Rarity hummed contentedly as she reclined in the chair, eyes fluttering closed as a wave of relaxation washed over her. To her left, kneeled at the edge of her seat was the spa pony, Aloe, who was busy running a file over the claws on Rarity’s hands. Another attendant was doing the same for the claws on Rarity’s feet, though they swiftly gave up and had pulled out an angle grinder.
To Rarity’s right sat Fluttershy who was in a similar state, though the pony didn't require power tools in order to tame her nails. A simple file, and a bit of careful attention accomplished that just fine. The pegasus, like Rarity, wore a comfortable white bathrobe which covered her from neck to knee, hanging loosely over her frame.
“What were we talking about again?” Rarity asked.
“Oh um, I was just wondering how you convinced Spike to let you well… do all this,” Fluttershy replied, waving an unoccupied hoof at the full body spa experience Rarity was in the middle of.
“Spike is nothing if not logical. Thus all I had to do was inform him that this would have all grown out by the time he got his body back,” Rarity answered.
“Even the claw polish?” Fluttershy inquired.
Rarity shrugged. “If it doesn't come off by then I can simply remove it.”
“Speaking of which. You’re all done here ladies,” Aloe remarked.
“Oh that was just lovely,” Rarity exclaimed, sitting up in her chair. “I am rather surprised that you are able to cater so well to your draconic customers.”
“As Ponyville expands, so must our services,” Lotus answered. “Speaking of which. Would you like to try a scented lava bath? All of our scaled patrons claim it's to die for.”
“How can I say no to that?” Rarity declared with a smile. “You don't mind, do you Fluttershy?”
“Not at all. While you enjoy your bath, I’ll read a little while letting my hooves dry,” Fluttershy remarked, waving a freshly painted dull gold hoof in the air.
“Excellent,” Rarity clapped her hands together, and got up out of her seat. “Lead the way darlings.”
“Right over here, if you please,” Aloe exclaimed, extending a hoof towards the exit.
Together Aloe and Lotus left the room with their guests in tow while the other two attendants remained behind to clean up. Once in the hall, the pair turned to the right, then to left before leading their customers down a long hallway lit by magical torches and not the electric lamps like everywhere else. As they walked the temperature slowly rose until it reached the level of a sauna, though Rarity hardly even noticed this.
“And here we are,” Aloe declared, extending a hoof towards their final destination.
Rarity eagerly followed the two ponies into a mostly stone room which at its center had a deep recess. At its center the bathing area was taller than two Rarities stacked on top of each other, though there were mutlilayered steps not unlike those found in a hot tub. All it needed was the water and the jets and it would have looked exactly like a very large, solid stone hot tub, albiet one that had several glowing runes carved into it.
“The magic keeps the heat inside the tub, though it isn't perfect so you may wish to take a step back, miss Fluttershy,” Lotus explained.
Fluttershy nodded and stepped a good distance away from the empty pool. “Is here okay?” she asked.
“That should be just fine. Now Rarity, you may get in after it's already filled, though our customers have mentioned enjoying getting in beforehand,” Aloe remarked.
Rarity cocked her head. “What's the difference?”
“Well the lava comes from a spout in the ceiling which falls down into the middle,” Lotus stated, pointing up to the stone tube which lay directly above the center of the tub. “Feeling the stone flow over you is apparently quite soothing. So much so that some have fallen asleep shortly after.”
“When in Rome,” Rarity muttered before shedding her bathrobe and stepping into the tub.
“Now don't panic, as a dragon it won't harm you,” Aloe warned.
“In fact it will feel like swimming in really warm pudding. Or so we’ve been told anyway,” Lotus added.
“That isn't exactly the most enticing image,” Rarity muttered.
“Trust me, it's better than it sounds. Now, are you ready?” Aloe inquired.
When Rarity nodded in response, Lotus pulled a lever on the wall, causing a series of heavy clunks to emanate from all around them. This was followed by the sound of large gears, and finally something slowly gurgling down the pipe above Rarity’s head. Several seconds later and bright red lava began to pour from the ceiling, sputtering and popping as it hit the relatively cool air.
A little surprised by this, Rarity’s first instinct was to run, yet she stifled that urge, instead simply closing her eyes. There she stood, arms outstretched as the liquid rock rained down around her, immediately reminding her of boiling hot pudding. Already the metaphor felt apt, and it only became more so when the lava began to pool around her feet, crawling up her legs.
To say it was soothing would be to do the word itself a diservice, as Rarity felt so completely and utterly relaxed that time itself faded away. The former pony only came to when she felt the liquid rock begin to press in around her neck, prompting her to move for the first time in minutes. She didn't go far though, ensuring that she kept her head just barely above the bubbling rock.
It was, in Rarity’s opinion, better than a hot tub. Leagues better in fact.
The way the heavy stone pressed in around her felt almost like she was being held tight in the loving arms of her lover, Spike. The lava also churned in a slow, yet powerful motion, massaging nearly every inch of her body at once. Not only that but the heat was just barely enough to soothe her muscles without becoming unpleasantly warm in the process.
“Pretty good, huh?” Aloe asked.
“This is… divine,” Rarity muttered, her eyelids fluttering open to find that Fluttershy was now reclining on a chair a few feet from the pool’s edge. “I hope I am not boring you darling.”
“Oh it's fine, Rarity. They brought me a magazine in case you wanted some quiet,” Fluttershy answered, waving an entertainment weekly in emphasis.
“Ahh, well I think I’ve gotten over the initial shock of it all,” Rarity reasoned. “Were we... talking about something important?”
“Not really,” Fluttershy replied with a shrug. “Though you did mention visiting your parents without going into detail. Did it go well?”
“Oh yeah just…” Rarity yawned as she slowly swam across the pool. “Great, even if it was a little weird at first.”
“Weird? How so? They werent against your marriage were they?” Fluttershy whispered.
Rarity waved a dismissive hand in the air. “No, nothing of the sort. They have always approved of my relationship with… Spike.”
The dragon paused to yawn once more, her chin settling against the lip of the tub while the rest of her floated on the top of the lava.
“So, what exactly made it weird?” Fluttershy questioned.
“Made, what weird?” Rarity blinked. “Oh right, the evening. Well mother wanted grandkids and then… Spike put a few buns in her oven… the meal was good though.”
Fluttershy blinked in shock. “Spike did that?”
“I was shocked too,” Rarity paused to yawn and turn onto her back. “It's so unlike him to do something like that but… after father threatened to cut his unmentionables off but I… and then we had dinner.”
“That's serious,” Fluttershy muttered. “Are you saying Spike knocked up your mother and got threatened by your dad?”
“Sort of,” Rarity replied. “It was just a slight bump, and father… overprotective.”
“You keep trailing off Rarity, are you sure you’re okay?” Fluttershy whispered.
“Oh yes… peachy,” Rarity murmured.
“I think I should talk to Twilight,” Fluttershy exclaimed as she rose up from her seat.
“Have fun,” Rarity slurred, waving a lazy hand at her friend before sitting down and spreading her arms wide. “I sure will.”
“I’m sorry what did you say Spike? I was thinking about that lava bath I just had, which you really must try,” Rarity murmured dreamily, her head held up by a clawed hand.
Spike snorted, and jabbed a fork at her. “I was trying to get you to reconsider our venue, the Belmond.”
“What's there to reconsider about it? The location is simply… perfect,” Rarity replied, the dragon casually tossing a few grape sized sapphires into her mouth and chewing languidly.
“It is very nice, but think of our savings,” Spike implored. “We could buy a second boutique for the cost of the wedding.”
“Who needs a second boutique when you’ve had a wedding ceremony that would make even the wealthiest of nobles blush?” Rarity shot back, a wide smile remaining on her face.
“But we aren't nobles!” Spike hissed. “Well you aren't, and I am only due to a technicality, but that's not the point.”
“Spike, we've been over this. I’ve been dreaming of having my big day at that venue ever since I was a foal. I will not compromise when it comes to Belmond,” Rarity stated.
Spike sighed. “Look, can we at least compromise on a few other things? Like… music, and… decorations?”
“I can handle the former while Fluttershy can take care of the latter,” Rarity dismissed.
“It doesn't feel like you’re taking this very seriously,” Spike pointed out. “Those bits represent nearly three years of diligent saving and you want to blow it all so you can look at the sea instead of me.”
Rarity snorted, blowing smoke rings across the table and into her partner’s face. “It's not just that,” she declared. “It's the perfect venue. Its elegant, yet charming in its remote location and rustic accommodations. It is where anyone who is anyone goes to get married.”
“But were nobodies!” Spike shot back. “I may be an ambassador of sorts, but that really just makes me a glorified beurocrat. And no offence Rarity, but your brand never really reached quite reached the same level as some of your contemporaries.”
Rarity shrugged. “I’ve made dresses for royalty, and I’ve got more business than I can handle. Sure I may not have millions in the bank but we aren't exactly hard done by.”
“I guess,” Spike muttered, forelegs crossed over his chest. “But this still feels… wasteful.”
“How about this?” Rarity began, sitting straighter in her chair. “In three years time when the savings account has recovered you can decide what to spend it on.”
“And if I want to spend it all on rare comic books? What then?” Spike retorted.
Rarity merely shrugged. “That's fine.”
Spike sat there in silence, watching as Rarity causally popped a handful of gems into her mouth and chewed slowly. The sheer enormity of such a statement was not lost on the unicorn, and he couldn't help but feel slightly confused. Though tempted to push his luck, Spike merely took the W and decided not to question things.
“So…” Spike muttered. “When we were done with lunch did you want to talk to Fluttershy about the music and perhaps get a list going for all the things you’ll need for decorating?”
“Sure,” Rarity replied.
Once again Spike considered asking for something more, like permission to buy a pinball machine or something. Like last time, he dismissed this urge, and merely considered himself lucky. Instead he focused on cleaning up the small plate of greens in front of him, pouring another heaping helping of dressing atop the pile.
The rest of the meal continued in silence, with neither Spiek nor Rarity uttering a word, though for vastly different reasons. Spike was still grappling with the enormity of Rarity’s promise, and was pricing out all the first edition comics he wanted to buy. Rarity meanwhile, was still so relaxed that she barely even noticed the world continuing to spin on without her.
Only when her hand hit the bottom of the bowl did she perk up, glancing down at the thing with minor irritation. That feeling, like all others, swiftly left the dragon, and she simply got up in order to dispose of the dishes. In only a few minutes the table was clear, the dishes were away, and the couple were sitting down once more.
“I was thinking we could go see Fluttershy first,” Spike began. “She will need a headsup if she is going to gather the apropriatly sized choir, and transport them halfway across the country.”
“It will be well worth it though. Fluttershy’s little flock has turned out to be quite skilled,” Rarity exclaimed.
Spike bobbed his head in agreement. “That is true. And the range of those birds is quite impressive. Did you hear that salsa number they sang for Snowflake’s birthday?”
“I couldn't stop dancing. You should have joined me,” Rarity remarked.
Spike winced, and rubbed the front of a forehoof with the back of the other. “You know I have two left feet, Rarity,” he muttered.
“But if you got out there and tried more often then you wouldn't be so disorganized,” Rarity pointed out, flashing her partner a wide smile. “Or you could come to a few dancing classes with me.”
“No way,” Spike immediately replied. “It's bad enough I learned how to slow dance with you. Those old mares in your class can be so mean.”
“Yes I suppose Mildred, and Back Bob can be rather cruel at times,” Rarity murmured.
Spike shook his head. “So, are we ready to go see Fluttershy now?”
“We are,” Rarity answered. “Can we take the long way though? I want to see the Everfree.”
“Err sure,” Spike cocked his head. “Are you sure you’re okay though? You almost sound lke you’re high. I’m getting flashbacks to that time you tried pipe weed with uncle Shadow Fax.”
Rarity chuckled. “I’m just relaxed for the fist time since this whole debacle began. That's all.”
“Alright,” Spike muttered. “If you say so.”
The pair silently made their way through their home and to the front door, neither uttering a sound until they were about to leave.
“Hey uh Rarity. Are you sure you don't want a glass of cold water or something before we go?” Spike offered.
“No, why?” Rarity replied.
“Well it's just you are like… really relaxed. To the point that you keep fading in and out of the conversation. Might cause confusion if you’re talking to someone, is all,” Spike pointed out.
Rarity shrugged. “I’m sure a bit of fresh air will perk me right up.”
“If you say so,” Spike muttered.
“I do,” Rarity asserted.
Spike led the way as they walked out into the street, with Rarity taking up the rear and locking the door behind them. With that done, they turned to the left, ready to make their way towards Fluttershy’s distant cottage. The rapid clop of approaching hooves grabbed their attention before they could go far however, and they looked back to find an odd sight.
A small group of ponies with a flustered Twilight at their head was making its way down the street. Running at Twilight’s right was a scared looking Fluttershy while on the other side was an exasperated police pony. Wearing minimal armor, and bearing no visible weapons, the final member of their little group seemed more annoyed than fearful like the others.
“I wonder what's going on,” Rarity muttered.
“I think we are about to find out,” Spike replied.
Twilight skidded to a stop a few feet away from the couple, kicking up a small cloud of dust in the process. The rest of her cadre followed suit with Fluttershy appearing rather winded while the officer was unbothered by the exercise.
“Oh thank goodness we caught you,” Twilight exclaimed. “You aren't hurt are you?”
Spike was about to respond, but was interrupted when Twilight lifted him into the air and began inspecting him like a doll. Held aloft like some hunk of meat, Spike felt weirdly naked, quite confused and quickly became rather miffed at the whole situation.
“Twilight Sparkle. What have I told you about using your magic on others without permission?” Spike barked.
“Oh uh sorry,” Twilight muttered, unceremoniously dropping the other unicorn.
“Good, now what is this all about?” Spike demanded.
“We received a report that you may have had your life threatened by a member of your partner’s family due to… an extramaerital circumstance,” explained the guard, who suddenly looked rather embarrassed.
“Wait, you cheated on me?” Rarity shouted.
“What? No! I would never,” Spike retorted.
“Then why is this stallion saying otherwise?” Rarity shot back.
“Um excuse me, but it was you who said Spike had an affair with your mother,” Fluttershy remarked.
“I…” Rarity looked from Spike to Fluttershy and back again. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“At the spa, remember? You said Spike put an um… Several buns in your mother’s oven,” Fluttershy whispered in a low tone.
“I’m so disappointed in you, Spike,” Twilight added.
“But I didn't do anything!” Spike shouted, throwing his forehooves in the air.
“Buns? What are you…” Rarity trailed off, suddenly looking very confused. “Are you talking about last night?”
Fluttershy bobbed her head. “Then you said your dad threatened Spike and told him he was going to cut his you know what off.”
The officer winced in sympathy.
“As disappointed as I am, Hondo will have to get through me first,” Twilight exclaimed.
“What in the heck have you been telling people?” Spike shouted, turning to Rarity.
“I don't know. I was just really relaxed and may have misspoke a tiny, itsy bitsy bit,” Rarity muttered, the dragon squirming silently on the spot.
The police pony sighed and ran a hoof down his face. “Alright, Miss Rarity. Please, for the record. Explain exactly what happened the other night.”
“The bun thing happened, but I meant that literally,” Rarity began. “Neither my mother nor Spike are particularly good bakers, no offence Spike.”
“None taken,” muttered Spike, somewhat bitterly.
“Okay so Spike didn't do you know what with your mom?” Twilight asked, scratching her head.
“Not as far as I’m aware,” Rarity replied.
Spike groaned. “Why do you have to say it like that!? I’m not interested in your mother!”
“But what about the threatening thing? I don't think that could have been a metaphor,” Fluttershy inquired.
“Oh that happened, but it was me who was threatened though my father thought I was Spike at the time,” Rarity began. “He was being a bit overprotective and had not received the news about us getting switched.”
“Still, a threat like that is still a fineable offence, provided you wish to pursue charges,” offered the officer.
Spike shrugged. “Nah. We talked it out afterward. He was just compensating for feeling guilty.”
“Then it looks like my work is done here. Next time talk it out first, and then if someone actually broke the law, fetch me,” exclaimed the guard before walking away.
“Sorry,” muttered Fluttershy. “This whole debacle is all my fault.”
“It's alright Fluttershy. This whole thing is actually my fault,” Rarity interrupted. “If I had been more cognizant of what I was saying this wouldn't have happened.”
Fluttershy sniffed. “But I should have talked to you before getting Twilight.”
“Nah I’m pretty sure this one’s on Rarity,” Spike countered.
“I must unfortunately agree with Spike here. None of this was your fault Fluttershy. You were just being a good friend,” Twilight offered.
Rarity frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re not supposed to agree with me, you know.”
“Then stop being right,” Spike shot back.
Twilight stepped forward, putting herself between the couple and Fluttershy. “Why don't we all pretend this never happened and go down to Sugarcube Corner for a snack, hmm?”
“That sounds like a great idea. We wanted to see you about potentially providing the music for our wedding anyway,” Spike declared, turning to Fluttershy.
Who gasped in shock, her embarrassment gone in an instant. “Really? Me? Are you sure?” Fluttershy exclaimed.
“Of course. Your unique choir is quite skilled, and I would love it if you were able to perform for us,” Rarity added.
“Oh my,” Fluttershy whispered. “This is quite a shock. Mister Blue Jay and Missus Raven are going to be very pleased.”
“That's great to hear, now why don't we get a move on huh? I really need a strong irish coffee, though I left my bits inside,” Spike asked.
“Don't worry Spike, it's on me,” Twilight replied.