Author's Notes:

This chapter contains: Femdom, maledom, light bondage, male on futa and futa on male.

Lapis Lazuli licked her chops, yawning as the sun beamed its warm rays onto her face. The life of the diamond dog formerly known as Sweetie Drops #14 was simple: enjoy life in the crystal empire and craft jewelry. Beautiful jewelry, if you asked her.

And there were residents of the city who would agree with her. She had managed to build herself a decent customer base in the time she had opened her shop. Her hope for the time being was to expand and hire workers she could teach.

Rising out of bed, Lapis cracked her joints and hopped to her paws. “Okay, shower and breakfast, then work.” Slapping her face for extra wakeness, she padded into her bathroom. She hummed to herself, slipping into her shower to get a quick rinse. After a few minutes, she hopped back out and shook herself off.

Adding a bit of perfume (just because she wasn't bothered by wet dog smell didn't mean her customers weren't), she pulled her clothes on. Like a few others in the Sweetie Drops line, she usually wore only a little, in her case a pair of booty shorts and a yellow tank top. She had been debating with herself to dress more professionally, but decided that was something to do once she hired her first employee. The fanciest thing she usually wore was a necklace she had crafted herself styled to look like her old cutie mark.

As she made her way down to the shop, she made a mental review of her work load. A few bracelets and necklaces. Two rings and one tiara. Not hard, just a little time consuming. Made more difficult by her larger, paw-like hands. She grabbed her notebook from her spot at the register and wrote a quick note to have special tools made for her hands. Once she was done she quickly prepped the shop for opening.

Once she was satisfied things were clean, she checked her tools and supplies for her custom orders. Her morning came to a screeching halt upon the realization that she had let her supplies run low. This morphed into joy. Low supplies meant...digging!!

She knew it was falling into stereotype, but there was just something in her biology that made her love digging. She further rationalized it by telling herself it was a way to look for new kinds of gems for her shop. There were rare types that could only be found within the area of the empire

Giddy with the glee of an excited puppy, she moved around the shop to gather up her digging supplies. Once she was set for a full day of excavating, she set out into the city streets. Waving to a few ponies, she kept her tail carefully managed, not wanting to whack someone with the mace-like tip. She wound up curling it between her legs and taking hold of it after a near miss with a baby carriage.

Once outside of the barrier, after conversing with a pair of guards, she bounded through the snow. Despite having a short coat, she wasn’t bothered at all by the snow. Though she wore thick clothing out of pragmatism. Sure she'd rather keep her normal clothes on all the time, but the pragmatism was a small price to pay for a rich supply of gems.

Letting go of her carefully managed behavior, she rushed through the snow, howling into the wind. It was so freeing, to just be able to run wild and do whatever your heart wanted. Out of all the various Sweetie Drops, she thought herself one of the lucky ones, blessed with a form that resonated with her spirit.

Sure, she didn’t have a special someone like some of the other Sweeties, but she hadn't been looking all that hard. She was confident that she could charm anyone if she tried. Especially with her looks as long as she was allowed to brag.

Slowing to a normal pace, she arrived at her destination. Given her form and job, as well as her circumstances, the crown had given her free reign to dig out in the tundra. Confident in her mining rights, Lapis dropped her bag at the mouth of the cave. Rummaging through her gear, she produced a trio of red stones. Placing them at various locations along the entrance, she stepped back and allowed the magic to work. Pulsing with runes, the stones filtered the air; heating it as it blew in from the blizzard.

With the magic heaters placed down, she stripped out of her winter gear and stored it away. She stretched and made sure her movement was unrestricted. Once that was done, she started sniffing the air for gem veins.

Locating a patch of malachite, Lapis began to claw at the wall. Tail swishing back and forth, she began to sing. “I am a dog and I’m digging a hole~ Diggy diggy hole! Diggy diggy hole!” She didn't care how silly she sounded, this was a song all for her. There were few things she found more satisfying than digging up gems.

Drawing her arm back for another swing, a sound reached her ears. “Uh, hello? Anyone there? I can hear you!”

Lapis paused her digging, rolling her eyes. “Keep talking and stay put!” she called out. “I'll come find you! You do need help, right?!”

“Yes!” the voice called back. “I got lost while looking for special magic stones to research!”

“Alright, here I come!” Retrieving her spare heating rock, Lapis followed the voice. “You got a name, cave voice!?”

“Sunburst! And from where I'm standing, you're the cave voice, Miss?!” the stallion replied, fishing for a name.

“Lapis! Lapis Lazuli!” she called back, taking a turn. “I think I’m getting close! Just keep talking!”

“Okay!” Sunburst paused, seeming to search for something to say. “Um, what brings you down here Miss Lapis?!”

“I realized I was out of gems while opening my shop today! I’m a jeweler! So, I came out to do some gem finding!”

“Oh wow, I didn't think there was a jeweler who did their own digging!” he replied, his tone hinting he found her methods impressive. “Do you make anything that can store magic?!”

“Sometimes. It’s a bit hard, I don’t use magic myself.” She leaped over a small gap, sniffing at the air. “Aha! I got your scent, be with you in a jiffy!”

“Got my scent?!” Sunburst questioned, his interest obviously piqued. “Not very often you hear about a pony with the nose of a bloodhound!” He seemed to chuckle at what he thought was a joke.

“I’m a very special pony.” Lapis giggled, her tail wagging behind her. “No need to shout anymore! I think we’re about to link up.”

“Oh good, my voice was about to go hoarse,” he told her, sounding much closer.

“You okay? Not stuck under any rocks or anything?”

“No, just hopelessly turned around,” Sunburst admitted with a weak chuckle. “Though my glasses are a bit smudged up. And silly me forgot my lens cloth.”

“I got you covered,” Lapis assured as she turned another corner. “And we’re here!” She was greeted by the sight of an orange stallion in a green cloak, staring at her from behind his glasses. “What?”

“I uh, wasn't expecting a diamond dog,” Sunburst admitted, forcing his eyes to meet hers. “Especially not one dressed for summer.”

Lapis giggled, putting her hands on her hips. “Good to know I can turn heads even in a cave. So, whatcha doin’ out here, Sunburst?”

Sunburst adjusted his glasses, revealing the white fur on his hands that made it look like he was always wearing gloves. She also couldn't help but notice the blush peppering his cheeks. “Well, I was looking for certain stones. The royal foal could use them to help with her outbursts.”

“Oh, you mean Flurry Heart. Ya, she's pretty cute. My neighbors tell me she was blowing holes in the palace. Woulda loved to have seen that.”

Sunburst chuckled. “She also shattered the Crystal Heart with a sonic shout. That's why helping her control her magic is important.”

Lapis whistled. “Sounds pretty intense.” Leaning in, she sniffed at him. “Hm... doesn’t seem like it leaves you with a lot of time for proper hygiene.”

He coughed into his hand, his blush growing. “W-well, it doesn't help that I tend to study magic or search for interesting antiques in my downtime.”

Wagging her tail, Lapis walked around him. “I doubt that leaves you much time for other, more intimate pursuits.”

Sunburst seemed to shrink at that, scratching his goatee. “I uh, it has been a while since I was on a date.”

“How long is a while?” she questioned, pushing her chest into his back. “Never?”

“N-no!” he protested his orange fur suddenly red. “I-I have been on a few dates!”

Pushed on by primal urges, she wrapped her arms around him, her paws fiddling with his cloak tie. “You know, it’s cold outside. Not a very nice place for a pony like you to be around.”

“Um, what are you doing, Miss Lapis?” he inquired, though he made no attempt to stop her or pull away.

Sunburst’s timidness brought out something in her. She took his cloak off and tossed it away. Extending her claws, she made a show of presenting them. “I’ve found a virile stallion out by himself. Aren’t you afraid of predators, little pony?”

Her words had a visible effect on the lithe stallion, a shudder running up his spine. This only spurred Lapis on, her paws drifting and her claws raking slowly against his sides.

“Hm.. I think I’ll inspect my catch.” Lapis’s claws shredded his clothes, gently grazing along his skin. “See if you were worth the effort.”

Sunburst didn't say anything in response, his hands fidgeting slightly. His flushed expression spoke volumes, as did his shallow breathing.

“Aw, did I scare the poor pony? Good.” Ripping what was left of his shirt off, she took stock of his build. “Hm... a bit on the scrawny side, but you’ll make a fine meal.”

Sunburst squirmed under her discerning eye, but he seemed to enjoy the praise. He bit his lip, feeling his growing arousal.

“Aw, would you look at that?” Lapis moved her paw, placing it over his crotch. “Hm.. I can spare a few moments to play with my food. Wouldn’t you like that, pony?” she asked, squeezing his crotch. She had to hold back a whistle, her domineering body language faltering for a split second. For such a thin and unassuming stallion, Sunburst was packing. “Mmmm... seems like I’m going to have a nice meal today.”

Sunburst’s body stiffened up, small grunts and whimpers escaping his throat as Lapis felt him up through his pants.

Turning him around, Lapis pushed him onto his back before pouncing on him. “So small and helpless, no one around for miles~ You’re all mine.” She giggled, realizing she had at least two feet over him in height. She liked that. Being able to tower over her soon to be ‘prey’ made her feel powerful. A feeling that Sunburst seemed all too willing to let her revel in. “I think I’ll start... here.” Leaning forward, she opened her mouth wide, easily wrapping them around his throat. She didn’t dare close them, just enough to let him feel her teeth against his skin.

Sunburst's eyes shot open, his body twitching. He kept twitching for a few moments, a long groan escaping his throat.

Releasing him, Lapis sniffed the air. Glancing under herself, she poked at his crotch. “Aw, did the pony finish already? I didn’t even get to the fun parts.”

Sunburst's face was beet red and he was unable to look her in the eyes. “I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen. That was all just so new, and the things you were saying and how beautiful you are; I just couldn't stop it. W-we can keep going if you like. I-I usually do that two or three times at home so I'm not spent.” He kept talking, his words eventually petering out into unintelligible murmurs and stammers.

Lapis licked his lips, rubbing her tail across his pants. “I’m not going to let my prey get away because he creamed his pants. I never let my meals get away.” Straddling him, she made a point of pressing her growing erection into his stomach.

Sunburst blinked owlishly, his eyes locking on the obvious bulge in her shorts. “How the hay did you hide that thing in those shorts?” he asked, more to himself than her.

Smirking, she dragged her tongue across his cheek. “Mmm... my red rocket’s so excited to meet you. Why don’t you let the poor thing out?”

Sunburst didn't argue, seemingly transfixed. With surprising deftness, he popped the button on her shorts and pulled down the zipper. He blushed, watching as Lapis’s erection sprang free from her shorts.

“Well, file this under something I learned today,” he muttered, his eyes locked on the tapered tip of Lapis's so-called ‘red rocket’.

Pushing his back down with a paw, Lapis sat on his chest, her tip pointing at his mouth. “You look a little too scrawny on second thought. I might need to fatten you up.”

“And how do you plan on doing that?” Sunburst questioned, finally managing to tear his attention away from the extremity and look her in the eye. He was answered when she poked at his mouth with her rod. One whiff was all it took for her musk to work its magic, his mouth opening wide at the second prod.

“Good boy~” she cooed, pushing into his mouth. “Mmm... that’s a nice feeling~”

If he could talk, Sunburst wouldn't argue with her. There was something about his current position that felt so right. He closed his eyes, moving his tongue around the tip. He shuddered in delight, a strong, earthy taste lighting up his taste buds. It might've been because of who it belonged to, but it certainly agreed with his palate.

“That’s it, take it all~” Lapis started to move her hips, biting her lip.

Sunburst groaned, feeling his flagging erection stir with life. He couldn't stop himself as he started to bob his head in time with the motion of her hips.

“Mmm... have you done this before?” she asked, going her hard. “It feels like you have.”

Sunburst started to answer verbally, only to blush when it came out as incomprehensible gibberish. He opted to shake his head instead, a blush on his cheeks.

“Well, you’re certainly a natural,” she praised, pushing in to the hilt. “Yes~ Take it all!”

Sunburst moaned around her length, his renewed erection straining against the stranglehold his pants had on it. He shivered, feeling Lapis’s tail rub against it. He swirled his tongue around her growing knot, nearly feeling himself gag on her. Despite that, there was something about the act he couldn’t get enough of and a growing hunger formed in his gut.

Lapis let her tongue hang out of her mouth, a look of bliss crossing her features. She thrust hard and fast, in and out of his throat. She gave out silent thanks to Faust, unable to believe her luck. A cute stallion that not only accepted her ‘chew toy’ but lavished it with attention? Hearth’s Warming must’ve come early. She’d have to return the favor later. She shivered at the thought, her paws moving up to his ears. She moaned wantonly for him to show her pleasure, tugging Sunburst’s ears to direct his head where she wanted him to go.

Sunburst closed his eyes, taking whatever she gave him. It never occured to him that he might just swing both ways. Now that he knew, an unknown pressure had been taken off his shoulders.

Lapis let out a howl as she pushed in one last time, firing her load into his mouth. “Mmm.... be a good boy and swallow.”

Following her order, he dutifully swallowed every bit of the alabaster liquid. Once her orgasm tapered off, an idea struck the recluse bookworm. He pulled off her dick with an audible pop, looked up at her and licked up the last dribbles of her load.

“Ooo... I like that.” she licked his head, gazing into his eyes. “Well? Have anything to say for yourself?”

Sunburst panted, trying to catch his breath. Part of it was due to having his airway blocked while the other was due to the endorphin rush swirling in his head. “I uh, would be willing to do that for you again if you liked it that much.”

“Aw, look at you, trying to convince me not to eat you.” Patting his head, Lapis ran a claw down his chest. “Wait, I know. Do you want me to keep you, little pony?”

“Um, yes?” he answered, unsure of what she was getting at.

Lapis giggled, wrapping her tail around his hard cock. ‘Well then, you best prove your devotion to me, Sunny boy.”

Staring at her tail, he shuddered as his mind ran wild with the possibilities of what she could do with the fluffy appendage. “What do you want me to do?”

Lapis gave his erection a squeeze. “That’s mistress, pony. Remember that when you address me.”

Sunburst winced, the pressure just a bit too tight for his tastes. “Y-yes, mistress.”

“Good boy.” She eased up, lickin his nose. “I’ll leave what you do up to you, little pony. Just don’t try to run. That would make me very... displeased.”

Sunburst looked her up and down, idly wondering if she had just given him a challenge. “Displeased how, mistress?”

“Very,very displeased.” She punctuated her point by tracing a claw along his neck.

Sunburst chuckled weakly, her act very convincing. He took stock of his ‘predator’, trying to come up with a way to best show his devotion. “What does my mistress think is the best way?”

“Please me,” she said simply, rolling over so he was on top. “You can do that, can’t you?”

“W-well,” he started, his hands winding up just beneath her impressive cleavage. “I-I might have gone on a few dates, b-but I don’t have much in the way of experience pleasuring a mare. Any actually.” He turned his head away from her, his face burning with shame.

“I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Swishing her tail, she gave him a seductive growl.

“W-well, I might have read one or two books on the subject.” Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath to collect his thoughts. Without thinking, he leaned in, giving Lapis a passionate kiss while his right hand slowly trailed down her stomach.

She kissed back, wrapping her legs around his waist. Her tail thumped against the floor, giving him good signs. He let his kiss follow the odd rhythm her tail set, his tongue searching for hers. In the meantime, his hand dipped below her waist, bypassing her receding rod and pausing only to give her balls a gentle squeeze. His real target though was her feminine jewel. Letting his fingers gently trace her outer lips.

“Oooh... right there~” Lapis encouraged, gripping his shoulders firmly. “Don’t be gentle.”

“Yes mistress,” he replied, his forefinger and thumb finding her clit and giving it a little pinch. While he was at it, he tugged on the little pleasure buzzer, rolling it in a small circle.

Sunburst noticed that even while on the receiving end, Lapis found a way to stay in charge. The paws on his shoulder would adjust their grip based on his performance. He shivered under her command, slipping a finger into her glistening sex. He almost broke into a sweat, her inner walls giving off enough heat to put a furnace to shame.

“Mmmm... yes~” she moaned, digging her claws into his shoulders. “Yes~”

Biting his lip, Sunburst slipped another finger into her. “Lapis, it feels like my fingers are about to catch fire,” he commented, pumping his hand quickly.

“Oh really?” she asked, licking her lips. “Is that good or bad?”

“It's good,” he answered, letting his free hand explore. “You're beautiful.” He had almost added mistress at the end of that, but he didn't want her to think it was part of their little act. “The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Lapis's moan hitched, needing a moment to process the compliment. She gave his shoulders a gentle squeeze, smirking at him. “Oh yeah? Give it to me, Sunny. Gimme all of it~”

Sunburst glanced down below his waist for a moment before locking eyes with her. “Do you mean?” He gulped, preparing himself for her answer.

“Mhmm.... I mean exactly that.”

Taking a deep breath, he slowly pulled his hand out of the diamond dog and took hold of his rod. Using his other hand, he adjusted himself so he could line up his blunt tip with her folds. He closed his eyes, trying to recall everything he had learned from the books he had read on sex.

“Come on~ Don’t keep me waiting here, stud. You can please a dog, can’t you?” she teased, rubbing his chest.

“Sorry, just, I don’t want a repeat of what happened with the neck bite,” he told her, opening his eyes to meet hers. “I don’t want to be the only one to have fun.”

Lapis licked his nose. “You worry too much. You’ll be fine.”

Sunburst nodded, taking another quick breath before gently pressing his tips past her folds. Gripping her hips, he pushed it, moaning at just how tight she was. He bit his lip, hoping to stifle more moans and keep from sounding like the hopeless virgin he was. He kept his composure somehow, slowly pushing his length into her.

“Ooh...” Lapis started to move her hips, bucking against his crotch. “I told you, be rough~”

Feeling bold, Sunburst gave one of her asscheeks a squeeze. “I did say I was trying to avoid what happened earlier. But okay.” Gripping her hips, he tried to thrust the rest of himself in one smooth motion. He bit his lip, pushing in to the hilt. “Oooh...”

“Did your books say it’d feel this good?” she teased, failing to hide her giggles while one of her hands kept rubbing his chest. “Real things always so different than what they talk about in books, isn’t it?”

Sunburst gripped her hips, shuffling to his knees. “Yeah, doesn't do it justice.” Drawing his hips back, he withdrew his rod until only the tip remained. “Plus, I only read books describing relations between two ponies. Never thought a predator would catch me.”

“You’re lucky it was me. Any other dog would probably make you dig for her,” she replied, thumping her tail against his leg. “You wouldn’t last a second.”

Sunburst chuckled, thrusting his dick in her again. “No, I'm not made for hard labor.” With that, he adjusted himself and started finding his rhythm. He of course made sure to make it rough like Lapis kept insisting. Every little yelp or yip encouraged him; eventually causing him to reach up and grab her breasts.

“Oooh, that's it, Sunny,” she moaned, her tongue lolling out of her mouth. She arched her back, yielding to his treatment. “Be rough, treat me like a dirty doggy.” Her tail wagged wildly, batting against the ground and Sunburst’s leg.

Thrusting harder, he tugged on her nipples. “Is that what you are? A dirty dog?”

“Yes!” she yipped, her hands gripping down on his shoulders. She pressed herself against him as much as she could, every tug and pull sending electric tingles down her spine. “Harder!!!”

Gritting his teeth, Sunburst sped up his thrusts as much as he could given the vice-like grip Lapis’s pussy had on him. He watched her face contort into a mask of utter bliss while he gave both her nipples a twist. “I’ll go as soft or hard as I want...m-mutt,” he spoke, trying to be assertive.

Lapis stopped herself from giggling, his attempt at dirty talk being more adorable than sexy. She removed a paw from his shoulder and pulled his head down by his goatee so their noses were touching. “Oh, so the pony has some backbone?” she growled, showing off her canines. “Okay, then prove you can be an alpha.”

Blushing, he grabbed a scrap of his shirt and quickly set about tying it around her snout. “That’s enough out of you, uh, dog! You need to be.. Put in your place!”

A naughty thrill went through Lapis. Sure his dirty talk was amatuer but his attempts at taking charge were still admirable. Forcing a glower, she growled and yipped at Sunburst as much as her new binding would allow.

“That’s better.” Sunburst nodded, pushing his glasses up. “You’re yapping was getting on my nerves.” Licking her nose, he began to move again, going rather agonizingly slow.

Lapis whined, moving her hips against his. She could feel every little motion as he made his slow journey out of her. She bucked against his hips trying to get more of him in.

Sunburst hardened his look and gave her tail a sharp yank. “Bad girl!” he snapped, keeping his hand on her tail. “I’m in charge now; that means you go at my pace.” He surprised himself with how forceful he managed to sound, but a part of him liked it. “Is that understood?”

Lapis’s ears perked up and she took a moment to stare at the stallion. It seemed pushing him had given interesting results. She forced her ears to pin to her head, nodded slowly and whined pitifully while giving him literal puppy dog eyes.

“Good dog,” he praised, starting to pick up steam. Catching one of her nipples between his teeth, he gently ground it between them.

Letting out a muffled moan, Lapis closed her eyes and resisted her urge to buck against Sunburst. ‘Oooh... this has been the best dig yet~ I’m totally keeping him~’

Sunburst closed his own eyes, focusing on his own actions. The heat from Lapis felt more intense than when he had been using his fingers. A part of him got the notion he could melt against her. “You’re like a warm blanket, I like that.”

If Lapis could smile at that moment, she would’ve. Instead she opted to moan appreciatively for the stallion. She wrapped her legs tighter, growling softly.

“Now that's a good look for you,” Sunburst teased, roughly grabbing her breast. “Beneath a ‘silly pony’ and loving every second of it.” He rammed into her, moaning wantonly. “Maybe I’ll put a litter of pups in your belly?”

Lapis's tail thumped madly against the ground, imagining herself with a little pup in her arms while their siblings vied for her attention. ‘Being a mom... that does sound nice.’

“Now there's a reaction,” Sunburst noted, kissing her nose. He grunted, his composure starting to wane. “I-I think... I’m close...”

Lapis whined, trying to communicate that the feeling was mutual. One of her hands snaked down to his balls, rolling the sensitive orbs around in an attempt to further coax his orgasm. She was rewarded when he let out a long moan and began to pump his seed into her. A muffled howl escaped her lips as her walls clamped down around him and she joined him in the throes of bliss.

Sunburst panted, reaching a shaky hand up and removing her muzzle. ‘I-I take it it was really good?”

Lapis pulled him into a tight hug, licking his cheek. “Mmm, very good. If that’s your first time, I don't think I'm letting you go any time soon. You’re totally staying with me from now on.”

Sunburst chuckled, returning her hug. “I don't think I'd mind that.” Letting out a content sigh, he let his head rest against the crook of her neck. “I could live in a cave if it meant being with you.”

Lapis giggled, running a hand through his mane. “Lucky for you, I live in an apartment above my shop. No caves for you. Gotta help out around the shop too.”

“I’m good at Math,” Sunburst started, adjusting his glasses. “I can help you balance the books when I’m not doing my Royal Crystaller duties.”

“Shh... just cuddle.” Putting a finger to his mouth, Lapis cut off any more talk. She pulled him close, licking his neck. “Just cuddle, before stuff gets complicated.”

Sunburst nodded, letting himself enjoy the moment. He ran his hand up and down her back, catching himself before he vocally praised her cream-colored fur. Laying his head down on her chest, he smiled, listening to her heart beat.

Lapis sighed softly, holding Sunburst tight. She knew she'd have to tell him the truth about her identity later, but at the moment she wanted to leave the moment unspoiled.

A few months had passed since Lapis's special encounter in the cave. In that time the two had started dating. She had even found a newfound love in antique hunting thanks to him.

In that time she had also saved enough money to hire a full-time employee, a crystal unicorn mare by the name of Rose Quartz. With her help they had been able to craft items capable of holding minor enchantments.

“Have a good night, Rose?” Lapis asked, opening the door for her. “I know you were meeting someone nice.”

Rose nodded, a sheepish smile on her face. “Yeah, I met this guitar player out at the market and little while back.” She held up a hand, preempting a quip from Lapis. “I know, cliche as it is he's really sweet. He doesn't pretend to be deep just because he's a musician.”

“I’m happy for you.” She pat her shoulder, smiling. “You’ll have to tell me more about him later, alright?”

“And how are things with your stallion, boss?” Rose questioned, taking off her jacket and stepping into the shop. “Still sweet enough to give cavities to anypony watching?”

“You know it.” Chuckling softly, Lapis sat down at her desk. “Hey, Sunny! You coming down or what?!” She called back up the stairs.

“Sorry honey!” he called back, his voice muffled. “I'm using that product you recommended for my mane and beard! Can't be unkempt for the customers!”

Lapis giggled, shaking her head. “See what I have to put up with?”

Rose sat down at her own desk, waving a hand. “Stallions are so high maintenance. It's no wonder so many mares don't bother with them.”

“I don’t know about that. My family is the exact opposite.” Lapis giggled, beginning her work. “Maybe I’ll tell you about it someday.”

“Sounds good to me, boss,” Rose replied, getting to work herself. “I'll buy us drinks, in my experience, opening up about family is best done with a buzz going.”

Lapis chuckled to herself, focusing on her work. “Okay, Rose.”

The two were only at their orders for a few minutes more before Sunburst walked down. He quickly made his way to Lapis and kissed her cheek. “You ladies having fun?”

Lapis returned the gesture, smiling. “I'm making custom wedding rings for one of our regulars, Aquamarine.”

“Ooh, that’s pretty nice.” Moving to his desk, Sunburst took his seat. “Anything else interesting on the list?”

“Well, I’ve been itching to make a set out of that alexandrite I dug up. Trying to decide if I want to pair it with silver or gold. Did you ever look up the market value for alexandrite? I wanna give the customers a fair price.”

Sunburst looked through his papers, clicking his tongue. “Uh... here it is! Fifty bits per kilogram of uncut alexandrite.”

Lapis leaned over, took the paper and put it somewhere she could see. “I knew I kept you around for a reason, Sunny!”

The trio fell into a nice rhythm, getting through their work at a happy pace. Eventually, closing time came and Rose left the two of them to close up. Lapis glanced at Sunburst, pulling a letter out of her desk.

“Hey, Sunny, I need you to read something,” she spoke, holding the letter out.

Adjusting his glasses he took the letter with a quirked brow. “A letter? What's this all about?” He opened it and took a seat at his desk to read.

Lapis fidgitted, gripping her desk hard enough for her claws to leave a mark. The others had had success with keeping their significant others after revealing the truth. She prayed to Faust she wouldn’t break the streak.

His eyes widened and he put the letter down. “Lapis, what's all this about clones?”

“I’m a clone,” she admitted, looking down at her paws. “Spawned from chaos infused candies from the original Sweetie Drops.”

“No wonder you don't like to talk about family,” he commented, looking down at his hooves. “This is crazy.”

“Y-yeah...” she agreed, peeking up at him. “D-do you want to leave?”

“What?” Sunburst questioned, his head shooting up. “Why would you ask that? Do you want me to leave?”

“No!” Lapis practically tackled him, nuzzling his head. “I never, ever, ever want you to leave, Sunny!”

Sunburst wheezed, needing a moment to catch his breath. “Lapis, this is just a lot to take in. It doesn't change how I feel.”

“Good!” Her tail wagging a mile a minute, Lapis licked his head. “You still have to sign the vow of secrecy but, we can do that later.” Grabbing a box off a shelf, she opened it. “Now, I have something else for you.” Beaming, she put a collar around his neck, sporting an emblem of a dog’s head in her colors. “There, now everyone can see who you belong to.”

“Hey!” Sunburst cried, feigning protest while he scratched behind her ear. “I'm in charge sometimes!”

“Sometimes,” she conceded, dragging her tongue along his horn. “This isn’t one of those times.” Slapping his ass, she pointed to the stairs. “Get ready for me, I’ll be right up.”

Sunburst shook his head, getting up. “Do you want me in an outfit or just that pair of underwear you like?”

“Surprise me!” She called after him, doing a quick clean up of the shop. Lapis sighed in content, looking at a picture of herself and Sunburst at a park. Her name was Lapis Lazuli and she had a wonderful life. Smiling brightly, she made her way up the stairs, confident she had found her place in the world.