockslide, casually flipping the dildo on. The buzzing from the toy was quickly muffled when she thrust it into her sopping tunnel.

On the screen, the submissive woman was taking the rough oral treatment like a champ. The male had his thumbs at her eyelids keeping her eyes open making her look up at him as he proceeded to fuck her mouth and throat. Darkstar was soon into it, thrusting three of her fingers in and out while her thumb worked on her clit and a hand groped her breasts.

In contrast, Rockslide was taking it slow, happy to wait for the other female to show up. By her side, Darkstar finished a second or two after the male on the screen did the same. She screamed out her climax while the man emptied his ball in the submissive's mouth. The tied up woman was allowed a brief moment to recover before he was replaced by a female dominant in a black corset and knee length boots who laid the sub down on her back. Once she was in position, she straddled her head and sat down on her face, legs spread so that the camera got a good view.

“Now the action really starts!” Rockslide now had one hand moving the buzzing dildo and the fingers of her other hand playing with her hard swollen clit.

“Hmm?” Darkstar murmured. She noticed the change on screen now that she had come down from her high however she didn't stop. In fact, she carried on rubbing herself. “That is hot...”

“I'm good as top or bottom,” Rockslide said, the zebra imagining she was the dominant of the two on the screen.Darkstar too was laser focused on the screen, watching the dominant female rub herself off on the bound woman's face, getting a flash of tongue here and there.

“Bottom,” she panted, “I’m definitely bottom…” Darkstar began breathing heavily as she and Rockslide both quickly reached their climaxes. “Fuck...fuck c-cumming!” she arched her back and plunged her fingers deep inside herself.

By her side, Rockslide pulled away the dildo and she dropped it. Her right hand spread her gushing pussy wide open and the other rubbed herself furiously. Darkstar did the same, her fingers strumming her hard clit and she screamed as she came. “Oh yeah!” hollered the zebra, “Suck her dry!” she then squirted over her feet, over the coffee table and onto the floor on the far side, stopping just short of the TV.

Utterly spent and panting extremely hard, Darkstar rested her head on the older woman's shoulder. “Told you I could squirt farther,” Rockslide giggled.

“Momma should've called you Tsunami, not Rockslide,” commented Darkstar, her head still on Rockslide's shoulder, “That was intense.”

“You make cuter noises than momma does.”

“You're cute,” Darkstar lifted her head up so she could place a little kiss on the zebra’s stripey cheek, but at that moment, she turned her head to look at the teenager.

Their lips connected and their eyes went wide as dinner plates.

The kiss lingered for a long time, far longer than just a few seconds until Rockslide pulled back and said softly, “I know we tease each other to no end, but I think that is going a bit too far, Darkie.”

Darkstar had not moved. She hadn’t even blinked. Her yellow eyes were still wide open like they had inflated. “Wh-What...” realisation of what she had done started to hit her. “I-I didn't mean...I’m sorry! I shouldn't have...I'm sorry!”

Lightly, Rockslide touched Darkstar's cheek with a hand that was not at all that clean. “Hey,” she smiled warmly, “No harm, no foul. Doing you is a fantasy, Slate is your reality, and I'm good with that.”

“Rocky, I'm so sorry!” Darkstar would not be so easily put at ease, “I was just...the moment, we'd cum...th-the video, what they were doing...” she was fretting so much that her mouth was moving but no sounds come out.

“Smile. And breathe,” Rockslide said kindly but in a firm dominant tone, she knew it was an accident, more was the pity. She also knew if she didn’t stomp on the teenager’s freak out quickly it would consume her. “Were you going for a chaste kiss, or a tongue drilling kiss?”

For a few more times, Darkstar’s mouth moved before she could make herself actually speak, “Th-The first, d-definitely the first!”

“I love you,” Rockslide stroked Darkstar’s cheek with her soiled hand, “In a very platonic way. I'd still do you,” she said, and it took all her self-control to not do anything else, “In my dreams. And be sure to let me be the first to know if you switch sides.” she leant over and kissed Darkstar's forehead, “You are a cutie.”

Finally, when Darkstar had her breathing down from ‘post marathon’ to something resembling normal, she asked, “You aren't mad?”

Of course Rockslide wasn’t mad. If anything she wanted Darkstar to kiss her again, and again, and then to get between her legs and kiss her there too, but she knew it would never happen. “You like my tits. Do you think I'm hot?”

“I mean, you aren't unattractive…” Darkstar fidgeted her fingers together awkwardly, “It's just...the flirting, the teasing, it was so hot when you watched me and Slate last night…” her shoulders slumped, “I’m sorry.”

“I know you're hot,” Rockslide moved her hand at last, leaving a sticky print behind, “Stay true to you. It is okay if you wind me up, as I don't expect you to unwind me. While I don't plan on stopping the teasing, I can slow it down a bit if you want?”

“No, it's okay,” Darkstar shook her head, “I like the teasing, it's what we do and if we didn't do it, momma and Slate would think something's wrong with us and I don't want anything to be wrong with us.”

“You're family, so nothing can be wrong with us,” Rockslide purposefully kept the kind reassuring tone in her voice, “We keep the flirting verbal and not to physical, and we'll be just fine.”

“Deal,” Darkstar held out her hand and Rockslide made sure to shake it with her dirty hand. “Eeew! Okay,” she giggled, “I am definitely not confused!”

“Hmmm,” Rockslide pouted playfully, “I need to work harder then. Let’s have a shower and we'll get your new meds.”

Like a schoolgirl, Darkstar giggled at her sister’s affected pout and she got up from the couch, “Shower. Good idea. You still want to do it together, or too soon?”

“I don't trust my hands,” though she smiled, Rockslide’s tone was firm, “You have your own shower, and I’ve got mine. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

“Good call, sis,” Darkstar flashed the zebra a smile and she made her way to the shower adjacent to the bedroom she shared with Slate. The hot water cleansed her body, but it did nothing to cleanse her mind.

She huddled under the cascade of water and she cried, feeling like an utter wretched idiot. She cried and cried, but she didn’t feel any better. In fact, she felt worse.

Rockslide was faring no better, if she was honest. In her own shower she was trying immensely hard to forget what had just happened, but it was a fruitless endeavour, even after turning her shower’s temperature to ice cold. Why? Why did she have to kiss her? Why?

Roughly twenty minutes later, Darkstar emerged nude from the shower all clean and dry just as Rockslide had finished cleaning her mess from the coffee table. Upon seeing her walk into the living room, Rockslide gave Darkstar a much needed hug. “Are you doing okay?” she asked, keeping hold of the teen's shoulders but moving a little back from the hug.

“I'm fine,” Darkstar muttered, at the same time loosely hugging the older woman.

Rockslide had cared for Darkstar enough to know she was not fine. “I worry, Darkie. I'm not sure if you were hoping I'd do something more after that kiss, or hoping I was going to yell at you about it.”

‘She’s right about one of those,’ Darkstar thought miserably. “I deserved to be yelled at. I'm really not confused or experimenting or anything like that. I'm with Slate, and he's my universe.”

Smiling, the zebra placed a kiss directly on Darkstar’s lips. “Want to yell at me?”

“What? No, of course not!” she did though, take a couple of steps backwards, in case she was inclined to kiss her again.

“So you know,” Rockslide laughed, “That’s why I didn't yell at you, either. I was surprised. It was a pleasant surprise. I will allow you to hold my hand,” she then pointed dramatically, “To the pharmacy!”

Darkstar, who was about to walk out of the front door, caught sight of Rockslide in her denim shorts and white tee shirt and sneakers and she had a thought. “I should maybe put the dress back on first. I mean, I'm cool with just walking out there like this, I just don't want car crashes on my conscience.”

“I wasn't going to say anything,” smirked the blue zebra, and she really wasn’t, either, “I have bail money.”

“Don't tempt me, you know I would!” Darkstar picked up her pink sun dress and she slipped it over her head and shoulders before sliding her feet into her sandals. Last on was her wide brimmed hat.

“I watched you walk in last night, so, yeah, I know you would.” As she led the way to her little city car, part of Rockslide wanted to see Darkstar walk out with nothing on.

Darkstar held Rockslide’s hand on the way to her car, just in case she got lost. “What can I say, I just hate clothes, always have.”

“You have the wrong attitude,” Rockslide commented as she opened the passenger door, “Clothing is sexy. I wouldn't look twice, but I would once, if you were naked. But that dress has me looking to hope to glimpse those pretty little titties of yours.”

Giggles escaped Darkstar’s lips, “Okay, clothing has its uses, I'll grant you that, I just feel more comfortable in my skin is all.”

“That is a very good thing,” Rockslide was rather envious of the seemingly fearless teen as she put her car in gear and pulled out of the drive, “You helped me be more comfortable around my brother, then again, you helped him be more comfortable when I do that.”

“Slate's the best!” Darkstar smiled and watched the city suburbs go past the car window, “And clothes will hide the ropes the next time he dresses me in them and we go out.”

“Kinky.”

“It’ll give you something else to look for besides my pretty little titties,” pointed out Darkstar.

“Now it’s in my head, I'll always be looking for it when you and Slate go out.”

“Good! I'll make sure you have something fun to look at.”

Rockslide was sure and certain that Darkstar would be true to her word. With that in mind, she pulled into the pharmacy drive through and placed the old medication and the script into the hopper.

“Hello,” came a voice over the speaker, “I'm Popper. I’ll need to see your IDs too, please.” Rockslide rolled her eyes and while she retrieved her ID, she held out a hand to Darkstar, who placed hers in the zebra’s hand. “Thank you,” Popper’s voice spoke again after the IDs had been shown to the camera, “The meds?”

“Destroy them, please.” Requested Rockslide.

“Okay, can do. Congratulations Ms. Darkstar.”

“Thank you, ma'am!”

Rockslide made a second eye roll, “What gave it away?”

“The change in meds,” replied Popper, “I'll be a couple of minutes to fill this, if you’ll both excuse me.”

“Nice when a pharmacist takes the time to know her clients,” commented Rockslide as Popper moved out of view.

“Yeah,” Darkstar took a deep breath, “No going back now, huh?” she wasn’t overly enthusiastic about the prospect of lowering her medication. She knew what it meant.

Rockslide knew what it meant too, both for Darkstar and for the rest of them, for her to be on the lower meds. It wouldn’t be easy on any of them. She took the teenager’s hand in hers, “Is there a place you want to go back to?”

“No,” Darkstar shook her head emphatically, “God no, but, I know going forward isn't going to be easy either.”

“You got that right sister. Just remember, you don't have to go it alone.”

“I know I'm not alone; I have my fam with me.”

“You do, even the ones that are not so close by,” Rockslide stopped short of mentioning Shining Star or Brightstar. Darkstar was in a relatively good mood and she most certainly didn’t want to be the one to bring her down. She could do that on her own.

Popper came back to the viewer with a white paper bag, “Here you go,” she beamed cheerily, placing the bag in the hopper, “Okay, you're starting on one pill a day. Your doctor will let you know if you should double to the max dosage. Side effects are nausea if taken on an empty stomach, so take it with food. A bad side effect is chest pains. Stop and see your doctor if you experience that. Any questions?”

“No ma'am, I got it,” Darkstar smiled and gave the pharmacist a happy thumbs up, “One pill per day, make sure to eat something first.”

After collecting the medication, on the drive home, an idea occurred to the blue zebra, “If Slate gets back first, have him suggest we go out to eat. Then you can get 'dressed up' for it,” she flashed a grin at her sister when she stopped at a junction, “Now if momma gets back first, we will be eating that tasty roasted goat, so it is a win, win for me.”

“I like that going out plan,” Darkstar chuckled at Rockslide, “Are you saying it's a win win because I'll be tied up for dinner whether we go out or not?”

“Yes!” Rockslide snickered, “That’s just bonus. I like goat, and I like going out. You as eye candy is always good.”

Smirking, Darkstar settled back in the passenger seat, “I am good eye candy.”

“That you are Darkie,” Rockslide snatched a quick look down the top of Darkstar’s dress and caught just a hint of pretty little titty flesh that made both sets of lips tingle, “That you are.”

~ ~ ~

Later that day, in the late afternoon, Slate walked in fresh from work. As soon as she heard her brother enter the house, Rockslide was up and dancing in the living room, “I kissed a girl and I liked it!” she sang, and Slate was quick to join in, singing with her. “I kissed a girl and I liked it,” then, Rockslide danced over to a blushing Darkstar, gave her a hug from behind and sang, “I kissed this girl and I liked that too!” she danced her way over to the stairs, “I need to get ready to go out!”

As his older sister danced her way up the stairs to her bedroom, Slate walked over to the couch where the typically naked Darkstar was busy going beet red in the face. “What?”

It was amazing how much the teenager wanted the earth to open up and swallow her whole. “Yeah...I um...” she looked down at the floor and shuffles her bare feet, fidgeting her fingers nervously. Slate didn’t sound angry, but he hardly ever did. “I um, I kissed Rocky, earlier, in here on the couch.”

“Oh,” Slate smirked. He wasn’t angry, far from it. He knew from his fiancé’s aspect that she was punishing herself far more effectively than he ever could. “Did you like it?”

“No Master,” Darkstar’s gaze never left her feet. She felt like she was back at CHS being scolded by the scary Vice Principal.

Slate sat beside the fretting girl and placed his strong hand on her thigh, “Did Rocky like it?”

Darkstar was quickly becoming very knowledgeable on the pattern of the carpet under her feet, given how hard she was staring at it. “She said she was surprised, Master.”

“That sounds right,” Slate squeezed the pearly white thigh, “She does love you as a sister. And the going out part?”

“On the way back from getting the new medication,” Darkstar explained, “Rocky suggested that if you came back first, I should have you say we're going out to eat. Then you could get me dressed up for it, Master.”

“Dressed u...” Slate’s eyes widened as he put two and two together in his head and came up with an answer he liked very much indeed. “Oh, like my idea for dancing. I'd like that.” He then gently stroked her long grey hair back over her shoulders so he could see her face, “You still have a guilty look, love. Do you need some punishment?”

Despite all the reassurances from Rockslide that everything was good and that neither she nor Slate was or would be angry with her, Darkstar still felt completely wretched. “Yes Master, I do.”

“Well then,” Slate didn’t even bother to keep the smirk from his voice. If his pet wanted to be punished, then it was his duty as her Master to deliver her wishes, “Do I punish you up in the bedroom, or down here in the living room?”

The thought of being punished down there where she could be watched made Darkstar squeeze her slender thighs together. There was only one choice. “Living room, Master, please.”

“Fitting, as it is the scene of the crime.” He stood up, “Get into the corner and stew on what you’ve done while I go for a shower.”

As Slate turned and walked off up the stairs to their bedroom, Darkstar obediently made her way over to the nearest corner of the living room where she stood with her nose pressed right to the wall and her hands stacked behind her back.

Rockslide came back downstairs and she was treated to the sight of Darkstar’s bubble butt staring at her from the corner of the room. A butt she would happily eat her dinner from. “What’s this? Dinner and a show?”

“Show and dinner,” Darkstar was intrigued to find her voice was changed slightly by the proximity of the two walls, “I'm about to be punished.”

“For what?”

Darkstar pressed her nose all the way into the corner, in order to try and hide her blush, “For kissing you, of course.”

With a hand on her forehead, Rockslide swooned onto the couch. “I was so traumatized too!”

“I know,” Darkstar had a giggle of anticipation in her voice, “I’m sorry Rocky.”

Rockslide smiled, because from her new vantage point on the couch, the blue zebra had a clear view of Darkstar’s labia between her legs, which – thank the Moon Goddess – were shoulder width apart, “We’ll find out just how sorry you are when Slate comes back down.”

“Yes we will,” Darkstar’s breath hitched in her throat. She was amazed just how tight her collar felt around her neck and how dry her mouth was. Even though it had only been twenty minutes, it felt like she had been stood there for an eternity when she heard Slate coming down the stairs.

Freshly showered, Slate stepped out of the stair well with his loaded hands behind his back, just in case his pet was peeking. “Feeling rather chatty, I see,” he walked with purpose into the living room.

Caught out, Darkstar jumped and squeaked, “I’m sorry, Master!”

Smiling like he had just won every Hearth Warming ever, Slate said, “Maybe I'll let my sis determine that. Move from the corner to the coffee table and put your hands on it. Keep your arms straight.”

“Yes Master,” Darkstar was surprised, when she obeyed the terracotta zebra, that she was actually nervous when she was bent at the waist and her palms were flat down on the coffee table.

Moving behind his pet, Slate positioned himself so that Rockslide was in front of them on the couch. He then placed the rope he was holding behind his back in one of his hands on the TV.

When Darkstar heard him remove his belt behind her she couldn’t help but tremble. ‘Oh my god...he's gonna do it!’ she thought, fidgeting on her feet like she was standing in an ant’s nest, ‘you asked for it...’

“You really need to do some shopping, brother,” commented Rockslide when she saw he was going to use his belt.

“I'm good with what I have,” Slate winked at her, making a few practise swats at the air, “But maybe I'll take my pet shopping.”

“If she doesn't know where, I do.”

Before Darkstar could say anything, Slate folded his belt in half so that he was holding the buckle end in his hand, and he then rubbed the folded end over his fiancé’s white ass cheeks. “Do keep count for me, pet.”

“Y-Yes Master,” Darkstar whimpered and, for possibly the first time ever, she wished she had panties on, least they would be some protection against what was to come.

Smirking broadly, Slate swung the belt in the air, intercepting it with the palm of his other hand with a loud slap that made Rockslide jump, and she was watching! To his great amusement, Darkstar flinched and tensed her ass, automatically counting 'one' before she realised she hadn’t in fact been struck.

“Sneaky,” grinned Rockslide, and Slate laughed.

“That would be zero, pet, not one!” Slate swung the belt again, making another swishing sound in the air. This time, there was no hand to meet the belt. This time, it landed squarely on Darkstar's right butt cheek with a loud crack!

“AAAH!” Darkstar squealed in pain, lurching forwards with the force of the impact as Rockslide jumped a second time. “O-One, Master!”

Slate delivered three quick well aimed hits, one to Darkstar’s left butt crease, one to her right butt crease and one to her left butt cheek. “AH! AaaAAH!” Darkstar screamed out with the touch of the belt, “T-Two, fuck! Three!” the fourth strike had her up on the balls of her feet and then down again. “Fo…HHHHNNNNG! Four, Master!”

After the fourth hit with the belt, Slate used his off hand to rub Darkstar's ass checking for welts and warmth. He checked her very thoroughly. “Mmmmm…” Darkstar bit her lip, and she felt her ass getting more than a little warm and rosy.

“Any damage?” asked Rockslide, watching intently from the couch.

“Not on this bubble butt,” Slate smirked, “Not yet, anyway,” the hand that had been doing the caressing left Darkstar's ass, making her whimper ever so slightly.

Slate aimed two more strikes at Darkstar’s ass as close to her ass crack as he could, just as the front door opened and Sea Salt walked in. She looked at the scene before her, her son with the belt in his hand, Darkstar bent over and her daughter watching and took it all in with a shrug. “Is someone filming this?”

“No,” Slate replied, eyeing up his pet’s ass for the next place to whap her with his belt, “I told Rocky no recording.”

“Hi momma,” Rockslide didn’t look away from her brother and his pet, “We're going out to eat tonight.”

“But I have that goat to cook!”

“GAAAAAH Moon and stars!” Darkstar screamed out loudly and, without thinking, moved her left hand to rub her sore reddened ass cheeks.

Quickly, Rockslide whispered, “Count, Darkie, count!”

“We can go to the Zebrican restaurant, momma,” Slate took note of Darkstar’s moved hand and he raised the belt, ready to punish her for her transgression, “My treat.”

Fortunately for Darkstar, she heard Rockslide’s warning just in time and she quickly counted, “Five, six, Master!” before she whipped her hand back to the coffee table.

Unfortunately, Slate wasn't aiming for Darkstar’s hand, but because of that he swung the belt straight up between her slender legs. The force of the impact lifted her up onto her toes. “OOOW! Fucking jeez, oow! S-Seven!” tears began to leak from her eyes, the belt had really hurt her pussy – it had been a direct hit – really, really hurt! “Red!”

As soon as he heard his fiancé use her safe word he put his belt back on and used both hands to rub Darkstar's ass, an inspection that included the blossoming red bruise between her cheeks.

“What brought this on?” asked Sea Salt, completely unfazed by what she had just seen.

“She tried to steal my virginity!” exclaimed Rockslide, making her mother snort out a laugh and causing Slate to chuckle while he was inspecting Darkstar’s bruised snatch with his fingers.

“Oooow!” Darkstar’s whimper of pain became a moan, still pained, and she parted her legs so Slate could properly inspect her privates, “I'm sorry!” she managed to sniff back her tears.

“Apology accepted,” Rockslide applauded Darkstar’s performance.

Slate gently turned Darkstar around to face him and he planted a long passionate kiss on her lips, “I kissed a girl and I liked it. A lot.”

“I need to get changed if we're going out,” Sea Salt reluctantly said good bye to the goat she had been looking forward to all day. At least until tomorrow.

“You have plenty of time, momma,” Slate grinned, “I still need to get Darkie dressed.” Before pointing to the ropes on the TV. Nodding, his mother smiled and left the living room.

“Thank you Rocky, thank you Master,” Darkstar wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed Slate long and hard.

During the kiss, Slate turned Darkstar around so that she was facing the TV. “Are you ready to get dressed, my lovely pet?”

When she saw the ropes waiting for her on top of the TV, she smiled, her mood instantly lifting as she wiped her yellow eyes. This was perfect! Better than perfect, even! “Yes Master, I'm ready. I’m so ready.”

With her consent given, Slate took the rope and he follows the books instructions to the letter. Thanking his memory, he held both ends and he ran the rope through his hand to the mid-point. He placed that end over Darkstar's head. “Hold this with your fingers,” he pointed to where the rope crossed the collar bone.

“Got it, Master,” Darkstar touched her fingers to the rope, holding it in place, “I never knew you were that accurate with your belt.”

“Thank you,” Slate winked at her and he started tying the pearls made from the rope.

“Full tortoise shell?” asked Rockslide who was watching every move her little made. Slate nodded, and she grinned broadly, “That’ll make it a bit hard for entry then.”

Slate shrugged as he worked, “I can wait till I undress her for that.” Darkstar didn’t question what her Master was doing. She looked down, content to watch Slate manipulate the ropes like he had been doing it for years.

Working deftly, Slate ran the rope down between Darkstar's legs and there, he loosely tied it to the rope he had placed around her neck. That done, the zebra moved back to the front and he reached into a pocket of his jeans. He pulled out two small eggs and he held them up for his pet to see.

“Are those...” Darkstar’s yellow eyes went wide and she blushed when she heard Rockslide snort out a laugh. She was still blushing as she nodded her consent. “Yes, Master.”

Sea Salt then walked out of her bedroom on the ground floor of the house wearing a pretty dress while Slate was setting the ropes in place on her future daughter in law’s body. “Oh,” the old woman grinned, “That type of getting dressed. I think she'll need more than that to get into the restaurant.”

Both Rockslide and Slate snickered at their mother’s joke and, eggs in hand, he slid an egg into Darkstar's anus and vagina, respectively. He left the remote control leads hanging down for the moment as he snugged up the rope at her back and started wrapping her to make the diamonds across her skin.

Darkstar’s face was a beautiful shade of beetroot red once the two eggs were in place and held there by the ropes that were tightened between her legs. There was no way those were slipping out.

Slate worked in a slow and methodical manner, making sure the knots he created were all in the right place as they sunk into his pet’s flesh and, more importantly, her holes. There was a knot placed on her clitoris and her anus. The rope shell was finished off with a nice bow between her shoulders. He then used a bit of tape to secure the egg antennas to the ropes. “Walk around, I want to know if it’s binding?”

Obediently, Darkstar walked the length of the living room away from Slate, then at the other end, full of confidence, she turned and walked back towards him. “The knots are definitely in the right places, Master.”

“Do another circuit for me, pet.”

“Yes Master,” Darkstar turned and walked back across the living room. What she didn’t know was that in his pocket, Slate had the remote for the eggs. When her back was turned, after she had taken three steps, he turned both eggs on to their medium setting. Immediately, she felt the vibrations right inside her and she staggered, almost to her knees before righting herself. “Wow!”

“Wait here, I'll be back in a moment.”

When Slate was out of the living room, Sea Salt asked, “Darkie, are you doing okay?”

“Y-Yes momma, I'm okay, I promise,” Darkstar panted, the faint buzzing from the toys just audible, “I wasn't ready for the that setting out of the gate.”

Moments later, Slate returned and he turned the eggs down to low. In his hands he had his pet’s small pink mini skirt and a baggy yellow sweater that would reach halfway down the mini skirt once it was on.

“Thank you, Master,” Darkstar felt the eggs turned down to more of a background sensation, enough to keep her excited but not enough to get her off, and she dressed herself in the mini skirt and sweater.

“Okay,” Sea Salt clapped her hands once Darkstar was dressed, “I'm ready for some traditional cooking that I didn't cook!”

Smiling, Darkstar slipped on her sandals, “Ready, momma.” She had gotten used to the eggs inside her, “How was bridge? Did you win?”

“Rose and I took two in a row,” the old woman replied proudly, “Why I got back a bit early.”

“Well done, momma!” she then took hold of Slate's hand, “How was work, sweetie?” she asked because she realised she hadn’t done before now, although admittedly she had been occupied with other things when he had come home.

“It was productive. Filthy Rich was well pleased with the landscaping and passed out some bonuses.”

“Awesome!” Darkstar sprung up and kissed his cheek, “It went well with Requiem earlier. The doc changed up my meds to a lighter drug.”

“We sorted that at the pharmacy,” Rockslide put in before her brother could ask, “It's one a day for now. We took the other meds to be destroyed, and she needs to take one after she’s eaten.” When Slate looked at her, Rockslide patted her purse, “Got it in here.”

With a nod of his head, Darkstar walked holding Slate's hand and she allowed herself to be steered towards his truck. “Requiem said the bondage was a good idea.”

“Good,” Slate grinned as his mother and sister got in the back, “Then this trip is medicinal!”

Getting in the passenger seat, Darkstar giggled, “I hadn't thought of it like that. I did have a thought afterwards, something you might like…”

Slate leant over in the truck and he kissed her, “There are a lot of things I like about you.”

“Like my insanely good oral skills?” Darkstar kissed him back, “I bet a tongue piercing would make it feel way better.”

Putting his truck in gear, Slate raised an eyebrow, “We can talk about that later I'll think on it, you can marshal your reasons for it. Later is not tonight.” He steered them towards their destination, the Zebrican restaurant, ‘Savana'. It was an upscale place, so they didn't visit very often.

Wisely, Darkstar didn't bring up the piercing again. She was happy to sit in a comfortable silence for a short time until the restaurant was in sight. She was thankful the seats in the truck weren’t very hard. It spared her sore ass. “Thank you Slate,” she said presently, “For not freaking out when you came home.”

When he parked up in the lot, Slate squeezed Darkstar's hand before killing the engine, “My sister is a tease, but you're doing the sneaky good naughty, and I knew you'd have to confess since I didn't see it.”

“Still honing my skills with that,” Darkstar smiled warmly, feeling very much at ease with herself, even with the eggs buzzing away faintly inside her. “You were great, by the way. Giving up the control to you like that felt so good.”

“Controlling you feels really good too,” Slate snickered as they all got out of the truck, “Do you want something other than a belt or my hand?”

Darkstar did give that a serious thought before she answered, well aware that Sea Salt and Rockslide could hear her, “A crop or a paddle might be fun, Master.”

“In that case, I think some shopping tomorrow is on the schedule,” Slate said as he pulled out Darkstar's chair for her to sit.

Rockslide though was the first to sit down. “I do love the feel of hardwood under me,” she smirked, watching her sister like a hawk.

Standing by the hardwood chair, Darkstar looked at the seat like it had personally wronged her and gingerly, she lowered her warmed bubble butt down until contact was made. “Aaah!” she hissed, “Jeez!” immediately she squirmed and tried to find a 'comfortable' sitting angle. That was hard to do though, with the ropes spreading her ass cheeks. That last hit over her labia didn’t help either. After a few moments of no relief, she gave up and sat still.

In a low voice, Slate said, “You will let me know if it becomes too much for you.”

“I will, I promise,” Darkstar let out a quiet 'hmmmm' because the eggs were vibrating in a very specific spot now she was sat down.

When the waiter came to take their drink orders, Slate chose that exact moment to slip the anal egg up to medium. “Robinson Sweet Red, please.”

“Good choice,” Sea Salt approved of her son’s choice, both of wine and his timing on the egg, “We should get the bottle.”

“HMMMM!” Darkstar quickly forced her mouth shut as the more intense vibrations were felt deep in her anal cavity, “M-Moon above...”

“Pardon?” the waiter paused at the table.

“She has learned which heavenly body truly rules the sky,” Sea Salt smiled, coming to the teenager’s rescue. Waiter simply nodded and he hustled off to get the wine.

Darkstar, who was breathing slowly, wasn't at all sure now whether the hard seat hurt her more or the eggs were pleasuring her more, much to Rockslide’s amusement. “I think your girl is a natural dancer, brother.”

“She does put on a good show, doesn’t she?” asked Slate rhetorically just as Darkstar whimpered and clapped her hand over her mouth to stifle another loud moan. “Stand for just a moment, Darkie.”

“Yes Master,” obediently, Darkstar stood and a deep sigh of gratitude left her now her weight wasn’t on her ass.

While she was standing, Slate ran his hand over the seat of her chair and was happy to feel it wet. “You may sit,” he rubbed his fingers together and sniffed, “Best polish in the world.”

Poor Darkstar dearly wished she could stand just a little longer but, she had been told to sit, and so she did, though she was slow to sit back down, wincing as soon as her weight was on her ass. Just as soon as her butt touched the seat, Slate flipped both eggs up to high.

Caught by surprise, Darkstar went stiff and rigid, her eyes went wide for the ten seconds until he turned them down again. “AAAAAAH!” she screamed, too late realising she had made a loud noise, “Oh...oooh jeez!”

Sea Salt pointedly ignored the stares their table was getting from the other diners, “Did you see an appetizer you wanted, Darkie?”

“P-Prawn Mmmmm co-cocktail please, momma.” Sea Salt waved a hand and the waiter came over to take their order and that was the moment that Slate moved both eggs back up to medium. Darkstar was left to thump the table and clench her eyes shut to try and ward off her oncoming orgasm.

The waiter blinked and looked at the others at the table as he took their orders, but all of them acted like nothing was out of the ordinary. His job done, he hurried off to get their items. Darkstar didn't care about the waiter, or any of the other diners who were watching. She felt her juices leaking down her thighs and she asked quietly, “Master, may I please cum?”

Both Sea Salt and Rockslide looked at Slate, Sea Salt with a raised eyebrow. Casually, Slate flipped both eggs all the way up to high. “Yes, pet, you may.”

“Th-Tha...” Darkstar didn’t get to finish her sentence. She bit her lip and shook with the force of the increased vibrations and at last she reached her orgasm. “Thank you!”

While she was riding out her climax, Slate set the eggs back to low. “Just prawns, not a problem, my love.”

Rockslide snickered, “I can't wait to see how thankful she is when the main course comes,” at the next table over, a woman ordered the prawns.

The waiter quickly returned with the prawn cocktail that had eight prawns and Slate set just the anal egg to high when the waiter set it down in front of her. When he asked if she wanted anything else, Darkstar shook her head and panted, “W-Water please!”

Nodding, the waiter returned with a pitcher and four glasses. He poured each of them a glass and, after she had thanked him, Darkstar’s hand was shaking her ass grinding to the chair as she sipped her water.

Casting a smirk, Slate switched the anal egg back to low and the vaginal one up to medium, delighting in how his pet started panting like she’d ran for a bus, “Damn,” Rockslide snickered, “She really loves that water.”

“It is just the right temperature,” Slate winked at his older sister and reduced them both to low. Darkstar slowly and carefully ate a couple of her prawns now the settings were both low.

As soon as the last prawn was taken, the waiter returned with everyone's meal and he removed the appetizer. Slate chose not to mess with the controls to let Darkstar anticipate when he’d change them next.

All the time she was eating her fish & chips, Darkstar was flinching at seemingly random intervals at nothing, and fidgeting on the seat thanks to her sore red ass, frustrated that nothing was happening. It was when the glass of water reached her lips that Slate set both eggs up to high.

“PHHBBT!” Darkstar almost choked on her mouthful of water but she caught herself just in time. Some droplets landed on her sweater, and she ground down onto the crotch rope in a desperate attempt to get off.

Lightly, Slate patted his pet on the back, just as he turned both eggs back to low. “You okay, love?”

“Y-Yeah, I-I'm fine,” Darkstar gave Slate a shaky smile that she hoped was reassuring, “J-Just enjoying dinner.”

“Wrong pipe, I'm sure,” Sea Salt snickered, “Just go a bit slower.”

Wiping her chin, Darkstar felt some of her fluids sliding down her legs, “I'm alright momma, just swallowed too quickly, is all,” she explained, to which Rockslide snorted out a laugh.

After the main course had been eaten, Slate moved the vaginal egg to medium and left it there while they started their desserts. Darkstar barely made it through her chocolate and caramel ice cream without any further incident. “Hmmm…that was proper nice!”

Rockslide levelled a wry look at her sister, “I bet it wasn't just the food you enjoyed, hmm?” that said, she did enjoy the teenager’s intense blush.

“You can never go wrong with this restaurant,” Sea Salt smiled as she raised her glass to the table.

“True, that, momma.” Slate likewise raised his glass.

“Think you'll be able to walk out, Darkie?” asked Rockslide, a broad smirk on her face as she too raised her glass.

“I um...I might need a little support…” Darkstar held Slate's hand and with her other, she saluted the table and her family. Slate took his pet’s hand and, after she put her glass down, pulled her into a hug so he could twist the centre rope up her back.

Immediately, Darkstar went weak at the knees and she flopped into the hug, very grateful that Slate was as strong as he was. She gasped into her Master's ear as she came, this time without permission.

“Zebran restaurants have such a nice aroma, don't you agree, momma?” smirked Rockslide, inhaling deeply and getting a very distinctive smell right at the back of her nose.

Sea Salt giggled, “I do, daughter, I do.” The old woman laughed, because most of that 'aroma' was stained on the seat of Darkstar’s chair where she had been sat.

Slate too was enjoying his pet’s aroma as he took her left hand in his left hand and held it high to his chest. His right hand moved around her waist, but quickly dropped down to her butt when they walked out. Darkstar leant heavily into the zebra's side, her head on his shoulder, happy and content.

Outside in the parking lot, Slate whispered, “At least the truck seat is softer than the seat in the restaurant.” Darkstar had no complaints on that one. Nor did she have any complaints when Rockslide drove back and Sea Salt sat in the passenger seat so that they could snuggle in the back for the drive home.

Darkstar would never tell him, but his sister drove better than he did. She whispered so only he could hear, “I hope when you take the eggs out, you put something else in…”

“Do I need to call someone?” whispered Slate.

“You're more than enough for me,” Darkstar whispered before kissing Slate’s ear, “But I'm scared my butt will be all empty...”

Hearing that, Slate squeezed Darkstar in a tight hug. They hadn’t done anything concerning the term ‘anal’ before, not beyond the odd egg toy, “You need to be sure of this. I'm a lot different from an egg.” He knew he had to play it right, though he didn’t dare believe she was finally giving up her last hole to him.

“I should hope so,” Darkstar giggled to hide her nerves and then she used her serious tone, a tone she didn’t use very often, “I'm sure, Slate, just...I want it in our room, just you and me, least for the first time.”

Slate smiled warmly, “Even an exhibitionist likes some just me time.”

Darkstar was beet red from her deep blush, “The first time is special, y'know? Should be for us. Just us.”

“You will always be special to me, Darkie,” Slate held her tight as his sister drove them home. He wouldn’t admit it, but he was pleased she was a better driver than him. “This is something we will share together, but not again, unless you do truly enjoy it.”

Darkstar booped her Master on the nose, “Just don't skimp on that strawberry lube you like so much.”

Slate just chuckled and held Darkstar close all the way home. After they had arrived, and after they’d gotten out, Slate led her through the house. “I think we are turning in early, momma.”

“Don't make the neighbours come a knocking, child.”

“I don't think they will momma, not after the last time,” Darkstar hugged Sea Salt and then Rockslide each in tight squishy hugs, “Good night.”

Both Sea Salt and Rockslide could feel the ropes through those hugs, though the older woman chose to say nothing. “Nice to see that all that scout training paid off,” she gave them both a hug before they headed to their own rooms.

Darkstar giggled once they were alone in the living room, “You did look cute in that scout uniform,” she remembered when she had first gotten with Slate that Sea Salt had taken great pleasure in showing her all the kiddie pictures, and she had taken great pleasure in looking at them.

Without a word, Slate hooked a finger through the D ring on the front of the collar and he led Darkstar up to their bedroom. Darkstar was a good little submissive and she walked with her hands behind her back until she was stood in the middle of their bedroom.

Slate quietly and slowly lifted up the sweater over Darkstar, raising her arms up along with it. Her mini skirt was swiftly discarded onto the floor. Once her clothes were removed, he inspected the knot work to see if everything had stayed in place after the meal out. “I think we could go dancing with you dressed like this, pet.”

Darkstar kept her arms raised above her head, “I'd like that,” she winked, “So you can twist the ropes again?”

Slate reached behind her back, “You mean, like this?”

“AAaaaAAAH!” Darkstar screamed in agonised pleasure as Slate twisted the ropes and she crumbled forwards into his strong arms, panting hard, “Ju-Just like that, Master!”

Smirking, Slate unfastened the bow at Darkstar's shoulders. He then untied the diamonds, allowing them to close up and the knots relax from the flesh. “Aaaaah...” Darkstar sighed happily as the ropes were being removed, the imprint of them remaining on her white body. “Hmph...I've never felt more like Casper the Friendly Ghost than now.”

“Friendly indeed,” Slate took a moment to admire the lines left behind by the ropes then he gave her a general rub down to feel where the knots were and ropes left indented into her flesh.

Darkstar giggled and she enjoyed the rub down. When he was done, she parted her legs so he could remove the eggs from her holes. Slate waited until the final rub down between her labia and her ass cheeks to pull the eggs out by the cord.

“Mmmm,” Darkstar kissed him, “You're lucky I love you.”

“Yes I am! And I'm lucky you let me love you,” he gave her a wry grin and she moved over to a drawer on the nightstand by the bed where their toys were kept. He took out the strawberry lube and squirted a little into his mouth and moved back to give her a deep kiss. Darkstar wrapped her arms around his shoulders and returned the kiss with plenty of tongue.

Slate set the lube on the bed and lifted his arms, “I'm overdressed, and you should work to get me ready, pet.”

“I think I can manage that, my love,” Darkstar sensuously swayed her way around her Master, pressing her breasts to his front and then into his back from behind as she reached around to unbutton his shirt.

Once that was off, back at the front, Darkstar kissed her way down his chest until she was down on her knees. She deftly unbuckled his and tugged his jeans down to his ankles. She was pleased to see he was already at half-mast.

While she removed his socks and shoes, Darkstar used her mouth to skilfully turn his half-mast all the way up to a proud erection. Once he was erect, Slate lifted her up and moved her to the bed, where he placed her face down with her legs folded under her body so that her perfect ass was just the right level above the floor. “Are you ready, love?”

“I am so ready, babe,” Darkstar reached back with her hands and she spreads herself for him, adding a little inviting wiggle to her rear.

After taking a long, long moment to admire the view of his fiancé’s spread open holes before taking the lube and smearing a good amount on his fingers. But, he chose to start with his thumb slowly pushing past the sphincter muscle.

He worked the thick digit it in and out while at the same time his other hand was low with the thumb sliding into the birth canal as the fingers played with her clit.

“Mmm ooooh Sl-Slate...” Darkstar exhaled as he inserted his thumb into her, “Oh that feels good!” After several such thrusts of his thumbs, she let go of her ass cheeks and panted into the bedsheets.

Slate moved with deliberate slowness with her ass, adding first one finger and then a second. He stopped when he had three moving easily into and out of her backdoor and the hand on her snatch moved to put some more lube on himself with a bit of jerking to make sure he was stiff enough for entry.

Once there were three fingers and a thumb up to the second knuckle in her butt hole, Darkstar let out a gasp of intense arousal like never before. It was so strange, feeling herself stretched wide open for the first time.

Slate didn’t give her much chance to think about it. He positioned his cock and he pushed in. Once his tip was inside, he stopped and the other hand returned to his pet's dripping wet snatch. “Relax, pet.”

“I am!” Darkstar squeaked in a high pitched voice. She did her best to breathe slowly as she felt a hand softly caress her ass, “I am, relaxed, th-this is new, is all.”

“Something new for us to experience together,” Slate slowly pushed deeper into her anal cavity, at the same time he used his other hand to sink a few fingers into her vagina.

“O-Oh b-by the moon and stars!” Darkstar moaned, reaching back under herself and rubbing over the entrance of her love tunnel. “Deeper, please! Deeper!”

Slate used the hand that was caressing her ass to grab the lube and squirt some more at the point of contact. This allowed him to slid forward all the way until his body hit her rear. “Take it in and let me know when you’re ready for your pounding, my pet.”

“Goddess!” Darkstar took a few moments to pause, to stop and to breathe. Getting accustomed to the fact her asshole was full of and stretched by her Master’s cock was not that easy though. “Alright,” she breathed after a few minutes, “I'm ready, and I hope you meant 'pounding', Master.”

Behind her, Slate still thought it was his every Hearths Warmings as he started with firm slap to each of her ass cheeks as he pulled out a few inches and, with a second spank, he thrust his hips forwards until he hit that lovely bubble butt.

“Yes!” she moaned very enthusiastically into the bedsheets, “Like that!” None of the spanks he gave her were as hard as the ones when she was bent over his knee, but they were firm. He picked up his pace as the constricting tightness of her anus was now merely tight.

As he got faster and faster, so too did Darkstar’s moans of pleasure get louder and louder. She could feel level of tightness is getting looser the more he thrust into her. Slate moved his hands to grip her hips as he forcibly pulled her back against his thrusts. “Cum for me, pet!”

“Y-Ye-YeeeeEEEEESSSS MASTER!” Darkstar demonstrated what a good little sub she was and as she arched her back, she screamed at the top of her lungs and came, very hard indeed.

Thanks to his thrusting cock massaging her G spot through the perineum, Slate was able to build her up for a second orgasm. He was true to his word too, vigorously pounding her asshole into the bed.

By the time she came for the second time, Darkstar was a sweating boneless mess on the bed. “I-In me...cum in me, please cum in me!”

Slate was more than happy to do just that. He was only barely holding on to ride the orgasm with her. With an almighty thrust, the zebra let out a pleasured grunt and emptied his balls deep into Darkstar’s bowels. While his cock pulsed and throbbed, he remained hilted inside as he filled her with his hot seed.

It was only when nature softened him up that he pulled out slowly and, leaving his enormous creampie behind in her behind, he moved Darkstar forward so that she was scratched out on the bed. “That was wonderful,” he smiled as he laid on top of her with his sloppy dick nestled between her thighs, “But I will say all three holes are wonderful in my book.”

“That felt wonderful...” Darkstar sighed, swearing to herself that she would never get tired of the feeling of his semen filling her up, "I wish I'd let you do that ages ago."

“My love, all things in their time,” Slate commented, though he was unable to keep the ‘I won’ smile from his face, “We are in this together and together we will move forward.”

“As long as we do that again,” sighed Darkstar happily, “I mean all of it, the ropes, the public stuff, everything…”

“I was quite fond of spanking that beautiful ass of yours in a new and different way,” Slate then moved around to her side so he could engage in a tongue battle.

Darkstar allowed him to win the first one, then she fought back against the second, and she tried to win the third tongue war. Slate, after loving his lover’s tongue in his mouth, rested comfortably at her side. “I love you. Now, then, and always.”

“I love you till the moon flees the earth, my love.”

Chapter 5 - All in the Mall

Sunday morning, Darkstar woke in the darkness of their bedroom at ten minutes to six, thanks to the unholy noise of the alarm clock. Reaching out, she shut it off and dropped it to the floor, adding another crack to the already battered casing.

Slate had to go to work, but she didn’t, and so she was going to snuggle up to him and go back to sleep when she felt a part of her fiancé that was very much awake.

Since he was slow to get up, Darkstar decided to ‘help’, the best way she knew how. The teenager slid down between the zebra’s legs, where she spread them apart. There, she spent some time kissing his striped thighs, getting closer and closer to his balls with every wet, deliberate kiss.

The sleepy half-awake zebra let out a loud moan when he felt Darkstar put one of his balls into her mouth. She swished it around inside her mouth, then she switched to the other one. At the same time, she was also stroking his thighs with her hands.

He started breathing hard – barely keeping up the pretence of being asleep - when she managed to put both his balls into her mouth at once. Darkstar tenderly licked his balls while warming them up with her hot mouth. She used her tongue to move them all around; her lips were completely enveloping his entire sack, up to the root of his cock, where her hands began to stroke his erect shaft.

"Oh, D-Darkie!" Slate moaned, seemingly incapable of saying much else, that early in the morning, not with his testicles in his pet’s mouth, at any rate. She took pride in that; turning her Master on so much he couldn't really say much besides moan her name.

Darkstar removed his wet balls from her mouth and licked his shaft with the tip of her tongue. Knowing how much he liked a sloppy blowjob; she drenched his lap with her saliva. Starting at the root, she worked her way up to the sensitive underside of his cock, right up under the head. There, she gave that area some licks, and then teased him a bit with some long slow licks up and down the shaft.

With practised ease, Darkstar knew he really needed some more direct stimulation, and so she finally put her lips around the whole head of his cock and started to gently suck him off. Fondling his balls with her hand, she slowly lowered her mouth over his entire organ, getting it deep inside her mouth.

Darkstar slowly bobbed her head up and down into his lap, getting her soft delicate hands under him and squeezing his butt. She could hear his breathing getting heavier the more she worked his shaft into her throat. From the noises he was making, she knew he was deeply enjoying the attention he was getting that morning.

Slate began to buck his hips up and down, quickly getting into a rhythm with his pet as she stroked the root of his cock with her hands and swallowed his shaft again. Swirling her tongue wildly around the underside of the head of his cock, she drove him mad with desire.

The terracotta zebra was sweating; she could feel it on his thighs, brushing against her face. He kept groaning and moaning with pleasure as she became more firm with her sucking, especially when she drooled and slobbered all over his lap, determined to make the blowjob as wet and messy as possible.

Just how he liked it. "D-Da-Darkie, oh, feels good..." he moaned, his strong hands gripping her hair at the back of her head to encourage her in her work. As if she needed encouraging.

"Mmm...oh...Mmppphh...UM!" she moaned, unable to really say anything verbal with her mouth and throat filled up. Darkstar swished his cock inside her cheeks, getting it as deep into her throat as she possibly could while breathing through her nose. A nose that was scrunched up against his belly as she buried her face into his lap.

That was her favourite bit, and she moved a hand to her throat where she not only felt her collar but the bulge in her oesophagus that was his meaty cock.

Slate's groans were getting louder and his breathing more desperate. Darkstar firmly grabbed his dick with strong suction from her mouth as she fondled his heavy balls. She noted his balls begin to draw closer to his thighs, a sign that his orgasm was imminent. She intended to milk him dry, and so she sucked and licked him lovingly, all the time caressing his balls in her hand.

"D-Darkie...I'm gonna come soon, I can't hold it much longer..." Slate groaned as he laid slumped on the bed. He didn’t know how much longer he had to get ready for work. He didn’t care.

She didn't answer him verbally; Darkstar just sucked him faster and made moaning noises as she prepared to finish him off. The teenager’s pace and intensity grew with each trip up and down his organ; she made loud slurping and sucking sounds with her mouth.

She knew he really liked that.

His cock was rock hard and throbbing; she could feel it shaking. She visualized the hot white come loaded up in his balls getting ready to squirt hard. "OH! Fuck! OHHHHH!" he moaned loudly, just as the contractions began, and his erection flexed. Darkstar focused the muscles of her mouth and tongue intently on the head of his dick while tightening her grip around his balls.

She felt the pre-cum that she had been tasting all throughout the blowjob start to drip out even more. Then the explosion came.

Spurt after spurt of hot cum shot down Darkstar’s throat. The experienced teenager was able to gulp most of it down quickly, but some of it filled her cheeks. His own cum mixed with her saliva as she licked the tip of his shaft, valiantly swallowing it all down.

Through his ejaculation, she struggled to breathe through her nose, which was buried in his pubic hair, as she finished him off, milking even more cum out of his balls with her hands. Just when she thought it was over, his cock quivered with some involuntary aftershocks, and yet more creamy juice trickled down her throat.

Darkstar expertly kept his rock hard erection in her mouth after the main part of the orgasm had ended; there was drop after drop of cum still dripping out of the head of his dick even though the huge spurting phase had ended, and she wanted it all.

As he completely collapsed, spent and drained, Darkstar lovingly stroked his thighs; his cock was still in her mouth, but she had stopped stimulating what she knew would be a very sensitive shaft. She slowly let him withdraw, and gave the head of his cock a soft little kiss, licking off the last remaining drops of fluid.

Needless to say, Slate went to work that Sunday a very happy zebra indeed.

~ ~ ~

It was two in the afternoon when Slate got home. He walked through the front door and he saw his sister sat in her spot on the couch, and Darkstar – naked as normal – laid with her head on her spot and her feet on Rockslide’s lap. He guess, correctly, that her mood was somewhere between up and down, hovering between the two. “There's my favourite girl!” he smiled, moving in for a hug.

“And here I thought you meant me,” Rockslide pouted playfully, “Oh well.”

“Hey you,” Darkstar hugged Slate without getting up from where she was laid on her back on the couch.

“Are you teasing my sister again?”

Rockslide had the back of her hand up to her forehead, “Endlessly.” Not that she minded. Where Darkstar was laid allowed her to occasionally give the teenager a relaxing foot rub, and it gave her a good view of her shaven pussy. Win win!

“I have to have a hobby,” Darkstar smiled and, with some effort, sat up and propped herself up on her elbows, “How was work?”

“Oh you know, I scaped by,” Slate shrugged and Rockslide groaned at her younger brother’s old joke, “I think there was something we wanted to do today?”

Darkstar’s fifty / fifty mood instantly switched up several notches when she heard that. “Shopping!”

“White tank top and your shortest pink skirt,” Slate pointed up the stairs to their bedroom, “And your sandals, pet.”

“Oh,” Darkstar sighed dramatically as she sprang up to her feet, “If I must!” she skipped up off through the living room and up the stairs so fast her feet barely touched the steps, “Not be long!”

Rockslide remained sat on her spot on the couch, though she watched her sister’s ass until it disappeared up the stairs, then she carried on watching, waiting for her return. “It would take her longer to put on underwear,” she commented.

“That's only because she may have forgotten how,” Slate snickered, then brother and sister high fived each other.

Moments later, barely even five minutes, and Darkstar came skipping downstairs in the clothes she could generously be described as ‘almost wearing’. Her pink skirt barely covered her ass, and if she bent over, she’d definitely show herself off. The less said about her baggy white top the better. “Ta da!”

While Rockslide was staring with her eyes wide, Slate walked over and he ran a hand up the pink skirt and under the white top, just to be sure there were no unauthorised additions. Like it wasn’t obvious the moment she skipped downstairs. “We should be back for supper.”

“Supper, yeah…” Rockslide barely heard what her brother was saying, because Darkstar was taking up all her attention, “'Kay, supper…I'll let momma know.”

“Be back to tease you soon, sis!” Darkstar held Slate's hand and she skipped out the house, making the pink mini skirt bounce up just enough to show off the globes of her white ass cheeks.

As she watched them leave, Rockslide had never, never ever, wanted to be a pink mini skirt more in her life. She contented herself with jamming her hand down the front of her denim shorts. That was a moon she was willing to worship.

Outside, Slate gentlemanly held the door of his truck open for Darkstar and, while she noted his equipment was in the back, she skipped over to the passenger side and hopped inside. “Hey Rita!” she squeezed the dashboard and smiled, “Feeling good today?”

“I'm sure she is,” Slate grinned as he got in the driver’s side and clipped the seat belt on, “She likes your ass more than my ass.”

Giggling, Darkstar wiggled her bare ass on the seat, “That’s because she likes sexy things!”

“I'm in complete agreement,” Slate smiled warmly, “What did you want to do today, besides shopping?”

“Well,” Darkstar rested her head against the window as Slate put his truck in gear and pulled out of the drive, “You said we'd discuss it later, and now is later, so...about that tongue piercing?”

“Why?”

“Because it'd be cool!” she reached over and placed her hand on his that held the stick shift, “And because I know it would enhance your pleasure. And that gives me pleasure, great pleasure, making you happy.” She was sure of herself; she’d read it in one of Rockslide’s magazines.

“I will agree that it would look cool,” Slate conceded as he drove along the streets towards the mall, “This is for you, not me. You thought what you want to put in there?”

“I was thinking two studs, kind of side by side, in the middle of my tongue.”
“That heightens the risk of nerve damage,” naturally, Slate’s first concern was her health and her safety, two things he knew his pet didn’t always consider much, if at all. “Do you know anyone with two?”

Darkstar shook her head, “I don't, no, Master.”

“Do you know who you want to do this?”

“I was thinking there's that tattoo place on the ground floor of the mall,” said Darkstar after a brief thought, “The one Moonbeak takes Bright to when he rewards him with new ink. I think Stencil runs it.”

Slate nodded, thinking it was a good thing they were headed to the mall, “I'll talk to Stencil before I say yes. You will listen to Stencil if I say yes. You can change your mind if you want.”

“That's a deal, Slate. And I will listen, I promise,” Darkstar giggled and stroked her ears, “Sensible ears and everything.”

After he had parked up at the mall, which was as busy as ever it was, even for a Sunday, Slate made a beeline straight for the MiAC store on the second floor. “Anything you may want in here?”

Darkstar made a show of thinking about it for just a moment, “I think I recall someone wishing he had a paddle to tenderise my behind, so one of those would be cool. Ooh...I know you don't approve of dildos, but what about a butt plug?”

Broadly, Slate smiled, “I was thinking advanced bondage, but a paddle would save my hand,” after making their way through the bustling shoppers, he looked Darkstar in the eye, “We've done it once. Are you sure you want a plug? It is far different from an egg.”

“I like the sound of advanced bondage. Advanced is good.” She looked back at Slate, and she felt a little twinge in her ass from when he had fucked her there the night before, “I watched a film the other day with Rocky that featured an inflatable one. That looked fun!”

Slate graced Darkstar with a lingering kiss, one that made a few passers-by stop and look, not that either of them cared about that. “To shopping we go!”

“I love you,” she gladly returned the kiss and she squeezed his hand on the way up the escalator to the second floor, apparently deep in thought on the way up. “After we've done shopping and we’ve seen Stencil, do you want to go to the Burger Joint? My treat.”

On the second floor, Slate paused outside the gaudy bright neon pink façade of the MiAC store and grinned, “My tummy approves.”

“Good!” Darkstar sprang up onto her tip toes and kissed his nose, “Mine does too!”

Again, Slate took hold of Darkstar's hand and he led the way into the store that was just as eye achingly pink on the inside as it was on the outside. No wonder she liked it. “First, a paddle.”

“A paddle!” enthusiastically, Darkstar skipped down the aisles to the right place, not caring one bit as her skirt bounced up over her equally bouncy ass. There, she looked through the paddle options, and was pleased to see a dark brick red one. “I like that one.”

Slate could see why. It was almost an exact match of his skin tone. He took it down from the wall and performed a few practice swings in the air. “I approve,” he particularly liked the way the heart shaped hole cut down on resistance, “I'll pick the plug.”

“It suits you, Master,” Darkstar gave a cheeky little wave to a young couple who were openly staring at her top.

Moving through the store, Slate could see there were only a few people in the shop. Didn’t mean he couldn’t have some fun. Over at the plug area, he placed the paddle down on the floor. “Take a good look to be sure that is what you want. Don't bend your knees.”

While Slate was looking over the extensive plug selection, Darkstar winked, “Yes Master,” she was a good pet and she bent at the waist and, when she felt the air on her fully exposed ass, she made a good show of inspecting the paddle. “I'm sure.”

Ostensibly, Slate took his sweet time looking at the many and varied butt plugs, he had made his mind up almost straight away, he was also keeping a sharp eye on Darkstar, making sure that no one touched her. He was pleased to see the couple that were staring before were still staring, and keeping a respectful distance. He was also pleased that his pet was still bent over, obviously waiting for him to tell her to stop. “Rise,” he ordered once he had admired her bare rear, “I like this one.”

When Darkstar stood up, she took a deep breath and inspected his choice. It was a bright red inflatable - and vibrating – butt plug. “It's pretty, Master.” It wasn’t pink, but it would do. “Do they do those enema things here too?”

“That will be next,” Slate grinned and placed the inflatable plug in the basket, but he left the paddle on the floor, “All we need to choose is colour.”

“Why not a red, to match the butt plug?”

“It’s your choice, pet.”

“I like the red one, Master.”

Slate had to agree. At least the red was better than the brown, in this case. “Oh,” he smirked as he took the kit from the shelf, “I left that paddle on the floor. Please run back and get it for me. I'll be talking to the person at the counter.”

“Yes Master,” Darkstar obediently skipped her way back along the aisles to where the paddle was still on the floor. There, she bent at the waist to pick it up.

“You are a cutie,” a man watching her couldn’t help but admire the view. It was an amazing view and it deserved to be admired. It was a shame she wore a collar, or he would have made a move.

“I am a cutie!” Darkstar treated the stranger to her very best smile, “Thank you, sir.” The man simply smiles and nodded before moving off down an aisle. “Nice guy…” she then turned the other way and skipped back to Slate, hugging his arm. “Here's the paddle, Master.”

Slate, who was busy chatting with the woman at the checkout, kissed Darkstar’s forehead. “Hello, pet. Back in the enema area there are some solutions. Please get me the catnip tea one.”

“Yes Master,” although she was curious about the two books he had on the counter, Darkstar obediently left the paddle and skipped through the store to the plug section. “Catnip tea...catnip tea...ah! Here we are.”

When she returned with the solution in hand, the clerk at the counter drank in the vision that was Darkstar and her loose tiny clothing. “You have a very pretty pet, Master Slate.”

“Thank you,” Slate added the tea to the items already on the counter, “Have you heard of the tattoo studio run by Stencil?”

“Down on the ground floor?” she asked, and when he nodded, she continued, “Yes, it’s a good shop. We have several clients that have been there. He dropped out of pre-med due to costs. Good guy, though.”

Satisfied, Slate paid for their purchases, making Darkstar frown for a brief second before her smile returned and she followed Slate out, holding his hand. “I like that shop. Always so nice in there.”

“They are, but they sell happiness, or so they say,” Slate took a moment to enjoy the view down his pet’s top as they walked to the escalator, “You know, after the piercing, it will be some time before you'll be able to eat solid food. You want to set up an appointment and then get some lunch?”

“Sounds like a plan. Let's go do that, in that order,” Darkstar smiled as they walked, “This nice old guy in there said I was a cutie, so he got a smile and a thank you.”

Smirking, Slate tickled under Darkstar's chin, “You are a good pet, yes you are!”

“Thank you, Master,” Darkstar giggled and rode the escalator down to the ground floor looking into her lover’s eyes, “He was respectful of the collar, so I was nice. World needs more nice.”

“It does at that,” Slate agreed. Nice was always, well, nice. He led the way to the tattoo parlour. “You still sure about this?”

“I am,” Darkstar kissed Slate full on the lips, “But thank you for asking.”

Slate paused at the door, “I talk to Stencil, then you listen to Stencil, and after that you can make an appointment or not,” he kissed his pet, “I love you and I will respect your choice.”

“That's why I love you!”

Walking into the store, Slate held Darkstar’s hand tight. It did look clean and well lit, that put him at ease, although he knew it must be a decent place, because Moonbeak wouldn’t frequent it otherwise. “Hello,” he spoke to the female receptionist, “You do piercings here?”

“Hello,” the receptionist flashed Slate a practised smile, “Welcome to Lifestyles. I'm Juniper, and yes we provide a variety of body modification services.”

Darkstar’s head was on a swivel as she tried to look all around the inside of the store at once. She had never been in here herself, but she had heard her brother and Moonbeak speak highly of it. “Oh look,” she saw a sleeve tattoo in a griffon style, “Bright and Moony have that one!”

Slate rolled his eyes, “I'm rather happy with my permeant tattoos.”

“Don't worry, Master, I'm not after a tattoo,” Darkstar shuddered, “Unless it's one that's licked on by kittens, I'm out.”

Snickering, Slate turned back to the receptionist, “My girl is interested in getting her tongue pierced, twice. I was told to talk to Stencil.”

“He is with a client now,” Juniper replied pleasantly, “And that session is scheduled for another twenty minutes. Can I help you?”

“Sure,” Slate stepped aside and allowed Darkstar to step up, “Please talk to this one about the pros and cons of getting a tongue piercing. If she still wants it, please schedule her.”

With her smile in place, albeit a more natural one, Juniper gave Darkstar the benefits of the piercing first. She made a point early on – because this wasn’t her first time doing this - to say that it didn't do much benefit for a blowjob. She also revealed that she had several piercings of her own, but none were in the tongue.

After that, Juniper strongly pointed out the cons of what the young woman wanted. Top of the list was the pain involved, which admittedly, wasn’t much. Then there was the four to six weeks of healing involved. There was also a chance, but small, of nerve damage.

“My boss, Stencil, did complete four years of med school, but finances forced him to leave.” Juniper explained, in case they were unaware, “To date no customer has had any nerve damage and there is no spot on a body he is unwilling to pierce.” She then decided to switch to the jewellery, “It is possible to damage your teeth with hard bars. A lisp is also possible as you adjust to what is now in your tongue.”

“Alright, um...” Darkstar spluttered, her resolve faltering under the barrage of facts that Juniper launched her way, “Well I don't much fancy the teeth damage. What about somewhere else, like say my nipples instead?”

“Oh, that’s easy, very little pain, healing in forty eight hours,” Juniper beamed, “And there’s a huge selection of jewellery available.” She pulled up her top and revealed she had a ring in each nipple with a chain between them, then she dropped it back down. “I love the feel of the chain on my flesh.”

Beside her, Slate smiled at the display and he thought of his pet doing that any chance she got. Darkstar looked at him and had the same thought. “Then, I'd much rather go with that, I mean, with those...” she blushed, “I mean the rings, not your 'those'...you know what I mean, right?”

Seeing her customer’s blush, Juniper saw an opportunity for a tease and she leant forward, “You want to touch them?”

“I think I would,” Slate volunteered himself, “So I know what I'm getting into when she has it done.”

Laughing, Juniper continued, “The cons. Studs are safe, but rings can be ripped out. Usually, you're naked and if you fall catching that thing you thought you'd never catch, can be painful. Chains are made to break away if someone pulls hard on them, but slow even pressure will stop that, so if you do pet play, be careful.”

“I think she knows you quite well, pet.” Slate grinned.

“So like,” Darkstar had an idea, “If I have rings like yours and a chain between them, you can put a second chain from that to act like a leash?”

“Well,” Juniper smiled, “Usually a leash is clipped to the neck, but it works off a tit. Caution, make sure it’s a break away leash. A fall of either party can be painful and bloody. Good news if it is ripped out, it can be stitched up, but it will leave a scar. So far, only two clients have had that happen to them.”

“Alright then,” Darkstar quickly made her mind up, “I'd like that done, instead of the tongue piercing. Lends itself to more fun scenarios for us both, I think.”

“Too bad you didn't ask about a clit piercing,” smirked Slate, “That would have been a nice demo.”

Juniper spared the zebra a somewhat withering look, suggesting she had heard that line many times before. “Not that you'd get one, as I don't have one. I'm not sacrificing pleasure for fashion,” she then turned to her open diary on her desk and spotted an open slot, “Are you free this Wednesday at two p.m.?” she asked, looking to see if the girl had her ears pierced.

“A clit piercing?” asked Darkstar, whose ears were not pierced, “Wouldn't that be super painful?”

“I've been told it isn't horrible,” Juniper shuddered at the mere thought of having her love nub pierced, “But yeah, and healing is two to four days. It does cost you a lot in the pleasure department when you or someone plays with the love button. I do have a client that is into chains and she doesn't want anyone to play with it. Loaded up, she has nine chains on her body.”

“Okay then, one of those as well. May as well have the set of three while we're booking an appointment,” Darkstar thought it sounded like a tolerable idea, “And I'm free Wednesday at two, miss.”

Slate though, was quick to interject, “Why would you want to give up me playing with that button?”

Just like that, Darkstar’s eyes went wide with realisation, “Oh!” she squeaked, “Oh, I see! I misunderstood, yeah in that case, just the nipple rings, please.”

Juniper stood up, “If you want some chains, then I recommend this,” she pulled up her shirt again, though just a bit to show off the naval piercing she wore on her belly button. She had a sapphire in her navel. “You can put a ring there, too.”

“That's better,” once she saw the ring in Juniper’s navel, she was sure that’s what she wanted. “I'd rather have a ring there, add a chain to that from the nipples. Sorry, for the misunderstanding.”

Breezily, Juniper waved off the teenager’s concerns, “Stencil would no doubt say my job is to drive away business. All three piercings can still be done in a thirty minute appointment Wednesday at two p.m., you good for that?”

“I am, yes, thank you.”

“One last thing,” Juniper stopped them as they were about to leave the store, “The three piercings will cost one hundred and twenty bits. You will want the 'healing' studs for all of them and they run at just forty five bits for all three. We do give a fifty percent refund when you turn them back in. As to jewellery, that is where the real cost is. Double check for any metal allergies. but they can run over a hundred bits each for the fancy stuff. Rings are around twenty five bits each.”

“So...” Darkstar felt like a bucket of ice cold water had been dumped over her head, it was a feeling she didn’t like, not one bit, “It’s two hundred and forty bits for three rings?”

While Juniper just nodded, Slate broke it down, “One hundred and twenty for the piercings, forty five for the healing studs we can return and get twenty two fifty back and then seventy five for the rings. So yeah, plan on two hundred and forty if we keep them. I'm good for that.”

“Those are the simplest rings,” Juniper then showed them a catalogue with hundreds and hundreds of types of jewellery. “There is a charge for the breakaway chains but,” she leant in close and whispered, “You can get those at the MiAC and save a fair bit.”

Darkstar giggled, “Thank you for the advice, Miss Juniper.”

“See you Wednesday, and lover boy can come too. Hope blood doesn't make him faint.”

“Lover boy is good, might make me faint though,” Darkstar looked at the chuckling Slate as he walked out of the store holding her hand. “You enjoyed that, didn't you?”

“She is as big an exhibitionist as you are,” explained Slate shamelessly and unapologetically, “Never turn down a chance to see some titties!”

Out in the mall, Darkstar quickly lifted her top and flashed Slate, dropping it down before any of the shoppers bustling about noticed what she had done. “You only have to ask, Master.”

“I know, but I like it when you improvise.”

“Like this, you mean?” Darkstar again lifted up her top, this time exposing her little breasts for a little longer, before dropping it back down over her chest. She was fairly sure a couple of guys had seen her, not that she cared about that.

“I can see the rings in them now,” Slate openly groped Darkstar’s breasts through the shirt, grinning and winking at the scandalised look a passing woman shot him, “Still, I want lunch.” Even though there was a perfectly good food court in the mall, they both wanted the Burger Joint. So, he took her out to his truck and held open the door.

Darkstar just smiled and got in the truck. “I need fuel. Big greasy unhealthy food.” Slate’s hungry look – for once not just hungry for her – told her he was of the same opinion. At the diner, a trip that didn’t take long, she asked, “What are you having, babes, my treat.”

“I would like a double quarter pounder with cheese, large fries and large chocolate shake. Oh, and two of those little apple pies.” He stopped her just before she walked through the doors, “I thought we'd go inside to eat, just check the area before you get too carried away with showing off your goods.”

“I'm good with that,” Darkstar walked in with Slate to the counter and she ordered what he had requested, “And I'll have a BJ special meal with cheesy fries and a chocolate fudge shake and vanilla ice cream, please.”

The lady working the counter, Springfield, spent as much time looking down Darkstar's top as she did ringing up the order. “That’ll be nineteen twenty eight, and sorry, no discounts for the show.”

Darkstar matched Springfield’s smile with one of her own. “In that case, I need to put on a better show,” she winked and slipped her purse from her shoulder and handed over a twenty bit note and a five along with it, “Keep the change, Springfield.”

If it was possible, Springfield’s smile grew wider, “I'll have the order to your table in a few minutes.”

“Thank you, miss!” Darkstar gave her a big smile and walked with Slate to an empty table. When she was seated though, the smile had evaporated like breath on a window, leaving no trace it was ever there. In its place was a more serious expression, one not normally seen on her.

“Did you enjoy that?” asked Slate, who paused when he saw the solemn look staring back at him from across the table. “What's on your mind?”

“Slate,” Darkstar looked down at the table and she fidgeted her delicate fingers together, “Do I take advantage of you?”

Wondering where on earth that came from, then realising it came from her fragile psyche, Slate said kindly, “Taking advantage is getting me to do something I wouldn't normally do, like getting me to smoke something. I am wrapped around your finger, but you love to make me happy, and I will go along with most if your ideas,” he leant over for a kiss, which she didn’t return, “I don't think you're taking advantage of me, but you do know what buttons to push.”

Darkstar allowed the kiss to bounce off of her cheek like a wave breaking against a sea wall. “Momma and Rocky said that, that I have you wrapped around my finger. Sorry…” her deep breath morphed into a sigh, “I’m sorry, Slate, I just worry.”

“I just admitted that’s true,” laughed Slate good naturedly, “But did I take advantage of you when you bought that butt plug?”

“No,” Darkstar shook her head, “Of course not, but…”

Without letting her finish, Slate cut across her, “But how long had I pestered you about pounding your ass, hmm?”

That was entirely beside the point, and Darkstar was going to tell him so, until she saw the look on his face. “Let's see,” she thought about it, “We've been together two years, um...eighteen months, give or take?”

“Persistence!” Slate grinned, “Could you take advantage of me? You can try, and I might let you if it’s something that interests me. Like piercing your tongue, but I did nudge you that your clit would be too much.” The zebra was pleased to see the solemn look leaving her face, “I'm glad Juniper was there. I think she showed you the piercings she had are the ones you really wanted.”

Darkstar didn’t only look relieved, she felt it too. “I agree with you on that, love, and you're right, they were what I wanted all along. And the clit thing would have been too much. You know I don't do a lot of pain.”

He knew. His pet was the girliest pinkest girl he knew – compared to his sister, all girls were princesses – just how he liked her. “I'll be sure when I tug your chains it’s the right amount of pain.”

She flashed him her five star smile, “Promise?”

Just then, Springfield bought over the tray of food, purposefully approaching the table in such a way that she might catch a glimpse up the girl’s short skirt. She was not disappointed. “Here’s your food, sir, miss.”

Seeing as how the waitress was so nice, Darkstar parted her white legs ever so, making sure Springfield got a good view she would remember. “Thank you, ma’am!”

“You are most welcome!” having stood there for a few minutes and ogled Darkstar until she’d had her fill, Springfield sauntered off with a smile.

“Just so you know,” Slate smirked as he lifted up his burger, “It is really hot to see your effect on others, and that if any of them go too far I'll stop it.”

“I know you will,” just for her Master’s benefit, Darkstar kept her legs open as she grabbed a couple of fries and polishing them off mercilessly, “I know how much you love me, because I love you the same.”

Considering that for a moment, Slate admitted, “This burger comes in a close second though,” he then took a big bite of said burger with a broad smile.

“I know what you mean,” Darkstar took a rather smaller bite of her burger as she considered everything. “And...thank you, for listening. Really listening. Makes me love you more.”

Affectionately, Slate reached over and took Darkstar's hand in his. “To truly love you I need to listen. I don't need to tell you what to do, but I will give advice if asked or correction if you stray. I'm not here to fix you, Darkie, I'm here to love you.” And loving her meant he loved the way a couple of teenagers a couple of tables away were openly staring straight between her legs.

Smiling, Darkstar spread her legs just a little wider and felt a great amount of satisfaction when one of the boys ran to the bathroom. “I just didn’t want momma or Rocky upset with me, I mean, you're almost three hundred in the hole just for today alone...”

“My money, my choice,” Slate countered, “It isn't like you're one for high end clothes or jewellery.” The zebra laughed, “Well, we will see about jewellery. My money has no meaning without you to enjoy it with me.”

“Alright,” Darkstar sighed at last, “My mind is at ease.” she winked and closed her legs, finally sparing the poor teen over the way, “As much as it ever is.”

Taking another big bite of his burger, Slate nodded, “Is my playful Darkie back, or do you have some other serious business to take care of?”

“Playful Me has returned,” as she demolished a big handful of her fries, Darkstar slipped her right foot out of her sandal and she caressed Slate's lower leg as proof of her return.

“I love you all the time, Darkie, but you are not the hardest person to read,” said Slate, who was at that moment enjoying what she was doing to his leg with her foot, “I'm happy you are willing to question things.”

“Open book, that's me!” Darkstar declared with a smile, “I at least wanted to pay for dinner, now that Bright finally sent me this month’s allowance.”

“You can lavish your money anytime you want, love.”

“Hence this marvellous feast!”

“Why I got pie!”

Giggling, Darkstar had an idea. “Do you want to put some of my ice cream on that and share?”

Returning her smile, Slate told her what he thought of that by dipping his pie into her ice cream and taking a bite. “That is a good idea, pet.” To show how good an idea it was, he did it again so he could put the creampie mixture in her mouth.

Swallowing the treat, Darkstar giggled as she had a dirty joke enter her head, “You know how much I love your creampie, Master.”

“Yes,” Slate commented, completely straight faced, “Yes I do.” He then repeated the process of dipping the apple pies in the ice cream until both pies were gone. All the time, Darkstar was moving her foot ever higher up for maximum teasing the more they ate, until she was a toe away from being indecent, not that Slate stopped her. “The no panties look is so you. Now, if you can put your sandal back on, I will need a minute or two so I can stand up and not flip this table.”

Giggling brightly, Darkstar slipped her foot back into her footwear. “Want to try out some of the new stuff when we get home?”

“I do, both with and on you.” Leaving the diner, the drive back home was a quiet one, as Slate didn't want to give anything away. And he liked to keep his pet guessing. That was part of the fun.

Beside him in the truck though, Darkstar couldn’t stay silent for very long, but she did know better than to ask about anything he might have planned, instead she brought up something else on her mind. “Slate...is it stupid to be worried about the scan tomorrow? I mean, we already know I'm pregnant.”

“I think it would be stranger to not be worried,” commented Slate after considering the question, “Having a positive result would make it all the more real. You'll be a mom, Darkie. You will not be alone.”

“I think that's the thing right there. The scan will make it official, y'know?”

Slate nodded as he drove, “I'm fond of order and official things. Just means more shopping.”

“I do love me some shopping.”

“For maternity clothes?”

“Amongst other things, sure.”

Laughing, Slate spared Darkstar a quick glance as he turned a corner and drove past a row of parked up cars, “You took that very well. I know for sure you'll make for a fine mother.”

“I only took that so well because I want to look at that Carousel Boutique place over near CHS,” explained Darkstar, revealing her hidden motive, “Bright gets his dresses from there.”

“As long as I get to watch you change outside the changing room.”

When they got back home, Slate and Darkstar found Rockslide and Sea Salt were watching an episode of their favourite show Out of Zebrica they had recorded earlier. “Any new holes?” asked Rockslide without looking away from the TV screen.

“Not yet,” Darkstar smiled and removed her loose top – it was a miracle it had remained on as long as it had – and she tossed it to the zebra on the couch, “On Wednesday these little beauties will have rings in them.”

Sneakily, Slate wrapped his left hand around his pet’s waist and reached far enough to deliver a devastatingly effective tickle poke right in her belly button, “As will this one,” he smirked.

“Young folk…” muttered Sea Salt with a roll of her eyes.

“Are adventurous!” finished off Rockslide.

“GAaaaAHahahaha!” Darkstar, who was notoriously ticklish, immediately doubled over and started laughing the very instant Slate began tickling her. Her knees buckled and she flopped boneless into Slate's side.

“I should sell tickets for that piercing if she is this ticklish,” laughed Slate, his fingers unrelentingly attacking her belly and ripping more laughs from her.

“I'll buy one,” Rockslide volunteered instantly, almost before her little brother had stopped speaking, “And one for momma, too.”

“Wednesday, two p.m. in the mall,” Slate held Darkstar in place with one hand while the other was tickling her so thoroughly she was starting to cry, “So I'm hoping I'll get off work.”

“I'll mark it,” Rockslide smirked, glad it wasn’t her being tickled like that, “Should be a good show.”

Finally taking pity on his pet, Slate decided to show her some mercy and he stopped tickling her, only to pick her up easily in his strong arms. “When's dinner, momma?”

“Thirty minutes, child.”

“Plenty of time,” without another word, the terracotta zebra carried Darkstar bridal style upstairs to their bedroom.

“Do you think they'll keep this up when she’s big and round?” asked Sea Salt who, when she noted that her daughter was looking wistfully at the stairs and not at her, waved her hand in front of her eyes.

Rockslide did at least have the grace to blush when she had been caught out. Didn’t stop her looking though. “Ooooh all my fantasies hope they do, momma…” she sighed, before she went back to watching their show on the TV.

Since she was being carried, Darkstar was happy to wait until they were at the top of the stairs to start kissing Slate’s neck and the ear she could reach. No stranger to that, Slate took his pet’s shenanigans in his stride. “I love you too.” He carried her into the bedroom and stood her up in an open area. “Stay pet.”

“Yes Master,” she stood roughly at attention, with her feet shoulder width apart and her hands behind her back.

Slate got the new book he had bought and he turned to a page that caught his attention. “What do you think of suspension, pet?”

“I think it looks fun, Master,” Darkstar answered quickly, “And I think you have a look in your eye like you really want to give it a go.”

“I do,” Slate gave her a wry smile, always impressed at how willing she was to try new things, “But first I'll have to install some hardware in the ceiling. Tonight, I'm going for some arm bondage,” he said as he turned to a different page, “So I will have to feed you at dinner.”

Full of curiosity, Darkstar looked at the page Slate had turned to, “That makes the sub look like she's wearing an armbinder…”

“True,” Slate agreed as he delved into the toy box in the closet for a couple lengths of rope, “But a far more affordable one. I think I'll do a leg binding too, so I'll have to carry you around.”

Darkstar shrugged her shoulders. She’d never really seen the point of an armbinder. “I'd rather wear your ropes anyway. More intimate I think,” she stole a quick kiss before the scene started proper, “Carry me, position me, I'm good with that, Slate.”

“We shall see,” Slate laid the lengths of rope out on the bed, along with a couple other fun things, “What do you say if it gets to be too much?”

“Untie me,” Darkstar replied confidently, “Or Red, Master.”

Slate proceeded to take his time with the arm binding. He carefully wound the rope around her limbs behind her back above and below her elbows and around her shoulders until her arms were immobile. He even included a bonus breast binding that swelled her B cups up to impressive Ds. “I do think this is my kink, pet.” He said as he admired his work.

“And it's a Green from me!” Darkstar looked down at her body and smiled, “You gave me decent boobs again!”

“I love your boobs, all the time,” Slate picked up the tube of strawberry lube out, “Can you guess what’s next, pet?”

“Spelunking time, Master?”

Brandishing the lube like a weapon, Slate nodded. “I need to test out that new toy we bought.” The zebra was very liberal with the strawberry flavoured lube. He used both his fingers and especially his thumb, applying the lube inside and out.

“Hmmm,” helpfully, Darkstar had bent over the bed and arched her back downwards, thrusting her ass outwards to allow him better access to her backside, “I am getting used to your thumb in my butt, Master.”

“Now for the plug,” Slate picked up the inflatable toy and liberally coated it in copious amounts of the strawberry flavoured lube, “Looks simple enough, insert, push this button that is outside your ass to inflate. Ready?”

Playfully, Darkstar wiggled her bubble butt in Slate’s face, “Ready Master.”

Hypnotised for a few seconds by Darkstar’s jiggling butt, Slate slowly and carefully inserted the butt plug, and then he inflated it with five squeezes until he heard her gasp and then he taped the antenna to her leg. That done, he inserted a vibrating egg into her sopping wet vagina and taped that antenna to her leg. “Now for the embarrassing part.”

“I’m glad you stopped at five squeezes. Wow,” Darkstar checked herself, “I feel full, like really full back there.” Looking over her shoulder, she saw Slate go to the dresser and he opened the top right drawer that only had one type of item in it, her underwear. “Panties?” she cocked her head, struggling to remember the last time she wore any.

Smirking, Slate pulled out a pretty pink pair of panties with a smiling cat on the butt. “I did say it would be embarrassing, or well, you won't be bare assed,” he chuckled at his own joke.

At the sight of the panties, Darkstar blushed bright red at the super cute garment she was about to wear. Not the worst thing in the world, least they were pink. “Green, Master.”

“Excellent,” Slate didn’t bother to keep the smirk from his voice, “I'd hate for you to miss dinner.” Grin firmly in place, he slipped the panties up his pet's long slender legs and he made sure they fit snugly in place.

“Considerate as ever, Master.”

Once the toys were in place, and the panties were snugly fitted over them, Slate moved Darkstar to sit on the desk chair which he had just moved away from the desk. “Now for your legs, which is why the panties had to go on first.”

Darkstar accepted the logic of that and she pressed her legs together to help him. Slate though had other ideas. He went to the closet and he came back with a spreader bar he had made at work from a recycled broken rake. He spread Darkstar's ankles until he was able to tie her ankles to the eyebolt at the end of the bar. Then, he wrapped each ankle so there would be no chaffing. Next, he ran the ropes up to her thighs and made a thigh wrap.

With the addition of the spreader bar, Darkstar felt remarkably exposed what with her legs forced apart like that. She was so moist between her legs that her panties were moulded to the exact shape of her vagina. It was strangely more exposed than going out with no panties on at all, and it showed on her face.

Seeing the mix of confused emotions on her face, Slate took a moment to gently kiss Darkstar’s lips, “Still green, pet?”

“Green. It just feels...really exposed,” Darkstar shifted uncomfortably, shuffling her bare feet, “Like, vulnerably exposed, and it's odd, ‘cos I don't normally feel like that.”

“I'll say you're really looking sexy in the panties. I wasn't going to be mean to my sis and put a bra on you but this still leaves her something to undress with her eyes,” Slate then kissed her and at the same time, he reached a hand into his pocket and he set both the plug and the egg to their low setting. “Time to go downstairs.”

“Mmmm I-I really like that...” Darkstar bit her lip and she sighed happily now that the toys were buzzing away inside her.

Smiling, Slate wrapped his bound pet up in a loving hug, “I seek your true happiness, and not something you could pretend to please me. I love you.”

“Yellow,” Darkstar looked very serious as she used the code to temporarily halt the game. “I never pretend, Slate, and I don't ever lie.” Born under the Sign of Honesty, she couldn’t be false if she tried. “You always make me happy, and it makes me even happier when I share my happy with you.”

“My love is true,” Slate looked Darkstar in her yellow eyes, “I know you don't lie, but I worry when you hide behind a façade. Every day is a fight for you to make it through. I'm not always there, but never think you're alone.”

Darkstar let out a sigh, “You make the fight easier for me to win. You, momma, Rocky and now this one here,” she looked down at her belly, “Make me want to win. Tomorrow isn't a marathon anymore.”

Carefully, Slate picked his lover up in his strong arms, “Time for your debut. I do love making my sis jealous.”

“Green,” Darkstar restarted the scene now she was in her Master’s arms, “And you are awful, you know that right?” she giggled, “But I do love you for it.”

Laughing lightly, Slate took care as he negotiated the bedroom door so as not to hit her head or her feet on the frame. “I am awful,” he grinned, “And I'm not going to change. Since we went out last night, that means goat tonight. Yummy!”

Darkstar couldn’t resist. “Let's goat to it!”

On the stairs on the way down to the kitchen, Slate shook his head. “Seems like someone is hoping for some pun-ishment later…”

Chapter 6 - Return to the Gazebo

Carefully, Slate picked his lover up in his strong arms, “Time for your debut. I do love making my sis jealous.”

“Green,” Darkstar restarted the scene now she was in her Master’s arms, “And you are awful, you know that right?” she giggled, “But I do love you for it.”

Laughing lightly, Slate took care as he negotiated the bedroom door so as not to hit her head or her feet on the frame. “I am awful,” he grinned, “And I'm not going to change. Since we went out last night, that means goat tonight. Yummy!”

Darkstar couldn’t resist. “Let's goat to it!”

On the stairs on the way down to the kitchen, Slate shook his head. “Seems like someone is hoping for some pun-ishment later…” carrying his pet in his arms, Slate walked past the living room and saw that it empty.

In the dining room, Rockslide was sitting, waiting for them. “Just in time,” she smirked, especially at Darkstar’s ‘dress’, “Momma is finishing up. Seems Darkie is all tied up, so I'll help her.” Giving the teenager a long, hard, lingering leer, Rockslide got up and moved to the kitchen.

In the dining room, Slate pulled out a chair so that Darkstar could sit. “Thank you Master,” she bowed a little, as much as she could, and she sat on the chair, where she shifted her ass a little as the plug went in a little deeper. “Ooh yeah…that hits the spot.”

Once she was seated, Slate moved the chair in a bit, though he made sure that his sister would still be able to get an eye full, although it would be obvious if she did. He sat next to her and put his hand between Darkstar's thighs, “Not too damp yet.”

“I’m getting there,” Darkstar grinned, the faint buzzing barely audible, “Mmmmm that egg's starting to really hit my spot, Master.”

Leaning over, Slate whispered into Darkstar's ear, “If you're a good girl I'll turn them up to medium. If you're a good naughty girl, I’ll turn them up to high. But if you're just naughty, I'll turn them off.”

As Slate kissed her, Rockslide and Sea Salt walked in carrying the food on large trays, leaving Darkstar determined to be a good naughty girl. Food on the table, Rockslide sat down and bent to look under the table. “I didn't know it was a formal dinner.”

Sea Salt looked to her daughter as she sat at the head of the table, “What?”

Rockslide turned a smirk to her mother, “Darkie has panties on. Cute panties.”

Blushing deep red, Darkstar fidgeted and squirmed on the seat, heavily breathing thanks to the toys in her holes. It was amazing to her how nobody could hear the buzzing of the egg. “I’m glad you like the view, Rocky.”

“You’ll get no complaints from me,” Rockslide said as Slate prepared one plate with a bit of everything and proceeded to alternate feeding himself and Darkstar from it.

“Seems the boy has figured out how to cut down on dishes needed to be washed!” laughed Sea Salt as she watched her son feed her soon to be daughter in law. Bondage wasn’t for her, but she had to admit that Darkstar looked rather good wearing the ropes like she did.

The bound teen winked at Rockslide, thoroughly enjoying the red tinge that coloured her blue striped cheeks. She had done that, and boy did she feel empowered as a result. “No complaints from me, momma.”

Once the full plate of zebran cuisine finished, Slate treated his pet and he turned both egg and butt plug up to medium and he loaded it up again ready for round two. Like a good pet, Darkstar ate when Slate fed her, this time though, under the cover of a pleasured moan, she landed some food on his arm. “Ooops...”

Raising an eyebrow, Slate held up his forearm so his pet could lick up the spilled food. Obediently, Darkstar lowered her head and licked up her spill. As they ate, the conversation between Rockslide and Sea Salt moved to what was happening on ‘Out of Zebrica’. “Are they still on the doctor cheating on his wife with the secretary storyline?” asked Darkstar.

“Yes,” replied Sea Salt eagerly, “But the latest twist is the wife was hitting up on a girl at the bar, and it was his secretary!”

Rockslide joined in, just as eager as her mother, “I don't think either of them knew.”

“That certainly is new,” giggled Darkstar, “The writers can have new ideas after all.”

“I'm betting the two ladies find out about each other and dump the doctor.”

Sea Salt swallowed her mouthful of food and, using her fork to make her point, said, “I think the doctor and his wife will get back together over money.”

“Rocky,” Darkstar tried to distract herself from the mounting pleasure in her loins by joining in with the conversation – it was an attempt she was only barely winning – at the table, “I bet you'd love to see the wife and secretary together.”

Slate though spoke up before the talk could descend ever further along the banal rabbit hole of soap opera, “Another prefect meal, momma,” he complimented his mother with an empty plate, “The goat was so tender.”

Rockslide sat back and patted her slightly swollen belly, “My tummy is happy.”

“It was proper yummy!” Darkstar grinned, “You'd have to goat a long way to beat that, momma.”

At the pun, which was of course awful, Sea Salt rolled her eyes so loudly that the neighbours heard it, “That is my sign to get dessert.”

Rockslide though laughed out loud, “I used to say that all the time.”

“Used to,” said Slate who rolled his eyes in a good imitation of his mother.

Before Darkstar could make with any more of her Goddess awful puns, Sea Salt returned with a rather splendid pie and a bowl of cream carried on a plate like it was a revered heirloom. “Strawberry and rhubarb pie!” she announced, and duly both Rockslide and Slate lit up at the arrival of the dessert.

However, when Slate went to feed Darkstar a spoonful of the mouth-watering pie, Darkstar shook her head. “I've had enough, Master, but thank you momma.”

While Slate raised an eyebrow, Sea Salt looked absolutely scandalised. “Is there something wrong with the pie?” she asked, wondering who this imposter was that was wearing Darkstar’s skin.

Before Darkstar could answer, Slate casually turned the butt plug up to its highest setting, a reward for his pet. “N-No...Mmmmm yeeEEEESS I-I mean no!” she screamed as the vibrations went straight up to her core, “Nothing wr-wrong, momma!”

Again, Slate tried to feed Darkstar some of the pie, but she bit her lip and shuddered, clamped her mouth closed and shook of the head. It took all her nerve to refuse because she was actually bouncing on the chair trying to get herself off on the plug. Smirking in victory, Slate flipped the egg to high as well. “All the more for me!”

“Is someth...” Rockslide interrupted her mother with a nudge to her ribs and she gave her a knowing winks. Sea Salt put two and two together and her eyes went wide with realisation. “Oh, well it will be good tomorrow. You may have fed her too much, son.”

Slate nodded to his sister and mother, “Maybe.”

On her chair, Darkstar was breathing heavily, and her bit lip gave way to a loud moan, “M-Master please...I-I'm close...c-can I cum please?” she pleaded as the crotch of the pink panties were soaked through and her thighs were glistening wet with her arousal.

“Nope!” Slate gleefully ate his pie with relish at his pet’s predicament while Rockslide dropped a hand to her crotch with no hint of hiding what she was about to do.

“Good work, boy,” Sea Salt approved of her son’s actions, “Such thing isn't meant for the dinner table.”

Denied her chance to cum there and then, Darkstar clenched her eyes shut and she shook in place, trying desperately to ward off her impending doom at her coming climax, “Pl-Please Master,” she panted deeply, “Please!”

“Nope,” Slate refused her again, “You need to learn a bit of control, my love.”

“That goes for you too, daughter,” Sea Salt turned her authoritative eye to Rockslide who, even though she rolled her eyes, she did bring her hand back above the table. At least for now.

“Y-Yes…” Darkstar let out a very, very desperate whimper and she clenched her teeth, her whole body shaking as she bent over at the waist until her head touched the table, “Master!”

“It is okay to eat that pie faster, child,” Sea Salt said, taking sympathy with Darkstar’s plight. Laughing, Slate did wolf down the rest of his slice of pie. Once gone, he stood up and picked up Darkstar with a hand under her knees and her ass and he took her to the stairs.

Rockslide sighed once she was sat alone with her mother. “Both of them live to tease me, momma.” Sea Salt simply smiled and nodded, adding a little pat of her hand to her daughter’s head.

On the stairs, Darkstar was concentrating very, very hard on not climaxing. The last thing she wanted to do was disobey Slate. “Th-Thank you M-Master!” she was just relieved to be on the way back upstairs.

Seconds later and Slate entered their bedroom and he sat on his chair by the bed with Darkstar in his lap. As he nibbled hard on her ear, he whispered, “Cum for me, my lovely pet.”

“YEEeeeEEESSSS!” Darkstar rolled her head back and let it go at last, quivering as she came with an almighty squirt that would have landed on the floor but for the pink panties catching her discharge. “Oh wow...oh wow...th-that was intense!”

“You are such a naughty pet, my love.”

“I-I am...” Darkstar’s head rolled forwards and she panted in Slate’s lap.

Turning her around, Slate manipulated Darkstar so that her hips were on his lap and she was laid across it. The ropes and the spreader bar were a bit of weight, but they were now suspended from her thighs. The ropes binding her arms behind her back tightened as her upper body was now lower than her ass. Without warning, Slate delivered one spank to her behind, “Oh, you are really wet.”

“AAAAAH!” Darkstar squeaked due to the spank, and she was very grateful the panties were there right then, they offered her rear some measure of protection from the zebra's hand. “Yes Master, I'm wet!”

Standing, Slate wrapped an arm around Darkstar's waist so that she dangled at his side like a freshly caught haddock, showing that landscaping did build muscles. He walked over to the purchase bag from the mall and he pulled out the paddle. “She should keep my hand from getting wet.”

Darkstar twisted her head just enough to allow her to see the paddle that Slate brandished in his hand, “I-I'm sorry for wetting your hand, Master!”

“You wet a lot more than just my hand,” Slate sat back down with Darkstar laid out across his lap and he just rubbed the paddle teasingly over her raised buttocks, silently mapping out his targets.

“I'm sorry Master!” cried Darkstar as she tried to squirm her vulnerable ass away from the impending punishment to come. She knew she wasn’t as sorry as she was about to be in a few minute’s time.

While she was laid out over his knee, the ropes she wore wouldn't let Slate swing for the fences like he wanted to. Instead, he applied two quick whaps of the paddle, one to each cheek, and to his delight, the wet panties made for a very interesting squelching sound under the impact.

“One!” without being ordered to, Darkstar started counting along like she did last time she had been spanked by her Master, “AAH t-two!”

Slate couldn’t help but laugh, “Now you want to be a good girl!” he exclaimed before delivering two more strikes to his pet’s upturned rear. By the moon above, it was a sight he adored to the end of the earth.

“Th-Three! OOooOOOW!” Darkstar howled and squirmed uselessly as her white ass started to turn a shade of pink somewhat resembling the panties she wore. “Four!” that pink quickly became a shade of red.

“I'm sure the panties would give you more protection if they weren't so wet,” he then gave her two more firm strikes, aiming at different points of her butt with every impact of the paddle.

“OOOOOW!” Darkstar screamed out loud and, as she bit back a retort, she could feel the mirth in his gut as he spanked her like a naughty child. Swallowing the comeback on her lips, she simply squirmed even more. She could almost feel her ass getting even more and more red with counts five and six, “I-I'm sure they would!”

Happy with his handiwork, Slate rested the paddle on Darkstar's lower back so he could use his left hand to push the gusset of the panties in her vagina so deep he touched the vibrating egg. “Don't want that falling out.”

“By the moon above!” screamed Darkstar as more of her juices leaked out of her snatch with the insertion of her sopping wet panties inside her, which further wetted his hand.

“Wow, that egg is really going to town!” Slate was genuinely impressed, then he raised his hand to cover the base of the butt plug that was framed under the seat of the panties, “This is, too.”

“Master I-I'm gonna cum again!”

Using his hand this time, Slate gave Darkstar two more quick smacks to the cheeks that he had pre-reddened with the paddle, “I didn't say you couldn't, pet.”

“FuuUUUUUCK!” with an almighty scream, Darkstar did cum, and she was enjoying the climax so much that she didn't count the last two smacks. How could she keep count when she was exploding inside with the sheer power of her latest orgasm?

Smirking, Slate reached inside his pet’s dripping vagina and with two fingers he pushed the egg right up against the underside of Darkstar’s throbbing clitoris. The hand that had been resting on her upper back slid around to toy with her hard nipples. “Cum for me again.”

With that order, Darkstar showed what a good and obedient pet she was and she promptly orgasmed for the third time, loudly and very enthusiastically. “Th-Thank you MaaAAAASTER!” utterly spent, she slumped over his knee.

While she was riding out her orgasm, Slate unfastened the ankle wrap so that he could remove the spreader bar, and then he removed the thigh wrap that freed Darkstar's legs. That done, he set the butt plug and egg down to low.

Darkstar made a vague noise that might have been a 'thank you' when the toys inside her were set to low. Her legs, once freed, flopped like wet spaghetti. Carefully, Slate undid the ropes binding Darkstar’s arms behind her back. “You held up rather well under all that stimulus, pet.”

“I…I-I h-had to d-do as I was told…” Darkstar panted, not making any attempt whatsoever to move from Slate's lap, “My Master told me I couldn't cum, so I didn’t cum.”

Slate had never felt so powerful and in control of his pet than he did at that moment in time. “Momma took pity on you and rushed me out of the room,” he grinned as he slipped off Darkstar's panties and he held them up to his nose for a deep sniff. “Very wet indeed.”

They were so wet that Darkstar’s fluids were dripping from them. “I knew there was a reason I love momma…” At long last, Slate turned off the butt plug and he twisted the knob to deflate it before slowly, playfully, working it out of her ass. Darkstar had a rather cute little gape for a moment following the removal of the plug, then her sphincter closed up pretty quick. She whined at the sudden empty feeling back there.

Slate didn't turn off the vibrating egg straightaway. Only after he had worked it out of her and used it to play with her clit some more did he finally turn it off, leaving Darkstar panting deeply, “Thank you, Slate…”

Once all the ropes and the toys had been removed and switched off and set aside on the dresser, Slate moved Darkstar so she was sat on his lap. “I had fun. I'm really liking the bondage, how about you?”

Wearing an exhausted but happy look on her face, Darkstar replied, “I love it!”

Placing the egg, the butt plug and the sodden panties in Darkstar's lap, Slate said, “When you're able, hand wash these. You may hang the panties to dry in the bathroom, but do put the toys away.”

“I just need a moment…” Darkstar spent that moment kissing, licking and nipping Slate's neck and ear then, when her heart rate had returned to normal, she slowly got up. On wobbly legs at first, after a few steps she was walking steady to the bathroom.

While she was busy washing the toys, Slate got himself undressed as his pants were really wet. She wasn’t gone long and, when she came back with the egg and plug, which were both cleaned and dried, she put them away in the night stand drawer. “Hmmmm,” she admired the view of her lover’s firm naked body, “Now there's a sight I'll never get bored of.”

“I could use a cleaning and so could you,” Slate took Darkstar's hand and he led her into the shower in their private bathroom. He wasn’t that worried if either his sister or mother came upstairs and saw them, as it was a bit early for them to go to bed.

“I'd be honoured to wash you again, my love.”

“I’m not sure if squirting on me counts as washing,” joked Slate as he got into the shower with his fiancé. He resolved, as she turned on the hot water and reached for the shampoo, to be very hands on with the cleaning. He only hoped she’d be likewise.

“I think it counts!” she grinned, and much to Slate’s delight, she was as enthusiastically handsy with him as she was with her.

~ ~ ~

The next day, and just like always, Slate went off to work with the rising of the sun, leaving Darkstar asleep in the bed. She didn’t wake, and he didn’t have the heart to wake her up. Four hours later, at just before eleven in the morning, she at last came down. “Hey momma,” she greeted Sea Salt, who was the only other one in the house.

“Morning child,” Sea Salt greeted the naked teenager with a broad easy smile. She was used to this by now. “Help yourself to the kitchen,” she knew it was safe, only the sharp knives were locked up, the regular utensils still accessible.

“Sorry about the time, momma,” Darkstar stopped at the entrance to the living room, where Sea Salt was watching the morning news and, with her hair doing a good imitation of a wild hedgerow, she trudged into the kitchen. “Mattress didn't want to let me go today.”

“I’m sure the sheets had you tied up, hun,” Sea Salt commented from the sanctuary of her comfy chair.

Darkstar did nothing to stop her long grey hair looking an utter disgrace as she made herself a sandwich of leftover curried goat, which tasted just as good as it did the night before. “One of those 'don't want to exist' mornings,” she explained, “Would you like coffee, momma?”

“Yes, please.” Of course she wanted coffee. She was a zebra!

Ten minutes later, and Darkstar came into the living room carrying a tray with two milky coffees and her sandwich, which she set down on the coffee table between Sea Salt’s chair and the couch. “Made it how you like it momma, one sugar stirred three times clockwise.”

Smiling, Sea Salt sipped her coffee, she swore she could taste the difference between the clockwise stirring and when it was done any old how. “Are you ready for today?”

“Not really,” Darkstar sighed deeply, “It just took me four hours to muster enough pep to get out of bed.”

“How much of that is down to the new meds,” asked Sea Salt shrewdly, “And how much is knowing that you are really and truly pregnant?”

Sitting on her spot on the couch, Darkstar’s shoulders slumped, “I'd say it was an even fifty / fifty, momma.”

“Well,” the elderly zebra turned back to the news program, which was detailing the sad events of an airship crash in the Manehatten Docks and the firefighters who had been called to the scene, “I can't change any of that, but I'm looking forward to you as a mother and I get a grandchild to go with it!”

“I keep going from wohoo to uuugh!” Darkstar took a long much needed sip of her coffee and she felt the life giving liquid spread slowly through her body, waking her up with the divine caffeine, “Requiem says it's normal. I don’t even know what normal is, momma.”

A few moments later, and the front door opened just a teeny bit and Slate's voice could be heard on the other side. “If I catch Darkie lounging around on the couch in the nude, I'm going to make her wear underwear to the clinic.”

The door didn't open any further and Sea Salt just looked at Darkstar with a wide smile on her wide face, the one she usually reserved for when she won at Bridge with her friends.

“Shit!” exclaimed Darkstar and, in one fluid motion, she was up off the couch like it had been electrified and grabbed her sandwich. “Sorry momma, I didn't mean to swear!” she ran off up the stairs. In the bedroom, she alternated between quickly throwing on her hot pink mini skirt and an equally hot pink crop top that exposed her belly and sandals and eating her goat sandwich.

After hearing the commotion, Slate judged it was safe to enter and he opened the door. “Hello momma,” he said innocently, “Have you seen Darkie?”

“She’s upstairs,” she pointed with a finger to the ceiling.

“What,” Slate spoke loud enough that he knew he would be heard upstairs, “Don't tell me she never got out of bed?”

“She came down to eat,” Sea Salt’s eyes twinkled with fun at joining in the game, “I think she’s getting ready for the appointment.” She beamed when she saw her son take a seat on the couch, sitting on the spot she knew was still warm.

Up in the bedroom, Darkstar didn’t even attempt to tame the wild mess that was her bed head, instead she put it up in a pony tail and only when she had her collar on her neck did she come downstairs 'dressed'. Standing to greet her, Slate gave her a welcoming hug and a kiss, “Ready to go?”

“Ready!” Darkstar gasped, ever so slightly breathless from having to dress herself at light speed. She covered that by swiping up her still warm coffee and downing it in one gulp. Zebran rule one, don’t waste coffee.

Taking Darkstar’s delicate hand in his much stronger one, Slate bade farewell to his mother and led his pet out of the house. On the way to his truck, she squeezed his hand. “You okay?”

“I'm very okay,” Slate grinned and angled his head forwards just slightly, “And you have no underwear on. I guess you're okay too?”

Darkstar paused at the passenger door, before Slate could open it for her. She knew she had to be honest with him, not that she had a choice in that regard. “I've been going back and forth between okay and not okay at all most of the morning. Right now, I'm okay. Ish.”

“It's a Monday,” Slate said that like it explained everything. “Me and Rocky at work and momma holding down the fort. I know she gives you all the space you may need, even if it isn't the space you want.”

“Momma's been great,” Darkstar admitted as she got up into the passenger seat of the truck, not as carefully as some might be, given the circumstances. “She's spent the last half hour with my head in her lap stroking my hair.”

“She is great,” conceded Slate and, after looking long and hard at her exposed ass cheeks that hung below the hem of the mini skirt, he got in the driver’s seat, “But would you like her to visit you in the room if you don't come down for breakfast?”

Darkstar thought about it for a moment before she answered, which was enough time for Slate to pull out and start driving to their appointment, “Yeah, I think I would. She nearly had to; it was eleven before I got up.”

“Now for the hard part. You have to ask her.” Slate steered his truck down the not too busy Canterlot suburbs, “I could, but I'm not going to do that for you. I love you too much to run that part of your life. While I do love the control, I don't want a doll for a wife.”

“I know,” Darkstar rested her head against the glass of the door window, “There's control and then there's control, and I get the difference between the two.”

“Good. Any fears about this?”

“Loads,” Darkstar snorted a mirthless laugh, “Loads and loads, but knowing you're here and I'm not alone with this means I'm not dwelling on them.”

“Share them with me, Rocky, or with momma.”

“I have, and I will. You know my biggest fear, about ending up like mom. I've found giving up control to you is really helping me with that.”

“I have been worried I was taking too much of your life away from you, but I think we have found a happy balance.”

Moving her head away from the window, Darkstar managed a genuine smile, “And you looked so cute last night when you realised you'd found your kink.”

Turning onto the college street, Slate spared her a smile of his own, “You looked cute and you look even cuter in the panties I know you're not wearing. Good save.”

“Apparently, I can move quickly when I need to,” Darkstar laughed and leant over the seat so she could kiss his cheek.

After they had arrived at the campus clinic, and after Slate had found them a spot in the visitor’s lot, he parked up. Exiting the truck, he walked around and opened Darkstar's door holding out a hand for her. “Together.”

“Together!” Darkstar hopped out the truck and, not bothering to check that the skirt was covering anything, she walked alongside Slate towards the building.

Slate though, ever the protective dominant, did look. To his relief, the pink mini skirt was down, but it was only covering the crease of his pet’s ass. If one were to look for any length of time, they’d see her cheeks for sure. He was pleased that her top was loose and the view was nice. “I'll let you do the talking, pet,” he said as they entered the building.

“Thank you,” she whispered, “Master.” Darkstar then walked up to the reception desk and coughed to get the woman’s attention. “Good afternoon miss, I’m sorry to bother you.”

The woman, who was 'Delilah', going by her name tag, looked up from her paperwork and almost fell off her chair. She swore students got sluttier every year. “Hello,” she was ever the professional, “How can I help you today?” ‘Besides finding you some decent clothes,’ she thought.

“I'm enrolled here and I was hoping you could point us to the infirmary, please?”

“What services do you need?” asked Delilah, though she had a few suspicions based on the clothing the girl was almost wearing and on the zebra by her side. ‘They let anyone in here now…floozies and foreigners…’

Even though there was a room full of people, from staff to students, Darkstar didn't bother to keep her voice down, “We need a confirmation on a pregnancy test, please miss.”

“Well then,” Delilah rolled her eyes as several students now openly gawped at the girl in front of her, “How long since your last period?”

“Should've happened just over ten days ago, and nothing!” Darkstar exclaimed, fully aware that she was being looked at, “And I'm usually regular as clockwork down there, never miss.”

“Okay,” Delilah grunted, disliking what she deemed a trollop more and more, “I'll put five weeks. Do you have an appointment?”

“Not as such, no, we were hoping to go straight in.” Darkstar parted her legs a few inches, purposefully knowing her skirt would ride up and give the watching students in the reception area something to really look at.

‘Never would have happened in my day…’ Delilah frowned daggers at the display before her, “Okay, well the official test is an outpatient procedure. Have a seat, it will be about fifteen minutes.”

“Thank you, miss!” oblivious to the foul look that Delilah was shooting her way, Darkstar walked over with Slate to a couple of empty seats and she let him sit down first.

When he was seated, Slate pulled Darkstar down onto his lap where his hand held down the front of her skirt. “You're doing well, pet.”

Seated on Slate’s lap, Darkstar snuggled her bare ass down on his crotch, giggling softly as a girl a few feet away almost walked into a door frame because of her. “Thanks to you, Master.”

Twelve minutes later and Delilah waved at Darkstar from her desk, prompting Slate to bite her ear to get her attention, “I think that is for you, pet.” He then helped her to her feet, but only so he could make sure the mini skirt was covering something.

“Alright,” Darkstar squared her shoulders, “Here we go.”

When she got to the desk, Delilah handed over a clipboard with a pen. “Please go to room four and fill this out. The nurse will be there in around five minutes.”

“Thank you,” Darkstar took the offered clipboard and with that in hand she walked with Slate down the hall to another reception area with one seat and an examination bed.

“Looks like you’re on my lap again.”

“I'm good with that,” Darkstar again sat her ass down which, thanks to the shortness of her skirt, rode up and bared said ass. She looked at the fairly standard form as she rubbed her butt over Slate's lap. “I hope the course I’m taking will be as easy as this form…”

“That first question,” Slate grinned as he looked over her shoulder, “Name, looked pretty tricky to me.”

Pouting, Darkstar dug her elbow back into his ribs, “I don't agree with sex as 'F'. I should get at least an A.”

“I thought you'd put Y,” snickered Slate from behind her.

“Y as in ‘Yes Please’?” countered Darkstar with a roll of her yellow eyes as she filled in the rest of the form, “Only from you, handsome.”

Just after she had finished with the form on the clipboard, a nurse walked in, her nametag identifying her as 'Red Lace'. “Hello,” she greeted the couple with an easy going smile, “I understand you wish to confirm your pregnancy?”

“Yes ma'am,” Darkstar nodded, “If it's not too much trouble.”

Still with her smile in place, Red Lace took the clipboard from the clearly nervous girl and studied the form, “Not at all, Darkstar.” She then turned to Slate, “Are you support or more?”

“I'm the father.”

Red Lace’s smile grew wider when she heard that. “Ah, the good kind of support. Excellent!” After placing the paper in a folder, she wrote Darkstar’s information on the label. “What are you majoring in?”

“He’s my fiancé, Slate.” Darkstar introduced the zebra and, put at ease by the nurse’s smile, gave her one of her own. “I’m studying languages, specifically Zebran, Griffon and Dragonese, ma'am.”

“Quite the talent,” Red Lace beamed, a twinkle in her eye, “Though I suppose you have a head start in Zebran?” she got a plastic cup, “Think you can fill this now? If not, I can get you a bottle of water.”

“No, no,” Darkstar took the cup from the nurse, “I'm good to go now.” Once Red Lace had shown her where the bathroom was and gave her a top to seal the cup, Darkstar thanked her and she was on her way. Ten minutes later, she emerged with a full cup, “All done!”

“Please have a seat, I'll need to draw some blood from you,” Red Lace said as she took the cup and placed it safely on the counter.

“B-Blood?” Darkstar froze in place like ice water had been poured through her veins, “H-How much blood, exactly?”

Smiling her usual warm smile, Red Lace held up a small plastic vial, “Only about twenty millilitres. I promise you won’t miss it.”

“A-Alright…” as she sat in the chair, an apprehensive expression passed over Darkstar’s face and she looked even paler than was normal for her. Why did they have to make her bleed?

“I like your honesty on the form,” Red Lace complimented Darkstar as she skimmed the document on the clipboard, “How long have you taken Haldol, and did you take something different before that?”

“I've taken it for a few days now,” replied Darkstar, feeling a little at ease the more the nurse smiled that sweet smile at her, “I took these other two drugs before that. For depression, and well...I have a problem with self-harming…”

Quietly, Red Lace held up both of the teenager’s hands, her wrists up where she could see them and inspect them closely. She liked what she saw. Not the scars in general, but that the scars were old. “It looks like you haven't done this in a while.”

Darkstar shook her head, “Not for seven months now. Doesn't mean I don't have a problem though, does it?”

Red Lace placed a rubber tourniquet around Darkstar's upper left arm as she contemplated her response to that. “Often, it is a problem for life, but I think you have someone with you that will stay with you through it. You can look away now.”

“Thank you,” ever squeamish, Darkstar closed her eyes and turned her head away. In spite of the terror she was expecting, she only felt a slight pinch when the nurse inserted the Vacutainer into her arm just below the elbow and then she put the collection tube in that.

In less than thirty seconds, Red Lace removed everything and taped some gauze over the needle hole. “All done!” to her amusement, the teenager was reacting like she had just gone through a major invasive operation. “Okay, you can come in any time after two p.m. tomorrow to pick up your results. They will also be mailed to you, but that takes a week.”

“Momma can bring you in tomorrow, pet.” Slate said, not letting go of her hand like he had held it since she had sat down after coming out the bathroom.

“Should the results be positive,” started Red Lace, “I'll have some prenatal vitamins prescribed for you. The Haldol will be fine. By the way,” she asked out of curiosity, “Who is your psychiatric doctor?”

“Doctor Requiem, ma'am. And I think it will be positive,” Darkstar blushed, “We did five tests at home. All positive.”

Happy, Red Lace nodded approvingly, “I know of her and I’ve heard good things. Not met her yet, though. Well, as good as home tests are, we will let science show for sure, shall we? Have you given any thought how you want to do the birth?”

At that, Slate gave both Darkstar and the nurse a blank look, because he thought there was only one way a birth was done. Not that he was an expert. “As painlessly as humanly possible would be nice, ma'am,” Darkstar replied, and she sincerely meant every word.

That drew a mirthful chuckle from Red Lace. The teenager wasn’t the first to say that, and she wouldn’t be the last, either. “The college offers prenatal classes and Slate can attend them too. They will explain the options open to you, and you can choose from those. We will also schedule you for your first ultrasound scan.”

“Thank you, ma'am,” Darkstar’s blush reached as far as her ears, “I guess I'm not the first to ask for that, huh?”

“And you won’t be last, dear, don’t you worry,” Red Lace laughed, “The pain will vanish once you hold your baby. Otherwise nobody would ever have a second. Two o'clock tomorrow,” she said once the couple were both stood up, “Take care.”

“I will, thank you, ma’am!” out in the mostly student free hall, Darkstar whispered to Slate, “You know, Master...while we're here, we could visit that gazebo again…”

Slate knew there was a reason, among many, why he loved his pet so much. “You are dressed the part, pet.”

“I am, aren't I?” Darkstar smiled gleefully as she broke into a little skip that was so very close to showing off her goods to anyone who looked, “Want to take the back route this time?”

“As fun as that would be,” Slate covered the disappointment in his voice easily. He wasn’t that put out, he was still going to fuck his pet, after all, “I didn't bring the lube with me and the clean up afterwards is important.”

“Hmmm,” Darkstar had to concede that those two things were vitally important, particularly the lube. “That's why you're the sensible one, Master.”

“I'm not too sure about sensible,” smirked Slate, “But I'm not worried about it.” He then took Darkstar's hand and with her in tow, he headed for the Admin building and the gazebo in the grounds.

Excited, Darkstar skipped outside alongside her Master, who was cautiously looking left and right as they made their way to their destination. He noted there were more people around than there was the last time they were there, but that the gazebo was empty. “Are you okay with the same spot we were in last time?”

“Yes Master. That's a nice spot. And I got a rail to hold on to!”

“I'll try to not push you through it,” as he walked, Slate lowered his hand and let go of Darkstar's, but quickly the other hand crossed his body to take it back up while the first hand rode up the back of her pink mini skirt. “But no promises.”

Far from stopping the advance of her Master’s hand, Darkstar encouraged him with a playful wiggle of her bare ass. The exhibitionist in her loving the feel of the breeze on her rear. Slate glanced back, but no one was following them as he turned down the gazebo path. “Excited?”

Slate answered her by pulling Darkstar's hand low across his body, “Can you tell?” with her hand down over his crotch, she could tell by the bulge that greeted her. Smirking, Slate moved them both around the outside of the gazebo along the gravel until he reached the gap in the bushes. Once there, his hand slid off her ass cheek and came to rest between her cheeks as he pushed her forward to the railing. “I'm surprised you're not dripping down your leg, pet.”

“I-I am now...” Darkstar panted hard and, with her front shoved into the railing, almost on cue she started to drip fluids from her already wet pussy, juices that coated the zebra’s questing fingers.

Contrary to popular belief, men are able to multi task. Slate demonstrated his ability by simultaneously playing with Darkstar’s clit with one hand while the other hand first unfastened his belt and then his pants. “Nothing better than natural lubricant.”

“Oooooh I can't argue that…” Darkstar replied with a very needy groan as she parted her legs and ground her crotch back against her Master’s talented fingers.

After a couple of seconds, Slate removed his hand from his pet's labia and he raised them up to his mouth for a brief taste. “You're so sweet, pet,” he then moved that hand down to stroke his cock so he could spread that natural lubricant over his shaft. The free hand moved up under Darkstar's top where it groped a breast. “You ready?”

“Soooo ready!” Darkstar whined desperately, so needy was she for him to take her right there, now she had been wound up.

Behind her, Slate used his hand to guide his way inside her and, once his tip was past the entrance, he pushed forwards all the way until his hips bumped against Darkstar's ass. His cock throbbed, happy to be back in its fleshy sheath. Then, his hand moved around to push the mini skirt in between Darkstar's legs, where he rubbed her just above the entry point. “So warm and tight.”

“MMmmMMMPH yeeessss right there...” Darkstar panted and moaned as she gripped the hand rail tight, “Always sooo big!”

The dominant zebra adored the way his pet moaned for him. The noises she made were sweet music to his ears. In order to coax more of them from her, he thrust deep but slow. All the time he was fucking her, he had one hand rubbing her hard clit through the skirt and the other hand up under her top tweaking a nipple. He wanted to bring her to a climax first. “Cum for me pet,” he ordered after a few dozen slow thrusts, “Soak the ground.”

With each firm confident thrust inside her, Darkstar’s moans got lewder and more intense. Practically on command, Darkstar reached her climax, duly soaking the ground under her feet with her squirted ejaculate. But, she wasn’t that quiet… “YEEEEESSSSSS! Fuck yes!” she screamed, forgetting to not be loud.

As she rode out the pleasure high that was her orgasm, Darkstar saw something that poured cold water over her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a tall well-built man in a dark red suit and tie turn up the gazebo path. His whole bearing – and the brief case he carried - said he was not a student.

Unfortunately, a bush to Slate’s right blocked the terracotta zebra’s view of the approaching man. He was more focused on picking up the pace to bring them both to a climax together. “Sl-Slate…” Darkstar gasped as she was fucked over the hand rail, “MMmmm S-Slate...ooh moon...s-someone's coming!”

Completely misunderstanding the warning, Slate quipped, “You?”

“N-No…” she hissed, “N-Not me, i-it’s a guy!”

A couple of thrusts later and Slate stopped balls deep inside Darkstar’s pussy, and the hand that had been under her top moved to rest next to her hand on the rail as his other hand did the same on the other side. Feeling particularly playful, he started nibbling on her ear, using his hot breath to make her squirm.

“I so hate you…” Darkstar whimpered when she realised that Slate wasn’t going to pull out of her any time soon, nor stop biting her ear. However she couldn’t hate him for long and, biting her lip, she quietly murmured, “D-Don't you dare stop…”

The man entered the gazebo and straight away he saw the young couple outside in the bushes surrounding it. “It's okay to make out in the gazebo, you know,” he said by way of making conversation. But then, a second look, told him just what they were doing.

Even with the railing and bushes in the way, he could clearly see the back of the girl's short skirt pushed up and the zebra's belt was hanging unbuckled alongside her thighs. Smirking to himself, he moved over to sit on one of the benches opposite the adventurous couple. “Most wait until night for that activity,” he grinned and opened his briefcase, “Do carry on,” he said as he pulled out some papers, “I’m just doing some work on my syllabus.”

“What course?” asked Slate curiously, even though he was still buried root deep inside his pet’s cock holster.

“Language arts,” the stranger replied, “Are you both enrolled here?”

“I'm Slate, and this one is Darkstar,” the zebra introduced themselves as casually as if he was discussing the weather with one of his friends at work, and not paused in mid-fuck. “She is enrolled, I'm support.”

“So I see,” the man smirked, for he could see just how he was ‘supporting’ her. “I'm Night Flight.” He then waved a hand for them to continue as he looked over his syllabus notes with a red pen.

Slate was only too happy to continue with what he had been doing and he did just that, with long, slow steady strokes that went deep into his pet’s dripping wet muscular tunnel. He used both hands to grab a hold of Darkstar's hips, and his upper body bent her even lower over the rail.

Now and then, Night Flight glanced up from his work to watch their progress, not that Darkstar was thinking about him, not when she was being so thoroughly fucked by her Master. “B-By the moon's grace...” she moaned, and now that she had an active audience watching her - not a new thing, Sea Salt and Rockslide had watched them before - but this was different, and she was very much aroused and into it. “I-I'm studying l-laaaAAAAH-anguages!”

Watching them, Night Flight was impressed she could speak at all, let alone form a coherent sentence. “Pe o le tarako o se tasi o gagana o le a e aveina?” he asked, wondering if Dragon was one of the languages she would be taking.

“MMMmmm y-yeeeEESS sir,” Darkstar’s world exploded in wave after wave of pleasure, she saw stars and her eyes crossed as Slate thrust his cock back and forth, each stroke making his tip kiss her cervix, “A-Along with zebran and griffon!”

“Well,” Night Flight didn’t even bother to keep the amused tone from his voice, “I will be seeing you in class then,” he looked pointedly over his nose and down Darkstar’s top as she was sent forwards over the hand rail with the force of each thrust from the zebra behind her, “But not as much of you, if you understand my meaning?” he smiled broadly and went back to his work, still glancing up at the show now and again. One had to appreciate entertainment when it presented itself, after all.

Behind Darkstar, Slate picked up the pace as holding it back was almost becoming painful. Darkstar’s eyes rolled in her head as she answered, “I-I understand, sir!” she half screamed. She could tell her Master was nearing his peak and she thrust back firmly in an effort to get him off.

Slate gave a low quiet groan as he finally reached his peak and, hilting deep inside her for the last time, he unleashed his balls and emptied a torrent of semen deep in his pet’s pussy. Under all that stimulus, Darkstar let out another 'quiet' scream as she came yet again, loving the feeling of the baby batter dumped in her tunnel.

Smirking, Night Flight set down the paper he had been studying and he gave them a polite little 'golf' clap, “Are you married?”

Darkstar really hoped the teacher wouldn’t hold it against her that she was bent over the hand rail staring at the wooden floor of the gazebo with her hair hanging down like a greying Cousin It, “We will be by Hearths Warming, sir…”

“Yes,” Slate remained hilted inside Darkstar, making sure he was properly empty, “As per tradition.”

“Under the Cold Moon,” Darkstar looked up and, moving her long hair out of the way of her eyes, she saw the amused smile on the teacher’s face, “In December.”

“Shaba yangu ni mdogo ikilinganishwa na Baridi,” Night Flight said wisely as he gathered his papers back in his brief case. After watching that display of athletic love making, he urgently needed a bathroom.

“Sounds pretty good to me,” Slate grinned, feeling very pleased with himself, “What is the Equestrian name for the instructor? Baridi didn't translate well, Cold as a stone, was it?”

Night Flight laughed, “His name is Cold Stone,” he explained with a wink, “Which is why I teach Dragon.”

“Uh huh...” Darkstar blushed a deep, deep red, “I’m sorry sir...I blissed out for a moment there...”

“Then it seems your fiancé is doing his job then,” laughed Night Flight as he stood up and smoothed his suit, “Cold Stone would say 'clash of cultures.”

Sighing happily now that nature had softened him to the point he had slipped out of her, Slate quickly put himself away in his pants and, before he buckled his belt, he lowered Darkstar's pink skirt back over her ass and let her stand up straight. “True,” he agreed, “But I have been here for several years now.”

“Wow...” Darkstar felt the creampie filling her vagina and because of it, she felt exceptionally full down there. She only hoped nothing would leak out before she got back to the truck. “It ah...it was nice meeting you, Mr. Night Flight, sir.”

Slate spared the teacher a wave good bye and he wrapped an arm around Darkstar's waist. “If she does poorly in class, a note to me will fix her attitude.” He laughed as he led her away.

Barely able to walk upright unaided, Darkstar slumped into Slate’s side, happy that he was holding her waist. She didn’t trust her legs on their own. “That was incredible!”

“It was pretty hot,” Slate conceded, “And I'm glad it didn't escalate to something negative.”

With her head reasting against his shoulder, Darkstar’s cheeks flushed with a pink tinge, “It never occurred to me to say 'Red' and end it.”

Slate had noticed that too. Of course, he had been ready to stop had the situation deteriorated badly, “I think you defaulted to letting me maintain control to keep you safe,” he commented wisely, “I did like how it ended.”

“I like you having complete control over me,” Darkstar beamed a tired but very happy smile, “Because I know you'll keep me safe, Master.”

Deeply, Slate kissed Darkstar’s lips, “Are you ready for home, or would you like to stop somewhere else first?”

“I'm ready for home, Master.”

Chapter 7 - The Bread Bowl

“You said Requiem approved of you being controlled,” Slate said when they were both sat in their respective seats in his battered old work truck, “When I do that what do you think about?”

“She did say that,” Darkstar got herself comfortable in the passenger seat of reliable old Rita, her cheeks flushing a shade of red when she felt her fiancé’s load shift inside her and start to seep out. “And that I should give more control to you. When you take control, I think about how free I am, how loved I am and how safe I am with you, Master.”

“When you’re at college,” Slate began as he put his truck in gear and pulled out of the campus parking lot, “How will I know you've obeyed my commands?”

Darkstar took a moment to think about that. It was a big question, after all. “Well...if you tell me what to eat, and how much, I could send you a picture of the food on my plate, how about that?”

Slate liked the sound of that. “That works for me. Let’s start simple. I want you out of bed at eight tomorrow morning,” he said as he drove easily through the streets, “And you may eat a bowl of cold cereal. Send me a photo before you eat it.”

“Mmmm I understand, Master,” Darkstar felt a thrill of excitement go all the way up her spine. This was a level of control she had wanted for a long time, and that Slate had always resisted. Until now. “I'll even send you a picture of the clock, too.”

The terracotta zebra chuckled, “As long as you send it before eight fifteen, I'll know you did as I asked.”

“Of course I will,” Darkstar seemed outraged that she would do anything but obey her Master, “I'm a good pet.”

“Sometimes good in a naughty way too,” Slate spared her a wry knowing look, almost daring her to disagree with him, not that she would, “I like that side of you.”

“I like all my sides. Particularly the rear,” Darkstar smiled, then the flush returned to her cheeks when she felt something hot, wet and stickly seep out onto her inner thighs. Damned gravity… “And I like it when you take me from the rear.”

“When we get home, I'll think about indulging you in some back door play.” Slate knew he was teasing her. That didn’t stop him though as he steered his truck onto their street. “Maybe…”

“Thank you Master!” Darkstar wanted to relax on the passenger seat, but with her hands on her lap and her thighs squeezed together, all she could think of was the huge mess she was making on the leather as more of her Master’s load leaked out. She wondered, idly, if he would make her lick it up.

Seconds later, and Slate pulled onto the drive way he shared with his mother and sister and parked up, killing the engine. “I think a shower would be nice, don’t you, pet?”

“I agree, Master, a shower would be nice,” said Darkstar as she knew she reeked of sweat and sex from their escapade at the gazebo. When she slid out of the passenger seat, she hardly dared to look back. However, instead of the gooey mess she expected to see, there was nothing. Her hand drifted to the back of her mini skirt and she knew where the mess had ended up. “I can’t wait to get these clothes off.”

It was all Slate could do, once he caught sight of the back of her skirt, to not burst out laughing. “I won't have you walking around like that,” he grinned broadly, “So today is your lucky day. Get them off now!”

“Thank you, Master!” exclaimed Darkstar and, while she was still stood there on the drive, she pulled the loose top up over her head and shimmied her way out of the mini skirt. Then, completely naked but for her collar, she performed a straight leg bend at the waist to pick up the fallen skirt.

Across the street, an elderly zebra got an eyeful of the teenager’s nude body, not that he minded any. At his age he took what he could get. He just thanked the moon that his neighbours gave a lot. “That one needs a leash!” he called out.

“Left it in the house, Mr. Flint!” Slate called back with a cheery wave to his old neighbour. He had a lot of time for Old Flint, after his dad had passed, the zebra had been like a father figure to him and a good friend to his mother.

“We'll remember it next time, Mr. Flint, sir!” Darkstar smiled to the nice old zebra and, after an unnecessary but very welcome bow, she skipped off into the house without a backwards glance at whoever else might be looking.

On the way inside the house, Slate aimed a swat at her rear, which she dodged easily, “You are a scamp, pet.”

“I'm also a tease and a minx,” Darkstar giggled as she wiggled the rear that had so narrowly escaped a swat, and only just escaped a second attempt in the process, “It says so on my ID card.” As they walked past the door to the living room, they saw Sea Salt and Rockslide watching the television, though Rockslide was watching with her eyes closed, “Hey momma,” she said quietly, giving the old woman a little wave as they walked to the base of the stairs.

While Darkstar was on the stairs, Slate hung back. “Momma, can you take Darkie into the campus clinic tomorrow? She has a two o'clock appointment.”

“Won't be a problem, child,” Sea Salt waved her hand in the air, “I record anyways for Rocky while she’s out.”

With that sorted out, Slate followed Darkstar up the stairs, through their bedroom and to the adjacent shower, where he stood imperiously in front of his partner. “I need to be undressed, pet.”

“Yes Master,” deftly, Darkstar unfastened the buttons on Slate’s flannel shirt and she slid the garment off his muscular upper body. She allowed herself a moment to drink in the view of the zebra’s muscles before she was on her knees. Once his belt was unbuckled and his jeans released, she tugged the zipper down with her teeth.

Slate was, of course, more than happy to allow his pet to undress him in any way she saw fit. It just added to the control he had over her and how much she had submitted to him. When she had his work boots off, Darkstar removed his socks one after the other with her teeth, as were his boxer shorts. When he was naked, she at last got the hot water running. “Ready Master,” she reported when the steam began to rise.

Happy with her efforts so far, Slate stepped in the shower and under the water with Darkstar by his side. “How well you clean me will determine how well I clean you, my lovely pet.”

“I understand, Master,” Darkstar used the normal scented shampoos to scrub his broad chest – a chest she could bounce a coin off - and his arms. She did linger rather a while on his biceps, then she went lower on her knees to wash his crotch, where again she spent an inordinate amount of time. Once he was sufficiently cleaned all over, she kissed the tip of his shaft.

After he was cleaned, Slate got Darkstar's body wash and he started with that from forehead down to her fingers and ultimately toes, and everywhere in between. Then, he used her shampoo for her grey hair. By the end of that, he was hard as steel. But, he wasn’t finished just yet. “Now to make sure you're clean on the inside,” he said as he picked up the enema bag and the catnip tea.

Clean, but still dripping wet, Slate climbed out of the shower and he sat on the closed toilet. “Over my knees, pet.” Eagerly Darkstar laid herself over the zebra's knees, round bubble butt up in the air. From where he was sat, Slate could still reach the sink and he filled the bag halfway with warm water and then he added the tea. He hooked up the tube and the nozzle. “Are you ready for this, pet?”

She was ready. By the moon above, Darkstar was ready. The anticipation alone was driving her crazy. “I’m always ready for new things, Master.”

For lubrication, Slate rubbed a bit of soap onto the nozzle and he effortlessly slid it inside Darkstar’s anus past her willing sphincter. Holding the bag up high, he opened the valve and the warm liquid flowed into her anal cavity. “Oh,” she squirmed on his lap, “Ooh...” she felt the liquid enter her and fill up her insides, even making her belly swell, “That feels odd…”

Laid across his lap, Darkstar could feel the zebra’s erection throb underneath her. Slate slipped his other hand around and under her ass so he was able to play with her labia and her hard clitoris. “MMMmmmm!” she moaned a very lewd moan now he was taking her mind off the liquid filling her up.

Slate carried on playing with her until the enema bag was empty. “Now for the hard part. You will stand up,” he ordered her, “And I'll move so you can sit on the toilet. I will reach between your legs and remove the nozzle. After my hand is clear – only after my hand is clear - you can let it all out. Understand?”

“I understand perfectly, Master,” Darkstar slowly stood up and immediately, her insides cramped up a little thanks to the volume of warm liquid deep in her bowels. “MMFNNNFFF!” she winced then she saw her distended belly, “Look at that.”

Behind her, Slate moved the bag between Darkstar's slender legs to the front and then he lifted up the lid of the toilet. “You may sit, pet.”

“Thank you, Master,” gratefully, Darkstar sat down on the toilet with her legs spread in order to accommodate her now swollen rounded belly. Slate then reached in and he removed the nozzle from her ass.

When Slate cleared the area and went to the sink to wash the nozzle, Darkstar sat wondering if it just happened or if she should push. The perils of never having had an enema before. She was about to force it when her full gut made a rather loud gurgle and, after gasping at a harsh cramp, everything evacuated from her ass.

Slate stood a few feet away watching, with one hand on his erection, as the brown rain cascaded from Darkstar’s butt. “I think...” she whimpered after what felt like an eternity, “I think it's done now.”

“I'm sure your ass is feeling empty,” Slate did nothing to disguise the smirk in his voice, “I can fix that. Back into the shower, now.”

“It felt like the world fell out of me...” Darkstar gasped, before she got up to her feet and staggered her way back to the shower and she got inside.

Following her inside the shower, Slate used some of the body wash on Darkstar's asshole and he smeared a liberal amount onto his cock before he positions her in front of him. “Hands on the wall, pet.”

“Yes Master,” Darkstar leant forwards until her palms were resting flat against the tiled wall in front of her.

As soon as she was in position, Slate wasted no time at all in filling Darkstar's asshole with his erect cock. “Sing for me, pet.”

And like a canary, Darkstar did sing. “AAaaaAAAAAAAH!” she ‘sang’, and she carried on singing, even as Slate thrust himself deep inside her. She felt his hard wide length fill her, further stretching her back door to accommodate him.

Unlike how he had been at the gazebo, Slate was a fair bit rougher with her this go around. After several deep hard thrusts though, that ended with him slapping his balls against her rear, he felt a tell-tale build of friction, and he quickly squirted on more of the body wash lube.

“Oh yes!” Darkstar screamed into the wall, “Oh yes! YeeeEEEEEESSSS! H-Harder!” she continued to sing out her pleasure as he reamed her hard, “Fuck me harder pleeeeease!”

Slate was only too happy to do just that. His strong hands gripped her hips for leverage and he banged her as hard as he could. Darkstar did move a hand with the intention of rubbing herself off but, realising she was overbalanced, she quickly placed it back on the wall.

Though he saw the hand move, it was returned quick enough that he chose not to punish her. “Cum with me!” he ordered her and, after a dozen more stiff thrusts, he got his wish. Darkstar screamed out an orgasm that the both of them she knew Sea Salt had heard downstairs as she came, squirting hard. Slate slowed down and paused, still inside her. “I love all your holes, pet, but most of all I love you.”

“Uh huh...” Darkstar gasped, her head hung forwards and her hair hanging down, “I l-lo-love you too,” she loved him all the more as he slowly pulled out of her and cleaned himself up and smeared soap around her gaping cream filled rear tunnel, “Mmmmm I so wish I'd let you do that months ago.”

“All things in moderation,” Slate said as he watched her asshole close up, trapping his seed inside her, “Let's get ourselves dry and see what our audience thought of the performance.”

“Do you think they'd want a private show?” Darkstar giggled sillily in her post climax mindset, while Slate got busy with a towel and dried them both off.

“Put on the pink sundress, nothing else,” Slate ordered of her as he put the wet towel on the heated rail and went to put on a tee shirt, boxers and denim shorts for himself. Darkstar bowed low to him and in the closet, she found her knee length dress. She walked out barefoot wearing just that and her collar. “It’s still early, so we can see if my sis slept through that.”

“If she has,” Darkstar said as she smoothed the dress down over her small breasts and fluffed her hair instead of combing it, “Then I need to up my game.”

Slate laughed on the way down the stairs and, when they were down, they saw only Sea Salt sat in the living room. Slate assumed that was because the news was on the TV. For once, the elderly zebra did look away from the screen when she heard the footsteps. “Good to see you're both alive,” she grinned.

“Hey momma!” Darkstar skipped over and hugged Sea Salt tight in her arms, “Did you and Rocky enjoy the show?”

“No complaints from me,” there was a playful twinkle in Sea Salt’s eyes, “But my daughter needed to retire to her room for a bit.”

“Yes!” exclaimed Darkstar, who fist pumped the air victoriously.

“You can't join her to gloat,” warned Slate.

“I don't need to gloat,” responded Darkstar, “Just the knowledge I did that will be enough for me.”

Sea Salt caressed Darkstar’s flawlessly white cheek, “It is nice to see that beautiful smile, child.”

In response, Darkstar flashed Sea Salt her signature five star smile, “Just for you, momma.”

“Darkie is making her own breakfast tomorrow,” said Slate as he sat on his spot on the couch, patting the space next to him expectantly, “So don't be cooking for her.”

Sea Salt shrugged her shoulders, “I don't mind, whatever you want to do.”

“I know,” Slate smiled as Darkstar sat on his lap instead of the couch seat, “But we are going to try something that may be a win win for everyone.”

“Don't worry momma,” Darkstar grinned and stepped in to assuage the older zebra’s concerns, “I haven't gone weird and suddenly decided I don't like your food, I just have my orders…”

Sea Salt’s eyes narrowed dangerously when Darkstar’s voice went all husky on the last three words, like she was sizing up her son. Slate, who didn’t flinch, merely nodded his head. “Alright then,” she conceded, “But do let me know before you go to bed if I'm cooking for three or four.” When they promised they would, she stood up, “I'm going to put the lasagne in the oven. Dinner will be at six,” she passed them the TV remote before leaving for the kitchen.

“Hmmm,” Darkstar slid off of Slate’s lap and she hugged him tight, “That's ages away yet. Whatever shall we do?”

“There’s not much point in studying before your classes start,” Slate decided as he walked over to his mother’s antique gramophone she had bought with her from Zebrica and he put some classical zebran music on, “Let's dance.”

“I feel like a dance,” Darkstar knew that Slate could dance fairly well when it came to swing, salsa, and fake line dancing. She also knew he wanted to learn ballroom. “Shall we try a waltz?”

Overjoyed, Slate nodded his head, “You have my permission to lead.”

Of course she had to lead, when it came to ballroom, she knew he had two left feet. But, she knew he had to keep up the game. “Thank you, Master, now...” she had to cast her mind back, “How did mom do this...ah!” she got into the position and started to dance around the living room.

While he may have been a little clumsy at first, Slate was thoroughly enjoying himself, particularly as fancy dancing was a goal of his. And it seemed that every Canterlot native could dance. Dancing with Darkstar was a joy. She moved so effortlessly, with such fluidity, while he was more mechanical trying to remember the steps.

“What?” she asked as she noted the rather dreamy look on his striped face, “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking that dancing with you is like dancing on a cloud,” Slate grinned down at her, “And I am imagining you wearing ropes under your dress.”

“You can thank mom for that, she was the dancer in the family…” Darkstar’s wide smile faded from her face and she stopped dancing. “Mom!” she cried, ignoring the music in the background, “The hospital never called back!”

Recognising his fiancé was about to enter one of her ‘states’, Slate took Darkstar's face gently in his hands. “I love you,” he knew he had to head it off before it took hold, “And they will call when they can. Nurse Friendly won't let you down, but you know she won't call with false hopes either.”

“I-I know, you're right,” Darkstar said after he had kissed her long and deep, “Of course you're right. I’m sorry…”

After that, Slate and Darkstar danced three more sets around the living room to the zebran waltz. There was a much needed sit down snuggle and a water break between each set before they repeated. By the end of the third set, Slate was just about getting the hang of the dance. “Not bad, sweetie,” Darkstar kissed his cheek, “Your waltz is really coming on.”

“When we go out,” he panted softly after the exertion, while she had not even broken a sweat, “I'm still going to let you lead. Dancing with you is fun. Tripping over my feet or stepping on yours isn't.”

Softly, Darkstar giggled, “More fun than those horror films you like so much.”

“But you hold me so tight during those films!” Slate smiled innocently, a smile that was completely at odds with the mischievous twinkle in his eye.

“Oh really? That’s your game, huh?” Darkstar playfully swatted his chest, and bit her lip when her hand just bounced off, “You remember the 'Day of the Changelings' incident? I thought everyone I saw was a changeling for a week afterwards!”

Back on the couch, Slate laughed. Of course he remembered that. “Didn't help I asked Rocky to act just a bit off around you.”

Pouting, Darkstar took another playful swipe, this time at Slate’s arm, “I thought I was genuinely going crazier than mom!”

“What finally set you over the edge?” he asked, still laughing like a schoolboy celebrating the best joke ever thought of, “When she said she wanted a boyfriend just like yours?”

“Laugh it up, stripes!” he did, and so did Darkstar. “It was all fun and games until I fired the fire extinguisher at Rocky in a desperate attempt to ward off the shape changer and momma wanted to know why I ruined her old couch!”

“To get a new one!” Slate laughed, which had been the whole point of the prank in the first place. They had wanted a new couch, their mother had refused, so they made sure they couldn’t use the old one.

“Shame your sore asses couldn't sit on it for a few days huh?” Darkstar shot back with a laugh, “I’ve never seen momma so fearsome as when she tanned your hides!”

“A hard life leads to hard discipline,” Slate waved away that with a kiss, “Disciplining you is a joy.”

“Mmmm…” she gladly returned the kiss, “Being disciplined by you is a joy too.”

“Would you like some wine with the lasagne?” Slate asked, changing the subject from the disastrous horror movie incident to something more fun.

“Yes please, Master.”

“Then go help momma set the table.”

“Yes Master,” she got up from the couch and, after a last, lingering kiss, she gave him a lewd wink. “Thank you,” she skipped into the kitchen with Slate following close behind her. There, while she was helping Sea Salt, Slate selected a nice wine for dinner. Darkstar set the table and she helped move the garlic bread and salad to the table.

Once cooked, Sea Salt took take care of the lasagne and, drawn out by the smell of food fresh from the oven, Rockslide came back down the stairs from her room having taken care of her itch. “Hey sis!” Darkstar greeted her with a smile, “You timed that right, food's just done.”

“Perfect!” the blue zebra breezed into the kitchen; it was obvious to everyone she was very freshly showered.

“The salad is amazing,” Darkstar stated proudly, “That was my contribution.”

“It sure is, Darkie,” Rockslide sat down just as her mother placed the lasagne on the table and served a very healthy portion to each of them. Slate then showed up with four wine glasses and a bottle of white Zin. “Did you get your test results?”

Smiling, Darkstar sat at her place opposite Rockslide and next to Slate. “No, I have to go back tomorrow.” At that, Rockslide gave her mother a raised eyebrow and in answer to her silent question, Sea Salt nodded. “I get to spend time with momma!” Darkstar clapped her hands.

“Sadly,” lamented Rockslide, “I'll be at work, and momma doesn't appreciate your ‘unique’ clothing choices.”

“What,” grinned Sea Salt, “The child has clothes?”

Darkstar blushed while Rockslide, Slate and Sea Salt all laughed good naturedly at her. “Well,” the teenager countered, “If I'm good I'm sure I'll be allowed to wear something loose.”

“I’m not sure if I want the world to see your cute panties,” said Slate, earning a snigger from his sister.

“They are really cute,” Darkstar’s blush was almost completely colouring up her face at that point, “Those little pink things, they’re just very 'well preserved,’ is all.”

“Well preserved,” repeated Rockslide with a broad grin on her face, “Have you even taken the tags off your bras and panties yet?”

“Um...” Darkstar found the table and her plate of food extremely interesting indeed, “No...”

While Rockslide snickered and Sea Salt just ate her dinner, Slate turned to his fiancé, “Do you think we need to correct that, Darkie?” he already knew the answer, but it never hurt to tease.

“No Master, no thank you,” Darkstar was greeted to more general laughter, which died away pretty quickly as they all enjoyed the meal of salad, garlic bread, lasagne and wine. When they were all done, and they all had very happy tummies, Darkstar sat back satisfied in her seat. “That was yummy, momma!” she leant over and kissed the old woman, “Thank you!”

~ ~ ~

The next morning, the alarm clock went off at five minutes to eight and, with a loud angry groan like the clock itself had wronged her in some way, and though she didn’t want to, Darkstar prised herself out of bed.

Yawning, she reached for her phone and, with sleep still in her yellow eyes, she took a picture of the clock at a minute past eight. That done, she trudged downstairs naked with her hair in the traditional hedge backwards style.

Sea Salt was reading the morning paper sitting in 'her' chair when Darkstar reached the living room. “Momma,” she grunted almost unintelligibly as she walked to the kitchen and she got herself a bowl of cereal ready.

By the moon above, she hated the mornings.

Once her breakfast was prepared, Darkstar duly took a picture of it at eleven eight and sent it, along with the clock picture to Slate. “Good morning!” Darkstar grunted at Sea Salt’s overly cheery hello.

“Hmmm,” Darkstar mumbled, and now that the pictures had been sent, she got busy making the much needed morning coffee for her and Sea Salt. She didn’t eat her breakfast until Slate sent a message back saying she could.

She might hate the mornings, but she was a good pet.

After she ate her cereal, with Slate’s permission, Darkstar bought out the two fresh steaming mugs of coffee. “Coffee, momma.”

“Thank you, child,” Sea Salt muted the morning news. It wasn’t any great loss, merely the latest round of incompetent politicians, a natural disaster in Griffonstone and a shipwreck. “My boy said you'd be up early, but why?” she asked curiously.

“Master ordered me to get up at eight this morning and have a bowl of cereal for breakfast,” she explained as she sat down on the couch, “So I did.”

Sea Salt smiled, while she approved of their lifestyle, she doubted she’d ever get used to hearing her son referred to as ‘Master’. “Well, go you,” she said eventually, “This will be second nature when you start your classes. Your appointment is at two this afternoon, right?”

“Yes momma,” Darkstar replied, “Over at the college.”

“Do you want part of the paper?”

“I'll take the sports bit, please momma,” Darkstar reached out and took the sports section, “So I'll know what Slate's on about when he comes home and tells me who's played who and who's won what over the weekend.”

“Good luck with that,” Sea Salt separated the bit of the paper that the teenager had asked for, “I usually just smile nod my head until he’s finished speaking.”

“Thanks, momma,” Darkstar took the section of the newspaper, “I do that too, but I worry sometimes there'll be a test.” She wasn’t really interested in the sports, but she did like the pictures of the cute guys in the tiny shorts.

“Life is a test, child,” Sea Salt said wisely as she reached for her coffee. Coffee was one of the many things the teenager could do exceptionally well, “And I have faith you'll pass it.”

“You aren't wrong, momma,” Darkstar smiled at the old woman’s wisdom. Idly, as she drank her coffee, she wondered if she’d ever get old enough to be that wise, if it was a skill you learned or just acquired. “I think I'm making progress on that whole life test thing.”

“One day at a time, child. One day at a time. I'm still taking that test.” Sea Salt divulged more of her hard earned wisdom as she watched Darkstar swallow the rest of her coffee. She knew what she was thinking. “None of us are alone, child, but that doesn't mean you can't be lonely. Does my boy's control may you feel less lonely?”

Darkstar hated and loved in equal measure how easily Sea Salt could see through her and read her like a book. “It really does, momma!” she smiled up at the ceiling, “It feels amazing.”

“Well,” she said as she returned to the rest of her newspaper, “More power to the both of ya.”

A few hours later, at precisely the strike of noon, Darkstar received a text message, if the beeping of her phone was to be believed. She was grateful for an excuse to do something other than watch the news.

It was too depressing, even for her.

‘You may wear any skirt and top you please,’ Darkstar read the text message from her Master and her heart fluttered, ‘But you will wear the black panties with the red bow.’

In a heartbeat, Darkstar text him back. ‘Yes Master!’ she got up and she practically skipped up the stairs with a sway of her ass. There, in the bedroom, she decided to go for a pink microskirt and short tight top that covered absolutely nothing at all and showed everything, and she added the black panties.

As it turned out, the panties were a good idea, because the skirt did not cover her crotch at all, nor her ass, for that matter. That done, she took a selfie in the mirror for Slate to look at.

Seconds later, Slate text back, ‘Hot.’

Feeling very proud of herself, Darkstar spread her legs wide and she took another picture straight up between her legs, ‘I know Master,’ she sent him and she got a thumbs up in return. After that, she sent a quick shot of her tight top and she slipped on her sandals before skipping downstairs.

Sea Salt looked at Darkstar and she smiled, at the same time she thanked the moon for the invention of underwear. “Dressed to impress, child?”

“Dressed to order, momma!” Darkstar flashed the old zebra her five star smile.

“Oh, and was all that outfit the order, or some part of it?” asked Sea Salt with an amused smile on her face, “I'll guess the panties, and maybe the top?”

“Master said I could wear any skirt and top I liked, as long I wore these black panties as well,” Darkstar replied, and Sea Salt nodded. It was clear to them that Slate had ordered the wearing of the panties because he knew Darkstar would chose an exceptionally tiny skirt. “Are you ready, momma?”

“I am, child,” Sea Salt got up from her comfy chair, took up her purse and got the keys out of it. “Do you want to drive, Darkie?”

“Yes please momma,” she took the car keys and skipped out of the house and over to the white smart fortwo city car on the drive, leaving Sea Salt to lock up behind her. Even though she had her license, it was rare she got to drive.

Sea Salt sat in the passenger seat of her own car and secured the seat belt. “I want something traditional for lunch. It’s just after twelve, so we have time.”

“I know just the place, momma!” starting the engine, Darkstar proceeded to fiddle with the car’s built in sat nav, which naturally she had named, as was her habit. “Sally, the Bread Bowl restaurant, please.”

“Oh, good choice, Darkie!” Sea Salt relaxed, happy to let Darkstar drive without any interference.

“Good thing Sally knows the way!” Darkstar pulled out onto the street, “Sasha feels good today.”

Sea Salt rolled her eyes at the teenager’s habit of naming everything. “She usually does after an oil change.”

“She's like me, she's a good girl!” Darkstar drove slowly and carefully, what Rockslide would describe as little old woman style, not that Sea Salt complained, she was no speed demon either. “And here we are!” she giggled, “Eventually.”

Sea Salt didn’t care that the half an hour trip took an hour. She got out of her car and shielded her eyes against the summer sun, “All the better to build up an appetite, child.”

“Good point, momma!” Darkstar got out of the car and, after locking the doors with the key fob, she sent a text to Slate; ‘I'm at the Bread Bowl with momma. What can I have, Master?’

Slate’s reply was immediate. ‘Have a seat. You may drink water. I'll text the food choice in a bit.’

‘Yes Master,’ after sending her reply, she walked into the upmarket zebran restaurant with Sea Salt by her side.

Sediment, the head waiter, was ready to – figuratively – pounce on them the moment they crossed the threshold. “Good day ladies!” he bowed to each of them in turn, though his gaze lingered on Darkstar, “Can I start you with drinks and an appetizer?”

“I'll have coffee with real cream,” Sea Salt was whip-quick with her order, “And the curry shrimp to start, if you please.”

Obediently, Darkstar followed the order that Slate had sent her. “Just a glass of chilled water for me, please sir.”

As they made their way to an empty table, Darkstar received a text message, ‘You may have the bunny chow with chickpeas. Did momma order an appetizer?’

Quickly, she replied, ‘Yes Master, momma had a curry shrimp appetizer.’

‘You may eat one as long as momma feeds it to you. No dessert for lunch.’

‘Thank you, Master,’ Darkstar looked up from her phone with a blush colouring her cheeks when she saw the waiter was looking at her expectantly, “Sorry, yes, just the water, please.”

Sediment inclined his head to the two of them, “I'll have the drinks right out, and your appetizer will be with you shortly.”

Sea Salt took her time to look over the menu at the table, “I think I'll have the bunny chow with lamb,” she made her choice after a moment of making her mind up.

“Ooh almost snap!” Darkstar giggled, “I'm allowed to have the bunny chow with chickpeas. Master also said I could have a prawn, if you feed it to me.”

While Sea Salt playfully shook her head, she had a wide smile, “If I was my daughter, I'd have you bend way over to get that prawn.”

Without flinching or missing a heartbeat, Darkstar replied, “And I'd do it too, if you ordered me, momma.”

“I know you would, child. Nothing I haven't already seen.”

Moments later, Sediment returned to the table with the freshly made coffee along with a small pitcher of cream for Sea Salt and a glass of chilled still water with ice for Darkstar, which he set on the table, “Are you ladies ready to order?” After they had passed on their respective orders, the waiter was away.

“This is a nice place,” Sea Salt admired the authentic traditional zebran art on the walls as she added a good amount of cream and some lumps of sugar to her coffee, “Professional too. Sediment took a good look at your goods on the way in and he didn't go back to that well.”

“Mmm,” Darkstar politely sipped her water, “I noticed, though it's hard standing out next to you, momma.”

“My assets require undressing with the eye,” she smiled and, when Sediment returned with the prawn dish and the coffee pot, he enquired if she wanted the top off, she refused, “I like to finish first to make sure the cream level is correct.”

“Of course, ma’am,” Sediment was far too professional to question his customer, “Move your cup to the edge and I'll come out and fill it for you.”

“He is a professional,” agreed Darkstar, “He didn't even look at me when he said, 'top off'.”

Sea Salt laughed so loud at that, that she drew the attention of a couple of nearby diners, “You are a naughty girl, Darkie.”

“I know,” Darkstar beamed a wide smile and sipped at her water, “It's a gift.”

It was indeed a gift, one she used sparingly, Sea Salt decided as she mercilessly speared a prawn on the prongs of her fork, “Open wide, child.” Straightaway, Darkstar opened her mouth wide and Sea Salt fed her the prawn before she started to eat the rest of them. “My boy is a tease, only letting you have one.”

“And I'm a good pet only eating one, momma.” Declared Darkstar, though her resolve was sorely tested when the elderly zebra ate all but one of the prawns to tease her too, causing the teenager’s eye to twitch. “Nope, I'm a good girl. I won't give in!”

When Sea Salt had polished off the prawn starter, Sediment returned with the two piping hot bunny chows, “Here you go ladies, would you like me to take that?” he took away the empty prawn bowl and, when Sea Salt slid her cup to the edge, he left promising to return and refresh their drinks.

Alone with Sea Salt at the table, Darkstar fired off a quick text to Slate, ‘I only had 1 prawn like you said, Master. Momma fed it me. The bunny chow has just arrived.’

Quickly, Sediment returned and he re-filled the coffee, making sure to leave room for the cream, and he noted the little water pitcher was half full. With a sly glance down Darkstar’s top, he filled that and asked, “Anything else?”

Sea Salt shook her head, “I'm good.”

“And I'm naughty,” Darkstar winked, “Which is very good.” Sediment had to agree with that, before he – reluctantly – left to take care of another table. Left alone, Darkstar and Sea Salt made short work of their bunny chow, which was a curry bread bowl with added extras like lamb, chicken or chickpeas.

As they ate, Sediment reappeared twice to refill the coffee and the water, and when they were done, he asked, “Can I interest you ladies in dessert?”

Darkstar really wanted a dessert. They all looked amazing on the menu. But, she had her orders. “Oh, um no thank you, not for me, sir,” she refused and instead she took up her freshly poured glass of water instead.

Sea Salt though, under no such constraint, ordered a Malva Pudding and, after Sediment had again replaced the cream pitcher with a full one, he disappeared to the kitchen, leaving Darkstar to sip at her water. “This is fun,” she commented, “Having Slate in control of me like this.”

“As long as it stays that way,” Sea Salt said warningly, “It does give you focus, but don't follow blindly. Communications make for a healthy relationship.”

Not for the first time, Darkstar appreciated the old woman’s wisdom. “I know when to stop momma, and I know I can stop it, and that Slate will respect my decision to stop.” She also knew that if he didn’t, either Rockslide or Sea Salt would line up to kick his ass.

“Looks really good, doesn't it?” Sea Salt asked rhetorically as Sediment set the Malva pudding down on the table.

Darkstar bit her lip and sighed, her yellow eyes zeroed in on the sweet Zebrican dessert, “It looks really, really good, momma.” It made her mouth water just looking at it. It didn’t help that Sea Salt was slowly pouring cold cream over the steaming pudding.

Knowing full well what she was doing, Sea Salt dipped her fork into the spongy caramelised dessert and gasped in delight when the apricot jam filling oozed out of it and, tasting it, she had the happy yummy face. “Sooooooo good…”

“Momma, please...” Darkstar’s plea fell on suddenly deaf ears though as Sea Salt took another slow bite and she actually moaned with pleasure. In desperation, the teenager whipped out her phone. ‘Momma's teasing me with the dessert. Can I please have some, Master? Oh...and I really need to pee!’

‘If you feed yourself dessert it is a bad naughty. I'll text you back when you can pee.’

‘I understand, Master, thank u!’ Darkstar grunted, realising that for the first time ever she had used an abbreviation in her text message. Then, in an attempt to keep her bladder under control, she squeezed her legs together to keep from relaxing.

Teasingly, Sea Salt held up a fork full of the pudding right in front of Darkstar’s face. On purpose, she had chosen a bit that was overflowing with the gooey apricot jam filling and covered in cream. “Are you sure you won’t have some?”

“Master only said it's bad bad if I feed myself...” with that reasoning, Darkstar’s resolve crumbled and she opened her mouth wide.

Smirking, Sea Salt fed the forkful of the dessert to the teenager she so adored. “Good, isn't it?” she asked, knowing it was good. “Maybe you need to let someone know you were naughty,” she suggested before going back to feeding herself.

“MMmmm it was sooo good!” Of course the dessert was good, but only being given one bite to enjoy somehow made it taste all the better. She did know the zebra was right, though. ‘Momma fed me a fork full of the pudding, Master. I'm sorry I was naughty.’

‘You may pee, pet, but be sure to wash your hands, and I want a pic showing that you really did pee.’

‘Thank you, Master!’ Darkstar stood so quickly from the table she almost wet herself. “Excuse me, momma!” quickly, she dashed off to the ladies’ restroom. Once there, secreted in an empty stall, she slipped the black panties down and instead of a photo, she recorded a video of her letting loose a veritable fire hose into the toilet. When she was done with that, she sent the video to Slate, with her panties still down around her ankles.

Darkstar’s text was met with a thumbs up from Slate, to which she replied with; ‘I’m glad you enjoyed it Master!’ she then pulled up her panties and she left the restroom after flushing and washing her hands.

By the time she got back to the table, Sea Salt had finished her dessert. “Darkie,” she greeted her with a smile, “I think you were treating me this time?”

“I've got it, momma, my treat!” Darkstar was grateful that her brother had deposited her monthly allowance not her bank. As Sea Salt excused herself to the restroom, Sediment returned with the bill and presented it to Darkstar. “Here you go, sir,” she presented her card to pay the twenty five bits.

Sediment left to run her card, leaving Darkstar sat at the table feeling quite happy with herself. She had been a good pet, mostly, and as far as she was concerned, the experiment was going rather well.

“Would you care for some more water?” asked Sediment when he came back with Darkstar’s card.

“Yes please sir, if you don't mind.”

Sediment noted that Sea Salt’s coffee cup was also empty. “I'll be right back,” just as he was pouring out her coffee, Sea Salt returned from the restroom. “Take your time, ladies.”

Taking her seat, Sea Salt checked her watch. “We have forty minutes, plenty of time for a last coffee.”

Darkstar smiled at the elderly zebra, “Thank you, momma, for helping me be good naughty today.”

“You're welcome, child. I like to listen to the two of you play,” she gave the teenager a wink, “Keeps me young.” Sea Salt then worked on drinking her coffee so the two of them could go. Since her drink was cold, Darkstar timed the swallowing of her water with Sea Salt finishing her coffee. “Do you mind if I drive?” she asked when she was finished.

“Not at all, momma,” Darkstar passed the zebra back her keys.

“I know where the campus is,” Sea Salt said as she got up, “But not the clinic. You can be my navigator, if you are finished with the bill?”

“Yes momma, all paid up,” Darkstar joined her soon to be mother in law in giving Sediment a good bye wave. Outside, she got into the passenger seat and when they were both secured, Sea Salt made good time to the campus. Once there, she did need Darkstar to direct her to the clinic parking lot. “Okay, now we're here, the clinic lot is just over there momma, take a left then a right.”

Following Darkstar’s directions, Sea Salt soon arrived at and parked her car in the lot. “Do you want me…”

Just then, Darkstar’s phone rang. As she got her phone out of her purse, Darkstar almost dropped her phone. The caller ID showed the call was from Nurse Friendly.

Chapter 8 - Mood Swings and Roundabouts

Sea Salt had only just pulled up at the college clinic parking lot when Darkstar’s phone rang. When she saw who it was who was calling her, the teenager’s blood ran cold. Was it good news? Was her mother okay? Was she worse? ‘I guess there’s only one way to find out…’ she thought. “Just a sec, momma, I should take this,” she answered her phone on the seventh ring, “Nurse Friendly! Hi!”

As she got out of her fortwo smart car, Sea Salt whispered, “I'll go let them know inside you are delayed, child.”

“Hello Darkstar,” Nurse Friendly greeted Darkstar with her typical good humour and a smile in her voice, “Silver is with me and she would very much like to talk to you.”

Somewhat distracted by the nurse’s jovial Vanhoover accent, Darkstar gave Sea Salt a big thumbs up. She knew ‘Silver’ was one of her mother’s more lucid personalities, so her hopes were high, “Hello Silver!”

“Hello, daughter.” Silver was sat in her room by her telephone table, with the summer sun streaming in through the bay window, “Ms. Friendly said you called. I'm sorry I missed it. How are you doing?”

As she heard her mother’s voice, Darkstar actually had tears leaking down her white cheeks, “Mom...I'm good!” she smiled a broad smile even though she was crying, “I'm doing good! I called you because I wanted you to be the first to know, I'm pregnant!”

“Pregnant?” Silver couldn’t believe what she was hearing, “Pregnant! Ms. Friendly I'm going to be...I’m going to be...” she paused, her tone changing like a flipped light switch, “Darkstar, I miss you baby. I'm sorry I'm not there for you. Is that zebra treating you well?”

“I miss you too, mom!” Darkstar hugged her phone to her chest, because it was her mother’s real voice that was talking to her now, “I miss you so much!” she smiled so hard the muscles of her mouth ached, “Slate treats me like a queen mom. You're gonna be a granny!”

“Well,” Shining Star commented with a wistful smile, “You beat your brother to it at least. Congratulations. I do hope you'll visit me with the baby?”

“Of course we will!” Darkstar promised immediately, “I'll mark it down right now. How are you doing, mom?”

“I'm...” Shining Star paused and looked over at Friendly. Sat by her side at the window, the nurse gave her a thumbs up, “I'm in a good place, daughter. I love you, and Brightstar too, and I know you love me. I'll always love you no matter where I am. I’m sorry for not being there with you now.”

“Y-You can't help it mom,” Darkstar started crying all over again, “You don't need to apologise, not for anything, not to me, not ever.” As she spoke, Requiem’s words came back to her, “You're just you, and that's okay, because I love you.”

“Give my love to Slate,” Shining Star gripped her phone tight. She could feel the other personalities in her head, and she wanted more time, she wasn’t ready to go, not yet, not yet! “And call you brother to give him my love. I...I don't want to call him right now, I can’t…”

“I will mom, I'll call Bright, just like you want, I promise!” she didn’t really want to call her older brother, but her mother had asked, and so she would.

“Thank you Darkie,” Shining Star breathed easier now she knew she didn’t have to speak to her son, the voices in her head quieting down for the moment. “You and Bright are everything to me.”

“I love you to the stars, mom, don't ever forget that.”

“I won't, dear.” Shining Star smiled warmly, ‘I love you to the stars’ had been their little thing, a thing they said to each other, “Stop in and say hi to Nurse Friendly, and me, well if you can. I...you take care of yourself, and that baby.”

“The weekend,” Darkstar said quickly, “We'll come and see you. We'll bring a picnic, you like those, in the garden!”

“I...I do, and I will. If,” Shining Star faltered, she knew her time was short and getting shorter by the second. She just had to hold on a little longer, “If I'm not available, you'll have to forgive me. Please?”

“Always,” Darkstar sobbed, “You're always forgiven, mom.”

“Darkstar,” Shining Star said, “You’ll have a husband. You don't have to follow me here. Stay strong and. I love you...” she could feel herself slipping away, it was happening again, “I...I'm sorry,” her voice cracked, ‘Silver’ was waking up again, “I need to go. I love you!”

“Mom!” Darkstar screamed down her phone, “No please! Not yet, it's too soon, please don't go!”

“O-Okay, I...I d-don’t want…to go…” Shining Star’s voice then changed back to Silver, the accent and tone changed completely, “Ms. Friendly, my daughter’s pregnant!”

Friendly gave no sign at all that Shining Star had been replaced by the other personality, “That’s wonderful news!”

“Yeah,” unfortunately, Darkstar wasn’t as good at hiding her disappointment as Friendly was, not after she had just been talking to her actual mother, “It is, Miss Silver. You ah, you look after yourself, okay?”

“I will, are you still in the zebra lands, Darkstar?”

“No ma'am, I'm in Canterlot, with Slate's mother and sister.”

“That's great” Silver beamed, “Stop in so I can feel the baby bump. Let my secretary, Ms. Friendly know. I look forward to your visit.”

“I will ma'am, that's a promise.”

“Thank...” Silver’s voice cracked and Shining Star emerged once more, “I love you, don't forget...” she then shook her head and when she spoke, it was Silver who was back in control, “I…I love you. Good-bye.”

“Bye! I love you, good bye!” Darkstar tried to draw out the good bye as long as she could, even though she knew Shining Star was gone for now, and it was pointless to plead for her to come back. She heard the phone get passed over, “Thanks, nurse.”

“I’m afraid Silver is tired,” Friendly said with her usual Vanhoovan twang in her smile, albeit a more sympathetic one, “I'll call you back in a few hours. Thank you.”

“Alright, and thank you for calling, I appreciate it…” Friendly hung up the call leaving Darkstar sat crying in Sea Salt’s tiny city car and forgetting why she was at the college in the first place. “Alright! Let's go do this!” Forcing a smile on her face, she wiped her wet eyes and got out of the car.

Sea Salt was standing a few feet away from her car when Darkstar got out. She didn’t say anything, there was nothing to be said. The elderly zebra simply wrapped the teenager up in a tight hug. “Nurse Red Lace said to take all the time you need.” Still holding Darkstar, she stepped back to look at her.

Held in Sea Salt’s arms, Darkstar looked at her momma for a long few seconds with her lip trembling and then the damn burst and she erupted into a flood of tears. Still saying nothing, Sea Salt pulled her back into the hug, allowing Darkstar to break her heart for another five minutes before stopping to a sniffle. “I-I'm sorry momma, I-I'm f-fine…”

“No child,” Sea Salt saw straight through the teenager and shook her head, “You're not fine, but you'll persevere. Does she truly know she'll be a grandmamma, like me?”

Slowly, Darkstar nodded her tear stricken head, “For a few minutes there, she was Shining Star again, and she knew.”

“Then it is in her heart,” Sea Salt said with a warm loving smile, “And that is where it needs to be.”

“I know, momma,” Darkstar sniffed, “I know. It's just hard, y'know? She was mom again, and too soon she was gone, and I didn’t want her to be gone!” she started to cry again, “I want my mom!”

Sea Salt laid a hand on Darkstar’s chest, right on the tight skimpy top over her heart, “She’s never gone in here. You know your mother better than anyone. You had to. No matter what this might say,” she tapped the side of Darkstar’s head at her temple, “That will never change in here,” she placed that hand back on her chest.

For a few more minutes, Darkstar blubbed out some more tears, “Sh-She asked me to call Bright…” she couldn’t carry on before sniffing up some more wet sobs.

“She would,” Sea Salt said wisely, “Because she loves you both. You can give Moonbeak a call later today, and see if Bright is up to talking to you. You could always let my boy talk to him, too.”

“I'll call Moony,” Darkstar knew from experience she would have to talk to Moonbeak, “I dunno if Bright will speak to me even then. He didn't for my birthday, and I haven't spoken to him at all since last Hearths Warming.”

“A bridge to cross when we come to it,” Sea Salt smiled firmly, “You ready to go in?”

“Yes, I’m ready, or I won't be ready.” Sharing a smile with each other, Sea Salt took Darkstar's hand and she led her into the college clinic. Darkstar was very grateful the old woman was there. She didn’t want to do this alone. After squeezing Sea Salt's hand, she walked up to the desk to announce herself. “Hi, sorry to bother you, I’m Darkstar, I have an appointment?”

“Yes,” the receptionist greeted the teenager with a professional smile that became a warm one when she saw what she was wearing, “Nurse Red Lace is in room six. Go on in.”

“Do you want me to wait out here?” asked Sea Salt softly.

“Can you come in with me, please?” There was no way in Equestria she wanted to go in there on her own. Nodding, Sea Salt walked with Darkstar still holding her hand. Then, she knocked on the door and entered room six. “Sorry I'm late, Nurse Lace.”

“Hello Darkstar, Sea Salt,” Red Lace greeted them both, “The good news is, you are pregnant.”

Darkstar flinched, “And the bad news?”

Red Lace kept her smile in place like she hadn’t been asked, “You're pregnant? From you last visit with Slate, I think that would be a good news outcome.”

“Yeah, yeah it is,” Darkstar rubbed the back of her head with a hand and shuffled her feet, “It’s great news, it's just I'm used to there being a 'but' in most situations.” She smiled a weak smile as the news sank in. “Pregnant. I’m really pregnant!”

Sat by her desk, Red Lace had Darkstar's folder open, “When was your last PAP smear?”

“Um…I haven't had one.”

That wasn’t wholly unexpected, Red Lace just scribbled her notes onto the papers, “I'll schedule that for the last week of August, and then your first ultra sound the first week of September. The results of the test will be back by then. Both are outpatient procedures and can be done here. Any questions?”

“First week of September. When college starts.” Darkstar put that to the back of her mind for now, “No, I don't have any questions. Thanks, for confirming the pregnancy, ma'am.”

“You should start taking prenatal vitamins,” Red Lace continued, before she was ready to see them leave, “A bottle of ninety runs about ten bits here at the clinic. They are generic, but fine all the same. If you want a name brand they are about twice as much, and available at any pharmacy. After you start here, sign up for the child birth classes they offer for free on campus. Drag Slate along to them.”

“I will,” Darkstar made a note to get the vitamins before they left, “And I won't have to drag Slate, trust me he'll be the one doing the dragging.”

“The first ultra sound isn't really needed,” Red Lace admitted, “But as you are a first time mother, it helps to build confidence as you can hear the baby’s heartbeat. You'll have another at twenty weeks. Let us know beforehand if you want to know the sex of the child or keep it a surprise.”

Very quickly, before she even realised she had opened her mouth, Darkstar said, “I want to know!” she blushed, “I mean, I need to know, please?”

“Okay,” Red Lace checked her computer terminal and found an empty slot, “I can get you an appointment with Doctor Smoke on a Thursday at ten a.m., the last Thursday in the month, is that good? All the patients like her.”

“Yes, thank you, that'd be great.”

“Very good,” Red Lace filled out the appointment slot on her screen, “You're low risk and I'm sure Sea Salt can tell you all about pregnancy side effects like morning sickness and cravings,” she paused while the zebra chuckled, “You may also have mood swings. Beyond what the Haldol can modify. Look to your family for support.”

When Darkstar spoke next, it was in a very low, almost inaudible voice. “I always do, nurse,” then, she looked down at her heavily scarred forearms, “Trust me, I'm used to mood swings.”

“Looks like there’s nothing new there,” Red Lace followed the teenager’s gaze down to her wrists and forearms, “And nothing new there, either. My only advise is, don't go it alone.”

Darkstar smiled, “No chance of that.”

“Have a good day, Darkstar,” Red Lace shook both their hands, “It was nice to meet you again, Sea Salt.”

Bidding the nurse a fond farewell, Darkstar left room six, still holding Sea Salt’s hand. Once she was outside in the hall, she at last allowed herself to breathe, “Thanks for being there with me and holding my hand, momma.”

“Yours is an easy hand to hold, child,” Sea Salt replied with a smile before she went to the pharmacy to get the vitamins that the nurse had recommended. “Are you ready to head home?”

“Yes,” Darkstar nodded, “And when I'm armed with a coffee, I'll give Moony a call.”

Like she had on the way there, Sea Salt decided to drive them home. At her little white car she lets go of Darkstar's hand so she could let herself in while she moved around to the driver’s side. Darkstar got in, and she was silent all the way back, looking down at her hands clasped in her lap.

Driving back, Sea Salt knew better than to try and fill the silence. Darkstar would speak whenever she was ready. When they were back at home, Darkstar got out and she made coffee for them both. Only when she was armed with coffee did she get her phone out to call Moonbeak. “If I'm lucky, he'll be home and not out driving.”

“Hey Darkie,” Moonbeak answered the call on the third ring, “How's it hanging, kid?”

“Hanging perky and bouncy, like they were the last time you asked,” Darkstar giggled at the griffon’s joke, “How's the haulage going, Snowman?”

Moonbeak smiled to himself. Darkstar was the only one he allowed to call him that, and only because they both liked the Smokie and the Bandit movie. “Five hours out of Canterlot and once this load is dropped off, I'm home for three days.”

“Good,” Darkstar said quickly, “That's good. And ah...how's Bright?”

The slate grey griffon grinned as he drove his big rig along the freeway. He could practically see Darkstar rubbing the back of her head as she spoke. “Your brother’s doing really well. Passed some qualification tests. He wants to go undercover.”

That was enough to give Darkstar cause for pause, her coffee cup held an inch from her lips, “Undercover? Isn't that super dangerous?”

“It's a crazy world,” retorted Moonbeak, “The job is dangerous, and it seems more so if you happen to be in uniform.”

“I won't argue your first point,” Darkstar conceded, the world most certainly was crazy as a box of cats in a roomful of rocking chairs, but… She lifted the mug all the way to her lips and sipped her coffee. “So, ah, to the reason why I called. I have news from Stripe Central.”

“How's Slate doing?” asked Moonbeak, “Still pushing a lawn mower?”

“He is!” agreed Darkstar with a goofy smile plastered all over her face, “And we're doing okay. We've made the move from just D/S to ropes, and does he ever know his way around a knot or two!”

“Go you, kinky girl!”

“I thought you'd approve of that, Snowman,” Darkstar giggled, “In other news, I'm pregnant. Had it confirmed today at the college clinic.”

“Какого черта!” Moonbeak was so surprised at that, that he swore in his native Griffon, before he recovered his composure. Fortunately, he was able to steer his rig in a straight line, “Sorry, you okay?”

“That's alright, you're allowed one 'what the hell', Snowman,” Darkstar chuckled and sipped a little more of her coffee, “I'm fine, mostly.”

“Okay, time for a dumb question. Slate’s?”

“Yes, the baby is Slate's!” squeaked Darkstar, all outraged in a split second that he would think anything different, before the moment passed them by, “And yes it was a dumb question, but I'll let you off. Because I like you.”

“I wasn't sure if the call was for an escape route. So,” Moonbeak shifted gears as he drove, “It must be the song and joy in the stripes house. I don't think Rocky was going to give Sea Salt a grandchild.”

“They're all made up, Snowman, over the moon, almost literally, in momma's case.” Darkstar sighed, then she got to the real-real reason she was calling, “I'm calling you because my brother won't talk to me.”

Moonbeak took a long time to answer, not because the subject was hard, but because he was swearing and honking his horn at an asshole in a van who had just cut him up on the freeway. “He went to visit Shinning about four weeks ago,” he said once he had stopped cursing, “His plan was to get her out. He met up with Steel, needless to say, it didn't go well, and he...” the griffon sighed deeply, “Well he blames you for her being like that. I've learned to go with the flow, but only because I love him.”

“Steel…” all the humour had drained from Darkstar’s voice at the mention of the ‘Blood Queen’, as she called her mother’s most violent personality. She knew Steel very well. It was Steel that had led to her commitment. “Yeah, I know Steel, Snowman.” Darkstar slumped at the table and she held her head in her hand. “I know what he blames me for, but he was off at the police academy and I was on my own and seventeen when I met Steel. What else was I supposed to do?”

“I don't blame you, Lil’ Star, but Bright...” Moonbeak paused and chose his words carefully, “You know this isn't a first time a parent has abandoned him, and he needs time. That last visit still gives him nightmares, and he dove into work to keep them away.”

“Did Steel hurt him?”

“Only with words,” Moonbeak replied grimly, “Nurse Friendly made sure it didn't escalate.”

“He was lucky, then.” Darkstar’s tone was flat and emotionless. So poor Bright got some nasty words thrown his way, so what? That was nothing compared to what she had endured. “It's not fun when she has a knife at your neck…” then, she groaned, hating herself for how callous she sounded, “I'm sorry, Snowman, I know how words hurt. Could you tell him my news when you get home?”

“Of course I will, Lil’ Star, and I'll call back later, maybe tomorrow when he’s at work.”

“Thanks Snowman. Is um...is there any sign he'll come to the wedding?” Darkstar asked hopefully – maybe a little too hopefully – as she swallowed the last of her rapidly cooling coffee.

“Send me the invitations and we'll be there,” Moonbeak promised, “Worse that will happen is he'll be wearing a ball gag.”

Darkstar actually giggled at that, “You never know, I might be wearing one, too.”

“Hard to say, 'I do' with a gag in your mouth,” Moonbeak pointed out.

“I have excellent body language!” Darkstar’s giggles became a burst of laughter, but it didn’t last very long.

“Прощай, позаботься о себе.”

“You too Snowman. Give my love to Bright when you see him.”

“Will do, Lil’ Star,” Moonbeak then hung up the call as the traffic on the freeway was taking up all his attention, thanks to an asshole in a BMW thinking they could veer all over the lanes at will.

Call over, a despondent Darkstar got up and, leaving her phone on the kitchen table, she trudged to the open door of the living room. “Momma,” she sounded as low and flat as she felt, “I'm going to go lie down.” ‘And hopefully not wake up…’ she thought miserably to herself.

“Okay,” Sea Salt was scared stiff of the deadened emotionless tone in Darkstar’s voice. She knew she had to get her son in on this as soon as possible. “But, you may want to check in with your Master, first.”

“Yeah, whatever, I guess…” Darkstar went back to the kitchen table and, taking up her phone, she sent Slate a text. ‘Pregnancy confirmed. Spoke with mom. She was Shining, and she took it really well. Called Snowman, told him the news. BS still hates the idea of me. Going to lie down.’

Immediately, practically at the speed of light, a text came back from Slate. ‘No, you are not. You are going to study one hour of Griffon, Dragon, and Zebran. Write me a short poem in each language, and send them to me.’

For a split second, only a second, Darkstar felt a mutinous streak in her that almost made her tell him to screw himself. But only for a second. Then, it passed, and her shoulders sagged defeatedly. ‘Alright,’ she sent the message and dropped her phone back on the table. “Going to study, momma.”

“Let me know if you need any help.”

On the stairs, Darkstar answered her, though she didn't sound at all like her usual self, not by a long shot. “Yeah, I'll yell if I do.”

In her bedroom, Darkstar did study, just like Slate had ordered her to. For the first time ever though, she really didn’t want to. All she wanted to do was lay down and sleep.

It took the running of her fingers over the collar buckled around her neck to remind Darkstar of her place. Slate was her Master, she was his pet, and he had given her an order. With a resigned grunt, she hefted out her college books and opened the Dragon one first.

It only took Darkstar a few moments to get a handle on the rudimentary structures of the dragon language, at least enough to write a small poem in it. She wrote, ‘flying dragon tail sails through the air and meets flesh snap crackle and pop!’

Next, she picked up the Griffon book, not that she needed it as much as the first one, thanks in no small part to her knowing Moonbeak. She smiled, grateful for knowing the hard as nails griffon. This poem came easier than the first, ‘one simple word yours compliant obedient prized possession mine.’

Easiest by far though, was the Zebran poem. Darkstar didn’t even have to look at the college book to write that one. Such were the benefits of living with a family of zebras. ‘Master guides the trip to dark and wonderful spots under the new moon.’

Watching from the doorway, Sea Salt said, “I like the last one.”

Darkstar just shrugged her shoulders, “It seemed to fit.”

“I can't help you if you shut me out, Darkie,” Sea Salt sighed slightly, realising the teenager had closed herself off and she was getting nowhere fast, no matter what Slate had asked of her, “Care for a snack?”

Darkstar’s sigh was much, much deeper than the zebra’s was. “I’m sorry momma,” like she was stuck to the chair with glue, she got up and walked with her down the stairs, paper held in her hand.

“No need to be sorry, child,” Sea Salt led the way to the kitchen, gently holding Darkstar’s hand so as not to pull her or steer her too much, “Your voice gives you away. It's a cry to shed light on the darkness, just like the moon sheds light you can look at.”

Darkstar allowed herself to be led along, her eyes firmly downcast to the floor. “I know Bright blames me for having mom sent away,” she sat and stared at the kitchen table, “And he’s right.”

Getting a snack of left over curried goat from the fridge, Sea Salt set it on the table and she sat opposite Darkstar. “You've known that for years, but now it means something more to you. Why?”

Idly, Darkstar picked at the goat meat, though she wasn’t really interested in it. It was reflex at that point. “I thought, after these two years, he might have started to forgive me. I want to be forgiven, is that so wrong?”

“Do you forgive him?”

“Of course I do,” Darkstar picked again at the meat, tearing off a small piece and chewing it without thinking, “I just want my brother back, momma.”

“Your forgiveness puts him in your heart,” Sea Salt commented before tearing off a chunk of the meat, “Should I send a few dock workers to go and beat some sense into him?”

Darkstar simply smiled sadly, “That’s a nice idea, momma, but no. He's seen Steel at last. Trust me, that's more than enough punishment.”

“You survived Steel,” Sea Salt pointed out, though her caring tone was at odds with the ruthless efficiency with which she was devouring the goat meat, “And now he may understand just what that means.”

Darkstar let out a whine and a shudder. All she could see in her mind’s eye was the monster what wore her mother’s body, her eyes wide and wild, her mouth drawn in a vicious snarl of feral rage, the glint of the carving knife she held in her hand… “I wouldn't wish Steel on anyone, momma. Tell me, how could I have acted any differently?”

“I don't see how, child,” Sea Salt conceded, “Will he show up to the wedding?”

“Snowman says if I send him the invites, they'll be there.”

“Let it go till then, child,” Sea Salt said softly, her old hand resting on Darkstar’s much younger one, “The four of you can hash it out at the wedding, and I'll have a med kit if needed.”

“I'm not interested in fighting, momma,” Darkstar didn’t try to move her hand from under Sea Salt’s. “I'm just...done, momma, I’m done with it. I don't feel guilty for what I did, because I did nothing wrong. I’m…done.”

“You are not ‘done’, child,” Sea Salt squeezed her hand over the leftover meat, “All but one knows that. Together the four of you can have him man up to it, or woman up, whichever term he’s using these days.”

“Snowman told me on the phone that four weeks ago, Bright tried to get mom released from the hospital,” Darkstar stared down at the kitchen table and she laughed harshly, which was an unusual sound, coming from her. “He met Steel then. Can you imagine if he'd met Silver, or one of her other benign personalities and mom out, and she was out in town, and then Steel came out? The people she could hurt like that…”

Sea Salt shivered uncomfortably, because she could easily imagine such a thing, though she couldn’t imagine experiencing such a horror as Steel attacking her own daughter. “Did she hurt him?”

Darkstar shook her head, “Only with her words. Brightstar didn't get the blade of a knife pressed to his throat…”

Affectionately, Sea Salt stroked Darkstar’s hand, “Send your Master your poems, child. Bright can wait. Slate cannot.”

“You're right, momma,” Darkstar felt immediately guilty that she hadn’t sent her Master the poems straightaway like she ought to have done. She reached for her phone and she sent the three poems to Slate, along with an apology.

‘Good work,’ Slate sent her his reply in a few seconds, ‘I had to look up two of them. I will be home at five, you will be in the living room. You may do as you wish until then.’

Darkstar let out a breath she had been holding in. Slate didn’t sound upset with her, thank the moon above, she wouldn’t get punished too severely. ‘I understand, Master. See you at five.’

Sea Salt tore another chunk of meat from the leftover goat, “What does the boy have to say?”

“Master says he'll be back at five and I'm to be in the living room when he gets back.”

“Harsh,” Sea Salt giggled, “Not.”

“Yeah,” Darkstar giggled, “I think a shower is in order before he gets home.”

At last, Sea Salt let go of Darkstar's hand. “TV for me, after I make a snack of hertzoggies to eat along with it.”

“Let me guess, ‘Out of Zebrica’ is on today?”

“Of course!”

“At least you don't watch Muckraker, momma,” Darkstar smiled, eminently grateful that the older zebra didn’t care for the poisonous talk show. “Not be long!” When she went upstairs, Sea Salt got busy making the cookies. Darkstar had herself a long, very long, very hot shower, after which she walked nude downstairs, clean and dry. “All better, momma! How's the show?”

“There’s a new plot twist,” Sea Salt answered her from her comfy chair without looking away from the screen, “The Chieftain has gotten his daughter from his mistress, and his wife has claimed the child as her own.”

“Huh. Really?” Darkstar couldn’t quite believe it, “Something new in a soap opera? I'm intrigued!” Gleefully, she hopped up onto her spot on the couch, where she crossed her legs and got comfortable.

As ever, Sea Salt was completely unfazed by Darkstar's nudity. Were she any younger – and considerably fitter – she would be doing the same. “Just don't tell my daughter,” she grinned, “She can find out when we binge watch on Saturday.”

“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me, momma,” Darkstar relaxed on the couch and she allowed her mind to wander and slip into its own little world. She watched the soap, but she wasn’t really watching. She was there but not wholly 'there' in the living room, as it were.

While she watched her soap, Sea Salt pushed the plate of cookies she had made to within reach of Darkstar. Every so often, the zebra plucked one from the plate, eating it at the same time as she drank her glass of milk slowly. For almost a whole hour, Darkstar didn't move at all, then she helped herself to a cookie.

Sea Salt noted the removal of the cookie, but she didn’t say anything. She simply chose a different victim for herself. “It’s just not the same since they wrote Bufford out of the show. Sad he had to pass in reality.”

In spite of herself, Darkstar giggled, “It’s kind of a legit reason to get rid of the character, though. Not like the actor was pulling a sickie.”

“Just leaves a hole in the cast,” Sea Salt pointed out, gesturing with her half eaten cookie like a sergeant major would a swagger stick, “Maybe next season they can fix it.”

“Maybe. Momma, after this has done, can I choose a thing to watch please?”

“As long as it isn't Muckraker.”

Sharing a laugh with the older woman, Darkstar giggled and shook her head, “Nope, not from me. There's a special episode of that Trottingham based comedy, Only Fools and Horses on the other side in a few minutes.”

In a rare move, Sea Salt passed the remote to Darkstar, “I'm game.”

“Thanks momma,” Darkstar took the remote like she had been passed the Sacred Cup of the Moon at the Lunar Temple, “There's three, actually. Hearths Warming Special episodes from ages ago,” she flicked the channel over and the TV planner on the screen displayed the three titles, Heroes & Villains, Modern Men and Time on Our Hands.”

Wisely, Sea Salt chose not to question the fact that Darkstar thought that 1996 qualified as ‘ages ago’. It wasn’t her fault she hadn’t been born until 2001. “I remember when they came out.”

“Mom used to watch the specials, every year at Hearths Warming,” Darkstar smiled a fond, nostalgic smile, “She was always amazed how something so funny could make her cry when it felt like being serious.”

“Hold onto your memories, child. I know I do,” Sea Salt pointed to an old photo on the wall that hung above the fireplace, a picture of Sea Salt, Rockslide and Slate stood with a fourth zebra, a strong looking male with a wide smile and kind eyes. “I can still hear what Gravel would say about my soaps.”

Darkstar admired the picture for a moment, wondering if her own father had eyes as kind as Gravel’s had been. “I would have liked to have met him. But I kinda have, through you three.” When Sea Salt nodded, Darkstar grinned, “I bet he used to grouse no end at your soaps, but loved to hear you talk about them all the same.”

Laughing, Sea Salt affected a deep gruff voice, “What happened on your silly show today? That doesn't really happen!” she laughed some more, then spoke in her usual voice, “Then I would show him the newspaper, where it did happen.”

“To be fair,” Darkstar said after she had stopped laughing, “I think the same about most soaps, but ‘Out of Zebrica’ is useful for the zebran, at least.”

“I'll add educational to my list of reasons to watch it.”

“It is!” insisted Darkstar with a giggle in her voice and a smile on her face, “It's the only show in Equestria that’s broadcast purely in zebran!”

Sea Salt gave the teenager a roll of her eyes, “Can’t say I’ve ever noticed,” she snickered, then she asked, suddenly curious, “Do they have shows in Griff and Draco?”

“They do, but have you seen Draco shows?” Darkstar answered the question with a rhetorical one of her own, “Game of Bones is really not my thing. At all.”

“You could just listen to the sound,” pointed out Sea Salt, “Or is it that bad?”

Darkstar blanched. Whatever colour she had in her face drained away, leaving her practically translucent. “I watched it one time with Slate. I really wish I hadn’t. There was once scene where crowd got roasted alive by a dragon…” she shuddered badly and her eyes went into a thousand mile stare, “The screaming and the burning...I swear I could smell it...like I was right there…”

Sea Salt made her mind up based on Darkstar’s excellently eloquent review, “I'll pass too.”

“There was so much blood,” Darkstar could see the scene in her mind’s eye, “So much blood, so much! Always with the blood, blood everywhere!” she clutched her head and rocked back and forth on the couch, “Blood! Red blood, people dying and screaming and burning and bleeding!” she tugged strands of her grey hair from her head, “Like those stupid horror movies!”

Quickly, Sea Salt moved from 'her' chair over to the couch and she wrapped Darkstar up in an extremely tight hug, “Breathe, Darkie, relax and breathe, I’m here now, I’m here.”

“All the blood!” Darkstar screamed and ripped out more strands of her hair, sobbing as she rocked in Sea Salt’s arms, “I can't take the blood, I can’t take it, all the screaming and the blood, blood, blood, bloOOOOD!” descending into a flood of tears, she allowed Sea Salt to hold her and, after five minutes, she was able to take several deep breaths and get herself under a small amount of control, “M-Mo-Momma, I-I'm sorry...”

“Hey now, child, none of that,” Sea Salt gently patted Darkstar’s head and stroked her long hair to further calm her down. “Rest with me,” she steered the young woman’s head onto her shoulder as the opening credits of Only Fools and Horses rolled, “And we can watch together from the couch.”

Darkstar was more than happy with where her head was at. For the next three hours it stayed there like it was glued in place, and she certainly wasn’t in a rush to move it any time soon. When the end of Time on Our Hands – the third special – was playing, Darkstar spoke at last, “I love the bit when they finally become millionaires.”

“It is nice to see the money didn't destroy them,” Sea Salt commented, her eyes as wet as the teenager’s was for the emotional climax.

Before Darkstar could offer a comment on that, the front door opened and Rockslide stomped in with her usual heavy tread that assured she’d never be called ‘twinkle toes’. “Well,” she snorted with the tone that communicated in one word that her day had not been that great, “Don't you two look comfy? Shower for me.”

“Hey Rocky!” Darkstar called out as she heard the thumping footsteps ascend the stairs. Then, she smiled at the TV, “I really like this next bit afterwards in their old apartment. Del's all sad cos now he's got everything he wanted; he thinks it's all over.”

“But they can be billionaires!”

“This time next year, huh?” snickered Darkstar.

Just as the closing credits were starting to roll, Rockslide came back down the stairs fresh from her shower wearing nothing but her long fluffy bathrobe. In the living room, she took her spot on the other side of Darkstar. When she sat, her robe fell open to reveal a decent side boob, but the D cups were large enough that the nipple was still covered.

As soon as Rockslide was seated, Darkstar moved her head onto her big sister’s shoulder, happy to rest it there even though Rockslide had the remote in her hand. True to form, she changed the channel to Muckraker’s talk show, but Darkstar didn’t care. Sea Salt didn’t complain either, she took the opportunity to clear away the stray grey hair.

The door opened a second time and Slate walked in just as Sea Salt had disposed of the evidence. “My,” he grinned broadly, “The three most beautiful ladies in the world, all waiting for me.”

“And here's the hunkiest guy in the world!” Darkstar exclaimed and, after Slate had given his mother and sister a familial kiss on the cheek, he treated his pet to a full lip embrace, one she returned by wrapping her arms around his shoulders, “I missed you.”

“The shower misses you too, little brother,” Rockslide held her nose and turned away as Slate laughed at her, downwind, he was not.

In order to further tease his sister, Slate stood behind the couch and made sure she could smell him. “Gee, Rocky, you're starting to take on Darkie's habits,” he said after looking down and catching an eyeful of her large chest.

Rockslide knew how to get back at her brother for his stink, and for ruining Muckraker. She fanned herself with the front of her bathrobe, and in the process, she flashed him and Darkstar a full and unfettered view of her breasts. “She is worth imitating.”

“My sis is doing a great job,” snickered Darkstar, “I'm sure I'll keep rubbing off on her.”

Slate rolled his eyes at the three of them sat there teasing him, “Just what I need, a house full of nudists.”

“Well if that is what you want...”

Quickly, Slate held up his hands and backed away, “That's fine, momma, really. You don't need to encourage the other two.”

“He's right,” Darkstar said after she had finished laughing along with Rockslide and Sea Salt, “We don't need encouraging, do we, Rocky?”

Smirking, Rockslide raised a hand for a high five, a gesture that Darkstar was quick to deliver, “We do not.”

Deciding that he really didn’t want to watch Muckraker’s trashy show, and that he wanted to get away for some much needed alone time, the zebra took hold of Darkstar’s hand and tugged her to her feet. “I think I need a wash, and I think you should wash me, my lovely pet.”

Chapter 9 - Twin Trouble

“You did really well with the text domination thing earlier, Master,” Darkstar said as they entered their bedroom, before she turned and kissed his lips, “It was fun obeying you and you weren't even there!”

“A not so secret, secret, but I did give momma a heads up what I was doing,” Slate grinned, “She said she would try to get you to be naughty. Then, I did like the poems too,” he kissed her, “You looked happy on the couch when I came in, but that 'I'm going to lay down' text from you worried me.”

“I kinda guessed you clued momma in,” Darkstar giggled as she sat on the bed, “When she ate her pudding like she was making love to it.” Then, with Slate giving her a ‘look’, she remembered what they came upstairs to do. She walked to the bathroom and got the hot water running before she started to undress Slate. “This afternoon has been hard; I’m not going to lie.”

“It wouldn't be the pregnancy test, or momma's teasing,” Slate pondered the reasons for his lover’s mood swings in his head while she was undressing him, and one option came to mind, “You called Bright, didn't you?”

“No, I called Moonbeak,” Darkstar replied, tugging Slate’s flannel work shirt off and unbuckling his belt, “Because mom asked me to. Before the pregnancy test, Friendly called me, and I spoke to Shining Star.” Folding his shirt, she sighed, “Snowman told me Bright tried to get mom out of the hospital four weeks ago, and he met Steel for the first time.”

Knowing the full implication of that, Slate muttered, “Damn. Wait,” he moved forward and wrapped his big strong arms around her slender delicate frame, “You talked with Shining?”

“Yeah,” before Darkstar returned the hug, she lowered his grass stained jeans, “And yes!” she exclaimed, her eyes watering, “She was there, not for long, but she was there.”

“What matters, is your mother knows she is going to be a grandmother,” Slate said softly but firmly, making sure it sank in, “It’s the best news you could have given her.”

Darkstar nodded in agreement, “Yeah, she was really thrilled. I hope you don't mind, I said Sunday we'd take a picnic up, if she's lucid enough.”

“She is going to be my momma in law,” Slate affectionately stroked her long grey hair before casting his eyes downwards in an unspoken question, “I'm always good for that.”

Slate’s eyes told Darkstar she was tarrying in his undressing. Kneeling before him, she removed his boots and then his socks, placing a reverent kiss on both her Master’s feet before peeling his boxer shorts down. “Course, it all depends what frame of mind she's in on Sunday.”

“Moonie tell you that your brother still isn't over it?”

“Yes, he did,” still on her knees, Darkstar placed a kiss at the root of Slate’s flaccid cock, then she rested her ass on her ankles, “Bright blames me for having our mother committed. He wanted to care for her, something to do with being abandoned by a second parent. Doesn't matter to him that she almost killed me…”

“And I'm glad she failed, but...” Slate sighed, “I'll not sink down to the blame game. Maybe me and Moonie just need to pound some sense into him?”

“What would that achieve other than making Bright dig his high heels in?” Darkstar’s sigh came from the depths of her soul, “Moonie said Steel gave him nightmares. Hopefully, that'll bring him around.”

“You're right and I wouldn't beat up your brother,” Slate grinned broadly, “He is a cop. Let's hope that Moonie can bring him around. I would like for him to be at our wedding.”

“I did ask, Master,” replied Darkstar as she led him by the hands into the shower now that it was up to temperature, “Moonie said to send him the invites and they'd be there. Worst case, Bright will wear a gag that matches his dress.”

As the hot water hit his chest, Slate lost it in laughter that filled the bathroom, “Now, I'd pay to see that!”

“But yeah,” Darkstar’s eyes flickered all around the shower, she was a little tense, but the hot water was doing wonders to relax her, “It affected me, I know you know, but momma gave me hugs on the couch.”

“Maybe you can get some other momma hugs at the picnic?”

“Maybe,” agreed Darkstar reluctantly, “I'm not getting my hopes up on that, though, just in case,” she put her mother out of her mind right then, because she was at eye level with Slate’s impressive manhood. “Mmmm,” she couldn’t help but give it and his balls a stroke with her hands, “I missed you today.”

“Your texts and your pics kept me from missing you too much,” Slate smiled, then he hissed in a breath when he felt his fiancé’s lips seal themselves around his heavy balls, “I love you!”

After a few moments, Darkstar removed Slate’s wet balls from her mouth and licked his shaft with the tip of her tongue. Knowing how much he liked a sloppy blowjob; she drenched his lap with her saliva. Starting at the root, she worked her way up to the sensitive underside of his cock, right up under the head. There, she gave that area some licks, and then teased him a bit with some long slow licks up and down the shaft.

With practised ease, Darkstar finally put her lips around the whole head of his cock and started to gently suck him off. Fondling his nuts with her hand, she slowly lowered herself over his entire organ, getting it deep inside her mouth.

Darkstar slowly bobbed her head up and down into his lap, getting her soft delicate hands around him and squeezing his butt. She could hear his breathing getting heavier the more she worked his shaft into her throat. From the noises he was making, she knew he was deeply enjoying the attention he was getting that afternoon in the shower.

Slate began to buck his hips back and forth, quickly getting into a rhythm with his pet as she stroked the root of his cock with her hands and swallowed his shaft again. Swirling her tongue wildly around the underside of the head of his cock, she drove him mad with desire.

The terracotta zebra was dripping shower water over her, she could feel it on his thighs, splashing against her face. He kept groaning and moaning with pleasure as she became more firm with her sucking, especially when she drooled and slobbered all over his lap, determined to make the blowjob as wet and messy as possible.

Just how he liked it.

"D-Da-Darkie, oh, feels good..." he moaned, his strong hands gripping her wet grey hair at the back of her head to encourage her in her work. As if she needed encouraging.

"Mmm...oh...Mmppphh...UM!" she moaned, unable to really say anything verbal with her mouth and throat filled up. Darkstar swished his cock inside her cheeks, getting it as deep into her throat as she possibly could while breathing through her nose. A nose that was scrunched up against his belly as she buried her face into his lap.

That was her favourite bit, and she moved a hand to her throat where she not only felt her collar but the bulge in her oesophagus that was his meaty cock.

Slate's groans were getting louder and his breathing more desperate. Darkstar firmly grabbed his dick with strong suction from her mouth as she fondled his heavy balls. She noted his balls begin to draw closer to his thighs, a sign that his orgasm was imminent. She intended to milk him dry, and so she sucked and licked him lovingly, all the time caressing his balls in her hand.

"D-Darkie...I'm gonna come soon, I can't hold it much longer..." Slate groaned as he placed a hand on the tiled wall to support himself.

She didn't answer him verbally; Darkstar just sucked him faster and made moaning noises as she prepared to finish him off. The teenager’s pace and intensity grew with each trip up and down his organ; she made loud slurping and sucking sounds with her mouth.

She knew he really liked that.

His cock was rock hard and throbbing; she could feel it shaking. She visualized the hot white come loaded up in his balls getting ready to squirt hard. "OH! Fuck! OHHHHH!" he moaned loudly, just as the contractions began, and his erection flexed. Darkstar focused the muscles of her mouth and tongue intently on the head of his dick while tightening her grip around his nuts.

She felt the pre-cum that she had been tasting all throughout the blowjob start to drip out even more. Then the explosion came.

Spurt after spurt of hot cum shot down Darkstar’s throat. The experienced teenager was able to gulp most of it down quickly, but some of it filled her cheeks. His own cum mixed with her saliva as she licked the tip of his shaft, valiantly swallowing it all down.

Through his ejaculation, she struggled to breathe through her nose, which was buried in his pubic hair, as she finished him off, milking even more cum out of his balls with her hands. Just when she thought it was over, his cock quivered with some involuntary aftershocks, and yet more creamy juice trickled down her throat.

Darkstar expertly kept his rock hard erection in her mouth after the main part of the orgasm had ended; there was drop after drop of cum still dripping out of the head of his dick even though the huge spurting phase had ended, and she wanted it all.

Once she was done with his cock and he was done emptying his pent up balls directly into her stomach, the Master and pet got busy with the actual job of cleaning each other. Fifteen minutes later, thanks to how hands on they both were, they were more than ready for round two. “The other day,” Slate grinned as he shut off the water, “You suggested we do something at the gazebo.”

“I did!” Darkstar wiped her wet hair out of her eyes, “I believe I suggested that you bent me over the rail and took me in the ass, Master.”

“Pet, dry yourself off and then join me in the bedroom with the lube.”

“Yes Master!” as soon as she was out of the bath tub, Darkstar quickly dried herself off with a towel, then she skipped from the bathroom to the bedroom. Getting out of the shower, Slate took his time to get himself dry, allowing his pet to get ready in the bedroom. “One strawberry flavoured lube Master, as requested.” She held it ready when he walked in and joined her.

Taking the lube from her, Slate pointed to the foot of the bed. “Grab hold of the footboard, pet, because you're going for a ride.”

“Yes Master,” with a little apprehension, Darkstar turned and she bent over, gripping the thick wood firmly in her hands. In position, she decided to add a thoroughly unnecessary teasing wiggle of her bubble butt.

Darkstar heard the click of the lube, she gasped aloud as she felt the chill of the gooey substance against her sphincter muscle, spread and smeared around by her Master’s skilled fingers. When one of those fingers started to apply pressure to her ass, the teenager took a deep breath. One firm shove and the invading digit was inside.

Taking slow, steadying breathes, Darkstar felt Slate’s finger slide back and forth, slowly spreading the lube inside her anal cavity. There was a – by now familiar, albeit minor - discomfort but it soon passed. She groaned as the zebra worked in a second finger and then a third, trying to ignore the slight sting from her asshole as the fingers worked to stretch her out.

Behind her, face full of a devious smirk, Slate pressed the end of the tube up to Darkstar’s slightly gaping hole and without warning he squeezed a massive amount of the gel into her still stretched passage. The chill sent a shiver up her back as she settled down, panting a bit at the unexpected act. He did love the way she squeaked. “Well done, my pet,” Slate said softly as he replaced the bottle with the tip of his hard cock.

“Thank you, Master,” Darkstar tightened her grip on the footboard and braced herself, relaxing her body, she signalled that she was ready. Suddenly, Slate thrust his hips forwards and he began to sink himself inside her rear. Screaming out in pleasure, Slate grunted in effort as he gave short thrusts to drive his shaft ever deeper.

Darkstar felt a firm grip on her hips as her Master pulled her back onto him. She groaned out, feeling him steadily sink deeper until, a few minutes later, she felt him bottom out and fill her up completely. Breathing heavily, Darkstar felt the initial discomfort of his entry ebbing into blissful feeling of being full. She gave a contented sigh, her ass quickly adjusting to the zebra’s girth.

Groaning in sheer pleasure, Darkstar could feel her Master sliding his cock back and forth in long, hard firm thrusts as he resisted the urge to just have at her. Darkstar though, wasn’t satisfied with that. “Master, please, fuck me!”

Permission given; Slate squirted on a liberal second helping of the lube before he tossed the tube on the bed and picked up his pace. They moaned together as he pulled out over half way and then forcefully he shoved back forward with enough strength to scoot her forwards almost face first into the duvet. The teenager squealed out in pleasure, her body wrapping tighter around the invading shaft.

Soon, the zebra took up a steady pace as he began to pound into his pet’s stretched asshole. A full day at work, teased by her texts, meant that in spite of the sloppy blowjob, Slate had a head of pent up lust, urges that he didn’t care to hold back any further. He gripped her hips roughly, panting as he slammed his hips forward. Darkstar, in turn, moaned out as the sensations her body had been craving all day flooded her mind.

It was contact, togetherness, and pure lust-fuelled bliss. Darkstar’s ass throbbed around the pistoning shaft, milking him as best she could. Suddenly, she felt Slate’s cock start to throb and pulse. His balls began to contract, and sensing he was close, he slammed with force against her ring.

Darkstar screamed out as he pulled back and did it again. And again. And again. Slate slammed his hips forwards one last time and, with a loud pleasured grunt at that final shove, he emptied his balls deep into her anal cavity. Darkstar cried out, letting go of the footboard as her scream filled the bathroom. She gave a sob, her ass throbbing as she felt her Master’s cock spurt load after load of cum into her.

No longer holding the wood in her hands, Darkstar slumped over and down face first onto the bed while Slate remained inside her. She knew he liked to let nature soften him to remove himself from her. In that time though, she was happy with the feeling of her ass being creampied.

Behind her, Slate held tight onto Darkstar’s waist so that she didn't fall all the way to the floor and, starting to soften, he slowly pulled out of her. “Shower part two when you're ready, pet.”

“In...in a moment...wow...Slate!”

Feeling like he had won all the lotteries, Slate looked down Darkstar’s gaping cum filled ass and then at his slimy messy shaft, the latter with a pang of regret. “I should have remembered the enema, but I can live with this. I love you, Darkie.”

After another, this time a brief, shower, Slate made sure that his pet was thoroughly dry before he dried himself. “I will let you choose two items of clothing to wear to dinner.”

“Uuuuum...” Darkstar did put some thought into it, “I think I’ll wear my pink micro skirt and that super tiny tight top I know you like.”

“Done,” Slate grinned, because the top in question was more of a sport’s bra than a top, “I thought you'd pick out two socks, but it’s too late now. Go get dressed.”

While Slate put on a pair of shorts and a tee shirt, Darkstar skipped to her closet. “I want to make Rocky have to really concentrate at dinner!” when they were both dressed, they went downstairs together hand in hand. They were greeted by Rockslide and Sea Salt both holding score cards. Sea Salt’s said ‘10/10’ and Rockslide’s ‘#$&^#^%’.

Immediately, Darkstar took a low bow to her audience, “Thank you, thank you! I’m here all week, and I'm open for requests!”

“From me,” Slate suggestively wiggled his eyebrows at his suddenly pouting sister.

“Aww, Master, you made her pout!” Darkstar giggled and she skipped to the kitchen wearing what was essentially an extremely lewd cheerleader outfit. Since Rockslide was setting the table, Sea Salt directed the teenager to take the plates of food from the worktops to the table.

Today, the afternoon meal was a delicious looking pot roast, complete with glazed carrots, potatoes, and a thick beef gravy, as well as crusty bread rolls. Unlike the other recent days, this time Darkstar had the joy of feeding herself. She snickered to the others sat at the table, “I was beginning to think I'd forget how to do this!”

Once the meal was over, Sea Salt asked Darkstar to get the Amarula Cheesecake from the refrigerator for their dessert, and she was only too happy to oblige. She was a very happy Darkie indeed as she came back with the yummy dessert. Like a hawk, Rockslide watched her every move. “Don't you ever lose that one, Slate.”

“Pfft,” Darkstar snorted as she set the cheesecake on the table, “Like I'd get lost, I know my way home.”

“That’s good then,” Rockslide snickered while her mother cut the cheesecake into eight slices and served them one each into a bowl, “When he gets lost you can bring him home and keep him.”

“I can keep him?” Darkstar playfully ruffled Slate’s hair, “Excellent!”

“No refunds,” snorted Sea Salt.

Under the avalanche of relentless teasing, Slate rolled his eyes up to the moon for guidance, “I love all of you, too.”

“Oh you know I'm only teasing, you big silly,” as a peace offering though, Darkstar lifted up her loaded spoon to Slate, who gladly accepted the offering, making her giggle in delight, “I think I'm forgiven!”

When their bowls were empty and the dishwasher loaded, the four made their way back into the living room to relax. Slate was on his spot on the couch between Rockslide and Darkstar, while Sea Salt placed a Zebran LP on the gramophone before sitting in her chair. “No TV tonight,” she declared after a few minutes, “I think dancing instead!”

Hearing that, Darkstar was only too eager to get up and dance. She wanted to show off the improvements her fiancé had made to his waltz. For the first round, mother and daughter danced together, and for the second they switched it up, Sea Salt danced with Slate and Darkstar partnered Rockslide.

After a water break, they changed up again, this time Sea Salt danced with Darkstar and Slate danced with his sister. She wasn’t so enthusiastic about that as she was about dancing with Darkstar. Three rounds later, Sea Salt was at last ready for bed, as were they all. Sharing a good night kiss and cuddle, they departed for their respective bedrooms, Darkstar was more than happy to put the day behind her.

~ ~ ~

The next few days passed in a blur of mundane routine for Darkstar. She would wake up after Slate had gone to work, check her phone for any orders from her Master, invariably there would be what she could have for breakfast, what she could wear and what she could do that day until he came home.

It was simple, ordered, structured routine, and Darkstar loved it. She craved it and she needed it. This particular day though, was not as routine as the others. This was the day she got her piercings! She had been so excited for this, especially when Rockslide came home early from her work to take her to the mall instead of Sea Salt.

The procedure had gone remarkably smoothly, and Darkstar had come away with her nipples and navel pierced with the temporary healing jewellery the store had provided and the three gold rings that would replace them.

When they had gotten home, Darkstar took a photo of her new piercings for Slate’s benefit, then lounged on the couch, while Rockslide locked herself in her room for the afternoon. The opening door at ten after five heralded Slate’s return, and as soon as he was in the living room, his eyes were laser focused on Darkstar’s bare chest. “How are you ladies today?” he asked.

“Hey sweetie!” Darkstar, who was naked but for the tiny pink panties and the collar she always wore, leant back and, up on her knees, she crossed her hands behind her head. “My,” she snickered, “What a 'piercing' gaze. Do you like?”

“I do!” Slate looked like the cat that had gotten all the cream as he moved forwards and it was only then that he noticed the panties. To be fair, his attention had been directed at her pierced B cup breasts. He couldn’t be expected to look at everything at once, could he? “They're beautiful. Um, is this a special occasion?”

Darkstar followed the zebra’s gaze down to her crotch and she got what he meant. “Only that you're special, and I thought you'd like something to unwrap when you came home, Master.”

“I can't argue that,” Slate helped himself to a long, hard lingering look between Darkstar’s legs before he finally addressed his mother, who was sat in her chair. “Did the appointment go okay, momma?”

Sea Salt didn’t bother pausing the TV, “I wouldn't know, son.”

“What?”

“I was busy.”

At that, Slate looked back to Darkstar, who was still maintaining her arms behind her head and legs spread pose on the couch, “Did you drive yourself?”

While she could drive perfectly well, Darkstar shook her head. She wasn’t really supposed to drive on her own. “No Master, Rocky took me. Juniper says hi, by the way.”

“Rocky?” Slate looked around and, like she had been summoned by the use of her name, Rockslide walked into the living room from the kitchen carrying a sandwich and wearing a pair of black lacy panties and nothing else.

It wasn’t often that Rockslide went naked in the house – she credited Darkstar with that – though today was something of an exception. Today, she was proudly showing off her large D cup breasts, because she was sporting jewellery like her sister on the couch. She saw where Slate was looking and a smirk crossed her lips, “You have a problem with that?”

“Ah, um…” Slate stammered, trying and failing to look somewhere that wasn’t ‘breasts’, “Ah no?”

Rockslide and Darkstar both laughed, and they shared a victorious high five, “He's so cute when he's flustered, right sis?”

In her chair, Sea Salt smiled and clapped her hands, “Well worth the price of admission!”

Good naturedly, Slate rolled his eyes, he was well used to this level of teasing by now. “I love all of you, too.”

“And we love you, sweetie!” Darkstar blew Slate a kiss, which he made a show of catching in his hand, “You like the pose?”

“I do,” Slate placed the blown kiss in the pocket of his jeans, “Am I unwrapping both of you, today?”

Rockslide shot Slate a withering look that would have reduced a lesser zebra to a pile of ashes, “Dream on, little brother,” she kept up the look even as she moved to sit on the couch.

Darkstar giggled, “Looks like you're left with me, Master.”

“I can live with that,” Slate then sat down next to Darkstar so he could get a better look, and he even leant over to get a better look at his sister’s piercings before leaning back. “Painful?”

“Only a little,” Darkstar flinched slightly at the memory, because she hated pain in any way, “I was exceptionally brave. Juniper even gave me a 'brave girl' sticker!” the teenager turned on her knees with her hands still on her head and she showed of her ass, where she had put the sticker. “See? I’m brave!”

Smirking, Slate lowered his head and he kissed the sticker. Then, he turned Darkstar around so he could kiss her too. “Maybe you’d like some after care nipple treatment?”

“Mmmmm, I'd love some, Master!” still with the smirk, Slate slid off the couch and, taking Darkstar's hand in his, he led her upstairs.

Once they were gone, and Rockslide was sat alone with her mother, the blue zebra let out a long, deep sigh, “I don't know, momma.”

“Don’t know what?”

“When I walked in wearing just this, my little brother went from half-mast to full mast, and I can’t call him ‘little’ anymore.” Rockslide’s gut was a mass of knots and it was most unpleasant, “I'm not sure what to think about that.”

“Don't worry about it, child,” Sea Salt said wisely as she turned her attention back to her TV, “If you can do that to a man, you can do that to a woman.” Accepting her mother’s wisdom, Rockslide just nodded and watched what her mother was watching.

~ ~ ~

The last week of August saw Darkstar turn three months pregnant. With this milestone, she now sported a modest but clearly obvious baby bump, a bump that was accentuated by the tight stretchy pink leggings and the incredibly small crop top she wore to show herself off.

It also saw Darkstar and Slate back at the college clinic for their baby scan appointment. They were met at the door to the same room that Darkstar and Sea Salt had gone in weeks before by Nurse Red Lace. “Hello Darkstar, Slate,” she beamed, “I’ve got the pap report from Doctor Lifeline and all is good in that department.” The nurse motioned to the woman sat next to her, “This is Specialist Windchime, and she will be doing the sonogram. Any questions?”

Slate shook his head, and likewise Darkstar did the same. “No, I'm good,” she saw the ultrasound apparatus and found it a little intimidating, “You gonna use that thing to look inside me, right?”

“From the outside, yes,” said Windchime, who was easily the older of the two medical professionals, by the white streaking her hair, “Come on in and lay down on the table, please, Darkstar. And you can stand there, Slate. The monitor will show you what I see.”

As she got on the examination table, Darkstar was glad she had chosen her pink leggings. With no underwear at all, the micro skirt would have been a step too far. If Windchime noticed the lack of under garments, she gave no sign of it. She squeezed some gel in her hands and rubbed them together. “The rules state we should apply this icy cold, but I'll bend them a little bit. It will still be cold, though.”

True to her word, the gel was cold when Windchime rubbed it onto Darkstar's rounded tummy. With practised ease, she placed the wand on the teenager’s belly and she flipped a switch. On the screen, a black area appeared. “Now to see where the bean is hiding!”

“Oh wow,” Darkstar was totally focused on the screen, “Look at that...that's inside me right now?”

“Yes,” Windchime nodded, “That would be your uterus.” She moved the wand around, pressing and angling it until they could hear a washing sound. “Close now. That is the heart beat, about one hundred seventy five per minute.”

“Slate, hand, please.” Darkstar held her hand out the very second she heard the heartbeat on the screen. Thankfully, Slate was there to quickly take hold of her hand, even though he was as focused on the screen as she was.

After another twenty seconds, Windchime paused, holding the wand in place, “And there is...hmmm…”

On the screen, Darkstar could see an oddly shaped white blotch standing out against the black. If she was to guess with no context, she’d say whatever it was, it was about to attack the Enterprise. “By the moon...is that...our baby?”

“Yes, that is your baby,” Windchime wore a frown of concentration on her lined face, “But I need to get it into focus. I'm going to be pushing, let me know if it becomes too painful.

Darkstar thought she was ready when Windchime moved the wand. She only moved it a little, but she did push in quite hard. “HHHHMMF...” she grunted, “Okay, easy doc.”

“Almost got it…” Windchime said, staring at the screen as she manipulated the wand around Darkstar’s belly. Then, seemingly satisfied, she pulled it away and turned the machine off. Finally, she wiped away the gel and placed some notes in Darkstar’s folder. “Okay,” she turned to the young couple, “I can play that back and point out a few things.”

“Is anything wrong?” naturally, Darkstar’s mind wandered along the most devastating path, one that no amount of Slate squeezing her hand could pull her from, “What's wrong? Tell me what's wrong! I want to know!”

Having seen and heard it all before, Windchime smiled and laughed a cute little laugh, “Nothing’s wrong, but I do have a question. Do twins run in either family?”

Unprepared for that, Slate shook his head. “Um, no,” Darkstar’s brain, temporarily derailed by the sudden question, continued, “We both have older siblings, why?”

Turning back to the screen, Windchime switched it back on and moved it so it was near the end. “Here is a picture of your babies. I thought I detected an echo in the heartbeat,” she explained, “The really fine white lines is what is separating them, but they are in the same sac. So, they are low risk identical twins. As you can see, I can't tell the sex just yet.”

“What?” Darkstar’s yellow eyes were wide as dinner plates. “Babies. As in plural. As in, more than one.”

“Which is why I needed to dig around,” carried on Windchime, “I wanted to be sure it was only two. Since they are low risk, we will stay with the next sonogram at twenty weeks.”

“Why are you saying low risk?” asked Slate curiously.

“If that white line wasn't there it would be high risk,” Windchime pointed to the line on the screen, “Imagine tumbling around in a barrel, then think if there were two people in the barrel.” When she was confronted by two blank stares, Windchime continued, “By yourself you can brace yourself in the barrel. With two it is constant collisions. Like this,” again she pointed at the line, “They can't bump into each other.”

Red Lace spoke up, “I can print a picture for you to take with you, and I’ll email it so you can print more or send a soft copy to others.”

“We'd love a picture, thanks nurse,” Darkstar felt like she was running on autopilot, “I know momma and Rocky would love to see. So...we're having twins!”

“You are,” confirmed Windchime with a closing sense of finality, “And since they are identical, they will be the same sex and only time will separate their personalities.”

“Two.” If Darkstar was on autopilot before, hearing that sent her airship into a terminal nosedive. “Oh my, we're having two!” she fretted as Windchime handed Red Lace her folder, “Slate...we’re having twins!”

Red Lace took a look at the notes she had been passed and asked, “MC/DA?” when Windchime nodded, she said, “This doesn't really change anything. Twins. Nice. Did you pick up the prenatal vitamins?”

When Darkstar didn’t answer right away, Slate spoke for her, “She did and she is taking them.”

“Wh-What?” asked Darkstar, who was still reeling from the revelation she was going to have twins, “Oh, um, yes, we did, vitamins. Take them.”

“Carry on as for a normal pregnancy,” said Red Lace reassuringly, “At week thirty five we will talk with the doctor to see if an early eviction is needed, but plan to carry for the full forty weeks. For now though, the picture is clear, so all looks good. See you again in eleven weeks!”

On the table, Darkstar nodded her head but she wasn’t really listening to what the nurse was saying. Her mind was wandering full tilt along a couple of very unpleasant paths. Slate helped her off onto her feet, and she was still elsewhere. “Thank you, Windchime, Red Lace,” Slate steered them both to the exit, “We’ll see you then.”

Slate took control of the scan picture, something that Darkstar was only too happy for him to do. Out in the hall, she walked a few steps in a complete daze from the room before she came to a halt. “Now we need to think of four names,” Slate smiled, standing by her side.

“Four?” squeaked Darkstar in alarm, “I haven't thought of two yet!”

Slate though just grinned from ear to ear, “Never fear, I’m sure momma will force a book on us.”

“Yeah, I'm sure she will…”

“Are you going to be okay tonight?” asked Slate tenderly, embracing his fiancé in a tight hug, “Classes start on Monday, so you don't have to spend the night in your dorm room.”

“Yeah, I uh, I don't think I should be alone right now, Slate.” Darkstar replied. Even though she had her dorm ready with most of her stuff already in there, she still didn’t know who her roommate was, and so she didn’t think it ‘safe’ to be alone, not after what she had just found out. “I'd rather stay with you tonight.”

Slate placed a kiss on Darkstar’s forehead, “Come on, let's go tell Rocky and momma the good news.”

Chapter 10 - Requiem For a Rising Star

The next day, which was a Saturday, saw a rather grumpy Rockslide pulling up outside Requiem’s office. “While I don't mind the look,” she shot Darkstar a sideways look, “Not having any support for my girls is just odd.” Thanks to it being too painful on her pierced nipples, she instead had on a loose tee shirt.

Giggling, Darkstar didn’t mind Rockslide’s shirt, even if it was emblazoned with her favourite metal band, some horrific looking thing called ‘Skull Cruncher’. “I think you're starting to like not wearing anything under your clothes, am I right?”

“Time will tell,” Rockslide shrugged, “But you try managing my double D's without rope support. I'll be at the coffee shop. Your latte and salted caramel donut awaits.”

“Thanks sis, I know there's a reason I love you!” while Darkstar was grateful for the lift, she was also happy to get out of the zebra’s car. There was only so much ‘Skull Cruncher’ she could take, despite Rockslide’s insistence that the lyrics were thought provoking and meaningful, once you got past the skulls. And the crunching. On the sidewalk, she gave her sister a wave and she skipped into the office building.

With the opening of the office door, Noteworthy, Requiem’s secretary, looked up from his computer screen and he was met with a vision in a pink summer dress. He offered a thank you to whatever deity might be listening for Darkstar’s low neckline and her slightly higher than knee length pink dress. “Hello Darkstar, on time as always. The doctor will see you now.”

“Thanks Noteworthy!” Darkstar flashed the secretary her five star smile and, skipping over to the closed door, she knocked on before entering, “Good morning, doc!”

“A very good morning it is, Darkstar,” Requiem greeted her patient from where she was stood by her coffee maker, “Can I interest you in some hot Zebrican bean juice?”

Darkstar, who was never one to turn down coffee, especially Zebran coffee, nodded her head eagerly, “Yes please, that'd be great, thank you!”

Working quickly, Requiem prepped coffees for them both, since she knew exactly how Darkstar liked it. Once it was done, she placed them both on the coffee table between her chair and the cliché black couch. “Did your schedule change since we last looked?”

“No ma'am,” Darkstar sat on the couch and smoothed her dress under her behind as Requiem sat in her chair with her clipboard in hand, “It’s still the same as it was last time.”

“Good, then Tuesdays and Fridays will still work out for us,” Requiem scribbled a couple of notes, “You can call and skip Tuesday if you wish. That will depend on how you feel about it.”

“No,” Darkstar answered quickly. Too quickly. On the couch, she hugged her arms around herself, “I think seeing you the two days will really help, please?”

Straightaway, Requiem caught the change in Darkstar’s tone and body language, it was most unnerving, “Hey, I said you could, I didn't say you had to. How’s your pregnancy going? Any morning sickness yet?”

‘Any morning sickness…’ Darkstar laughed, “I'm throwing up like I'm a chocolate eclair being squeezed at one end. Rocky and momma take turns to hold my hair out the way. If there was an Olympic medal for chucking, I’d have it by now.”

“Is it food or smell induced?”

“Both, I think,” Darkstar replied after a moment’s thought on the subject, “The cravings have started too.”

“I do hope Sea Salt and the family try to reduce those causes in the house,” advised Requiem, “It happened to me for both, but the second one wasn't as bad. Then the first one was a girl.”

“I have a huge craving for fish fingers and custard. And pickles with vanilla ice cream. I mean, really? Who eats fish fingers with custard? Yes, you can laugh!” Darkstar looked up at Requiem, who was indeed laughing, “The second wasn't as bad, but the first was a girl?” that wasn’t exactly what she wanted to hear, “So they're bad with girls?”

“In my experience, yes,” Requiem at last reached for her coffee and took a long sip. “It looks like you're sporting something new under your top.”

Like the doctor, Darkstar took a drink of her coffee, but she frowned. For once the bitter liquid wasn’t as calming as it usually was, “I got piercings the other day.”

“That explains the three nipples on either side,” Requiem wrote a couple new notes on her paper, “Was it empowering to do that?”

“It felt good, yeah,” Darkstar, now looking down at the floor past her open toed sandals, didn’t feel good right then and there. “So you're saying it's worse with girls? Gee, that’s great.”

“Hey,” Requiem’s voice was full of genuine concern, “It’s a small price to pay for the life you're making.”

“Lives.”

Curiously, Requiem looked at Darkstar, who had switched from sitting to laying down on the couch, “There’s something more you're holding out on me. Do I need to give you a bigger pillow?”

Staring up at the ceiling, Darkstar’s mood dropped like an anvil being dropped through her soul, “I'm having twins. Found out at the last scan. Here,” she fished in her purse for the scan picture.

Taking the scan picture, Requiem gave it a look and she saw what she thought might be the source of her patient’s low mood. “Identical. You seem to have mixed feelings about this. I’ll hazard a guess your family is as supportive as ever?”

“Slate, Rocky, momma and Moonbeak are like they've won every lottery in the world,” Darkstar managed a small thin smile, but her tone suggested she was on her way to the gallows. “Slate doesn't walk around the house. He dances.”

“That's nice, and you, Darkie?”

“I smile my way through it and get on with my fish fingers and custard.”

“More power to you,” Requiem gave her a warm smile, “The smell of fish made me puke.” Not wanting to dwell on what made her throw up, the psychiatrist decided on a different tack, “How is the student housing?”

Darkstar shrugged, “It’s fine, I guess. It’s three rooms, two bedrooms with a bathroom each and a living area / kitchenette thing in the middle. I'm all moved in ready for Monday, with the exception of a few small things.”

“And how is your roommate?”

“Dunno,” Darkstar shrugged noncommittally, “I haven't actually met her yet. I've been spending my time at home.”

After making a paragraph’s worth of notes on her clipboard, Requiem nodded, “That will continue on the weekends, right?”

“That's the idea, yeah.”

Requiem consulted her notes on a second before she spoke next, “You've been on Haldol for four weeks now. Notice any changes in your mood swings?”

‘Were there any changes…’ Darkstar snorted out a mirthless laugh. The doctor was kidding right? She had to be joking. Any changes… Her depression coupled with her reduced medication and her anxiety over the twins revelation meant she was all over the place. “I'm down for longer,” she said eventually.

“You do have a lot stacked against you,” Requiem conceded that much, “The pregnancy and twins. You know a stronger medicine would endanger them. Twice a week with me, and weekends with Slate. Are you going to let your roommate know what you're going through?”

Again, Darkstar shrugged her shoulders, “I suppose I'll have to. Not really be fair on her if I'm a moody cow for no reason and she doesn't know why I’m trying not to kill myself.”

“One more point of support for that moody cow,” Requiem pointed out as she drank what was left of her coffee.

“Mmmm,” Darkstar made the barely audible and equally unintelligible grunt, “I guess. I just can't stop thinking now that I'm having twin girls…”

Requiem knew that was the root of the thing that was bothering the teenager. “First, don't let me throwing up throw you off the potential sex of your children. Second - what do you have that Shining Star didn't have?”

“I don't know, what?”

“Something that you and Slate have in common.”

“I love him, and he loves me?”

Determined to get Darkstar to the point, even if she had to lead her there by the hand, Requiem performed an obvious eye roll directed straight at her, “How's Slate's father treating him?”

Darkstar wondered what that had to do with anything. “He's dea...oh,” then it dawned on her what Requiem was getting at, “Oh, right.”

“So,” Requiem said that same manner as a high school teacher might use when teaching that one student who was deliberately dense, “What do you have that Shinning didn't have?”

“A loving partner who will support me.” It was obvious now she had said it out loud.

“Like any degenerative mental disease,” like that teacher, Requiem was geared up to enter ‘lecture mode’, “Like dementia and Alzheimer's, that support makes a world of difference. What your mother has is extremely rare and not well studied. She only had you when it started, and you were in school at the time. As I've said, you are at risk as it is genetic, but you have something that could delay or reduce the effects that your mother didn't have. Now the real question, is Slate going to leave you because you had a child?”

“No,” Darkstar replied confidently. She wasn’t confident about much, but Slate, he was one of them. “The moon will leave the earth before Slate leaves me.”

Requiem nodded solemnly, “That is what I believe also. I know you fear for a daughter you might have. They need to know their grandmother, and the disease, but they need to know hope too. There is no reliable test for the gene. Maybe that zebra sperm kicked it in the ass?”

“And they will,” Darkstar sighed, “I tried to support mom, I really did. I didn't want her to be sent away!”

Requiem’s smile gave way to a deep frown and a very serious tone, “We've talked about this, Darkie. You are not the one to blame.” She placed a heavy emphasis on the word ‘not’, “When it started, you had no idea what it was, and you were alone at the time. This isn't Bright's fault either. I don't like to point fingers, but the man that abandoned her could have helped, but would be unlikely to stop it. Still, that support would mean a lot to you and Bright. Life is not now, nor will it ever be, fair.”

“I know, doc,” Darkstar stared up at the ceiling, “Momma – and mom when she’s lucid enough - tells me all the time it wasn't my fault. I know it wasn't my fault. Knowing that doesn't stop me wishing I could've done more though.”

“You could have done less,” Requiem pointed out, “You didn't. You need to learn to accept you did more. She is still with you.”

“Yeah, she is,” Darkstar finally managed a genuine smile, “We had a picnic at the hospital a couple of weeks ago. That was a good day.”

“That’s something you need to tell your children about, and something I do hope they will get to experience.”

“We took pictures. Friendly even let us take a video. It was a perfect day.”

“Not every day will be a perfect day.”

“No,” Darkstar accepted that. She wasn’t stupid, she knew as time went on, those perfect days would come fewer and further between, “But I have learnt to cherish those that are, and use their memory to get me through those that aren't.”

Like her patient, Requiem’s smile reached her eyes at that. Perhaps they were getting somewhere after all, “A good outlook to have. How has Slate taking control worked for you?”

Now Darkstar’s smile was so wide it almost touched her ears, “It's as liberating as ever. We keep adding in new things as and when we think of them. We keep those that work and we talk about those that don't.”

“I sincerely wish I could have written a prescription for that,” said Requiem with a slightly sad note in her voice, “If Slate has a free Tuesday or Friday, drag him in with you. I'll try not to embarrass either of you, but no promises.”

“I think, but don't quote me, that we've passed embarrassment now,” Darkstar giggled, “The suspension harness in the bedroom was and is fun, because it's right by the window. The time he put a freshly cut ginger root in my ass, not so much.”

“Have you used your safe word?”

“Oh yes!” exclaimed Darkstar, “I took the ginger root for five minutes before I called out Red and stopped it. Trust me, that hurt so much! Slate was a total sweetheart afterwards, though.”

“You're happy with the aftercare?”

“I couldn't be happier,” Darkstar asserted with a rare degree of surety, “On that occasion, he put a really cold gel in there. Other times he massages me with this special cream. It's magic! Literally takes care of welts almost instantly. Then we have cuddles!”

Requiem only had one question left, “How are you feeling now compared to when you walked into my office?”

“I feel high. Like, on an upper,” Darkstar clarified completely unnecessarily, “Not literally high, y'know?”

“I understand what you mean,” assured Requiem, “I do expect a full report on your roommate when I see you Tuesday. Is Rocky waiting for you?”

“Yup!” Darkstar heaved herself to a sitting position on the couch, an act that showed off her rounded three month pregnant belly under her dress, “She’s at the mom and pop café round the corner.”

Satisfied that the session was at an end, Requiem stood up, “Hugs?”

“Hugs!” Darkstar sprang to her feet and she treated Requiem to a tight hug, “Thank you, doc, for listening and helping to make me feel better. You want to feel my belly? As you can see, I'm starting to show a bump under this dress.”

Like her hand was magnetised, Requiem placed her palm on Darkstar's swollen belly. “It will be a lot more fun when two someones are kicking me.”

“Oh don't!” Darkstar snickered playfully, “They'll use my bladder as a soccer ball, I'm sure. It’s a pretty good bump to be getting on with though, right?”

Requiem had to agree that it was. “I guess you don't need a pillow up there after all.”

Without any further invitation, Darkstar lifted up her dress by the hem and she showed off not only her small but pronounced bump but her lack of undergarments as well. “I got my own!”

Now the bump was exposed, Requiem placed her hand flat on the pure white flesh, not at all fussed by the teenager's lack of panties or bra, “That is very true, Darkie.” After a long, long five – or fifteen – minutes, Requiem removed her hand and stepped back. “Take care of yourself, and lean on those that love you.”

“I will, until next time, doc!” resolving to put Requiem’s advice to good use, Darkstar dropped her dress back in place and, after a second quick hug, skipped out of the building. She could taste that salted caramel donut already.

~ ~ ~

Later that day, when Slate got home, the terracotta zebra found his sister sitting on the couch wearing nothing but a pair of black denim shorts and his mother in her chair – thankfully – fully clothed. His unspoken question was answered when Darkstar came down the stairs, naked but for her collar and a pair of small pink panties. “Hey sweetie!”

When Darkstar skipped into Slate's arms, he hugged her tight until he felt her piercings against his shirt. “Doing laundry, sis?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

“No,” Rockslide turned a deadpan look to her younger brother, “My nipples hurt. Do you want to come rub some lotion on them?”

Seeing her Master founder a little under Rockslide’s sarcasm, Darkstar quickly came to his rescue, “You don't have to. We put lotion on ourselves earlier,” she then leant into Slate's ear, “I recorded myself for you.”

While Sea Salt laughed, Rockslide pouted at being cheated out of her fun. Slate lightly bopped Darkstar's nose with a rather thin book he was carrying in his hand. “Upstairs, pet.”

“Yes Master!” Darkstar blew Slate a kiss and she turned on the spot. As she skipped her way up the stairs, the outline of the base of a butt plug was clearly visible under the tight pink panties.

Behind her, Slate noticed immediately that there was more in her panties than just her ass, as did Rockslide, for that matter. “Can I take care of business here,” she asked her mother, “Or do I need to go to my room?”

“Here is fine,” replied Sea Salt, who was far more interested in what was happening on the TV than her daughter unbuttoning her shorts, “That’s why I don't often sit on the couch.”

Needing no further invitation, Rockslide lifted her ass and she slid her shorts down and then her hand slid into her shaved crotch, “Yeah, unless you're doing what I'm doing right now.”

Sea Salt shrugged, “That’s what the couch is for.”

Up in their bedroom, Slate handed the book he had bought to Darkstar. “Take a look at that while I get some things ready.”

“Will do, Master,” she took the book and, smiling at the title – Binding the Bump - she hopped up onto the bed where she sat cross legged and she started to flip from page to page.
After flicking through the many photos of models in various bondage poses and drawn illustrations to accompany the ties, she went back to the start of the book where it warned to never cross a rope over the abdomen. It also warned against no breast bindings after the first trimester. Limb bindings apparently were fine, though it advised against no painful bindings after the second trimester. Caution was given too not to use restrictive articles as pregnancy causes swelling of the body.

“Seems like we've both been buying stuff,” Darkstar giggled as she looked through the book, this time paying closer attention to the photos and the bondage instructions. “This is a good book. This one looks cute, Master,” she showed him a picture of a breast tie and a ring of rope around the sides of the model’s belly bump, with diamonds going behind the back.

Slate returned from their closet with rope in hand and, as soon as he saw the picture, he found his jeans suddenly extremely tight indeed. “Yes,” he agreed, “And you'd look cute in it. Panties off, pet.”

“Yes Master,” in one fluid motion, Darkstar sprang up from the crossed legged position to her feet, making her belly jiggle adorably, and she shimmied her panties down until she could step out of them and she turned, bending to pick them up.

As soon as it was revealed, Slate slapped the base of the pink butt plug while Darkstar was bent over. “That been in all day?”

“Mmmm! A-All afternoon Master, since I bought it.” Darkstar stood back up and put her panties on her dresser and she showed him a rectangular box with four plugs in, with space for five. “Rocky wanted to go to the sex shop and I saw this set of five pink plugs.”

Slate took a look and he saw the butt plugs went up in size from a small four inch long, three quarter inch wide plug, a medium five and a quarter inch long, one and a quarter inch wide plug, a large five and half inch long, one and a half inch wide plug, an extra-large six inch long by two inch wide plug all the way to a two XL monster plug that was six and a half inch long, two and a quarter inch wide monster.

Judging by the space between small and large, Darkstar was wearing the medium plug. “Did my sis pick up one too?” Slate asked with a laugh.

“No, Master, she got a new dildo after she wore the old one out. I got my allowance today, so I bought the set of butt plugs,” she showed off the presentation box they were in like she was revealing the prize in a TV game show, “I know I'm not allowed to get a dildo.”

“You show wisdom pet,” Slate set the new bondage book on his dresser, open at a page he wanted, “And you honour me with your obedience. Today I'm going to do another arm binding and chest binding. And, for a bonus, I'll bind your legs together so you won't be able to play with yourself, then I won't play down there either.” He laughed at the look on her face, “Or is that too much torture?”

“No Master,” she smiled up at Slate before she put the butt plugs back on her dresser, “I was a little naughty after seeing Requiem.”

The admission didn’t surprise Slate, not one bit. “At the doctors, or afterwards, with Rocky?”

Darkstar blushed, because the implication of ‘afterwards with Rocky’ made her think of the time she had kissed her, “When we got home from the shopping trip, I cleaned myself out with the enema before I put the plug in. When I expelled, I peed without asking permission from you first, Master.”

It was a good thing Darkstar had her back to Slate. It meant she didn’t see the amused smirk on his face. “And you didn't think to text me because?”

“I forgot, Master, I'm sorry…” she didn’t forget. She was just being naughty.

“We’ll see about that,” Slate didn’t believe for one second that Darkstar ‘forgot’. He knew her enough to know she was misbehaving. “Arms behind your back. Clasp your hands together.”

“Yes Master!” eagerly, Darkstar placed her arms straight behind her back like she was about to wear an armbinder and she held her hands down near her bubble butt.

“No touching the plug, pet.” Slate ordered, then, taking up a length of the rope, he made a perfect box tie from her wrists all the way to her shoulders and around her breasts. He didn’t stop until her B cups resembled D’s. “Okay?”

Grateful for the ask, Darkstar gave him her best smile. “Green, Master.”

“Now, time for something new. Stand with your heels together. Let me know if you're losing your balance.” Slate ordered, and obediently, Darkstar placed her heels together, her feet splayed outwards for balance.

Happy she wouldn’t fall, Slate began the leg binding, starting at Darkstar’s ankles with a figure eight and then he wrapped the rope up her legs to below the knees with another figure eight. A loose bit of rope went above the knees with a figure eight, and then a tight wrap up to the top of her thighs and Slate ended the tie with a bow in front.

As she was comprehensively bund and immobilised, Darkstar wiggled and she almost toppled over. Had it not been for Slate there to catch and steady her, she would have face planted on the bed. Once he had her steady, Slate checked the breast bondage and he made it a bit tighter, making her breasts appear even bigger. “Bunny hop for me, pet.”

“You just want to see them bounce,” Darkstar smirked, but at Slate's raised eyebrow, she did as she was told, and she hopped forwards a few inches. As she predicted, her bound titties bounced like jelly wiggling on a plate.

“Be happy I'm not going to have you bunny hop all the way to the table,” warned Slate, although with her pregnant like she was, it was an empty threat. He then pulled the desk chair over and he sat behind his pet. “Sit in my lap.”

“Thank you, Master,” although she knew he wouldn’t really make her hop down the stairs, she was glad of the invitation to sit, and so she sat, wiggling her plugged butt over Slate's lap.

Once he had her on his lap, Slate slid Darkstar forward a bit to his spread knees so he could use a hand under her to wiggle the butt plug. The other hand wasn’t idle. He roughly groped one tied breast and then the other, while at the same time, he nibbled ears.

“MMmmm oo-oooOOH M-Ma-Maaaaaaster!” Darkstar squeaked rather adorably under all that stimulation, her nipples hardened and she was wet already, though when his tongue tickled her ears, she had to struggle not to laugh.

A roving hand drifted down from Darkstar’s breasts, only to confirm that he couldn’t get between her thighs, then the hand went back up to the breasts. His goal upstairs in the bedroom was to get her to cum once, so she would wet the ropes across her upper thighs.

It wasn’t long, with him groping her breasts, pumping the butt plug in and out of her and nibbling on her ears that Darkstar did indeed reach a climax. After she had finished squirting, Slate turned her around and spent some time loving the bump with raspberries to the bely button.

On his lap, Darkstar giggled uselessly in the ropes she was wearing, “St-StaaaAAAHP, it ti-tiiiiiickles! Pl-puuuuhuhuhuh-please, stooOOOOP!” Mercifully, Slate decided that having her pee in her ropes would not be all that good, and so he did stop, leaving Darkstar panting, “Th-Thank you…” she breathed, resting her head on his shoulder.

“Dinner’s on!” hollered Rockslide from downstairs in the kitchen.

Slate snickered, “I'm sure they have something that you can keep down, pet.”

“Besides fish fingers and custard?” giggled Darkstar at the look she got from Slate, “I'm sure they have, Master.”

Picking her up in his strong arms, Slate carried Darkstar down to the dining room, where he seated her at the table, much to Rockslide’s obvious delight, “Feeding her again today, I see. Sorry, we don't have any baby spoons. Yet.”

Just then, Sea Salt walked in from the kitchen carrying a tray with a plate of fish sticks, lemon sauce, tartar sauce, hush puppies and coleslaw. There was a pitcher of iced tea on the table which Rockslide had already set. “Don't need you decorating the floor, child.”

Darkstar blushed a deep, deep shade of red, “Sorry momma.”

Sitting beside her, Slate asked, “Do you want lemon sauce, tartar sauce or straight up on the fish?” Darkstar chose the only correct option, the tartar sauce, and watched as Slate filled his plate with sticks, and lemon on half. A dollop of sauce. Some hush puppies and slaw. “Want to try the slaw, pet?”

“Go for it, Master,” Darkstar grinned, “Let's be dangerous.”

Slate alternated between feeding Darkstar and then himself, though he kept the lemon sauce just for him. “I see you’ve used some rope modifications for Darkie?” asked Rockslide as she ate her fish.

“No pressure on the bump, period,” explained Slate as he fed Darkstar a mouthful of fish, “Around week fifteen there’ll be no more tit bondage either. I hope you'll survive.”

As Rockslide laughed, Darkstar said, “We'll just have to find another way to tease my big sis.” Then, she looked down and admired herself, “Mind you, I do like this style in the new book.”

“Book?” queried Sea Salt, “What book?”

“Master surprised me with a new rope book today!” Darkstar explained with no shame at all, “Binding the Bump!”

“Good,” Sea Salt was satisfied, “No worries for my grandchildren.”

“I won't tell you not to worry momma,” said Darkstar in between mouthfuls of her food, “Because I worry about them all the time.”

Sea Salt levelled an even stare at the young woman, “Don't you worry about what I worry about, child, as you have enough to worry about yourself.”

Darkstar knew there was no point in arguing with the bastion of stubbornness that was Sea Salt, instead she smiled and took a bite of the sauce covered fish when it was offered to her. “You should lead the church next time momma, give Coffee Bean a rest.”

Sea Salt waved that off with a gesture of her hand. “I’m having more fun telling her what I think. Taking charge of the Church of the Moon is work I don't need.”

“Good point, momma,” Darkstar giggled and, when Slate tested her with a bite of a hush puppy, the teenager ate the piece of fried bread along with some slaw without thinking. Cautiously, he didn’t give her more of that until at least ten minutes had passed.

He remembered his mother’s warning, and the very last thing he wanted to do was scrub the carpets. Again.

“I am going to miss this,” Darkstar commented as they all ate, “Well, during the week, anyway.”

“I'll be sure to keep in touch via texts,” Slate promised, his fork at her lips, “And I'll expect quick responses.”

“I hope so,” Darkstar winked, “That's one of the reasons I bought that set of plugs.”

“And I thought you bought them for a reason to wear undies?” quipped Rockslide, who looked most amused at her own little joke.

“One of the reasons,” Darkstar returned without missing a beat, “Another is to get used to wearing underwear.”

Curiously, Rockslide shot Slate a look that demanded an explanation. “I'm waiting to see how it goes on campus,” Slate supplied, “I love for her to show her stuff when I'm there. Until my love has settled into campus life, I'd rather play it safe.”

“And I don't want to scare my roommate away with being naked just like that. Also, playing it safe, like Slate said,” pointed out Darkstar, “It'd be different when he's there and he can watch over me.”

“A little soon to start a nudist club on campus,” continued Slate, just to make sure his sister got the point.

“I agree,” Darkstar grinned, “And with how short my skirts are and how loose most of my tops are, underwear seemed a smart idea.”

“For now, at any rate,” smirked Slate.

“I'll still have my eye candy for the weekends,” sighed Rockslide.

“Yes you will, sis,” Darkstar blew Rockslide a kiss, “And, if I'm wearing underwear, then it gives Master something to remove, either by text or in person.” Seeing as how she hadn’t reacted negatively to the slaw or the fried bread, Slate started feeding her those as well as the fish.

Once the food was gone with no incident, Sea Salt got up from the table, “Care to guess what dessert is, Darkstar?”

If dinner had been fish, there was only one thing dessert could be. “Custard! I would clap my hands, but I'm a bit tied up right now, momma.”

After dessert, which had been a delicious South Zebrican milk tart, one that Darkstar wished could have lasted forever, Slate stood from the table, “Time to take my little rope worm back upstairs.”

“I could hop, Master,” offered Darkstar, “If that'd make it easier.”

Smirking at his sister, Slate helped Darkstar up to her feet. This was going to be priceless! “You may hop to the bottom of the stairs. I just hope Rocky's eyes don't burn a hole through you.”

Darkstar’s “Thank you, Master,” was drowned out by Rockslide’s loud raspberry. On her feet, she gave the zebra a playful wink before she took a series of short bunny hops towards the stairs. Once she got there, Slate carried her up.

“Momma,” Rockslide sighed. The display had left her hopelessly horny and aroused. The problem was she was bored of using her fingers and dildos to get herself off. “That girl flirts better than me…” sympathetically, Sea Salt just nodded and patted her head.

Upstairs, Slate stood Darkstar near the foot of the bed and he worked on removing the leg bindings. “How are you doing, pet?”

“Green, Master. I'm doing good, for a naughty pet.” Once he had her long legs unbound, Slate flicked her left nipple. “HHNNNG...” she bent at the waist and gasped from the pain, fluid leaking between her legs, “Oh yes!”

Satisfied she was okay for the time being, Slate steered Darkstar over the foot of the bed, “Let me rest them against something soft,” he arranged her so her head was touching the duvet and her legs were just wider than shoulder width apart, “Seems that one hole is occupied, so I'll have to use the other and give the twins a shower.”

“MMmmmm pl-please Master,” Darkstar begged desperately, “Pretty please do it, Master, please?”

Behind her, Slate checked to see if Darkstar was ready, but he saw almost instantly that the wetness of the ropes made it quite clear she was ready to receive him. He deftly unbuckled his belt and dropped his jeans. Just as deftly, he inserted his iron hard length into Darkstar’s sopping wet pussy. “Your pleading has found my favour, pet.”

“Th-Thank you! Mmm! MMMmmm I will never get tired of you filling me!” Darkstar screamed out, showing her pleasure as, behind her, Slate tested the ropes that were still binding arms by pulling on them for leverage.

When Darkstar didn't complain about the ropes, Slate used them like reins to keep her tight to him as he shot his hips forward and thrust fully inside her, as roughly as he could. He loved how tight she was, even after all the times he had mounted her.

Underneath him, Darkstar was so aroused that her wetness was leaking out and dribbling down all over his crotch. Not that he cared about that now he was hilted deep inside her.

“Pet,” he said calmy, while she was mewling under him, “I’m going to fuck you now, so hard that the neighbours will have a score card."

Pressed into the bed, Darkstar made little grunting sounds as Slate’s hips drove against her, his was cock like a piston, pounding into her again and again. Everything between them was so hot and tight and wet, each thrust making lewd squelching noises that filled the bedroom. The zebra clamped his jaw and mounted her hard, refusing to cum just yet.

Slate gripped her tied wrists with one hand and he reached around her with his other, using his fingers to knuckle against her clitoris. That made her gasp out loud as he began to trigger her peak.

As he pounded deep in her, Slate felt a familiar pressure build in his balls. He kept up his relentless pace, fucking her hard and riding out her orgasm. Darkstar was letting out a breathy moan, and her voice shook, and Slate couldn't hold back any longer. He yanked against her arms, pulling her ass tight into him, getting as far as he could inside her to let loose with his semen.

Slate’s cock pulsed again and again as his brain was overloaded with the sensations of his climax, the knowledge that he was filling her up with his cum making him ejaculate all the more, like he was marking her as his.

The bedroom was dead quiet except for their heavy breathing. When nature had at last softened him to the point he could leave her, he pulled out and admired his handiwork. Darkstar’s stretched, gaping cream filled pussy was a work of art.

When he was sure his brain could function once more, Slate removed the ropes binding Darkstar’s arms behind her back, and then he untied the rope around her breasts. Once she was free of any ropes, he gave her a thorough rub down so he could feel where the ropes were and to restore blood circulation to her extremities.

After she had been rubbed down, Darkstar rolled over onto her back. “Th-That,” she was still breathing hard, “That was amazing!”

“It was,” Slate agreed as he stepped out of his jeans and, leaving them where they were, laid on the bed facing her, “And this will be repeated. I may make it more for show though, till the twins arrive.”

When Slate held her in his arms, suddenly, the high of what they had done left her like one had flipped a light switch, “Slate, I'm scared…”

“I'm not,” Slate gave her an assured smile, “Tell me of your fears so I can face them with you.”

“College!” Darkstar squeaked, and just like that, it was like a dam bursting open, all the bad outcomes came flooding forth, “I have to be there tomorrow, without you! I have to wake up Monday without you, or Rocky, or momma! I've never been away from you for that long, it's like, five days! What if I start feeling like I don't want to wake up? I'll be in charge of my own medication! Slate, I'm scared!”

Dangerously, Slate narrowed his eyes, the same look he gave an obstinate weed that wouldn’t go away, “Do you think you'll be in control of anything?” he said in a calm but firm tone that didn’t allow a reply, “Control is mine, my love. The only thing you should fear is losing your phone. If you do that, you are to come home. Do not pass Go, do not collect two hundred bits.”

On the verge of tears, Darkstar stopped and blinked her wide eyes a few times, her brain processing what she had heard, “Y-You mean it? Y-You'll do that?”

Softly, but still displaying his authority over her, Slate ran his hand over Darkstar’s face until he had wiped away the tears. “My pet, I love you. I will not lose you to your fears. You have really done well under my control, and it is control of love for you. I will challenge you, and I will embarrass you, but I will always love you. Now, when do you see Requiem again?”

“Tuesday and Friday, Master,” Darkstar actually smiled, though it was a thin, tremulous watery smile, “You've done well with control over me. I've loved every second of it.”

“I'm taking time off and will go with you on Tuesday. Trust me,” Slate smiled at her and kissed her lips, “And if you do feel lost, text me. I will guide your path.”

“You know I trust you, Slate. You're the best dom ever!” Darkstar giggled, “It's going to be fun at college, being dominated by text.”

“Just Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon,” Slate confirmed, “I can dominate you by hand the rest of the time.”

Visibly cheered up, Darkstar peppered Slate’s striped face with a shower of kisses, “Thank you, Slate.”

Chapter 11 - Room 106

Sunday for Darkstar was a big day before the big day. The big day in question being the start of college. It was finally here! Slate walked her down the stairs carrying a small suitcase full of clothing – and the set of butt plugs - that she hadn't already moved to her dorm room. “Get your hugs in before we go, Darkie.”

Darkstar went for Rockslide first, though she was careful with her hugs not to squeeze too hard in case her piercings were still tender. Her own were, just a little. “Don't miss me too much, sis.”

Rockslide wished the hug could’ve lasted forever, but alas it was over all too quickly. “I’ll manage. I have photos to look at.”

“Call me whenever you need encouraging, okay?” Darkstar placed a chaste kiss on the zebra’s cheek before she stepped back and looked at her new Skull Cruncher tee shirt she had bought for a concert at the Canterlot Sport’s stadium later that day. “I hope you get lucky tonight.”

“Thanks Darkie,” Rockslide grinned, “Let’s hope my light up skulls get me a cute girl to bring home.”

“I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you,” Darkstar then went to Sea Salt and she hugged the matriarch tight, “I'm coming back for hugs and curried goat, momma.”

“Hugs always,” the old woman beamed, “I'll be sure to let my boy know when goat will be available.”

Squeezing her ever tighter, Darkstar said, “You know I'll be back for hugs!” she held the hug until she herself needed to breathe, the eldest zebra seemingly unaffected by the tightness of the hug, “Thank you for getting me this far, momma.”

“Family,” was all Sea Salt said to that.

In her very best zebran, Darkstar replied, “Familia yote kila kitu,” which was family is everything.

That earned Darkstar an extra tight hug from Sea Salt that threatened to make her pass out, thankfully it was eased up before it went too far. “Now go,” Sea Salt said, “So you can return.”

“Okay, I'm gone!” Darkstar snuck in one last hug with Rockslide before she skipped outside into the midday sun. She had on her stretchy skin tight pink leggings and a small belly revealing top that only just afforded her decency by barely covering her breasts. Completing her ensemble was her collar, of course.
Once they were seated in Slate’s battered old truck, he asked, as he reversed onto the main road, “Do you need to get any groceries before we get there?”

Tying her long grey hair up into a ponytail, Darkstar mulled it over. “We did stock the fridge yesterday, but I suppose I could get a few extra essentials in, make a good impression with my roommate.”

“Okay,” Slate agreed, “We'll do that after lunch. I'm thinking Burger Joint.”

“Then you read my mind, Master,” Darkstar grinned a wide grin, “I was thinking that too!”

As he drove along, Slate smiled, “Some things are consistent, and that is nice.”

“Not as nice as getting text messages from you will be,” Darkstar gave the terracotta zebra her best cheeky wink, while she imagined all the sexy things he might make her do during the weekdays at college.

“And I look forward to the replies,” Slate smirked back at her, knowing full well that he would be sporting a non-stop erection at work from now on, “You can always start a text too, if you ever feel just a little bit lost.”

Darkstar was so grateful for that. “Oh, don't you worry, I will.”

After Slate had parked up at the Burger Joint, they got out the truck and he pulled his pet in close to him. “You can order for the two of us. Quarter pounder with cheese, large fries and a chocolate milkshake.”

Darkstar took the twenty bit note he gave her and folded it in her hand. “Thank you Master,” she tip-toed and kissed his nose, “May I please have the same?”

“You may, pet.”

“Yay!” Darkstar figured she would, but it never hurt to ask and make sure. Better that than be punished for misbehaviour. With that in mind, she skipped off into the restaurant and she got in the mercifully small line.

Walking in behind her, Slate quickly found them an empty by a window table, where he sat, content to wait and watch his pet from a distance. He saw a small woman in front of her turn to face her, then look her up and down.

The lady in front of Darkstar, who was half a head shorter than her, looked Darkstar up and down, then she looked at the teenager’s rounded belly. “Not to be rude, miss, but are you, um...”

“Pregnant,” Darkstar finished for her with a smile on her face, “Yes ma'am.”

The short woman mirrored Darkstar’s smile, “Congratulations. I've had three, and it is a joy.”

As a youth at the counter got served and the line advanced a few steps, Darkstar giggled, “I'm sure it's more fun when eviction finally day comes.”

“That is the truth!” the lady, when it was her turn at the front, turned to make her order for four.

“Believe me, I can't wait!” Darkstar giggled and she was so excited, she bounced on the balls of her feet in the line.

“I wish you well, miss,” when she had her number, the lady walked over to a table with three waiting teenagers, whom Darkstar assumed were her three kids.

“Hi!” Darkstar flounced up to the serving counter when she was at the front with a bounce that made her top rise up just enough to show off the underside of her modest B cup breasts, “Can I get a quarter pounder with cheese, large fries and a chocolate shake, twice, please?”

“Check,” a man working the counter processed the order, “Number three large, chocolate shake for the drink, twice. That’ll be sixteen forty, please miss.”

“Here you go, sir!” Darkstar passed over the twenty that Slate had given to her, he rang it through the register and gave her the change. He then gave her a number.

“Thank you!” Darkstar took the money in her hand along with the number. Then, she turned and skipped her way over to where Slate was sat at waiting the table. “Food has been ordered, Master!”

When she got to the table, Slate patted the empty seat next to him. Darkstar took the hint straightaway and she obediently sat by his side. “Are you putting on your brave face, pet?” he asked when she was seated.

Darkstar glanced down at the table top, knowing he had seen through her just like Sea Salt was able to. “Perhaps a little, yes.”

“That's okay, it's a cute face.” Grinning, Slate pulled a pill case out of his jacket pocket. It had several compartments on it labelled Monday - Sunday and only the Saturday one was empty. He opened up the Sunday compartment and took out the tablet within it. “You will text me when you take one of these. It will always be at lunch, or as close to after as you can.”

“I will, I understand the rules, Master,” Darkstar took the Sunday pill in her slightly shaking hand.

Confidently, Slate tapped the table. “Some food first, pet. I'm just happy you're holding more of it down now.”

“Believe me,” Darkstar laughed, “So am I.”

A few moments later, their food was delivered to them by an enthusiastic young teen. When he placed the tray on the table, Slate pointed at the change. “For you, thank you.” As he expected, the teenager didn't hesitate to take the change.

“That was nice of you, sweetie,” Darkstar looked at her food like she was ready to devour it instantly, and she was, because she had been refused breakfast. But, obedient pet that she was, she waited until he gave her permission to start.

Picking up his burger, Slate decided to take one of Darkstar’s fries first. He ate that, along with a large bite out of his burger. While he ate and swallowed, he watched her with interest. As he expected, she opened her mouth like she was about to protest, then she closed it and bit her lip, looking at the fries like she could taste them. “Poison check, I can't be too careful with the twins,” Slate laughed, “You may eat, as the food seems safe.”

“Thank you for keeping us safe, Master,” permission given, Darkstar dived for the fries like he might change his mind at any moment. When she had polished off the fries and was half way through her burger, Slate pointed out the pill to remind her. She swallowed the pill along with a slurp of her chocolate shake.

“I do want to keep control of you,” Slate spoke thoughtfully, “But I don't want to strangle you with the leash.”

“You won't, Master.” Assured Darkstar, though she was so grateful that he took the time to even voice such a worry that she didn’t have words to express how she felt. Loved, cared for, respected, didn’t seem to cover it. “I do want you to control me, and to push me with the things you text me to do.”

“It is hard for me to express just how much your trust means to me,” and it was true. Then, Slate was never deft with words. So, he let his actions speak for him and he leant over, taking her in a deep kiss.

After the burger flavoured kiss, Darkstar placed his hand on her growing bump, her hand on his. “I know how much, Master, you trust me the same.”

“I have a short list of instructions for you,” Slate said as he set aside his burger, “I didn't write them down, so remember them. Are you ready?”

“I'm ready, Master.”

"Ask your roommate if you can take her picture,” Slate started, “If she agrees, I want you to send it to me. That way Rocky and I will know you're not two timing us when we see her,” he had a big smile at his own joke.

“Got it,” Darkstar committed that to her memory, “Shouldn't be too hard, Master.”

“Tonight,” he continued, “You may eat what you like, as long as it’s three items, and one of those items will be ten peas, no more, no less. Take a picture before you eat. You may drink as much water as you wish. If your roommate offers something else to drink, you will text me for permission first.”

As she listened to Slate, Darkstar visibly shivered with excitement. This was everything she wanted! “I will Master. I understand, three items, ten peas. I'll be sure to send you a picture.”

Slate gave her a sly grin, “If you want to take notes, it's okay.”

“I got this, Master.”

“Tomorrow for breakfast, you may have oatmeal with one spoonful of brown sugar and milk, and one cup of milky coffee.”

As he continued to give her the list of orders, Darkstar reached into her purse and, blushing, she took out a small notepad and quickly she made some notes. “And what about the butt plug, I mean…what should I wear?”

“That’s a good question, pet.” Slate pondered it for a second, “Nothing in any hole. Dress sensible for the first day of class. We need to know the lay of the land before we get adventurous.”

“Good idea, Master,” Darkstar mulled over ‘sensible’ and decided what it meant. “Sooo...short skirt, shirt and panties?”

“I see you understand 'sensible' to mean underwear. Good pet.” Slate patted her head as a reward, “I want a pic of each of your teachers. I want you to be at the class a little early. You may not sit in the front, back, or side. I want others around you. Exception will be assigned seating. I don't know if they do that.”

Darkstar smirked, for she knew why he wanted her in the middle of a class. If he ordered her to be revealing, he wanted as many people as possible to potentially see her. “I am sensible,” she pointed out, “With my short skirts panties are essential, unless I'm being punished.” She giggled as she wrote the notes, “We've already met one teacher, but I'll get a picture of him anyway.”

“This next will be harder,” Slate warned, “So don’t get too anxious over it. Talk to those around you, see if you can make a friend or more. I don't want people you trust, but ones you can turn to if things go wrong. I'm not there, and it will take time for me to be there. I don't want you to be alone.”

The pen that Darkstar was holding paused and hovered over the notepad. “That is one of the things I'm most scared about. Obviously, I'll tell my roommate everything, I mean, it'd be hard to hide the collar from her, and I guess she deserves to know about my illness.”

“I've not asked that of you,” Slate beamed and squeezed her thigh with his hand, “But I'm proud of you that you are forward with it. As for this,” he ran a finger along the collar, “It’s part of you, and part of me. I don't want you hurt over it, but I really don't care if others don't understand.”

“Likewise, I mean, it's a collar,” Darkstar pointed out, “It’s not like I'm walking around in a leather bondage hood and an armbinder writing with my mouth.” she kissed his nose, knowing full well that image was now in his head.

“Well,” Slate shot back, “You are rather good with your mouth.”

“Oh,” Darkstar smiled innocently, “You noticed?”

“Once or twice, maybe more. For lunch,” Slate said, “Which I'm guessing will be at the cafeteria, you will text me with your choices. Then I’ll tell you what you can have.” Once she had scribbled her notes, he continued, “After class, before dinner we will talk about your day, and instructions will follow.” He kissed her again, “I do love you, and I love my power over you.”

“I love you,” Darkstar kissed him back, as hard, and passionately as she could, “And I love your power over me.”

“Toss the trash,” Slate ordered when they had finished their meal, “And we’ll go to the grocery store. I need to make sure you have peas.”

“Yes Master,” Darkstar was up and carrying the tray of trash to the bin with a completely necessary sway to her ass as she walked.

Outside, Slate took hold of her hand as they walked to the truck. Once they were inside, Slate drove them to the nearest grocery store, which was one they had used before, as it happened. “You may shop for food and perishables. I know you’ve got cold cereal and instant oatmeal, and some boxes of crackers and cookies in your room.”

“Thank you Master, oooh they have Zebran food and snacks!” Darkstar happily skipped down the aisles of the store until she found what she was looking for. To her immense joy, she found the store had banana chips and mandazi donuts!

Unfortunately for Darkstar, the only thing Slate denied her was sweet desserts like cake, pies and, of course, the donuts. Despite her best puppy dog eyes, he made her put them back. Pouting mutinously, she took back the donuts, and she came back with chapati bread, akara fritters and sauce dips instead. “I think I've got everything with this, Master.”

Slate paid for the groceries at the checkout then, after the truck had been loaded up, he drove them the short distance to the Harmony University campus. “Want me to help you move in with the groceries?” he asked as they parked up.

“Yeah, come on.” Darkstar accepted the help immediately. On her own she guessed it would take her at least three trips, but with his strong arms helping, she figured they could do it in one. “You can meet my roomie.”

At the entrance, they were greeted by a young female student, “Hello, and you are?”

“Hi, I’m Darkstar, a student, and this is Slate, my temporary moving helper.”

The student checked her list and her smile lit up, “Oh, you're Wildfire's roommate. Okay, you’re in Room 106, down the hallway to your left, 106 is third on your right. The visiting hours end at six p.m. While he’s in the room, the door must remain open. You, and your roomie have the right to request a visit run short.”

“That's fine,” Slate spoke up, “I'm just helping with the move in of last minute groceries.”

“Thanks miss!” Darkstar beamed and, after the student had admitted them inside, she walked along with Slate by her side. “Wildfire, huh?” she mused out loud, “She sounds hot..”

Slate snorted out a laugh, “Maybe a little wild, too.”

“You'll miss my puns,” Darkstar playfully wiggled her bubble butt, “Or my buns.”

“Buns to be sure,” grinned Slate, “I may be able to survive without the former.”

“You deserve a medal for tolerating me.”

“I know!” exclaimed Slate, happy to play along, “But momma and Rocky think it should be the other way around.” When they arrived at the door to the dorm room, he said, “Best to knock first. She may be doing the horizontal tango.”

“Good idea,” after giving Slate a kiss, she knocked on the door.

“Come on in!” came a voice with a very distinct Manehatten / east coast accent, “The door's open!

Since she had her key card in hand, Darkstar swiped it nudged the door open with her foot. “Hi,” she greeted the yellow skinned girl who was sat on a bean bag in the large living area. She was wearing black jeans and a flame decorated hoodie, which was unzipped, a white tee shirt, and she was obviously chilling out with a book and a black coffee. “I'm your roomie and got my fiancé with me to carry groceries. I'm Darkstar and this…” she trailed off to silence when she realised the girl was blind.

Slate took the girl’s milky white eyes in his stride, “I'm Slate. Pleased to meet you.”

“Hi! Gimme a mo…” Wildfire set her book down on the floor by her bean bag, a book Darkstar saw was 'The Tempest' and she got up to her full height, which was a mighty four foot nine inches. “You sound like you're near the door,” she walked over and held her hand out in a vague direction of the newcomers, “I'm Wildfire, call me Wily, I'm your roomie too!”

Both Darkstar and Slate got to see Wildfire’s eyes up close, and how she unerringly moved around what little furniture there was in the dorm’s living space. Moving forward, she intercepted the hand and shook it. “Hi, um,” she said awkwardly, “So you're blind?”

Wisely, Slate decided to put himself to good use, “I'll put the groceries away.”

“Ooh, you caught me!” Wildfire giggled at Darkstar’s question. It didn’t surprise her, she’d heard many like it in the past, “And here I thought I was being super sneaky undercover. Yuppers, I'm blind. That's not gonna be weird, right?”

Darkstar took a deep breath. She had said she’d be upfront about it, but now she was here, it was harder than she had thought. “I'm mentally unstable and I take meds. So, no, it’s not weird.”

Over by the kitchenette, Slate put in, “No putting yourself down Darkie. You have permission to kick her butt if she does, Wily.”

“I wasn't putting myself down, Master, I was just being up front.”

“Mentally unstable huh?” that intrigued Wildfire, for she had some experience dealing with that, thanks to her mother, “What are we talking, depression, anxiety, bi polar, any or all of the above?”

Quietly, Slate moved up and he put a supportive hand on Darkstar's shoulder, “She has depression and borderline schizophrenia. The last hasn't shown yet, and she is seeing a doctor for that, and taking pills for the depression. Of course, that is the least of her traits.”

“Oh,” Darkstar giggled at the afterthought, “I'm pregnant too. Want to have a feel?”

“Yuppers I wanna feel!” suddenly very excited indeed, Wildfire allowed Darkstar to steer her hands down to the teenager’s pregnant belly. She was so short she didn't need to kneel. “This is you, not your mental illness. That's not you,” she said assertively, before she looked towards the distinct sound of Slate's voice. “You're a zebra, right?”

“Are you taking languages too?” asked Slate.

Darkstar put in, “I'm majoring in three languages.”

“Nopes,” Wildfire shook her head, “I'm doing sports science, athletics, and literature. The last one's for fun. You're looking at the holder of the Equestrian record for the one hundred metres and the Manehatten record for the two hundred.” While she spoke, her hands never left Darkstar’s round belly. “I can tell by your accent, sir, you're zebran.”

“After seventeen years in Equestria, you'd think I'd have lost that by now,” Slate snickered.

Darkstar elbowed him in the ribs, “Momma will make sure you never do,” she giggled, “You run track?” she asked the short girl in front of her, “I can't imagine doing that blindfolded.”

“I have a pacer who runs with me,” explained Wildfire, “Not allowed to lead, just make sure I don't veer off the track.” To Slate, she said, “You shouldn't lose your accent. It's part of you. Sir Slate,” Wildfire’s voice took on a most serious tone, “May please I see your pet's face?”

Slate looked mystified. How had this girl caught onto the fact that Darkstar was his pet? “I didn't even say the word, ‘pet’…”

“I did say ‘Master’, though,” suggested Darkstar, impressed at how matter of factly her new friend took the fact she was a submissive in her stride. “Of course you can, Wily.”

“Mom and Dad are big into the BDSM game in Manehatten,” explained Wildfire, “I grew up with it all my life.” She continued to feel her way up Darkstar’s body, barely missing her breasts and no higher up than her neck, “My...you just keep on going, don't you? You're gonna have to come down here.”

Laughing, Darkstar knelt on the carpeted floor, “I'm only five eleven, wait till you try the zebra.”

“I'd love to,” Wildfire snarked back quickly, “But I like girls.” Reaching the taller girl’s face at last, she carefully ran her fingers over her features, starting with her cheeks and nose.

While he watched Wildfire explore his pet’s face, Slate laughed and it was at that moment he made his mind up that he liked this girl. Darkstar though heard the laugh and pouted, “Master!”

“What,” Slate said as innocently as he could, “I was just thinking about Rocky.”

“Sexy,” Wildfire declared her verdict on Darkstar, “You feel sexy.” After a moment, she pulled her hands back. “Can I call you Sexy?”

Slate snorted out a laugh, “My sister does!”

“Yeah,” Darkstar agreed readily, “My big sis likes girls too.”

“Cool. You tease her, right?” Wildfire asked rhetorically, before she turned to where she was certain Slate was standing, “Your turn, big fella.”

Without question, Slate squatted down so he was at eye level with the short girl, “Go for it. See if you can feel the stripes.”

Giggling, Wildfire reached up and she felt all over Slate's face. “Strong.” She said after barely a few seconds had passed and she had explored less than half of his face. “I think Sexy needs Strong.” Following that, she was very thorough in her examination. “Strong enough to be kind, right?”

Slate was certain this girl had met his mother in a past life. “I try,” he said humbly.

“He does!” exclaimed Darkstar, not quite as humble as her fiancé.

“You do know,” Wildfire grinned, estimating their heights and judging them to be vastly taller than she was – then again everyone was vastly taller than she was – she was used to it by now, “When we go out together, I'm gonna look like your child!”

“Um…ahh…”

Fortunately, Slate was on hand to squeeze Darkstar's shoulder in support, “She's really nervous about being pregnant. Besides,” he smiled, “It would be more like a younger sister.”

“Oh...have I done a stupid?” asked Wildfire as Darkstar struggled to get her breathing under control like Requiem had taught her, “I am so sorry!” she blushed and looked down at the floor, “I don't know when to shut up, never have, um...sorry.”

Slate tried to wave it off like it was nothing, then he remembered that Wildfire was in fact, blind. “Don’t worry about it, Wily. No harm done. Now, I think two ladies with plenty of quirks should make for good roomies.”

“Part of my depression is anxiety attacks,” commented Darkstar, “But I have work arounds for them.”

“You mean the deep breathing, right?” Wildfire had heard it, and now she understood why she had done it. “If I set you off again, you just tell me, okay?”

“You will let her know if she does, pet. Politely.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Sort of like chilling with a younger Rocky all day,” Slate smiled warmly at the two girls, hoping that his smile showed in his voice, “No problems if you flirt with her Wily, but you'll have to touch her face to see the blush.” As it happened, Darkstar was blushing so hard her face was practically all red.

“Yuppers,” Wildfire giggled, “I think I can feel the heat right now. I'm gonna guess not a lot embarrasses Sexy, right?”

“I'll leave the two of you to figure that out,” wisely, Slate determined that was the right time to make himself scares, “Good to have met you Wily. Don't forget your list, pet.” After giving Darkstar a parting, passionate kiss, Slate saw himself out, closing the door behind him as he went.

The silence in the dorm room was deafening following the zebra’s departure.

“So...” Wildfire started, albeit a little awkwardly, “Tell me about yourself, Sexy,” she said as she felt her way back to the bean bag and sat down with a loud flumf.

“I want to work for the embassy as an interpreter,” said Darkstar as she walked over to a comfy looking armchair and sat down, “I'm nineteen and graduated from Canterlot High. I’ve known Slate for two years, and I'm twelve weeks pregnant. Your turn.”

“Hmmm let's see,” Wildfire crossed her legs and tapped her chin, “I'm nineteen, the fastest shortstack over two hundred metres, I graduated Manehatten High, I suck at math, and I really want to find a dom as loving as yours.”

“That's also a girl, right?” giggled Darkstar brightly.

“Yuppers!” exclaimed Wildfire with a ready smile, “A big strong girl who won't treat me like I'm made of glass would be really nice.”

“So,” said Darkstar after a moment’s thought, “I'm guessing we need some ground rules. You’re the first blind person I've interacted with. I’d really like to keep us friends.”

“Yuppers,” Wildfire agreed, “I like rules. Rules would be good. You have a lot, right?”

“Not really rules,” Darkstar corrected her, “I have orders. And they are subject to change. By the way, do you like peas?”

“I like peas, sure. Can I ask, what's it like, to have a dom, to be a sub?” she had her mom and dad’s perspective on the lifestyle, and she had her friend on the train’s outlook on it, but this was a girl her own age.

“Oh wow, Requiem asked me that,” Darkstar replied, “I really wasn't sure how to say it, but she is into that scene too. I have control when I give up control and take it back. But when I give it up I'm free of worries as I know my love will keep me safe.”

“You are so lucky to have someone who loves you that much.”

“I'm lucky to be alive because someone loves me that much,” Darkstar moved the chair closer to Wildfire on the bean bag and she took the short girl’s hand in both of hers. “Feel my wrists.”

“Oh...” Wildfire ran her fingers over Darkstar’s skin and she felt the many, many scars that criss crossed her forearms. It was her mother all over again. “Darkstar, if you need to, you talk to me, okay?”

“You don’t need to worry,” Darkstar assured her, “They are months old. I do need someone here to talk to, if you're willing to listen. I see my doctor twice a week, and Slate is about a thirty minute drive away now.”

“I'll be happy to listen,” Wildfire said earnestly, “I promise, any time of day, I'll listen. Mom, she's a firefighter, like dad. She got in a really bad place when an incident she attended went bad.”

Darkstar nodded somewhat solemnly, “My whole life has been a bad place but Slate and his family put me in a good place. I let him have total control over me. I asked about peas, because for dinner I can have three things on my plate one of the things is ten peas.”

“Mom gave dad that amount of control after the incident. And I'm cool with any veggies, unless it's celery,” she smiled broadly, “Can I get you a coffee? You sound like you need a coffee.” As everyone knew, coffee was magic and could solve many of life’s problems.

“Um…” Darkstar paused, “I do, but I need to ask permission first. She reached for her phone and texted Slate, ‘Wily offered me coffee, Master’, “I was told I could only drink water tonight.”

“Then it’s a good thing there's plenty of water in the tap!” Wildfire got up and she took her cold coffee to the sink, where she poured it away and boiled the kettle for a fresh refill.

It didn’t take Slate long to reply, ‘Yes you may, with milk only. No sugar’.

“Hey,” Darkstar called out, “I can have the coffee after all, if you please. Just milk. Um, do you need any help with that?”

“You can indeedy!” Wildfire laughed. Over at the kettle, she got busy making the two coffees. “No, it’s okay, I got this, I know where everything is. So,” she asked as she got an extra mug from a cupboard, “What rules do you need, Sexy?”

“Well,” Darkstar considered that, “Things that don't mess you up. I know Slate just put stuff in the cupboards and fridge, but we didn't think how you must have to have stuff organized. Should I have a cabinet for my food and part of the fridge?”

“That'd be an idea, oh, hang on,” Wildfire bustled around the small kitchenette and, when the two coffees were prepared, she carried them both over to a low table between the bean bag and the arm chair, where she set them down. “I have a braille marking thingy, you can use that to mark your stuff.”

Darkstar laughed, “As a language major, I guess I could learn another language.”

“That's really all I need,” Wildfire said as she sank back into her bean bag, “I don't have a special blind fridge or anything like that.”

“I do see how easy you move around,” commented Darkstar as she sipped at her coffee, “This is good, by the way, up to zebran standards. So, I won't move or add furniture without you knowing.”

“Oooh that'd be great, thank you!” smiled Wildfire, who had taken up her own mug, “High praise indeed. As for the moving around, call it nineteen years of practise. Just so you know, I'm useless at body language and visual cues. And I have been known to take things way too literally sometimes.”

Lightly, Darkstar laughed, “I have that literal problem too. I will say 'look at this' a lot, but that's me. I'll try to let you know or touch what I want you to look at. So, you've always been blind, then?”

“Yuppers, always. It's really not stopped me much, because mom told me not to let it. But, as I say, I can be literal and blunt sometimes, and it's cost me friends in the past. I think you get it though.”

“Can I ask a question? Um,” Darkstar paused a fraction too late, but she realised she’d already gone too far along that route, “I don't mean to be rude.”

“Yuppers, of course you can, Sexy.”

Darkstar inhaled deeply and then she took the plunge, as it were, “What do colours mean to you?” then, she found herself starting to babble, “I mean I'm white with grey hair and you're yellow with black hair…”

“Well,” the nature of the question gave Wildfire cause for a long pause, where she drank her coffee and mulled it over, “I can tell you about yellow. Yellow is the faint heat from the sun on a cool day. It is the pages of a book that have been touched by a thousand hands over a hundred years. I like books. Black is the rich taste of chocolate. It is the moment after just waking up when reality has yet to assert itself, and everything feels heavy, peaceful, and safe. So,” she followed up, “I have chocolate hair, and everyone likes chocolate. White is the sound of the wind blowing steadily through pine trees overhead. It is the faint sound of snowflakes touching down onto the earth and Gray is the feeling of the world after it has rained. It is the heaviness that feels as if it is blanketing everything. It is the smell that precedes and follows a storm.”

“Wow,” Darkstar was incredibly impressed, “That is so cool. I never thought of colours like that.”

“Do you go to the theatre often?” asked Wildfire, somewhat out of the blue.

“No,” Darkstar replied, “There’s too many people. I do watch movies with my family.”

Wildfire was undeterred, “I was going to say there's a showing of The Tempest at Canterlot Royal theatre at the weekend if you're interested. It's kinda my favourite play.”

“That’s Shakespeare, right?” asked Darkstar and, when Wildfire nodded eagerly, she said, “Um, I planned on being with family for the weekend, but I'll ask Master Slate about it. Ah, do you mind a plus one for me?”

“Nopes!” Wildfire beamed and bounced with delight on her bean bag, “You can bring whoever, or give it a miss, it's cool. Should've known you'd rather be with Strong. Bet you've never been apart from him for so long, right?”

Darkstar’s voice lowered to a barely audible whisper, “No. Never this long.”

“Darkstar?” Wildfire’s own voice trembled with emotion she was struggling to keep in check, “Would you mind if I asked you for a hug?”

Darkstar looked at Wildfire and, if she was any judge, she estimated the short girl was ten seconds away from crying. “I would love to give you a hug,” she scooted over and she tried very hard not to wet Wildfire's shoulder with her own tears.

Wildfire felt the girl she had only just met crying next to her and she really struggled to not join her. “My mom and dad are a thousand miles away and I've never been apart from them before, either.”

“I-I g-g-guess I'm n-not really alone after all,” sobbed Darkstar, not caring now if she wet the other girl’s hoodie.

“N-No-Nopes!” Wildfire’s dam had burst and, like her new friend, she was crying as well, and she didn’t care either that it got on Darkstar's top. “I’m sorry, mom said to be strong, and I tried, I really did! But I just can’t!”

“Slate said to call him if I was lost,” said Darkstar once her tears were all cried out, “I'm glad you're here, Wily.”

“It's all just so new, y'know, and I don't do 'new' very well…” Wildfire sniffed for a few more moments before she was done, and both girls were content to just hold each other and give each other the comfort they needed. “I'm glad you're here, too.”

“Well,” Darkstar smiled as she wiped her eyes and her nose on the back of a hand, “I do hope you find a girlfriend out here, and I guess my next thing won't matter a lot to you.”

“Ha!” Wildfire barked out a brash laugh, “I don't know what I'd do with a girlfriend if I had one. That's right, virgin alert, right here!” she giggled sadly, “What thing do you mean?”

“I'm a nudist,” Darkstar explained, “And I was afraid my bare beauty might. Um…” she rubbed the back of her head awkwardly, “Wow, that sounded a whole lot better in my head.”

“It feels strange wearing clothes, right?”

Darkstar nodded her head, only too happy that the subject had changed. “Yes, it does. Can you believe it, I have to wear panties to class! Panties!”

“You poor thing!” Wildfire snickered; her mood instantly lifted as she cheered up. “I can’t imagine what it’s like, having to endure such hardship!” she giggled and patted Darkstar’s head, “You know, if you want to go ahead and get naked, by all means.”

“I believe I’ll take you up on that, Wily,” Darkstar stepped back a few paces and she quickly shed her clothing. Admittedly, it didn’t take her very long, all she was wearing were her leggings and her top. After slipping off her sandals, she folded her things up so she could put them away in her room. Coming back, she giggled, “Do you need another hug?”

"Um, while we're being all open and such," Wildfire paused for a moment, but Darkstar said nothing, nor could she tell that the girl has a smile as she waited. "Um, I like feet. Especially sweaty feet, and I have…well, my pacer partner had to stay behind but she gifted me with her old athletic shoes, and I like to sniff them now and again." Wildfire blushed, "They are a bit smelly, so sorry if you smell them."

"Slate likes to play with my feet sometimes, but I'm guessing you're talking about something a bit more serious than just occasional tickling."

Wildfire nodded, "Yeah, more like worshiping them. Feeling, licking, and nibbling the toes. You uh, you think it's gross?"

Darkstar knelt in front of the bean bag, "No, I think it’s something you want and something you enjoy. Not much different from me wanting and enjoying being naked. Still want another hug?"

Wildfire really did need a hug, “Yuppers, I mean, yes please, Sexy.”

Now completely naked, but for her brick red collar, Darkstar swiftly crossed the large living room and this time the hug they shared on the bean bag was a non-tearful one. “Welcome to Canterlot, Wily.”

“Thanks Darkie,” feeling a lot more comfortable, Wildfire relaxed into the hug and she rested her head on her naked shoulder. Both girls were sure that whatever was to face them at Harmony U, they were both ready for it.

Chapter 1 - Three Little Minutes

‘Three minutes,’ thought Darkstar as she looked down at the thing she held in her trembling white hands, ‘How can three minutes change your life so much?’

The nineteen year old barely noticed the hand that moved her long grey hair back over her shoulder. She was focused so much on the stick she held in her hands. ‘Three minutes. Three little minutes. Three minutes and everything’s changed…’

Sat naked on her fiancé’s bed, as was her norm, the little window on the test was her whole world, at least for the next three minutes. She looked down past her modest B cup breasts, staring at the display like it would reveal the secrets of the universe to her.

Sadly, after those three minutes had past, all it revealed to Darkstar was the exact same thing the other tests had done. Two thin lines. Three minutes, and two lines, and just like that, everything had changed, all in three tiny little minutes.

Darkstar stared down at the positive pregnancy test like it had betrayed or wronged her in some way. "What am I gonna do?" she asked, seemingly to herself, rather than the zebra sat by her side. “What am I going to do?”

Sat by his fiancé’s side, Slate laid a reassuring terracotta coloured hand on Darkstar’s shoulder and squeezed gently. “Buy maternity clothes?” the twenty one year old offered with a smile on his face.

“Maternity clothes...” Darkstar’s shoulders sagged and she turned her head to Slate, who was smiling broadly at her, the black stripes on his cheeks creased. The easy smile suited him. It was one of the things that had attracted her to him in the first place. “I'm pregnant.”

Saying it out loud like that suddenly made it very real.

Slowly, carefully, Slate placed a soft and tender kiss on Darkstar’s quivering lips. “I think I may have had something to do with that,” he smiled at her, “Are you ready for the hug fest when you tell my mom and sis?”

“Maybe we should do another test?” fretted Darkstar nervously, “Y'know, to properly make sure I’m pregnant?” even as she spoke, she saw the other positive tests scattered on the nightstand and on the bed on her left. Like they were all passing judgement on her.

“I'm not going to force you to carry this to term,” Slate’s zebran accent was thick when he spoke, “I will do what I can to help if you decide not to.”

Sighing, Darkstar set aside the pregnancy test and looked at her flat white belly. “I'm sorry Slate,” she placed her palm there, imagining it was huge and round. “I'm happy, it's just...unexpected.”

“Are you scared?”

“Crapping my pants,” Darkstar was pleased that Slate had moved his hand to her thigh, it felt more comforting somehow. “Even more than when you made me watch that horror movie last week,” she giggled but there was no humour in her tone, “I'm nineteen, I start college in two months...and I'm gonna be a mom…”

“Well,” Slate said comfortingly, “You're living at the right place, at least, and the babysitting will be free.”

“What if I'm a lousy mother?” asked Darkstar, nervously fidgeting her fingers together in the beginnings of one of her freak outs, “What if I go the same way as my mom? The doc said there was a chance I could!”

Slate knew full well of his lover’s condition, and where that condition might or might not lead them, but they weren’t there yet. Not yet. “There is a chance you won't, but if you do...” the zebra chose his words carefully, “I'll be there with our child to help you remember us as best we can.”

“You promise?” Darkstar rested her head on Slate’s shoulder, comforted not only by the familiar scent of her lover but by the feel of his white tee shirt on her cheek. Everything about her lover comforted her like a cool hand across a fevered brow.

Leaning his head to one side, Slate kissed Darkstar’s forehead and hugged her to him, “Just like you are now with Shining Star with me now, and I do promise.”

“I'm sorry for freaking out, Slate,” Darkstar turned her face upwards and kissed his lips. Out of the corner of her eye she saw her collar resting on the nightstand. It had been two days since she had worn it. Two days too long. “I think I might need some Master time after we tell Rocky and momma the news.”

Slate’s renewed smile spoke volumes, “I like the sub-plot where this is going, Darkie.”

“You like my submissive plot, you mean,” Darkstar kissed Slate’s nose before looking down at her body. For some reason, Slate loved and adored her body. A body she herself hated. Her hips were too wide, she was too skinny, her legs were too long, and then there were the scars on her forearms. “I hope you still like it when I'm big and huge with swollen ankles…”

Gently, Slate shook his head and hugged her tight once more. “All the more of you to love, my love, and when you stop being big and round I'll have double the number to love.”

“Sweet talker,” changing her mind, Darkstar reached across to the nightstand for her collar and she placed the terracotta coloured accessory into her lover’s hands. Two days had been quite long enough. This looked like being a long Friday. “I need this, please?”

With the collar in his hands, Slate took the time to appreciate the significance of it and the weight of the responsibility that it entailed. What his fiancé was entrusting him with wasn’t something he took lightly. Reverently, he lifted the collar and fastened it securely around Darkstar's neck. “This does look good on you, pet.”

“Hmmm it feels good, Master,” Darkstar had her yellow eyes closed while Slate was buckling the collar around her neck, and the moment it was on, a calm smile spread across her face. The moment he called her his pet, her worries melted away to nothing. “Alright,” she said, “I'm ready to go downstairs.”

Slate led his pet confidently down the stairs. It didn’t bother either of them that Darkstar was naked but for her collar. His mother and sister had seen her nude, both with and without it, many times. At the bottom of the steps he paused, an ear to the closed door. “Oh, sounds like their soap opera’s on. Do you want to postpone this?”

Usually, when Out of Zebrica was on the TV, Darkstar wouldn’t have dreamed of interrupting, this time though she shook her head. “I think when we start speaking, they'll waive the death penalty, just this once.”

Smirking, Slate first kissed Darkstar’s lips and then he released her hand and placed it around her waist. “I got you covered, pet.”

“I know,” Darkstar paused long enough to return the kiss from whence it came, “Master,” she gave him a second kiss, and then she walked into a living room that looked like it had come straight from Zebrica. The walls were a burnt orange, and in between portraits of the family were tribal masks from the main zebran tribes, Grass, Coffee and Sand, respectively. Above the TV was the flag of Zebrica.

“Momma,” Darkstar didn’t get a reaction from the two women in the room. Sea Salt, Slate’s mother, was sat in her comfy chair – which nobody else was allowed to touch, let alone sit in – and Rockslide, Darkstar’s sister in all but blood, was in her usual spot on the couch, both absorbed in their favourite program. “Momma,” she tried louder, “Rocky...you got a minute?”

Sea Salt, a grey zebra in her mid-fifties who was developing wrinkles on her face the kind that made her look like a village elder, pushed some buttons on the remote and the TV went off. “Don’t worry, child,” she quickly calmed her daughter, “I'm recording.”

“What?” Rockslide questioned, “Why? I was watching that!”

The elder woman pointed at Darkstar, “Slate's girl has that serious look about her.” Intrigued, both Rockslide and Sea Salt looked at the young couple, wondering what merited the sudden interruption.

Having tried several times to say what she had to say, which just resulted in her opening and closing her mouth in a good impersonation of a goldfish, Darkstar used her fluent zebran. “Momma, nina mjamzito.”

The three words hung heavily in the air. Both Sea Salt and Rockslide looked at each other and then at Slate and Darkstar as the news that she was pregnant settled in the ensuing silence. Suddenly, Sea Salt jumped up like she had lost fifteen years with her hands in the air and shouted, “Hii ni siku iliyobarikiwa!” she then wrapped Darkstar up in a tight hug and proceeded to dance around her coffee table.

Rockslide really couldn’t argue with her mother. It truly was a blessed day. Not just because the young woman she considered her sister was pregnant, but because now her mother would at last stop hounding her to supply her with grandchildren to fuss and spoil.

“Heri na mungu wa kike wa usiku,” responded Darkstar as she was danced around the living room of the large house she called home, “The Goddess of the Night certainly blessed us.”

“You're not the one in trouble,” Sea Salt said as she came to a halt in front of her son, who had until now stood still and quiet.

Slate, finding his voice at last, rolled his eyes, “Momma, your rules are why we're not married yet.”

“They are good rules,” responded Sea Salt curtly, before taking her seat back in her sacred comfy chair. “A child needs to only know of their father.”

Shifting uncomfortably on his feet, Slate – not for the first time – considered himself damn lucky that his mother and sister had taken to and liked Darkstar as much as they did. “Love you too, momma.”

Now the news had been broken, Darkstar sat in her spot on the couch, the middle seat where Rockslide sat on her left and Slate on her right. “We think it was five weeks ago, back in June, when we honoured the Goddess of the Night under the Strawberry Moon.”

“Unabeba muda?” asked Sea Salt bluntly, looking intently from her son to his fiancé.

“Momma!” Slate sputtered, unable to believe his mother had been so tactless as to ask that without any warning.

“Yes momma,” replied Darkstar, who was very pleased that Slate had crossed the living room and was sat on her right. His proximity giving her the courage she needed, “We're going to carry to term.” She wrung her hands together, “Master already comforted me about that upstairs.”

Reaching behind her sister, Rockslide playfully swatted her younger brother upside his head, “Just so you know, I charge for babysitting.”

Satisfied by what Darkstar had said, Sea Salt laughed at her daughter, “She means she charges spoiling rights!”

Put at ease by the family’s support of her and the baby, Darkstar smiled, feeling the nerves and anxiety over the situation leave her. “Thank you Rocky, you can spoil him or her as much as you want in March next year.”

“Time enough to prepare a nursery,” commented Rockslide, the deep blue zebra giving the younger woman a wink that said she was more than willing to take her up on that.

“Thank you,” Darkstar said quietly, “I really don't know what I'd do without you all.”

Placing her hand supportively on Darkstar’s naked thigh, Rockslide grinned mischievously before whispering not too quietly, “You are stuck with us, but we can kick my brother out if you want.”

Unsure if his older sister was being serious or not, Slate whispered just as loudly in his lover’s right ear, “You'll protect me, right?”

Darkstar loved the way the family was family around her. So much so she actually laughed in spite of herself. “Tempting as it is to have the bed to myself, you won't need to do that, Rocky.” She then turned to look at Slate, her hand caressing his cheek, “I’ll protect you until the moon flees from the night sky, Master.”

Sea Salt snorted a laugh. All this ‘Master’ and ‘pet’ stuff was utter nonsense to her, she was from a time where such a thing just wasn’t done. What she couldn’t argue with was how much her son and his girl loved each other, and that was enough for her. “Don't you let him brag of his prowess when you are big and round at the altar, child.”

Rockslide gave her brother an appraising look, before she gave him a well-meaning thump on the shoulder behind Darkstar’s back, “He does remind me of our father right now.”

“I'm glad Slate's nothing like my father,” Darkstar said softly as Slate fist bumped his sister behind her back, the white skinned teen hugged her arms around herself, “Whoever he is…”

Sea Salt saw the downer coming and she decided to head it off at the pass, as it were. The last thing they needed on this day of all days was Darkstar thinking about how her father abandoned Shining Star before she was born. She was confident her son wouldn’t ever do such a thing, not if he valued his life. “Sit with us while we watch our show. Son,” she bought a swift end to the silent one handed fight that Slate and Rockslide had gotten into, “We are in need of ice cream to celebrate!”

Standing up from the couch, Slate kissed Darkstar’s forehead while at the same time he roughed up his sister’s carefully combed hair. “Back with your ice cream in a moment, ladies,” he winked, skilfully dodging the swipe aimed at him from his sister.

“I miss you already,” Darkstar watched him walk through to the kitchen with a longing smile on her face.

“Child,” Sea Salt started gently, “You need to tell your momma too, I’m sure she would be as happy for you as we are.”

“Yeah…” Darkstar answered somewhat noncommittally, “I'll call her nurse at the hospital to see how lucid she is when your show’s finished, maybe they’ll let us visit. I’d rather tell mom in person than over the phone.”

Just then, Slate walked back into the living room carrying a tray laden with four bowls of chocolate and coffee ice cream, as well as four steaming hot coffees.

Darkstar didn’t really notice.

Sea Salt settled back into her comfy chair and fiddled with the TV remote, calling up the latest episode of ‘Out of Zebrica’ from the beginning, not that she or Rockslide minded watching the start over again.

Darkstar didn’t really notice.

Slate set the loaded tray down on the coffee table and sat back on the couch sandwiching Darkstar between him and his sister. He hugged her just as the opening titles finished and the actors on screen began the first scene of the show.

Darkstar didn’t really notice.

Slate, Sea Salt, Rockslide, even the sounds from the TV, they all faded away until Darkstar was inside her own little world. She rested her head on Slate’s shoulder and she drifted away from the living room altogether.

It was five weeks ago, the fifth of June. Everything had conspired to make that Friday a very good day. Not only had she completed the last of her final exams at CHS, but it had also been her nineteenth birthday and it had been a full moon!

It had been a good day.

~ ~ ~

Slate didn’t much care for Canterlot High School. Or, more accurately, he didn’t care for the vacuous airheads that came out of the school, twittering inanely like a flock of birds on their way out. Neither did he care for the looks that he was given, just because of the stripes on his skin.

Fortunately, he wasn’t there for any of them. He was there for one girl. His girl. And, at four p.m., right on time, there she came, skipping out of the main entrance and across the student parking lot.

Tall and willowy, Darkstar was a vision in her pink skimpy sleeveless top that left her belly exposed and the impossibly tight and stretchy black yoga pants she loved to wear. He loved her to wear them too, because he could see a mile away that she wasn’t wearing anything underneath them. “My lady,” he said once she was close to him, “Care to go for a drive?”

Skipping up in her black pumps, Darkstar wrapped her slender arms around Slate’s neck, around the tan leather jacket he wore and pulled him into a ‘hello’ kiss. “Nothing better than bouncing around in the back of a pick-up truck!”

Slate snickered and leant back against his battered old blue Ford pick-up and patted Darkstar’s toned rear, just to confirm his suspicions which, he was pleased to feel, were right, “You do like bouncing.”

“Ha, ha, ah. Hey, where’s all your stuff?” Darkstar asked, having noted that there was a tarp in the back, but none of the usual lawn equipment under it that her lover normally carried around for his job.

“It is where it needs to be,” Slate replied mysteriously as he opened the passenger door with a loud creak of protest from the forty year old truck, “Let's go, love.” The sooner he was away from CHS, the happier he would be.

“Yes sir!” Darkstar threw her bag into the back of the truck and she hopped up into the passenger seat. “And hello to you too, Rita,” she addressed the pick-up truck like an old friend, stroking the worn dashboard as Slate closed the door with a thump and made his way to the driver’s side. “I can't believe CHS is finally behind me!”

“Rita missed you while you were at school,” Slate somewhat reluctantly played along with his girlfriend’s little game. He still asserted it was silly to name his truck, but that didn’t stop him when the fuel warning light came on from begging Rita to get him to the filling station. Not that he’d ever admit that. “You ready for college?”

“By the Moon, yes!” Darkstar sat back and sighed happily, “After that, the Canterlot Embassy beckons!” then, she giggled, “Of course Rita missed me, all you listen to is that dusty old sixties channel, see?”

Slate completely ignored the fact that Darkstar had changed the radio from the Sound of the Sixties to a channel that was playing some unspeakable techno noise, “Have you studied up on your lunar lore?” he asked, turning the volume down.

Rolling her yellow eyes, Darkstar ignored the fact Slate had turned down The Twisted Sisters and answered his question. “Please, Master, you quiz me about it most times you have me bent over your knee. Tonight is the June full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, so named because of when the fruit is ripe to be harvested.”

“Did you know the full moon was tonight?”

Darkstar shrugged her shoulders as Slate put Rita into gear and set off, the old Ford belching and rattling along, “The Nightwatch news on the zebran radio channel said it was going to be either tonight or tomorrow night.”

Steering the old pick up along the streets through the city, Slate spared his girlfriend an affectionate look, “I love you.”

“And I love you,” Darkstar leant over and kissed her boyfriend’s cheek as he drove along to where, she didn’t know. “So, Master, where are we going in your truck that's the cleanest I've ever seen her?”

“Where else would we be going?” he answered enigmatically, “The best place in the city to view the moonrise. Pansy Peak!”

Immediately, Darkstar squealed like the girly girl she was and clapped her hands excitedly, “You're taking me to Make Out Mountain?” she squeed, referring to the local mountain by its more colloquial name given to it by generations of teens that went and parked up at the lookout point part way up the south side.

“Oh, my bad,” Slate teased as he drove through the suburbs of the city towards their destination, “I guess I didn't need to bring the make-up kit after all...”

“Oh?” Darkstar raised an eyebrow, “And what else did you bring?”

“What,” Slate replied as innocently as he could, “I thought it was Make Up Mountain. I guess I'll have to save the make over for another time. I did bring you…”

“Oh you...” blushing up a storm, Darkstar giggled like a school girl, before her tone took on a more serious aspect. “I bought my collar with me. I need to confess I've been naughty today

“Well,” Slate laughed, “At least some things are consistent.”

Darkstar didn’t smile. “You know how I've been low all week?” when he simply nodded his head, she continued, “It took Rocky till ten to get me out of bed after you went to work earlier.” She wrung her hands together, “Momma had to practically drag me to the shower.” She fidgeted her fingers, “And um...I might have been petulant about it, cos I put some things in the wrong trash on purpose before momma drove me to the exams at school.”

Wisely, Slate drove on in silence, in order to let Darkstar finish organizing her thoughts. It was a technique her psychiatrist had taught him. “Momma gave me my meds from the locked cabinet, then after I sorted the trash out properly, momma took me to Sugarcube Corner before the exam in the afternoon. It was...odd, being outside after a week in bed, but she was right. It did make me feel better.”

“I love you all the same, Darkie,” Slate said softly. One thing he remembered from his father before he had passed on was that, don’t be afraid to be gentle, and it was a lesson he used with Darkstar regularly. “But...Do you desire my attention or my discipline?”

“I desire you, Slate,” Darkstar stroked one finger along the contours of her neck where her collar would fit, and her other hand found its way onto his knee, “As long as I have you, I have your attention and your discipline.”

“Hold that thought,” Slate grinned as he turned Rita off the main road and onto a wide dirt track, “We're almost there.”

“Thank you for just letting me speak,” Darkstar said after a good few minutes of silence in which the battered old truck climbed up the well-worn path, “It helps to get my thoughts out.”

Pansy Peak – or Make Out Mountain, if you prefer – was just over ten thousand feet high. The lookout spot Slate pulled into was a fraction of that, a large outcrop several hundred feet up the south side. The nearest other vehicle, a red Chevy, was a good fifty yards away. “I've learned that listening helps more than speaking,” Slate gave her a long, deep kiss, “And actions mean more than words.”

“MMmmm…” without breaking the kiss, Darkstar slipped off the seatbelt and embraced Slate in a hug. She pressed into the kiss and added her tongue to the mix, while Slate deftly opened the passenger side door and slid out with her in his arms on that side. Still locked together at the lips, he carried her to the back where he lowered the tailgate. Held in his strong arms, Darkstar adjusted herself so she was facing him with her long legs wrapped around his waist.

As Darkstar was getting busy licking and kissing his neck, Slate pulled back the tarp to show reveal what he had been busy with. An AstroTurf layer covered the bed of the truck and beside two sleeping bags was a small picnic basket. “We can view the moonrise from here.”

“Oh wow, Slate!” upon seeing what he had prepared for them, Darkstar jumped back into his arms, her legs once again around his waist, kissing his neck and cheeks. Smirking, Slate set his girlfriend down in the truck bed and he climbed in beside her, where he laid her out on one of the sleeping bags since the AstroTurf was a bit rough on the skin, and he returned to the passionate kiss.

On her back, Darkstar giggled, “I was going to ask if you missed me,” she, then moaned softly as his hand slipped up underneath her skimpy top and found her B cup breast, “Don't think I need to…”

“I have missed you,” Slate’s other hand slid under her top and joined the first in kneading her breasts, both thumbs circling her nipples which hardened obediently under his touch, “And tonight is a very important night.” Slate had missed his girlfriend for the whole week she had been on her down spell, but he didn’t feel the need to elaborate on that. The delicate fingers unbuttoning his flannel shirt was giving him something else to think about.

Swiftly, Darkstar had his white shirt off, and she caressed every inch of his strong firm terracotta torso. “Damn,” she bit her lip as her cheeks flushed red, “I love your stripes...”

“That's good,” Slate smirked as he watched those soft white hands stroke his black stripes, “Because I've grown rather attached to them.”

A silvery little giggle escaped Darkstar’s lips, “I bet that other car can admire them from here, too,” she smiled up at him and kisses her way across his chest to his hardened nipples as she fumbled with unfastening the buckle of his belt, “My collar's in its box in my bag, Master.”

“That you left in the cab,” Slate deadpanned.

“Ooops!” Darkstar looked up at him, with all the innocence of a puppy caught next to a freshly chewed up couch cushion, “You can always make me go get it…”

“Oh, I will,” Slate promised, “But not yet.” Smiling, the zebra was patient enough to wait and moved only enough to assist his girlfriend in undressing him. Darkstar swiftly had his boots and jeans off, and she was glad they were parking in June. Even though it was the early evening, it was still pleasantly warm.

“I get the feeling you're trying to suggest some activity for us to share,” said Slate when he was completely naked on his sleeping bag.

“A sub shouldn't order her dom,” Darkstar said in a most submissive tone, “But I do love your body, Slate.”

As he began to very slowly undress his sub, starting with her black pumps, he felt her eyes on his body and he was glad his work kept him in decent shape. “Then we have something in common, my love, although you have a nice body too.”

The skimpy little top that Darkstar wore was hardly a thick coat and it was soon off, revealing her cute little breasts and her hard nipples to the world. “You always say that,” she smiled up at him, because he did, even when she added a new scar to her arms, he always told her she was beautiful.

A third and fourth car joined the parking space on the lookout point, not that the couple in the back of the truck noticed. They wouldn’t have cared if they had noticed. Slate did see the sun was about to set and he hurried to remove the rest of Darkstar's clothes. Her black leggings gave no resistance whatsoever. “Now,” he grinned when she was nude, “You can bring me the bag.”

“Yes Master,” without any shame or hesitation at all, Darkstar got up and made her way around Rita completely naked to the truck’s cab, making sure she showed off her ass and her shaved crotch as well as her breasts to anyone who might be looking.

She dearly hoped more than one of the cars were looking at her.

With her prize in hand, she came back to the bed. During her brief absence, Slate had opened a bottle of sweet wine and poured it into two plastic cups, and he had some salted caramel donuts ready on a paper plate. He took her bag from her and removed the collar from its box.

Bowing her head and moving her long grey hair aside, Darkstar shivered when he kissed her neck before putting it on her and buckling it closed. As soon as the collar was on, she saw the donuts. “You do love me!”

When they were by each other’s side in the bed of the truck, the full moon had started to rise up into the darkening sky. Slate, propped up on his elbow, tilted Darkstar’s head to his. “Darkstar, will you marry me come the Cold Moon?”

“M-Marry...” Darkstar’s yellow eyes went wide, “You...Oh my...” all the many and varied possibilities ran rampant in her head, for she already belonged to him. As such, it wasn’t an answer she had to think about. “Yes! I will! Yes!”

“Then let us be one now and forever, my sweet pet,” Slate then upped the level of the foreplay, leaving none of Darkstar's sexy body untouched under his relentless ‘assault’.

“You HMMmmm romantic aaaAAAH zebra!” Darkstar moaned loudly, with no regard for the others that were parked up. His hands on her breasts made her moan lewdly, his hands on her hips made her part her legs for his unspoken command.

While it wasn’t the first time for the two of them, not by any means, in that heated moment Slate had no thoughts or concerns about the protection they usually employed. All he wanted was all of his girl.

To be fair, all Darkstar was concerned with was getting her Master’s hard cock inside her. Honouring the moon, celebrating her birthday, everything but 'I want him' had fled her mind. “Make love to me Master, please?”

Slate was only too happy to do just that. With her underneath him on her back, he lined up the tip of his shaft with her glistening pussy and looked her in the eyes, silently asking her permission to enter her.

Nodding her head, Darkstar bit her lip. Then, she lifted up both of her long legs and reached around her ass with her hands. Pulling her cheeks apart, she presented her hot and ready snatch to him. Gifted his treat on a silver plate, the hot blooded zebra wasted no time, entering her in one smooth motion.

With a grunt of relief, he pressed into her soaked pussy and began moving without any ceremony. In, out, in, out, deeper and deeper with each thrust until he hilted deep inside her, his head barely brushing against her walls with each push. “You have the sexiest body of any woman under the moon,” and she was his.

“AaaAAAH...fuuuuck!” Darkstar moaned lustily as she was entered all the way, until she felt the head of his shaft graze her cervix, “Because it belongs to you Master!” she cried. Holding her legs up with one hand at her ankles, Slate rode her hard and fast to derive his own pleasure.

As she was being fucked good and hard, Darkstar reached up with her hands to play with her Master’s erect nipples. That just made him thrust his hips faster and harder, and she dissolved into a whimpering mess the harder she was ridden. Several minutes later and she came with a shudder and a scream that was sure to reach the moon itself.

It certainly reached the other three cars, who honked their horns in appreciation of the display.

Slate continued to plow her hard for two more minutes before he reached his climax. When he ejaculated deep inside her, Darkstar finally came with him, screaming out so loud that the cars honked again in chorus. Above her, Slate at last slowed down and he laid on his girl, further folding her legs up so that they were either side of her head. “Hmmm, that was sweet.”

“Mmmm y-yeah...yeah it was, Master…” she breathed deeply in her post coital bliss. She had needed this so much after the week she had endured.

“Happy birthday Darkie,” Slate leant in and gave her a long, deep kiss, “No matter what the future brings us, my love for you will never lessen.” Slowly, carefully, he leant up and allowed her legs to return to a more natural position, “I think you've earned your reward of a donut and wine.”

“You are too good to me, you know that, right?” asked Darkstar rhetorically as she sat herself up, leaning against the back of the truck. She wasn’t concerned in the slightest that she was so full of his seed that her flat belly was slightly rounded.

“I can't help myself,” Slate said unapologetically, “Even when you're naughty, you're still wonderful.”

“You always say that, Slate,” Darkstar winked and took up her cup of wine. “You’ll share with me?” the zebra did share, he took a mouthful of wine and via kiss, he transferred it to Darkstar, and she did likewise. The salted caramel donuts were shared in the same manner.

Once the salted caramel donuts and the wine were gone, Slate pulled Darkstar in for a long sensual kiss. “Ready for round two before we have to leave?”

“I want to give the others something to remember us by,” Darkstar smirked, nodding left and right to the only two cars besides them in the parking spot.

“Just what I was thinking, pet,” Slate lay back on his sleeping bag and playfully he beckoned her with a finger. In a split second, she was on top of him, her slender white legs straddling his waist, her hands on his broad chest.

Winking, Darkstar let out a lust filled moan as she lowered her dripping cum filled pussy all the way down his iron hard rod.

Thoroughly enjoying the view above him, Slate moved one hand to stroke Darkstar's hard clitoris as she moved up and down his length. “MmMMmm!” she moaned, her hands gripping his chest, “R-Right there...” her juices and other fluids leaked from her snatch, wetting his fingers as she rode him.

Switching hands, Slate made a big show of sucking his fingers clean.

“Damn...that's hot...” Darkstar panted hard and leant forward, her hands resting at her Master’s waist as she went up and down. Slate, continuing to stroke his pet’s nub, switched fingers a second time but after cleaning his hand, he reached up and caressed her nipples. “Oh buck yeeeees!” she gasped, now starting to speed up, her up and down motions becoming erratic as she clenched around his shaft. “M-Master, I-I'm close!”

“You have my permission to orgasm as many times as you can before I do.”

“Thank you Master!” Darkstar screamed out loud, earning her a few honks of appreciation from the occupants of the cars watching the show. With his permission given, she promptly came, almost to order, wetting his crotch. Darkstar didn't slow down though, instead she kept bouncing up and down on him.

Unlike the first time, Slate was trying to hold back this time and enjoy the ride. Soon after her first climax on the AstroTurf in the back of the pick-up truck, the submissive achieved her second and, as her third started to come, she leant in and started to suck on his nipples.

That did it for the dominant zebra. He blew his load at the same time as she came. “Hmmmm you were holding out, weren't you?” she playfully accused, seated all the way down on his lap, she rolled her hips around.

Reaching up, Slate pinched both her nipples hard. “I don't hold out, pet. I make the most of every opportunity.” Darkstar, her mouth open to reply, instead gasped with the sharp pain and made a happy mewling sound. Deciding he enjoyed the sounds she was making, Slate alternated pinching her nipples to rubbing them with his thumbs to see what other noises he could make her produce.

As the other cars started to leave, Darkstar was only too happy to put on a show for him, adding little excited moans to her squeaks. “I may think my pet is trying to humour me…” Slate smirked.

“Always, Master,” Darkstar grinned down at him, now full of two fresh loads from her beloved. They stayed that way, joined together in their copulation until nature itself caused him to withdraw from her now very sloppy vagina.

Now they were at last alone, and the full moon had been properly honoured, as was its due, Slate decided it was time to leave for home. After everything had been packed away in the picnic basket, Darkstar was once again sat in Rita’s passenger seat.

Since it was properly dark, and late at night, Darkstar didn't bother to dress for the return journey home, not that Slate asked her to. She was more than happy to ride back buck naked, with her hand resting on his naked crotch.

Given the advanced time of day, or rather night, Slate was feeling daring and he didn't bother to get dressed either. “I'm sure my mom has seen me in the raw, though it may have been some time ago.”

“Momma and Rocky don't mind when I walk around nude,” Darkstar smiled contentedly as she started to stroke his shaft in her left hand, “I do love a stick shift.”

“Maybe we will find out what they think about me doing it,” Slate commented with a sly grin of his own, “And maybe not. Then again, I think you've seen them when they are watching that porn they like.”

“You're better than any porn, Master, just in case you're wondering,” Darkstar giggled and stroked his now very erect member. It was testament to Slate’s skill behind the wheel that he was able to keep driving with such a distraction.

“Now I want to find a radio station with that terrible porn music,” Slate said, though there was a slight groaning sigh to his voice thanks to Darkstar’s talented fingers.

Quick as a flash, Darkstar knew what to do. “Bow chicka wow wow!” After making the cheesy porn tune, she decided to lean over to the driver’s seat and, with her head in Slate’s lap, she put her mouth to good use on the drive back.

Not wanting to be pulled over, Slate focused his whole attention on his driving. Keeping to just under the speed limit wasn’t easy, given that Darkstar had her left hand massaging his balls as she bobbed her head up and down his hard cock.

Her hot wet lips glided along the first few inches of his not inconsiderable manhood in smooth little motions. As she started to suck him off, her talented tongue rolled around his head, intent on exploring every little nook and detail of his proud erection.

Slate was breathing hard, and without looking down, he pulled off at a fast food place with a late night drive through. Darkstar slurped lewdly, enjoying the combined flavour of her saliva and her Master’s pre that leaked from his tip, as well as the taste of their cum which lingered. The sexy cocktail was very much an acquired taste but one which the pale grey mare savoured whenever she had the chance. She didn’t always get the chance to indulge in oral, because more often than not Slate’s cock was buried in one of her other holes.

Overall, not a bad thing to be upset about. After all, nobody ever got to heaven saying “Jeez, I wish I hadn’t fucked so much”.

Darkstar sensed Slate panting, and she started to bob her head slower and slower so as not to get him off too quickly. When he stopped in the drive through to order, she had just his head in her mouth, casually licking all around it and playing with the urethra.

“Two sweet iced teas please, Yes, that is all!” Slate barely managed to order what he wanted from the woman at the drive through, and as he reached for the small amount of cash he kept in glove box, Darkstar’s bobbing grew further emboldened and she soon pressed forcefully forward, allowing her Master to fully enter into her throat.

She decided it was time to finish what she had started. Fortunately, she was well trained in pleasing her Master, and she had defeated her gag reflex a few months after becoming Slate’s submissive.

Once her lips touched the base of the zebra’s cock, she used her skilled hands to massage and knead his balls. She was amazed to feel how heavy and full they were, given how much semen he had dumped in her back on Make Out Mountain. When she felt her jaw begin to ache, she drew back just a little. As she withdrew, her hands were there to pick up the slack and ensure his pleasure.

While Darkstar slowly dragged her tongue over Slate’s urethra, her hand slowly stroking him, Slate drove up, paid for and took the drinks and thanked the woman who served him. “Just in case that’s thirsty work,” he said as she ‘worked’.

“HmHmmmm!” Darkstar vibrated her throat around his cock and she went back to her deep throating, not stopping until her nose actually touched his crotch. With no other option, Slate pulled over because he just couldn’t drive any further.

Gurgling and moaning around the cock buried in her throat, Darkstar had thoroughly enjoyed her sample, but she wanted everything he had. She wanted him to paint her mouth with his seed, to fill her gullet with his batter. All she could hear above her was her Master’s laboured breathing, interrupted only every so often by him swearing under his breath in his native tongue.

Darkstar then drove all the way forward again, not slowing until the zebra’s cock was pressed against the back of her throat. Yet, she continued forward, allowing him to return to where he belonged, nestled snugly in her vitally important airway. Once more, Slate found himself buried deep in his pet’s willing throat.

After less than ten minutes, the terracotta zebra eventually let out a final breath of contentment and his cock gave a tell-tale throb. Catching the warning sign, Darkstar pulled off and she opened her mouth wide, readying herself for her reward. The first rope of her Master’s cum shot forth and, expertly, she caught it in her ready mouth.

When he had finished ejaculating, Darkstar sat up and proudly opened her mouth to show him the impressive load she had caught. When he nodded, she swallowed it all with a loud gulp. “Yummy!”

“When I die, I know I'll die happy,” Slate then kissed Darkstar’s lips, not caring in the slightest what she had just done.

“Hmmm that kiss was totally hot!” Darkstar purred, kissing her lover harder and longer. Had she been able, she’d have been in his lap.

Smirking, Slate took an iced tea break, “I doubt anyone would be awake at home now,” he said, passing her the second sealed cup, “Unless we delay longer for breakfast.”

“Good choice on the tea,” Darkstar took a long sip and giggled, “Naughty, keeping me out all night!”

“Just where I can keep an eye on you,” Slate winked before downing his iced tea. “Are you ready to go to our home?”

“I'm ready to be taken home, Master, and I'm ready to be taken, at home.”