The Mare Contraire was in full swing; there were so many new faces that Velvet almost didn't recognize the place. It had been a while since she’d last dropped by, but it hadn't been that long. It took a moment to get her bearings before she spied her target.
"Hey there!" Velvet chimed as she trotted over to the booth. "Got room for one more?"
Nightingale looked up from the conversation she was having with two other mares and smiled. "Oh, hi, Velvet! Sure! We're just discussing how you totally ruined our lives."
Velvet glanced around the table to offer an awkward grin to Ocean Starlight and Beryl Waltz. "Uh, what?"
Ocean Starlight leaned in, eyes wide and lips curled with interest. "Did you really kiss Perennial?"
Velvet blinked. "What? No?"
"Oh, sweet Celestia." Beryl slapped a hoof to her forehead and groaned. "You weren't kidding. She really was completely smashed."
Nightingale giggled and scooted over, patting the space next to her. "Velvet, dear, it's time we told you something."
Cautiously and slowly, Velvet lowered herself to sit, her eyes darting about. "Told me what?"
"You kissed Perennial," Ocean said.
"And now she's taking it out on all of us," Beryl continued.
"But you don't remember it because you had drank way too much," Nightingale finished.
Velvet stared straight ahead at nothing in particular as she wracked her memories. When was the last time she had drunk a bunch? That would be when she celebrated getting into the Royal Ballet, of course, so not even remotely long enough to forget something like kissing Perennial. Yeah, sure, she had thought about it, but not seriously thought about it.
She would never... would she?
"She really doesn't remember!" Ocean gawked. "The boldest thing a pony could ever do and she forgot?!"
Nightingale's wings fluttered as she laughed. "Well, she did pass out immediately after doing it."
Velvet finally squeaked, "Did I really kiss her?"
"Yes!" the three mares shouted at the same time.
Slowly, Velvet lowered her head into her hooves, then looked back up at them. "Oh my gosh. What did I do?"
"Well, for starters, you kissed Perennial," Nightingale said, wrapping a wing around Velvet. "Like, right on the lips. Then you passed out. Then Perennial came to practice furious and took it out on us the next day. And the next day."
Beryl scrunched up her nose. "Well, technically, she was just taking it out on you at first."
"Yeah, this is kind of your fault, too, Nightin." Ocean nodded. "By proxy of you being there, she blamed you. And by proxy of us trying to stand up for you, she blamed us."
Nightingale waved a hoof before gesturing at the still-shocked Velvet. "Let's just focus on Velvet, okay? Besides, I imagine she has quite the story to tell us, anyway."
Velvet's brow furrowed and she started to straighten up. "What? About how I can't believe I did something like kiss Perennial?"
"Nope! We're moving on from that. Didn't you have a special day recently?" Nightingale grinned.
"Uh, no?" Velvet started to lean away from her. "What did I do now?!"
"I don't know, you tell me!" Nightingale hooked her forelegs together and rested her chin on them while the other two glanced at each other. "A certain stallion came by the studio asking for a certain mare, so a certain friend directed him a certain way."
After a moment, Velvet's eyes narrowed. "Would that certain stallion be Thunder Tumble?"
Nightingale grinned. "Yup!"
"First Azurite, and now Tumbler? Seriously, could you stop giving out where I live and work to random ponies?" Velvet groaned and rubbed a growing ache between her eyes.
When Ocean and Beryl shot Nightingale skeptical looks, she exclaimed, "They're not random ponies! One was a guard and one was a suitor! Anypony else would have done the same."
"Yeah, that's true," Beryl mused quietly. She sighed and shook her head. "But, as much fun as it is to tease Velvet, I really do want to discuss the matter at hoof. I don't like the way Perennial is treating you two and the other corps dancers. We should really talk to the board about her behavior."
As invested as Velvet wanted to be, a bright array of colors walking over dragged her attention away. "Hey, sweet cheeks."
Velvet stiffened and swallowed. Oh, no. No, no, no. Nightingale may have known her secret, but Ocean and Beryl? It was too late, however. There was no room for escape. "H-Hey, Candy. What's up?"
Rock Candy reached out a hoof to trace a line from Velvet's chest, along her neck, and under her chin. It sent a shiver down Velvet's spine that she struggled against, but the weight of all the other mares' eyes on her only made it worse. "Thanks for sending that cute little treat my way. Kind of reminded me of you, except with a lot more trembling. Maybe next time, the three of us can—"
Another shiver coursed through Velvet, leaving a cold sensation in its wake. Her stomach turned on itself and she jerked away from Candy's touch. "What?" She shook her head to try to clear her thoughts.
It was hard to even imagine. Sweet, innocent little Dawn had been taken by Rock Candy. There was no way Velvet could believe Dawn enjoyed it. Knowing her, she probably just went along with it because Velvet had been foolish enough to mention Candy's name.
Her gaze fell to the hoof that had touched her and a sense of disgust filled her rather than the usual arousal. Candy was crude, rough, and dirty. Dawn was clean. Or, at least, she used to be.
"I don't think that's going to happen," Velvet said, her tone more venomous than she realized she felt. "Listen, it was fun, Candy, but I think it's best if we leave it at that."
Almost of their own accord, Velvet's hooves pulled her upright and she started toward the door. The words called after her faded away in the myriad of concerns consuming her. She had to check on Dawn. She had to make sure she was okay. Dawn was so fragile. What if Candy had been too rough with her?
It didn't take long for Velvet to make it to Dawn's place, especially given that she was running the whole way there. She knocked on the door a few times, panting to catch the breath she hadn't realized she lost along the way.
A moment later, Dawn answered and smiled. "Oh! Hi, Velvet."
Velvet glanced her over. She seemed to be in one piece. No visible bruising, and she stood solid on all four legs. Finally, Velvet heaved a sigh of relief and smiled. "Mind if I come in?"
Dawn stepped to the side. "Not at all! I just finished dinner a bit ago, but if you want, I can throw something together."
"Nah, I'm good. Just wanted to make sure you were okay." She took another look at Dawn before walking over to the couch. "Kinda been a while. Sorry about that! You know how it is, though. Super busy."
"Oh, yes." Dawn bit her lower lip. "I know how it is." An awkward silence held them until Dawn blurted out, "I don't think I like Candy. Rock Candy. The mare you like."
Velvet stiffened and waved her hooves. "Hey! That's okay! Listen, I don't like her. I liked my time with her. There's a difference, and anyway, just because I may like a mare or may like being with her or whatever doesn't mean you have to, too. We're different ponies, right?"
Dawn paused a moment, then giggled and settled onto the couch beside her. "I think that's definitely true. I… Well, I won't be seeing her again. She was too—too different. Too rough." Her gaze darted away. "I don't think I like that."
"Yeah, so, about that." Velvet swallowed. A lump was in her throat. Was she coming down with a cold? When was the last time she had gotten sick, anyway? She quickly shook her head and tried to smile. "So, look."
Dawn shifted uncomfortably. "Y-Yes?"
What could she say? How should she say it? Dawn needed a special somepony. Velvet could see that, but wasn't qualified to help her find one. She had let her fall into Rock Candy's hooves, for Celestia's sake! What if she pushed her in the wrong direction?
Velvet rubbed one foreleg against the other. She had to try. And, at the least, she could make sure Dawn wasn't lonely in the meantime. Her smile growing more sincere, she leaned over to nuzzle Dawn's cheek. "Don't worry, babe. I'll take care of you."
A bright red hue spread across Dawn's face and she ducked her head, stammering, "O-Oh, well, that—that sounds good to me…"
---
Velvet drummed her hooves on the counter and let her gaze wander the bakery. It was a nice, quiet day, with a few of the regular customers sitting at their usual tables and a couple new ones eyeing the goods behind the glass.
It was a great way to unwind after practice. Smile, take orders, switch off with her dad, and play with Red. Ponies who wanted sweets were generally pretty nice, and she'd never dealt with an angry or unreasonable customer. Really, if she hadn't gotten into the Royal Ballet, working at the bakery wouldn't have been the worst thing in the world.
The bell chimed and she looked up to greet the customer with a smile, but it dropped into a frown. "Seriously?!"
Thunder Tumble's eyes went wide and he froze just a few paces inside.
"Let me guess, Nightingale told you!" Velvet glared at him.
Tumble managed to gasp out, "Told me what?"
"That this is my parents' bakery, d'uh!" She gestured wildly to the store around them. "Isn't that why you're here?"
"No!" Tumble shook his head and raised a defensive hoof. "It's not like that at all, honest!"
Velvet paused, then slowly lowered her guard as she asked, "All right, then, what is it?"
"I just—I just came here for a cupcake!" He pointed at the glass case displaying the assortment of sweets for sale. "Honest!"
Velvet glanced between him and the display case before she relented with a shrug. "That checks out. What'll it be?"
It took a moment for Tumble to recover from the interrogation. He just stared at her, his wings slowly easing out of their tightly clasped position. "I, uh." He blinked and finally looked at the rows of cupcakes. "I don't know. What do you recommend?"
Velvet shrugged. "They're all great. You can't go wrong, so long as you don't assume they're flirting with you and get disappointed."
Tumble's gaze snapped back to her and his ears folded flat against his mane. "Could, uh. Could you maybe not mention this to Silent Knight? Or Crystal Wishes?" His wings drooped. "I really crossed a line I shouldn't have."
"And what line is that?" She leaned against the counter, looking him over him from head to hoof. Admiring the goods was still okay, wasn't it? Or was that accidentally flirting? When he fidgeted under the weight of her gaze, she settled on just making eye contact with him.
"Pursuing an uninterested mare past the point of reason." He sighed. "I really thought you were just being, well, you."
Velvet raised her brow. "What exactly does that mean?"
"Uh." He offered a weak smile. "Like a colt tugging on a filly's tail?"
Mulling over the mental image, Velvet's mouth wriggled as she struggled against a laugh that eventually escaped her. She slapped a hoof on the counter and managed, "O-Oh my gosh! You're totally right! Oh, Tumble, I'm so sorry!"
Tumble just stood there quietly as her laughter waned into giggles and she wiped the tears from her eyes. "Yeah… And that's why I think I'd kind of rather Silent Knight not find out."
With her forehooves hooked together, she rested her chin on them and grinned. The grin fell into a somber line as a thought struck her. "So, what you're saying is, you don't want Silent to find out?"
Tumble blinked. "Yes, that's what I just said."
"You'd prefer he not know about what happened?" Her ears flicked.
His brow furrowed. "Yes?"
Her tongue darted to lick her suddenly dry lips. "If he never heard about it, you'd be happy?"
"I'm sorry, what are we doing?" His wings shifted and tucked in close to his sides. "You're just saying the same thing over and over."
A soft hum rumbled in her throat and her tail started to swish. Why hadn't she thought of it before? He was perfect. Perfectly handsome. His muscles twitched with a mix of uncertainty, irritation, and a whole lot of… deliciousness. "I've come to a new conclusion, Tumbler." She leaned in toward him. "I may have been too hasty about you."
"Huh?" was all he said, but the flush in his face told her that her expression and tone were just right.
Velvet reached out a hoof and lightly tapped him on the nose. "If we kept it a secret, would you still be interested in me? Because I've never been with a stallion before, and I think you're just the one to change that, stud."
Tumble's eyes widened and his mouth opened to speak. No words came out. Instead, he opted for a small, slow nod.
"Great." Velvet straightened up and her cheerful voice returned as she chimed, "You know, the cupcakes are even better when they're fresh. Why don't you place an order and I'll have it delivered to you?"
Another almost dumbfounded nod.
Velvet picked up a clipboard from underneath the counter and slid it to him. "Here you are, sir," she said with a wink.
Tumble glanced between her and the order sheet. It was almost like he didn't trust her! Well, all right, to his credit, she probably wasn't very trustworthy, especially not after the whole 'door to the face' incident.
Maybe stallions were better seen and not touched. Maybe they were much better in the sheets than on the streets. There was only one way to find out… of course, that still left one small problem. Velvet kept her frown to herself and waited until he had filled out the form before saying, "Thank you, sir! It'll be delivered to you this evening. Please wear something appropriate."
"Oh. Uh?" Tumble's face couldn't have gotten any redder. "Okay. Okay, all right." He took a step back and froze, as if preparing for the other horseshoe to fall. When it didn't, his face lit up with a smile. "All right!"
Velvet waved him off before slumping against the counter. No, no, no, no. How could she have forgotten the other issue? Nothing was guaranteed against pregnancy. What if she was the one percent? Or half of a percent, or whatever the number was? It would just be her luck that she'd be the example parents used to scare their children out of fooling around too young.
How much better could being with a stallion be than a mare to make the risk worth it?
It was too late, though. She was curious, he was interested, and she could trust him to keep things a secret. Now or never. And, as she looked at his address on the order form, she knew 'never' wasn't an option.
She dropped down onto all fours and tentatively made her way to the back room. "Hey, Dad? Can you take back over?"
Pepper looked up from where he sat with Red in front of him and smiled, standing up with a small grunt. "Absolutely, sweetie! I meant to come switch with you sooner, but Red wanted to show me how fast his train can move when it's thrown across the room."
Red squealed, "Choo-choo!"
Velvet stared at Red, nerves rising up from the pit of her stomach. Oh, sweet mini cupcakes, how could she try to talk to her mom with Red in the room?
As he passed by, Pepper patted her shoulder. "Thanks for all your help. It's really appreciated."
Velvet just nodded and looked over at Sunbeam, blinking when their gazes met. Sunbeam was staring at her a little too intently for comfort. "What's up, Mom?"
"You're nervous," she replied simply, patting the seat next to hers.
"Y-Yeah." Velvet walked over to sit down. "That obvious?"
Sunbeam smiled. "A mother always knows. What's on your mind, sprinklefrosting?"
Velvet gave a long, drawn-out groan as she looked around the room at anything but her mother or her brother. Finally, she muttered, "I, uh, so, Mom, I know I took sex education as a foal, but—"
Sunbeam gasped and clasped her hooves together. "Are you pregnant?!"
"No!" Velvet squeaked. She coughed and glared at her, hissing, "That's what I want to ask you about, how to avoid that!"
"Oh." Sunbeam's ears drooped before perking back up as she giggled. "You really didn't pay attention in class, did you? You can't get pregnant with mares."
Velvet groaned, rolling her eyes. "I know that!" She crossed her forelegs over her chest. "Why would you ask if I was pregnant if that's your answer?"
"A mother can dream, marshmallow. A mother can always dream." She took Velvet's hoof in hers after tugging it out of its crossed position and patted it. "But, no, there's nothing to worry about."
In a quiet voice that hitched from her embarrassment, Velvet grumbled, "But what if there was?"
Sunbeam's smile faded with curiosity. She tilted her head and her brow furrowed. "I don't know what you mean?"
"What if, you know, what if a situation came up, and I wasn't going to be with a mare?" Velvet kept her gaze firmly fixated on the wall.
Sunbeam let go of her hoof to instead clasp her own cheeks. "A stallion?! Oh, Velvet! I'm going to be a grandmother after all!"
With a frustrated groan, Velvet dropped her head back to stare at the ceiling. "Mom! That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid here! Could you please just get this over with? How do I not make you a grandmother?"
Sunbeam didn't respond at first, the bright smile not budging in the least. "It's not exactly in my personal interests to tell you the truth, but…" She lowered her hooves, folded them in her lap, and put on a serious expression. "All right. Well, sweetie, your best bet is to double up. Get yourself some condoms and a family planning potion."
"Potion, right. Right." Velvet nodded, then snapped her head to look at Sunbeam with wide eyes. "Wait, a potion?! You don't mean—"
"Oh, honey, I'm afraid I do." Sunbeam's expression darkened as she grinned. "It would just be easier to give me a grandfoal!"
Velvet slumped in her seat, whining as dread filled her very soul, "No, no, no, no, no, please, tell me they're not sold at—"
"The Phial and Filly Alchemist Supply?" Sunbeam nodded. "Yes, indeed! Of course, they're sold at other shops, but in my experience, Runic's are the best. They taste amazing! Oh, pumpkin pie, I recommend the mint flavor." She winked. "Stallions like the minty sensation if you give them a little sweet treat."
Feeling almost as comatose as she probably looked, Velvet said nothing at first. She had to collect her suddenly shattered train of thought, and that took all of her remaining will. Her consciousness returned and her head lolled to the side so that she could glare at Sunbeam. "Way too much info, Mom. Seriously."
Great. Just great. Now what was she going to do? Not go to Runic's shop, that was for sure. That was the last place she was going for a situation like this.
I'm dead.
I have died and ended up in troll heaven.
Somepony needs to shake Velvet by the shoulders and slap her a few times while screaming, "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING!!!" Preferably punctuating each word with alternating forward and backhoofed slaps. I don't know why the universe sees fit to protect her from serious consequences with Dawn so far, but the other hoof has to fall sometime and it better be spectacular after all the dumb Velvet's pulled. Now, to add fuel to that fire, she shuts down Tumble only to start him right back up after he'd given up on things. Let me tell you, missy Velvy, you better use Runic's potions, otherwise destiny will see fit to saddle you with a foal as a way to pay you back for all the horsecrap you're pulling like a fully loaded, traveling fertilizer salespony!!!
Oh, and mama Sunbeam is a treat. That TMI is something like my own mother would pull.
Technically they are both guards.
This had an opportunity to be way more awkward given the current mindsets if Thunder Tumble had said a red velvet.
I'll have be changing the title of this chapter to "About Face" on my archive.
Interesting. Does this mean that the unicorn cheatmode is self-cast only or extremely limited duration?
Actually dying over here. God I love Sunbeam.
And now I'm dying from the adorbs. So romantic and cute <3.
Between Velvet smooching Perennial, getting down with Rock Candy, going through a budding relationship with Dawn, and now Tumble, she's really got a lot on her plate! I hope it all doesn't get too much for her.
Anyway, really great chapter. This and the last one are some of my favourites so far!
Velvet.. what the buck are you up to? are you in some awkward phase? what is this?
Well, all I can say is...that's a little TMI Sunbeam. But it was still hilarious! And Velvet? I'd get Runic's potions.
To be fair to Runic, I'm pretty sure his potions would make sure nothing ever grew in there. Ever. Including replacement tissue.
Also, goddammit Velvet She really needs to wise up to all this casual unintentional abuse she's doling out.
I'm confused; unless Velvet is in heat, then she won't need to worry about getting pregnant. Is she just THAT paranoid about pregnancy and foal-rearing, or do your ponies not work on a heat cycle?
Velvet, Velvet, Velvet... we know you can handle a lot but the pile of bs is just getting bigger and bigger. Are you ready for when it inevitably comes crushing down? I'd go buy at Runic's, if I were you.
Settle down Velvet before it bites you in the flank, and not the fun kind, you'll end up alone and hated.
This chapter... this chapter is a downward spiral of glimpses of hope and then terrible, questionable choices...
I loved it! Encore!
My goodness, Crystal. lol Excellent.
7036009 We do not follow a lot of real-world horse biology/physiology, including but not limited to eating chocolate, doing ballet, showing human-like pregnancy symptoms, and no heat cycle.
Poor Velvet.
I mean, when you really get down to it, most of her trials and tribulations — while they do involve impulsive decision-making — ultimately stem from her struggles with her feelings of inadequacy.
She felt inadequate in her dancing, and while she's made progress, she'll still fight with that for a time.
She feels inadequate in relationships because she's not "normal," and she's only starting to figure out that she can have a lot of partners but still have preferences, like her obvious preference for Dawn over... basically everyone else.
She feels inadequate as a sister because Red is going to grow up, and she hasn't yet realized that just because he grows up, it doesn't mean he won't need sisi.
Velvet Step, you are an inadequate personality. You're growing and branching out, yes, but your personality as it currently exists is inadequate for your needs. You need to be challenged and engaged, you need to be able to indulge yourself within reason and not be concerned by what others think of you, and you need to take care of those around you to show that you love them.
Velvet Step, you are an inadequate personality.
But in no way are you an inadequate person.
Oh Velvet you are sending so many mixed signals to ponies, it will not end well :)
7036244 Yeah, everyone knows that ballet ponies only have a spin cycle.
7036244 But they can still hold off birth for a good few days?
7035868
Well...
Velvet did write down where she is making a "delivery". Ponies love to point other ponies to where Velvet is. Dawn could wander by and ask where Velvet is. Since Sunbeam/Pepper don't actually know the details of Velvet's tryout with the other team, they could tell Dawn that she is out for a delivery and "Oh, here's the address she's going to dear, you can catch up to her if you hurry."
Things this could accomplish:
-Velvet tries out cross team play
-Threesome
-Dawn finds a nice pony to be with which solves the Thunder issue
-Thunder finds a nice pony to be with which solves the Dawn issue
7036325
They can hold it off as long as is convenient for the plot.
7036325 She didn't say that she didn't have exceptions. Apparently, delayed birth is one of them.
7036344
I'm going to assume that the pun wasn't intended...
7036325 I've made the commentary about that being a thing in the real world, and Sunbeam made the comment that she "wasn't ready" because she wanted Velvet to be there. But she was also breathing heavily and sweating profusely. I don't think she was going to stall for much longer.
Sunbeam waiting as well as Horsey waiting is more my amusement at movies and shows going "my water broke I'M HAVING A BABY RIGHT NOW" when, on average, that is not the case at all.
Several things.
First: Dangit, Velvet! I don't know haw many ways we've said this, but STOP. STRINGING. HER. ALONG.
Second: Good job, Thunder. Looks like you might have a chance after all. (Let the shipping resume!)
Third: ... Just... what... Sunbeam, you are a glorious troll. Giving your daughter advice on preventative measures, activities, and how-to-appeal-to-him all in the same paragraph. *Error: Ponika.exe has stopped working.*
(Also, dropping the notice that she actually knows what Runic's birth control potions taste like... there is no greater horror than having that information revealed by a parent.)
GAH!!!
Spoiler alert, don't read past this.
...
I just want Velvet to get to the part where she admits what she likes to Crystal!!!
Which I THINK is coming up soon with so many people on her plate....
Anyway, always such a good read!
Just as I thought, Velvet doesn't remember kissing Perry :)
Also, Velvet, what have you gotten yourself into?!? Do you think being so nervous going in is going to make this a fun night with Tumbler? Just get some rubbers and enjoy yourself, dammit!
I think I had two desks bounce off my poor forehead last chapter. This chapter I'm pretty sure I counted three. It's hard to tell with these crossed eyes and all those little coocoo birdies... Velvet, you're going to give me dain bramage.
And y'know what? I hope he shoots her down. Not that he rejects her, no. But she's so hot to trot and I don't think that's his primary goal. So when she comes barreling through with only one thing on her mind, I hope he stonewalls her.
Well, for now. Until they find common ground, at least.
P.S. Velvet's opening herself up for a whole new world of hurt when it comes to those post-late-night early morning practices...
Velvet you're a fool,
Playing with love just for fun,
This will not end well.
7035868 Hahaha. Someone has some strong feelings, eh? I don't think it's necessarily the universe protecting Velvet, but Dawn's own submissive and gentle nature. Dawn seems like the type to just follow around at Velvet's heels for as long as Velvet keeps walking! And... 7035870 ahahaAHAHA.
7035926 Yup! But Tumbler didn't come to Nightingale as a guard, unlike Azurite, who was definitely pulling the 'guard' role. Tumbler came to Nightingale as a suitor.
I'm not going to lie, I was so tempted to have him ask for red velvet and for Velvet to realize how horribly uncomfortable that was.
As for the spell, well, I suppose it depends on how you define "extremely limited duration". It's definitely not a long duration spell, and it's also extremely personal in nature. But, either way, it's not something that's perfectly balanced against other methods, and other methods aren't perfectly balanced against it. Some methods of real life contraception aren't the same as others and not all are available to everyone!
7035928 Sunbeam is sooo much fun to write. And people think Velvet is a master troll. Pffbbt!
But speaking of Velvet, oh, she'll be fine! She's super flexible. *eyebrow waggle*
7035958 Velvet expressed an appreciation in the physical aspects of both mares and stallions back in the prologue, and Tumbler's gotten her interest piqued a few times!
7035965 Sunbeam shows no mercy for your silly sensitivities! Especially not when it makes her daughter react so amusingly.
7036005 Depends on where you get them! If it's on a shelf... it's safe. If it's something special he's made and isn't sold in the store normally... buyer beware!!
7036018 Velvet has no idea what you're talking about! I know it's obvious to us that she's making a mistake, but she earnestly believes she's doing what's best for Dawn.
7036103 Downward? Oh, I think we're still on the rise! I think Tumbler's about to be on the rise, at least.
7036225 I can't censor the characters! It wouldn't be an accurate story otherwise!
7036253 I think that's probably the most insightful and, in my view of her, a very accurate look at Velvet's feelings, shortcomings, and issues.
7036279 Mixed signals, nooo... Velvet is being totally clear! I mean, other than only speaking part of what's on her mind to Dawn, and flip-flopping on poor Tumbler. Other than that...
7036665 Velvet made her intentions clear! Totally! How could there be any confusion or stringing along?
Heheheh... I was pretty pleased with myself for that line. Mission accomplished.
7036666 If you mean the scene in Wishes where Velvet comes to Crystal in tears, that is a few in-universe months away!
7036915 Hahaha, yup, she was on the far side of drunk and passed out almost immediately after. She was running on (alcohol) fumes at that point.
7037002 I'll be sure to include helmets to all readers from now on. We'll see what happens in the next chapter! With, given this one's delay and my not-decreasing work situation, will likely be... Saturday... maybe Friday if I'm diligent in the evenings.
7037106 She's not... intentionally playing with love...
7037586
With a grin full of mirthful glee Velvet reached below the counter and picked up Red. "Anchor baby," she yelled tossing a giggling Red at the shocked stallion. While a rambunctious Red ravished his rapidly reddening ear Thunder could only look at a trembling Velvet in shock.
"In Sunridge Sweets cupcake eat you," she managed to gasp before tipping over and howling with laughter.
Annnnnnd she's going to Runic's isn't she?
7037644 I'm gonna guess Runic's not even gonna notice that she's buying that particular potion. After all, it's not a rock. Or explosive. Or an explosive rock. Or an airship. Or... Erm... an explosive rock dropping airship? I'm running out of ideas here.
7036915
Enjoy a good "tumble," would you say?
Well I cant say much as previous commentators have said what needed to be said. I will however say this: Velvet might finally be in over her head. Firstly with how Velvet played around with Dawn, who now is overly attached to her, and Velvet is not totally invested into Dawn. Secondly, leading Thunder on like she did. That was just cold. Now she wants to experiment with him on the prefect of extortion whilst playing Russian Roulette with the possibility of pregnancy all to avoid an awkward situation with Runic. Thirdly getting smashed to the point where you don't even remember the night prior is not a good habit to get into. She keeps jumping the fence with her indecisive thoughtless actions, she will soon wind up impaled on it. It may be already too late with this dark path she is going down.
I find this whole chapter a roller coaster of emotions and I love it! But.. Im glad that Velvet relized her mistake by setting up dawn with Rock Candy. And then you tease us by floating both ships of mine! at the same time! Your an evil tease Mrs Crystal! But I am curious to see how this will all turn out. im more partial to the Tumbler/Velvet ship. but thats just me. Cant wait to see the next chapter!
7037586
Well, Velvet had to get her skills from somewhere, didn't she?
7037586
That should come as no surprise.
I am, after all, her spirit guide. Pretty sure I've told you this before.
7037586
Tumbler "on the rise", huh? Well, you have to first set them up to knock them down, as they say...
Sunbeam just stomped her way to the title of king of trolls
Perfect.
I'm not sure whether to laugh cringe at this chapter.
On one hand, that bit with Sunbeam and Velvet was hilarious. But on the other, everything else that happened makes me worry.
As others have pointed out, now she's leading Thunder on as well as Dawn. That's going to be a problem, especially since, with Thunder, she hasn't done anything to clarify that she's not looking for a real boyfriend.
That'll come back to bite her, but the biggest problem right now is Dawn. Or rather, how Velvet is acting around her. I knew there was a certain element of self-loathing incorporated into the things she does, but her reaction to Dawn and Rock Candy was unexpected.
At first I thought there might be a bit more attraction between the two of them than Velvet was willing to admit, but this changes things. It's almost like Velvet sees Dawn as everything she's not, or everything she wishes she could be. There might have been a bit of jealousy in Velvet's reaction, but more than that it was overwhelmingly protective.
I think I see how this is all going to go for Velvet, and I'm going to need more popcorn to get through it.
The Truth? By that chapter title, is it finally time for the frank discussion with Crystal?
Oooo, we've got some bad news for you, Velvet.
RIP the old company, Perennial is going to make them practice to death in poorly aimed revenge.
Well, technically speaking they were both guards.
Ooooo, actual comeuppance for Perennial for how terribly she treats her coworkers? That'd be something, even if this is just a hint that it might be in the cards.
Dang, I wouldn't have expected quite that reaction from Velvet about Rock Candy and Dawn.
Dawn really is in over her head. I'm not sure even her relationship with Velvet is healthy.
Oooooo, Tumble! And all he is looking for is a "cupcake", just gotta hope it's the Azurite style of cupcakes.
Ouch.
Hahaha. This is practically the plot to a cheesy porn film. Delivery mare shows up with cupcakes, things get cookin'.
Awkward conversations with mom, always fun.
Bwhahahahaha! Oh my soul, I didn't even know how awkward this was about to get. That was lightyears worth of TMI.
Oh Velvet, how high shall thou' stack 'till it's a long 'nough way down?
... I'm still feeling sorry for Thumbler, can't we put him and Dawn together? They sorta deserve it
7036005
I have a theory about Runic's personal potions.
They have different effects depending on how you use them.
Try to recall the little exchange during the changeling attack where Rumic toss Crystal a random potion and tell her to drink it... She ends up tossing it, and it goes weaponized.
7039624 Velvet had to learn it from somewhere!
7040157 Glad you enjoyed it!
7041963 This is definitely a chapter that was intended to drag out both reactions. There are definitely a lot of interpersonal issues going on, and Velvet isn't doing herself any favors, as pretty much everyone's noticed. And hey, save some of that popcorn for me!
7042491 I had to have Velvet forget! So much more fun that way. She was REALLY drunk, too, so it's not too much of a surprise I hope.
I actually didn't expect that reaction from her, either. I was planning the scene and Candy said something lewd about Dawn, and Velvet, in my mind, reacted very strongly to it. She's really protective of Dawn, which is somewhat ironic, given that we all see that she is the one capable of doing the most damage to her.
Heheh... hehehe... I was soo looking forward to you getting to that scene. Your emoticon series is exactly how I imagined! As is the Sunbeam reaction. Two great reactions for the price of just one chapter! Worth it!
7045269 However high it takes for when I drop her, it hurts the most!
I'm sure he'll grow with the experience.
7035870 it's official. Sunbeam is Best OC