The little bell above the front door jingled, alerting the bored mare who was idly flicking through a fashion magazine that she had a customer, and she slowly, unenthusiastically made her way into the showroom. Her mood changed in an instant as her eyes took in the gorgeous stallion looking over the display. She could see he was well built, and could feel an air of sophistication from him. Then he turned around.

She almost fainted on the spot when he smiled at her, walking towards the counter behind which she stood, her eyes staring into the shimmering light arctic blue orbs of who she could now see was a unicorn; she knew his face from somewhere, but couldn’t remember where. He placed his hands down on the counter and leant forward, that winning smile ever present. “Why hello there.”

Oh Celestia, his voice! The dulcet tones from the stallion made her legs quiver, and she didn’t do a thing to fight the blush that lit her light vanilla cheeks, taking a deep breath before she replied. “H-hello, sir, and welcome to C-C-Coco’s Cultured Creations. Is t-t-there something I can help y-y-you with?” His eyes briefly flicked down, her blush intensifying, but then he turned back to the store, and one particular section at that, one hidden from the view in the window from outside on the main street.

“I heard that you make all of your own clothes here. Is that true?” Maybe he’s somepony from the Canterlot fashion circle. “So, who am I talking with?”

“M-my name is Coco Pommel, sir. May I have yours?”

“You may call me… Bluey. Come, tell me about this one here.” Coco walked out from behind the counter and over to where he was looking, his gaze centred on a piece of which she was waiting for the right buyer, or for use with somepony of her own. “I can certainly see the craftsmanship, you have a lot of skill, Miss Pommel.”

“Thank you. Now, were you looking at purchasing this for somepony special?”

“Yes, but it’s hard to picture it on her hanging there. I don’t suppose you have models, do you?” Coco turned to see Bluey was looking at her, and she shook her head, the stallion giving a sigh. He ran his hand over the light purple fabric, his eye giving Coco another once over. “Perhaps… perhaps you would be so kind as to model it for me?”

He saw the request shocked her, so gave her a soft smile in the hopes of giving her some reassurance. “You see, the queen of my heart insists on the best and constantly new, so this may be a beginning of a long string of purchases from my side, you see. Besides, no designer should be ashamed of wearing her own creation."

The more rational part of her mind screamed in refusal, but in her business’ current dry spell, owing to it being Bridleway’s off season, she found her hands reaching up to take the light purple fabrics, her face really flushed now. And she had to admit to herself, she did find the idea of giving the stallion a show enticing. “I, um… will be back in a moment.” Averting her eyes from the stallion, Coco took the items and returned to the back room, where she stripped out of her usual clothes.

First went on a thong, followed by a corset. Most of such items would be laced at the back, with either magic or assistance from another pony, but as Coco had to do it herself, it laced at the front, with a large bow on the back keeping it taut. Next were her thigh high, high heeled boots and opera-style gloves, all of the outfit in a light purple. She went to return and show off the outfit to Bluey, but she looked at her usual clothes and got a flash of inspiration, reaching for the collar.

She slowly made her way into the store once more, the stallion’s ear flicking with each thud from her boots until she stopped and turned around. His smile changed from cheeky to hungry in a moment, and he walked around her several times. “Very nice. Oh, and the clothing looks good too.”

Coco gave a little giggle, her blush lessening a little, that is until he made his next request. “Now, this might sound a little weird, but do you think you could sit on the back of that?” Her eyes followed his outstretched fingers, hoping it wasn’t pointing where she thought, but alas it was.

“Um… o-okay?” In one corner, visible through a window onto an alley that nopony ever used, was a ponyquin. Unlike most others, this one was not for the clothing of the current generation of ponies, but their extremely distant quadruped cousins, and Coco briefly wondered what Bluey was into for asking such a thing. She wasn’t too proud of the item, as she remembered seeing it at some party, but not how it got back to her store.

Still, she wasn’t going to do anything that might chase a potential buyer of this outfit away, so moved to one side of it and lifted a leg over, pulling herself up and over onto the back; she could feel his eyes on her ass when she was moving. As she settled into a somewhat comfortable position, Bluey’s horn glowed and a top hat floated over and lowered onto the ponyquin’s head.

He then moved around, taking in the view from several angles before he gave a nod, about to say something when the front door opened once more. A cold draught made Coco shiver, and her blush came back as another mare appeared, even if it was one she knew, and took a long hard look at the scene.

“Blueblood, why is Coco on that in that?”

“I… may have asked her to model so that I could see it on a pony instead of a hanger.”

Coco’s eyes went wide as soon as she heard the name, looking towards Rarity in horror as the unicorn mare came into view completely, with a young pegasus stallion and earth pony mare following. They didn’t seem fazed by what they saw, moving to the more normal clothes and browsing away. Hopping down from the ponyquin, Coco walked calmly but quickly into the backroom in order to get presentable, just as the bell over the front door rang once more, Rarity turning around. “Well, good afternoon. How may we help?”

Stood in the foyer was a young pegasus stallion, somewhat attractive with a flowing white mane that reached past his shoulders, his coat a pearl night blue, and he was dressed in a simple suit. He looked around the store, his gaze settling on Rumble and Applebloom with a smile for a few moments, before he focused on Rarity. "I was just strolling down the alley to get home quicker when I glanced into the window by chance and said to myself 'my, what a nice top hat. I want one like that.’"

With Coco still in the stockroom and doing Celestia knows what, Rarity took it upon herself to quickly measure the stallion’s head, then find a hat the perfect size. She led him to the counter and rang it through, where he looked around a few times and then looked to Rarity.

“So, is everything displayed in here for sale?"

"Oh, of course."

"Surely not that sweet young mare from the backroom?"

Rarity blinked a couple of times and worked her mouth, trying to think of a way to respond to that, but a quiet voice from behind her answered instead.

“Well… I-I’m not for sale, but d-dinner would be acceptable.” The two ponies looked to the side door where Coco was now stood, staring at the floor with a blush still on her cheeks. Her eyes briefly flicked up and met the young stallion’s, before she stepped closer and held out her hand. “M-my name is Coco Pommel, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Instead of shaking it like Rarity expected, he bowed down and lifted her hand up, gently giving it kiss and then looked up at her. “A beautiful name for a beautiful pony.” When he stood back up, Rarity noted that he kept Coco’s hand in his, biting her lip to stop the joyful squeal from bursting out as he continued. “I am Silver Wisp, and I would be honoured if you’d join me for dinner this evening at The Herbi Voré.”

That was too much for Rarity, who was caught by a chuckling Blueblood as she fainted.

Twilight Sparkle paced around the library of Manehatten Manor, the royal residence just a few miles outside of the city. It was her first official visit here, yet the staff had learnt all they needed to know of her, and quickly assessed that she was not in a very amicable mood right now. Only one creature dared to approach her, and he creeped out most of the ponies that worked in the manor everytime they saw him.

“My mistress, is there something I can do?”

“Nothing.”

The changeling sighed, looking back to the book he had been reading the past two days. Unlike the others that were leaders of his kind, he was not Twilight Sparkle’s sex slave, he was more her student. For the first two months he didn’t understand why she would not allow him to please her, but she eventually told him that she would not take that position unless the feelings were mutual. She also clarified that she followed the example of others only to prevent rumors about racism and to protect at least one being from unbecoming abuse. That, and she simply couldn't resist learning about a different culture.

The mare moved over to the large desk in the corner and sat down, staring at nothing as he continued to look over the words. As soon as Twilight found out he couldn’t even read, she grew excited about teaching him herself, and now he didn’t need help with the books she had given him, never mind that they were meant for foals.

“What I am going to do with him?”

“Him, mistress? Do you mean the master?”

“Master? Asshole, more like.” The drone looked up to see Twilight holding a picture frame, knowing who it would show, yet held his tongue until she spoke again. He didn’t want it cut out, like he knew happened to some of his kin before the failed invasion when they spoke out of turn. “I wanted to talk with him, but when I went back to Ponyville he wasn’t there. Applejack said he’d gone somewhere with Soarin, but didn’t know where.”

“Soarin the Wonderbolt, mistress?” Twilight finally looked at him and nodded, then frowned as he averted his gaze.

“Lecture, what do you know?”

“Mistress… Soarin the Wonderbolt is half Neighponesse. If I am right, then the master is in Neighpon.” Before Twilight could question how he knew this, Lecture stood up and turned towards the door, his wings buzzing in seeming agitation. “Mistress, we have guests.”

There was a knock on the door, followed by the head of the staff entering the room and giving a quick bow. “Your majesty, there are a couple of ponies who seek an audience with you. I have told them that you wish not to be disturbed, but the mare was quite insistent.”

“It’s okay, bring them in please.”

“Of course, your majesty.” He left the room and closed the door, Twilight taking the chance to make herself presentable, whilst Lecture moved to his ‘public’ place; behind his mistress and keeping quiet. Several moments later the door opened once more, the steward entering and standing to the side. “Presenting Mr Apple and Miss Lulamoon.” Twilight had gotten excited at the first name, then confused when she heard the second, knowing it from somewhere. It wasn’t until the stallion and mare walked in that she realised who the mare was, blinking in surprise as they stopped in front of the desk and bowed.

“Leave us.” The chief steward and Lecture went to do as instructed, but Twilight stopped the changeling with a hand on his arm, silently asking him to remain with her. Whether for security or support, he didn’t know, but stay he did as she turned back to the other two ponies. “Mr Apple, Miss Lulamoon, you may rise.”

Twilight expected Trixie to start spouting off how great she was or something, but the unicorn remained silent and instead looked nervously to the earth pony, who took off his hat and stepped forward. “Yer majesty, we was wonderin’, me and Trixie, are there any laws that stop an unwed couple from adoptin’? Ya see, everywhere we’ve tried several times, and lack o’ marriage is t’ only thing we can think of.”

Twilight turned her gaze towards Trixie, who stepped forward until she was only on the other side of the desk, her eyes locked with the alicorn. Then she dropped to her knees, tears starting to fall. “Please, your majesty, I know I have done wrong in the past, but I have changed!” She closed her eyes as she began sobbing, Braeburn stepping forward to help her up when Twilight stopped him with a wave of her arm, standing from her seat.

She walked around the desk and knelt down next to Trixie, pulling the unicorn into a tight embrace even if it meant her blouse got soaked. Twilight held Trixie until the tears ran dry, then helped her stand and offered her a tissue from the desk, turning to the changeling. “Lecture, do you think you could find a book on adoption laws?”

“I can try, mistress.”

“Very good. Bring it to the lounge when you have it. Braeburn, Trixie, come with me.” Twilight led them out of the library and through the manor into a large room with ornate furniture, where she gestured the couple to a large plush couch. “Before I look into or overturn any possible laws, I would like to know why you can not have your own foal, if you wouldn’t mind?”

“Well, Ah’m fine, but Trix…”

“It was the Alicorn Amulet.” The memories of that incident were still clear to Twilight, yet she didn’t know about any adverse effects other than sending the wearer insane. “It did damage to me, which can not be reversed, no matter how much magic is used. Please, Princess Sparkle, if I can’t have my own children, allow me to give the chance of a better life to another.”

It was at this point Lecture entered the lounge carrying several books, placing them down on the coffee table. Twilight leant forward and looked at the titles, giving a nod to Lecture as she selected one of the tomes and cracked it open. Silence reigned for ten, for the couple, very painful minutes, until Twilight closed the book and sat back with a sigh, her eyes shut. "You were right in that assumption. Unwed couples can't adopt."

“Could ya tell us why it’s not possible?”, Braeburn asked with curiosity.

“Because any unwed relationship is insecure in the eyes of officials. When a marriage fails, there is a set and unavoidable judicial procedure to decide the fate of the child. But you can break up without telling anypony. The social workers will never risk putting the child in danger.”

“Well, that’s a relief.” Braeburn smirked at Trixie, then looked to Twilight and saw confusion upon the alicorn’s features. “It’s an easy fix, right hon?” When he turned back to Trixie, she had a glare on her face and her arms were crossed.

“So it is your fault! Why have you not made an honest mare of me?”

“Well, that’s simple. You ain’t an honest mare, an’ how are ya supposed to answer with a ballgag in yer mouth?” Braeburn smirked at his indignant marefriend for a moment, then turned to face Twilight, who was grinning in amusement at their playfulness. “So, what’s it take t’ get married these days?”

“That’s actually quite simple. You simply need to book your venue and turn up on the day, ensuring to take identification, and having at minimum two witnesses. Is there anything else I can assist you with today?”

“No, thank you. Well, Ah think we’ll take our leave now.”

Twilight stood up, Braeburn and Trixie following, going to bow, but Twilight stopped them and pulled Trixie into another hug, whilst the stallion watched with concern on his face for his marefriend, at least until the alicorn turned towards him with narrowed eyes. “Braeburn… how do you feel about the Neighponesse?”

“Aw heck, that why Mac ain’t around? Want me to find him and give him a good ol’ slap?”

“No, now please answer the question.”

“What happened years ago don’t mean anything to me, yer highness. As long as pony isn’t up to no good, then Ah ain’t got a problem with them. But don’t be too hard on him, Twi, he took our great grandpappy’s stories to heart. T’ only other thing Ah know about it is that Granny Smith has disowned Mac.” Going by the look on Twilight’s face, he realised she didn’t know anything about that, Braeburn decided it was time he and Trixie left, taking her hand and following Lecture to the entrance, where he bid them farewell and returned to the lounge, seeing Twilight in deep thought.

“Mistress?”

“If he has gone to Neighpon with Soarin, then he won’t be back for several days. He’d better be on his best behaviour.” Twilight made her way back to the library, Lecture giving a shudder as his imagination went wild at what punishments the mistress would inflict on the master if he was not a gentlecolt whilst away.

Mac watched on with unease in his stomach as Soarin expertly guided the airship into the dock that almost fit the contours of the vessel perfectly. Several ponies at the edge of the birth grabbed a hold of the railings on portside whilst others fixed the mooring lines to a couple of bollards. Soarin grabbed his pack and motioned for Mac to do the same, then carefully stepped onto the dock, glancing over his shoulder to ensure the earth pony was following.

Mac didn’t know how to react to those that stopped to look at him, most of the dock workers having masks over their faces so he couldn’t read their expressions, and those that he might have been able to were too far away. Soarin took a deep breath of air and started walking towards one of the offices, Mac scrambling to catch up. His ears twitched upon hearing a beautiful voice, even if he didn’t understand it. when they slipped through the door.

“En, Lybdyeh, ed ryc paah duu muhk. Femm oui pa eh bund vun y frema?”

Mac had seen several models at high society functions he attended with Twilight, but unlike those ‘sticks’, the mare sat behind the desk seemed to fit the shape well, and she didn’t look unhealthy so. Her dark blue mane stood out well against her pale cream coat, her pink irises sparkling with youthful mischievousness as she watched Soarin take a seat opposite her. Mac chose to remain standing.

“Hu, uhmo y tyo. E ys crufehk res ynuiht. Drec ec Macintosh Apple.” The young mare’s happy expression changed in an instant, her eyes narrowing as she looked at the earth pony stallion. He just crossed his arms and glared back, Soarin giving a tired sigh. “Ra ec Bnehlacc Sparkle’s byndhan.”

The mare’s expression turned neutral as she stood, and Mac blinked in shock; her long legs put her at eye level with Mac. She walked in front of him and their eyes locked, but then she moved once more, bowing to Mac. He looked to Soarin, who motioned for Mac to do the same, and that’s what he did, the mare rising back up at the same time as him.

“Welcome to Neighpon, Consort Apple. Please enjoy your stay.” She returned to her desk and quickly filled out the paperwork, waving them away with her smile back. Mac smiled in return, just being polite, but he didn’t fail to notice the look of relief that washed over Soarin’s face.

Grabbing their bags, the two stallions waked into a bustling street, ponies in a hurry to get home or to work, and street vendors trying to pedal their goods. If it hadn’t been for the architecture, Mac wouldn’t have seen a difference between here and anywhere else, his eyes roaming everywhere as he followed Soarin down the street.

“And we’re here, our first stop.” Mac looked up at the large building they had come to a halt outside of. It looked similar to the others, but also much older, and they started up the steps as Soarin smiled. “Here is the Museum of Neighpon. You’ll learn what you need to know inside. But I warn you now, the owner won’t take any shit.”

Mac just nodded and made his way inside, stopping dead as he thought he saw Soarin behind the desk. Another, longer glance showed this stallion was much older than the pegasus now next to Mac… and he didn’t seem happy to see either of them.

“Yeah, dad was always a hard ass. History books are through the left door.”

Mac nodded to Soarin, leaving the pegasi glaring at one another. If given the choice, Mac would rather be back in Equestria, suffering at the whims of an irate alicorn, than in the same building as Soarin and his father.

Rumble knocked on the door to the hotel room, then took Applebloom’s hand, giving his marefriend a supportive squeeze. The door opened to reveal an earth pony with a brilliant orange coat with a light gold mane and tail, wearing one of the hotel’s robes. Her sparkling blue eyes roamed over the young couple for a few moments, then she stepped to the side and let them in, her face finally showing some emotion as she smiled.

“I am so glad you agreed to this on such short notice, Applebloom.”

“Shucks, ain’t no problem, Ms Harshwhinny. Ah gotta learn how to look after a foal, right?”

“This is true.” The elder mare watched with a smirk as Rumble set his bag down on the floor and approached the unicorn colt playing with building blocks. The game ceased as the pegasus sat down opposite him, then looked towards his mother, who gave him a nod. He resumed playing whilst Bridle waved Applebloom towards her room. “It seems like your coltfriend has everything under control, and I could do with your help for a moment.”

“Sure thing.” As soon as they were in the bedroom of the suite, the door was closed and locked, Bridle throwing her robe to a chair, now completely naked. Applebloom had been around her friends without clothes before, but with a mare she hardly knew she wasn’t sure how to handle the situation. “M-ms H-harshwhinny, what are ya d-doing?”

“Like I said, I could do with your help.” Bridle gestured towards the bed, and Applebloom sighed in relief as she saw what was set out upon it, then gave a giggle. Bridle smirked as well, both mares knowing precisely where the underwear the elder earth pony had chosen for the night came from, and what was expected when one wore such garments. “Yes, exactly.”

“So, Ah can assume yer gonna be late back t’night?” Bridle nodded, Applebloom motioning for her to turn around. Working together, they got the first item in position, a lace black corset that went high enough to cover Bridle’s breasts, suspenders hanging from the bottom, Applebloom pulling the laces tight. “Ah can’t wait to be able to wear somethin’ like this again.”

“I know what you mean, but even then, I wouldn’t trade the time spent carrying Brushy for anything.” Applebloom stood waiting in case she was needed for anything else, a hand resting on her belly as Bridle unrolled a black stocking up her leg. “Could you get the back one please?”

“O’ course.” Once she had done that, Applebloom waited until the other stocking was in place and attached it to the other suspender, then stepped back. Bridle grabbed a pair of panties and slipped into them. Applebloom’s gaze had drifted to the number hanging from the wardrobe, feeling a pang of jealously as Bridle slipped into it with little effort.

She fought it down as Bridle pulled out a make up bag, the farm mare taking it from her hands with a smirk. Thirty minutes later Bridle met with Applebloom’s agreement, the elder mare now sporting a light pink lip gloss and blue eyeshadow, and even some jewellery; stud earrings with amethysts and a matching necklace. Her mane and tail were brushed out straight, the long gold locks reaching just past her shoulders.

Bridle smiled at her reflection, then turned on the seat and slipped her feet into a pair of black heels. The two mares left the bedroom and Bridle fought down her giggle as she noticed Rumble do a double take, whilst Applebloom growled lightly. Grabbing her purse from the table and slipping it onto her shoulder, Bridle then looked towards the two males. “Brushy, can you come here for a moment please?”

The little unicorn finished placing his blocks and nodded to Rumble, who was busy sorting blocks by type, then stood and walked over to his mother. She knelt down and brushed some crumbs from his t-shirt and pulled him into a tight embrace. “You be a good colt for Applebloom and Rumble, okay?”

“Why can’t I come see daddy with you?”

“I need to talk with him first, okay sweetie? I’ll see you in the morning.” The colt giggled and squirmed as Bridle kissed his cheek, then walked towards to the door. She waved with a smile as she left, leaving the trio alone.

Near silence filled the room, the only sounds being that of the refrigerator and sniffling, Applebloom turning to see Brushed Honour looking from her to Rumble, his lower lip quivering. She began to panic, not knowing what to do, but fortunately her coltfriend came to the rescue, moving towards the ice box.

“So, who wants ice cream?”

Applebloom heaved a sigh of relief as the colt nodded, jumping up onto the couch. She made her way over and sat next to him, but not so close that she invaded his personal space. She gasped as she felt fidgeting in her stomach.

She notice Brushed looking at her in confusion, so she gently reached over and took his hand, placing it on her swollen belly. Almost immediately he began to giggle as he felt the kicking, Applebloom smiling towards Rumble as he made his way over.

“Ah think tonight’s gonna go just fine.”

Author's Notes:

I realised something about my dogs today. Atkins avoids stepping in puddles, even if it's just plain water, whilst Harvey tears through muddy soggy areas as if it's not there...

Atkins is Rarity and Harvey is Applejack.

The part with Ms Harshwhinny will be explained (eventually) in the second part to Making Memories, by Whitestrake.