Rarity and Octavia

Thanks to Blackroses169 for the request!

This chapter will be humanized non-pony clop

Categories: Human, Lesbian, Dressmaking

Warnings: None

-----------

“Rhythm and Tempo”

~-~-~-~

Rarity rubbed the bridge of her nose as she leaned back, probably the first time she had looked away from the intricate needle work for an hour. This particular dress called for an incredibly intricate embroidery job on the hem, and Rarity couldn’t very well accomplish it with magic. This took precision and focus to accomplish, so she had to use her hands. The day was late, with the long, lancing beams of sunlight cutting through the windows at a steep angle. How long had she worked on this piece? Four hours? Five? Secretly, Rarity was thankful she hadn’t heard the tinkle of the bell above the store’s door…

Leaning back in, Rarity managed to complete the last bit of embroidery in another half an hour, the entire thing tying together in such a perfect fashion… Smiling, Rarity snipped the thread and sat back, looking over her work. Not a single stitch out-of-place. Perfect. Rarity placed the dress on the display mannequin and stretched.

“Ooh,” She groaned, feeling the joints in her back pop. “I must get a better chair… This is murder on my posture.” With a sigh, Rarity began to clean her workstation, all the stray bits of thread and fabric, scissors and needles laying about… She was nearly finished when the bell to her boutique rang.

“Hello?” An airy, soft voice called out, female, late twenties… Rarity furrowed her brow and curiously peeked her head around the corner.

“Oh. Hello, darling! One moment, and I’ll be right with you!” Rarity smiled. A customer. A new face. Raven black hair and a moderate figure. It was surprising to meet someone this late in the day, and a coincidence that it was just before she closed. Rarity bustled about, using her magic to levitate items to their proper home before smoothing her blouse and entering the boutique proper. “It’s not very often I get a customer this late in the evening. How are you, dear?”

“I’m fine, thank you.” The woman smiled at Rarity, a dignified, restrained sort of smile… Rarity could tell, this woman was no farm pony’s wife. She had likely never even visited Ponyville before… “Is this… Carousel Boutique?”

“Yes it is indeed,” Rarity beamed. “I am Rarity, owner and designer. Is there anything I can help you find?” The other person smiled and offered her hand, which Rarity took daintily.

“I’m Octavia. Pleased to meet you.” Octavia was a person of restrained beauty. Her long, black hair was silken and smooth-looking. In the low light, it had a beautiful sheen to it, and the way her squared bangs framed her pixie-like face, Rarity was rather mesmerized. She could tell immediately this was a woman who was very restrained… She dressed moderately, and carried herself with a shy air. In fact, Rarity wondered if this person ever let her beauty shine at all. Even now, she crossed her hands in front of her, her shoulders slumped, her gaze almost always on the floor. Rarity thought it was a crime against fashion to let beauty, subtle or otherwise, be diminished in any form.

“Well, Octavia. What can I help you with?”

“Truth be told, I have a… Request of sorts.” Octavia muttered, glancing around at the dresses.

“A commission? I charge extra, but I get the feeling price isn’t that much of an issue…” Despite the bland appearance of Octavia’s simple slacks and dull white blouse, they were expensive… She was likely from Manehattan or Canterlot.

“I… Have a performance coming up, with a rather important solo. I’m afraid I’m going to be the centerpiece of attention for well over half of it… I… I’ve heard of your dresses from many people in Canterlot, and upon seeing some myself…” Octavia reached out to run the fabric of one such dress through her fingers. “I’d like it very much if you could create the piece for me.” She smiled softly.

“A… Solo? Musical performance?” Rarity began to connect the dots, the gears turning in her head. “Wait… Are you the Octavia? Cellist for the Grand Canterlot Symphony?” Rarity’s heart hammered in her ears as Octavia nodded solemnly, hiding behind her bangs once more. In all her years of designing dresses, many of them for important occasions and people, Rarity still found herself starstruck when famous celebrities and other notable figures made their way to her small, humble boutique.

“Goodness, darling, I’d be honored!” Rarity flustered for a bit, smiling wide as she covered her blush with a hand. “Come, come, let me get your measurements! Ooh, we should go with something bold… Yellow!”

“Eer-“

“Hmm, you have a full figure. Wide hips, I like it! We’ll accentuate them!”

“I, uh-“

“Sequins! Darling, with the brightest Amethyst! Wahahaa!” Rarity pulled Octavia up onto a platform, summoning a measuring tape forth automatically. Off to the side, a pen and paper hovered, scribbling down numbers as she started winding the tape around Octavia’s body one way or another.

“E-excuse me, I-“

“Bust, oh my, darling! A hearty Thirty-six inches!”

“I don’t think-“

“Waist, hmm… Twenty seven and… A quarter. Hips, Oh my… Thirty-eight… You’re no size six, that’s for sure… This might prove tricky.”

“S-sorry, but I-“

“Hmm? Rarity smiled up at Octavia, having been almost completely lost her attention on Octavia’s figure. Despite her meek appearance, the cellist had a surprisingly full figure. A slender waist and core, but full and wide hips… Her thighs were awfully thick as well. This would be a tricky dress. Rarity had almost lost her train of thought, the measuring tape slowly inching forward as if it were about to take the measure of Octavia’s inseam. The musician’s hands stopped it immediately, and Rarity blinked as she looked up at Octavia’s flushed face.

“I… If I may.”

“Sorry, darling.” Rarity released the tape from her magical hold, setting the pad of paper down. “I tend to get a little carried away. Go ahead.” She smiled warmly, trying to ignore the fact that she had all but molested the lead cellist for the most important symphony in Equestria.

“Eer, I tend to allow the artist do their own thing… Being a musician myself, I understand how important it is to express oneself through your work…” Octavia gently stepped down from the platform, smoothing her blouse at her hips. “So, if you’d like, do what you want with the dress. No input from me. Whatever you think best.”

“Oh.” Rarity appeared crestfallen. Half of what she did required input from the commissioner, some opinion about one nuance of the piece or another. Be it the color scheme, a bit of embroidery, where the seam lay here or there… In fact, Rarity couldn’t recall a piece that she didn’t meld her ideas with the requester’s… The exception being Rarity’s independent work, but none of those were requests…

Here, though… Octavia was requesting that she do something on her own. With no input. For a customer. Specifically.

“I… I must say, darling, you’ve put me in the spotlight…”

“I’m sorry,” Octavia muttered, rubbing her arm self-consciously. “I don’t mean to.” She looked so sad in that moment. Rarity swallowed hard, standing from her chair and taking Octavia’s hands in her own.

“Don’t worry about it, darling. One must always challenge oneself, no? When do you need the dress by?” She asked, a ghost of a smile on her face.

“I… The performance is in two weeks… Could I have you deliver it to Canterlot the day of? Would that be best?” Rarity smiled at her encouragingly.

“No problem at all, darling… I’ll have your dress finished and delivered the day of the performance.” Octavia smiled at that, moving her hand so she cupped Rarity’s inbetween her own.

“Thank you, Rarity… And, I would be honored if you would attend the performance…”

“Darling! That’s quite the offer!” Rarity was shocked. Tickets to a Canterlot Symphony could run as high as her usual commission charge. “I dare say that would cover the cost of the dress itself!”

“Oh, you misunderstand…” Octavia whimpered, blushing again. “I… I’m prone to have… Wardrobe malfunctions.” She laid her hands on her wide hips. “Trust me when I say I’ve had plenty of dressmakers, and none of them have been able to… Heh… Nail my hips.”

“Hmm… You’ve had issues with snug fits before?” Rarity said, walking a slow circle around Octavia.

“Popped seams, exposed undergarments, you name it…” Octavia admitted with a blush. “So… I’d rather have you attend the performance, just in case.”

“Perfectly understandable, dear…” Rarity stopped behind the cellist, her eyes taking in the wide, flaring curves of Octavia’s backside. She could see why the musician was a tricky fit… This dress would be a challenge indeed. “Hmm…” She leaned in, eyes narrowed as she looked over the protruding hip bone just above Octavia’s thigh.

“What are you… Looking at?” Octavia asked gently, snapping Rarity’s attention. She realized then that she had actually dropped to a knee, closely surveying the curve of Octavia’s hip from behind.

“Oh… Oh! Darling, my apologies… Work, and all.” She flustered, rubbing the back of her neck as she stood up. “I… Was trying to picture the curve…”

“Oh… For a second, I thought you were… Well… Staring at my-“

“No! Heavens no, darling! I mean, don’t get me wrong, you have a very attractive…” Rarity let the thought trail off, both of them blushing furiously at one another. She honestly hadn’t been thinking of Octavia’s posterior in any sense other than professional, but she could see how her attention could be misinterpreted. “My apologies,”

“No offense taken,”

“I mean, it is a very-“

“And, like I said, wardrobe issues in the past.”

“Right, so I wanted to make sure-“

“Did you… Get a good enough look?” Octavia’s cheeks were crimson. Rarity swallowed hard, her own flush deepening.

“I should think so, yes.”

“Because, if you need to get measurements or… Or something, I…”

“N-not necessary! I think I can do just fine!” Rarity waved her hands, taking a step back.

“Right. Sorry. Eer, do you need the date…?”

“It’ll be the seventeenth, correct?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll be there, darling. And don’t worry… On-scene repairs will be free.” Despite her embarrassment, Rarity still managed a sly wink, which made Octavia smile.

“Okay… Then… Thank you.” Octavia blushed again, taking a hesitant step backwards. “Is that everything you needed?” Rarity glanced down at the pad with the various measurements scribbled on it, still flushed a little.

“It should be. Thank you, darling. See you in two weeks.”

“Goodbye…” As Octavia smiled once more, her cheeks still tinged with the soft blush, Rarity waved back. The cellist left her store, and as soon as she was gone, Rarity flipped the sign around to ‘Closed’ and threw the lock. She collapsed into her workstation’s chair, sighing heavily.

A dress for the first-chair cellist of the Royal Canterlot Symphony… This HAS to be my best Ensemble’ yet! IT MUST! Eyes flashing, Rarity pulled out a sheet of paper and charcoal… She was inspired.

She had to create.

-------------

It took her a week to get everything perfect. Between Octavia’s commission and others that she had to work on, Rarity slept little and spoke to few people. What time she had was spent fine-tuning the dress. She normally did this for large or important projects, so her friends understood her absence, and let her be. When she was finished with the dress, though, Rarity took a full day to go over it once more, ensuring that every little detail was in place before she could call it finished.

At long last, Rarity was done, and the dress was ready for the performance. She had five days to go, so she took a short break, enough to relax and recuperate from the lack of sleep and social interaction. The only difference between this and other commissions was that nobody in Ponyville would see it… Normally, her dresses were the envy of everybody, and she displayed them proudly. But the nature of this commission required secrecy and confidentiality. Her friends were curious. Her regular customers were intrigued. Everyone wanted to know about her newest dress… But Rarity didn’t say anything to anyone. Not for this dress.

Not for Octavia.

The day before the performance, Rarity packed well, making sure the dress was both preserved and well-concealed. A small party accompanied her to the station, begging to see it, making many excuses, mostly that all of them wouldn’t be at the symphony to see the dress, to see what Rarity had planned. But Rarity simply could not risk it. She promised to return with photographs, stories, and possibly the dress itself. There were many times a requester didn’t want to keep the dress, so Rarity returned it to her store. There were perhaps a dozen such pieces acting as displays or placeholders. Sometimes, Rarity could retrofit them for new wearers… She actually rather hoped this dress would return, just so her friends and customers could see it.

Rarity arrived in Canterlot late-evening, tired from the long train ride and the past two weeks of hard work. When she checked into her hotel, she hardly had enough time to unpack the dress, iron out the wrinkles, and repair any damage from the travel before she collapsed into the warm bed and fell asleep.

When she awoke late into the next morning, Rarity felt more rested and relaxed than she had in two whole weeks. This was good, since she had travelled just yesterday, and had an important engagement that day. Her first priority was the dress. Second was her appearance. After an extended shower and primping session, Rarity was dressed in a high-class dress, sequined and simple, at least when it was compared to her creation. She wore sleeve gloves, and carried a simple purse. Using her magic, she carried the sleeve with the dress out of the hotel, into a nearby cab, and held it close all the way to the concert hall.

After a quick meeting with the stage director, Rarity was led to Octavia’s private dressing room, which was currently vacant. Rarity took a few moments to unpack the dress, set it up behind a curtain, and fret over small details… Thankfully, there was nothing wrong. When Rarity was finished setting up, the dress looked every bit as stunning as it did before she left Ponyville. Perfect.

“Yes, thank you. No, I understand. I’ll be ready in an hour. Thank you.” Rarity turned as Octavia entered the room, smiling brightly. “Oh. Rarity! Goodness, I didn’t expect you to be here already.” Octavia held a hand over her heart, smiling to herself as she looked up at Rarity standing before the drawn curtain. “Is it ready?”

“Oh yes, I should think so. Darling, you may want to sit down.” Octavia peered at her quizzically for a moment before pulling up a chair and sitting down. Rarity smiled as she grasped the curtain, slowly pulling it aside to reveal the dress.

“… Fuck me.”

------------

Rarity turned her eyes towards the stage as the symphony went through a sound check, the low, swelling sound of a hundred instruments being checked filled the auditorium. The low chatter died down, and everything aside from the symphony fell silent. Rarity felt her heart hammer in her chest. The moment she had been waiting for was at hand. Soundcheck over, the symphony fell silent… In the breath of time before the next strain of haunting music started, a chill ran up Rarity’s spine…

It started slow. The low, thrumming sound of a cello floated outwards from the pitch-black stage, washing over the audience with it’s enchanting wail. Rarity knew what would happen next… But nobody else did. When the lights went up, and the music leapt into a faster tempo than should have been possible, the collective gasp took her by surprise.

Octavia’s dress glimmered and shined with the healthy golden glow of light on her, but more than that, the enchanted sequins inlaid into the fabric cast rays of light across the entire audience. As Octavia’s hand bobbed back and forth, guiding the bow across the strings, the glittering pinpricks of light flashed and danced in time with the music. The light slowly faded, revealing the nuances of the dress, reducing the dancing rays to pinpricks of glittering light. Octavia played impossibly fast, both of her arms moving masterfully through the cascade of notes, her head bobbing in time with the tempo.

Rarity knew the amber-colored dress so well she could pick out the tiniest details even from where she sat, and even then, the overall effect of the dress was not lost on her. She smiled wide, lost in the enchantment of the moment along with everyone else. The dress, designed to make Octavia look even more slender than she was, still hugged her full hips but didn’t accentuate them. It made her look skinny all around, the slender fall of the skirt hugging her all the way down to her calves. A slit up the side offered mobility, but whenever Octavia stood still, the magically-magnetized fabric clung tight together, hugging her every curve, accentuating and blending it all together. The layered fabric hugged her close, but wouldn’t rip or tear if she took a step, which was a natural motion that made the hips swell.

What’s more, the plunging V-neck revealed a fair amount of Octavia’s pale cleavage, the bust lifting and supporting her moderate breasts. Octavia’s flesh offset the deep amber color of the dress, all the more defined by her beautiful, raven-black hair. It hung naturally down her back, several long locks covering her front as well, but none of it on her arms. Rarity left her arms completely bare, letting her natural flesh tone and muscular structure compliment the dress, rather than the dress compliment them…

All in all, it was the most masterful piece of work she had ever accomplished. Accompanied by the music, Rarity was moved beyond speech. Beyond rational thought. She took a journey through slow and fast music, Octavia’s solo sojourn into the seldom-explored realm of solo cello arrangements guiding her through so many emotional and spiritual ups and downs. She cried. She laughed. She sighed. She felt fulfilled, inspired, unworthy, hope and despair all in equal measure.

When the last chord faded off into nothing, Rarity could count four whole seconds inbetween the last sound of music and the first smattering of hesitant claps. Slowly, it grew into full-on applause. Before long, the entire auditorium was on it’s feet, cheering and applauding the most beautiful thing any of them had seen in ages…

On stage, Rarity saw Octavia look up into the lights, her slender neck bathed in light… Before the curtain closed, Rarity saw a single tear slide down her cheek.

“Miss Rarity.” Someone tapped her arm gently, tearing her focus off of the dark curtains. She blinked several times. People were moving, talking, making for the exits. It was time for the break. Rarity blinked at the person seeking her attention, still rather shocked. “Miss Octavia requires your assistance. She needs a costume change.”

“Oh. Oh! Okay.” Rarity grabbed her things and followed the man out into the hallways, through the crowd all talking excitedly about what had just transpired, and into the backstage area. Rarity knocked respectfully on Octavia’s changing room door, and was promptly answered with a sad smile.

“Rarity. Thank you. I don’t know how to take this dress off without damaging it.”

“Of course, darling. Here, let me.” Rarity slipped inside the dressing room, following Octavia to the changing screen. She silently set in on undoing the hidden buttons and clasps used to secure the dress, and even went so far as dispelling the magnetic spell keeping the skirt held tight. All the while, Octavia trembled under her touch. “Darling? Is everything okay?” Rarity had to ask. Octavia was shaking uncontrollably.

“That was… The single most emotional experience… Of my entire career.” When Octavia turned her head around to Rarity, it was with tears in her eyes and a bright smile on her lips. “I owe it all to you, Rarity.”

“I don’t think tha- MFF!” Rarity’s eyes went wide as Octavia suddenly stepped forward, her lips pressing against Rarity’s smoothly. She stood there, wide-eyed and shocked at the new development, her heart hammering fast in her chest. Slowly, though, she melted into the embrace. Her hands went from undoing the dress to resting on Octavia’s hips, pulling the musician closer. Octavia slid her hands over Rarity’s neck, pulling her tight, their lips now sealed in a passionate embrace.

“Haah,” Rarity let out a shaky breath as the kiss ended, her heart beating fast and hard. “I… I don’t think I could ever have expected that.”

“I owe you so much, Rarity…” Octavia whimpered, her fingers tightening on the back of Rarity’s neck. “Can… Can we please continue this… After?” Rarity swallowed hard, her cheeks flushed at the not-so-subtle offer.

“I think… I would like that very much…” Octavia kissed her again suddenly, stealing Rarity’s breath, making her legs weak. The cellist smoothly slid out of the dress, letting it fall to the floor, standing before Rarity clad in nothing but her bra and panties. Oh how much Rarity would have given to continue this then and there, but a knock sounded from the door. The muffled voice sounded panicked and rushed.

“Five minutes to curtains up!”

“Shit,” Octavia pulled away with a gasp, wiping her lips free of the small bit of saliva they had accumulated. “Help me?”

“Turn around, darling.” Rarity’s hands glowed with a dense aura, her magic gripping all of the laid-out fabric in her telekinetic grip. Octavia raised her arms above her head as Rarity slid the dress on, zipping zippers and securing clasps as she went. While Rarity struggled to make the dress fit the wide-hipped Octavia, the Cellist worked on touching up her makeup and teasing her hair back into place. In two minutes, Octavia was once again dressed, albeit in a markedly less-stunning dress. It was so similar to the same one that the other symphony members wore, black and dull, straight, with next to no defining features. The designer at least had the sense to include sleeve-gloves, as the rest of the symphony members seemed to wear them. It spoke volumes about Octavia’s skill that she could play an instrument so dexterously while wearing the constrictive, slippery silk garment.

“My driver will take you to my home whenever you please. I’ll be there by midnight. Is that too long?” Octavia asked, pulling her gloves up past her elbows, settling the hem around her bicep.

“Hardly. I’ll be waiting for you.” Rarity smiled and leaned in to give Octavia another gentle kiss before they broke apart. Octavia smiled at her, a kind, warm gesture… She left the dressing room with that same smile on her face… As the door opened, Rarity heard the hustle and bustle of the backstage concert hall, and then when it shut, silence… The only sound Rarity could hear was the hammering of her heart trying to beat it’s way out of her ribcage…

So much for ‘Never get involved with a customer,’ eh, Rarity? With a meek smile, Rarity picked the dress up and re-packed it, mentally preparing herself for the night ahead…

----------

Octavia’s home was less of a home and more of a flat… It occupied the entire top floor of a nearby apartment building… Really, walking distance. Rarity could have saved the driver the trouble of taking her through the choking Canterlot traffic and made it in maybe twice the time it took them. Even in her heels. Nevertheless, she was in awe of the modernly-furnished flat. Despite being a dress designer, Rarity had a passion for interior design as well. A secondary career choice, she had still dabbled whenever the time permitted, and had a knack for it…

Her first priority was, of course, the dress. The nearest closet she could find held the large black bag that kept the dress safe. When she closed the door behind her, she could finally relax. She had done it. Two whole weeks. She had made a masterpiece, revealed it, successfully escorted it, and most importantly, had satisfied her customer…

Well, perhaps not satisfied just yet. When Rarity opened her eyes to look at the modern flat once more, she wore a wide smile.

Octavia’s flat was actually much more well-appointed than Rarity thought it was at first glance. She looked over the leather chairs, the paintings and murals on the wall… Rarity, being as much of a socialite as one could be in a backwoods town like Ponyville, appreciated the finer things… Like abstract art, the way a room would flow, or expensive furnishings… Octavia, or at least her interior designer, had a way of making someone feel at home, even if the place wasn’t their own. The way Rarity’s hand glided over the back of the couch as she walked past felt natural. The paintings were warm or interesting, and warranted a second look as one walked past.

From the entryway, Rarity had access to the entire floor through one door or another. The first door on the left was a den of sorts, with several comfy chairs, book cases, a fireplace, and what looked to be a drink stand. The door opposite that led into a more modern living room, with a large television, entertainment system, and a fairly impressive collection of music. Octavia seemed to have wide and varied tastes… Everything from classic to modern rock ‘n roll, hip hop, rap, country, singer/songwriters, alternative, classical, and even some edgy metal bands… Unless Rarity was mistaken, there were a few dubstep CD’s stacked atop the shelf, like they hadn’t quite found their place yet. One such case was open, displaying it’s empty inside. Curiously, Rarity turned on the sound system…

The first blast of bass nearly made her jump from her skin. Scrambling, she jammed the power button… Some music just wasn’t made to be listened to, she guessed… Leaving the living room, she entered a dining room, nothing special, just a table large enough to seat eight… Connected to that was a modern-looking kitchen. Rarity didn’t bother poking through the cabinets, though the fridge appeared to be well-stocked. Across the hall from that was what Rarity guessed would be the guest bedroom… Sparsely furnished, but with warm colors, Rarity left that for later and moved on… The last three rooms along the hallway were a mystery still.

The second-to-last door on the left was the master bathroom. Rarity almost gleaned over it, but had to stop to take a second look. “My goodness…” She breathed, standing at the edge of what looked to be a massive bathtub. Why, it was large enough for someone to swim around in it! The entire bathroom, it seemed, catered to this one feature. Sure, there was a shower off in the corner somewhere, and it held all the hair care products and body wash that any woman would need… Nothing too much extra…

But this bathtub… Around it were bottles of oil, bubble bath, soaps, lotion, and so many other unlabeled bottles that Rarity couldn’t begin to put her finger on. She sniffed at one such bottle curiously, but wrinkled her nose at the acrid scent. Best not to snoop, she figured… While the night held many promises, Rarity hoped that a bath would be one of them.

Next to the massive bathroom was the bedroom… Yet another impressive display of interior design, this bedroom sported a massive bed, large enough for five people to sleep on comfortably. Against the wall closer to the bathroom was a vanity with more products and bottles, most of these along the lines of hairspray or body lotion. The thing that interested Rarity the most, though, was the balcony. With a wide expression of wonder, Rarity slipped through the sliding glass door and out onto the wide balcony. Twenty stories up, the high rise apartment building stood taller than most others around it, giving Rarity an almost unobstructed view of all the glimmering, sparkling lights of Canterlot beneath her.

The sun had gone down a few hours ago, before the performance. Now, only the white pinpricks of the stars in the sky and the golden layout of lights beneath her lit the dark mountainside… Rarity stood in awe at the beautiful display of the city, the sky, and the countryside… Rarity could stay up here for hours…

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Octavia’s accented, gentle voice didn’t even scare Rarity as she slipped up to the edge of the balcony. “I always loved this view…”

“I can see why you would want to live in the city… Personally, I never liked it… But this… This is amazing.” Rarity glanced at the cellist, noting that she was wearing another simple blouse and her slacks.

“Not nearly as amazing as that dress…” Octavia muttered softly, blushing a little. Rarity didn’t know what to say that wouldn’t sound vain, so she remained quiet, turning her gaze back to the city. The silenced stretched on for only a few moments, the two of them happy to stand by one another’s side, looking out at the lights. After a while, though, Octavia broke the silence.

“I’m sorry if I was misleading when I asked you to come over…” She muttered softly. Rarity blinked and turned to look at her.

“Whatever do you mean?”

“I just… I don’t know. I get excited during performances, and I may have said something or acted brashly… More so since that dress was so beautiful and elegant and… I’m sorry. I don’t want to make the wrong impression by asking you to my home. I just… I-“

“Shh.” Rarity cut her off, stepping forward and raising her fingertips to Octavia’s lips. The cellist gasped softly, but didn’t move as Rarity smiled at her. “I see no false pretenses here, Octavia… Kiss me like you did before, and I will hold nothing against you this entire night.” Rarity could see the relief flood through Octavia’s expression at her words. Slowly, the two of them came together, their hands and arms wrapping around one another in a tangled embrace. When Octavia’s lips met hers once more, Rarity could feel the shudder run up her spine. She moaned into the other’s lips, feeling every curve of their bodies press as close as they could in that moment.

“Aah…” Octavia let out a soft breath when the kiss reluctantly came to an end, her chest rising and falling smoothly and deeply. “It’s been… A really long time since I’ve… Had someone. Forgive me if I’m a bit… Enthusiastic.”

You don’t know the half of it, dear… Rarity thought to herself as she grinned. Her lips met Octavia’s once more, this time with quite a bit more force and eagerness. Her tongue slipped out of her mouth, almost acting of it’s own volition as it slowly teased Octavia’s lips open. The cellist shuddered noticeably as Rarity’s tongue sought it’s way inside, slipping over her teeth to greet her own shy, hesitant tongue. Rarity tasted Octavia’s mouth… A fleshy, slippery, wonderful texture, a very slight taste of fruit and whatever it was she had drank last… Grape juice?

“Aahn!” Octavia pulled her mouth away with a gasp, her back arching slightly as Rarity dug her fingernails in just a little…

“Good?” Rarity teased, pulling Octavia tight against her front. Almost reluctantly, the musician nodded, her hands shaking as she slid them up Rarity’s back.

“I… Have a thing for scratching…” She murmured, her hot breath washing over Rarity’s collarbone. She shivered a little, moaning as she gave Octavia another teasing bit of pressure. Octavia gasped once more, her breath shaking with restrained pleasure. “P-please…” She groaned. Rarity loosened her grip, wondering if perhaps she had taken it too far…? “On my skin?” Not far enough. With a smile, Rarity pulled up on the fabric, un-tucking Octavia’s blouse, pulling the hem up over her sides. “Aah…” Octavia’s chest sagged as she let out a long breath, her round hips finally exposed to the chill air outside.

“Perhaps… If we’re going to disrobe soon, we ought to move inside…?” Rarity offered.

“Yeah…” Octavia panted, nodding slightly. As she pulled away, the wrinkled edge of her blouse fell, covering her skin before Rarity could get a good look at it… Not that it mattered. The way things were going now, she would likely see all of Octavia’s body… Much more than she had been able to glimpse in the changing room. Still, as she followed the seductive sway of Octavia’s wide rear, her full thighs and round hips, her imagination wandered…

“Do you… Want me to take it off now…?” Octavia murmured slightly, turning around and blushing at Rarity. Her hands hovered on the bottom button of her shirt, as if she were hesitant.

“Why don’t you let me…?” Rarity offered, taking a few shy steps forward. Octavia inhaled as if she were about to say something, but when Rarity’s fingers peeled her hands away, she couldn’t resist. With a soft sigh, she dropped her hands, letting Rarity work at the button with a dexterous, almost experienced touch… Inch by inch, the fabric parted, though Rarity couldn’t see what she was exposing. Her eyes were closed, focusing instead on the feeling, the touch…

For Rarity, putting on clothes, or more importantly, taking them off, had always been akin to a sexual experience… Slowly revealing what lay beneath, unraveling the mystery… It always had a sense of allure for her. Like unwrapping a Christmas present. She thought it a shame to quickly strip oneself bare, to remove all the layers rapidly and get right to it… It ruined the suspense, the anticipation… Previously, she had been working. Taking off Octavia’s dress hadn’t been anything special. Putting her in the new one had been rushed and felt silly… But now, when she was taking her time…

Rarity was wet enough to have soaked through her panties before she reached the last button.

“Aah…” Octavia shuddered as Rarity threw the last one, opening her blouse at the front completely. Rarity pressed close, slipping her hands under the hem of the shirt. She caressed what lay beneath, pressing close so her body was pressed tight to Octavia’s… She didn’t pull it off yet, keeping the fabric around her shoulders and her arms… She just enjoyed the feeling of bare skin under her hands, slowly caressing Octavia’s back and sides, from the edge of her ribs to the hem of her slacks…

When Octavia finally shrugged out of her blouse, the fabric smoothly cascading past her pale flesh, falling to the ground in a heap… Rarity groaned audibly. She had seen Octavia’s bra before. It hadn’t been anything special. A sturdy black piece, strapless to keep her shoulders free, four hooks and no lace. It was utilitarian. But it was what lay behind that had Rarity panting like a bitch in heat.

Octavia had a moderate bust. It wasn’t quite as large as Rarity’s own, but it was respectable. Larger than any of her friends, that much was certain. Her shaky, erratic breath made the gentle mounds of flesh rise and fall slightly, swelling against the hem of the fabric… Rarity could almost see the very edge of her areola peeking through the fabric… Just barely there… Maybe… Almost…

“Uuuhhn…” Octavia’s low, throaty moan was unlike any previous. Her voice had been light and airy until then, with a thick accent and a very dignified air… She was a proper socialite, a member of a high-class society of elite personalities. Maybe she didn’t want to be, or maybe she was forced into it, but she was part of it nevertheless. Rarity knew. Octavia knew. No proper lady would ever have made that noise.

But this wasn’t a proper scenario. And Rarity was anything but a proper lady behind bedroom doors herself. With a warm blush, Rarity slid her hands up to Octavia’s shoulders, digging her nails in and slowly, painfully dragging them down. Every muscle in Octavia’s body clenched as she pressed tighter. Rarity could feel the swell of her breasts heaving up and down as the cellist shuddered and panted. Her hot breath wafted over the fine hairs on Rarity’s neck, making her shudder and moan in return. She slid over the wide clasp of the bra before completing the motion, all the way down to the small of Octavia’s back. The scratch was hard enough to be felt, but not quite enough to leave white marks… At least, not yet…

“Please…” Octavia panted, her knees shaking as she pressed closer. “Can we… Lie down? I don’t think I can stand anymore…” Rarity nodded quickly, readily taking Octavia’s offer. Together, the two of them stretched out side-by-side on top of Octavia’s large bed. They kept enough distance to admire one another, but were easily close enough that they could embrace. Rarity hooked her ankle with Octavia’s, keeping her legs occupied while she slowly slid her hands up and down Octavia’s bare sides.

“Okay…” Rarity panted. “It’s my turn to apologize now… I… I like taking things slowly…” She whispered, leaning forward so her words made her lips brush against Octavia’s. “So forgive me if I go to slow… Feel free to, you know… Nudge me on.”

“I’ll -hnn… Try to remember that…” Octavia moaned. Rarity could tell by the way Octavia’s thighs squirmed that things were progressing perfectly fine for her. Still, Rarity craved more. Her insatiable appetite carried her fingers around to Octavia’s back, teasing the hooks of her strapless, black bra. Octavia drew a breath in, holding it as one by one, Rarity pulled the hooks free.

“Aah…” The last one popped free, releasing it’s burden. Octavia’s breath rushed out of her mouth, making Rarity close her eyes and savor the feel of it washing over her neck. She laid a hand flat inbetween Octavia’s shoulderblades, massaging her gently, relaxing her new partner with the simple, circular motion. “That feels really… Really good…” Octavia whimpered softly, her muscles slowly releasing their pent-up tension. Maybe it was because she played the cello, but Octavia’s shoulders were much more broad than an average woman’s. Her physique was still markedly feminine, though, her wide hips offsetting the firm upper body. She was remarkably attractive…

“Can you… Can you touch them?” Octavia muttered slightly, her chest rising and falling a little more rapidly now.

“I plan on it, darling…” Rarity said quietly, kissing her lips for a brief, tender moment. “I plan on touching all of you if I can…”

“That sounds nice,” Octavia panted, quickly kissing Rarity again. She groaned, making Rarity shiver with the implied meaning of that soft, throaty whimper. Rarity had had enough teasing by now. Slowly, she pulled away, her fingers hooking the bra and drawing it off of Octavia’s chest.

Her breasts were flawless.

Not a single nuance out-of-place, they were the perfect size and shape. Perky and firm, but soft to the touch. They moved when Rarity touched them, but stayed perfectly still otherwise. She was sure that rough motions would make them jump or jiggle… But laying as she was, they stayed perfectly in-place, the flesh taut, spotted with goosebumps…

“Oh my…” Rarity whispered softly, looking down at the magnificent pair of fleshy orbs. “That’s… Wow.”

“Th-thanks,” Octavia muttered, blushing furiously. Even in the dim, ambient light coming through the windows, Rarity could still see the red tinge on her cheeks. Hesitantly, her hands cupped both breasts, feeling the smooth texture underneath her touch. “Aah…” Octavia sagged down into the sheets, almost like relieving another level of stress. She stretched her arms over her head, her eyes closing from pleasure as Rarity took a little more liberty to massage, squeeze, and even pinch her skin. What’s more, each time her nails would dig in, whether intentionally or otherwise, Octavia would give the cutest, most arousing gasp or even a tiny squeal. By the time Rarity had had her fill of groping, both of them were blushing and eager for more.

“M-may I?” Octavia asked softly, her fingers rising to slide under the hem of Rarity’s own dress.

“Please…” Rarity panted, nodding eagerly. “Go right ahead.” Octavia moved a little faster than Rarity had, and perhaps a little less gracefully… Given that she had just been teased well over the edge of what any normal person could handle, though, Rarity didn’t blame her… Not to mention, she would be lying if she said she wasn’t eager to be rid of her own clothes… Octavia slid the zipper down to the small of her back slowly, her free hand following it to part the fabric from her back. Rarity groaned as the dress loosened around her chest, only the constrictive fabric of her own bra left hugging her heaving chest. She felt the tension on her breasts release just a bit, but the weight of her own physical endowment made the bra dig in just a little more…

“Wow…” Octavia said softly, her eyes very pointedly looking down to Rarity’s heaving cleavage. “I didn’t think they were… THAT big…”

“I’m… Very lucky, I guess…” Rarity groaned, her eyes slowly closing. “You can… Take it off, if you want.”

“O-okay…” Octavia blushed, her fingers pulling the shoulder straps of Rarity’s dress down her arms. Rarity shrugged out of them, feeling her dress bunch around her waist. Octavia slid her hands up Rarity’s arms, over her collarbone, down and over her sides, around to her back… She winced as the clasp pinched her a little, but soon enough, all the pain in her chest was gone. Freed from their prison, her breasts swung forward, jiggling slightly as the bra popped free, falling to the bed helplessly.

Her nipples were already hard, peppered with gooseflesh, and standing straight up. Octavia’s were the same after the teasing, which only made Rarity appreciate the sensation of freedom all the more. Her head swam wonderfully, feeling so relaxed and natural around Octavia… Whether it was their mutual appreciation for the finer things, or the natural attraction towards one another’s physique… Whatever it was, Rarity was more turned on and eager than she could ever recall in recent memory…

Apparently, so was Octavia. With a hot breath, she opened her mouth and sat up, quickly pulling a hearty portion of Rarity’s breast into her mouth. The sudden feeling of warmth and wetness, the slippery feel of Octavia’s tongue, the way she sucked just a little… It nearly made Rarity collapse. She slid her hands into Octavia’s magnificent head of raven hair, pulling the long strands tight, feeling her chest twitch with the sudden onset of warm, slippery pleasure. Octavia sucked eagerly, sending a soft tingle of pain accompanied by a whole wave of pleasure throughout all of Rarity’s body. If she was wet before, Rarity was dripping now… Her crotch ached with the desire for attention, but Rarity was perfectly happy letting herself ooze and flex for now. She was positive there would be some attention paid down there before long.

“Aah!” Rarity gasped out loud, her back arching as she felt a firm flash of pain lance into her chest.

“Sorry,” Octavia released her skin with a firm pant, her hot breath pulsing against Rarity’s chest. “I… I couldn’t help it.”

“Did… Did you just bite me?” Rarity whimpered, looking down at Octavia.

“Y-yes… I’m sorry.”

“Don’t you dare apologize.” Rarity pulled Octavia’s lips against her breast once more. “Do it again.” Octavia whimpered as her mouth opened again, moving to a different spot. She sucked a mouthful of flesh inbetween her lips, clamping her teeth down on it as she sucked. The shot of pleasure and pain in equal measure made Rarity shake atop Octavia, her entire body tingling all over.

“Ooohh,” She groaned, straight from the throat, and completely indecent. Her stomach twitched and her breathing pulsed hot and heavy through her. She wanted more. She needed more. So help her, she was going to take more if Octavia didn’t give it to her… Thankfully, though, Rarity didn’t have to worry about that. Octavia’s teeth bit into her breast again, grinding the flesh slightly before releasing the dark mark, her tongue tenderly massaging the pain away into a warm, tingling sense of pleasure.

“Darling,” Rarity panted. “I… I’m so… Hnn!” Another bite cut her off. Octavia’s hand now cupped her breast, pulling Rarity’s hard nipple into her mouth. “Aah! D-darlin-G! HNN!” Rarity fought to keep from crying out as Octavia’s mouth unleashed a storm of licks, kisses, bites, and sucking on her nipple. Each gentle movement was painful, pleasurable, made her sore, eager, and generally just turned Rarity into a big, whimpering ball of womanly flesh. She wasn’t sure when Octavia rolled on top, or when she had spread her legs so wide, but whenever it was, it happened at the perfect time.

“C-can I?” Octavia asked. Rarity had to force herself back into some semblance of consciousness as she glanced down at Octavia. The cellist had her dress bunched around her hips, her fingers hooked through the hem of her panties as well.

“Please.” Rarity whimpered, closing her eyes. “Please. Take them off.” Octavia leaned forward to kiss her stomach smoothly before her fingers began to slowly guide the fabric up and over Rarity’s hips, down her full thighs, and finally off… Rarity was now completely bare, spread open, and eager. Octavia had her whimpering like a drugged date, wetter than a rainstorm, and hotter than the brightest blaze… Rarity had never wanted satisfaction more than she did in that moment, and as Octavia’s kisses pressed into her stomach again and again, it seemed it was closer now than ever before.

Somewhere along the way, the line between kissing and cunnilingus was blurred. Octavia groaned deeply into Rarity’s shaved pubis, her lips caught somewhere between kissing and sucking as she moved ever lower… Rarity felt the tendrils of pleasure shoot into her body, wrapping around her chest and holding her breath hostage. She shuddered and gasped, her hands falling to the sheets. She twisted them into her fists, panting out loud, her tongue waggling in the air, searching for something to taste, something to lick. She had to settle for her own fingers instead. She sucked on her index finger firmly, her tongue dancing over the skin, sending shudders down her spine that clashed with the fresh waves of pleasure coursing from her center.

Octavia was insatiable. Rarity approached the first orgasm rapidly, her body shaking as she fought to even worn her, to let Octavia know how close she was getting. Not as a plea to back away, or as a request to go faster… Just to vocalize. To get it out. As she opened her mouth to speak, though, Octavia’s own mouth wrapped around her clitoris. She felt the swollen nub of nerve endings, the epicenter of her arousal, get dragged rapidly over Octavia’s teeth. With a throaty grunt completely unbecoming of a proper lady, Rarity reached orgasm.

Pure bliss.

It was like walking fifty miles through a dry desert with not a drop to drink, then jumping into a cool pool full of clear water, perfect temperature for drinking, and so wonderfully pure that it caressed her every curve, hugged her tight, and buffed away all the stress and exasperation. Rarity surrendered to the tidal waves crashing through her, let them carry her away on them, washed down the stream of heavenly release like a helpless fish caught up in something so much larger than herself.

When it was over, Octavia didn’t stop. Rarity was sore, drenched, and had lost control of her legs. But Octavia didn’t let up for an instant. Her tongue was a whip, lashing out again and again to smite Rarity’s dripping womanhood with pain and pleasure. She immediately awoke her clitoris again, attacking the poor hub of nerves ruthlessly. Rarity was completely gone by then. Her head rolled to the side, her muscles completely relaxed… She even drooled a little. But Octavia licked her still, sending wave after wave of pleasure into the helpless woman.

Only when the third and final orgasm rocked through Rarity’s body did the cellist let up. Her hair was a tangled mess, her chin dripped with feminine ejaculate, and her lips were spread in the widest, most silly grin Rarity had ever seen. Despite her completely lack of motor control, Rarity managed a helpless, meek smile.

“I don’t think I can feel my legs…”

“My tongue is numb,” Octavia countered, working her jaw. The two of them lay there, trying to return themselves to some normal state, but ultimately devolved into a helpless fit of giggles. Rarity wasn’t sure why she was laughing, or why Octavia was laughing, but they were. It was warm, loving laughter, the kind shared by someone important to you. Rarity knew she shouldn’t be feeling this way about another person, particularly after all her relationship troubles in the past. But still, she felt this way… And it was wonderful.

“Am I going to get to return the favor?” Rarity asked, smiling wide as she slid her hands up and over Octavia’s shoulders.

“Uum… Sure…” Octavia whimpered softly, blushing. “Do you want… Should I…?”

“Just roll over, darling.” Rarity smiled, pushing Octavia over onto her back, taking the dominant position. Octavia gasped softly, a gentle sound that was provocative and meaningful all at the same time. Rarity sat up, smiling down at the woman below her, at the slightly embarrassed expression, her beautiful, pale skin… She was truly beautiful. Wide hips and all. Gently, Rarity pulled at the slide-clasp on her slacks, freeing the zipper for access. With a very pointed, slow motion, she pulled the zipper down, feeling each tooth give way one by one… Octavia’s eyes closed and she laid her head back into the sheets, giving a soft groan of approval and desire. Rarity stretched out between her legs, pressing her lips into the soft skin of Octavia’s soft, flat stomach...

When she pulled, though, she was not prepared for the resistance. Her fingers couldn’t find a fit between her hips and the hem of the slacks, not even with her nails… The soft scratches made Octavia groan more, but Rarity was only growing more annoyed with her failed efforts. She frowned, gnawed on her lip, tried to pull them off, but she couldn’t get them…

“H-here…” Octavia muttered after a short while. She lifted her hips into the air, sucked her stomach in, and managed to fit her fingers inbetween the small of her back and the hem of the slacks. Rarity watched the rather alluring display as Octavia wiggled her hips, jiggling and sliding the slacks off inch by inch… When she finally got the edge of her pants over the swell of her large rear, Rarity took over, sliding the fabric down her full legs slowly.

“My goodness,” She breathed, finally removing the troublesome garment. “How do you even get into them?”

“Practice,” Octavia groaned. It sounded like a remark she wasn’t unused to hearing. “And a custom tailor here in Canterlot…”

“He’s not doing a very good job,” Rarity muttered, running the waistband of the slacks through her fingers. Despite the scenario, she found herself scrutinizing this tailor’s work. “He didn’t even measure you properly… Ugh.”

“R-right… Uum… EEP!” Octavia gasped, her thighs clamping closed as Rarity slowly ran her hand up them. The slacks fell into the rumpled sheets, completely forgotten in favor of the soft, warm embrace Rarity’s hand was currently wrapped in. Octavia’s thighs were strong, but her flesh was warm and soft. She found the embrace to actually be rather comforting… Octavia had full, thick thighs… The skin was still smooth, though, and it seemed she took good care of her legs… But they were just so… Large.

“Darling, you have possibly the most-“

“Don’t.” Octavia whimpered, her eyes closing. “I… I don’t like people talking about… My legs…”

“Octavia, dear… Hush.” Rarity smiled, her hand sliding out from between the cellist’s legs. “I was going to say you have a fanstastic figure… Powerful and full, very womanly… As a designer, I must say… I’ve never seen someone as attractive as you…” Octavia stared up at Rarity incredulously, her mouth hanging open.

“Nobody’s ever… Complimented me before. N-not on my… Legs…” Rarity felt her defenses break down, her body and mind open to Rarity’s compliment.

“Well, it’s true… I realized it while I worked on your dress. Your thighs… Simply magnificent… I swear, I could just… Oh, come here.” Rarity had wanted to do this since she had first seen Octavia’s legs. She slid down, her head buried between them eagerly. Octavia gasped as Rarity nuzzled against the inside of her thigh, her lips kissing the warm, firm flesh softly. The poor woman couldn’t help but whimper as Rarity’s hand slid under her legs, caressing her wide hips, from her belly button down to the smooth slope of her rear, all the way down to the crook of her knee.

“Aah… Rarity,” Octavia whimpered, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “I… My panties…” Rarity could smell it. The musky scent of arousal met her nose, and it seemed as if the closer she came to Octavia’s crotch, the more intense the heat was… Octavia’s hips squirmed in the sheets, her chest twitching now and then with a soft gasp. Rarity didn’t have to tease for much longer… They were far beyond the realm of simple teasing. This was full-on lovemaking now. And Rarity owed Octavia a debt. When she dug again, her nails finally found the hem of Octavia’s panties. Nevermind the fact that she practically stripped them inside out trying to pull them even that first inch, she got them off. The fresh wave of musky arousal that washed forth, the pungent smell, Rarity could have gotten drunk off of it.

With any other woman, Rarity would have found it disgusting. Debilitating, even… But with Octavia, she knew this poor woman had been stewing for almost an hour now… The scent was natural. It was heady. It was arousing… Rarity was normally very dignified when it came to lovemaking. Man or woman, she would move slow, dainty and careful… Not so right now. No… Rarity’s hunger was as insatiable as Octavia’s. With a hot breath, she dove in.

“Aah… AAHN!” Octavia cried out loud with the first assault on her dripping core. Rarity buried her nose into the small strip of soft, black hair above the open slit below, inhaling deeply as her tongue lashed out. Octavia’s entire body twitched with the sudden burst of fresh, hot juice. Rarity felt the vile liquid coat her tongue, inundate her senses with the taste, the smell, even the sound of it… Octavia’s back arched, lifting her hips, grinding Rarity’s chin and mouth deeper into her crotch.

Rarity should be disgusted.

But she could only be aroused.

Her hand shamelessly fell inbetween her own legs, sliding her fingertips over the wet folds of her own aching vagina, ignoring the soreness and the pain, focusing only on her desperate need to quench the flame in her heart. She lapped sloppily at Octavia’s center, sliding her tongue inside the panting musician, over and again, whimpering and moaning, panting when she needed breath. Her fingers plunged deep into her own core, sliding back and forth over her own g-spot in a furious attempt to pleasure herself. Octavia’s cries began to grow louder and longer, leaving the realm of proper bedroom decency and ascending into lewd. Obscene.

Needy.

“RARITY!” Octavia gasped, her entire body vibrating with the force of her scream. Rarity opened her mouth wide, accepting the fresh gush of heady liquid into her mouth. She swallowed each drop, her tongue a restless being of insatiable movement while she continually licked and slurped at Octavia’s pulsing, pink vagina. Her own contracted around her fingers, squeezing her digits tight, seizing her breath and holding it hostage as her own vicious orgasm ripped through her senses.

Rarity didn’t stop here. She ignored the tightness in her tongue, fought through the pain and soreness in her jaw… Octavia whimpered helplessly, her legs spread wide for Rarity as she felt the animalistic sense of need and desire grip her very being. Rarity attacked her pulsing core, her tongue sliding in and out fast as a man would his penis. She suckled Octavia’s clitoris, moaning into the sensitive nub of womanly desire. Over and again, Octavia cried out with her release, giving Rarity three, four, five full orgasms before she had to give up.

Panting, unable to move her jaw anymore, Rarity pulled back and collapsed into the sheets. She was sore. She was out of breath. Her jaw hurt fiercely, and her abused center ached and throbbed…

But she had never felt more fulfilled in her entire life. Before she slipped off into unconsciousness, Rarity was idly aware of a warm body pressing against her side, nuzzling into her neck, wrapping it’s arms around her. She slowly returned the embrace, her chest rising and falling in perfect rhythm with the other’s. When her eyes closed, sleep washed over her peacefully.

----------

Rarity sighed as she returned her attention to the tricky hem, her fingers sore from sewing all day long. It was getting on into winter, with the cold days calling for more layers, more conservative styles, and more work for her. She didn’t mind… It kept her bank account full through the cold months, and allowed her to afford gifts for the holidays… But the holidays were done and gone. Rarity had drank the last of the new year’s champagne just last night, and was dreading the thought of another valentine’s day alone… Just one short week away. The very second she was about to pierce the fabric with the point of her needle, the bell above the door jingled, stopping her.

“One moment!” She called out, furrowing her brow. This hem could wait. Though she did need to finish it before she went home that day… She removed her glasses, pulled her loose hair into a ponytail, and stood up from her workstation. Still tucking loose strands into her ponytail, she waltzed through the doorway and into the store proper. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique! Where fashion is always unique, sleek, and mana- fi- fi… que?” Rarity’s typical greeting trailed off into nothing upon seeing the person standing inside the front door.

“Hello, Rarity.”

“Octavia?” She whispered softly, her heart already hammering in her ears. “Wh… What are you doing here?”

“You say that as if you’re sad to see me.” Octavia teased. Her accent, her figure, her raven hair… It was Octavia. Full-bodied, fully-formed, and fully aware that she was standing in Rarity’s store.

“I… No! No, not at all!” Rarity overcame her sudden onset shock, using her magic to flip the sign at the front of her store around to ‘closed’ before rushing into the cellist’s arms. Octavia laughed warmly as Rarity clung tight, holding herself against the long-missed cellist. “I haven’t seen you in… In five months! Darling, why haven’t you visited sooner?!”

“I was on tour,” Octavia offered meekly. “The holiday season usually means I’m travelling a lot… Holiday music is such a hassle. It’s awfully unimaginative.” Rarity pulled away, her hands riding on Octavia’s hips with a wide smile on her face.

“I can imagine. If there’s one thing I don’t like about the holidays, it’s the music. Well, that, and the cold… What… What are you doing here?! Oh, come on! We have much to catch up on!” Rarity took her hands, guiding Octavia back into her workstation. She busied herself at the small kitchenette there, setting a pot of water to boil, preparing the tea leaves…

“Darjeeling or Earl Grey?”

“You have to ask?”

“Earl it is.” She smiled back at Octavia pointedly, pulling a tin of leaves free from the solitary cupboard. “How have you been, dear?”

“Ugh, stressed…” Octavia sighed as she took a seat at Rarity’s workstation, her tone thin and indeed very fatigued. Rarity shot her a worried glance.

“Don’t worry,” Octavia waved her off with a weak smile. “I managed to make it here from Manehattan, didn’t I?”

“Manehattan?! It’s freezing there this time of year! It’s even worse than Stalliongrad!”

“Tell me about it,” Octavia sighed and rubbed her eyes. “Worst of all is this silly holiday coming up soon-“

“Let us never speak it’s name under this roof.” Rarity sighed as she pulled the whistling pot off of the stove.

“You too?” Octavia asked meekly.

“Well… Not since you, so…” Rarity took the tray of hot water, tea leaves, and cups over to Octavia, pouring both of them steaming cups.

“Heh… Well, you’ve… Eer… Managed to touch on the reason for my visit, then…” Octavia muttered, staring into her cup of tea. “I… I don’t quite know how to say this, but…”

“Darling,” Rarity said with a smile, sipping tentatively at her own hot tea. “You needn’t say any more… I’ll be finished with work in an hour.” She grinned over the rim of her cup at Octavia’s shocked, hopeful expression. “Would you like to stay here, or shall I expect you to find the key under the mat and be waiting in my bed?” Octavia left the store so fast, her tea nearly tipped over. Chuckling, Rarity set both cups on the counter to be forgotten… She had work to do before she went home.

At least now, she had someone to come home to. Someone special.

Author's Notes:

What better way to get back to requests than with a 10k chapter? A very special thanks to Blackroses169 for this request. I honestly thought this would just be a quick shipfic, 3k or so, little development and straight into the clop… But before I knew it, I had written 4k before even getting to the good bits. Gotta love it when a request blindsides you like that :3

This chapter was inspired heavily by 'Crescendo Molto.' This is one of the first clopfics I've ever read. If you know me, you know that I don't read much on this site. There are very few stories that I read normally, if at all... But this one caught my eye, and remains among the best I've ever read. I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes Octavia clopfics. A HUGE thanks to Lucefudu for their fantastic work, as well as SwiperTheFox and MuzzledElk for their contribution to the story.

This is also another one of those requests that I could easily see turn into a separate fic… Damnit, Loyal, stop getting ideas from your requests. You already have one on the brink of failure… Don’t make it two…

Still, the idea is here for future reference. Will I re-visit it? Fuck, knowing me, I very well might. Will it turn out alright?

Hell if I know.