Last Stop on the Mail Route

That scent thing was a way bigger deal than I had originally figured.

It's Wednesday, now. Two days since my date with Derpy.

She visits me every day, or tries to. When her mail route takes her around my area, she'll swing by my house to check if I'm home. We make a little small talk, catch up, slip in a little flirting, and I get a big hug where she nuzzles me before she flies off. I think she's doing better; Dinky tells me she's been in a great mood, and hasn't been bumping into things as much.

I'd started poking around town, trying to figure out some job opportunities. Still trying to avoid the Spa, I'd been running through my options again. There was a good amount of stores... but the question was where I'd wanna work. Maybe shifting cargo on and off the train, though I'm competing with magic and sturdy earth ponies. The Hay Burger? I'm not considering fry cook unless I have to.

I was deep in my thoughts even as I swung by the Acres to say hey to Applejack -- and she gave me a really knowing look within like, two seconds. Asked me who the lucky Mare is.

The stares around town are a little different, too. Sure, some of them are the same, glaring at me for being a weirdo that stuck around, but I guess smelling like one of them is more... Pony-izing their view of me? I'm starting to get glances more than I'm getting stares. Its weird.

Twilight tracked me down, wanting to talk.

She'd been writing the Princess (Shit, reminds me I have to respond to Tia's last letter), talking about empathy and how things could be a lot more complex then good or just bad, especially for creatures that weren't Ponies. I guess part of that conversation, was Tia asked Twilight to try and talk to the Griffons that were staying in town. So, Twilight came over.

Dina and Twilight sat down, and had a good few hours talk, after I introduced them. It started off as Polite small talk, but soon they were talking about both of their homes, how they were raised, how they viewed things; and finally, how Dina felt about the Diamond Dog incident.

Twilight hugged me after, apologizing. She still doesn't approve, but she wanted me to know she's not upset, as long as I'm not making it the norm. The picking a fight part, not the rescue part. I'm glad we got back to a friendlier basis.

Speaking of friendly, I'm stood outside Rarity's boutique. One, I owe her for stopping Twilight during my date. Wasnt ready for the conversation I had with Twily to happen then. Two, she's just been all around solid, and I haven't had a chance to catch up with her.

I've got a little pot of coffee I brought from home, and a little thing of cream-filled donuts. Thankful offerings.

I knock on the door a few times, waiting.

Three, and this was the bold idea. I was gonna see if Rarity was hiring.

I'm like, one of two things in town with hands. I don't really know how to sew or make clothes, but I think I can pick up on that pretty quick. My fashion sense might be... lacking, but I'm not looking for a spot as a fashion advisor, after all.

The door swings inward, her curly purple mane twisting as Rarity appears, subtly clearing her throat.
"Why, yes -- Welcome to Rarity's Boutique, how can i--"

She pauses, sniffing the air several times.

Her gaze slowly makes its way up to my face.

A very, very wide grin takes her face, followed by an excited giggle -- and I find my shirt promptly grabbed by a ball of blue magic.
"You SLY DOG, YOU! You and Derpy?! You MUST get in here and TELL. ME. EVERYTHING!"

I wasn't given a chance to respond as I'm yanked inside, the door slamming shut behind me.

Rarity's boutique is a comfortable place -- I was practically dragged to the lounge section where she has some nice, cushioned furniture and a little table. She's rummaging through her kitchen to make us some tea; Rarity prefers to save coffee for long nights. I've set my stuff down on the table, nibbling a donut and looking over her in-progress works. Apparently she'd gotten a good few orders in her time at Canterlot, having gotten to show off one of her recent designs in person, and was in the preparation / planning phase for several new dresses.

Couldn't get much more out of her though. Mostly because she wanted to hear how my date went.

Rarity is a fiend for two things; Romance, and Gossip.

A cup of tea is gingerly placed in front of me -- before Rarity rockets into the lounge chair beside me, staring at me with excited eyes.
"You've kept me waiting long enough! Spill it, Darling -- I want every. Juicy. Detail." She demands, already on the edge of the seat she just landed on.

I cough, nodding as I sip the tea. Hey, this one wasn't too bad.
"Uh, sure. How'd you know it was a date, anyway?"

A futile question.

"Darling. You were wearing part -- I'll forgive you for not wearing the full thing, the full suit would have been a little strong, and the forearms was a good maneuver -- of my suit. That's flag one. But to see Derpy. In a Dress?! Darling, that Mare wears nothing but boring brown Mail-Uniforms and that eyesore of a saddle-bag--"

"Hang on, she takes really good care of that saddle bag. Her Grandma showed her how to sew, and stuff." I cut in.

I felt like I was just guided into a trap, as Rarity giggles to herself.
"Look at you! Already defensive in her honor! Sorry, Darling -- had to try poking, I just had to know. Now, I already know your date went well, Darling -- as does half the town, I'm sure, but what happened?"

"...Why would half the town know?" I trail.

"Dear. Anon. You reek of a very particular grey-toned blonde-highlighted Mare. It's like an announcement to any other Mare that stands near you that you're a taken Colt. In the best possible way, of course." She grins, leaning on a hoof.

"Ah. Right. I may have... stepped in a little strongly with the scent thing." I muse, scratching the back of my head.

"...Do tell." Rarity purrs, bubbling in anticipation.

Rarity is face-down on her lounger chair, slamming the pillow with a hoof. Her face whips up, staring at me before breaking out into a giggling fit.
"Darling. Darling, dearest Anon -- YOU SAID THAT TO A MARE?!"

I'm rubbing my temple with my fingers, groaning.
"Yeah, well -- it worked out, didn't it?"

She reels back, rolling onto her side.
"Anon, you truly don't know what you said to the poor thing, in front of her daughter, in the middle of a restaurant?"

I shrug.
"No, but please, clue me in."

Rarity leans close, her voice dropping to a husky whisper.
"Darling... you basically said you'd be willing to take her on that table, right then and there. The best way for a Mare to share her scent is through Intimacy. Really, Anon -- I never pinned you for such the brash, bold type! Quite the little voyeur, aren't you?" She teases, breaking into another laughing fit as I hold my head in my hands.

Smooth, me.
"...Hey Derpy, I like you. Let's fuck on this table so I smell like you, so everyone else knows too." I snort.

Rarity slaps my arm with a hoof, staring at me.
"Language, Dear."

It's only a short moment of silence before two of us are laughing, wheezing at the absurdity.

Rarity finally finds her breath, shaking her head. She pats my hand with a hoof, looking at me eagerly.
"So? Right then and there? Under the table? Or did you slip off to the bathrooms for a most promiscuous trot?"

I snort loudly, remembering the types of books Rarity reads.
"No, no. So after..."

We've probably been laughing for a good two hours, Rarity letting out a long, content sigh.
"Oh, I do so enjoy having someone to gossip with again. Canterlots gossip is so... demeaning, and none of the girls are quite so fond of the local tea as you or I, Darling. Well, I am truly happy for you both; and she certainly seems ecstatic. I haven't seen her deliver my packet with such vigor before."

Rarity slowly rises from her chair, stretching.
"Goodness. I suppose I'd best get started on my orders -- and don't trouble yourself about the shirt. A Colts dressage is but a bulwark to his path to woo his Mare; I expect I should make sure anything else I make for you should be made quite easy to wash." She teases, gathering the empty teacups in her magic.

"Thanks, Rares. Actually, uh... odd question for you, if you don't mind." I ask, rising to help clean up.

"And what might that be, darling? A new outfit for yourself for your next date? Ooh -- perhaps you'd like me to look over Derpy's dress, touch it up? Its a bit of an older style, but she certainly wore it well; though I think we could both agree a little more flank wouldn't hurt." Rarity fields, as we walk through the boutique to the kitchen. I notice the little carving I'd made for Bell sitting on the edge of her workspace, propped up on a book.

"No, uh... you just got a bunch of orders in, right?" I ask.

"Correct. Several of the Nobility were smitten with my works -- as they should be. I've got a Wedding, a Party, a Ball, another party..." She trails off, counting the amount of functions she has to design, dress and fit for, tapping her chin with a hoof.
"Quite the load, but I should be able to handle it on time. I do foresee some late nights, though."

"I was, uh... my questions about that, kind of. Are you... hiring?" I ask, tensing.

Rarity freezes, a slow, stern face slowly looking up to me.
"Are you serious, Darling?"

"Uh, yeah. Actually, I am. I've got... hands, so." I say, providing an unamused jazzhand. "And while I don't know fashion or sewing clothes, per se, I'm not unfamiliar with a needle and thread."

The humorous air we'd been enraptured in is completely gone, Rarity having turned to silently face me.

I feel a bead of sweat run down my back.
"I'm, uh... tall. Comparatively. Strong. Won't complain. Yknow, uh..."

"Would your pre-existing conditions affect your ability to work or show up on a timely manner?" Rarity suddenly speaks up. Her tone is quippy, short and expectant. "Do you have an issue with travel? Are you patient, willing to work long, variable hours? Perform any tasks required of you, no matter their nature? And I would require someone to advocate on your behalf, of course."

I clear my throat.
"Might ask to sit down now and then, otherwise no issues. Travel is fine, and I can wait as long as you need, or do whatever you ask. I try to spend Sundays with Derpy, and I've got a Monthly check-in with Nurse Redheart, but no other obligations." I start responding, falling into the rapid-fire pace. Oh, shit, advocate -- uhh...

I feel a big sigh of relief leave me when I see Rarity crack a smile, tapping her chin with a hoof.
"Well, I do know one particular Filly who just so happens to have advocated in your favor quite highly before..." She trails off, glancing obviously to the little wooden carving of herself. Bell?

"I run a tight ship, darling; but I've a feeling that's something you're familiar with. And to be honest... I may have overbooked. A lot more than I had been letting on. Severely. I was actually stressing over it before you came." Rarity sighs, grinning.
"While I might not let you lead the design portion -- no offense, but your sense of fashion is abhorrently outdated, dear -- Spike has always been most helpful with those claws of his -- and I've a good guess what you can get up to with those hands. You've said you're familiar with a needle?"

"Yeah, uh. Stitching. Sometimes when I'd... hike. I'd get cuts or scratches. Easier to stitch them myself than visit the doctor, back where I'm from." I explain, trying to avoid the topic of hunting or getting too messy about it.

"I see. An... interesting origin for your skills, but they may translate well. How still are your hands?" She continues, gesturing for my limb. I hold my right hand out -- stock-still, though my index finger twitches.

"Hm. Very good, Darling; though thankfully, we use sewing machines around here. Familiar?" She teases, nodding to her workstation.

"Uh... not in the slightest." I admit.

"Very well; we'll see just how quick you learn. I do believe it would be a pleasure to have you under my employ, Darling; but do remember you'll be representing Rarities Boutique from here on out." She says, smiling. A little too deviously.

"...Which means?" I ask, cautiously.

"You'll see, when you see your Uniform. Swing by tomorrow; now that I know I'm to have help, I'll spend today working out the designs, so we can tackle the creative start early. 7 AM, Darling? Oh, and we'll discuss pay, of course, but you shan't worry. This is a lucrative line of work, though quite demanding." She grins.

I kneel down, pulling her into a hug. She makes a startled noise, starting to complain about watching her mane -- but sighs, and returns the hug.
"Thanks, Rares. I appreciate it a lot."

She lets go, throwing me a raised brow.
"Then let's see you prove it tomorrow, Darling. Bright and early!"

We say our goodbyes, and I head outside while Rarity gets to work at her station, sketching out the designs based off the requests.

I fist pump the moment the door closes. I don't give a shit that its making dresses, man -- I got a fucking job!

I pause, as I see Dina and a freshly-released Grant staring at me with confusion, on their way to my place from the Clinic.

"...Two-timing, huh? Cold, Anon." Dina jokes, bumping Grants side. He winces.

"Oh, finally got a job? You were sweating about that for a while. Hey, congrats." Dina says warmly, patting me on the shoulder.

Dina, Myself and Grant are sat at my kitchen table. Grant is looking a lot better, a good hue of color returning to his chocolate plumage.

"Yeah, thanks. Rares is a good friend, so I'm excited." I agree.

Grant is quiet, but finally turns to me.
"Thank you. For helping us. We'll be leaving soon, to head back to Griffonia."

"Hey, of course. Sorry we didn't get much of a chance to talk, things kept pretty busy. You guys got uh... money, for travel?" I ask.

Both fall oddly quiet. I tsk loudly.
"Well, I had a good day, so you should too."

I push out of my seat, the two birds watching me with confusion, glancing between each other. I kneel down in the living room, prying open my stash floorboard.

In a few moments, I've got a spare cloth bag, filled with about half the bits that I'd exchanged the gems I'd found for; I drop it on the table between them, the bag making a solid thud. Dinas eyes widen, while Grant crosses his claws, shaking his head.
"No. No way, we can't--"

"I got a job. I'm gonna be alright. Plus, I'm pretty sure you guys are the ones that actually dug the things up, so... I'd suggest you take that, before my crippling guilt gets a better grasp of me, and I try to give you more." I joke, smiling.

"You've already hosted Dina, and paid for my hospital bills. I can't accept this." Grant refuses again. I think Grant is like me -- he doesn't like pity. I get that.

"Alright, how about this -- it's an... investment, from an interested buyer. You guys said you'd look into getting Ponyville on your guys trade route, right? Here's my donation to make that happen. Don't let the Ponies know -- but fuck, I miss meat." I offer, pushing the sack towards them.

Dina glances at Grant, giving him a reassuring look. Grant sighs, looking between Dina, and the money.
"...Alright. I owe you for this, Anon."

"If you want to, man; but if ever you're in the area, come say hi, yeah?" I offer, outstretching my hand. Grant chuffs, taking mine in his claw and giving it a firm shake.

I go to offer one to Dina, but I get a hug instead. These birds are soft, man. I chuckle, returning it.
"Take care of yourself, Anon. Remember, if you ever swing by Griffonia, ask around for us. We'd gladly host you." Dina says, before letting me go.

We spent the rest of the night making small talk, until a particularly grey flank came flying through my window, landing on my couch with surprising grace. She's a little startled at the company, having just gotten used to flying in on one Griffon, but joins in well enough, nuzzling in beside me.