"Where ever are you going to Coco? We're not scheduled to be at the shoot for another hour." Rarity carefully wrapped large sheets of paper into tight cylinders, placing them into protective cylindrical cases.
Across the room, Coco straightened her collar and turned on her bed, one of her hind legs hanging off the side as she smoothed her mane with a brush held in the crook of her ankle.
"Rose and I had coffee yesterday morning and she asked to get another with me before the shoot today. I could've sworn I told you when I came back yesterday." Coco said before setting the brush down on the bed and gently hopping onto the ground.
"Did you..? You probably did darling, forgive me if I forget, yesterday was a busy day for us. I hope Ivory likes the first drafts." said Rarity as she nervously set the two cases on the bed beside her.
"They looked amazing to me, Rarity. Very bold, she'll love them." Coco assured her as she smiled while walking to the door.
"You really think so? Well, her Hearth's Warming line will be much softer and graceful. I thought why not go... oh, how does Rainbow say it... oh, "all out", that's it." Rarity giggled and crossed her hind legs, pleased very much with her work. "Oh, have fun dear! I'll see you at the shoot, don't be late."
"I won't, thank you Rarity." Coco called back as she let the door swing shut behind her as she made her way to the hotel elevator.
As Coco made her way outside, she was confronted by the early morning quiet that Canterlot seemed to have a reputation for. Few ponies were walking the streets, and those who were seemed to be on their way to work, with cups of fresh coffee and exotic detoxifying teas following them in a suspension of magic. With a smile she began walking towards the coffee shop, enjoying the soft sounds of hooves on cobblestone, bells sounding at the opening of doors, and quiet chatter among those who braved the slight morning chill.
"Coco!" The sudden call made Coco snap out of her tranquil walk and glance across the street to see Rose snuggled in a warm purple sweater, and coffee in hoof. Without missing a beat, Rose cantered over to Coco, a coffee carrying case following after in a mist of blue magic.
"You're early." Coco said after she had jumped backward to avoid the fast approaching mare who skidded to a stop just inches in front of her. "What's with all the energy?"
"Triple espresso shot, followed by this," Rose said as she brought forward her coffee, which smelled strongly of chocolate. "double chocolate chip hot chocolate." Rose said, pausing between each word for dramatic effect.
"And, how many have you had?" Coco asked, holding back a giggle by covering her mouth with her hoof.
"Three." Rose said with a wide grin.
"I couldn't tell." Coco said as she gave up on resisting the urge to laugh and giggled as Rose gestured for her to walk with her, stepping in place until Coco began doing so.
"I got you a caramel cappuccino too, is that okay?" Rose asked with a smile.
"Perfect actually," Coco said happily, "and not that I'd prefer otherwise, but what's got you out here so early?"
"Ivory was on one of her escapades. She wanted to go over the show's routine for the one hundredth time and I managed to get away just as she was reprimanding the lighting crew. "We need more cream lighting, too much pink and she just blends into the background."" Rose mimicked Ivory's voice with a hint of sarcasm.
"So... the usual?" Coco asked, receiving a nod in return as Rose sipped her drink. "Sounds painfully dull." She added with a chuckle.
"Not to mention she won't give me two minute to talk to Fleur. Fleur's relationship is more important than her."
"Relationship? Oh my, did something happen?" Coco asked in a concerned voice.
Rose sighed and shook her head, setting her drink into the case following beside her.
"Fleur's having some issues with Fancy Pants."
"Can I ask why?"
"It's just his behavior recently. He's been spending a lot of time and money at the derby track. She thinks he may have a problem."
"Gambling can be a slippery habit. Has she spoken to him?" Coco asked
"She has but he's not listening. I think she's more afraid of him doing something they'll both regret more than the actual gambling. Ya know?"
"I understand, that's unfortunate. Maybe you could talk to him? He might respond if someone other than Fleur speaks to him. From what I saw when I spoke with her at the party, she seems very kind. Maybe she's just too soft to really get through to him?"
"Fleur is a lot less assertive. That's where her and I are different. Fancy, however, is just as assertive as I am, if not more. When we get into an argument, we don't get anywhere."
"Neither of you want to back down." Coco clarified.
"Exactly." Rose said as they rounded the corner. Her tail lashed as she thought about her arguments with the hoity toity stallion. "Quite frankly I don't know how she stands him."
"She seemed pretty attached to him. Maybe she loves him. There's just a few kinks to work out, that's all." Coco said as she smiled calmly.
"I hope so. They've been sweethearts for years, and I'm happy so long as she's happy. Right now, she's not happy."
"Well depending on how long this has been going on, you can just stand back for awhile, and if things don't improve, you can intervene then. I think that they should attempt to work things out on their own first though."
"It's difficult doing that when I see how it's affecting her." Rose said with a sigh. "My mother and Ivory aren't making it any easier."
"Maybe she'll go easy on you once Rarity shows her the designs we drew up."
"No velvet?" Rose asked with a slim smile.
"I can't picture any of them in velvet. I was thinking perhaps silk, or satin. It's a very feminine line; formal but functioning. Rarity really outdid herself."
"Excellent, I can't wait to see." Rose relaxed her shoulders as she walked, smiling contently.
The hall that Ivory had reserved for both Rose's rehearsals and show night was a large circular ballroom. A small section was closed off as a backstage area, and the stage extended out to a central circular area that clearly was meant to showcase Rose's particular outfits.
In the main hall, on a desk littered with order papers and notes about errors in the lighting and sound timing, Rarity was laying out her initial sketches for Rose's line, and already had presented the first to Ivory who seemed very pleased indeed.
"Could we see it in velvet?" Ivory wrapped her red scarf around her neck as she glanced over the design Rarity had laid out on the table for her.
"Ivory..." Rose growled under her breath as she heard the mare's voice as soon as she and Coco first entered the building, shaking off the chill of morning. "What are you screwing up now?"
"Any fabric you want darling, just name it." Coco recognized Rarity's voice and immediately trotted into the room.
"Excuse me," Coco called delicately as she approached the pair.
"Ah Coco, you're just in time!" Rarity chimed as she laid down the second design.
"If I could make a suggestion, Ivory?" Coco asked as she stopped in front of the desk. Ivory gestured with her hoof for Coco to continue. "In this design, sorry Rarity," Coco paused as she pulled the first design up again, "this design was drawn up by Rarity, and as you can see, it's very form fitting. Look at Rose," Coco continued as she lightly pulled Rose closer to the table. Ivory's gaze followed with the slightest look of interest. "Rose is very slim, and velvet won't show off her natural curves, especially because it will hug her back, and make her appear taller and leaner than she already is. For this, I recommend silk, or satin for a better choice. Satin is a specialty fabric of mine, and I can tell you for a fact, it will work beautifully for that design. Don't you think Rarity?"
"Well," Rarity said with a pause as she lifted a hoof to her chin and thought about the idea. Rarity walked over to Rose and looked her over slowly, examining the curves that Coco had pointed out. "satin is beautiful, and with the design it would come together wonderfully, especially with some deep purple accents," Rarity said with a smile as she quickly trotted back to the desk and looked back at the design, quickly sketching a sash at the waist of the dress in purple ink. "But satin is so expensive Coco--"
"Oh Rarity, price is no issue here!" Ivory exclaimed as she walked over to Coco and Rose, "We're willing to put forward anything for Rose's career, and Coco my dear, you are right. Satin." Ivory's voice slowed as she spoke of the fabric, as if the idea was pleasing to think about.
Rose nudged Coco slightly, and smiled widely as Ivory walked back over to Rarity.
"Thank you." Rose whispered as she drifted over towards Ivory and Coco took her place beside Rarity.
"Coco drew this one up shortly after I finished mine, and I couldn't help but include it. The vest and beret work beautifully, and when she added the long sleeve button up, I fell in love. This is our more casual addition to the line; you can wear this to the pastry shop, or to afternoon tea."
"No skirt? Interesting. It does look very casual, but sophisticated as well. What do you think Fleur?" Ivory asked while curiously looking over the sketch.
"I love it, the vest and everything, it looks amazing." Fleur said as she grinned at the sight of the design.
"I thought we could order the leather for the vest from your friend Applejack, Rarity. Send a little business to her farm? I remember her having some cattle there."
"Ooh what a lovely thought, Applejack would appreciate it, not to mention helping her if we can out would be ideal." Rarity beamed as she pulled out her third and fourth designs, laying them side by side, "We'll be making these two together, as a set. The skirt detaches, and the top is two pieces. The top is a silk cover, which could be worn by itself as a casual piece. Below the cover we have the same material with medium length sleeves. The skirt attaches right at the waist line with a mermaid style skirt. Seeing as how Rose is a very tall and slim mare, I think the mermaid style will fit very nicely over her hips. This will be most likely gold or amber in color, depending on the silk, with the shoulder cover being slightly darker to accent the shape." Rarity said as she pointed to each individual piece featured on its own space in the sketch. Ivory glanced over the sketches with a satisfied look nodding as Rarity explained the last few sketches in great detail.
"As you can see, we're planning a lot for her first line by us, and her Heath's Warming line will be even better. I dare say I see some lovely reds, purples and whites in the future." Rarity said enthusiastically as Ivory and her turned away from the table and made their way to the front of the stage, sitting down in the front row.
"Rose darling, let's do one more run through. I want Rarity to see you in action so she knows how you work."
"Why can't I just tell her?" Rose asked while raised an eyebrow in an uninterested manner.
"Actions are better than words dear." Ivory stated calmly as she sat back in her chair and crossed her hind legs elegantly.
Rose snorted, rolling her eyes as she stepped towards back stage, then paused in mid-step.
"Coco, would you mind giving me a hood backstage? Some of the outfits have buttons." She asked, gesturing for Coco to follow.
"But you have mag--...Oh, uh, sure." Coco responded quickly as she trotted to catch up with the mare.
"This is the fifth "run-through" today. This isn't something that needs rehearsing, this is typical show routine." Rose growled under her breath as she shut the backstage door behind them and tossed her mane back behind her.
"It shouldn't be too difficult then, Rose. Just humor her, won't you? Go out there and enjoy yourself, here, how about this for starters?" Coco asked as she pulled a slim black cocktail dress from the rack and laid it out for her. "And... this." For the final touch, Coco pulled out a string of pearls from another outfit and laid it over the dress. "It seems more your style." Coco added with a reassuring smile.
Rose sighed heavily but smiled as she seemed to relax.
"Thanks. I'm kinda over the whole formal style. Too much of it recently. Oh, don't forget your coffee." Rose said as she began slipping off her sweater and set it aside. She brushed her mane to one side and slipped on the figure hugging, halter neck dress. The dress was divided on the sides, allowing for more natural hind leg movement, which Rose greatly appreciated.
"Go on, I'll get another ready. Oh! Don't forget these." Coco quickly but delicately snatched up the pearls between her lips and held them up to Rose, who tied them around her neck with the aid of a little magic. "Pearls really do look nice on you, I think I'll add a few of them to Rarity's designs if we need some beading." Coco smiled and detected a hint if shyness from the mare, who seemed to beam at the mere mention of a genuine compliment. "Now go on, before Ivory gets impatient." Coco shooed Rose gently as she went back to shuffling through the various articles of clothing on the racks.
"Thanks Coco." Rose said softly while walking out towards the stage entrance. "Ivory did you fire the sound crew again or are we doing this with some atmosphere?"
"Que sound please! Lights too, remember to keep the pink tones down!" Ivory's voice rang out from the main hall and Rose strutted out onto the stage with clean, powerful strides. If it weren't for the music covering almost all smaller sounds, her sharp, deliberate hoof-steps would have echoed across the entire hall.
"Slower, Rose! Remember, the others have to keep up with you. And, lighter steps dear, this line is all about your elegance, not your attitude." Ivory said as she held her hooves in front of her as if she was pleading with the mare.
Rose halted and resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the request, but reluctantly complied as she took one, then two steps in time with the classical style music, following the rise and fall in the rhythm while pulling her head back and arching her neck elegantly, holding herself high in a proud way. As she reached her centralized position, she gently placed one hoof behind the other and turned her head to the side, her eyes closed and slender muzzle pointed downward. Her light pink curls fell over half her face, and as she turned to walk back down the cat walk, she almost violently kicked her tail out behind her, knowing it would irritate her manager.
Ivory shook her head, but leaned back in her chair, going along with Rose's passive aggressive show as long as the mare did as she told.
"The white one next, Rose." Ivory called after her.
As Rose rounded the corner she snickered under her breath.
"Ya know, she is fun to mess with. You should see her when she's really flustered." Rose said as she walked back to find Coco sipping her cappuccino.
"I'm starting to think you just like annoying her." Coco said with a sarcastic half smile.
"No, ya think?" Rose responded playfully as she walked by and grabbed a long white dress off the rack while holding the train up with a bit of levitation. As she began pulling the black dress over her head a knock came at the door, and without waiting for an answer, Fleur poked her nose in.
"Everything going okay Rose?" Fleur asked with a smile as she quietly slipped passed the door and trotted over to her sister.
"About as well as can be expected. Coco's been a dear with helping my Ivory-overload. You have to see her design Fleur, it has Manehattan style written all over it." Rose said as she laid the cocktail dress over one of the backstage chairs and Fleur held up the white gown for her to slip into.
"Oh? I'll take a look as soon as Ivory can take a break." Fleur smiled as Rose pulled her front legs through the short sleeves and shook her mane free until it hung back to one side. The two mares then walked together to the stage entrance, where Rose left with a smile and Fleur trotted back over to Coco and sat down in the chair across from her table. "Thank you, aside from her obvious sugar overdose, she seems to be a lot less stressed than she has been the passed few days." Fleur said as she smiled kindly at the shorter mare.
"I thought so too, which is good considering she didn't seem too well at the party a few days ago." Coco said as she set her cappuccino down and.
"It's been that way for awhile unfortunately, but having you and Rarity here is doing wonders. You two are just what she needs. Now I just have to make sure she doesn't drink so much caffeine that she becomes a coffee-addict." Fleur said with a light chuckle.
"Touch my coffee, and you die." Rose playfully pointed her hoof at Fleur as she stepped off stage.
"Yes I'm shaking in my hooves." Fleur leaned her head back and stuck her tongue out at her sister.
"Don't make me hide your favorite tea again." Rose flicked her hoof against Fleur's horn as she passed by her. "And come here, I need help with this skirt."
Coco giggled softly as Fleur stood up from her seat and followed her sister around the table before helping her pull the long train up and over her head.
"What about the red one next?" Fleur asked and she walked over to the rack of clothing and pushed a set aside to reveal a floor length red gown.
"I wish, but Ivory wants the green, sickeningly-fluffy one." Rose said, pretending to gag as she pointed her hoof at the dress before Fleur's choice.
"Oh it's not bad Fleur; think of it this way, it looks great around your torso." Fleur said as she pulled the green dress off of the rack and gestured for Rose to come closer. "Two or three more and she'll need a break for tea, just go with it."
"The train is hideous, it looks like the designer took a back of fake green feathers and dumped it on there." Rose muttered as she slipped into the dress and Fleur straightened her train out so that it hung correctly over her hips.
Rose headed back to the stage as Coco watched and Fleur sat back down next to her.
"So, while we have time, how is your line coming along?" Fleur asked, setting her chin on top of her elegantly crossed hooves.
"Well, I wouldn't call it mine, I've only put one design into the line. Rarity is the creative genius, I just help the line come into reality." Coco said with a humble smile.
"Just? Rarity wouldn't have hired you if you did "just" anything. She's a mare with expensive tastes and big ideas. If she trusts you with her designs, she knows you have some talent. So, what's this design Rose mentioned?"
"Well, after having a few... sort of, bold, first meetings with Rose, I thought that she needed an outfit that gave off a little more attitude than elegance. She seems to have plenty of elegance already, she seems to be a little bored with it. It's impossible to get anything casual here, at least, casual by Manehattan standards, so I sketched a thin leather vest over a white button up shirt, and a beret which I think will either be black or white, depending on what color leather we get."
"Leather? In Canterlot? Rose would be turning more heads than she would in her most expensive ball gown." Fleur tilted her head at the mention of leather, but smiled at the thought. "It's exactly who she is, I can't wait to see her in it."
"I just hope Ivory finds it suitable enough for the line. If not, I suppose I can whip it up on the side, it's not terribly complicated anyway."
"If you do, I know she'd appreciate it. She needs something to feel comfortable in these days." Fleur smiled. Just as Rose returned once again, the door opened and in walked a tall white stallion.
"Oh the illustrious Fancy Pants decides to grace us with his presence today, we should be so lucky." Rose sneered as she stepped towards Fleur and Coco, walking behind the table to switch out her dress again.
"A good morning to you too, Ms. Whiskey." Fancy Pants retorted as he entered the room.
"Stop it, the both of you." Fleur snapped quickly. "Rose, don't antagonize him. Fancy, leave her be. I didn't ask you to come here just to irritate each other, especially not in front of one of our designers."
"Of course dear." Fancy Pants mumbled quietly as he approached the table. "Coco, if I remember correctly?"
"You do indeed. Hello again, it's nice to have you here. Ivory and Rarity seem to be basking in the fashion to come." Coco said with an uneasy smile, trying to ignore the sudden tension as Rose refused to look back at the stallion.
"I noticed. Though Ivory just stepped out for her morning tea, so you might have to wait awhile, I believe Rarity went with her. Fleur darling, could we talk for a moment?"
"Sure. I'll be right back Rose, wear the red one next, it's my favorite out of the bunch." Fleur slipped out of her chair and followed Fancy Pants to the backstage door and reentered the main hall.
"Pompous ass." Rose snorted as she shook off the skirt of the dress and left it in a heap on the floor. "He's probably telling her how he wants to have their honeymoon at the derby now."
"Rose let's not cause trouble. He may have his faults but Fleur seems quite fond of him." said Coco, gently.
"Of course she is, she's head over hooves for him."
"What I mean is, don't do it for him, do it for her if you must. I don't think she wants the two ponies she cares about fighting at a moment's notice like what just happened."
Rose sighed heavily and sat down at the table, bring over her what would not be considered "slightly room temperature chocolate" and sipped at it while staring at the tabletop.
"He's going behind her back an it irritates me too no end." Rose muttered into her drink.
"I know but, maybe try just not saying anything for awhile? At least to him. None of you need the stress anyway." Coco spoke quickly, thinking most of her responses up on the spot as she tried to calm the mare down.
"Yeah..."
"You what?!" Fleur's voice came from through the door. Rose to suddenly jumped from her seat and rushed towards the door, causing Coco to jump slightly at her sudden movement. "On one race?! Fancy that's a small fortune!"
"I knew it." Rose growled as she listened to the conversation through the door. "He's at it again."
"It was a sure thing, Fleetfoot had the highest odds."
"A sure thing? Explain to me then how you lost a bet for that much silver. How? How could you?" Without seeming to wait for an answer, Rose could hear Fleur's hoof steps through the door as she seemed to leave the room. Rose quickly threw open the door and attempted to follow Fleur, but only caught the flash of her pink tail as she ran out the front doors.
"How much longer are you going to do this to her? Do us a favor and get some help or leave her alone. Fleur's too kind for this to be happening to her." Rose nearly snarled her words as she backed Fancy against the wall, using her height to her advantage to intimidate the slightly taller stallion.
"Rose don't you start--"
"Shut up! Stop this before you wring her of every coin she's made on her own. If you so much as spend another bit on that derby, don't bother coming back to the villa." Rose took off after Fleur with Coco quickly following after. Rose threw open the front door and stopped on the sidewalk, looking down each street for any sign of her sister. "She's gone home, I'm going to go after her. Wait for Rarity, I don't want Ivory freaking out and coming to find us, just tell her that Fleur and I went on a walk. Please?"
"O-Okay, go make sure she's alright." Coco nodded quickly as she watched Rose gallop off down the street at full stride. As the mare rounded the corner and vanished from sight, Coco stood silent in an attempt to process what just happened. The front doors opened quietly behind her, and Coco turned to see Fancy slinking out onto the street. Both locked eye contact for what seemed like hours, but Fancy's gaze soon drifted downward as he left the ball room in silence.
"Wonderful." Coco said with a sigh as she shook her head and went back inside to await the return of Rarity and Ivory.
When the high fashion duo finally returned, Coco explained that the sisters had gone on a walk. Ivory and Rarity returned to their usual banter about the Hearths Warming line, discussing various ideas and such, while Coco quietly sat and waited for Rose to return, or for the eminent search that would most likely occur if what Rose said about Ivory was accurate. After minutes began to add up, Ivory began to grow impatient.
"Send the sound crew home for the day, tell them to be back again tomorrow at 8 a.m. sharp, we're run this through without any interruptions then. I'm going to Silvergate villa, I apologize Rarity but it seems we'll need to catch up more later, my client seems to forget that she has a schedule."
"No apology necessary. Coco and I will begin working on the line this week, we'll have the first pieces done as soon as possible." Rarity followed Ivory out of the ballroom with Coco close at her heels. "Let's go to work, shall we?" She asked Coco as she began walking down the street towards their hotel.
"Of course." Coco said quietly, watching as Ivory hurriedly began down the opposite way to retrieve Rose. She could only imagine what would follow. After Ivory rounded the corner, Coco reluctantly turned and followed Rarity to the hotel. She could address this tomorrow when everything had time to settle down.