//------------------------------// // Spa day // Story: The Potion Shop // by Ashfur //------------------------------// “Hello, Juniper!  Ready for our mare's day out?” Juniper was very excited as she opened the door to her house to greet her visitor.  True to her word, the starlet known as Razzle Dazzle was taking her on a day trip to visit some of the more feminine facilities in town to get a makeover.  Hanging out with one of her idols from the fashion industry and getting advice from said idol was a dream come true, although there was one thing she had to be sure of… “Yeah, I'm ready.  Just… you said we don't have to do anything if I don't want to, right?”  She asked hesitantly. “Of course!  I wouldn't dream of making you uncomfortable,”  Razzle replied. Juniper held still for a moment, taking a deep breath.  It was better to rip the bandage off now instead of later.  “Can we not talk about my boss, then? It's obvious you like him, but I take time off so I don't have to think about him for a bit.  He can be overwhelming at times.” She mentally braced herself for a refusal, but surprisingly, none came. “Alright, I suppose that's fair.  I am not a one-trick pony, after all, although I will admit I'm getting all dolled up for him.  I'll just ask you one question, then, so I don't end up causing you or my Arcie trouble down the line.  Has he perfected… THAT potion yet, or should I not mention it?” Juniper responded instinctively.  “No, don't bring it up, ever. Even when we stay tight-lipped about it, it still happens every few months.” “Duly noted.  Now, let's go get pampered!” The Rainbow Falls luxury spa was always one to have frequent traffic.  Most appointments needed to be scheduled ahead of time, but there was always a free space set aside each day in case a celebrity, noble, or other important pony showed up.  Juniper was also allowed to use it as long as she had a convincing story as to what her boss did that day. Razzle's importance got them in this time, though. As Juniper sighed into her massage table, expert masseuses worked out the kinks in her wings, the knots in her back, and the stiffness in her joints.  It felt good. No, it felt amazing, far higher quality than you could get in an average town. But Rainbow Falls was a popular tourist hotspot, so the best of the best were needed.  Juniper and Razzle had already been through the hot tub, hooficures, chiropractor, and manestyling the spa provided, and this was regrettably the last stop of the day. Razzle was staring into a small mirror held aloft in her magic, mumbling “he deserves prettier” to herself. Juniper broke the silence, turning to face her newest friend.  They had hit it off rather well, so it seemed like a good a time as any to ask.  “So Razzle, what's it like being a supermodel? What do you do everyday?” Razzle smiled at that, although it might have been her masseuse working out a particularly tough knot in her hind legs.  “Most of the time it's usually a simple visit to location, then posing for the camera while the staff work to take photos.  I've already made agreements with the local photographers to have most of my shoots in Rainbow Falls. Speaking of my photos, I've got quite a few saucy ones saved for a certain somepony, but nothing too risque.  Pageants are a bit different, as are fashion shows, as I need to hit the catwalk.” “How do you manage all those ponies staring at you?” “Do you really want to know?”  Razzle waited for Juniper to nod in approval.  “I pretend my Arcie-Warkie is watching me. When he does finally accept me, I'm going to make his jaw hit the floor with how well I can strut it!  But enough of that, you didn't want to talk about him too much.” She took a moment to stretch her neck, having become stiff from lack of movement.  “My favorite thing to do is charity work, though. Especially little foals, I love them. Helping them understand that they are attractive, inside and out, is an experience I always treasure.” “That might be the best thing I've heard all month, Razzle.  I like you.” The sun was already setting as the pair left the spa and headed down restaurant row for a bite to eat.  Razzle had also put a decorative bow in her mane that was usually used for presents. It was a good thing, too, as they saw Arcane sitting alone at a table inside the diner.  He didn't notice them from behind the window as they approached, and Juniper knew arguing for another place to eat would be futile. “Oh, Arcie~  I have a gift for you, and the gift.. is… me?”  Razzle slowed and then stopped cold as a mare she'd never seen before walked into view, sat down next to Arca, and the two embraced in a hug.  “Who- who is-” And then the mare kissed Arca on the cheek. “HOW DARE SHE?!  I'M GOING IN THERE AND GIVING THAT FLOOZY A PIECE OF MY MIND!” Juniper, having recognized the mystery mare, galloped in after Razzle to keep damage to a minimum.