//------------------------------// // A Day Out // Story: A Human, a Pony Princess, and a Mistake // by The Dimension Traveler //------------------------------// A Human, a Pony Princess, and a Mistake Chapter 18: A Day Out It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the temperature was warm, but not hot, and the sky was clear. The day found Rarity and Coco Pommel out doing some grocery shopping. Sweetie Belle had tried her hoof at cooking again. Lunch had naturally been a mess. While on the way to Carrot Top’s stall, Rarity took a moment to notice the Changeling Hive. It was due to be complete any day now and with their new home all but finished, more Changelings were spending more time in Ponyville itself. It was still odd to her, sometimes, to see both Changelings in their natural form and in various Pony shapes. As a point of courtesy, so the average Pony could tell who was a Changeling in disguise, none of the Changelings made Cutie Marks for themselves. Privately, Rarity wasn’t sure that was the best solution or that it was even a problem that required a solution at all. Of course, shape shifter etiquette wasn’t something she had taught herself growing up, so maybe the Changelings saw it differently. Maybe her thoughts on the matter were inconsequential. Still, she couldn’t help but think it a shame that the Changelings weren’t allowed to express themselves fully by creating Cutie Marks for themselves if they so wanted one. A lack of creative expression certainly hadn’t been a problem for Coco, who had no issue creating a truly magnificent prototype dress design for Chrysalis. Coco had used some of Rarity’s original material, dyed it a sea green, and turned it into a lovely, gossamer evening gown for the Changeling Queen. Chrysalis’ reaction still caused Rarity to smile, even days later. Hmm, now there was an idea. Making a dress that would survive Changeling shape shifting. She’d probably have to consult Twilight, Moon Dancer, and Chrysalis herself to find out how exactly the shape shifting worked, but Rarity was nothing if not creative. That could come later, for now there was a pantry to restock. “Coco, dear, is there anything you’d like to eat?” Rarity asked kindly. “Oh, um, no, I’m sure whatever you get will be great,” Coco replied and Rarity had to quash a feeling of frustration. Coco was naturally such a sweetheart, but the abuse she had suffered made her a worse doormat than even Fluttershy could be back before the Elements had come together. Rarity and Chrysalis were both doing their best to rekindle her self-confidence, but it was slow going and Rarity felt a renewed spike of loathing for Suri. It was still a challenge to get her to eat proper meals some days. How Rarity wished she could take even a fraction of Rainbow Dash’s self-confidence and ego and gift it to Coco. But that way laid madness. Honestly, Rarity was just glad Coco was eating at all and still had the will to create and sew. Rarity admired that core of strength that remained unbroken despite her trials. If only Rarity could get Coco to divulge some of her favorite meals! If anyone on the whole of Equuis deserved pampering, it was Coco. Actually… “Coco, after we return home and put away the groceries, would you accompany me to the spa?” True, her weekly spa appointment with Fluttershy was tomorrow, but Rarity was sure the Spa Twins wouldn’t mind a walk in. “I wouldn’t want to be a bother,” Coco answered softly. Rarity turned to Coco and guided Coco’s eyes to her own with a hoof under the chin. “Coco, you will never be a bother. Chrysalis, myself, and everyone else wants you around because we simply adore you. That’s all that needs to be said on the matter,” Rarity told her with finality. “I know that in my head. You all have been so wonderful to me. I just…a voice is whispering that the other shoe is going to drop. That something will happen to this perfect life in this perfect place. Sometimes it even says it’ll be my fault when it happens. I hate that my Heart expects betrayal when you all have been nothing but kind to me,” Coco confessed in a terrified whisper. “Three things you should know, Coco. Ponyville has been through Tartarus and back, yet we’re all still here. I don’t see that changing any time soon. Second, as I said before, we all love you and there’s nothing you can do to change that. Finally, I may not be as powerful as Alicorn Princesses and Changeling Queens, but I will protect you if needs be. Be that from the monster of the week, or those insidious whispers in your mind,” Rarity promised. Coco couldn’t control herself; she flung herself at Rarity for a hug, tears streaming down her face. “Thank you,” Coco said wetly. “Think nothing of it. I only speak the truth. Now, let’s finish the shopping so I can get you to the Spa Twins. I promise you, you’ve never felt true bliss until you’ve let Lotus and Aloe work away all your stress,” Rarity’s offer did sound tempting. So that’s what they did. A half hour later, the pair was inside the Ponyville Spa and Beauty Salon. They weren’t the only ones there, as a shockingly rainbow colored mane attested. “Why, Rainbow, what brings you here?” Rarity asked. Rainbow turned to them and she could almost feel the eye roll as a physical force. “Yeah, yeah, Rainbow Dash isn’t supposed to like the spa but comes here anyway. Get some new material. The qualifiers at Rainbow Falls are only a week away and I need my wings in top condition. Aloe is a goddess tier wing massager. You do the math. I’m also here to book an appointment for the whole team just before we leave.” Rainbow reported. “You’re right, that joke has gotten old. I’m sure you’ll do something silly soon and I’ll have new material,” Rarity ribbed the Pegasus. “So long as you’re actually making an effort to make the joke funny,” Rainbow teased back. “Miss Rainbow, I’m ready for your appointment,” Aloe came into the room, “Miss Rarity, what brings you here today?” “I have a bit of an emergency,” Rarity nudged Coco, “This one needs pampering, stat.” In the time Coco had been in Ponyville, she had already gotten a reputation as the sweetest thing since sugar. There were also more than a few different rumors on why she was so withdrawn and staying with Rarity. If she needed a spa day, Aloe was more than happy to help. “I believe Lotus is just finishing with a customer and her next appointment was canceled. I’ll go fetch her. Miss Rainbow, come with me so I can get you prepared for your massage,” Aloe requested and both she and Rainbow disappeared into the facility. Coco started fidgeting slightly as soon as they had left, but Lotus appeared before it could get too bad. “Aloe has told me that my favorite customer and her friend are in dire straits. Come, I will have you sorted in no time!” Lotus beckoned them on. The next hour and a half was pure bliss, as it always was with the talents of the Spa Twins. Coco came out the other side more relaxed than she thought possible. Was this how Pegasai felt after sleeping on a cloud? Her muscles felt pleasantly wobbly and her face had never felt so clean. She didn’t care if she had a silly smile on her face, she just felt good. “Once again, you have proven to be the best in the business,” Rarity complimented as she paid for their stay while Coco was still in a haze of pleasure. “I wouldn’t say the best but it does help that both my sister and I love what we do,” She grew a wide grin as she gazed upon Coco, “The face of a perfectly happy customer is what we both live for. I’m sure you understand, Miss Rarity, being a business mare yourself.” “You are quite right. There’s nothing like seeing someone find that perfect suit or dress,” Rarity sighed wistfully. She then turned to her companion, “Come along, Coco, I should start preparing dinner soon. Hopefully we’ll get home before Sweetie gets it in her head to try cooking again.” And so the day came to a close. A Unicorn and an Earth Pony lay down to sleep. The bond between them slightly deeper than it had been the day before. The Earth Pony found she could draw a bit more comfort from the wonderful friends around her and the Unicorn was content with this small step of progress.