The Lorax and all references and characters contained within are copyright of Dr. Seuss. My Little Pony; Friendship is Magic is copyright of Lauren Faust and Hasbro. I own nothing and am earning no money from this fan project.

Chapter 6 – Confidential

He'd allowed her to leave early on Friday to get ready and she was glad he did because a quick scan of her closet the night before revealed she had nothing to wear except the dress she wore as his assistant. With no time to make anything, she went to a boutique in town and selected a navy blue floor-length dress that would match her black pumps. She loved the way it hugged her body and then just past her hips, the skirt flared out in layers of chiffon and silk that would look graceful as she danced. Tiny beads gave a hint of elegance to the modest neckline and light chiffon had been attached to the straps so it fell over her shoulders and covered them.

Once back at the boarding house, she took a shower and even shaved her legs though she knew nothing was going to happen between them. It wasn't, was it? No, Mr. Onceler was an absolute gentleman and would never think of ending their night with physical activity. The most she could expect was a kiss on the hand. Standing naked in front of her full length mirror, she surveyed her human body. Her skin was pale, of course, she was indoors most of the time. She was what many would consider attractive. She placed her hands on her stomach, which was rounding out a bit. No one else could probably tell, but she needed to start exercising and laying off the baked goods at work or she'd be fat in no time. Some models she'd seen in magazines were stick thin, but she had the body of a woman with curves – size ten, so her clothes said. Her thighs, while not too fat, did not have a gap between them, her breasts were still perky, but full and round like grapefruits and her hips, well, if she ever got pregnant her child would have enough room in there.

Child? Pregnant? No, she was going back to Equestria someday. She wasn't here forever. She kept forgetting that. She kept forgetting a lot of things.

Still…her mind wandered to Mr. Onceler. What was he hiding under those fine clothes…under that complete suit with gloves he wore all the time? He was so thin and lanky she could probably snap him in two if she hugged him too hard. She imagined running her hands across the barely-there muscles of his chest and stomach. Maybe he worked out, actually, maybe he was ripped under that green coat of his. Not likely. No, if she put her arms around him, she knew she'd be able to feel the outline of his shoulder blades, maybe even the vertebrae of his back. She'd read up on human anatomy so she knew what men were supposed to look like, but had never actually seen one naked. How big was…

Stop it, Rarity, she scolded herself feeling heat blaze in her cheeks. Certainly it was not normal to be thinking about one's boss naked. She applied makeup and slipped into her dress and shoes. Tonight, since she was not working, she wore her hair down, but still put the barrette in. Her cutie mark…generosity…her element. That's what she was doing here.

Princess Celestia's voice entered her head. You are a unicorn and it's not uncommon when unicorns become human to forget what you are and where you came from. Do not forget.

She was trying so hard to remember, but bits and pieces of Equestria were leaving her mind day by day. A knock at the door snapped her back into reality and she slung her small purse over her shoulder before answering it. Mr. Onceler looked handsome as always in his green tailcoat and top hat. Green…the color of money, of greed, of fine jewels – emerald and jade, of grass, of nature…there was still hope, right. Hope of what? Why was she here? He looked so amazing.

"Good evening, Rarity." He extended his arm and she looped her own around it. "You're quite beautiful tonight."

"Thank you, sir. You're handsome yourself."

When they got in the car, she sat next to him instead of across from him. She was his date tonight, not his assistant and the idea thrilled her. She didn't have to follow two steps behind and whisper to him who someone was if he forgot, which actually rarely happened. He had a good memory. She noticed how he had his hands clasped together and how he looked away quickly when their eyes met. He was nervous. But why, she wondered. We work together all the time. If anything, he should be more at ease with me than with the other girls he's gone with.

"I wanted to thank you for agreeing to be my date tonight and for all your hard work. You go above and beyond, Rarity, and that's hard to find in any employee." He produced a small velvet box from his pocket and held it out to her. "These are for you."

She opened the box and just stared at the diamond earrings inside. Each was a trail of three progressively smaller diamonds, and the way they caught the light, the clarity of them, she could tell they were real. A name popped into her head – Tom – but she couldn't figure out why or remember who Tom was. She picked one up and discovered it was a clip on. "You noticed I didn't have pierced ears?"

"Of course."

It was too much…she should give them back. She should say she appreciated the gesture but…but she was already looking in the mirror of her compact and clipping them on her earlobes. She loved the way they dangled and sparkled. They were so beautiful! And they're MINE, she thought. "Thank you very much, sir. They're gorgeous."

"It's nothing."

Really? Diamonds of this cut and clarity were nothing? How rich was he exactly? Very…very rich, she knew. So rich that most women were only interested in him for his money. Rarity was grateful she'd gotten to know him…the real Onceler most people didn't have a chance of even getting close to much less talking deeply with about his past and his interests. For all she knew, she was the only woman outside his family who knew he played guitar, knew how to sew and knit, liked marshmallows and got queasy around blood. She felt lucky to know the actual man behind the glittery shades and cool attitude. She found herself much preferring the kind-of-shy country bumpkin with the boyish grin.

When they entered the gala, she stayed by his side watching the other couples either dancing or talking. Older couples – parents, she realized – stood by the wall watching, hoping that maybe the person their son or daughter was with would be the one. Thankfully, Isabella was not there. She probably would grill Mr. Onceler about it tomorrow though. Well, of course she would, he was here with Rarity after all and for whatever reason Isabella despised her.

She wasn't ordinarily allowed to touch the food when she was assisting him, but he must've noticed her look of longing as a server walked by with a platter of hors d'oeuvres.

"Go ahead, if you want one, Rarity," he told her.

Rarity hadn't had a chance to eat anything and savored the flavor as her teeth sank into the cracker topped with apple, soft cheese and honey. She showed restraint, of course, but definitely nibbled on the delicious food that was offered. As usual, she noticed he touched nothing. She figured it was perhaps because he would have to remove his gloves to eat, or maybe he'd already eaten. Whatever the reason, as she surveyed his slender frame, she thought he could definitely stand to eat more and told him so.

"Rarity, I eat a lot. I mean, I love food and I eat more than I probably should. I had like twenty flipping pancakes this morning. I don't know where it all goes."

She looked down at her own body with its curves and put her hands on her lower abdomen as she thought about her reaction to her stomach getting a bit pudgy. "I hate you."

He simply gave an amused laugh. "Oh, Rarity, don't worry. A lot of men appreciate a lady with a feminine frame. Those twiggy models do nothing for me, at least."

She was rather glad to hear this.

It seemed they hadn't been there long when a young man, maybe thirty, with brown hair came up to them and extended his hand. "Mr. Onceler. It's nice to finally meet you in person. I'm Amos Carter."

Her boss gave his diplomatic smile, but she knew he was wondering what the hell this Carter guy wanted with him anyway.

"You are a hard person to get a hold of, you know that?" Mr. Carter continued.

"I realize it and I apologize, but I don't discuss business at these events."

"I had hoped to arrange a meeting."

"Yes, but I understand you are hesitant to leave word as to the purpose of that meeting. I don't set up meetings unless I know what they are regarding."

Mr. Carter leaned in close and whispered something into Mr. Onceler's ear. Rarity saw her boss' eyes widen a bit just before the other man pulled away. "Do you think a meeting could be arranged now?"

"I will have my assistant call you first thing Monday morning and we will set something up while you are here in town."

"Thank you, Mr. Onceler."

Her boss simply gave him a polite nod and smile and then walked off with Rarity on his arm.

"What was that about, sir?"

"Don't worry about it, Rarity. Don't worry about work at all tonight. We'll deal with it Monday morning. Also, if you like, while we're here, you may call me 'Once'."

"Once…" she repeated cautiously. She liked that – it felt intimate and connected them on another level. Sure, it wasn't his first name, but it was progress in the right direction.

This gala ended up being much better than the one she'd attended in Canterlot...of course, it wasn't hard considering at that function her date was a total jerk. He had refused to open doors for her, expected her to pay for their apple treats and then turned his nose up at the baked goods Applejack had worked so hard on. She still remembered the way that stallion had treated her, though she couldn't remember his name to save her life. She only remembered he wasn't very chivalrous at all. Was this the Tom that had flashed through her mind earlier?

Mr. Onceler…Once, rather…treated her like a lady at all times and she enjoyed dancing most of all when she got to be held by him and feel the softness of his gloved hand in hers. Being so close she inhaled that cinnamon-clove scent she'd come to love about him, but something was missing. It took her a moment to realize there was not one hint of cigarette smoke clinging to him. She was touched; he knew it bothered her, so he must've changed clothes and maybe even showered before leaving for the gala.

By the time they left and he opened the car door for her, she wasn't ready for the evening to end. She slid into the seat and folded her hands in her lap as he sat beside her. Now that there wasn't the chatter and music and tinkling of champagne glasses around things were quiet and a little awkward. She noticed his fingers and hands weren't staying still.

Finally, he broke the silence. "Rarity, I wanted to ask…"

"Yes," she replied hopefully. Maybe he wanted to spend more time together.

"Would you mind terribly if I smoked? I haven't had a cigarette all evening and I'm about to go crazy."

Okay…not exactly what she was hoping for. "If you must, but please crack open the window at least."

"Thank you." He rolled down the window a bit and took his silver case from his pocket, dropping a piece of paper on the floor in the process...no, it wasn't a paper, it was a card in a fancy gold envelope. His hands started shaking so much she was surprised he could open it and his eyes grew wide as he read whatever message was inside.

"What is it, Once?" She still used the name cautiously as though he might change his mind about letting her call him that.

He quickly crumpled up the paper and shook his head. "It's not important." He shoved it back in his pocket and lit a cigarette, though his hands were still so jittery she was amazed he could do so. What on earth did the card say?

Smoking, however, did seem to calm his nerves a bit, though as they arrived at her place and he stubbed the cigarette out in the ashtray, he sighed. "I really need to stop that. Mom's always on my case about it. You know what my father died of?" He waited until Rarity shook her head to continue. "Lung cancer…and I picked up this habit that is absolutely horrible and disgusting and I should really quit."

"Why don't you?"

"Because people wouldn't like me very much during the quitting process. I can be a rather difficult person when I haven't had a cigarette in a while."

"You're already a rather difficult person sometimes."

She couldn't believe she said that, but to her surprise Mr. Onceler laughed as he slid out of the car before she did and offered his hand to help her out. They walked into the complex and up the stairs to her door.

"I had a wonderful time tonight, sir…I mean, Once. Thank you for inviting me."

"And I thank you for the pleasure of your company, Rarity." He extended his hand and when she placed hers against the soft material of his glove, he kissed it gently. She felt a zing run through her body. That was his sign he had enjoyed the evening and she'd noticed very few of his dates got a kiss on the hand. She hoped for more, maybe a kiss on the cheek or even the lips, but he didn't give her that. He simply bid her good night and just like that her perfect evening was over. On Monday she'd be getting coffee for Mr. Onceler at the office again.

Onceler should have been ecstatic as he entered his apartment – forget Stephanie or any of the others, Rarity was the best lady he'd taken to a party all season. He wished he could spend every gala in her company, but there were still prearranged dates ahead he had to keep. However, as he reached a trembling hand in his pocket and pulled out the wadded up card, his only thoughts were of the one thing that had put a damper on the whole evening. Slowly he opened it and read the flowing handwriting: Join me for a glass of whiskey, pretty boy? Following that was the name of a hotel and a room number.

He had been so enamored by Rarity, so enjoying their time together he hadn't even noticed That Person was there. If he had, he probably would have left early to avoid having a panic attack at the sight of them. Why was That Person even at this particular gala? Onceler had traveled far away from his hometown and all that had happened there. He figured he was done with his past, even if fancy envelopes could be sent via mail, he never thought he'd have to see That Person again. And to think That Person had been close enough to slip a note in his pocket and he'd never even felt a presence near him. He wouldn't want to feel their presence near him.

Memories came of That Person's hands on his skin, that body pressed up against his, lips near his ear, hot breath, words he'd rather forget. You like that, pretty boy?

He collapsed onto the couch, barely able to breathe, that icy feeling flowing through him. Even though his throat felt tight, he refused to cry. He was only allowed one tear and with something like this, well, if even one tear escaped, he knew he wouldn't be able to stop. He simply sat there trembling at the memories and hating That Person for taking such advantage of him in a time of need…and hating himself for letting it happen.

Rarity was a bit disappointed when the first thing Mr. Onceler said to her on Monday was to call up Mr. Carter's office and arrange that meeting, but she understood that, yes, she was back at work. She still wondered what the meeting was regarding because upon finding out his schedule was booked, he seemed more than willing to let her attend a different meeting to make space for him and Mr. Carter to discuss whatever business they had together.

And during that time, she was not allowed in his office. Before the two men could even begin speaking, he dismissed her with a wave of his hand. Of course, she had somewhere to be herself, but even afterward, he told her it was none of her concern. Clearly, there were still even aspects of his business life she was not privy to.

Mr. Onceler did not bring up the gala and did not ask her again. She was back to trailing behind him for the next few weekends as he was paired up with other young ladies. At work, he was busy overseeing the expansion, meetings and other duties she often helped him with. However, this was occasionally punctuated by calls from Mr. Carter, which he always took immediately if he could and seemed mysterious. Her fingers itched to pick up the phone and tap into the extension to listen, but she wasn't dishonest like that. Whatever it was, her boss didn't want her to know – he didn't want anyone to know. Any mailed correspondence between them was always labeled 'confidential' and she ached to know whatever this secrecy was hiding.

It was two weeks into October when Isabella clacked her way into Rarity's office. "Miss. Belle, I need the Keep List."

"May I ask why?"

"So I can decide who my son is taking to the masquerade at the end of the month."

"I thought that was his decision."

Isabella held out her hand. "He is far too busy with actual work to worry about who he is taking to a dance, so I will decide for him from the list of acceptable candidates."

Rarity fished the paper she wanted out of its folder even though she knew the three names on it – Cindy, Meredith and Stephanie. No, wait…there were now four names. In his handwriting and signature red ink at the bottom a single name stood out and was even circled: Rarity. He was choosing her? That was not going to go over well with his mother.

Isabella made an irritated sound in her throat and snatched the paper away when Rarity held it out. "Cindy's out – her family is rich, but no status. And how cute, you added yourself to the list."

"Perhaps you want to check the handwriting again, ma'am. It's not mine. I think he's made his decision."

"We'll see about that." She turned and walked off. At least she had the decency not to interrupt Mr. Onceler about personal things at work, but Rarity had no doubt she would certainly put her two cents in later on.

It was almost time for Rarity to leave when she went into her boss' office to deliver more phone messages and mail, including a confidential package from Mr. Carter.

"Thank you, Rarity," he said wearily. He placed his hand on the large envelope with the red lettering, but would not open it in front of her. He stretched his neck to either side popping the joints and rolled his shoulders. "I'm so tired."

"You should treat yourself to a massage or something."

"I don't think so. The idea of undressing and having some guy rub his hands all over me is highly unappealing."

"You could see a female masseuse."

"That prospect is slightly better, but I'll be fine." He folded his hands in front of him and gazed directly at her. "Rarity, I wanted to ask you something. A masquerade gala is coming up in two weeks, right around Halloween. Would you like to accompany me as my date?"

Yes! His mother hadn't gotten to him, or if she had, he wasn't listening to her. "I would love to."

"A formal mask is required, of course, but that shouldn't be too hard to find this time of year." Mr. Onceler gave her a small smile. "I enjoyed our time at the gala together. That's all. Have a good evening, Rarity."

"You too, sir." She left the office with her heart fluttering in her chest. He had asked her again. He didn't want any of the high society ladies; he wanted her.

Onceler was finally able to relax upon entering his apartment and sitting on the couch. He loosened his tie and leaned back against the plush furniture. The past few weeks had just been so hectic. It wasn't fair to ask Rarity to work overtime so much and he'd been doing more work than he really should. He needed a vacation. Actually, he'd never had one of those, but a week or so away from the pressures of running the company sounded welcome. Of course, that would never happen. He needed to be here. No one else could do what he did. Not only was there his regular work, there was this whole business with Mr. Carter that he had somehow found himself deeply involved in. There was something great in it for him though when it was over. He wanted to tell Rarity what was going on, but it would require digging up pieces of his past he'd rather leave buried. Rarity did not need to know about that…no one needed to know about that.

He was inwardly debating whether he wanted something to eat or if he just simply wanted to go to sleep when there was a knock at the door. It had to be someone in his family this late at night. He didn't want to move, but somehow found the strength to get up and open the door. It was his mother. "Mom, what is it?"

She breezed in without even asking if she could enter his apartment. "I've narrowed your possible dates for the masquerade down to two ladies. Meredith Pendleton has status and wealth, but she's not much too look at. Stephanie Deckler has status and beauty, but her family isn't all that rich. Which of those two did you like better?"

"Stephanie…I mean, neither." He rubbed his temples, so exhausted his mind could hardly function. "I already asked someone."

"Don't tell me…"

"I asked Rarity. I don't know what it is, but there's something about her…"

"She's a gold digger, that's what it is."

Onceler sat on the couch again and sighed. "Oh, come on. She's not like that at all."

"You know nothing about her and nothing about her family. No one does. It's like she popped up out of nowhere and now she's using her charm to get you to fall for her so she can mooch off your money."

"Rarity has never said one word about money and you have room to talk. I'm the one working my damn butt off while you and rest of the family just enjoy the fruits of my success after telling me repeatedly I'd never amount to anything. Anyway, I was under the impression I got to choose who I take to the masquerade – not you. I choose Rarity and I'm taking her."

"And mark my words, she'll take you for everything she can get. I saw her leaving your apartment one Saturday morning last month and don't try to tell me nothing happened."

"Would it even matter if I told you the truth? Because the truth is I'm not prepared for physical intimacy and we both know why."

"Are you really bringing that up again? It was five years ago and happened one time…"

"Twice! Two times in one night!" He shifted uncomfortably as he tried to banish those dark memories from his mind. "And I will never forgive you for putting me in that position."

"You need to get over that already."

He nodded slowly, not agreeing with her, but understanding what she meant. "As quickly and privately as possible, right? Just don't talk about it and it's like it never happened, right?"

"Everything I did, everything I sacrificed was for the betterment of this family. How quickly children forget all the things their parents did to make sure you had what you needed."

"If I recall correctly we never had what we needed. And after what I sacrificed, we got nothing. It was all for nothing…"

Isabella released an annoyed huff. "I won't apologize for doing what I thought was best for all of us at the time. You know how desperate our situation was. You were the only…commodity…That Person wanted. What else was I supposed to do?"

Onceler could have told her that any real parent wouldn't have just put their own child in that situation. He could have said that she should have seen they would get nothing out of it. It would be no use though. His mother said these things to convince herself, not him, that she had been in the right. He wanted to believe part of her suffered too when all this happened. He remembered the look of devastation on her face when he came home the next morning…without what they were promised. How she had given him space to 'get over it'. How days passed before he even spoke to anyone. How weeks went by before he could smile again. How ever since, he had been filled with hatred and bitterness toward That Person, but also the self-loathing that persisted in his heart. Because there was part of this story even she didn't know. He had been given a choice that morning…he had chosen for the first time in his life not to be selfless and not to think of the family. He had chosen greed.