An alarm clock went off beside the bed.
Coco went to grab it, but before she could somepony else hit the snooze button. Sapphire rolled over and wrapped her forelegs around Coco, trapping her in bed. Muffled complaints and half-hearted attempts to break free were summarily ignored.
An hour later, when she’d finally managed to slip away, Coco walked down the castle corridors. She deftly picked her way between tourists, courtiers, and guards, maneuvering down side corridors and passageways. Eventually she arrived at a door emblazoned with her cutie mark and a spool of pink thread.
Pushing into her workshop, Coco noticed a package sitting for her on the table. She gently unwrapped the parcel, careful not to tear whatever might be inside.
A bundle of colourful fabric swatches tumbled out, and a hoofwritten note fluttered to the floor. Coco picked it up and read it, her heart swelling.
Dearest Coco,
It was lovely to see you again. It’s with great reluctance that I send these samples by post, but I simply cannot tear myself away from Manehattan for long enough to hoof-deliver them.
I hope you can forgive me, and I simply cannot wait for our next little date.
- R
As if that wasn’t enough, the letter was also marked with a lipstick kiss. Coco couldn’t help but giggle: Rarity loved little cliches like that.
Coco still had work to do, though. She picked up her drafting pencil and set to work on a bolt of muslin. She’d been contracted by the newly-reformed Crystal Railroad to refresh their uniform designs, fashion trends having changed considerably in the last millenium. The railroad track motif did look a bit gaudy, but Coco was confident she could salvage some of it.
As lunch time rolled around, a knock on the door pulled her from her work.
Cadance walked into her office, two sandwiches trailing behind her. Coco quickly cleared space on a table and pulled up a chair.
The two chatted in between bites of their daisy clubs. Cadance cooed over Rarity’s letter while Coco laughed at Flurry Heart’s latest antics.
“You still good to come over tonight? Shining is going out with some other guardsponies, so I’ll be watching Flurry. And you know how much she loves Auntie Coco.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
The rest of the workday went by in a flash, and soon Coco was desperately trying to get Flurry interested in a plate of peas. It was at best a mixed success, but at least the carrots were an easier sell.
After the filly was put to bed, the two of them retired to Cadance’s quarters. There, they drifted off cuddling and sneaking kisses.
Coco dreamed of soft ponies and happy days to come, and in her sleep, grabbed Cadance that much tighter.