Pocket Watch - day 1

>Canterlot. Capital city of Equestria, as dangerous as it is beautiful, filled with races from every corner of the country, etc, etc.
>You've heard it all before. After all, you lived in it your entire life.
>Your name is Pocket Watch, and you make watches. Though your more elite customers prefer the term 'timepieces'
>As your Cutie Mark shows, you've got a talent for clocks of the small variety. Though closer inspection would show your butt clock has lockpicks for hands.
>See, you weren't born into your profession, like most artisans. You used to be a thief. First you stole to survive, then you survived to steal.
>But that's enough monologuing, time to start a new day!

>You roll out of bed and stretch your wings. Sun's already up, but the streets are still empty.
>The watch on the night stand says you've got some time before you have to open your shop, so you trot over to the bathroom to freshen up.
>The mirror is the first thing you see, and you face is the first thing that greets you.

>Your steel grey coat and darker iron coloured eyes look back at you across the mirror
>After a brush of your teeth, you notice parts of your brass mane have fallen over your face, so you comb them back into a neat blowback style
>A quick inspection of your wings shows everything's in order, a twich of your muscles flexing your feathers
>Its a skill you've learned over the years. Most Pegasi don't bother to train for individual feather dexterity, not like you have. But in your like of work, its proven useful.
>You've gotten propositions from a few mares when they notice your 'wing fingers', but you never took them up on it. They just didn't interest you at the time, and you had more important things to worry about anyway, like not starving.
>A few strokes of the razor on your chin is enough to remove any outstanding hairs. You're now clean shaven, as usual.

>You go over to the kitchen, and make yourself some breakfast. Toast, jam, some coffee. You don't really feel like breaking out the frying pan today.
>Still about 2 hours before you need to open the shop downstairs, so that's plenty of time to take care of some things
>There's a few pending orders on your workbench. Repairs, part replacements, nothing too urgent.
>You're also expecting a delivery of some parts to come in, they should arrive later in the morning.
>And there's always some cleaning up you could do. The mail should be arriving soon.

>Finishing your breakfast, you decide you should go and finish up some of those small orders.
>You go back to your bedroom, and pick up the watch you left on your night stand.
>Its not as big as some of the pieces you have on sale, nor as shiny. But its quiet, and your own personal project. Small, quiet things like these aren't exactly uncommon, but its yours and so its special.
>Not like you'd ever sell it anyway. Besides, most of those that walk in your store think a silent watch isn't a working one. The ideas these nobles get...
>You reach into your closet and pull out your work uniform. A white button down shirt,red tie and black vest.
>The plain, classic look, though its not like sparkly purple is the kind of thing you'd wear to work. Its not even suitable work attire anyway.
>Heading down the stairs you roll up your sleeves and get to work winding up your latest order.
>The movements flow from you. Move a cog here, replace a spring there, tighten the screw and so on.
>Its kind of calming to you, working with such small machinery like this. The ticking of the clocks all around you is something you could just lose yourself in.

>Funny, how you got here. You used to be no more than a petty thief. Well, petty in relative terms.
>And now you're running your own shop, making watches for nobles. Really a long way from worrying about where to get your next meal.
>You haven't forgotten where you came from. In fact, some details you remember as clear as day.

>You and Copper Cog were orphans, trying to make a living on the streets since no one else could or would help you.
>You never found out about your parents. Dead, abandoned, lost, kidnapped, it doesn't matter to you anyway. You had each other. That was all that mattered.
>After more than a decade of stealing you still keep in touch. Though his jobs have been less stable than yours. Still, its a living.
>You've got some guilt over the things you took from ponies in your younger years. Taking precious heirlooms and hard-earned bits never sat too well with you. But when it comes to starving or stealing, you know which choice you'd make.
>Just your luck when you picked the pocket of an old unicorn who was more perceptive than he looked.
>The guy didn't report you to the guards, but instead offered you help.
>You've still done some stealing for a while after, but eventually you decided to come visit the old stallion more often.
>He was the other big influence in your life, and how you discovered your talent.
>You'd accidentally damaged one of his pieces, and some cogs fell out of place. You had no idea how to use any of the tools, so you took a pair of improvised lockpicks you had, and put it back together.
>Turns out that old bugger was watching the entire time, and saw potential in you. Your Cutie Mark came eventually soon after.
>Being a watchmaker was a hell of a lot better than some of the other jobs you had to do...and the pay was good!
>You cringe slightly, recalling one of the odd jobs you tried. At least you looked good in those purple tights...and you kept a copy of the magazine too. Who can say no to free stuff?

>A shuffling of hooves outside the door draws your attention. Looks like the mailpony's arrived.
>"Good morning, Mr. Watch! Right on time as usual."

"'Mr. Watch?' Come on, Snail Mail, I'm not that old. Heck, I'm not much older than you."
>"With the way you dress? Could've fooled me. You look like you came out from twenty years ago!"
"My customers *like* 'twenty years ago'. It reminds them of when they were young."
>"Ha! Bet you've got some nobles wanting you to 'remind' them personally too? 'Make them feel young again?'"

"You know I'm out of their league, Snail. Too rich for me. I prefer more down-to-earth ponies. Those that don't mind using their hooves."
>"Is that so? I Guess there's a chance for poor little me after all! Aww, I knew you cared!"

"Only for you, sweetie~ Anyway, what have you got for me?"
>"Here it is, nothing much for you today. Just some bills. You might find the newspaper more interesting."
>Looks like nothing stands out. Some interesting headlines on the news though.
>'Adventurers flocking to Ponyville' and 'Upcoming diplomatic summit' were some of the things you could tell at a glance. You can have a closer look later.

"Thanks for that Snail. Well, we've got work to do, see you tomorrow."
>You bid him goodbye as he trots over to your neighbours.
>You turn back into your store and place the few letters and paper onto the counter
>A glance at one of the many watches you've meticulously tuned shows you've got a little bit of free time left.

>You suppose you could open the store a little earlier than usual, there's nothing else too important that needs to be done right now.
>Some arranging, sign flipping and newspaper unfolding later, you're sitting behind the counter waiting for your first customers to arrive. Might as well read the paper while you're at it.
>One of the articles caught your eye earlier,'Adventurers flocking to Ponyville'...not really the best title, but you continue reading.
>Its about the town of Ponyville not too far from Canterlot. Apparently, its been getting lots of attention from those who don't mind doing work for the local Guild. The Everfree Forest nearby and being the best place to reach the borders of the country have made it a popular place. Looks like a new Inn has even opened up to capitalize on that.
>The article doesn't stay very interesting after that, though it does make you wonder: If adventurers do work for coin, does that make them mercenaries? Whatever, its not like you're going to do any adventuring yourself anyway.
>You move onto the next page and the title 'Summit with Gryphons to improve trade relations' is what you see.
>Princess Celestia has some Gryphon diplomats staying over the next few days to negotiate trade agreements. Well, nothing new there. There's always some foreign dignitary or other visiting the castle. It comes with being the capital city.

>Your light reading is broken when you hear the doorbell ring. A customer has arrived!
>Putting away your paper you see an older mare, a unicorn. A decade older than you at least, nor a noble, or at least she doesn't dress like one. Her jewellery isn't gaudy enough.
>She's taking her time looking through the displays, and hasn't said anything to you yet. You consider leaving her be for now, she seems just fine browsing.
>Or you could offer some help, its not like you have anything better to do, do you?

>You think the lady could use some help.
"Good morning Ma'am, would you like some help?"
>The mare twitches a little in surprise. Seems she didn't hear you walk up to her.
>"Oh! Good morning, I was just looking for something for my nephew. He's going to be graduating into the Guard soon. I thought a watch would be a good gift for him."

"A great idea. What better way to remember an occasion like that with a gift? Was there a specific watch you're looking for? We have many kinds here."
>"Oh I was just browsing really. I was just passing by when I saw your shop open and thought I'd take a look. There isn't any type I'm looking for, just something that isn't too fancy. What would you recommend?"
>Well there are 3 common types you could offer.
>The open face, simple, easy to use. The glass gets scratched more easily though.
>The hunter case, with a solid metal cover that opens to the side. The casing makes it more suitable for a guard, though depending on how good they are with their hooves it might be some trouble to open.
>The demi-hunter case, like the hunter case but with a window on the cover so you can see the hands behind it. Some models have a second dial engraved on the case too.

"Well for a guard, I would recommend a hunter or demi-hunter case. The cover will protect the dial from dust and scratches, though the it can be fiddly to open sometimes. A demi-hunter case has a window on the front so you only have to open it if you want the exact time. I assume it won't be a problem?"
>"Oh it won't be a problem." She shakes her head. "I think the hunter case will do just fine. Could I see some?"
>You lead her over to one of the display cases, gold and silver plated watches on display in velvet. You ask her to take her pick.
>She points to a silver-plated model with dark face and a hole in the center exposing some of its inner workings. "I'll take this one. Its a special occasion, after all."
>You take the piece to the counter and write the recipt. She also requests the back to be engraved with the initals "N.S."

>With your ledgers a few hundred bits richer, you say your goodbye and wish her nephew enjoys the gift.
>That whole exchange still leaves you with 2 hours before lunch.
>The streets are filling up now, more and more ponies are milling about. A few gryphons here and there and you think you spot a dragon at one point.
>No one seems to be sparing more than a glance at your shop though. You get the feeling there won't be anything more than browsing for a while.
>Your parts order hasn't arrived yet, it seems. And you've already worked on some orders.
>Still, it may be prudent to keep on the front desk. Somepony might even come in.

>Eh, its still early. You stay in the front but you do walk around and look at the cases, take stock of some of the spare parts you keep behind the drawer.
>Can't be making a bad impression by not being at the front desk. Not every one that walks in is going to be as plesant as that unicorn lady.
>Still, its getting boring sitting still. So you open the paper again.
>Hmm. A new wing of the Royal Museum is opening soon, and one of the first exhibits is going to be about foreign cultures. History never interested you much, but its still something to do, if nothing else.
>A dozen or so ponies have come and gone. A few have asked for simple repair jobs, some wanted to get their watches polished. As much as they brought in, sales never really were the bulk of your business.

>A few hours later, and its half past noon.
>You've worked up a bit of an appetite trying not to fall asleep, and its about time for lunch anyway. Might as well get some food.
>Being cooped inside all morning, you feel it'll be good to go out to eat, stretch those legs a little.
>There's the tavern you usually visit, the Green Mug.Slightly unflattering name aside, their food's pretty good. And you're a regular, so you can count on company too.
>Good thing about being the your own boss is though, is having all the break time you want. You know the city as well as anyone who's lived here. But with the rat race there's always some new shop turning up. Food isn't going to be too hard to find. Whether its good though...

>You decide to go to your usual haunt. You figure you could always go somewhere else if you don't want to eat there, and stopping to chat for a few minutes won't hurt.
>Its not too far away from home, and even easier to get to. Because wings.
>Putting out the 'gone to lunch' sign and locking the door, you step outside and flex your wings.
>Its midday, but the sun isn't too bright as clouds drift across the sky. With a flap of your wings, you take off.
>The view of the streets below reminds you of when you used to explore the rooftops with Cog when you were just colts, and when you would roam across them at night.
>The Night Guards always were quieter with their bat wings than you were with yours, and a flying pegasus isn't hard to spot at a distance.

>You soon arrive at your destination, a relatively large 2 story building with a wooden sign of a stein with green froth hanging above the door.
>Stepping inside you are greeted with the scene of ponies seated at tables, a cacophany of clinking plates and idle conversation.
>Walking up to the bar you take a seat on the stool, right by the owner, steel plate.
>"Watch! Good to see you. How's the shop doing?" The light Trottingham accent greets you
"Hello Steel, everything's well. Just thought I'd stop by and see how you're doing."
>"Oh you know how it is, bit of this and a bit of that. Banana's on food today with the missus, so Lemon's doing tables. Anyway, what can I get ya?"

>You order your usual, and Steel sets a bottle of pear cider in front of you while he calls in the order. You ask him if he's heard anything interesting.
>"Its pretty quiet here, but I heard night patrols are going to be going 'round more often these few weeks. Must be for them visiting gryphons. Other than that, the new museum wing is going to be interesting I hear. Mum's been bugging me on and on-"
>He drones on while you take a sip of your drink. Steel's always been a talker.
>"-oh, and Geoff came by earlier. Still here though, he's in a booth I think. Anyway-"
>Geoff? He doesn't come here often. The gryphon was an old...eh, friend of yours, you could say. While you and Cog did the dirty work, he handled the loot. Sometimes he'd even send you out on contracts.
>You've stayed good enough friends with your old fence regardless, though he always was trying to persuade you to 'get back in business', as it were.

>A steaming plate of roasted cauliflower and mushrooms on rice is soon set before you and you wave Steel off as he goes to tend to his other patrons.
>You're a quick eater, and the food is quickly finished. Finishing the last of your cider you consider your options:
>Geoff is a face you don't get to meet often. Chances to catch up are few and far between. Still, you never did accept any of his offers. You quit thievery for a reason, after all.
>Which gets you thinking, you haven't seen your twin in a while either. You know his address, and its reachable from here. Normally his schedule isn't set but if you recall he's between jobs at the moment anyhow.
>Of course, there's always the option to wait here and see what happens. Or even go back to the shop.

>No harm in catching up with an old friend, you suppose. Looking around the room, your eyes settle upon a nearly empty booth in the far corner.
>There's a lone gryph sitting in it,with a flat cap on the table . That must be him.

>You go over to take a seat, and sink a little into the old cushions.
>Geoff looks up from his meal, the sides of his beak curve upwards into a smile.
>"Hey! Watch! Did ya come to take me up on one of my offers?"

"You know I'm happy with my shop, Geoff. I just wanted to see how you've been doing. Catch up a bit."
>"You always say 'no' but I'll just keep asking till you say 'yes'." He replies with a smirk. "Its been the usual for me,you know I'm happy with my business. Though there is this one thing..."
>But you know that means what's coming next wasn't what you'd call 'usual'. You nod for him to continue.
>"Now this one time, someone brings in a mask. Its a really fine mask, the kind you'd wear to the Gala, with jewels and everything. But see, the jewels were glass. Not that I could blame the poor kid for not knowing better."
>"Anyway, I bring the thing with me to my weekly chess game with our mutual friend, 'Madame' Pearl"
>Nothing new so far, Pearl is the Madam of the Blooming Rose, a middle-class gentleman's club. Incidentally, the same place where you were complimented the most about your feather control.
>"So I show her the mask, and she says:'I ordered one just like this!'.Turns out, the jeweller was planning to scam her with the fake mask, and wanted to sell off the real one somewhere else!"
>"Natrually, this pissed her off. So she tells me:'You make sure that jeweller doesn't make a single bit off my mask!' She can get really scary when she wants to, you know."
>You do know. And you know never to make her so. Ever.
>"Anyway, long story short, that jeweller isn't going to be getting any orders for a while yet. Yourself?"

You shrug your shoulders. "Had a nice bit of business today...I helped a unicorn lady pick out a watch for her nephew who's going to be a guard. Other than that, nothing's new."
>Geoff raises his eyebrows. "A lady unicorn you say? Well, if she's as well off as you usual clientele, maybe I should get one of my boys to pay her a visit." He says with a grin.

You raise an eyebrow. "She's pretty old though...you sure you want to do that G? Besides, her nephew's going to be in the service. Have some respect."
>Geoff brings a talon to his beak, chuckling at your little jab. "Of course, of course. I'd never *dare* disrespect a lady."
Your head shakes, a smile on your lips. It was nice, talking to an old friend like this. "Anyway, got any plans later? Its been a slow day so far, I just might close up early and pay you a visit."
>"Sure. We could go out for drinks or something, maybe even bring your brother along. It'll be just like old times. Come by my office when you're ready."

How long have you spent out, you wonder? Pulling your watch out of your pocket, you discover the time to be...half past tweleve.
Certainly time left to spend outside, but you'll have to watch yourself, or risk losing out on the ponies that tend to come in after lunch.
>"Running late, Watch?" Geoff asks, having now finished his food. "You don't have to stay on my account, we'll have plenty of time to talk tonight."
Looking back down at your watch, you consider your options:
 You could stay a while longer, its not too long to get back to the store, plus you could keep talking to Geoff or chat up someone else. Steel Plate's probably in the kitchen right now, but you can see Lemon Zest and Banana Split eating together at one of the tables.
 If you want to have a more lesiurely stroll back, you could leave now. Maybe even do some window shopping. Besides, you'd be seeing Geoff again anyhow.

A word or two with the siblings won't hurt. You walk over to their table.
>Lemon Zest is the younger of the two, a pale yellow stallion with a boyish white mane. His Cutie Mark is a curl of lemon...zest. Really. Despite his name, his talent is actually making drinks.
>Banana Split, a young mare with a white-and-brown splotched coat. Her cream coloured mane is tied back in a bun, brown streaks clearly visible. Both of them still have their work aprons on, so they must be on their lunch break too.
>As you approach,its clear Banana is embarassed with the way she holds her head under her hooves. Lemon appears to be...teasing her about something? You pick up something along the lines of:"-can't believe you read that stuff!"
You interrupt their conversation as you step up to their table. "Afternoon Lemon, Banana. How are you two?"
>Banana's head snaps to look at you, relief clear on her face. "Watch! Glad to see you! Didja come in for lunch? Could I get you something to eat? I made a nice bean soup today!"
>"Hey don't change the subject!" The stallion turns to you for a moment before going back to his sister. "Hi there Watch - we're not done yet!"

You hold up a forearm and shake your head."Oh no thanks, I've already eaten. Just thought I'd say hi before leaving."
>Banana opens her mouth to speak, but her brother cuts her off. "Before you go, did ya hear about the kind of stuff Banana reads? Its-mmf!"
>A cream coated hoof covers his mouth. "-nothing important! Sorry to see you have to leave so soon, but we can't be keeping ponies from their jobs, can we?" Banana's smile is so wide, so hopeful. Its starting to unnerve you a little.
>Lemon's eyes roll as he removes the limb form his mouth. "Oh come on sis, its not like its anything serious. He's most likely cool with it. In fact, he might be proud!"

"You said I might be proud?" You admit, what Lemon said has gotten you curious.
>His eyes widen in delight. "Well then! Someone here just so happens to read a certain publicataion with a certain somepony in the center fol-hrk!" He's cut off again.
Your eyes widen as the realization hits you. "Oh. Well, in any case, I've got to get back to the store. See you!" You shout back as you walk out the door. Well handled.

As you trot away you can't help but think some about what the young stallion said. If you caught it right, he was referring to that one gig you and Cog did for a magazine,as...underwear models.
Old as that particular issue was, its clearly still in circulation. And Banana's got her hooves on one. No wonder she was embarrassed. Imagine walking in on your friends having sex and...its not the same, but you get the idea.(Undergoing puberty with nothing but a twin brother not withstanding)

Canterlot Cloths, issue #34. It must have been quite popular to still be going around, though maybe it was pre-owned? Either way,a light blush forms on your cheeks as you feel strangely, exitedly embarrassed. Like that feeling you get when someone you know finds out a secret and they look like they're okay with it.
You never really paid much thought to it, since no one else seemed to have known, but this changes things a little...
Perhaps you could make it up to Banana for indirectly embarrassing her like that? Not like you've any idea how, but maybe Copper has an idea?

>As you look up from your internal machinations, you appear to have made it somewhere you don't immediately recognize.
>You were sure you were at least nearly halfway back, though it seems you've made a wrong turn somewhere. What was supposed to be a dress store is...?
>Think of the demon, and it shall appear. It seems you must've jinxed yourself, because right in front of you is an underwear store. Displaying the same brand you used to model, too.
It should be no trouble to take off and find the right way back to the store. After all, you've still got a shop to run.
But you feel the same curiosity that started you stealing coming back, in a different form.
It was hardly so long ago, but you wonder if the pair at the bottom of your wardrobe looks as good on you as these new ones do on the mannequins? What's the harm in a little window shopping? A few minutes will hardly cost you...

...and a few minutes you have to spare. You take a quick look around, no ponies nearby. Just a short while, and then you'll be right back out.
>Stepping in through the door, you notice its quieter than most shops around. No squeaky hinges,opens smoothly, not even a bell on the handle. It really is a new store.
>The place is small, but otherwise looks like a regular clothing store. Except for all the skimpy lace hanging from the racks, that is. The floor's even carpeted too.
>Looking past the racks and shelves you can see some different kinds of products around the corner. Seems like this is more than just a mere lingerie shop.
>There's only one pony you can see, and that mare is at the counter busy reading a book. She hasn't noticed you, and her half lidded eyes say she won't notice falling asleep either.

You decide to browse the wares, and pick a rack at random.
>Past the more mundane undergarments meant for comfort, are the kind worn for other reasons. Socks, frills, a corset....wait, this is mare's stuff.
>Moving over you find less constrictive clothing. Ah, yes. Boxers, briefs, boxer-briefs, trunks, a bikini, and that's not even past the first two racks yet.
>You see more outlandish designs stretching toward the back of the store. Glittering, sparkling pieces that would be more at home swinging around a pole than on a stallion's hips.
>There's even a leotard that looks like the front piece of a tuxedo and an attention grabbing y-shaped pouch just enough to leave little to the imagination. For how its shown, it doesn't really look like it takes up a lot of space.
>In fact, there are some with even less coverage. You could probably take any piece from the back, roll it up and stuff it into your pocket. At that point, wearing a piece like that might as well be as useful as wearing lines.
>You find a couple changing rooms tucked into a corner, with a small bench and full-body mirror for all your self-admiration needs. Fully enclosed too, for whatever reason.

Its tempting to take a piece for yourself. After all, no one knows you're here. You could take one and just walk right out. You've done it before, in fact. N-not with underwear though!
>For all the little time you've spent inside, a piece has already caught your eye. But you fight off your old habits once again and make your way out of the building.
>It seems the attending mare has already fallen asleep on her book. You hope she doesn't drool on it.
>When you step outside you feel a weight lift off your shoulders. Underwear shopping was more stressful than you thought! How ever do the mares handle it?

>Wasting no time, you lift off to get a good view of the area. This high up, its easy to find where you took your wrong turn, and you're quickly on the way back home.
>You spot a few ponies entering the area as you left, a couple of older mares heading down the street right to the same shop you just left.
>One of them looked familiar to you. Modest dress, unicorn, a purse...it was the lady from the morning! Good thing you left early, it would have been awkward to explain the situation out if you'd met again!
>You never thought the mare had that kind of side to her, either.
>The quick flight ends with you landing right before your front door.
>You remove the keys from your shirt pocket, unlock your door, and take off the sign. Back to business, as usual.

No ponies outside, so that means no ponies will be coming in just yet. You go to the back room, and see if there's any tidying up to do.
>Through the corridoor and past the stairs up, is the workshop. Where your workbench is, and where you keep all your spare parts.
>Across the room from the doorway you came in is the back door leading out. Most of your supplies come in through there, though you usually leave it locked.
>Opening the door and checking outside, you find a box of spare parts you'd ordered. They must have came in earlier this morning.
>You lift the small box onto your back and bring it inside and set it on top of a stack with similar boxes. It nearly tips over, but you manage to stop them from falling.
>The place hasn't been tended to much today, so you take the broom from the corner and sweep it up a little.

>Next to the workbench is a wooden bookshelf, filled up with technical manuals and logbooks and refrence tomes. All you need to run your business.
>The more interesting reads are upstairs, where the bookshelf there has books you've collected and and been given.
>There are more varied books there, from a few cookbooks to one on criminal deduction to even a little bit of romantic fiction.
>What can you say? Its not like you had much of a social life back then to do much else.

All the interesting books are upstairs, but you could just bring one down and read it at the counter anyway.
>You straighten things out in the back room once more, and make a mental note to sort out the unopened boxes in the corner.
>Climbing up the stairs to the second level, you enter the living area. Your home.
>On one side of the stairs, is your bedroom and the bathroom. On the other, your kitchen and dining room.
>The bookshelf is in the bedroom, next to a desk with a window overlooking the street in front of your shop.
>You take a moment to consider your choices:
>A cookbook, pretty self explanatory.
>A book titled 'How to think like Sherlock Hooves'. This one is basic intro to deduction.
>A dictionary. Because why not?
>A biology textbook.
>A sappy romance called 'Wizards of love"...you don't remember actually getting this one.
>Pick one at random (suggest a book)

The sappy romance isn't something you've read before. You decide to take that one down with you. And the dictionary too.
>Back at the counter you place the books on top, and open up the novel.
>"Wizards of love", by P. Flowers. This really isn't the kind of book you usually read, did someone leave this here the last time they visted?
>You flip to a random page. Well no use stalling now, onto the story!

>It became clear a few minutes into the book, that this kind of romance story isn't the typical 'two ponies meet and gradually fall in love' story.
>In fact, 'Porn for housewives' would be more appropriate. So many sentences dedicated to describing the length and texture of a unicorn's horn, slow motion scenes of ponies swalling phallic food items, you even found a few new ways to say 'bulge'.
>Still, if you ever needed to seduce an old mare, or, say 'plow your creamy fudge nugget into a fuzzy haddock pasty into a stew until it foams in the morning', you know what to do.
>You make a remind yourself to steer clear of this P. Flowers' books in the future.

>The sharp ring of the doorbell thankfully brings you out of your 'reading'.
>Another pony has stepped into the store, an Earth Pony stallion. From the looks of his neat appearence and collar with tie, you'd say he's a businesspony.
>"My watch is broken. I assume you do repairs here?" He says with an air of haughtiness. Oh boy, this one's going to be fun.

You put away the book and straighten up. "That's right sir. May I examine the watch?"
>The businesspony walks over and takes out an item wapped in a handkercheif. "Here it is, try not to damage the thing more than it already is, would you?"
>He places the package on the counter, and you unwrap it. Its an open face model.
>You've seen worse watches, you suppose. But the piece is hardly in good shape.
>The back cover fell off as soon as you tried to lift it, the crystal face has a small hole, the second hand is missing, and the square arbor in the winding hole is gone too.
>At least the winding key came with it.

>The thing's serviceable, at least. But it will take time to find all the replacement parts in the back.
>You turn it over to take a look at the insides. All the parts are there, but some are rusted. And you'll have to take it apart to tell how many parts will need replacement.
>All in all, its a few days work. And that's if you ignore the non-urgent orders.
>While you examine the watch, the stallion has taken it upon himself to look around the room.
>"There's a missing watch here. Are you running low on stock to sell?" He points out the case you made a sale from this morning.
>You could just turn away the pony, its not like you'll ever see him again. But the rich have connections, who knows how that would hurt your business?
>He's moved onto another case, breathing on the glass and rubbing his elbow on it. Is he looking at his reflection?
>With how damaged the thing is, you could just save the trouble altogether and persuade him to just get a new one. You could get the same bits from a repair job, though.

Trying to persuade the pony would be too much trouble, you think. "Its missing quite a few parts, but I can replace them."
>"And how long would that take?" He hasn't looked up from the display case.
Well he's certainly not worried about money. "The crystal will need replacing, and some internal parts too. I can have it ready in 3 days."
>He turns to look at you. "Is that so? Other watchmakers I know would take longer. Very well. I will be paying you after its done, then?"
You nod. That was easier than you thought. His type usually tries to bargain before settling on an order.
>He turns and leaves without another word. While you bring the watch to the back, and get started sorting out the parts you'll need.

>A few hours later, and its closing time.
>You've done some more work on your orders, a few ponies came to collect theirs, and some more came in just to look around.
>There isn't any other business to take care of, so you get to tidying up the shop before you leave to meet Geoff.
>Door's locked, books kept, everything's in order. Time to leave.
>When you arrive at Geoff's 'office', there's a pony waiting there already.
>Its Copper Cog, your twin brother. He looks almost like you, except for his mane and Cutie Mark: Three interlocking gears of different sizes.
>He doesn't look like he usually does, eyes down staring off like he's thinking about something. He looks up when you come closer.
>"H-hey bro, haven't seen you in a while." He's got a nervous smile on. What's going on with him?

"Its been some time, yeah." You maintain eye contact. "Are...are you okay? Did something happen?"
>His expression relaxes a little at your show of concern. "Well..um..you know how I'm sorta between jobs at the moment?"
You nod. Unlike you, he didn't want to settle down to a single job once you both retired from the stealing business. He didn't feel as strongly about it as you did, but he still went with you regardless.
>It takes a while before he continues."So yesterday..somepony,um, approached me. Not like that! They were wearing a suit, looked almost official, even. Anyway, they-"
>Copper's next word is interrupted by the sound of the door opening, and you both flinch a little at the slam of the wood. Geoff must have heard you two had arrived.
>The gryphon greets the two of you with a smile. "Hello there boys, you've arrived just in time! Come in!"
>You look to your brother. He shakes his head with a small smile. 'Nevermind, we'll talk later.'
>A pair of talons wraps around your foreleg and Cog's as you are pulled inside. "Grab yourselves a seat, I'll be done in just a minuite." Geoff goes into the next room.

Now's good a time as any to investigate. But with how he's been acting, holding an interrogation in on Geoff's couch might not be the best place. He seemed reluctant enough to tell you in the first place.
A few drinks could loosen his mouth a little. Alcohol is surely going to be involved this evening, it might be easier to get him talking when he's more comfortable.
His business is his business though, and you're all here to have a night out catching up with old friends. Why get in the way of that now? Its not like you don't know where he lives.

You lean over to him and make some small talk. "So, what did they say?"
>"Huh? Oh. Right. The pony in the suit asked me if I was interested in a job offer. They said it was something I was good at, and it could help ponies. More than just ponies."
>He scratches the back of his head, a sheepish smile on his face.
>"But I guess you're wondering what's got me so nervous, right? They mentioned you, used your name. They wanted you to join in, but I wasn't sure if you'd be comfortable with it."

Concern shows on your face. 'Something you might not be comfortable doing?' He better not have signed up for another borderline porn studio. Or an actual porn studio, even.

No use beating around the bush. "You didn't sign us up for some kind of porn studio, did you?"
>Copper's eyes widen. "Wait, what? No, I-"
You place a comforting hoof on his shoulder, and look him straight in the eye. "I'll be comfortable with anything, brother, as long as you're with me."

>A smirk forms on his face, growing until he bursts out in full blown laughter.
You can't help but join in yourself. Tension broken. "But really, what're you talking about?"
>He holds up his hooves in surrender."Okay, okay, you got me. The job offer was from a Gryphon company called 'Claws and hooves'. They want us to star in their new incest portfolio."

You roll your eyes."Come on, Copper, I beat you to the punch on this one. What is it really?"
>"What? It'll be just like puberty all over again!" There's the brother you know, pity he came back a little too soon.
Keeping up the stare, you manage to break through.
>His expression becomes a little more serious. "Heh, guess I was too late for this one." He moves over to whisper in your ear.
>"The pony claimed to be working for the crown. They wanted me, us, to break out the old lockpicks for them. To 'help others'. But I got the feeling they wouldn't mind airing our dirty secrets, even if they didn't say anything."

>He leans back. "And that's it. I just happened to get to you first." He grins. "Besides, I really did get a job offer from that Gryphon company."
>"What's all this about a job offer?" Geoff asks as he enters the room. Looks like he's finally ready to go. "You found another job then, Copper?"
This is new. Granted, you never were too fond of stealing family heirlooms, aside from the occasional noble that bought trinkets like a baker buys flour.
Doing work for the Princesses, helping ponies, could really be more your thing, lockpicks *are* part of your talent...assuming whoever approached Copper really meant it.

You turn to Geoff and respond before Copper can. "Yep. Copper's gonna be pornstar! I hear its a Gryphon publication, want a copy when it comes out?"
While putting your arm around his shoulders, you quietly tell him you'll talk to him later.
>"Right then, how about you take my dildo collection with you?" He replies flatly.
You can't tell if he believed you.

"Don't be like that, don't you want ponies to see him all dressed up in lace?"
>Copper pushes you back across the couch. "Oh don't listen to him. He wasn't being serious."
>"Yea, I figured. You were trying too hard, Watch." He replies with a coy smile.
>Geoff grabs his cap hanging by the door and puts it on. "Come on boys, let's get some food. Were wasting moonlight!"
>"Sun hasn't set yet, G." Copper gets off the couch to follow.
>As you follow suit, Geoff turns his head. "So, where are we going?"

"Do you two have any ideas?" You figure its best to let them lead on this one, so if anything bad happens, it won't be your fault. Not directly.
>Geoff shrugs. "Nothing right now. Anything's fine, I just want a drink."
>"I think I know a place. Its a bar not too far from here. I don't remember the name...but I know how to get there." Suggests Copper.
Without any other alternatives, you decide to follow his lead.
>As the three of you make your way across town, into one of the quieter areas, Geoff takes it upon himself to start some conversation.
>"I wasn't kidding about the dildo collection, you know." He blurts out.
>You almost miss a step. "Wait, what? How the heck did you get that? *Why* do you have that?" Copper has an incredulous look on his face.
Your face shares his expression. Is Geoff leading in to one of his 'adventures' again?

>To his credit, the larger gryph doesn't miss a beat."Well ya see, this unicorn came in one day. She had a cloak on, and a bit of a prissy attitude too..."
You can't really say you didn't see this coming, he's always loved telling stories. That, and hearing himself talk.
Do you really want to listen in?
If some mare somehow pawned off a bunch of toy dicks to Geoff, its not as if he bought the things himself. He'll find a way to get rid of them eventually, he always does.
Then again, its not like you have anything better to bring up, do you?

Might as well humor Geoff, you don't really have anything you want to really bring up anyway. Nothing you're sure of, at least.
>"...so she says she's got a bunch of cooking things to sell. Silverware, glass, that kind of stuff. So, she brings them in and they're in boxes this big-"
>He holds his talons a moderate distance apart. "-and quite a few of them too. So I ask her where she got them from, and she tells me they're from someone else."
>Copper slows down to walk next to him. "It all seems okay so far, someone brings in loot for someone else, done it before-"
"We get the message Geoff. Just how exactly did you get saddled with them anyway?" You interrupt with your own question.
>Geoff takes a moment to clear his throat."The first box was the real deal. I had no reason to doubt her, and I'd already paid her the bits when I checked the rest. Shame she'd already left, she had some nice loot herself, ifyouknowwhatimean~"
>He winks at that. "So it turns out the second 'O' on the labels was actually a really badly drawn 'C'. And now I've got half a closet full of dicks I don't know what to do with!"
>That earns a few laughs from you and Copper. "You could just see if Pearl wants 'em, we can go see her later." He suggests.

You change the subject after the laughter dies down."So Geoff, anything special happen after we met at the Mug earlier?"
>"Nothin' much." He replies. "Just went to pay a visit to your brother here, invite him along. He's been working on that little project of his, haven't you Copper?"
>He nods. "Yep. I was doing some tweaks on the old bow and crossbow pieces I was working on. They're still nowhere as powerful as regular ones, though."
>Mechanical projects was how your twin applied his talent. He's always held an interest in small, compact systems. A collapsable shortbow, a single-hoof crossbow, and a collapsable baton are some of the things he's working on. You're a little proud to say he was a little inspired by your work on watches, at first.

What Geoff said earlier gets you thinking a little. You come up with a few uses for his surplus 'loot'...most of them inappropriate.
You pull out your own watch and check the time. Half past six. You turn to Copper
"Are we there yet?"
>"Actually, we got here a few minutes ago!" Copper waves his hoof at the building before you. "I just didn't want to interrupt the story."

>He wasn't lying, the three of you were standing outside your destination the entire time!
>Its a small-ish place, with a set of wooden doors and a 'bar' sign above them. No mention of a name though...curious.
>The place looks bigger on the inside than the outside. You're greeted with the sight of the bar itself to your left, a bunch of standing tables in the middle, and a string of booths along the far wall.
>"Huh. Cozy..." Geoff starts walking around, looking at the tables, the ponies sitting at them, and the drinks they're having. Especially the drinks.
>"Welp, here we are! You go on ahead and find a table or something, I'm going to use the restroom." Copper walks off to the far end of the room, and turns a corner.

A place like this should have some kind of music....ah! There's a jukebox opposite the bar.
>You start walking, and hit the play button as you pass by. The label on the disc was worn, so you didn't get a good look at the title. Eh, you'll find out soon enough.
>Your ears twitch a little as you pick up the first notes. The upbeat and chipper tones of a ragtime song fill the air.
>A head or two turns to look at the new sound, but by then you're already halfway to the bar.
>Hopping up on a stool and turning around, you take a moment to observe the patrons. Old habits die hard.

>Two stallions sitting at the other end of the bar, wearing nothing other than saddlebags. Must be here for a casual visit.
>A group of five is sharing a platter at one of the larger booths. All unicorns, all with drinks. They look a little younger than the other patrons.
>A pair of earth ponies standing at one of the tables. They're having a pretty animated conversation, and the partially empty steins of ale says their night's just beginning.
>A pegasus stallion, a batpony mare, and a gryphoness are playing a card game in one of the other booths.
>The bartender herself is at the pass through into the kitchen. A basket of crisp fries appear, and she takes the order to the stallion pair. Guess its too early to break out the waitresses.
>The sound of a door closing alerts you to Copper's return. He takes a seat next to you and leans back against the bar.
>"Hey, what'cha lookin at?"

You turn around on the stool. "Just taking a look around...and I see a nosey horse that better have washed his hooves."
His snout makes that annoyed scrunch that always happens when you boop him. Good thing you don't need your nose in the restroom, or else you'd have to wash YOUR hooves.
"So, what's up with this place?" You wave to the bartender and she nods in acknowledgement. She'll be coming by for your order soon.
>"What, this? This-" Copper waves his hooves around. "-is a bar. You come here when you wanna consume some form of alcohol, with or without food to go with it. I find its a nice kind of place to talk to ponies."
>"Besides, you didn't answer my question." He prods back at you. "Bet you were looking at that pair at the table? Or was it those three playing cards? I didn't take you for a gambling pony, brother."

It's your turn now, you playfully jab his shoulder.
"Well if I play my hoof right, we just might score you a date. Celestia knows you need one~. Besides, I was just enjoying the music. A little quiet here, isn't it?"
>Copper feigns a look of shock.
>"Well I'll never! I'll have you know I've been on plenty of dates! They just never worked out. As for the crowd, its hardly late enough for more ponies to come in."
He's right about that you suppose. You check your watch, its only about a quarter past seven.
>"Hello there. What's your order?"
>The bartender,a teal pegasus mare with a white shirt stands in front of you.
>Geoff takes this moment to rejoin the party.
>"I'll have a beer, and something fried."
>The mare doesn't seem fazed in the slightest. She motions to you.

>"Here, use this." Copper passes you a menu from the side. "An ale please, dark."
You look down at the food list.
Seems like typical bar fare. Fried, starchy foods, ales, beers, liqueurs, you even see meat on the menu. Well that explains the gryphon lady earlier then.

You ask for one of their specials, a mulled wine, and a basket of fries for yourself.
>The three of you pay for your orders, and Geoff turns to Copper.
>"Say, how did you find out about this place?"
>"I did a job at the place the owner used to work at. We got along well enough, and when he opened up the place, I was invited. That's it, really."
>The three of you spend the next hour or so just chatting and catching up. As the food comes, you finish them and order more.
>Soon enough your bellies are filled and feeling comfortably buzzed from potatoes to cider to even a bit of ham when Geoff swapped your sandwiches. You'd thought it tasted odd. Copper didn't like the texture.

>Patrons came and left, the young unicorn group and stallion pair departed, leaving the trio playing cards and the now more drunk pair earth ponies still at their table.
>What has your attention now is one of the new arrivals. A group of a few big, burly ponies came in, clearly more than a little sloshed, judging by their swaying gaits.
>One of the newcomers, a pegasus, stumbles onto the floor by the table of the drinking pair. Now you never knew if he was tripped or just fell, but the fact is, they're arguing.
>It's caught the attention of everyone else in the bar, the bat mare begins to stand, but her pegasus and gryphon friends hold her back.
>"Is this really happening right now? It's just so stereotypical!"
>Geoff throws up his talons as one of the ragtime songs on the playlist starts for the upteenth time.
>"Think they'll start fighting?"
>Copper munches on some onion rings eagerly watching the scene. Seems someone's enjoying things, at least.

Being the squishy, fragile rogue you are, maybe it'll be better to just watch this one. Where its safe.
You take a sip of your drink and observe.
>The buff pegasus is really getting into the personal space of the earth pony stallion.
>His friend is trying to break it up, but the larger pony just ignores her.
>The rest of the drunks are standing by too. Some clearly don't want to start a fight, not that it's helping much.

>The spark that sets him off is the glass of liqeur on the table.
>It spills over Mr big, buff and angry, and the smaller stallion ducks in time to avoid getting punched.
>His mare friend though, doesn't take too kindly to being under a quarter ton of drunk pony.
>A few of the pegasus' friends join in the brawl, three on two isn't a fair fight...
>You narrowly miss getting brained by a stray bottle, but Copper doesn't.
>At least the glass didn't shatter completely, but it does knock him off his seat.
>The fight soon devolves into a proper brawl as a few random ponies join in on the action.
>That bat mare and her friends join in too. Though you did hear them shouting about the Royal Guard...not the best time to start a bar fight.
>"I think we should leave."
>Geoff hands over a few napkins to Copper. He's bleeding a little, and looking a quite dazed. Maybe its time to look for somewhere else to go to?

You take a closer look. Copper has a large cut on his head, not enough to scar, but it is bleeding some, and he can't sit straight either.
>You motion Geoff to get moving, and he helps you by taking your twin's left side while you carry his right.
>As the two of you move towards the front door, a loud thud sounds as a pony falls before you, followed by a few glasses and some half eaten food from the table he's landed against.
>The drunk stallion had grazed Geoff in his short flight, making him lose grip on Copper and dragging him off you as he stumbles.

>In his drunken haze, the pony is still rearing for a fight, and with your friends momentarily knocked down, he's coming for you.
>From this distance, it seems he plans to tackle you, judging from his lowered head.

What is wrong with these ponies? How does two guys carrying an injured pony equal a challenge to fight?
Your first move is to get away, diving into a roll to your right just as the charging stallion plows through where you were. Geoff is just getting back up himself.
"Hey G! You alright!?"
>"I'll be fine! Where is he?"
You jump to the side again as he makes another pass at you. He grazed your sleeve that time.
"Right here! I'll need some help!"
>The gryphon wastes no time as he moves to intercept the earth pony. Geoff counter's his charge with a bodyslam of his own, sending them over a table.

You hastily move to pick Copper off the floor, and help moving him towards the exit.
>His steps are picking up speed, and you soon make it out through the door. It looks like he's starting to recover. Time to get outta here.
"Geoff! We're leaving!"
>"I'm a little busy at the moment!"
>The drunkard from before has managed to get himself on Geoff's back. The gryphon is trying to throw him off, but he's clinging on stubbornly. Another table of drinks gets knocked down.

One thing you always hear about drunks is that they can find the ugliest faces attractive, so why not put that to use?
You get within shouting distance, and get the stallion's attention.
"Hey! You!"
>The pony looks up, confused at your action.
You wink and flash the most charming smile you can manage at him while whipping your mane.
"Caught you 'miring~"
Well, you try to.
>Downside of keeping your hair neat is, you can't move too much at once with a single motion.
>Still, it works as intended. The stallion blushes lightly, and after the second of silence Geoff takes the oppourtunity to toss him into a booth.

>"'Caught you 'miring'? That's what you do? There are literally dozens more things you could have used instead!"
>Well he's clearly not too banged up to be snarking like that.
"Hey, it worked didn't it? Let's get Copper."
>The three of you are now outside the bar, mostly still in good condition, though Copper's head could do with a check up.
>He's still holding the napkin to his forehead. The bleeding's stopped, for the most part.
>"Think we could go see Pearl now? A comfy chair would be nice right about now."

"You sure the hospital wouldn't be a better choice?"
The hospital would be the better place to go, but at the moment, Pearl's place is nearer. All the clinics are probably closed anyway.
>"I was hit with a bottle of alcohol, not a knife dipped in pus. It'll heal on its own, I just need to get cleaned up."
>Well, arguing isn't going to get him help any sooner, so you decide to go along.
You hoist your twin onto your back. The faster he gets help, the better.
>Geoff takes this chance to butt in.
>"You might have been hit with clean glass, but I think there's a wet spot on my back!"

>With Geoff guiding you from above, it isn't very long before you find yourself in front of the Blooming Rose.
>A two storey building with, what else?, rose bushes and silk under the windows.
>Copper's cut has stopped bleeding now, but its still open, and is starting to swell.
You make your way inside.
>The place has some customers, as is usual for the night. A few mares in revealing dresses move about. Some carrying trays of drinks, others carrying ponies on their arms.
>A stage is set up at one end of the room. The dim lighting there provides ample focus for the mares in burlesque outfits performing on stage.
>It's not too hard to find Pearl, the cream coated Earth mare and her big hair isn't hard to miss. Even with her red dress concealing her open oyster for a Cutie Mark.
>She's currently busy talking to a stallion customer.
>"So what can I get with 50 bits?"
>Her response is quick, and dry.
>"Somepony may touch you. Briefly."

Eh...it'll be rude to interrupt, you suppose. You wave your hoof at her.
>"Hmm...I'll take it!"
>Pearl nods, her eyes flashing briefly at you, and motions to the nearby hallway.
>"Just get over to room number four. I'll send a girl in shortly."
>Just as he leaves, she pulls aside a passing waiter.
>"Tell Galina her talons would be appreciated by a customer, room four."
>The pony nods in affirmation and hurries off.
>She notices Geoff and Copper, and beckons the three of you to follow her.

>The three of you end up backstage by the kitchen, and Pearl is quick to pull up a seat for Copper and some bandages out of a cupboard.
>"You don't come to visit in weeks, and this is the condition you present in?"
>Her tone is disapproving, like the teacher that caught their student peeking at answers.
>"What's happened to you, dearie?"

You grab a wet cloth and start to clean Copper up.
"A bar fight happened, that's what."
>Green magic washes over her as she speaks to you.
>"And you! I haven't seen you here for even longer, and the first thing you say is: 'A bar fight happened'?"
>A chitinous hoof bops you in the back of the head.

>Geoff pulls up a chair himself, passing some water to Copper.
>"Your disguise is off, Pearl..."
>"We're in private dear Geoff, no reason to stay disguised here."
>Copper raises his hoof.
>"I'm feeling better, in case anyone's still interested."

You scratch your head where she hit you and scrunch your muzzle.
"For the record, going to the bar was completely his idea..."
You turn to your brother and point your hoof at him.
"...and this is your fault by the way. But its good you're feeling better."
>Pearl raises an eyebrow. "Oh is that so, dear?"
>Copper only gives a sheepish smile in response.
>The Changeling shakes her head.
>"Whoever's fault it is, you three can work it out by yourselves. I've got a business to run, we can catch up later."
>Pearl moves back towards the main room, donning her big hair and red dress once more.

>Geoff puts a talon to his chin.
>"Well there's that. I wonder if she's in the market for some toys..."
>Copper takes a sip from his glass.
>"She might be, that storage closet upstairs is bound to have some things that need replacing."
>"Good idea, I think I'll just go check it out myself..."
>The gryph stands up and makes his way to the stairs by the kitchen.
Speaking of which, is probably still serving.
The main room is open to you of course, as is the rest of the building, private rooms excepted.
Though you could keep Copper company until Pearl comes back, content as he is to lie in that chair.

Part of you wants to go after Geoff and see what he's doing, but this might be the only chance to talk to Copper about that mysterious job offer he got.
The small gurgle your stomach makes will have to be ignored for now, you never did manage to finish your meal back at the bar.
You take the seat Geoff left behind and get straight to the questions.
"Now that we're alone, could you tell me more about what that mysterious pony said?"

>Copper sits up straighter in his chair.
>"Right, now's a good time to talk about that, I guess. What do you want to know?"

A few obvious questions come to mind.
"Was the pony a stallion or mare? How did they find you? Do you want to take their offer? You weren't threatened, were you?"
>Copper takes a moment to to think.
>"First, it was a mare. She found me outside, at a cafe, and was polite and professional about it. She said I could walk away if I wanted, but when a stranger approaches you knowing the fine details of you and your brother? That's more than a little unnerving."
>He looks straight at you.
>"I'm...unsure...about the offer. She probably wasn't lying, it would be good to do something to help others in this city. Besides, being a spy sounds exciting!"
>"But that kind of stuff is a dangerous job, more that what we used to do. I'm not sure if I want to take that risk...or put you through it, for that matter."

"I still have my shop to run...but I don't want you doing this alone. I really meant it earlier when I said about being comfortable with it as long as you're with me."
You put your hoof on his shoulder.
"I'm ready, if you are."
>Copper smiles warmly, and does the same.
>"I'm glad to hear that, brother. But don't tell just me that, she'll probably be looking for you too."

The thought of some mysterious mare recruiting you for who knows what does set off a few alarms in your head...even if you don't say it out just yet.
"Yeah, probably. Still, I want to hear the details from her myself before I really agree. I'm with you on this - not her."
Even though he's your brother, he's still just one voice. Going from 'worried about blackmail' to 'excited at being a spy', doesn't lend him very much credit. Though that's probably why he's so unsure about the whole thing in the first place.
"Anyway, you feeling better now? I could get us some food - we didn't really finish our meals, did we?"
>Copper shakes his head.
>"You go on ahead, I'm not really hungry just yet...I'll get my own food later."

>The kitchen is mildly busy at this time of night. Some ponies are moving around, preparing food for clients, others are off-duty staff are having a snack.
Searching the fridge and pantry you find enough ingredients to make something yourself, if you wanted to.
Though your curiosity wonders if Geoff found anything interesting upstairs, he's got to get rid of that collection somehow.
Pearl would be clearing up some of her immediate business right about now too, she'll want to catch up with you and Copper both - though maybe not necessarily at the same time.

Geoff will come back down when he's ready, and Pearl will be finished soon enough. Right now, you need to feed that stomach of yours.
>You decide on a simple sandwich. Nothing too complex, don't want to make much of a mess for the cleaners later.
>Toasted bread, peanut butter and grape jelly. With a glass of milk.
>You might as well make another one for Copper too, he's going to want to eat anyway.
You load up the plates and glasses on a tray and bring them back.

A fun thought crosses your mind when you see him waiting with his forehead all bandaged.
>"I did say I was going to get my own food...but thanks anyway!"
>He starts to stand and reach for one of the plates, but you pull them away.
"Nuh uh." You shake your head. "An injured colt like you shouldn't be moving so much with a head wound like yours. Now open up!"
>Copper is unamused. He reaches for the sandwich again.
>"Come on, this isn't a concussion or anything...okay, it kinda is but I can feed myself."
You just keep pulling it back.
"Nuh uh."
>"Yea uh!"

>This goes on for a while. But Copper relents...eventually.
>"Okay fine! I'm hungry now - so just feed me the damn sandwich!"
>He crosses his hooves and scrunches his muzzle in annoyance. Its always fun to mess with siblings, isn't it?
You hold a sandwich up to his mouth and coo at him.
"Open up wide! Who's a good colt?"
>"Hey, am I a colt or a do-hmmf!"
You cut off his quip by shoving the PB&J into his mouth while you take a bite out of yours.
>He chews and swallows, glaring at you the whole time.
You simply ruffle his mane when he does.

>Pearl returns to the room while the two of you are halfway through your milk.
>"You two have helped yourselves to the kitchens, I see...where has Geoff gone?"
You point your hoof upwards.
>"Well then, he'll be coming along eventually." She takes a seat in the empty chair. "Tell me, how have you been?"
>Copper replies first.
>"Its been interesting enough so far. I'm between jobs now, Geoff came to invite me out while I was working on my projects, we met up at his place and went to a bar to enjoy the night out. You already know the rest."

"I've had a steady stream of customers so the shop's doing well. I found Geoff at the Green Mug earlier today, had a night out, got into a random bar fight..."
>"You two should really take better care of yourselves, you're not big burly ponies. A good hit in the right place isn't something you'll be able to walk away from."
>"Business has been the usual with me I suppose. Ponies come in, they get company, we changelings get fed and the others get paid in bits. But you wouldn't believe the things some of the ponies we serve get up to."
>"Just yesterday a mare was becoming too foward with one of my boys at the stage. 'But what else is he for?' she said. We eventually had to show her the door."
>She sighs.
>"Working as a courtesan is about more than just sex. Its about providing comfort, intimacy that can only be had with another individual. Not many customers understand this."
>"But enough about that. Here's something you two might find interesting: We've had a request to send a girl to the Palace grounds for tomorrow night. At the Royal Guard academy no less. Its probably just-"

>Geoff chooses this time to walk in, holding a crude model of what is supposed to be a Gryphon's equipment.
>"Copper, Watch! If this isn't a dick that needs replacement, then I don't know what is. Its downright ugly, compared to the others I got which are practically lifelike! I would know, I have one."
>Geoff looks between you and Copper and Pearl while the three of you stare back in silence.
>"Ooh, sorry...I wasn't interrupting anything, was I?"
>At least he has the courtesy to look embarrassed about barging in. The Changeling however, isn't as delighted.
>"So I guess something else 'interesting' happened tonight, boys?"

"Interesting? Not yet..." A smirk grows on your face.
>Pearl fires back with a smirk of her own.
>"Oh is that so? Perhaps the three of you would like a private room tonight? Or the stage, even? I'm sure we could bring in enough bits to last a week from the stallions alone..."
>Geoff quickly shakes his head in rejection.
>"What? No - I was simply thinking of selling you a bunch of dildos I was unfortuante enough to tricked into. I would rather your own ponies test them themselves."
>"They may or may not have been used..." Copper mutters under his breath, and quickly hides behind his glass of milk.
>"What was that, dear?" Pearl enquires.
>"Oh, nothing~"
You manage to stifle your own laugh just in time.

>Pearl turns to Geoff.
>"But you do raise a point, dear. The things I already have are old, and some could certainly use a replacement. How much are they?"
>Geoff pulls his head back in surprise.
>"Wait, you DO want 'em? Well, I've got half a closet of boxes stacked up, how many do you want?"
>Pearl leans back in her chair.
>"Oh not too many, though I certainly will have to see them for myself. You will be in your office tomorrow, won't you?"
>"'Course I am. If you need somebody to carry them, I'm sure Copper and Watch will be happy to help! Right, boys?"

You wave your hooves out in front of you, attempting to be as modest as possible.
"Oh no, no. Copper and I are simply too fragile and weak, better at moral support really. A big, strong gryphon like yourself should be able to do it all no problem!"
>"Sure, we could help out. Its not like I have much else to do tomorrow anyway." Copper sets his glass back on the tray.
"...thanks for the help bro." You tell him flatly.
>"Anytime!"

>"Great! I'll see you tomorrow, boys!"
>Geoff turns back to face Pearl.
As they carry on their conversation about the specifics of fake penis delivery, you check your watch. Twenty minutes to ten.
Its a little late, and you could certainly go back and turn in early if you wanted.
But there's still time left you could use, and you'd barely spent much time in the Blooming Rose anyway, or talked to Pearl very much.

Unlike the rest of your friends, you can't afford to stay up as late with your shop to take care of.
"Sorry to leave so soon everyone, but I've got a store to open up in the morning. When should I show up Geoff?"
>"Leaving so soon Watch? Alright. How's four in the afternoon sound?"
"That's good. See you tomorrow."
>Copper and Pearl wave you off as you leave.
>"See ya bro!"
>"Don't be a stranger, dear. You're always welcome here."

You make it back home, and everything is as you left it.
While laying in bed after everything's done, a worrying though crosses your mind.
That recruiter mare is going to be something you're going to be seeing sooner rather than later.
How will you deal with her when she comes? You know nothing about her, or who she works for.
But that's just something you'll have to deal with, tomorrow.