Rarity has loved Sweetie Belle since she was little. Nothing unexpected from a sibling. What others don't know though is that this love is more than just normal sibling love. She loves Sweetie Belle. And she hates herself for it. For who knows how long she has kept this secret hidden. Having to take care of Sweetie Belle doesn't help much either. Should the gods aid it can she finally be happy?
It has always been her curse. Since they both were young. She would hold her and wouldn't want to let go. Sometimes, mother would find her having fallen asleep with the snoring foal in her embrace. She didn't quite understand romantic feelings back then. But now she was certain that's what it was. And what it is.
It got more troublesome when her desires for Sweetie became more..... carnal. Just all of a sudden, out of nowhere she started looking at her in ways no big sister should ever look at their baby sister. And yet she did. She hated herself for it but she couldn't help but admire her from. Her physique. Her soft, white fur. Her pretty eyes. Her majestic voice. Her scent. Her beautiful mane. How much she looked like her. How cute she looked when she would try impossible acts to impress her. How determined she was whenever she set her mind on something. Her cheerful and playful manner. Everything about Sweetie Belle made Rarity want her. And each second that passed made her want her even more.
But she didn't act. She knew better. She was the bigger sister. She would never do that to her baby sister. No matter how much she desired it. After all, what does a lady have if not self control. Every hug drive her crazy. Every kiss in the cheek she would steal from time to time only fueled her lust further. Every moment of eye contact screamed at her to jump and pull her into a deep, passionate kiss. But she refrained, every time. She would hold back. She would not move. Despite how much her body and soul wanted to go forward and melt into one with that of Sweetie Belle. Despite how much her heart begged her for just one kiss, first and last, no more afterwards. She resisted. And she took pride on that. She would see herself as stronger than any carnal longing that could haunt her soul.
Still. It didn't mean that didn't have a toll. Sometimes she would get so distracted she would leave her work in half and just do nothing. Some nights she had spent in her room crying when the longing got so bad. She never let Sweetie know but she did cry a lot during the nights because of that.
When she wasn't crying, she felt guilty for pleasuring herself thinking about her sister, cursing herself for allowing desire to make her go that low. But in the end of the day that was the better alternative to going and actually doing something with Sweetie. Sometimes she'd be so blind with lust she'd let the door slightly open, hoping, no, praying that Sweetie would come in and catch her in the act while she was calling her name. Of course, Sweetie never came in, fortunately. She didn't know what that was gonna achieve if she did catch her in the act. And she would often mentally punish herself for even imagining such a thing, let alone going through with it.
"Sis! But i wanted to cook breakfast!" Sweetie Belle whined in irritation.
"Oh I'm sorry darling. I just didn't want to tire you is all. So i thought you'd like a meal prepared specifically for you by yours truly." Rarity put the pancakes and juice in the table and prepared the seats for the two of them.
"You're just afraid i would burn the food again" Sweetie complained as she went and sat down to eat.
"Maybe" Rarity replied simply and with a tease smile "But it's mainly because i wanted to prepare food for my beautiful little sister!"
Sweetie puffed in annoyance but didn't say much. Instead she took a bite out of her pancake and started chewing. Immediately she hummed in pleasure as the taste filled her mouth.
"You cook good I'll give you that!" she said with her mouth full, causing Rarity to giggle at the display.
"Oh Sweetie, don't be such as charmer." She said as she kept looking at her little sister. Smiling lovingly as she did.
Not rarely she would have thoughts of suicide. Even right now she was thinking about it. After all, it was probably the best act an immoral mare such as her could do. To think that way of a foal, let alone your own sister, was unacceptable. Wrong. Yet at the same time, it felt so, so right to her.
Sweetie Belle was the apple of her eye. Despite all the temptation, every moment spent with her little sister brought her unimaginable joy. Sure they had some moments of sibling fights here and there. But she could handle those. She could handle the temptations, the torment, the lament, the denial of her need, the loneliness at nights, the guilt, the constant need to refrain and hold back, all the torture in the world, she could handle it all. What she couldn't handle however was to be without her precious little sister. She could give up her dresses, all the gems in the world, her boutique, all the fame, her magic, her horn, her beauty and youth, damn it even her friends. But she could never give up Sweetie. The day she did so would be the day she died.
Despite being the object of her lust and desire. Despite being the root of her suffering. Sweetie was the light of her life. She couldn't talk to anyone about this. If she did she'd lose everything. Her friends will leave her, her family would shun her, nobody would want anything to do with her, her business would crumble to the ground and worst of all, they would take Sweetie Belle away from her and she'd probably be locked away from anyone, away from her precious little sister. She had noone to talk to. Noone to turn to for help. All she had for comfort, was Sweetie Belle. Everytime she looked at her she felt nothing but joy and love. Everytime she looked at her she knew, she was sure, that all of it was worth it. Rarity was in a dark endless grave and Sweetie Bell was the only light that kept her safe from the shadows. And she didn't want to blow that light away by some foolishness.
"Aren't you hungry sis? You're not eating anything."
"Hm? Oh I'm not really hungry dear don't worry about me. Eat up and get ready for school. Don't want to be late now do we?"
"Okay." Sweetie replied as she continued eating.
"Anything bothering you dear?"
"Oh no it's nothing it's just," Sweetie sighed "Hearts and Hooves day is coming up soon and i still have no special somepony yet"
"A special somepony? But darling, aren't you a bit young for that just yet?"
"I'm not! I already got my cutie mark, so why can't i also have a special somepony?!"
"Well" Rarity thought how to best approach this "You're young, and much like your cutie mark you can't just force a special sompony to show up. You'll know when it happens and if you haven't found one yet it just means it's not the right time."
"Hmph not fair" Sweetie crossed her front legs.
"Do your friends have special someponies?"
"No, but everypony else does!"
"I don't." Rarity stated matter-of-factly,, leaving Sweetie a bit surprised.
"You don't?"
"Nope"
"Why not? You're older than me"
"....... Let's just say I'm saving myself for the one."
"Oh, i see. So you haven't found your special somepony yet either?"
"You can say that."
"Oh, okay"
"See Sweetie? It not a bad thing to wait. Rushing things wouldn't be good. Take it easy. You'll find a pony to love one day. That i assure you."
"You sure?"
"Why of course, who wouldn't fall in love with you?!" Sweetie smiled at that.
"Thanks sis" she got up and approached Rarity. Once she got close, she hugged her sister tightly.
"Oh... it's okay Sweetie. Everything for you." Rarity replied as she hugged back.
Now the hard part started. Physical contact like this always made this awkward. She could resist though. She always resisted. She was already blushing. But she was strong. For Sweetie. All she needed to do was resist. Not give in to the temptation.
She needed to.... she had to....
"Mwah!"
She kissed Sweetie in the cheek and rubbed her mane.
"Now go get ready for school, young lady. I don't want to be hearing that you're going late to class or anything"
"Yes sis!" Sweetie said as she quickly went away "Love you Rarity!"
Her heart skipped a bit.
"Love you too, Sweetie Belle!"
Everytime Sweetie told her she loved her, she felt like she'd achieved everything in life. She was aware the young girl didn't mean it the way Rarity wished it was, but she'd be damned if she denied herself the ecstasy it brought her to hear those words from Sweetie. It was heaven above heavens. Every time she had to resist the urge to fall to the ground and worship her like the goddess she was to her. It took all she had to resist breaking down in front of Sweetie and letting her know how much she loved her.
Yet she only expressed all of that whenever she said she loved her back. Although Sweetie would never know that Rarity didn't mean it in such an innocent way, to Rarity that moment was everything. She could express her love in words and hide it as simple sisterly love. Nobody would ever know the truth. The truth, that when she said those words she really meant them.
Sweetie Belle was the only one who would hear those words from her. She had made peace with herself about that fact. Even if it meant she'll die alone it would be worth it. If she couldn't be with Sweetie Bell she wouldn't be with anyone else. Sweetie Bell was everything to her. She was the reason she was still alive. The only person in her life she would sacrifice even her life for. The one person she felt she couldn't be generous enough with. The thing to her more precious than any gem or rare piece of fabric in the world. The light in the dark void of her sinful mind. The angel from her most divine dreams. The temptation of her heart. Of the heart she owns. The phantom that would haunt her in this life and the other. Her precious little sister. Her love. Her one true love. Her first and only love. Her goddess, to whom she prays to every night with tears and sobs or moans and heavy breaths of sinful delight. Her priceless gem. Her treasure. Her One. Her only One. Her damnation. Her curse.
The door of the Carousel Boutique opened, causing the bell on it to ring. Rarity's ears perked up. It was a bit early for costumers to start coming in. Either way she shouldn't leave whoever it was waiting. Getting up from her working chair she walked towards the entrance. Waiting for her was a unicorn mare she didn't knew. She looked rather young and pretty. White coat, not much different from Rarity's. Her mane was long and black, so was her tail. She was a tad thin and tall, her physique remind her much of Fleur De Lis. A glowing red emerald eye cutie mark adorning her flank. A saddlebag on her back. Her eyes though were what grabbed the most attention. They were heterochromic. Her right eye was red, while the red one was rainbow colored. It was strange, but definitely had some beauty to it.
"Welcome to the Carousel Boutique~ Where everything is Chic, Unique and Magnifique!~" Rarity did her usual greeting and smiled at the new pony "What can i do for you today?"
The stranger looked around for a bit. Her face was hard to read. She wore be a stoic smile and didn't show much emotion. Then she looked at Rarity silently for a few seconds. Then, when the fashionista was starting to think the newcomer was probably mute, she spoke.
"Greetings ma'am. I'm sorry to be a nuisance. I'm new to town as you may have guessed. My name is Temptress Eye. And I'm here looking for a job"
Rarity was stunned for a moment. A job? Nopony ever came to her looking for a job. She wasn't prepared for situations like this.
"A job? Here? In my boutique?"
"Yeah. I have some experience with fashion and tailoring so i thought it would be a good opportunity for me to get a start here. Sorry if there's no vacant places. I understand-"
"No no no darling it's okay i get it you're trying to make a living for yourself. I'll gladly take you in as my assistant if you want."
"Hmm. Sounds good to me." Temptress replied with a nod and a smile.
"Great! Let me introduce myself dear. My name is Rarity, of course you must have heard of me" she chuckled proudly while shaking Temptes' hoof "Temptress was it?"
"Yeah, Temptress Eye"
"Right. So Temptress, what are your skills?"
"Well, what do you need me to do? I can sew, design and everything you'd expect from a tailor. Just ask and i do it."
"Hmm i like the sound of that" Rarity nodded in approval.
"And I'm also good with sales if you need help regarding that."
"Interesting. Will remember. Well Temptress, you're hired" they both shook hooves again "You can show up tomorrow morning if you want."
"Ummm, can i like, start today possibly?" Temptress asked awkwardly.
"Today?" Rarity tilted her head in confusion.
"Yeah i need some money to rent a motel for the night. Which by the way are there any motels around here?"
"Motel? Don't you have anywhere to stay?"
"No and i can't really afford a new house at the moment. So yeah motels are the best option at the moment. Compared to an alleyway street that is."
"Well i won't have it!" Rarity exclaimed and put a hoof around Temptress' shoulder rather aggressively, confusing the mare a bit "I can't sit idly by as my new assistant struggles to find a place to sleep. From now on you'd be staying here!"
Temptress blinked.
"Here?"
"Yes, here."
"In your boutique?"
"Oh this is also my house. And i have a few vacant guest rooms upstairs. You can use one of them. You can stay here till you make enough money to be able to buy a house of your own."
"Uhh you sure? I don't want to be a bother-"
"Nonsense darling it is my pleasure to help."
"Should i pay rent or something?"
"Why of course not!"
"Really?" Temptress asked with wide eyes and an ear to ear smile
"Absolutely!"
"Oh thank you thank you thank you miss Rarity. I promise I'll pay you back one day."
"Shhhh no need for that. All i want is for you to not be out there in the cold darling. And please, call me just Rarity. Now let's get you moving in"
"Rarity, I'm home!" Sweetie Belle called as she entered inside.
"In the kitchen, darling!"
Sweetie went to the direction of her sister's voice, hearing laughter along side it. She figured it must be Rarity's friends. She came in and saw Rarity chatting with a mare she wasn't familiar with.
"Hey Sweetie. Let me introduce you to my new assistant. This is Temptress Eye. Temptress, this is my little sister Sweetie Belle."
"Hi" Temptress waved at the filly and smiled.
"Uhh hi. New assistant?"
"Yes, you see, Temptress is new to Ponyville and she has no money or place to go so i gave her a job as my assistant and she'll be staying with us till she's able to afford her own place."
"Oh really?" Sweetie asked as she approached the table and took a sit herself, next to Rarity "What will you be doing?" she asks with curiosity.
"Oh I'll be helping around the boutique and help Rarity make dresses. I've got some tailoring skills of my own."
"Cool!" the filly said but then her face got serious "I do the breakfast"
Rarity giggled and Temptress did the same.
"Well aren't yiu the cutest. So Sweetie Belle was it. What is your calling?" Temptress asked while looking at Sweetie so cutie mark "Something to do with shields?"
"Oh I'm a Cutie mark Crusader. I and my friends help ponies find their cutie marks or get back in touch with them."
"Ooooh that's interesting." Temptress commented "It's very nice of you to help ponies in need Sweetie Belle. You're just like your sister you know that?" Sweetie blushed a bit at that.
"Thanks" she replied smiling a bit towards Rarity.
The later felt like she could just melt from that smile. That cute, little blush on her cheeks. It was all so perfect.
"Oh indeed we're like two cherries tied together" Rarity said as she took Sweetie in her arms and started cuddling her. Temptress giggled at the sight before her.
"You two are so cute together." she said.
"Oh yes we are" Rarity responded, unaware she was sporting a blush of her own. As soon as she realized that she slowly put Sweetie down and coughed to clear her throat a bit. "Yeah..."
"Sweetie Belle!!" Two young voices were heard from outside.
"Oh it's the Crusaders!" Sweetie said as she got up "I got to go. See you two later. Bye!"
"Bye" said the two mares back. Rarity kept her eyes on Sweetie as she left. Even when she was gone her eyes stayed on where the filly exited the room, as if hoping she'd be back already.
"You have a nice sister.
"Oh yes she is." Rarity replied with a dreamy face before snapping out if it and fixing her composure "I'm taking care of her after our parents....." her face saddened a bit "You'll be seeing her here every day. Anyway. I'll go buy some materials. Be back in a bit!" And like that Rarity left, leaving Temptress alone in the room.
"Interesting" she said " Quite interesting indeed"
The day had gone quite nicely. Rarity and Temptress worked on some orders. Two ponies working together definitely helped with speeding things up. Then Sweetie came back home from hanging with her friends and they decided to eat some food and chat along. They already got used to Temptress being around so quick. Rarity promised to introduce her her friends the next day. They'll sure love to meet her. Then she helped Sweetie with her homework while Temptress worked on some designs. Then they all had dinner. Said goodnight. And went to their respective rooms.
That was the fun part of the day. Now it was time for the regular nightly lament. After having indulged herself in sin again Rarity had started crying once more. She always hated herself for doing that. Ignoring the fact it was such an unladylike thing to do, she always tried to stay strong and not succumb. Yet every night she was alone she just couldn't resist the urge to pleasure herself to the thought of her sister. It was strange, since this morning she's been feeling a lot more... attracted towards her for some reason. As if the temptation is getting stronger. She can't take this anymore. It'd be probably best she just died. But that would mean Sweetie would have no one to care for her. She can't do that to her. She can't live her alone.
She rolled over and used her magic to pull the sheets back on her. She should talk to someone but to who? Nopony would listen to her without immediately shunning and hating her. But maybe that's what she deserved. After all, didn't all ponies like her deserve bad things to happen to them? But maybe the universe knew some mercy with her, that's probably why she's been able to stay strong so long. She looked up at her bedside table, towards the framed picture of her and Sweetie Belle hugging. It felt wrong to look at it after what she just did. It felt as if she did something to Sweetie Belle and then looked her in the eye. But she couldn't help it. Looking at it gave her comfort, if only a little.
She picked it up with her magic and brought it closer to where she could hold it in her hoofs. That picture had become like a doll to her. She would pleasure herself, cry for a while, then hold the picture and look at it while falling asleep.
"I'm sorry." She whimpered as tears soaked her pillow. "I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry" she continued to chant over and over for a full minute. She then proceeded to do a few breathing exercises, after which she tightly held the picture and drifted on into her mind, doing the only thing she could right now. Think. Often she would think about what it would be if she and Sweetie were together. After all, what one cannot have in real life they have in dreams and fantasies. She liked to think of them two being happy, peacefully laying in bed cuddling one another. Her singing some song while her sister fell asleep and them both waking up in the morning facing one another and embracing each other in a passionate kiss. It would truly be a happy ever after.
But as it's custom with happy ever afters this would also have to stay a fairy late. Never to become reality. Still who could blame her for dreaming. When one is as hopeless as her then there's nothing else to do but dream. At least in dreams she couldn't live out what she couldn't in real life. Even though sometimes she feared those dreams would come true in the form of a nightmare.
Rarity thanked whatever god if any watched over them that Temptress Eye had showed up that day. She was more than capable of holding back, she has been doing so for a long time by now. But having another pony in the house and not being alone with Sweetie Belle surely help her manage things a little better. Not like that was the only reason she invited Temptress to stay despite being a complete stranger. After all the poor dear was practically homeless and desperate to make a living what sort of representative of generosity would she be if she didn't offer help. But the fact that she would now be around and not let Rarity alone with Sweetie Belle was also a bonus. Plus, having Temptress live here and work in the Boutique felt like she just took in a student like Twilight did with Starlight. Something she giggled at. She couldn't imagine herself as a teacher. And from what she already tested today Temptress had a lot of skills already. She didn't lie when she said she knew a thing or two about fashion and dress making. If Rarity wasn't careful she might accidentally create a future competitor.
However having her around seemed to also be a trouble at moments. There were several occasions where Rarity just found herself staring intently at Sweetie only for Temptress to snap her out of it. That made her afraid that Temptress might discover something. If she did then she may tell someone else. And Rarity would lose everything. Her career. Her friends. Sweetie Belle. She couldn't allow herself to slip off like that lest she risked her sister.
Maybe Temptress was a sign from some higher power. A sign that she needs to get more control over herself.
Control.
A train she has always loved about herself. The one trait that has kept the unthinkable from happening. The one thing that is keeping her sister safe from her. She dreaded to think what would happen if she didn't have control. Would she give in to lust? Would she hur her?
She shivered at the thought. Even in the forbidden fantasies she allowed herself from time to time she did not even dream of hurting Sweetie. She would always imagine soft loving with Sweetie's desire. But thinking about doing it to her hurtfully just pushed Rarity to cry even more. She was scared. Her sisters safety and purity all relied on her ability to control her urges. And she was scared that one day she won't be in control anymore. That she'll just give in and do something to her sister.
"No." She said out loud with a determined look on her tear stained face "I promise darling. Big sis will never hurt you."
Hello Diary.
It's me again. Been a while. Yes i know it's late i just love writing song lyrics during nighttime. It's usually when i get most of my inspiration for some reason. Especially today, I'm feeling extra creative. It's not that i plan on actually singing these in public anytime soon. It just feels nice to write them down.
Applebloom asked to read them today and i very politely (okay maybe i wasn't very polite) said no. These are private. And not to mention that Scootaloo would probably judge me for it. I don't need to give her more reasons to tease me. She has enough reason after she managed to get with Rumble a two days ago and I'm still alone. Given Applebloom also doesn't have a special somepony yet but still it's unfair that Scootaloo managed to get one before us and now rubs it in our faces. Right after i had that inspiring conversation with big sis even. Ruin my mood why won't she.
But i guess i just have to wait like Rarity said. Maybe my special somepony will show up someday. Rarity is still single even though she's an adult so i guess i have time to wait. Although now that i think of it that doesn't bring much hope. What if being single runs in the family for us? Wait, that wouldn't make sense otherwise we wouldn't even be born. Maybe it skipped a generation?
Here i am overthinking again. Maybe big sis is right. I probably shouldn't bother thinking about such things.
Speaking of which...
I just saw her crying again. I was feeling thirsty so i slowly and quietly went to get a glass of water from the kitchen and in the hall i heard sobs coming from her room. I didn't mean to spy on Rarity but i did peek in and saw her crying. She looked really sad. I don't know what her issue is. It's the fifth time I've seen her like this since i moved in but i feel like asking what's wrong would only upset her and she'll be mad that i had gotten nosy. Is it about mom and dad? I'm sad too. So if it's that i understand. Maybe she just doesn't want to show it openly to make me feel better and cries at night instead when she thinks I'm asleep. I do that too sometimes.
I just wish i could help her. Make her feel better. I don't like seeing her sad even if she tries to hide it. I just want her to be happy. I want us both to be happy.
Either way. Hope she feels better soon.
Speaking of feeling better we have a new pony living with us!
Her name is Temptress Eye (weird name i know) she had nowhere to go so Rarity gave her a job and a place to stay (typical Rarity. Always generous) so she now loves with us!
She has something going on with her eyes. They're different colors. The right one is red (which is kinda creepy) and the left one..... did i mistake the left and right sides again? No it's correct this time! Anyway. Her right eye is red and the left one is literally rainbow colored. I like the left eye better. Looks very pretty.
Either way she's very nice. She complimented my mane (i really like her mane too) and she has been helping Rarity a lot all day. Those two seem to be getting along quite well. Hopefully having her around as help can make sis feel better. Wish i could be that helpful....
Anyway so that's all i have to write for today. I'll see what i can write next time.
Bye!
In the guest bedroom, now Temptress' bedroom. The unicorn was on the bed, humming a melody as she layed on the sheets. She was feeling it up more than just laying down. She seemed more concerned with how soft the bed felt than actually getting sleep. Her ears were perked up as if focusing on hearing something. Looking up at the ceiling with a serene smile she hummed and eventually she started singing a tune.
"Hush little baby, don't say a word"
Her horn lit up and two pieces of paper floated in front of her view.
"Momma's gonna buy you a mockingbird. And if that mockingbird don't sing"
The pieces of paper started folding.
"Momma's gonna buy you a diamond ring."
Temptress still kept a serene expression on her face. Her voice quiet and calm.
"And if that diamond ring turns brass. Momma's gonna buy you a looking glass."
The pieces of paper seemed to be taking form under her magic.
"And if that looking glass gets broke. Momma's gonna buy you a winter cloak."
The two pieces of paper now we're molded into two origami equine figures. Both unicorns. One was smaller than the other.
"And if that Winter cloak's too cold. Momma's gonna buy you a pile of gold."
She set the origami figures on her bedside table, both if them facing each other. She turned to her side and just looked at them.
"And if that gold is stolen too. Momma's gonna go to jail for you"
She went back to looking at the ceiling and feeling the sheets of her bed.
"So hush little baby don't say a word. Momma's gonna kill for you the whole. Damn. World."
She just kept humming in the dark for the rest of the night.
If she could get her hooves of the pony who invented homework, Celestia would have to build a whole new type of prison just for her. Make a new moon just to send her there fir twice the time Princess Luna spent in exile.
Needless to say, Sweetie would rather be out and play than stay inside and do homework. What was even the point, she learned more from following Rarity and her friends around than by doing this. She stopped the work and groaned in frustration, throwing her head back.
Laughter could be heard from downstairs. Rarity's friends had come over and were having a little get together. While she had to stay in her room and do homework. Why did life have to be so unfair? Not that she necessarily wanted to get involved in their thing, but she still felt a bit left out.
The filly got up her chair.
Rarity would always complain that she had a habit of eavesdropping. What did she know. Sweetie couldn't be blamed things got so boring around here and the adults wouldn't willingly let her in the conversation.
Careful not to make a sound as she walked, the little filly left her room and approached the stairs. With an expert's skill, she managed to find a position where she could both hear and at the same time not be noticed by anyone. Yes, she has been doing this a lot.
"And then ah said, not mah apples you're not!"
A chorus of laughter burst throughout the room. The group was gathered in a circle and was enjoying tea. How rude. Sweetie Belle does love tea. However, she would have suggested chamomile instead of green tea.
"That's almost as funny as the time when Gummie broke into my supply of California Pancakes, hopped the train to Manehatan, poisoned the water supply, caused an a bunch of foals to fight it out and then came back with a postcard to apologise cause she forgot to lock the door to my room" Pinkie Pie burst into laughter, but this time she was not joined by the others who simply looked at her with concern.
"Is....she....going to elaborate on any of that?" Temptress asked with worry and confusion.
"No. And it's better we not ask." Rainbow responded, having grown used to the nonsense her pink friend spoke. But at the same time felt a bit of worry at how eerily similar her story was to the event two months ago of an orphanage in Manehatan somehow ending up with all the orphans having ingested drugs which caused them to be overly energetic, which ended up in a mass brawl.
"Pinkie is random that way. Best you just ignore it and just go with it " Twilight added "Anyway enough about us. Tell us a bit about you, Temptress."
"Oh I'm not that interesting, trust me. You'd much rather interview a ladybug."
"I'D MUCH RATHER NOT!" Twilight burst but then composed herself and gave a sheepish smile "Sorry. I...don't really like ladybugs"
"I can see that" Temptress said, having almost been jumpscared into spilling her tea. Thankfully her cup remained full and her coat clean.
"Let's start with where you're from. Certainly not Ponyville." Rainbow Dash offered.
"Oh, well, i was born in Manehatan but I've always been on the move. Before now I've done a mostly nomadic life and never really settled."
"And what did you do for a living before?" Applejack was the one to ask.
"Oh, I worked as an escort most of my life. On the side I would also make clothes for other girls working, or would fox the clothes they had that were damaged. You pick skills in life, I'll tell you that. After that I tried working as a barista in Las Pegasus but that didn't go too well so I'm here now." She finished and took a sip from her tea.
"Did you just said you worked as an escort?" Rarity asked.
"Yeah. Why else would i have such a name as 'Temptress Eye'." Temptress replied.
"What's an escort" Fluttershy questioned. Rainbow Dash leaned in and whispered something in her ear that caused her ti blush and her eyes to widen "Oh"
"Are there any issues regarding my past profession?" Temptress asked with a bit of passive aggressiveness in her tone.
"NO, no darling!" Rarity jumped in defense "It's just that....."
"Ponies don't just tell you they worked like that" Rainbow Dash finished for her.
"Isn't that illegal?" Twilight pointed out.
"Well what can I say. I like to be open about things. Sure, ponies keep secrets. I keep secrets. But I try to be as open as I can so that ponies know me for who and what I am. And it helps filter ponies out. If they leave after they know me for real, then they're not really worth my time. If they stay after learning things about me, well, guess I made new friends." Temptress took a break to have another sip of tea "As for the legality. Well, what can I say. I am no longer practicing plus I didn't really enter willingly in the business as I was brought in from childhood. So if I'm in trouble for that, sue me" she said in an almost smug manner before turning to Rarity "This isn't gonna affect our agreement, is it?"
"Oh, uh, no of course not." Rarity said, having been broken from her state of surprise "Like you said I can't blame you for something you didn't choose. Or blame you for your past at all so don't you go thinking I'll kick you out for what you used to do."
"That is relieving to hear" Temptress poured some more tea in her cup while making sure to refill other's as well "What about you all? Any secret you may want to share?" Temptress offered, only to receive silence with exceptionof Pinkie who was raisingher hoof "Come on it feels very, freeing. Lay it bare!" She tried adding some enthusiasm to the challenge "Plus it's a good bonding exercise, as I've come to learn"
"Well, I guess you have a point." Rainbow said "I'll go first. I'm awesome. But I guess that's not really a secret"
"I'm not sure if that's how you do this Rainbow" Fluttershy pointed out.
"Yeah you have to say something REALLY personal like how you like to spy on your own fan club!" Pinkie said with joy.
"Hey!! How do you-"
"You spy on your own fan club?" Applejack tilted her head "The one Scootaloo runs innthe CMC's clubhouse?"
"Uhhh....maybe" the blue pegasus replied sheepishly.
"Goodness, Rainbow. There's ego stroking and then there's that" Twilight
"And I thought I've seen the last of ponies stroking things while looking at kids" Temptress giggled and sipped her tea.
"And I'm not even gonna question what you just said" the purple alicorn said as Temptress simply giggled.
"What about you, princess? Anything to share with your friends?" The white unicorn pointed her heterochromic eyes right at Twilight's soul as the bookish mare was put in a very awkward position.
"I.... ummm. Okay let me think of something." She pondered on what she could offer in this show and tell "I guess the fact that I really dislike some of the nobles Celestia has me meet sometimes."
"Understandable in my opinion" Applejack added.
"Applejack! Don't be so rude!" Rarity complained.
"What? Those high class, canterlot folk can be very pompous." The farm pony retorted.
"You tell me about it." Twilight groaned "I have to sit there and pretend like i care as they sometimes act so high and glorious. It's worse than Rarity and Rainbow Dash combined."
"Hey!" The two mentioned ponies called in protest at the same time, which caused the rest to laugh.
"Well, if you're so much better why don't you share Your secret with us next Applejack" Rarity demanded catching Applejack a bit off guard.
"Yeah, Aj. What's your secret?" Rainbow Dash teased with a chuckle.
"Uhhh" the orange pony mare looked left and right, probably looking for a way out before finally giving up and sighing "Well I guess there's no escaping this. So. Here I go" she took a deep breath "I like mares"
"Oh." Was all she got as a reaction from the group.
"That makes sense" Rainbow said.
"The hay you mean by that?!" Applejack questioned.
"You never really showed interest in stallions, darling." Rarity replied
"And the play colts magazines you keep under your bed that Applebloom once found, then showed to Scootaloo who then showed to me" Rainbow Dash added.
"SHE WHAT?!?!"
"Someone's gonna die tonight" Temptress whispered to Twilight, which made the alicorn giggle.
"ME NEXT. ME NEXT." Pinkie practically demanded to share her own secret at this point.
"Go on Pinkie" Twilight gave permission for the energetic mare to speak.
"Yay!" Pinkie exclaimed with joy before taking a deep breath in "I sometimes listen in on Mr and Mrs Cake doing it."
"Nope." Applejack closed her ears.
"Not even gonna ask, Fluttershy you're next" Rarity quickly passed the turn to the only one she knew would have an innocent enough confession to cleanse the room of the sin of letting Pinkie talk. Everypony else seemed to be on agreement with her.
"Umm..." the timid pegasus try to make herself seem as small as possible in hopes they would maybe ignore her. Her hopes were in vain as everyone was looking expectantly at her. From peer pressure she gave them the answer they wanted. To the best of her abilities, as all that came out was a soft, unhearable whisper.
"Uuhm...way to go Flutters?" Dash tried to cheer her friend on.
"What about you Rarity?" Temptress turned to her employer and new friend, who apparently wasn't really prepared for her turn in this little confession game.
"Oh, you know. I'm not really one for secrets myself either so there's nothing you don't know about me that i can confess" she rubbed the back of her neck and smiled sheepishly.
"Hah. As if we'd buy that" Rainbow Dash scoffed "Ain't no way a drama queen like you doesn't have at least one thing she keeps hidden"
"Why, I have never" Rarity pouted "You want a secret? Fine. I once unknowingly used fake gems to make dresses and sold them as if they were with real gems. Happy now?"
"Quite" Dash smirked.
"That doesn't sound very legally quegally" Pinkie said.
"Well like I said I didn't know I had been scammed and when I found out the ponies who bought the dresses were long gone."
"Well, at least you didn't intend to trick anyone" Temptress reassured her "Now, doesn't everypony feel much better after that?"
"Define better, you're not the one who's gonna be known as the one who stalks kids" Rainbow frowned.
"It is kinda freaky what you do if ah may be honest" Applejack teased.
"Sure, the one who collects lewd magazines to hide in her closet has all the right to judge me" Dash smirked right back at her friend.
"Oh you're gonna die" Applejack gave a threatening glare.
"Please don't kill each other, if you don't mind of course" Fluttershy timidly attempted to stop the inevitable fight. Which succeeded in a way since the rest of the group now shared a laugh at how adorable the attempt was.
"You know, this wasn't so bad, Temptress." Twilight said.
"Told ya." the white unicorn smirked as she finished her tea "Whoo this tea went right through me, excuse ladies but I have to go answer nature's calling." She said and got up.
Sweetie Belle practically took flight as she escaped from her spying spot back to her room. If Temptress came up and found her there she'd be in so, so much trouble. Eavesdropping is one thing. Eavesdropping while they're sharing personal secrets with each other is another.
Quickly, she closed the door behind her and sat back on her table to do her homework. She should be fine. No traces of her crime. Nothing to point that she ever left her room. To anyone's guess, she has been here the whole time doing her annoying homework. All dhould be fine. All should be-
A knock at the door startled her to the point she almost fell off her chair. Had she been caught? No. Maybe Temptress got lost and wanted to ask where the restroom was. Yeah. That's it.
The filly got up and went to the door. When she opened it, she found a smirking Temptress on the other side. Something about that smile made Sweetie feel uncomfortable.
"The restroom is that way." Sweetie pointed.
"And how would you know I was looking for the restroom?" Temptress now grinned widely, causing the filly to freeze in fear. She pushed the foal inside as she entered and closed the door behind her.
"Please don't tell Rarity! I didn't mean to listen in on you all!" Sweetie practically begged for mercy at this point, while backing up as the larger mare kept advancing towards her.
"Goodness, you can be very stealthy but should you get caught you give in so easily." Temptress rolled her eyes "Calm down I won't be a tattletale."
"Y-you won't?"
"No. I can't blame a child for being curious. Besides. You've kind of impressed me with how stealthy you are. If I wasn't always so aware of my surroundings i would have never known you werr there."
Sweetie felt more calm now, knowing she was safe from being discovered by her sister. And having someone appreciate her sneaking capabilities felt good for once. If a bit weird.
"I think we can put your skills to good use" Temptress stated.
"What?" Sweetie tilted her head in confusion.
"I can't be the only one who has heard your sister cries at night. If you can find out why that is, I guess we can help her."
That peaked Sweetie's interest. She never thought on spying on Rarity at night. She was mostly interested on listening on ponies while they conversed. Not much conversation a pony can do alone in her bedroom.
"I don't really want to bother her. She's probably just sad about mom and dad. Besides, she'll get over whatever it is."
"And how long has this been going for?" Temptress asked, almost rhetorically while her magic grabbed an apple from a fruit bowl Sweetie has in her room in case she gets ravenous and then summonsa knife which which she peals the fruit "Cause if you have managed to go through your grief after all this time, she should have been able to do the same. It would be over by now. That little game you saw us doing back there, that was something I planed in order to get Rarity to come out straight about what's bothering her and have her friends help her go through it. But she didn't. She just made up a lie about selling faulty products once, not sure if that even happened at all if I may be honest. She chose to lie instead of saying what's bothering her. And I wouldn't take it Rarity would keep it secret from her friends that's she's still grieving for her parents. So trust me. That's not what's bothering her."
Sweetie Belle just stood there, frozen. A part of her wanted to yell out that she herself hadn't completely passed the grief of losing her parents. But another part of her knew that if she opened up right now she may show a little too much emotion. And something told her that at this moment, it would be best that she show as little weakness as possible. Temptress was looking threatening and terrifying all of a sudden. Like a hungry wolf looking down at a sheep seperated from the flock. But as strange as the situation was, or as menacing as the mare before her seemed, Sweetie couldn't deny the logic in what she was saying. Rarity was hiding something. Something that was bothering her, enough to make her cry at night. And if it isn't because if their parents, then what?
"W-what's bothering her then?" The foal stammered, while at the same time she was involuntary making herself seem as small as possible. To her surprise, Temptress gave a slight chuckle before her expression changed to an almost loving smile.
"That's what I want to find out." The mare lowered herself to where she was in direct eye contact with Sweetie Belle before putting a hoof on her cheek. Her heterochromic eyes locked with the filly's "Look. I'm sorry if I scared you. I can be a bit rough and pushy sometimes. Can't help it, it just happens. But please know that I'm only looking to help your sister. She took me in when I had no place to go, I only want to return the favour to the best of my abilities. And I can tell she's dealing with something tough. I just don't know what that is, and I doubt she'll willingly say it. So I need your help to find out what that thing is that's bothering her. Do you wanna help your big sister?"
"Of course I do!" Sweetie exclaimed. She felt a bit more comfortable now that Temptress was being less scary. And she did want to help Rarity. If Temptress was gonna help her with that, then all the more reason to trust her.
"Then what I need you to do is try and see if you can find out what her problem is, come tell me what you find and we'll come up with a solution together. You're nimble and small enough in size to move around unnoticed. And you know her better than I do, so you'll probably notice any unusual things easier. What do you say, darling? You in on this?" She smiles and offers a slice of apple to the filly.
Sweetie Belle had a new wave of determination rush through her as she stood up straight and gave a confident smile.
"I'm in!" She takes the slice of apple and eats it.
