Beware the temptations lest they lead you astray. For one mare that might not be enough.
Velvet Step may be an amazing dancer but sometimes after a long night she is weak to temptation. When the lights grow dim after an exhausting performance will another mare come out to play?
A low clippity-clopping echoed down the hall as Velvet Step slowly made her way to the safety of her dressing room. It seemed like every practice session this week was longer than the last. Leaping, jumping, and spinning on your hooves for hours only seemed easy until you did it. Towards the end of the evening, her hooves felt like leaden weights tethering her to the stage.
Upon entering her room she took a deep breath and froze, a happy grin lighting up her face. She hadn't done this in weeks but if somepony was kind enough to leave her the goods who was she to turn down such a generous gift. Prancing in place for a moment in anticipation of what was to come, Velvet let out a short squeal before kicking the door closed. What was about to happen was not for nosy eyes.
A shimmy, a shake, make that two shakes, and a quick twirl later Velvet divested herself of her slippers and was prepared to get messy. A quick flick of the switch set the mood as Velvet tensed envisioning what was to come. Looking back to what lay before her the only question left was how to proceed, a gentle voyage of pleasure or a reenactment of Stomp?
A quick canter brought her to the edge of the table to better view her intended prey. They lay in a row before her glistening faintly in the low light. Nostrils flaring Velvet basked in the faint scent of vanilla wafting through the air. Licking her lips a faint whine could be heard as memories of the last time she lost control rolled through her mind. Not again she promised herself, this time, she would resist the alluring temptation before her, for another minute at least.
It was a dire test of will power between Velvet and her salacious desires. In the end, there could be only one outcome as Velvet quivered in place fighting to hold out just a moment longer. Finally unable to contain herself another second her hoof plunged down reaching for the moistest of cakes. Cake in hoof Velvet paused, she could take her time now that she no longer had to pretend to restrain herself.
It was soft, so very soft that Velvet had to close her eyes steadying herself lest she lose control right then and there. Slowly Velvet brought her hoof back to eye level to stare at what her actions had wrought. Her hoof was a tad sticky so perhaps she hadn't been quite as gentle with her prize after all. Bringing her hoof up to her lips she daintily licked the mess away. Clean for the moment Velvet relished the sweet flavor on her lips as the ecstasy she was feeling threatened to drive her wild.
A faint tickling sensation made her nose twitch once, then a second time. Crossing her eyes Velvet saw just at the tip of her nose a glob of vanilla frosting. Looking closely Velvet saw other spots caused by her crime, two on her left hoof and a rather large one smack dab on her chest. Feeling the tension drain from her body, Velvet relaxed fully, if she was already going to need a full body scrubbing there was no need to hold back.
Eyes shining Velvet gazed down upon the remaining eleven vanilla-topped red velvet cupcakes like a dragon spying the crown jewels. The room shook, the walls trembled, and somewhere across town Crystal Wishes drew up a hot bath. Velvet had finally broken the latest of her silly fasts.
I felt sticky, then I finished peeling myself off the floor and admitted I might be passed such base denials. Looking around the room and squinting I could almost imagine I was outside under the stars with all the tiny specs of white frosting covering every visible surface. Actually now that I looked again, even the underside of the table hadn't been spared. I would have to do something nice for the night staff. First, though I had to get out of here without any of the troupe seeing my crime.
Stepping up to the door I concentrated, trying to make out any sounds and promptly realized my ears were more sugar than flesh. Sugar ears, might be an idea for the shop but that was neither ear nor there for now. After a minute of spinning in circles trying to reach the delicious vanilla bliss with my tongue, I sadly resorted to a few shakes of the head adding a new constellation to the wall. With my new and improved bat-like hearing, I immediately heard giggling further down the hall headed this way.
With no time to lose, I bolted out the door heading for the side entrance before I could be spotted. I made it to the door with plenty of time to spare and promptly slammed right into leaving a mouth watering Velvet shaped outline on it. Of course, the night crew would pick this evening to lock up early. My only chance was to get back to my room and wait to be the last one to leave. Turns out that wasn't in the cards either as a soft cantering was approaching from the rear.
Ponies before me, ponies behind, all while my secret shame was on display for all to see. This called for drastic measures, this called for a level of flexibility and strength that would make a grown stallion swoon or run away screaming. One bounce, two bounces, and away I went kicking left then right then left again until I was positioned above the hall in a double splits.
Okay, Velvet, this isn't too bad, all I have to do is hold this incredibly revealing position above the heads of who knows how many ponies while they passed below, all while covered with sugary bliss. I tensed up as Gentle Breeze stopped right below me with three other mares. They were having a heated discussion about leg wraps of all things but all I could focus on was a blob of frosting beginning to droop from my body. I held my breath as it ever so slowly detached from my coat and fell beside Golden Aurora. Gentle Breeze abruptly stopped talking looked down at the splatter on the floor and asked the girls in an incredulous tone if they smelled vanilla.
Panicking I squeezed my way into the nearby duct work flailing my hind legs as I pulled myself in. Luckily the large amount of frosting I was covered with acted as an excellent lubricant. Score one for Velvet!
"Was that..." is all I could make out as I made my way to safety leaving the stunned mares behind.
Wriggling my way forward provided a master class in the use of leverage and flexibility. Every time I thought the game was up my good friends sugar and vanilla had my back, chest, legs, my everywhere, everywhere. Ugh, when I got home I was going to soak in the tub for a week.
Upon reaching the roof I was so exhausted I closed my eyes and seriously considered just laying down and sleeping, but decided I didn't fancy being caramelized by the morning sun. I wearily got back to my hooves only sticking to the roof twice before standing.
Okay Velvet, all you have to do is get home without being seen.
I opened my ey-, nope, they aren't opening.
"Oh no, oh no, oh no no no no"
Don't panic.
I panicked.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
After a few minutes when I definitely wasn't trying with all my might to pry my eyelids open and certainly wasn't spinning around in circles faster than mama Sunbeams candy mixer I stopped. Deep breaths. Just because you aren't in costume Velvet doesn't mean you can't still do it. I sat down and relaxed becoming one with the sugar which wasn't that difficult at this point.
My nostrils flared as I sampled the night air, and I knew. Two blocks west of me was the old hayburger joint they used too much garlic in their fries. Straight ahead was the Berry Bar, Home of Everything Juice. Behind me was...best not to say, but I knew.
I took off at a gallop hurtling myself through the crisp night air. One roof, two roofs, three, and I smelled the familiar scent of Sunridge Sweets to my right. I leapt across the empty space soaring over what must have been at least one pony judging by the gasps I heard below. Touching down I didn't pause for a moment.
"I know you had something to do with this mom", I yelled as I raced over the roof.
A few buildings later I came down right in front of my condo. I carefully made my way up the stairs leaving a tasty trail marking my progress. Once I reach the door I pathetically pawed at it before cautiously calling out.
"Crystal, Crystal, I'm in a bit of a sticky situation"
The door swung open and as I walked in Crystal ever so sweetly told me to go hop in the waiting bath. Just before I got in the bathroom I paused. By the spotted stars of the sugar nebula, how did she know?
As I was shoved through the door toward the steaming waters Crystal giggled, "Now Ms Red Velvet Cupcakes we've both been covered with frosting".
As the sun set a pleasant briiinnng rang out as Crystal Wishes entered Sunridge Sweets. "Hello, hello, what fantastic new confections do you have today?"
"Be with you in a moment dear." Could be heard over the clank of baking trays leaving the oven. Moments later Sunbeam emerged from the kitchen with a slight frown on her face.
"Is everything alright," Crystal asked her present cheer dimming.
"Nothing to worry your head about sweetie, I'm just a little concerned that Velvet has been avoiding the shop the last couple weeks."
Crystal rolled her eyes, "Is Velvet on another one of her silly sugar embargoes, she is on her hooves all day."
"Of course, I've been so busy recently I didn't pay any mind to it, Little Red has been getting quite rambunctious of late." Sunbeam perked up, "Crystal you were the one able to cure her last time, how can we get my sugarlump back?"
"Not to worry Sunbeam", Crystal broke out into a rather villainous grin. "I know just what we need, to the ovens!"
1:30 Hours Earlier
"Are you sure you need so many sweetie, that seems like an awful lot of cupcakes for one mare."
"Don't worry" Crystal chortled, "I know exactly how to get Velvet back for what she said."
"What was that dear?" asked Sunbeam with a raised eyebrow.
Crystal put on her best innocent expression, "I am going to save Velvet from her wretched sugar-free existence."
Sunbeam waved as Crystal exited the shop, "Bring my little sweetums home!"
Singing a happy tune Crystal practically pranced down the street unable to keep a delighted smile from her face. Ever since the monumental amount of teasing Velvet had done the morning after Crystal had been trying to find a way to balance the scales. It was some kind of karmic justice that Velvet's own mother would be instrumental to her plot.
Strolling passed the Berry Bar Crystal paused to admire the horizon as the buildings of Canterlot lit up with the most beautiful golden glow as the sun set. A minute later the soft light of the moon rose filling the air with cold radiance and deepening the dark shadows. Crystal beamed, Mood lighting, just what a proper villain such as myself needs to unleash their dastardly deeds. Giggling Crystal checked the time before hurrying off towards the theater Velvet had her rehearsal.
30 Minutes Earlier
Entering through the double doors Crystal could hear the sound of ponies jumping, twirling, and dancing coming from the direction of the main stage. Perfect, if they hadn't started after practice cooldown yet I have plenty of time. Not wasting another moment Crystal adjusted her sugary cargo and headed towards the back of the building where everypony had their private rooms. On her way through the final hall, Crystal realized she had a problem. The private side door for use on nights that the troupe was performing was right next to Velvet's room. Fretting deep in thought Crystal almost didn't realize she wasn't alone until a humming pony practically bumped into her.
"Oh, I'm so sorry Crystal, I almost didn't see you there. Are you waiting for Velvet?" asked Lemon Fresh
With a big grin Crystal looked up, "Lemon Fresh you're just the pony I need, can you do me a favor?"
"Well..."
"Please, I really need to make sure Velvet can't escape too easily tonight." Crystal gestured to her back, "I've got something for her."
"Of course, I'll help, I wouldn't deny two young mares some time together."
Blushing Crystal shook her head pointing wildly at the box on her back, "Cupcakes!, I have lots of sweet delicious cupcakes."
"Okay sweetie, I'll help you get those cupcakes to your friend."
Crystal hung her head unable to make eye contact, "Can you please lock the side entrance so Velvet can't get away."
Head down Crystal heard Lemon Fresh walk over to the door followed by a mechanical click as the door was locked. Crystal mumbled a faint, "Thank you" as the sound of hoofsteps and muffled chuckling faded down the hall.
20 Minutes Earlier
Upon entering the room Crystal looked around for the best place to lay out her trap. There was a suitable table against the near wall, but Velvet might miss it when she walked in. With a grunt, Crystal began trying to pull the stout table across the room to position it directly beneath the lights. After a minute of struggle Crystal sheepish remembered, A lady does not strain herself in the presence of others, shaking her head at her mother's advice Crystal instead lit her horn and picked up the table carefully placing it to catch the maximum amount of light.
"And that's how it's really done, mom."
Lifting the box of vanilla frosting topped red velvet cupcakes onto the table Crystal glanced back to check the time and nearly jumped out of her skin. Practice was either over or nearly so. Quickly Crystal picked the cupcakes out of the box and pondered how best to display them on the table. She tried a Tortoise, a Saw, an Orb, a Double Fighting Line, a Wedge, and even a Skirmishing Formation before she clucked her tongue and carefully placed them in a single long line spanning the entire table. I really need to talk to Silent Knight about doing something other than soldier games at night.
1 Minute Earlier
Crystal rushed to the door quietly opening it and poking her head out to check that the coast was clear. With a gasp, she quickly pulled her head back into the room. This was a disaster. Velvet was already here only seconds away from reaching her room. Pulse pounding a trembling Crystal slowly peeked around the corner again bracing herself for discovery. Nothing happened. Gathering her courage she took another longer look and saw that not all was lost just yet. Velvet was coming alright, but not very quickly, and she didn't seem to be paying much attention to her surrounding. Like a filly possessed Crystal tore out of the room pausing briefly to close the door before disappearing down the hall away from Velvet.
