//------------------------------// // L19.3 // Story: A little loopy. // by FaelaArts //------------------------------// “Are you sure you’ll be fine to spend today in the inn? You’re free to come watch the show.” Rarity glanced to the clock that was ticking down the time to the shoot. For a Tuesday, they were starting the shoot very early, 3pm on the dot. Rarity silently cursed the fact she had slept in too long. “I’ll be fine.” Sweetie shrugged, and Rarity bit her lip, and finally left through the door. Pausing before she closed it, Rarity opened her mouth to speak. “Order what room service you want, don’t leave the room, and don’t let anypony but the ponies who bring up the room service in.” Rarity paused once more, unsure if she was really making a good decision, leaving Sweetie alone. Sweetie rolled her eyes and motioned Rarity away once more with a shooing gesture. “Goodbye!” Sweetie sighed as the door finally clicked shut, and yawned. Sleeping hadn’t been very easy to come by last night, so Sweetie was looking forward to an early night. However, she still had a few hours before she let herself sleep, and that meant room service. Sweetie grinned, and quickly scanned the menu, ordering as much candy as she could. Sweetie dug in the moment it was delivered, washing it down with some soda and milkshake, licking her hooves free of chocolate. Sighing, she laid on her bed and closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of a candy-filled belly. Plucking out one of her books, Sweetie lazily read it, not even noticing the moment she fell asleep. Sweetie woke up slowly, feeling the buzz of a good nights sleep. However, the moment was quickly swallowed up by the intense need to go to the toilet. Sweetie leapt up, and dashed straight for it. Sighing, she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, and sniffed the air. Smelled like Rarity had already ordered breakfast. Stepping outside, Sweetie took a seat and ate her dry toast, drinking it down with orange juice. Rarity was quietly reading the newspaper. Sweetie rubbed her stomach, regretting the candy binge from last night. It would be hard to continue her exercise routine with a stomach ache. Sweetie finished her food just as Rarity placed the paper down. “So Sweetie Belle, we’ve got a few things we can do while we’re in Manehattan. We could go visit Applejack's cousin, Babs Seed. Or we could go to the museum and the water park. There’s also a spa I’ve been dying to go do, or we could do some traditional shopping. I’ll leave it up to you.” Rarity waited as Sweetie considered her options. She could always come back another loop after all. “You know, I could really use a day of relaxing. Let’s go shopping, and finish up with a spa trip.” Sweetie saw the giddy glee on Rarity’s face and smiled warmly. While Sweetie would love to dig into her books, or go to the water park, or even visit Babs, all three could wait. Sweetie closed her eyes and sipped her drink, wondering how many loops it would take before Manehattan no longer had anything new for her to see. Rarity decided to show Sweetie how to do proper clothes shopping. Sweetie didn’t entirely understand what went with what, and why. Rarity took her sister under her proverbial wing, and slowly led her toward a clothes rack. Plucking out a piece of clothing, Rarity began to speak. “Now Sweetie, Black goes with most things, however you have to be careful not to couple it with a dull color. Black needs something bright to contrast with it. Dull colors work well in a business setting, but otherwise you want to look good. Most ponies don’t wear pants, but if you do a pair of black pants or a skirt can help complement your flank.” Rarity brought the fabric up to her Mark so Sweetie could see what she was talking about. “Uh, I think I get it.” Sweetie was confused, but it was the good kind of confusion. While a lot of what Rarity was saying was going in one ear and out the other, it was still fun seeing her sister in her element. Sweetie wondered if she would ever look that happy doing her talent, which meant she would not be seen in the limelight. No matter, it wasn’t like Sweetie would ever get the chance to pursue her talent. Sweetie put a hoof to her heart, biting her lip as she felt a deep pain in her chest. Shaking it off, Sweetie quickly went back to listening to her sister. Maybe if she payed attention, she could learn to make her own dresses. After all, Rarity’s talent didn’t involve clothing, just her ability to bring out the diamond in the rough. Sweetie paused again, realising how similar their talents were. Except for the fact Sweetie helped people bring out their hearts, Rarity helped people shine no matter the occasion. Sweetie felt the pain sharp in her chest again, and decided she had done enough clothes shopping. Sweetie’s thoughts wouldn’t allow it. “Alright, let’s head to the spa, a wonderful end to a wonderful week.” Rarity and Sweetie took a taxi to the spa, and Sweetie’s thoughts faded as she began to let herself relax in the comfort of others pampering her. Sweetie vaguely thought about how this was similar to Zecora’s exercise, and finally realised why Zecora was teaching her it. Patience, Sweetie realised what she was teaching was patience. Closing her eyes, Sweetie smiled, and let her thoughts fade, focusing on the moment of pleasure as she was pampered. Eventually though, Sweetie was done, and she soon got out and washed herself off. Looking back, Sweetie realised Rarity was far from done, and sighed. “Rarity, come on, it’s time to go.” Sweetie waited as her sister begrudgingly removed herself from luxury, and followed her sister’s example. As they left, Sweetie saw her sister spend some more bits getting a hot towel for the road to wrap around her neck. As they exited into the street, Sweetie felt a smile plastered on her face. A nice day was its own reward.