//------------------------------// // #462. Negotiations // Story: Gone in 1800 Seconds // by True Blue Spark //------------------------------// The Prompt: Spike in Rarity's boudoir. ------ “Opal? Opal, where are you? Here, kitty, kitty, kitty... “Aha, there you are! How the heck did you get yourself wedged so far under Rarity’s bed? I mean, it’s not that high up off the ground... “Rarity’s bed... Wow. I can’t believe I’m actually in Rarity’s bedroom. Or I guess her ‘boudoir’? I need to learn more of that language, since she likes it so much... “Ugh, but that’s not important right now! Opal, you have to come out, okay? “No, hiding your face and being really quiet won’t make me forget where you are. It doesn’t work that way. I can still see you. “Rrrr... Can’t... reach... “Come on, Opal, don’t be like this! It’s not like I want to do this either, y’know! I’d be perfectly happy just letting you lick yourself clean all weekend. But it says right here on the list Rarity gave me: ‘Give Opalescence a bath’! You don’t give her this much trouble, do you? “Actually, you probably do. Forget I said that. “Can’t you just be reasonable? What happens if you don’t cooperate and you’re still dirty when Rarity gets back from Canterlot? I’ll get in trouble, and you’ll still get a bath, just from her instead of me! So all you gain is a couple days and my suffering! Is that what you want? “This isn’t about the last time I petsat for you, is it? I swear I learned my lesson! I really do want to take good care of you! That just includes a little pesky water, on your owner’s orders. Like I said, I’m not the one who decided this! “Okay. Fine. If logic and reason won’t work, I’ll resort to bribery. I’m not ashamed. What do you want? More cat treats? All the cat treats? Extra brushing, extra nap time, an escort across Ponyville on the best cushion I can find? On my back? “Come on! Opal, I’m serious here! Look, I’m on my claws and knees and everything! I can’t screw this up! I need Rarity to know I’m trustworthy! “... “...I need to know I’m trustworthy.” “...Mrr... Mrrow.” “...Opal? Are... You came out? Does—Does that mean you’ll—” “Rrrrrrr... Mow.” “You will? Oh, thank you thank you thank you! You’re the best! I promise I’ll make it as painless as possible for you! “And I meant what I said, too. Whatever you want in return, anything in Ponyville, it’s yours! Just name it! Or, well, we can do charades or something instead. So what do you want?” “...” ------ “This was a great idea, Spike! I gotta admit, it’s been a while since I gave Winona a good scrubbin’.” “Arf, arf!” “Yeah, and I always forget to clean under Tank’s harness.” “Haha, thanks, but it wasn’t my idea, really.” “Oh yeah, Rarity wanted Opal cleaned up, didn’t she? I’m impressed that ornery feline ain’t puttin’ up more of a fight.” “No, that’s what I was saying. This whole get-together was actually her idea.” “Opal’s? Yer kiddin’, right?” “No, no, I got it. She just wanted to see some other pets suffering too!” “Nah, it’s not like that! She’s a great cat, really! You just... gotta give her a chance.” “...Purrrrrrrrr.”