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// Pins and Needles 
// Story: Jak and Daxter: The Equestrian Front 
// by distortedtruth92 
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	Jak stands on the podium in the middle of Carousel Boutique, a scowl on his face, while Rarity runs a tape measurer down his left foreleg. Over on the sofa, Daxter covers his mouth to suppress his laughter.
“Don’t say a word, Dax,” Jak says menacingly.
“Please, darling,” Rarity chimes in. “You cannot move at all, otherwise the measurements will be all wrong.”
Jak immediately closes his mouth at the sharp tone of the fashionista’s voice, causing Daxter’s laughter to erupt anew.
“I wouldn’t be laughing if I were you, Daxter,” Rarity said tersely. She rarely has to deal with Stallions, and the ones she does do business with are never this immature. “You’re up next.”
That shut Daxter up. “What?” he splutters.
“Oh, yes. You are going to the Gala as well, and I refuse to let you go in the buff.”
Daxter crosses his arms in defiance. “Like hell. I am not wearing any frilly frilly frufru clothes.”
“Daxter, has it slipped your mind that I am a unicorn, I could easily hold you down and still get the measurement, but believe me, it is not a fun experience to be controlled against you will (Dear God, I just made Rarity sound like a rapist).
Daxter unfolds his arm in a huff. “Fine. I’ll stand still.”
“Thanks you, darling.” Rarity smiles warmly, going back to measuring Jak. “Dear, can you please raise you right forelegs straight in front of you?” Jak obeys. “Thank you, darling. At least some ponies can listen to instructions.”
“Hey!” Daxter cried out. “I’m not a pony. I’m an Ottsel. Well at least fifty per cent Ottsel. The other fifty is a love making machine.” He runs his paws down his body to his hips to emphasize his point.”
Rarity’s head makes a quick bobbing motion. When she stops, she makes a slight swallowing sound. “Sorry, I just threw up in my mouth a little.”
Five hours later, the Dynamic Duo walks out of the clothing store, much worse for wear.
“I have to say, Dax,” Jak says with a sigh, “I’ve fought some tough monsters, but nothing has ever been as difficult as that.”
Daxter looks up to his friend in annoyance. “You’re telling me. I swear she poked my tail with needle, like, five hundred times.”
“I was only once,” Jak corrects him, “and that was because you wouldn’t stop swishing it back and forth. She was trying to hold it still.”
“By pinning to the floor?”
“In her defense, she had told you five times to stop moving it.”
Daxter hangs his head, wrapping his tail around his body and cradling it in his paws. “My poor tail, you will be sorely missed.”
“Or, you know, she could have been getting back at you for that sex jab.”
“C’mon, Jak, who do you know that can resist Orange lightning when he puts his charm on.
“Well, let’s see. There’s Kiera, Ashelin, and Rayne. I don’t know how Tess puts up with you.
Daxter looks back up to his best friend. “That cut deep, Jak. That really cut deep.
“Sorry,” Jak say apologetically. He shakes his head. “C’mon, Dax, let’s go see if Twilight’s saved any lunch for us.” With that, Daxter climbs onto Jak’s back and the latter begins trotting toward the library. As the two enter and approach the kitchen, Jak notices a note left on the coffee table in the living room. Jak walked to it and flipped it open.
Dear Jak and Daxter,
I have made a brief Trip to Canterlot to inform Princess Celestia about the threat made on the Gala. I should be returning eith late tonight of early tomorrow morning. Do not worry, I have left supplies for you to eat. On the kitchen table are two sandwiches I made for your lunch. I’m sorry I missed you, but this needed to be done as quickly as possible and I thought it better if I told the Princess in pony. I thought for sure, you would be back by lunch. I will see you both soon.
Love,
Twilight
Jak looked into the kitchen, and sure enough, two lettuce and tomato sandwiches were sitting on the table. “C’mon, Dax, I’m starving.”
The next month passed slowly and without incident. Twilight came back earlier than expected that night and told Jak that The Princess had decided to double the security of the Gala this year. Jak sighed in relief at hearing that, but was still worried of what Jaq might try to do.
As a hobby, Jak decided to take up helping Applejack at the farm. The first time she had offered him bits for the work, he stoutly refused them. The two ended up having a shouting match, neither one refusing to budge on the matter. It finally ended with Big Macintosh showing up and practically forcing the bits down Jak’s throat, though he promised that they wouldn’t pay him again, if that is what he desired.
The night before the Gala, Pinkie Pie decided to throw a “We are going to Save the World” party. All seven ponies, the one dragon, and the one Ottsel were in attendance. There was punch, which only, Pinkie and Daxter were willing to drink due to the fact that Gummy had been swimming in it (Daxter didn’t know this). There was music and dancing, and many games that involved the heavy consumption of cider and a spinning bottle (Jak had Twilight’s permission, of course).
As Jak, Daxter, Twilight, and Spike made their way back to the library, the two smallest of the group resting on their respective ponies, Twilight leaned against Jak for support, and vice versa. As if participating in a seven legged race, the two stumbled to the library, went upstairs, and, ignoring the Ottsel and dragon hop off, made their way into the bed. As Jak fell asleep, it was the first time in the past month that he had not been nervous about the Gala.