Chapter 2: Martin Swallowtail and the Hooficure of Doom
Thank Celestia for holidays. I had the day off and was escorting Scootaloo to a play date. Took us a while to get going since I was trying to change the sheets on the beds and she insisted I put the fitted sheet over her while she lay on the mattress, like a cat. After some negotiation I did so even if it meant I had to make the bed over again after she wriggled out.
I noticed she slackened her pace during our walk when we heard a low rumble and accompanying high-pitched Doppler sound of a pegasus traveling at high speed. I didn't even bother looking up, guessing that it was the cyan and polychromatic streak that was our resident weather captain. Instead I watched the look of wonder on my daughter's face. I had serious competition in the hero worship department.
"You know I could ask around, introduce you to her."
"Daad." Her cheeks reddened.
"Seriously. When you're ready I'll mention it to Thunderlane. Try not to make a big deal about it."
She thought about it and nodded. I knew it was a big deal because of how little she talks about the mare. I'm sure after a meeting I shall hear no end of Rainbow Dash's exploits.
Since we live on the outskirts it would have been easier for her to take her scooter but my job is so physically taxing I insisted on going by hoof. At last we reached the incredibly baroque exterior of the Carousel Boutique. It was a trade off. If we met Sweetie Belle at her parents house I would risk having a cider thrust in my hooves and stuck in a long one-sided conversation on sports clubs. It made me a bit uncomfortable to be around a mare as attractive as Miss Rarity even though she wasn't my type. Anything that endangers the stability of The Plan discomforts me. But she was nice enough I suppose and polite to a fault.
Sweetie threw open the door before I had a chance to knock, her jade-colored eyes wide with contagious joy. She managed to wiggle all four legs while leaping in the air. "Scootaloo! What do you want to do? The playground?"
"Sure, maybe. Or we could go tree climbing or monster hunting!" My daughter laughed and made haste into the boutique. "Race you to your room!"
I followed in to pay my respects. Rarity was carefully laying a form over a ponyquin as usual. "Good day, Miss Rarity. Working on another order?"
She granted me a smile. "Yes, something for Mayor Mare's anniversary dinner. It needs something but I'm not quite sure what..."
"I'm sure it will come to you. Thanks for agreeing to a play date."
"Certainly, the girls can be trusted with a few hours out playing but I'll keep an eye on them." She stepped back removing her glasses and assessed her work with a frown. Only she could make that expression look dignified. I wonder how much energy she spends maintaining such poise. Does it become second nature after a while.
"I'll see you in the afternoon. A pleasure as always."
"Martin darling, why are you walking with a limp?"
I froze and grimaced. I should put more effort into my own poise it seems.
"Erm. I-I haven't found the time for new shoes and to shave my hooves down and it's been a while."
She raised a perfectly tweezed eyebrow. "And it has begun to give you discomfort?"
"A smidge." I tried to back away.
"Cancel your plans, darling. We are going to the spa immediately. I shall let the girls know."
"Miss Rarity, I don't exactly have the funds..."
"Nonsense; I shall indulge you and you may reciprocate next Fashion Week by watching Sweetie if our parents are busy."
I was utterly outflanked by the canny mare so I merely nodded and swallowed my pride. I hadn't been inside a salon since I was a colt, playing with my toy train while my mother had her hair colored and this place was certainly far more stylish. While one of the twins (maybe Aloe but Celestia help me I couldn't tell) worked on shaving my hooves down my companion engaged me in the hallowed tradition of small talk. This is what frightened me so, so much estrogen and beautiful mares about and I had to concentrate on rapport.
"... just have to tell dear Fluttershy I came a bit early instead of our usual Thursday afternoon. I'll still go with her, of course. Poor dear might cancel rather than go alone. It took so much to persuade her into our usual routine in the first place.
"And how about you, Martin? How have you been doing?"
At work and around town I try to be pleasant but keep to myself. It's not that I want to be rude, mind you. I just don't want to risk conversation because then I'd have to talk about my personal life. It's too embarrassing and shameful to relate to anypony but my ersatz therapist. Meaning my bartender. I decided to deflect.
"It's kind of you to make sure Miss Fluttershy gets out once in a while. All those animals must keep her very busy."
She gives me a sly look. "I didn't know her needs concerned you so. Wouldn't Stage Light be jealous is she knew another mare caught your eye?"
She meant well, just some good-nature teasing but I couldn't hide my sadness. I looked away and my ears fell back. "I haven't seen her in quite some time. She broke up with me."
Aloe (or Lotus Blossom) pursed her lips but resumed her work. Rarity was suitably mortified. "Oh. I'm so sorry to hear that, dear. You two seemed to be doing so well..."
"We are still in love, but just can't make it work right now. She doesn't care about how busy Scoots keeps me but she works nights. The theater has puppet shows and children's story time weekend mornings. We just never were able to see each other... And Scootaloo's mom had to move back in."
"Back from Appaloosa?"
"Yeah." Two blessed months living with a friend of hers. "Left in a hurry with all her work gear behind. I can only imagine somepony will make use of it someday. I couldn't just leave her homeless but now I don't see an end in sight."
My companion put on the haughty stance that has earned her a bit of a prissy reputation around town. "That is hardly fair to you. Is she helping at least?"
"Not with rent, or chores, or with her own bills..."
"Why have you allowed this? Charity is one thing, but allowing that kind of advantage is another."
"Twin barbs of anger and guilt, I'm afraid. I keep planning, just as I did when I broke it off, but more emergencies get piled on and she is firm."
She huffed and turned away. I could tell she wanted to say more but we weren't close enough for that kind of advice. This somehow stung me regardless. I didn't have room in my life for close friendships like that and felt the void. Precisely why I avoid situations like this.
Time dragged on but eventually I was shod in new shoes with uncharacteristically shiny hooves. Probably wouldn't last due to the nature of my job but I might as well accept and be grateful for the papering despite the blow to my masculinity.
"I shall go by the playground and make sure the girls haven't gotten into trouble. And Martin, do take care. Your daughter is dear to us and I believe both of you deserve better."
She was clearly making the effort to keep pity out of her expression. I had long ago abandoned gaining satisfaction for the sacrifices I had made for this mare I no longer love; I no longer felt noble or just, just cheated. I didn't seek sympathy or even understanding. "Thank you, Rarity. I'll see you later. I'll get you back for this."
She provided a wry smile, and those enchanting eyes of hers. I'm so glad she's not my usual nerdy type or this afternoon would have been truly unbearable. This is one pony who has no problems bending others to her wishes. I should take some notes. She waved the obligation off. "I am sure you can find a way if you want to make it up to me. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon."
Once back at my apartment her dogs began circling my hooves, expectant for their imminent walk. That buzzing sound I heard on the way up was what I expected. Vervain was poised on the couch, her head high while Needles was touching up the text on her neck tattoo, a handkerchief keeping his mane out of his face. She had a few when I courted her but since dating a tattoo artist she looks rather like she has a case of the cutie pox. She was always excited to show me her new work but it was always a reminder of how hard it will be for her to get a white collar career.
"High, Martin! You and Scoots have a good day?"
"Hey, buddy." Needles chimed in. Don't call me buddy you freeloader.
"Yeah, she's still at the park but should be along in a bit."
"What'cha have planned for dinner?"
"I don't know yet, I'll have a look after walking the dogs." I made my way to my bedroom. Five months since she came back and there were still boxes everywhere, overflowing from when she took the odd possession out. The dining room table was covered with them, as well as groceries they had gotten from his parents but neglected to put away properly, mostly sugar-based cereal boxes with colorful packaging. There was a nub of plastic on the floor, likely a a limb off a Wonderbolts action figure her dogs had chewed up. I wish Scootaloo would put them away properly. And the dogs actually used chew toys. A telltale odor from Vervain's bedroom explained why the two were so lackadaisical this afternoon.
"Pick me some cigarettes on your way back?" I nodded curtly. "Thanks!"
Whatever.
I grabbed my music player and the leashes. Time for some contemplative locomotion. It will nice for some alone time after my spa experience. I felt simultaneously pent up as well as the familiar pang of loneliness. I made my way through my neighborhood while the excited dogs tugged at their leads. My mind once more set to planning how to extricate myself from life's problems. Three more months until the agreed time those two will move out. I hope they aren't spending all their money on exotic herbs from the Everfree. I was doing my best but maybe there were still corners left uncut. I brooded, gears churning in a familiar pattern, thinking myself in well-trod circles. After a stop at the corner store I made my way back. I must have been gone a while; pausing at my door I saw my daughter making her way down the street leaping into the air with her little wings beating fiercely. No doubt calling out to me behind the comforting music flooding into my ears. I waved to her and her companions. Scootaloo leapt over the front gate and into my arms as the dogs struggled to lick her muzzle.
Personal time over. I had dinner, playtime, and bedtime rituals ahead of me. Wouldn't have it any other way to tell the truth.