Chained Hearts - A Love Story

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, bathing the room in the warm hues of late afternoon, Metal Tested stretched in his chair. Despite years of experience reminding him otherwise, he still had a tendency to hunch over his work, and his neck and shoulders were now protesting the oversight. He rolled his shoulders with a groan, glancing over at the now-empty cupcake tray. A soft chuckle escaped him—he’d been so engrossed in his work that he hadn’t even realized he was snacking on Pinkie Pie’s cupcakes. Then again, considering how delicious the one he’d eaten earlier had been, it wasn’t much of a surprise.

Turning back to the worktable, Metal picked up his tape measure and double-checked the measurements for the mantle he’d been crafting. He nodded in satisfaction as his gaze swept over the piece laid out before him. As the emo mare had described, the design featured a web-like body that draped elegantly over the shoulders, anchored by an outer ring. The inner ring, simple yet functional, fastened around the neck with a toggle clasp, much like a choker necklace.

The bright steel caught the fading sunlight, glinting brilliantly against the backdrop of his tools and materials. He imagined it paired with the dark clothing the mare seemed to favor, the contrast drawing attention to the intricate pattern he’d spent the afternoon weaving. The thought brought a small, proud smile to his face as he set the tape measure back on the table.

Lifting the mantle in his telekinesis, Metal Tested studied it with quiet admiration. The smooth, interwoven steel rings gleamed in the late afternoon light, but what truly struck him was the difference a single day had made. By his quick estimate, the jump rings for this piece had cost him about ten bits. Before meeting Rarity, he’d have hesitated to charge more than thirty or forty bits for such a large but relatively simple design—barely enough to cover costs, let alone feed and shelter himself. More often than not, he’d let customers haggle him down further, leaving his profits razor-thin.

Now, though, things were different. With the price Rarity had negotiated, the mantle was set to sell for two hundred bits. Two hundred. Subtracting the cost of materials, that meant a profit of one hundred-ninety bits. Even after splitting it evenly with Rarity, he’d still walk away with ninety-five bits—more than three times the best profit he could have made selling it on the street.

Metal let out a soft laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. “Metal,” he murmured to himself, “you just might have arrived.”

Setting the mantle carefully aside, he removed his glasses and rose from his chair, stretching until his joints popped. It had been a while since he’d put in a full day working on his chainmail. Before meeting Rarity, a day like today would have looked very different. Most mornings, he would rise early to hunt for day-labor jobs, which usually paid just enough for a cheap meal and a hotel room for the night, squirreling away any extra bits for jump rings. On bad days, when there was no work to be found, he’d try to sell his jewelry on the street—or resort to outright begging.

Metal sighed, his thoughts lingering on how far he’d come in just a short time. Working in a dedicated space, with fair prices for his craft and a steady partnership, felt like a life he’d never dared to imagine.

Sometimes, he hadn’t been able to scrape together enough bits to cover even the basics. There had been countless nights when raw grass became his only sustenance, grazing directly from the ground just to save enough for shelter and supplies. Worse still were the few times he’d resorted to theft when he couldn’t face another night of hunger gnawing at his belly. The move to Ponyville—his gamble to sell his work to tourists—had been the result of over a year of scrimping and saving, honing his craft, and enduring too many hungry nights.

If only he hadn’t...

Metal shook his head sharply, forcing the thought away before it could take root. Now’s not the time to dwell on that. He focused on the present, carefully wrapping the completed jewelry in a spare cloth. The makeshift bag floated alongside him in his telekinesis as he headed downstairs to the boutique.

The shop was quiet now, devoid of customers, and the colorful remnants of Pinkie’s impromptu party had been tidied away. Behind the sales counter, Rarity stood with her reading glasses perched delicately on her muzzle, poring over an account ledger. She glanced up at the sound of Metal’s hooves descending the stairs, her expression brightening as she met his gaze. “Good afternoon, Metal Tested,” she said warmly.

“Hi, Rarity,” he replied with a small smile, setting the cloth pouch of jewelry on the counter. “I finished that mare’s commission, and I’ve got the rest of today’s work in here, too.”

“Thank you, dear,” Rarity said with a nod, sliding the ledger aside and opening the pouch. Her eyes lit up as she examined the contents, levitating the mantle and a few bracelets with her magic. “These look marvelous,” she said, admiration clear in her voice.

“I’m glad you think so,” Metal said, his smile widening slightly. Her praise meant more to him than he cared to admit.

Rarity carefully set the pieces down and adjusted her glasses. “I’ll be closing up in a few minutes to work on lesson plans for my classes at the School of Friendship,” she said. “The shop will be closed tomorrow while I teach, but we can sit down tomorrow evening and work out that price list. How did you price your work before?”

Metal shrugged, using his hooves and telekinesis to sort the remaining pieces by weave and type. “I’d time myself and base my prices on how long each piece took, on average, along with how complicated the weave. Anywhere between a quarter-bit and a bit per minute.”

Rarity’s brow furrowed thoughtfully. “Did that method yield you much profit?”

Metal snorted softly, an ironic smile tugging at his lips. “It did when ponies actually paid the prices I asked,” he said with a sigh. “But I let ponies haggle me down a lot. Never to the point of selling at a loss, but…” He hesitated, shrugging again. “Enough that it wasn’t sustainable in the long run.”

“I see,” Rarity said, her tone calm but understanding. She turned the ledger she’d been working on so that it faced Metal. “This is the inventory I made of your work in the display, along with the prices I marked them at and the pieces I’ve sold. If you’ll note how much your materials cost and how long each one took to make, we’ll calculate the profits properly and split them fairly.”

“Okay,” Metal said, nodding as he pulled the ledger toward him. Picking up a pen in his telekinesis, he scanned the detailed notes Rarity had made. For a moment, a darker part of his mind—born of too many betrayals and false friends—whispered the temptation to inflate his costs.

A small scowl crept onto his face as he shook his head firmly, banishing the thought. Rarity had been nothing but generous and supportive; to cheat her in any way would be inexcusable. The fact that the idea had even crossed his mind left him feeling small, petty and unclean. With a deep breath, he focused on the ledger, determined to approach the task with honesty.

The jingle of the bell above the boutique door broke his concentration. A high, musical voice rang out behind him. “Ugh! Ms. Cheerilee gave us so much homework today!”

Metal glanced over his shoulder just as the adolescent unicorn from that morning—Rarity’s sister, Sweetie Belle—stepped inside. Her saddlebags slid off her back with a dull thud as she flopped dramatically onto Rarity’s fainting couch. Her face disappeared into a throw pillow as she groaned theatrically. “I’m going to die from all this homework!” Now that he got a better look at her, Metal estimated her age at around thirteen or fourteen, similar to Diamond Tiara from last night.

“You’ll be glad for the effort she puts into educating you one day, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said with amused resignation, her tone carrying the patience of an older sister well-versed in such dramatics. “How are your friends?”

Sweetie Belle perked up slightly, sitting straighter on the fainting couch. “They’re fine,” she said. “Silver Spoon was talking about this new coltfriend she says she has, but she was really cagey about the details.”

As she spoke, Metal Tested subtly shifted, edging around the counter to place it between himself and the filly. Sweetie Belle blinked, noticing him for the first time. Her expression brightened with curiosity. “Hi! Sorry, I didn’t notice you before,” she said cheerfully. Hopping off the couch, she trotted over and extended a forehoof in greeting.

“That’s okay,” Metal replied, nodding stiffly as he fought to keep his voice steady. His eyes flicked toward her hoof, hesitating before glancing at Rarity with a pleading look. “I’m Metal Tested.”

Rarity, quick to notice his discomfort, intervened smoothly. “He’s the talented artisan who created the jewelry in our new window display,” she said with a warm smile for both of them. “And he’s a little shy, so please be patient with him. Metal, this is Sweetie Belle, my little sister.”

Sweetie Belle nodded, lowering her hoof without offense. “Oh, okay.” Her head tilted slightly. “Metal Tested? That’s kind of a funny name.”

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity admonished, her tone sharp but not harsh.

To his own surprise, Metal chuckled, the unexpected humor easing some of his tension. “It’s fine,” he said, his voice lighter as he looked back at Sweetie Belle. “It’s from a saying my dad liked: ‘Never trust a knight in shining armor, because his metal has never been tested.’”

It took the sisters a moment to understand the pun, but then they chuckled together. “I suppose there’s a certain amount of truth to that,” Rarity mused with a wry smile. “But I’d be cautious about repeating it in front of Twilight Sparkle.”

“You never know,” Sweetie Belle added with a giggle. “She and Shining Armor might actually think it’s funny!”

Metal Tested blushed faintly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, I remember reading about Princess Twilight’s brother,” he said. “My dad… he had a lot of sayings he liked to pull out when the mood hit him.” His voice softened as he spoke of his father, and his expression fell slightly. Glancing away from the sisters, he busied himself with the account ledger Rarity had given him, his focus visibly shifting.

Rarity frowned thoughtfully, studying him with quiet concern. “You speak of your father in the past tense,” she observed gently. “Has it been long since he… passed?”

Metal shook his head, his eyes remaining on the ledger. “He’s still alive, last I heard,” he murmured. “I… well, I’m not close with any of my family.” He hesitated before glancing briefly at Rarity. “It’s complicated. I know I keep saying that about a lot of things in my life, but that’s just how it is.”

“That’s terrible!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, her youthful indignation cutting through the room. “Not even knowing if your own dad’s alive? Family’s supposed to be there for you, no matter what!”

“Sweetie Belle, enough,” Rarity said firmly but gently, her eyes flicking between her sister and Metal.

“It’s okay, Rarity,” Metal interjected, managing a small, sad smile. “I’ve always wished I was closer to my family. It’s just… not how life worked out for me.” He cleared his throat, shifting his hooves awkwardly as if trying to brush the subject aside. Using his telekinesis, he slid the ledger back across the counter toward Rarity. “I’ve marked the material costs and the build times, like you said.”

“Thank you, Metal,” Rarity said, taking the ledger back in her telekinesis. She glanced at her sister. “Sweetie Belle, if you’ll excuse us, Metal Tested and I have some business to conclude for the day. I’ll help you with your homework afterward, if you need it.”

“That’s okay, sis,” Sweetie Belle replied brightly. “The Crusaders and I have a cutie mark consultation soon. I’ll do my homework with them after our appointment.” She floated her saddlebags onto her back with her magic and gave Metal a friendly smile. “It was nice to meet you, Mr. Tested.”

“You too, Sweetie Belle,” Metal replied, smiling back as she trotted toward the door. As the bell jingled with her departure, he let out a quiet sigh, shaking his head slightly. He glanced at Rarity. “Your sister seems like a sweet filly,” he said. “She must be the most popular in her class.”

Rarity chuckled softly, her smile touched with fondness. “She’d like to think so, I’m sure,” she said as she turned her attention to the ledger, reviewing Metal’s notations. “She and her friends formed a club called the Cutie Mark Crusaders back when they were working to earn their own cutie marks. Eventually, they discovered their special talent was helping other ponies understand theirs. Now, they consult with ponies who are unsure of their marks’ meanings and even run a day camp for blank flanks in the summer.” She paused, her expression softening. “They’ve even talked about wanting to be teachers at the School of Friendship when they grow up.”

“Yeah, I remember reading about the Cutie Mark Crusaders in the Journal,” Metal said with a nod. “It sounds like she’s got everything figured out already. You must be proud of her.”

“Yes, I am,” Rarity said with a nod, her gaze lingering on Metal. After a brief pause, she added gently, “Forgive me for asking, Metal, but… what caused the rift between you and your family?”

Metal sighed, his eyes shifting away as he ran a hoof through his mane. “A lot of things,” he admitted quietly. “Some of it… a lot of it… is my fault. But the roots go back a long way.” He shook his head, his voice lowering. “I’m really not comfortable talking about it. Not yet.”

Rarity’s expression flickered with disappointment, but it quickly softened into understanding. “Very well,” she said kindly, letting the subject drop. She opened the cash register, her magic sorting through coins, scrip, and gems. “I don’t mean to push, dear. I’d simply like to know more about you.”

Metal smiled faintly. “I understand,” he said. “I just need time.”

“There’s no need to apologize, Metal,” Rarity replied, shaking her head as she jotted down figures on a piece of paper. “Take all the time you need.” Once finished, she slid the paper across the counter toward him. “Here you are. Feel free to double-check my math.”

Metal glanced at the paper, and his eyes widened almost comically. “This… this can’t be right,” he stammered, staring at the total.

“Really? Where did I make a mistake?” Rarity asked, leaning closer to peer at the paper with him.

Metal flinched slightly as her mane brushed against his cheek, the warmth of her slender body close to his and the soft hint of her perfume making him acutely self-conscious. His words came out hastily, trying to cover his nervousness. “I just… your math says my share after costs is almost five hundred bits,” he managed. “Did my work really sell that well?”

Rarity chuckled kindly. “It seems we both keep repeating ourselves, Metal Tested,” she said, her tone light but warm. “You were vastly undervaluing yourself.” With a gentle push of her magic, she slid the pile of coins, scrip, and gems toward him. “Here. Much of this is due to the excitement of a new release, so not every day will be quite like this. But it’s a promising sign, especially with tourist season just around the corner.”

Metal hesitated, swallowing nervously as his gaze flicked between Rarity and the pile of money. His forehoof hovered uncertainly before he finally pulled the earnings closer. “I… I really don’t know what to say,” he murmured. “Thank you… again.”

“There’s nothing to thank me for this time,” Rarity said with a gentle shake of her head. “I’m simply glad to help bring your dream to life.”

“Yeah…” Metal nodded slowly, his eyes dropping to the counter. “Sorry, I just…” He paused, shaking his head as if trying to clear his thoughts. “Good things haven’t happened to me in… a really long time. It still doesn’t… doesn’t feel real.” His voice cracked, and suddenly he turned away, blinking rapidly. “I’m sorry, I…” His legs wobbled as he sank down to the floor, his breathing uneven.

“Metal, darling!” Rarity exclaimed, her voice laced with surprise and concern. She stepped closer, placing a comforting hoof on his shoulder. “Whatever is the matter?”

Metal shook his head, his forehooves pressing against his eyes as he forced himself to take deep, deliberate breaths. “Nothing…” he managed. “Nothing is wrong, Rarity.” He lowered his hooves and glanced back at her, his expression raw. Gently, he placed a hoof over hers on his shoulder. “That’s what’s wrong.”

Rarity blinked, her brow furrowing in concern. “I don’t understand,” she said softly. “How can nothing being wrong… be what’s wrong?”

“It’s… everything,” Metal said, his voice barely above a whisper. He looked away again, though his hoof remained over Rarity’s. “This… all of this… it’s so great, and I…” He sighed, his head drooping. “My dad used to say, ‘A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.’ And right now, I feel like the weak link… like I don’t deserve any of this.”

Rarity’s expression hardened with determination. “Now, you listen to me, Metal Tested,” she said firmly, marching around to stand directly in front of him. Her hoof reached out, gently but resolutely lifting his chin so their eyes met. “I can see that you’re struggling. I can see that you’re feeling overwhelmed. Believe me, I’ve had moments like that myself; I think every successful pony does at times. But I want you to understand one thing, and I want you to keep it firmly in mind: You earned this.”

Her gaze was unwavering, sapphire locking onto metallic blue. “You’ve spent years chasing this dream. You’ve endured homelessness and hardships that would have sent me running back to my parents if I’d had to face them. But you didn’t give up. You persevered. And now, you’re here. You. Are. Worthy.”

Rarity paused, letting her words settle into the silence between them. Her hoof slipped from his chin to his shoulder, offering steady support. “Now,” she said softly but firmly, “I want to hear you say it: I am worthy.”

Metal stared at her, the weight of her words pressing down on him in the best possible way. He took a deep, shuddering breath and nodded slowly. “I am worthy,” he murmured, the words coming out haltingly. A bitter chuckle followed as he shook his head and forced himself back up on his hooves. “I try telling myself things like that every morning. I just… I have a hard time believing it.”

“Well, if you don’t believe it yet, keep in mind that I do,” Rarity said softly, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “We all need the support of our friends from time to time.”

“Yeah…” Metal Tested nodded, his voice still quiet. He hesitated before asking, “Rarity… would it be okay if I gave you a hug?”

Rarity’s expression softened, her smile warm and fond. Instead of replying, she stepped forward and wrapped her forelegs around him in a gentle embrace. Metal stiffened for just a moment before his forelegs tentatively encircled her in return. Slowly, he relaxed, leaning into the hug. His cheek brushed against her soft mane, and he couldn’t help inhaling her scent—floral perfume mingling with something subtler, uniquely her.

It had been so long since he’d been this physically close to another pony, especially a mare. The simple warmth of being held, the quiet comfort of another’s presence, felt almost overwhelming. He closed his eyes, letting himself sink into the moment.

After a few moments, Rarity gave him a light pat on the back and pulled away gently, her smile still in place. “There, now,” she said. “Feeling better?”

Metal nodded, rubbing his eyes with a forehoof before taking a deep breath. “Yeah,” he said, his voice steadier. He gave his body a quick shake, as if resetting himself. “Okay. Yeah, I’m cool. I’m fine.”

His gaze shifted back to the pile of money on the counter, and his expression turned thoughtful. Running a hoof through his mane, he murmured, “This is more money than I’ve seen at once in… a really long time.”

“Well, use some of it to treat yourself,” Rarity advised, standing and crossing back to her ledgers to continue entering the day’s receipts. As she worked, her tone grew curious. “By the way, do you mind if I ask where you’re staying at the moment?”

“The Trotting Trough Inn, on the edge of town,” Metal replied, his horn glowing softly as he organized his share of coins, scrip, and gems by value.

“What!?” Rarity’s head jerked up, her eyes wide as she stared at him. “That horrid, run-down hovel of a place? Oh, no, no, no, no! That simply will not do!” She shook her head emphatically, her voice rising with each word, laced with growing dramatics.

Metal blinked in surprise, instinctively stepping back. “I-it’s all I could afford!” he exclaimed. “If I hadn’t met you, I probably would have been out on the street after tomorrow!”

Rarity paused, her dramatic energy fading as she took a deep, calming breath. “I understand, darling, and I truly sympathize with your circumstances,” she said, her voice steadying. “But we simply must find you more suitable accommodations. I can’t imagine the Trotting Trough is a place one can trust with their valuables.”

“That’s why I don’t,” Metal admitted, his voice quieter now. “Everything I own fits in my saddlebags.”

Rarity’s expression softened, her gaze flicking between him and the pile of earnings. She chewed her lower lip thoughtfully before making a decision. “Here,” she said, pushing her half of the day’s profits from Metal’s work toward him with her magic. “Check yourself into a better hotel and start looking for an apartment or a room to rent. With Ponyville growing so quickly, you’re sure to find something soon—especially if you use me as a reference.”

Metal Tested stared at the pile of money on the counter, blinking in disbelief. “Rarity, I… I can’t take this,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s too much, and you just met me! I mean, I appreciate the reference, but…”

Rarity waved a hoof with a light chuckle. “I’m terribly sorry, darling, but I fear I’ve fallen mysteriously deaf at the moment,” she said with a playful smile. Before he could protest further, she added firmly, “Besides, this is a loan. I’ll expect you to pay me back once you’re more firmly on your hooves.”

Metal hesitated, his brow furrowing as he glanced between her and the money. Finally, he nodded. “Okay. A loan.” He pulled the money toward him with his telekinesis, adding it to his share and resuming his careful sorting by value. “I’ll pay you back—every bit of it. With interest,” he added resolutely.

“That won’t be necessary,” Rarity replied with a shake of her head. “Simply the amount I lent you will be quite sufficient.” She tapped a hoof lightly on the counter. “As for accommodations, I’ve heard good things about the Mane Street Meadow. Tourists often speak of it as both comfortable and affordable.”

“I know where that is,” Metal said, nodding slowly. “Thanks, Rarity… again.” He glanced at her necklace, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I’m glad you wore my necklace.”

Rarity glanced down, her own smile softening as she touched the pendant lightly with her hoof. “Well, it’s beautiful, darling,” she said. “And besides, I could hardly expect my customers to purchase something I wouldn’t proudly wear myself, could I?”

“I guess not,” Metal said with a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. “Still… I’m glad you like it.”

Their conversation wound down quickly after that, each pony turning to their own tasks. Metal Tested finished sorting his money by value, meticulously organizing the coins, scrip, and gems into tidy stacks, while Rarity completed entering the day’s receipts with her usual precision.

Once his counting was finished, Metal retrieved his saddlebags from his workroom, hesitating over what to leave behind and what to take with him. After a few moments of deliberation, he decided to leave his books, trusting his memory of the most common patterns, but took his toolkit and jump rings—enough to continue working on his jewelry in his hotel room.

As he turned to leave, Metal paused at the door to Rarity’s apartment. His eyes flicked between it and his workroom, indecision flickering across his face. Finally, with a determined nod, he returned to his workroom and retrieved one item.

Metal opened the door to Rarity’s apartment, finding it styled like an efficiency space, with her bed just a few steps from the entrance. Carefully, he placed his chosen item on her bedside table, ensuring it was neatly positioned. He lingered for only a moment before politely closing the door behind him and heading back downstairs.

“Thanks again for everything, Rarity,” Metal said, giving her a wave as he trotted toward the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”

“Have a good evening, Metal!” Rarity replied, returning his wave with a cheerful smile. After he exited the shop, she locked the door behind him with a flick of her magic. Sweetie Belle had her own key if she decided to stay over again, so there was no need to worry. With a contented sigh, Rarity turned and headed upstairs, eager for a relaxing shower before diving into her lesson plans.

Entering her apartment, Rarity immediately noticed something new on her bedside table. “What’s this?” she murmured, stepping closer and lifting the object with her telekinesis. A soft chuckle escaped her as she examined the battered, oversized paperback book.

“The Art of Chainmail, by Forge Hammer,” she read aloud. A slip of paper sticking out from the top caught her attention, and she pulled it free to read the hornwritten note. “‘Dear Rarity—This is the book that got me started. You can borrow it as long as you like. Jewelry patterns start on page 103. —M.T.’”

A warm smile spread across her face as she held the book close, appreciating the gesture. “Thank you, Metal Tested,” she murmured to herself, touched by the thoughtful gift.

Smiling fondly, Rarity set the book on her nightstand, making a mental note to peruse it later. First, she needed a shower and time to work on her lesson plans. Humming a light tune, she trotted toward the bathroom, her mind already turning over ideas for incorporating lightweight chainmail pieces into a new line of clothing. The possibilities sparked her creative instincts, and she resolved to sketch a few concepts before bed. Tomorrow, she’d discuss the potential of collaborating more closely with Metal on such designs.

As she climbed into the shower, Rarity chuckled softly to herself, her cheeks warming as she turned the water to her customary steamy temperature. Down, girl, she thought, shaking her head at her own musings. He may be pleasant, even charming, but he says himself that he has issues. You’ve already given him a job, a loan, and a reference to help him find better living arrangements. Don’t get swept up in the idea of saving him.

The spray of the hot water relaxed her tense muscles as she began shampooing her mane, letting her thoughts wander back to the day’s events. Despite her internal caution, she found herself humming the tune of the song they’d sung together that morning. The memory brought a small, delighted smile to her lips. Metal’s guarded demeanor and flashes of humor intrigued her, and his talent spoke volumes about his dedication and potential.

Their partnership was off to a wonderful start, and there was no denying the chemistry they shared, even in simple moments of collaboration. Rarity closed her eyes, the melody flowing freely now. Whatever lay ahead, this certainly felt like the beginning of something truly beautiful.