Act 1: Lust//The Checkup of the Unrestrained

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Photo Finish had kept her composure up to when her coach reached her house, up to when she opened the door and went inside, and up to when she closed the door. She held it as she locked it securely, then proceeded to lock all of her doors and closed her curtains. She held it as she dimmed all the lights inside and as she made her way out of her regular house into her basement. She held it as she locked the door behind her, walked down to open a red door, stepped inside the room, and locked it behind her.

Only now did she allow her cool demeanor to dissolve with a shudder and many flicks of her tail. Her planned visit had not gone how she had expected at all. How could one meek pony, she thought to herself, leave me so confused? She lifted her left hoof up and stared at it, the lingering feeling on it sending shivers through her body; it was the feeling of pressing into something soft and warm.

The thought of the mare grew heavier and heavier in her mind. She turned away from the door and focused on the red-lit workspace around her, trying to figure out what she needed to do for tomorrow. But she could only think of that one mare.

She was walking up the creaking steps of a far-too-small apartment complex, trying to reach the room of her newest prospective employee. She had been hired five weeks ago after Photo had heard of her talents from a friend in Ponyville. She had been eager enough to come down, but Photo had worried about her timid fidgety nature. Beyond that, though, she had proven to be a quick-witted pony who could go above and beyond, and usually did to yield the best results. If Photo could get rid of her nervousness, the upstart could become a great costumer.

The run-down apartment was a financially-savvy choice for the pay Photo had given the aspiring mare, if not a little on the cheap side. It was enough to support oneself, but not enough to live luxuriously. Still, even with her smallish pay, employees would find at least a decent apartment, and not something in the slums of Canterlot. Maybe this new employee was used to it, or maybe she didn’t know how to handle money, or didn’t know her way around Canterlot.

It didn’t matter to her; as long as she was willing to work hard, she would go far in Canterlot. So Photo reached the second-to-top floor to a green door chipped in places. This was her address; Photo Finish’s eidetic memory told her that much. She caught the familiar scent of spaghetti inside. She thought to herself that perhaps her potential new employee was living high after all.

Hopefully she was indulging. As a prospective employee, she deserved it.

Photo shook these pleasant thoughts from her head and knocked on the door.
“Oh, uh, just a moment!” she heard the mare inside stutter from inside. Photo heard some clattering from within and assumed she was putting down dinner. She took a step away from the door and stared straight at it, to get a final moment of intimidation to test for weakness. No sooner had she done so did a stallion walk up from behind and knock as well. It was so quick she was actually startled.

“Sorry, ma’am!” he screeched in a prepubescent voice. “I’m here to deliver these pizzas to a miss Coco Pommel.”

Photo nodded at the door. It seemed as though Coco was indulging more than she had thought. She entertained a notion of Coco sitting on her couch just eating away; this would be a shock for her. She stood staring again at the door.

“Coming!” the mare yelled, and then she heard steps. They weren’t normal steps, though; they weren’t normal steady beats, but heavy tut-tut tut-tuts as if she were lightly lumbering. Maybe she had been asleep, but Photo was getting impatient. She was going to give this upstart a lesson on being late she wouldn’t soon forget. An employee had to be reliable and on-time.

The door opened, and all Photo Finish’s plans, calculations and thoughts were arrested. The mare that opened it dropped the sack of bits she had had in her mouth.

It was Coco Pommel, but not as she had appeared before Photo Finish. Where there was once a slender neck, there was now one with small rolls and bulges. Where there was once a chest that shrunk from anypony that passed, there was now a much poofier mass that, even with her reclusiveness, still stood out. Where there was once an uninteresting underside, there was a pot belly that jiggled as she stopped, and sides that were a few inches wider than before. Where there was once a passe backside, there were now full flanks and a rump that, from Photo’s side view of her, has a slight wobble and sway to it. Where there was once a frightened face, there was now two slightly larger cheeks covered in tomato sauce, and eyes terrified of seeing her boss there.

The sight was enough to make Photo Finish start from her place; she was just able to cover her gasp.

“Oh, Miss Finish!” Coco slowly backed away, shrinking and causing a small dimple where her neck met her breast. “I wasn’t expecting you here.”

She didn’t respond.

“Uh, are you miss Coco Pommel?” The pitch-changing voice of the pizza delivery stallion broke the tension.

“Oh, yes!” She swung her head down and picked up the bits. The stallion moved to his side to have it deposited, and then gave her the pizza box.

“Ya have a nice day, ma’am!” With a large grin, he skipped down the stairs.

All this time, Photo Finish hadn’t taken her eyes off of Coco. When she turned to look at her, she blinked a few times but didn’t say anything. Photo’s heartbeat had almost doubled during this time.

“Uh,” Coco managed to get out. “W-would you like to come in, Miss Finish? I, uh, have pizza and spaghetti, if you’re hungry.”

When Photo Finish opened her mouth to speak, to accept her request, instead a string of words came out that she had been thinking, but didn’t want to say:

“You’ve gained weight.”

It was put out there, and both mares were silent. Coco looked stunned, while Photo was motionless. The tension between them was growing larger and larger—

—and larger and larger and larger—

She caught herself and stopped her rampant mind. It had almost gone out of control, and her heartbeat had gotten faster as she stood there. It would do no good standing there thinking those thoughts, she concluded, do she pushed herself forward and walked to her desk. Perhaps if she got some work done, she would forget all about Coco Pommel until tomorrow.

Try as she might, though, she couldn’t bring herself to think about Fleur de Lee. She was one of the harder models to deal with, what with having such high demands. Photo just couldn’t get her mind on how she’d prepare and place the model for her shoot tomorrow. Coco, on the other hand, she was easy to envision. She was just chubby and not fat, so the weight could be lost easily if she wanted to model. Then Photo thought to herself that the only reason she thought of Coco modeling was because of the added weight.

Of course it wasn’t orthodox in Equestria—or at least in Canterlot—for big mares to be seen as beautiful. There was only one magazine that catered to those that liked their ponies with a little bit of meat on them. Photo knew this for a fact; she had scoured the land, after all.

With a snort and a sigh, and reached behind the desk where she would normally take notes, and withdrew the latest edition of a magazine: Blubber Lovers. In the humdrum routine of her business life, she hadn’t even bothered to look at the cover. She hadn’t allowed herself that pleasure in a long time.

And as she figured would happen, it didn’t disappoint.

It was a mammoth of a mare, somepony twice as tall and twice as long as the model Big Macintosh, and she was currently supporting her body by resting her forelegs on a counter. Her forelegs looked more like two pillows than body parts, and each of them spread out on the counter. They led up to a chest that stuck out proudly, resting on the counter. This led up to her neck that was thicker than a pony’s flanks, and cheeks that drooped with cherubic roundness. The counter was protected with see-through glass, so her beanbag-like stomach was visible as it pressed up and dimpled with many folds and rolls; the sides of it touched the edges of the cover. Her flanks were larger still, jutting out beyond the edges by at least two feet each (she assumed from how round the visible parts were) and obscuring her stack-of-pancakes cutie mark. Although she couldn’t see her rump, she could see that a few feet back from her, the swinging doors leading from the kitchen were being pushed back, and Photo Finish had seen this particular mare enough times in pictures to know this was caused by her derriere. The only visible piece of clothing was a nametag on her breast that identified her as Fanny Pancake, the largest MMM: a Massive Magnificent Mare.

The camera was right in front of the counter, making the viewer seem like a customer. Fanny had her head tilted slightly backwards while staring at the camera with her hazel eyes, as if motioning towards the kitchen and asking Photo Finish “Would you like to come in?”

“Yes, I would like to come in,” she said, finally breaking the silence.

The silence had lasted for so long that when it was broken, Coco flinched and blinked to rid herself of her confusion. “Of course, Miss Finish!” Without another word, Coco turned and, carrying the pizza box on her back, walked inside. Photo watched her backside quiver, not yet fat enough to jiggle, before following her inside.

The first thing that caught her attention was the multitude of smells within. It was mostly pasta and tomato sauce, but there was also cheeses, basil, and the faint bouquet of red wine. If she hadn’t managed her diet strictly, Photo Finish would’ve indulged in some of the pizza (as a boss’s right); as it was, the starchy scent and the steam made her feel jittery and slightly tired.

But there was also things to look at, and for a mare living in a run-down apartment, she had a fine taste for decorating. Littered on shelves covered in dark blue cloths were models and pictures of ships and boats; there was also a clock above a window with a picture of the S.S. Trojan in its background. There was a bookshelf with books on not just boating, but also on exploration, sewing, clothing, and even money-management and self-esteem. There were no couches or cushions, the wooden floor being visible except for the bookshelf, a table, a refrigerator and a trashcan.

These last three were in the kitchen, which was filled with bags and boxes and wrappers that once contained food. There was Marexican plates, Neighponese plates, Chaynese boxes, Bitalian boxes and plates, and much more. Despite the amount of boxes and bags, everything was neatly placed in the trash and on the counter. The table was not as neat, but wasn’t filthily set up; spaghetti, lasagna and now a pizza box were spread out on the table.

“Would you like some pizza?” Coco asked, opening the box to reveal a pineapple pizza with extra cheese.

“Nein, thank you,” Photo said after she was done observing. “You, you have been enjoying your stay in Canterlot, I hope?”

Coco looked up from a mouthful of pizza and nodded. “Mhm!” She swallowed. “I’ve been here reading and practicing my sewing.”

“And enjoying the food?” Photo took great care not to smirk, which must’ve come off as more stern than inquisitive. Instead, she poked Coco’s stomach and felt it sink into the flesh deeper and deeper. It took all of her willpower to not shudder.

Coco looked down at herself; her ears folded back. “Um... y-yeah. I didn’t mean to, honest! I-I just got carried away and—“

“Please, stop,” Photo said with a wave of her hoof. She couldn’t stand ponies running away with their apologies. “It happens to ponies all the time. They come to the great capital and get swept away with indulging themselves. You’ll lose your pudge while you work.

“Which reminds me,” she continued with an adjustment to her goggles. “I’ve come to see if you still plan on working for me.”

Coco blinked, and then nodded. “O-of course! I hope this doesn’t make you think I wouldn’t continue.”

She shook her head. “Most ponies that come to work for me usually quit within the first month of training. I allow ponies a week off after that to think about if they want to continue working for me. You have talent, Miss Pommel,” she continued with a poke into her breast (minutely running the circumference of her hoof around the fat), “but you need to be able to run in the high-paced world of Canterlot fashion, and I am a particularly demanding in terms of production.”

Coco let this all sink in, and then perked up. “I-I’ll work extra hard, Miss Finish, and I’ll prove that I can do this!” She said all of this with a bounce of her body, and Photo was glad she was wearing goggles to see the aftershocks of her excitement.

“That is good to hear.” She looked behind her and caught the whiff of steam, and the subtle scent of sweat from the fatter pony. “That is all I came over for. You are about to eat dinner, and so I shall leave you to it. I expect you at work tomorrow at eight o’clock sharp.”

“Of course, Miss Finish!” Coco said enthusiastically. “Here, I’ll walk you to the door—“

“No need,” she rebuffed, preferring to walk alone. “I shall see you tomorrow.”

“O-o-okay. Have a good night, Miss Finish.” She turned away from her. “Now where did I put my grater?” She walked into the kitchen proper and looked through her shelves. “It’s here somewhere.”

For a moment, Photo Finish lingered there watching her body go from place to place, quivering all the while. For a pony that had been around slender-to-supermodel ponies for a long time, her body was a sight to behold. She just hoped—a lingering hope—this wouldn’t affect Coco’s ability to work. Coco had found the grater on a high shelf, and Photo was about to leave when she saw Coco struggle.

Her belly was pressed up against the counter to where it squished out around her, and her rump hiked up higher and higher as she stood more on the tips of her hind hooves. Her foreleg and neck slightly waved as they strained upward to reach the grater. She eventually fell and breathed heavily.

It was too high.

Photo was about to suggest that she use a stool when Coco pulled out a drawer at the bottom of the counter to stand on. Photo Finish smiled at the display of wit, and smiled even wider at the physical strain of balancing on it. There was more to this mare than just the timidity on the outside...

...Just as there was more to the magazine than just the cover.

She opened up to the first page and glanced at the advertisement for a restaurant before getting in deeper and deeper into the ponies inside. It wasn’t just lewd pictures and tantalizingly abundant food pictures. There were recipes discovered both by ponies inside and by chefs and cooks famous in their area. There were health tips; health was a concern for larger ponies, so they took the time to inform their readers about how to live healthy and fully. There were also a few advertisements for restaurants and eateries coming up in the world looking for publicity.

But a majority of the pictures were of ponies that were large. Fanny Pancake was usually the most featured pony in these magazines, but in this particular issue each pony got equal exposure. Since there were so few ponies that modeled for MMMs and MMSs, there was more than a focus on their paragon bodies; there was also a focus on their lives and their adventures. And Photo Finish had learned of them all.

There was Grand Red Gala, otherwise known as L, a red-coated green-maned mare who was a member of the prolific Apple Family. She was well-fed with a bountiful belly, and a slightly less pudgy rear and neck; her pictures featured her pushing her corpulent parts out while she worked on her ranch, as well as having quaint home-cooked meals and hanging out with her farm animals. Her cutie mark was of a giant red apple with an artificial shine on the surface as if the sun was shining just for ponies to look at her.

Pineapple Prize from Haywaii had an ochre coat, seaweed-green mane and tail, cerise eyes and a rear end always just barely surrounded by a hula skirt. She was a chubby pony with a prodigious callipygian rump and flanks, and she enjoyed her fatness enough to contribute it to the adipophilic world. She was an easygoing mare who was usually seen posing on the beach or on a surfboard, with her rump proudly on display and her tail raised and curled to where the tip of it pointed at it. Her cutie mark was a large pineapple with a few slices, almost real enough to make a pony want a bite.

Black Forest was from Germaneigh, and she had a coal-black coat, a light purple mane, tail and eyes, and a stomach far larger than any part of her body. She didn’t have the largest belly—Fanny Pancake had her beat—but it was definitely the roundest. She loved to travel, partake in mountainous snowsport, sail and eat delicate treats until her stomach ripped the wool sweater she would wear on those occasions. Every picture was of her leaning back over a mug or seven of hot chocolate or stacks of boxes of chocolate; every one also had a sweater either on the cusp of ripping, tearing, or bursting off of her. Her cutie mark was of a black forest cake.

Silver Streak was one of the two MMSs—Massive Magnificent Stallions—in the magazine. He was a former Wonderbolt with a grey coat, a black spiky mane and tail, blue-grey eyes, a cocky attitude and a partying lifestyle. Now retired from hard work, he took to enjoying himself, and every picture exposed his beer belly. He was one of the three main ponies who stuffed themselves for the magazine (Fanny and Black Forest being the other two), and he was the most vigorous while doing it, all the while having fun around other ponies. His cutie mark was of two silver wings together with an arch as if they were zooming around.

Whereas Silver Streak still retained some of his athletic body, Big Wig would never be considered athletic. He was the only pony that was immobilized by his girth, his hooves slightly sinking into his mass, he wore his fat with cool confidence. He had a dark-blue coat, a brown dreadlocked mane and tail, and eyes hidden by sunglasses. He was usually seen lying in either a hammock, a bed or a bathtub, always accompanied by his feeder, an orange-coated pony who was unnamed. His cutie mark was of a curly mane, signifying his talent with manes and wigs.

A majority of the ponies in the magazine were earth ponies, with Black Forest and Big Wig being unicorns and Silver Streak being the sole pegasus; they were also seen alone, not crossing into the other models’ pictures. The last two ponies to be described broke this trend; they were always together. Dark Chocolate and French Vanilla were fillyfoolers and a couple. Dark Chocolate had a coat as brown as chocolate with eyes a slightly lighter brown and hair like dark chocolate. French Vanilla’s coat color was between cream and white, while here mane and tail were both white and her eyes were blue. Their cutie marks were of a bar of chocolate and of a four vanilla beans. Out of all the ponies in the magazine (barring Fanny), they were the most normally proportioned, with fat stomachs, rears, flanks, forelegs, chests, necks and faces. Dark Chocolate had a slightly larger rear, while French Vanilla had a slightly larger belly.

For some reason, Photo Finish was more attracted to these two than any of the others this time. They had engaged in various activities of affection, such as hugging, cuddling, snuggling, laying next to each other in the park. There were a few of them kissing, and even one of them laying in bed together with their masses taking up the entire bed, even when they were pressed against one another. It was all normal for them, but Photo was entranced by them.

One picture in particular spurred her memory of Coco Pommel back up. Dark Chocolate was sitting on her rump with her back towards the camera, but at enough of an angle where her large belly could be seen by the camera. Her face was turned to the camera, and her eyes looked down with a gleeful salacious edge. Her towards-camera hoof rested on her flank, while the away-camera hoof reached down behind her to brush something in between her rump. She was sitting on her rump, but she was also sitting on French Vanilla, who was supporting her with her hindlegs. Vanilla’s belly was displayed proudly towards the camera, while she was bent just forward enough to make her rump stick out back. The most alluring part, however, was her head. While one of her hooves held up Chocolate’s rump to prevent her from losing balance, her other one touched the dark hoof that brushed against her muzzle. Only Vanilla’s smiling muzzle and one eye looking up to align with her partner’s gaze were visible; the rest was swallowed in her crack.

The caption next to them read, “Supporting each other, no matter how heavy.”

“I will give you a hoof.”

Before Coco could say “What?” Photo Finish trotted behind her and placed a hoof on Coco’s rump. The mare in front of her wasn’t looking back yet, so she allowed herself to shiver at the feeling of a fat rear. She couldn’t linger, though, or else she’d get suspicious. With both hooves, she pushed until Coco was standing tiphoof, and she was just barely missing the grater.

She hadn’t counted on how much the fat would shift, or how hard it was to lift a pony up with just her legs. So, acting on an impulse, she moved her head between Coco’s legs until she had her on her shoulders. Stepping onto the drawn drawer, she pushed up even more.

Feeling Coco’s squishy belly on her forehead and her squishy rump on her shoulders sent her heartbeat doubling; it was all she could do to stay focused on balancing and to refrain from kneading. It seemed to last a long time, though in reality it was just a second.

“Got it!’ Coco said from below. “You can put me down now.”

With a blow of air, Photo began getting down. It went awry when her hoof slipped on the drawer, and she fell to standing on four legs again. Coco gave a shriek, and Photo braced for something bad to happen. With an oomph she caught Coco completely on her back, her rump resting on Photo’s backside and her forelegs wrapped around her neck.

In that split second, Photo took stock of her position. Here she was with a chubby mare on top of her, supporting herself. Her legs quivered from the exertion, and it all made her feel excited. This was her first time, though, so she soon collapsed.

“Oh my stars!” Coco gasped as she scrambled off of her boss. “I’m so sorry, Miss Finish! I’m so sorry!”

Photo took a moment to catch her breath, and then pushed herself up. “I-it is fine—“

“How am I ever going to make it up to you?”

“I have to go.” She began to leave, but was caught by a sobbing Coco.

“Please don’t fire me!” she bawled. “It was an accident, I lost balance and I fell on top of you and oh my stars—“

“Coco!” Photo Finish rarely resorted to yelling, so she wanted her to pay attention. “It is fine. I am not hurt.”

“Y-you’re not?”

“Nein. Are you?”

“N-n-n-no, Miss Finish.”

“That is good.” She adjusted her balance, and then pointed to the floor. “You got your grater, now put this behind you and enjoy your dinner.” She used a hoof to wipe away some tears from her cheek, running her hoof along the outer curve of it for her own gain. “Eight o’clock sharp, remember?”

“O-of course,” Coco replied almost silently. She hobbled over to the table and, with shaky hooves, began grating cheese on the three Istallion meals. Photo, meanwhile, walked with shaky legs to the door. “A-are you sure you’re not mad?”

“Ja,” Photo said bluntly, realizing she desperately needed water. “Have a good night, Miss Coco Pommel.” She was about to leave when Coco said something.

“You’re welcome for dinner anytime, Miss Finish, if it will make up for this whole thing.”

“I will consider it.” She usually never did, but this was a rare case. She walked out the door and stole one last look before it closed, seeing her backside straight in front of her, busy grating cheese. She stared at its nervous and anxious shaking and quivering before the door closed.

She flipped to the back cover, which was the same picture as the front cover, but from behind Fanny. That meant getting a view of Fanny’s back and her rump, which not only pushed the swinging doors back, but also invaded the doorframe, apparently wedging itself in. From a higher view, Fanny’s face was visibly smirking at the camera, and just to the right of it, small letters were written to urge the reader to “Come on back for breakfast.” That ended every magazine, and it always made Photo Finish yearn for more.

She put down the magazine and sighed, her heartbeat and mind racing. She kept thinking of the MMMs inside the covers, and then of Coco Pommel. A small mare compared to them, but oh so close, and oh so taken by the Canterlot cuisine. A smile spread across her face, and she took the magazine with her out of the workroom. After eating dinner, taking a shower and laying down in her bed, she set the magazine beside her and threw the covers over her. She didn’t think anything of tomorrow’s shoot, but she did think of tomorrow and days after with that sweet chubby mare. She fell asleep as she sunk into the bed, as the blankets above her grew heavier and heavier and heavier.

Models and Donuts

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It was eight-o'nine, and everypony was moving about getting the last touches on their photo shoot that day. The black-cushioned chaise had to be positioned in perfect relation to the camera, to show off Fleur de Lys's body gracefully and without any odd angles, while the white backdrop had to be spotless. The hair and make-up stations had to be fully prepared to immediately work on her when she arrived. The dress she'd be wearing—a frilly dark-grey dress with magenta gemstones lining the hems—had to be immaculate for the client, not a hair too long or short, and not too wide or thin. As the clock wound down, everypony within the studio worked hard to make sure everything was perfect.

Photo Finish was in the middle of it all, silently watching the scene unfold, making slight adjustments to the set and suggesting make-up products as thoughts struck her. This was where she thrived, and nopony in the studio could make sure things worked like she could. She wasn't a renowned photographer for nothing, after all. She trusted her workers well enough, but in the end, she knew what to do to achieve "the magic."

The set was getting along well enough, and the stations were discussing what they'd do for the model herself, so the last thing that needed to be done was to check up on the dress. Nestled in a secluded corner of the studio was the costumery department, and amid the mess of fabrics and sewing equipment was a tall, gangly pegasus with light-purple fur, a long, curly red mane-and-tail, and a pincushion cutie mark. This mare was focused completely on making adjustments to the gems on the dress, calm among the running about that was currently going on.

As Finish approached her, she held up a hoof and replied, "A few more minutes. These gemstones are not aligning like I want them to." Her tone would be considered dismissive by most, but Finish knew her long enough to know that she was merely focused. Pins 'N Needles was not one to waste time when she was working. "Do not worry about anything on my part."

"I won't," Finish said equally as bluntly. "I never have to worry about you." She had always liked the Bitalian mare for her curt, decisive attitude and quiet confidence.

"But where is Coco Pommel?" Pins asked, suddenly raising her voice almost to exasperation. "She is... ten minutes late as of now! Did she decide not to come back?"

Finish blinked, and looked across the work station. The stool that Coco had used that week to train was empty. A glance at the clock showed that Pins was exactly right. "This is terrible. I told her last night to be here at eight o'clock sharp!"

"So she decided to stay?" Pins asked. "I didn't think she would. She's such a fidgety thing."

"When she comes in," Finish said with an authoritative edge, "I'll deal with her."

Pins nodded noncommittally, and resumed her work. "She's gotta learn somehow. She's such a squirrelly thing."

Photo finish left her and recalled her conversation with Coco the night before. The other mare had been ready to work again, she was sure, but there was that fidgety nature to worry about. A reprimand would go a long way to fix that, she thought. She began mentally preparing the chastising that Coco would receive when she would arrive there.

***

”Miss Pommel!”

“Yes, I’m here!” she’d say as she bursts through the door, some up the frame flying off from her being wedged in. “I’m so sorry I’m late!”

Finish regarded the mare coldly, while her rolls of fat wobbled as she approached. “Sorry is unacceptable! Why are you late!”

“I promise I tried to get here on time,” Coco would say, taking a deep breath and calming down. “I’m just not used to all of this weight,” she added, shifting her body to let the fat slide around. "I'm just so fat."

"Yes, I can see that," Finish would say loudly, pressing her hoof sharply in Coco's neck and rubbing it up and down. "So big and fat."

"You have no idea what it's like," she'd say, standing on her hindlegs and presenting her belly to her boss, "to heave this thing around. And on a full stomach, too!" She would pat it for emphasis.

"You can't work on an empty stomach," she found herself saying, poking the massive gut to test if it would pop, and then grabbing hold of it and caressing it. "But you shouldn't have been late."

"Yeah, my rump had some trouble getting here as well."

Photo would rest her head on the belly and ask for clarification.

"My fat flanks have had trouble lugging my behind around. Feel how much I have to carry."

Photo would reach around the vast expanse and rub Coco's large, brimming flanks. "Yes, so huge."

"That's nothing compared to my backside." She dropped down to her fours, letting Finish stand on all fours again. "It's so big. My flank may be big—" she turned and let the top of her flank brush against her boss's chin. "And soft, but my butt is huge."

"Huge..."

"And it's so troublesome to carry." Coco's voice was at a whisper.

"Carry..."

"I think you should look at it," Coco would whisper, turning ponderously to present the vast width of her rump to her. It loomed over her, threatening to consume her. "It's such a naughty rump. I think it needs to be punished."

Photo moaned.

"You're the boss, after all."

This reminded her of her power over her employee, and with speed only somepony as sharply honed as her would possess, she gave that mighty ass a slap.

***

Her bodyguard went pirouetting around after that slap, and flew into the set. Everypony stared first at her, and then at him, who was back on his hooves, brushing himself off.

"Sorry," Finish said briskly. "Let us get back to work, everypony. Let's get that set back up." She walked to her director's chair off in the corner of the studio, but before reaching it, heard Pins say lowly,

"I'd hate to be Coco when she comes here."

As Finish sat down, she thought about that vision she had just had. Get a hold of yourself, she told herself. She is an employee, and she's coming here to work. Besides, it's not like she thinks of her figure as something good. No, that will take time. Time and discipline. A few ropes and a latex suit, to try and contain all of her, but it will fail in the end, because she'll just keep getting bigger and bigger and bigger and—

“Miss Finish!”

A high-pitched yell brought her out of her daydreaming, and she looked to the studio entrance to see Coco Pommel galloping towards her. The reality was that Coco was a lot smaller than she had imagined. Her binging last night had added a miniscule few centimeters to her underside, and her rump now had a small jiggle, which was greater than the quiver it had. The rest of her gains were too small to take in. Still, her belly did jiggle as she galloped, though it was more like a dribbled basketball than the hefty medicine ball she thought she’d have. Perhaps she’d have to rethink her vision about a fat pony’s figure.

Or perhaps, she’d thought a second before Coco stopped in front of her, she’d simply forgotten to eat.

“I’m so sorry I’m late!” she wheezed between pants. “I tried getting a carriage to take me here, but they were all used up, so I had to gallop all the way here and I’m so sorry!”

The pitiful explanation usually prompted no sympathy from Photo Finish, and a scolding about proper timing would follow. Looking at her, though, she couldn’t muster up the irritation to admonish her. Still, she reminded herself, work was work. “It's alright. We all make mistakes.”

She could see, out of the corner of her eye, Pins had stopped working and was staring at them.

“I know,” she said pathetically.

“Fortunately… today is a special occasion, and anger would only make things worse.” She took a deep breath, one with just enough of a hint of dissatisfaction. “In the future, though, do not be late. You will be punished if you're late again."

Her heartbeat quickened.

“Yes, Miss Finish,” Coco said with a bow. “Do you want me to get you any coffee?”

“Nein.” That had been one habit that she had inherited from her last boss. Photo Finish didn’t drink coffee; it made her too jittery and unfocused. “Just—“ It was then, when Coco had calmed down and stopped moving so much, that she noticed the coat of sweat on Coco’s coat. “You cannot work like that!”

“Like what?”

“All covered in sweat,” she said with a hoof to the bridge of her snout. “There’s a shower reserved for models when they need to freshen up. Go and clean off your sweat with soap, ja?”

“Oh, okay, Miss Finish.” Coco looked around. Finish thought about escorting her herself, but when her thoughts put the two of them together in the shower, she decided to have somepony else handle it.

“Glitz!” Finish called her manestylist. “Show Coco Pommel to the shower. And don't have too much fu—never mind, forget what I'm saying.”

Glitz ‘N Glamour hesitated for a moment, but then nodded wordlessly and did as requested. Coco Pommel didn’t look back at her boss. If she did, she could’ve guessed that Photo Finish was staring at her jiggling rump. She stared until Coco disappeared into the models’ room. With her out of sight, she turned her attention back to preparations. “Is everything set up now?” she called out. "Is the set finished?"

Multiple ponies yelled their preparedness, and it appeared as though everything was in order. All that was left was to check up on the dress itself. She approached Pins, only to find her staring at her with a raised brow.

“What?”

“Why did you be so soft on her?” Pins asked. “You usually have a lot of yelling and scolding.”

She adjusted her goggles. “I didn’t think it would work with her. She’s too… sweet.”

Pins blinked. “Uh-huh. You want me to go easy on her?”

She thought for a moment, and then shook her head. “No, she needs to learn what it’s going to be like working under you.”

“Good.” Pins smirked. “I would have been hard either way.”

“Of course you would.” She patted her on the back. “That is why I love you.” They shared a chuckle before returning to their duties.

Photo was busy tweaking the set a few inches to the left when she saw Coco Pommel emerge from the room. A glance at the clock showed her that she had been only three minutes in, which spoke highly of her quickness. She was clean now, and besides a little bit of moisture, she was also dry.

She didn’t wait for Photo Finish to tell her where to go, as she went straight to Pins ‘N Needles and was immediately told where to go. That pleased Photo enough, and she admitted that she looked diligent and ready as she sat down with her belly resting on her thighs, and her flanks biting at the rim of the stool.

And then Photo Finish noticed Pins staring at her with a confused expression. Finish nodded to her, for no reason she could muster, went and sat in a nearby chair and waited.

Everything had slowed down as the employees cleaned up, and so after a few minutes, she decided to observe Coco. She was heavily focused on her work, which was tailoring outfits for an upcoming runway show. Pins was doing the same thing, and would curtly correct her if she did anything out of line. She was challenged to go faster to meet deadline, and although she was struggling, she was making good time.

She was working well even with heavier forelegs, Photo Finish thought. They moved up and down with the grace of a seamstress, swaying to and fro with extra heft. At times, her tongue would poke out and press against her cheek, making a divot that accentuated the extra flesh. The rest of her stayed the same, with her just sitting there doing her work. So the only changes she could see were in her cheeks and her forelegs.

And they were, admittedly, cute.

Coco flung her forelegs together to hold onto one of the dresses, and then she brought it close, and Finish felt the caress of her chubby cheek against her own, and snuggled up in her warm legs. And then Finish snapped out of that thought and watched as she set it down.

Suddenly, all of the employees stopped mumbling and moving. Finish heard hoofsteps from the entrance, and got up. She saw the slender form of Fleur de Lys striding in, her figure and grace true to the word of the other Canterlot elite, gaze intently on the set in the middle of the studio. She was accompanied by her husband Fancy Pants, dapper as always, who looked around the room at all of the employees and stations, not betraying any emotion.

Photo Finish met them at the edge of the set. “Hello, Mr. Fancy Pants, and Mrs. Fleur de Lys," she greeted with bubbling enthusiasm. "Welcome to the studio. I believe you will both be impressed with the photographs we'll be taking today.”

"Where is my water?"

Finish stopped talking. "Er, what—oh, right? Your water! Yes, we have it specially heated to nine degrees Celsius just for you—"

"And am I supposed to sit in a regular chair while they're doing my make-up? Do I look like a regular model? My back will ache!" Before Finish could assure her that all of the necessary preparations were in order, Fleur clapped her hooves together, and a stallion in butler attire brought in a hot-pink chaise to place at the hair-styling station. She

“Here you go, Mrs. De Lys.” It was Coco Pommel that came with a bottle of water. “Exactly nine degrees Celsius, just like you like it.”

Fleur looked Coco up and down, back and forth. Coco’s rump quivered a little bit due to running over. Finish saw her snout wrinkle as her gaze landed on Coco’s backside. She took the water in her magical grasp. “Thank you,” she said with a hint of dissatisfaction. “Yes, this feels like nine degrees Celsius.” She drank a dollop of it and set it aside. "Are you one of the help?"

"Oh! I'm a seamstress—"

"Are you the one working on my dress?" Fleur asked, her eyes bugging for a moment.

"Oh, no," Coco said, backing up a bit. "That's my supervisor, Pins 'N Needles." As she said this, Pins' walked over to them and presented the dress.

"It is complete!" Pins proclaimed with a single wave of her foreleg for grand effect. "Your dress, madam."

Fleur immediately took it in her magical grasp, and began turning it around and over, looking at every individual part. After a minute of scrutinizing, she gave it back. "Yes, this will do. Nice work."

Pins gave a small nod in acknowledgement, something Finish had learned was a sign of irritation and disappointment.

"Does that chaise look off to you?" Fleur asked, moving on to the next thing. "Or is that just me? It's three inches too short, and my tail's going to droop off! I can't take a picture with a drooping tail!"

The constant management was something she had to deal with in this business. While she and the rest of the employees waited for Fleur to satisfy her own whims, she walked over to Pins and Coco.

“How are you getting along?” she asked in a low voice.

Pins grinned. “Same as usual. For both of us, it sounds.” She turned and then gave Finish a quizzical expression. “Should you be helping make her happy?”

Usually, she would cater to her models. But, she reasoned to herself, she had a new employee to maintain. “How are you doing, Coco?”

Coco looked up from her work, straightening out the hems on the dresses. “Oh, uh, I’m good, Miss Finish. Just keeping to my costumes.”

“How did you know about Mrs. Fleur’s water?” she asked. She had known about it as well, and had had one of her other employees prepare it beforehoof, but she had not expected Coco to know about it.

“Oh, um, I did some research on Fleur de Lys’s tastes yesterday.” She pawed the ground shyly. “Some of her former photographers could recite all of her peculiarities by heart. That’s… how.”

Photo nodded. “I am impressed.”

They all heard Fleur getting snappy again, this time with one of Photo Finish’s stoic bodyguards. “You should take care of that,” Pins said, waving her off as if that would push her along.

Finish was about to do that, but something stopped her. It was a growl. It took her a moment to locate where it was coming from. “Coco, was that your stomach?” Both senior mares looked at the now-blushing junior.

“Um… yes.” Coco said almost inaudibly. “I didn’t have breakfast this morning. I’m sorry.”

The yelling continued, but Photo Finish was more focused on Coco rubbing her tummy, watching the indent of an empty stomach. “I will get you something to eat. Wait here.”

Before Coco could apologize more, and before Pins could say anything about Fleur’s yelling, Finish walked to the catering table. She always had one out in case the model brought other ponies to admire their figures as they took their shoots. Often this was the case, but today it was Fancy Pants enjoying a muffin. The tray of donuts, about twenty by rough estimate, was untouched, and knowing everypony there, it would remain untouched. She grabbed the entire tray on her back and brought it over.

“Here,” Finish said, sliding the tower of donuts onto one of the stands used for small bits of sewing equipment. “These will go to waste, so have as many as you’d like.” She waved her foreleg towards the tray, inviting the mare to eat. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Pins glaring at her. She tried ignoring it, but thought that perhaps her waving was a tad earnest.

“Thank you, Miss Finish,” Coco said, and without hesitation, she got up from her seat, walked over and took two maple bars from the top. “I’ll just have these—“

“If you want more, take more.” Photo handed her a chocolate bar as well. “Nopony else will eat them, so eat them all. Eat your fill.”

Coco blushed. “Okay, Miss Finish, if you say so.” She popped a maple bar in her mouth and went back to work.

Finish, satisfied, began walking away, all the while ignoring Pins’ hard stare. Fleur had just finished winding down, and was now in make-up. Nothing more out of the ordinary happened, and after an hour, she was ready to pose for the picture. Now would usually be the time to make the subtle changes to make the picture actually perfect, but Fleur was posed incredibly well. Sprawled on in a lying position, with her forelegs elegantly wrapped on one of the cushions, her hind hoofs a half-inch from the edge of the chaise, she was propped up like a statuesque goddess. There was no corrections needed, even as Finish had her change poses; her posture was flawless. The dress itself fit her well, making her look regal, in a Victorian or Gothic manner.

After ten minutes exactly of shooting, they had everything then needed. Finish showed Fleur the product after they had developed, and she nodded her approval with sharp professionalism. “Yes, everything looks perfect,” she said, admiring the pictures from multiple angles. “But…”

Photo waited for her to continue.

“I don’t know. There’s just something about it that does scream, ‘it’s me, world! Fleur de Lys, model extraordinaire!’ You know?”

“I don’t see it,” Finish commented. “You look graceful in these pictures.”

“Well, yes, I’m not saying it’s me…”

Finish’s nape hairs bristled. “If you would like a re-shoot, then let me know. In the meanwhile, I must check on my employees.”

“Yes, of course,” Fleur said dismissively, still fiddling with the photographs. “Maybe it’s the dress. Those gemstones are rather small..."

Photo Finish walked away, too used to these sorts of objections to be perturbed by them. She looked around to see everypony giving each other congratulatory hoofbumps, and that everything was in order, so she went over to her seamstresses. Pins was working like usual, completely focus on her tasks, not correcting Coco anymore since the other mare got a handle of the task. She also saw that there were considerably less doughnuts on the tray; her quick eyes told her that there were eight left. The rest had gone into Coco, and her belly had rounded out, taut and spherical, and it hung there uninterrupted, and not impeding its host.

It pleased her.

“How did she like it?” Pins asked, not missing a beat in her work.

“She’s not pleased with it.”

“Give it time,” Pine replied with a light air. “It always takes some time.”

Photo grunted agreement, and looked at Coco, who was smiling widely at Pins. “What has got you so happy?”

Coco started, and blushed. “I’m sorry. I just really like her accent. You’re from Veneighce, aren’t you?”

Pins stopped working. “How do you know? Are you from Veneighce?”

“No,” Coco said with some wistfulness. “But my grandma is. I’ve always wanted to go!” She clapped her hooves together dreamily. “I’ve heard that the roads are made of rivers, and beyond that, there are meadows and fruit trees galore! And the ponies are so laid-laid back and nice.”

“The cuisine must also be a spectacle,” Photo added as dryly as she could.

“Oh, yes!” Coco’s eyes glazed over. “So many varieties of bread, fruit, pastas, sauces, herbs and spices!”

“And we Veneighcians make a lot of it,” Pins added in a conversational tone. There was something off about it, though. Finish looked out of the corner of her eye to see what it was, and caught the Bitalian mare glaring at her. It was like she was watching for something.

“I’ve been to Bitaly as well,” they all heard Fleur say as she approached them, some furrows on her brow from her fretting. “Roam, to be more precise. Business and all that. It’s a nice place.”

“Yes,” Coco added. “Very picturesque and beautiful.”

Fleur balked. “What did you say?”

Coco shook herself out of her thoughts. “Um… it’s very picturesque?”

“And beautiful!” Fleur clapped her forehooves together. “That’s it! I need a photo with atmosphere. A Bitalian atmosphere!” She stared at Photo Finish. “Could you arrange a photo shoot at Little Bitaly in Manehattan? For myself and a few other guests?”

Finish wasn’t following. “Why would you want to go to Manehattan? And why other ponies involved?”

“For authenticity, of course!” Fleur fluffed her mane. “I do love to entertain, and I pride myself on providing the best. A Bitalian banquet will make for an excellent host—that being me, of course. And I’ll need a fiery red dress to match!” She put on some puppy eyes for Finish. “Please?”

Photo adjusted her goggles in a sign of worry. “Mrs. Fleur de Lys, I don’t think we could do that—“

“We’ll pay you handsomely.” She turned to Fancy Pants, who had silently joined the conversation. “Won’t we, honey?”

“Of course!” Fancy Pants smiled his dashing smile. “A Bitalian setting sounds splendid! We’d of course fund for most of it.”

Photo thought about it for a moment. “We’ll talk about it later. For now, though, how do you feel about those pictures?”

“Oh, those?” She waved her hoof about. “They’re alright, definitely useable.”

Just like everypony had expected, Photo Finish thought. “We’ll talk about it soon—“

“How about we take you to lunch?” Fancy Pants suggested. “We could talk about it then. I know of a great buffet we could attend across town, that would be a great way to diversify our surroundings and our palates.”

Photo didn’t have anything else to do, so she agreed to it. She looked at Coco, who was wide-eyed during the conversation. “Would you mind if I took my assistant, Coco Pommel, with me? She could write everything down.”

Fleur looked at the other mare, and although not looking entirely pleased, agreed to it. “Yes, that’s fine.” They all agreed on a time, and the two wealthy ponies left.

“You,” Photo said, pointing to Coco. “Get ready. You are going to come with us to lunch.”

Coco stammered. “Oh, my, but what about the dresses?”

“Don’t worry about them for now,” Pins said, waving her hoof at her. “You need to write down ideas for this new shoot, okay? And just treat it as lunch.” As she said that, a low gurgle escaped Coco’s stomach, causing the mare to blush. “Hungry after a dozen donuts, unbelievable.”

Photo ignored that and looked at the remaining donuts. “Get the rest in a bag to take home. Grab a notebook and a pen, and meet me outside.”

“Y-yes, Miss Finish!” Coco hopped off of the stool and galloped off. Coco walked away and, after telling everypony to clean up, walked towards the entrance. She looked back over everything, and just caught Pins ‘N Needles with a smirk on her face, before walking out the front door.

Taste Testing

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The buffet was packed with tourists from all over Equestria, and it was only with the charm of Fancy Pants that the four ponies were able to find a table. Getting their food was a lot easier: Fancy Pants ordered a hearty plate of fettuccine Alfredo, Fleur ordered a light salad, and Photo Finish got a cup of tomato juice—she didn’t like eating on business meetings. When it was time for Coco to order, she declined to get anything.

“Order something,” Finish told her.

Coco shook her head. “Oh no, that’s okay. I’m just here to help, that’s all.”

“Don’t be modest,” Fleur interjected sardonically. “We can’t have you helping us if your stomach’s growling all the time.”

Coco didn’t notice the tone. “I didn’t bring any money anyway, so—“

“What?” Finish lightly banged a hoof against the table. “How could you not have any money? You always need money in Canterlot!”

“I-I’m sorry. You had just rushed me to come with you, and I didn’t have a chance to get my purse.”

Finish sighed. “I will pay for you this time.”

“Oh, no, Miss Finish, you don’t have to—“

“We cannot have you working on an empty stomach,” she said shortly.

“But I had those donuts earlier—“

“Enough!” Finish practically pushed her out of her seat. “Go on, get whatever you want.” It took more effort than she had thought it would, but she suspected Coco’s growling stomach pushed the chubby mare out of her chair.

Next to them, the waitress watched with furrowed brow. “So—“

“She’ll have the all-you-can-eat buffet,” Finish ordered for her. Before the other mare could protest, she gave her a glare. Coco sighed and nodded.

“Yes, Miss Finish.”

Finish watched her sigh again, her bulging middle swelling with the air. Coco’s resignation made her feel… a sense of power, one she didn’t quite understand. Still, as Coco walked over to the table, slowly at first and then quicker as the allure of food took her, she didn’t mind any of it.

She turned back to the other two ponies. “I apologize for the difficulty. She is new.”

“No trouble at all!” Fancy Pants waved his hoof in dismissal. “Everypony starts out that way.”

“Yes,” Fleur added with irritation. “You’d think she’d be grateful that you’re feeding her. It must be hard maintaining that figure.”

Finish agreed absentmindedly, though she subconsciously looked over to see a round rump among normal ponies, and could see ladles of food being put onto the owner’s plate. Some ponies around Coco looked at the amount of food she intended to eat, and gave her some room as if she’d begin growing then and there. Finish would’ve found it adorable, if Coco hadn’t been acting so sheepish around them.

Her heart almost leapt when Coco turned and began walking back, only to sink as she saw the plate not anywhere close to being stacked high with food. Instead, there was a hill of fettuccine Alfredo, a hill of spaghetti with tomato sauce, greens, three bread rolls, and a mound of chocolate something that looked like whipped cream. The amount of food could have filled any one of the other ponies’ stomachs, even Fancy Pants’s larger-than-average appetite.

“That’s it?” Photo Finish and Fleur asked in unison.

Coco blushed. “Well, I couldn’t fit any more onto my plate, so…” She slowly set it down onto the table.

“You could’ve set that plate on your back,” Fleur offered with a smirk. “Then you could’ve gotten more.”

Coco didn’t say anything; she slowly lowered herself into her seat, quietly taking up a fork and beginning to dig into the fettuccine.

“Now then,” Fleur said with a sigh. “We have everypony here, so why don’t we discuss the shoot?”

“Yes.”

“Splendid!”

“Okay.”

“Great!” Fleur clapped her hooves together. “Now then, I was thinking of having it take place at a large chateau, with a beach in the background, to get those sorts of romantic shots you’d find in Bitaly.” Immediately, Coco began writing this down. “I, my husband and a few other high-profile ponies would be sitting around a round table with a brunch set out.”

“A good idea,” Fancy Pants chimed in. “After all, food would most certainly accentuate the mood of the picture.”

Finish listened with concern, this being the planning stages of a photo shoot that would have her name on it. “Would it not it be more beneficial to you if you were at the head of a long table? So you can be the head of the party?”

Fleur’s eyes lit up. “Ooh, that sounds excellent!” Coco wrote that down. “But… wouldn’t that lead to the camera being further away from me—or if you’re shooting close by, right behind me?”

Coco moved in with a statement of her own. “No offense, but could you really get an elegant shot from sitting at a dinner table?”

Finish looked down at Coco’s stomach resting on her thighs, and thought that somepony most certainly could.

“I’d imagine a shoot like this would be more for the atmosphere you bring to it, than on your physical form.” Before Fleur could throw a snappy comeback, she added, “I mean, you are clearly very elegant, and charming, and anypony would be lucky to dine with you.”

Fleur calmed down, though wasn’t as enthused about Coco’s statement as she was about Photo Finish’s. “Yes, they would.” As if to prove Coco’s point, she levitated a dainty bit of salad and slid it into her mouth with aristocratic grace.

“I agree!” Fancy Pants took a more hearty serving of his food. “Let us enjoy our food! We’re here to diversify our palates, after all.”

“And discuss the plans for the shoot,” Fleur added.

Finish nodded silently and took a few sips of her juice. Fleur went back and forth between eating and talking about the shoot, and Coco tried to write everything down. Her food remained untouched. Shortly into it, Coco’s stomach growled, and Finish took the opportunity to get things going.

“Eat something,” she said simply. When Coco hesitated, she pushed the notebook to rest within her own saddlebag. “Eat.”

Coco took a deep breath. It was a peculiar action to Finish, but as the other mare turned to her food, there was something in her eyes. A glint, perhaps? She couldn’t quite tell, but as Coco grabbed a fork and dug into the spaghetti, the signs of hunger became evident.

And then the eating began. The first slurps of noodles would’ve been called typical for anypony, perhaps a bit crass for Canterlot culture. Finish could tell, though, that the first slurp was desperate to get it in as quickly as possible. She could see the shifting bulges within her cheeks, as if her tongue was dancing around with the noodles and sauce. Each bite was quick, to break it down and get it in her belly. Her swallow made her neck bulge with effort, and she leaned her head back and closed her eyes when she did it. Finish imagined her submitting to the food as it slid inside of her.

The next few mouthfuls were more of the same, with a little less lingering and a little more hoovering it into her. Finish grabbed a bottle of parmesan from a nearby empty table and sprinkled some cheese onto the spaghetti. The next mouthful brought out an exhalation through Coco’s nostrils, like she was caught off guard with a new pleasure, like she needed to relax before she really lost herself to the eating.

Finish took another sip of her juice and looked at the other two. Fancy Pants was eating like a gentlecolt, mentioning his marvel at the fettuccine and complimenting Fleur on her ideas for the shoot. Fleur, on the other hoof, could be caught glancing and staring at Coco as she nibbled at her own food. The photo shoot was momentarily forgotten as the two aristocratic mares watched Coco gorge herself and quietly moan with every bite.

With the spaghetti completely devoured, she moved on to the fettuccine. Creamy sauce dripped from the fork as she delicately took a mouthful. Now she opened her eyes and widened her bites, to work the new flavor onto her tongue. She swallowed with the same gestures as the spaghetti, though with more control.

“I say, Miss Pommel,” Fancy Pants said, breaking the silence between the four. “Isn’t this fettuccine just the best?”

“Mmhmm!” she swallowed, and blushed. “It sure is. It’s so smooth, thick and creamy.” She got more excited with each word, and she took a large forkful and shoved it in. Fleur grimaced and Finish tensed as each of Coco’s chubby cheeks worked to break the pasta down. Fleur looked away as she swallowed, the bulge in her throat prominent. When she saw everypony else looking at her, she lowered her head. “Um, sorry. What were we talking about again?”

“Oh no, it’s okay,” Fleur said with haste and, perceptible only to Finish, frustration. “You keep on eating. Photo Finish and I will continue discussing the shoot.”

Coco looked embarrassed, but didn’t hesitate to continue eating.

“Now, where were we?” Fleur asked with an anxious clap of her hooves.

“We were discussing attire,” Finish replied without pause, taking yet another sip of her tomato juice.

“Oh, yes!” Fleur looked up in thought. “Of course, formal attire is a must. Tuxedos and white dresses for all the guests, and a red dress for me, of course.”

“A red dress would sound lovely,” Coco said with a gulp of a bread roll. “But won’t it be a bit monochromatic to just have everypony else in black and white?”

Fleur raised a brow. “Excuse me?”

“I could imagine a mare with a dazzling blue dress, or a stallion with a more casual shirt, to give the picture a more cozy, family-like look about it.”

“But that will detract from me,” Fleur said. “It would throw the picture off.”

As much as Photo Finish didn’t want to, she knew Fleur was right. “Coco, I understand where you are coming from, but it would make the shot imbalanced. Mixing formal attire with casual attire would not be a good mixture for something like this.”

“Oh, okay.” Coco quieted down.

Finish had to tell it to her straight; the seamstress had eyes for individual ponies in real time, while her job was to capture a single moment with a group of ponies this time, and had the eye for that single moment.

“I do like that idea,” Fancy Pants said reassuringly. “It’s just not what we need.”

“Yes,” Finish added. “You keep your ideas coming, ja?” She picked up a bread roll and offered it. “Here. Eat.”

Something glinted in Coco’s eyes, and Finish could clearly see her brow furrow. “Oh, um… o-okay.” She took the roll and ate it whole. “Thank you,” she said after swallowing. Quietly, she resumed cleaning up her plate.

The details for the shoot were discussed in a little bit more detail, and Finish wrote down the details herself. At times, though, she’d glance over to Coco, who had finished off the fettuccine, rolls and greens, and was working on the chocolate thing. Coco was being as dainty as Fleur was with her food, and watched the other ponies talk without making a mess.

As each bite went down her throat, Finish noticed that she was rubbing her belly. It was full and distended, she could tell, and Coco was, perhaps absentmindedly, tracing circles around it. The meal, as well as the donuts from earlier, were doing a number on her pudge, and she could tell that Coco was beginning to grow stuffed.

Finally, the soft serve was gone, and Coco set her spoon down, wiped her face with a napkin, and watched everypony else talk. She leaned back just a bit and made a show of placing a foreleg on the table, to conceal the other one rubbing her belly. Another detail went down about the shoot, and Fleur took a few more bites of her salad. Finish decided to take this time to talk to Coco.

“What was that?”

“Huh?”

“That chocolate think you were eating? Was it ice cream?”

“Oh, yes, it’s actually gelato. It comes from Bitaly. It’s a lot softer and richer than ice cream.” She shifted herself in the seat, causing a slight creak.

I imagine you will be softer and richer tonight, she thought, letting her mind drift off. “Will you get seconds?”

Coco blushed. “Oh, no, I think I’m done.”

“Are you sure?” Fleur asked, leering at her. “After all, we’re here to diversify our palates. Surely you haven’t tried everything there.”

A light went off in Photo Finish’s mind, and she couldn’t resist a smile. Fleur, you are a genius! The glint in Coco’s eyes, and the soft patting of her stomach, further fueled her fervor. “Yes, this is true. Go and get a second plate.”

“Oh my!” Coco shook her head. “I don’t want to take any more of your time.”

Finish had already thought of a counter. “What would you recommend for Fleur’s shot?” She pointed to the empty plate. “The spaghetti, or the fettuccine?”

Coco stammered. “Um… well, for her, or for the other ponies?”

“For Fleur.” She could see Fleur perk up, and stared at Coco.

“Well… I think the spaghetti would be better. I mean, it’ll stand out more, but I think it goes better with bread, and garlic bread would be a really good thing to include.”

“Way to go, giving food advice,” Fleur said, sounding genuinely pleased.

“But we must be sure,” Finish added almost hastily. “Go and get a second plate, and maybe even a third.”

“And more gelato,” Fleur added. “It does look rather appetizing, soft and thick, and I’d like to see the other flavors.”

Finish’s eye twitched.

“And we’ll get you some wine to try!” Fancy Pants added encouragingly.

She made a quick exhalation. Fancy Pants, oblivious as he was, had made a fine addition.

They all watched as Coco walked sluggishly over to the buffet table, her full belly encumbering her so slightly. The other two ponies began talking amongst themselves, Finish watched as Coco grabbed two more plates, and began dumping thing in order onto the first. After that one was loaded up with more sumptuous food, Coco rested it onto her back and threw more food upon the other plate. More and more went on, and once that one was full, Coco looked at the remaining food. After some waiting, she placed the second plate onto her rump and went for a third.

Finish watched in amazement as Coco went about putting the rest of the unsampled food upon the plate. The ponies around watched in amazement, some in obvious disgust, most in interest. Coco accidentally bumped into a few, and frantically apologized. A few ponies mumbled something, some talked among themselves. A few even said some things to Coco. She could only imagine what Coco was telling the ponies around her.

”Please excuse me.”

“Geez, do you have enough on your plate?”

“No, not yet. I’m sorry.”

“Look at your gut! It’s so big! How can you still be hungry?”

Coco shrunk. “I’m just gonna grab that croissant and be on my way.”

“Why wait to take it back to eat it? Here!” The stallion shoved a whole croissant in her mouth. She quietly ate it, eyes closed in bliss.

“Wow, look at this pig!” a mare said. She grabbed a heaping ladle of spaghetti and shoved it into Coco’s mouth. She mewled in surprise, but sucked it up anyway.

“Is there any end to your appetite?” the stallion asked, sinking his hooves into her belly.

Coco shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“Why don’t we find out?” The mare almost maniacally shoved another ladle of spaghetti into her maw, and Coco tried slurping it up as fast as she could. The stallion grabbed whole wedges of cheese and shoved them in her spaghetti-filled mouth.

Some of the surrounding ponies eyed the three of them as Coco ate more and more. They gawked at how her belly grew to fit more food, how her cheeks and neck stretched out to have more food to handle, how her forelegs, flanks and rump blew up to better keep the piggy in place. A few of them joined in to stuff her face, and soon every pony at the buffet table was cramming sauce-laden pastas, long sandwiches, thick soups and food galore into her bulging throat. What was worse, as the waiters and waitresses witnessed the savage display, they decided that they would help her out by supplying more food.

Coco gave a feeble look back at Photo Finish, who watched transfixed. Her emotion was indecipherable, but soon after her gut pushed with brutish force against her fattening legs, she conceded defeat, plopped down on her rump with a slam—the copious flesh producing a grand slap against the tile—closed her eyes and opened her mouth for the onslaught of buffet food. Each mouthful pushed her stomach out further, made her sit higher on her massive rear, gave her face more cherubic roundness. The feeding mob poked at her middle, flank and neck, surprised that she could hold so much.

“She eats like a prize hog!”

“She’s as big as a heifer!”

“Almost as big as a whale!”

“Look at all of that soft fat. How could you let yourself go?” This particular mare, a waitress, slapped her foreleg hard against Coco’s middle, and everypony laughed as it shook like a tub of jello. “Your belly’s almost as big as a pony is!”

“And you just sit on your flabby flank, eating and eating and eating.” A waiter shoved a sandwich many feet long into her mouth, and laughed as she ate it inch by inch. “Can’t stop, just want food to fly into your greedy lips.”

Coco moaned as each bite caused her to bob back to swallow, and then forward to take in more. The sinister waiter and the helpless mare fell into a rhythm, the former sliding each part in inch by inch, the latter moving her head about trying to fit it in. The waiter had to step onto Coco’s growing belly to reach her mouth. And all the while, the other ponies shoved even more food into the sandwich, forcing her to grow even faster.

Her flanks pressed hard into the tables around her—the right one against a normal one, the left one against the buffet table, on the verge of tipping it over. Everypony gawked at the massive mare still growing, and fed her even more frantically.

“She’s about as large as a hippo!”

“She’s nearly eaten the entire buffet!”

“How much more can she hold?”

“Keep on eating, piggy!”

And Coco kept on eating.

“Eat! Eat! Eat!”

She did just that, eating away, oblivious—or, judging by the look on her face, proud—of the tipping buffet table. In an effort to save the food, the waiters and customers shoved Coco around, pushing her rump away from the buffet table, until she flopped on her stomach, legs dangling from her mass and her snout emerged in the food. She didn’t need encouragement or force anymore, she ate mechanically amid the cheering.

“Eat, eat, eat!”

Bigger, bigger, bigger Bigger!

“Miss Finish?”

Photo Finish started and looked at the other two ponies. They were looking at her awkwardly. “I am fine. I just got distracted.”

“Hmm.” Fleur continued talking to Fancy Pants, and Finish emitted a long silent sigh. She looked back at Coco, and stiffened at what she saw.

There was the buffet table, and Coco was sprawled out on top of it, lying on her back. Her humongous body was covering all of it, her tubby head at one end, her vast rump hanging off the other side. Her flanks hung over each side, and did so more and more with each mouthful the customers shoved into her maw. Her legs dangled in the air, weighed down by bags of fat with hooves. Her belly, rose proudly like a hill in itself, and it pressed up against the glass covering of the buffet table.

The customers ran out of food, and the table creaked, bent and groaned under the weight the mare singlehandedly provided. Everypony laughed in amazement, prodded her girth, lifted and inspected every part of her, marveled at the sheer sight of her, and offered words of both derision and encouragement.

“You just couldn’t stop yourself, could you?”

“You ate the entire buffet.”

“Eat and eat and eat, you selfish hog, you.”

“Would our little elephant like dessert?” On cue, the waiters and waitressed pulled the dessert cart over, and everypony gasped and whispered, wondering if she could fit any more. “Come on, dear. You’re ate all of your dinner. You deserve a treat.”

Coco looked with ennui-glazed eyes at the slice of chocolate cake in front of her, and her gut rumbled with anticipation, shaking the glass covering her. When the waiter lowered it to her lips, she didn’t resist. The dessert was a lot slower, with each bite being forced in bit by bit. Coco had to really force the food down her throat, causing her body to bulge with each mouthful, and the table to creak more and more.

The glass panels began to crack above her, and her dome of a stomach began peeking out the top of the table. The crowd oohed, and one of the waiters smiled. He looked back at Finish. “Care for some dessert, my lady? That mare certainly wouldn’t mind.”

Before she knew it, she was being escorted to the table by the hoof of the waiter. Coco looked out with one eye at her, and blushed as her boss approached.

“Don’t be shy,” the waiter told the growing mare. “It’s not like you can do anything about it, after all.”

“Yes, nothing at all,” she chimed in.

“Miss Finish?”

”We have a delectable assortment,” one of the waitressed said, taking over. “You’ll see here that the first course is a pair of cheeks, stuffed to the brim with sweet things.” They both looked down at Coco’s tubby face, and the waitressed grabbed a bowl of whipped cream and crammed it into her cheeks. “Packed full, it is.”

For some reason, she restrained herself from taking a sample. The waitress wasn’t so reserved, and kissed Coco on the lips, taking some of the cream with her. Finish could only watch mesmerized as another kiss followed, this one on the cheek. Coco flushed.

“Down a little bit is her succulent neck,” the waitress continued. “As you can see, it’s working hard to make sure she’s well-fed.” She sucked on the neck, making Coco coo. Each bulge of food going through the neck sent more flesh into the waitresses’ mouth. They moved on after leaving a red mark on Coco’s neck.

“Down a little bit further, you’ll see that her forelegs are just so heavy, that not even we can move it.” Coco’s hooves twitched in vain. “They’re so big, they could probably envelop your whole body by themselves.”

Finish couldn’t imagine the thought of it.

“And as you can plainly see, her belly is just overflowing our buffet table!” As she said this, the top of the table burst off, dangling on Coco’s stomach as it continued reaching up, climbing towards the ceiling. “It’s struggling so hard to contain it.” Suddenly, the table collapsed, and Coco fell with a giant thud. Her belly shook with tidal force, but Coco seemed unfazed as more food was shoveled into her. “We’ve simply got too much to handle, but I hear you’re good at handling larger-than-life ponies.”

Finish was sweating, watching Coco’s belly continue to grow and spread out, her coat glistening like butter on rising dough.

“Down here, you’ve got your voluptuous flanks.” The waitress rested her body against it. “So soft and warm, you’d just want to—“ She threw her foreleg at it, and a loud slap echoed through the restaurant. Coco moaned as her flank quaked, and everypony gawked as her cutie mark, now larger than anypony there, continued to expand.

“And back here,” the waitress said slowly, “is dessert.”

Finish strode to the back and stared at the grand sight. Resting under Coco’s belly were the globes of fat that were her rump cheeks. They stretched out away from and above her, and reached out towards her, beckoning her to embrace them.

“The best thing about this,” the waitress said, grabbing one of her cheeks and moving it, as if moving a curtain to make way into a VIP room, “is it’s the chef’s mystery flavor. Why don’t you find out what’s inside?”

Coco moaned and mewled at the touch, and by the sound of it she was nearing her limits. Her stomach dwarfed the table top still resting on it, framing her belly button, and her rump bounced and sloshed up and down in anticipation. Finish looked deep within her rump, and began taking steps forward towards the cavernous crack.

“Yes,” she said almost breathlessly. “It’s mine. It’s all mine.”

“What’s all yours?”

Photo jumped in surprise. All three ponies, Coco included with three plates of food, were staring at her. She was lightly panting, and was slightly out of her seat.

Oh, no, she thought in a haze. I can’t just shake this one off. I need to come up with something.

“My, your—my vision!”

“Huh?” All three of them said in unison.

“My, vision, of you. I mean, I have you, such a beautiful, splendorous mare in my shoot, you will just make it come alive.”

Fleur was beaming. “Oh, did you hear that, Fancy? The greatest photographer in Equestria thinks I’m splendorous!” She squeed.

“Yes, yes, it’s wonderful!” Fancy Pants said nervously, trying to avoid Fleur’s excitedly flailing limbs. “Splendid, quite!” He saw a waiter walk over to them, and he provided a bag of bits for their bill. “Well, Miss Finish, Miss Pommel, we must be off now. We will meet up soon, right?”

“Yes yes,” Finish said, her heart beating quickly. “Come by the studio whenever you wish to check on the progress.”

“Quite right.” He nudged Fleur. “Honey, it’s time to go now.”

Fleur calmed down. “Oh, right!” She sprang up. “Thank you for your help, Photo Finish! We’ll meet up soon, okay?”

With a nod from her, the two affluent ponies took their leave. All the while, Coco had been silently eating her food.

“Have a seat across,” Finish said.

No explanation needed, Coco nudged her plates to her left, heaved herself from the seat and moved to the seat across from her. It creaked louder than the previous as she sat down on it. From that angle, Finish could see Coco’s belly, and it resembled an oversized volleyball. Coco’s breathing was slightly labored, but not enough to pin her down.

She also got a look at the food; there were paltry amounts of each. “Miss Pommel, are you sure you will get a good sample of each food item with that much?”

Coco popped a few raviolis in her mouth and nodded. “I’ve really eaten more than I should, so I only got a little bit of each. These raviolis are so delicious, but I don’t think they’d work in the shot.”

Finish grunted and watched Coco’s eating transform from a ritual into a labor. Each mouthful was chewed with half determination, half appreciation. She held her neck up longer to make sure the food went down, and breathed out with each swallow. She’d occasionally rub her swollen and swelling stomach, giving it a few pats to make sure it would hold.

She watched silently as one plate was finished, and then the next. The chair gave slight creaks, not enough to really sing for Finish to push her further. Coco had to lean back, though, which made eating take longer.

Each bite of the remaining food—mashed potatoes at that moment—caused her to heave her foreleg up, tilt her stomach up for leverage, making it stick proudly out, and drop it into her jaws, where she’d chew painstakingly slowly before swallowing, like she had just tossed a large sack into her gullet. Each bite would have laborious breaths follow.

“I--*hiccup*--don’t think I can handle anymore,” she groaned. Her face was puffed out, and her expression was one of fatigue.

Finish looked over the rest of the food: one more bite of mashed potatoes, two bites of macaroni, one mouthful of asparagus spears, and a single crouton left from her earlier greens. She saw the strained look on her face, but decided to push her luck anyway. “Miss Pommel, we must be thorough. We cannot leave any possibility unchecked.”

Coco winced as she tried to move, and looked down at the remaining food. With a few deep breaths—or as deep as she could muster—she nodded, and reached for the final bite of mashed potatoes.

Finish could see that her spoon wouldn’t reach, so she got up and took the spoon herself. “Here.” She shoved the spoon into Coco’s mouth.

She noticed that Coco’s muzzle wasn’t chewing, so she looked at her face to see what was wrong. The other mare’s eyes were staring at her, large and unwavering. This was only for a brief second, though, as once she did begin chewing, her eyes closed in resignation and concentration. Finish began scooping up the asparagus as Coco swallowed the potatoes, and groaned. Once the spears came into view, she finally surrendered.

With a moan, she collapsed onto the table, her neck sprawled next to all of the plates, her eyes closed, everything else turgid and unmoving. She moaned with being stuffed so much. Photo Finish watched for any signs that she could be encouraged to eat more, but there was none. She was defeated. The wine hadn’t been touched, and the gelato would have to wait. With an inward sigh, she set the spears down and pushed the plates aside.

“Okay, Miss Pommel.” Finish got ready to move the round mare. “You did good. We will go now.”

“Now?” Coco asked breathily.

“Yes.” Without another word, or waiting for consent, Finish placed her head against Coco’s side and began to push her up. Coco groaned as the force was applied, and she began tipping like a placid cow. Finish grunted as she heaved her out of her seat, not trying at all to be gentle. Coco’s stomach was solid and unyielding.

The chair groaned underneath them as its burden left it, and Coco’s hooves met the ground. She almost fell over from the momentum, but a quick hoof from Finish stopped her. “Come on,” she told her. “It is time to head back to work. We will finish up tomorrow.”

Coco only moaned in response. Her eyes were spinning in her head, and she could do nothing more than lean on her boss as they trudged out of the buffet.

No Trespassing

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Carrying Coco from the taxi to the back of the studio was less of a hassle than Photo Finish had thought it was going to be. The bloated mare would moan and groan at the movement, and heaved once, but as she leaned against her boss, there was no danger of their tipping over. Her side was hard, while the rest of her pressed softly into Finish’s own side. Finish didn’t even struggle to get Coco over to the back of the studio.

It was a bit of a shame, but one day at a time, Finish reminded herself.

They finally made it to the back door, where a solitary chair had been placed for ponies to take a rest. It was unoccupied, to Finish’s satisfaction, and with some maneuvering she placed Coco onto it. The groaning stopped, and was replaced with soft whimpers and moans; she stared down at her gut, and her forelegs drifted to rub and massage it. Now that it was settled in one place, her stomach gurgled as it worked to digest the buffet. The chair itself creaked only slightly.

She didn’t know how long she had been staring at Coco, but at some point the other mare decided to speak.

“Urgh.” Coco looked up at Finish. “J-Just give me one moment, and I’ll be able to get back to work.” She began panting.

“Would you like some water?” Finish offered. It was warm outside, even though they were in the shade.

Coco groaned. “No thank you. I can’t fit any more, Miss Finish. I just can’t.”

Fat chance, Finish thought. “You ate a lot, Miss Pommel.”

She nodded. “I’m sorry. I—“

“Don’t.” Finish sighed. “You did your job. We will work out what food will work with the shoot later, and your… experiences will help us.” She patted the orb of flesh in front of her. “But I do not want you to be sick while working. You will rest here until you digest this.”

Coco’s eyes closed slowly, in resignation. “Yes, Miss Finish,” she whispered. “I’ll do that.”

Finish watched the other mare ease herself into the chair, her squished rump cheeks and flanks just shy of poking out of the sides. Her forelegs returned to rubbing her belly, and she imagined Coco’s body being taken over by a food coma. Coco would sit there while all of that food would add more pounds to her frame, and Finish would be the only one that would know about it. She’d fatten up right in front of her, in public yet hidden, unwilling to move from her spot as she grew and grew and grew, the chair eventually breaking, being lost under her, growing more and more until she—

Her thought cut off abruptly as a small burp escaped her. Coco’s eyes shot open, mortified. “Oh my stars, I’m so sorry Miss Finish.” Her voice quivered.

“It is fine.” Finish smiled. “You’re just relieving pressure.” The shadows had moved a significant amount, and sweat had begun to develop on her forehead; Finish knew that she’d been out there longer than anticipated. “Come back inside as soon as you are feeling better.”

“Yes, Miss Finish.”

With that, Finish took leave of the other mare, walking around the studio until she was at the front. With a quick sigh and a shake of her head, she stepped inside.

Everything was running perfectly, as she had come to expect of her staff. Everypony looked up to await her instructions, and she waved them to continue what they were doing. A towel was procured by one of her attendants, and after a quick wipe to rid herself of the sweat, was taken away just as promptly. Everything inside was clockwork as they prepared for the next client.

It was twenty minutes before the next model was supposed to arrive. All Finish had to do was walk around, making sure everything was immaculate for when she arrived. That took very little time, and each station was checked quickly, one after the other.

At the end of it was the costume department, and Pins ‘N Needles was at work touching up on a glitzy diamond-encrusted ballroom dress. Finish approached silently and regarded it right behind her.

“This row is uneven.”

The dress was lifted up for inspection. “You’re right.” Pins got to work realigning it. That was another thing Finish liked about her: her ability to quickly and calmly take criticism. “How was Fleur?”

“Like all the others,” she said rather quickly. “We have a lot of work to do.”

“Will I be catering for an entourage?”

“Yes.”

“Va bene.” Her tone betrayed no emotion, just a focus on efficiency. “And where is Miss Pommel?”

“She’s resting.”

That caused her brow to raise. “She needs rest after going to lunch? What did she do?”

“She ate too much.”

“Oh.” Pins returned to her work. “That’s… that’s not good. Where is she now?”

“She’s outside.”

“Letting all of that food digest?”

“Yes.” Finish’s voice quivered with the reply.

“Good. We don’t want her throwing up on the garments.” With a twist of her forelegs, she straightened out the ballroom dress and tossed it onto a ponyquin with deft perfection. “Any more eating like that, and she’ll really be a tubby mare.”

Photo Finish’s knees bent slightly. A tubby mare, she thought to herself. If she keeps eating like that. Yes… Wait, what am I thinking? I cannot have a tubby mare working for me! “We have an image to uphold, Pins. We cannot have—it would look bad if we had a fat pony with us.”

“Sure.” Her inspection of the final product continued. “Then you should get somepony to tell her.”

Finish blinked. “Tell her? Tell her what?”

“That she needs to lose weight.”

“Oh, right. Yes.” When Finish looked back up, she found Pins staring at her. “I should get somepony to tell her that.”

“If you wish.”

“It must be done.”

“If it must.”

There was a rise in her employee’s voice that made Photo Finish’s brow rise. “If I must?”

“If you must.” Pins’s tone was back to normal, and she stepped away from the dress. “It is perfect. Now I will check to see if Miss Pommel is ready to come back inside. We have got a lot of dresses to work on.”

Before Pins could leave her workstool, Finish stopped her with a hoof. “No, you begin setting up the outfits. I will check on her.”

With a nod, Pins turned around and went back to work. As Photo Finish took her leave, she heard Pins N’ Needles chuckling behind her. Try as she could, she couldn’t quickly dismiss it.

Pins N’ Needles has been acting strange today. Perhaps she is working too hard. I may give her a day off. Then again, she has been acting weird around Coco Pommel. I am not sure why. Maybe it is because she is gaining weight. She thought about Coco sitting outside, lazing about, her rump taking up most of the chair. As she neared the back door, she heard moans and burps from outside. No, this must be stopped. It is for everypony’s own good, including hers. She will be a lot healthier, and more attractive to stallions.

A part of her hurt thinking that, but she set that part aside. It was for everypony’s own good, after all—Finish’s image, Coco’s health, the employee’s speed. I must tell her to stop overindulging.

With a nod of her head, she opened the door and turned to where she had left Coco. “Miss Pommel—“

Her breath caught in her throat.

“Oh, goodness me, dearie. I’m so sorry for startling you.”

She couldn’t speak.

“Honey, are you alright?” The mare in front of her walked forward. “I didn’t harm your little girl, I promise.”

She dumbly shook her head. Her eyes darted around, trying to gather what she was seeing in front of her.

“Oh.” The mare smiled. “I get it. I really shouldn’t be surprised, everypony looks at me like that. You just startled me, that’s all.”

She dumbly nodded.

The mare put on the rosiest smile Finish could imagine, and held out a hoof. “I’m Fanny Pancake.”

Finish finally broke free of her gobsmacked state, and shook the mare’s hoof. Her spine nearly went rigid; she could feel the felt of the mare’s foreleg shaking, and watched hypnotically as it shifted and wobbled with the movement. “I-It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss—“ she swallowed. “Pancake.”

“Pleasure’s all mine, honey.” Her voice was forceful yet mellifluous, with a small southern twang. Her cheeks dimpled as much as they could when she smiled, while the rest of them rested on her neck rolls. “You must be Photo Finish.”

There was a moment of silence where Photo Finish looked at her entire body. It was just like it appeared in the pictures, only now it had actual motion. She towered above Photo Finish, over twice her size, and looked down at her to the point where her second chin suckled her neck. Her massive belly, which pressed against her hocks firmly and came down halfway between them and the ground, heaved with each breath. Her chest stuck out unabashedly, and each breath made it swell another few inches. Her forelegs were just as pillowy as Finish had imagined, and they draped over her knees just barely enough to obscure them. Her back had surprisingly few rolls on them; it was still soft, and shifted with the rest of her body, but Finish could tell that it could hold a decent amount of weight. Her flanks jutted out just as preposterously as they did in her photos, each one gloriously round, with just enough sag to show their softness.

She was, truly, a Massive Magnificent Mare.

“This mare here told me a bit about you.” Fanny motioned back to the seat. Coco was still sitting there, no longer groaning, but rubbing her belly. “I was just helping her out. I was on my way to do some business, when I heard her groaning back here. She was rubbing her belly, and I thought I would try and relieve her stomachache. There’s very little a belly rub can do to ease an upset stomach! I didn’t mean to trespass.”

She gawked. “Trespass? There is no trespass, you are not trespassing at all!” Her veins were pounding.

“Oh! That ‘no trespassing’ sign must be outdated.”

Finish looked at the sign that she, indeed, had been the one to put up. “Oh. Yes, I guess—“

“Don’t worry,” Fanny said with a giggle. “I’ll get it.”

Finish at first saw the massive mare wiggle her body. She stood there, transfixed, as her flanks twisted and swayed, each one just as graceful as a skinny mare’s entire body on a dancing pole. Then, with a twitch, the right flank slammed against the wall with a mighty slap. The sign shook violently, and it fell onto her flank with a much lighter slap.

“Would you look at that?” Fanny asked with a smirk. “Perhaps I should wear this all the time. ‘Hey, stallions, no trespassing!’” She chortled. “Would you kindly pull this off, sugah?”

With steps that were powerful and not as laborious as Finish would’ve imagined, Fanny turned counterclockwise and presented her right flank to the smaller mare. She couldn’t believe that she had seen these so many times in the photos, but now it was right in front of her. It was a living thing, one that moved not in quivers or shakes, but in waves and the occasional ponderous jolt. As it was, it waved back and forth, the front edge rubbing against her belly like it was humping it, the back of it giving her slight peeks of her rump before shifting back in a dance. Her cutie mark was larger than Finish’s head, and the pancakes on it heaved out with each breath, begging for somepony to take a bite. And the sign was right above this.

“Don’t be shy now,” Fanny said with a sake of her flank.

Finish nearly cooed, but could see Coco silently watching them from just under her belly. So she stood on her hindlegs and—

“Photo Finish!”

Both she and Fanny jumped at the sudden noise. It was one of Finish’s bodyguards. “What is it?”

“There was a loud bang!” He shook. “Get inside, I think we’re being attacked again.” He looked at Coco, and then at the blank space on the wall. “And who took down the ‘No Trespassing’ sign? Oh golly gee whiz, the noise was right there, too! I bet it was the Changelings who—“

“Oh, dear. I’m ‘fraid that was me, dear.”

He stared, gobsmacked.

“I know. I’ve got quite a booty, don’t I?” Fanny gave it a little shake.

He squeaked and went stiff. Photo Finish temporarily ignored the soft slaps of that monstrous flank against her cheek and said, “Everything is fine. Is everything okay in the studio?”

“Y-y-y-yes, Miss Finish—“

“Then get back to work!” It came off as far more dry-throated than she intended. Regardless, the bodyguard nodded and scampered off. She turned her attention back to the sign.

It wasn’t there.

“Oh dear.” Finish looked around Fanny’s side to see the other mare blushing. “Darlin’, when I hopped up like that, I tossed tat sign from my flank to my rump.”

Before Finish could process what she had said, Fanny stepped around and showed her backside to the photographer. The sight made her nearly orgasm, and she was glad that Coco couldn’t see her from where she was sitting. It was truly vast, much wider than Finish was from snout to tail, and it loomed over the top of her head. Each cheek was slightly punctuated by where they met the flank, creating slight dimples at the side; aside from that, they wobbled and waved and contoured within their own gelatinous mass. Her hocks supported them with twitchy motions, trying to ground themselves as the rump shook. The middle of it twitched and waved, trying to find its equilibrium as each cheek squished and smooshed at the center. Only the dock of her tail was visible from the top of the tall crack, and her tail was slightly raised, as to not be tousled by the movement. And sandwiched right under her tail, in between the cheeks, was the ‘no trespassing’ sign.

That sign made everything that was going on seem sinful.

“You see it, honey?”

Finish shook herself from staring, sending some drool flying, and nodded. She approached the rump.

“Photo Finish?”

“Yes.” She drew in a deep breath. “I see it.” With shaky hooves—this was larger than she could ever have anticipated—she rose to her hindlegs and placed her fores on Fanny’s cheeks. Each one had a soft give, but they were firm enough that Finish could imagine riding on her backside and rocking it with a satisfying bounce, gripping it firmly and slapping against it with tidal jiggles and a satisfying knockback, hearing moans and grunts for more and more and more and more and—

“Is it too high?” Fanny’s backside lowered slightly, and Finish could hear her belly slap against the ground. “That’s about as low as I can go.”

Finish’s heart was pounding; the flesh in front of her was firm and malleable, and the lingering scent of maple syrup made her salivate. Still, she had a job to do. With a gulp, she shifted her forehooves to lift herself. Fanny’s rump gave enough to afford her purchase, and Finish stretched a foreleg out to grab the sign.

It was just out of reach. Her head was pounding with excitement, and she shifted around to get a better vantage point. Still, she couldn’t touch it. She didn’t try hopping for it, for that would’ve been undignified of her. She considered grabbing her tail to lift her up, but decided not to for fear of upsetting the other mare.

“I cannot reach it.”

From around the massive mare, Finish heard a voice speak up. “I’ll help, Miss Finish.” She listened for hoofsteps, and eventually saw Coco Pommel, stomach still swollen, lumbering around to her. “Here.” She positioned herself right in front of Fanny’s rump. “You can get on top of me.”

Finish nearly had a second orgasm. Get on top of her, while she’s right behind Fanny Pancake! Her thoughts were going haywire as she nodded and lifted her forelegs onto Coco’s back. She remained firmly in place, looking at her boss with a mild determination.

Silently, she pushed the rest of herself up. Coco stepped around to help Finish balance, and once that was received, she went back to Fanny. Now seeing herself at eye level with Fanny’s dock, she steadied herself before standing on her hinds and placing her forehooves near the top of Fanny’s backside.

From above, Fanny’s back was indeed less fatty than she had thought, but there was still a sizable covering, with a few rolls. Her sides and hips flared out bountifully, and she could only imagine how wide her belly was below, with how wide she was from an aerial view. Fanny’s nape bunched up, and her neck pooled around her head.

“Can you reach it now, honey?”

Finish’s heart was thumping hard. She was getting lightheaded. She knew that the sign was easily within reach, but this was such a golden moment. All of her fantasizing about Fanny Pancake was making her want to take the mare as her own, that this was a golden opportunity to seize her greatest sexual desire. But her logical side was telling her that she was at work, Coco was there, and Fanny wasn’t giving any signs of wanting sex. With a mental sigh, she looked down at Coco, who was holding her up well enough.

“I…” She began feeling dizzy. “I think I—“ She could feel herself tipping over. It was then that she felt a lurching motion. The next moment, with a bit of clarity, she felt her underside pressed against Fanny’s rump, her crack rubbing against her coat. She looked down to see Coco pressing herself against Fanny.

“Sorry, Miss Finish. You were about to fall, so…” Her cheek was smooshed against Fanny’s rump, while the rest of her looked like it was trying to support the larger mare by herself.

Photo Finish shifted around, and felt her body pressing up against Fanny. She wrapped her forelegs around to try and get a better vantage, before remembering that she could’ve reached it…

And before she could pull away, she realized that she had just mounted Fanny Pancake.

And that made her orgasm.

She stood there, feeling the massive mare in front of and under her, her rump sturdy, soft and ready for her, her flanks steady, her tail out of the way for her to grab the wedged sign. She gave a soft moan as the feeling washed over her.

“You got it?”

“Miss Finish?”

She snapped out immediately and frantically grabbed the sign. “I got it,” she says as coolly as she could. With shaky hooves, she pushed off of Fanny and lowered herself on all four on Coco’s back. The other mare staggered a bit as Fanny stepped away, but was able to keep her balance. Finish lowered herself off of Coco, making sure to step off of her side rather than backing up and risking mounting another mare.

Coco was panting from the effort, but gave Finish a smile anyway. Once Finish had righted herself and looked at Coco, she cursed herself. There was a dollop of her arousal on her back that had gathered in a tiny gloop. She only thanked Celestia that Coco had gotten sweaty enough that other eyes wouldn’t be able to see it.

“Thank you for that, girls!” Fanny was smiling her friendly smile to them. “That was really quite bothersome. I went and made quite a mess with my big ol’ rump.” She chuckled.

Finish snapped to attention. “It is fine. I—“ she racked her brain to find an explanation for her groping. Fortunately for her, thinking quickly was something she had mastered. She remembered from all of her magazine-reading that Fanny took pride in her size. “I didn’t know how much your rump was going to shake.”

Coco gawked, but Fanny smiled. “No problem sugarcube, most ponies don’t know what to do with a butt this big.” She gave it a proud shake. “It may be big, but it’s firm enough.”

Coco blushed. “Um, your butt’s… not really that big.”

Fanny laughed. “Don’t worry about offending me. I know I’ve got a fat ass, and flanks far greater than most stallions.” She leaned towards Coco. “I probably have more balls, too. I guess you could call me a megapone.

“Now that we’ve got that out of the way,” Fanny continued. “Miss Pommel had been telling me that you needed an opinion on food?”

“Oh, that’s right!” Coco perked up. “We’re preparing for a photo shoot, and were trying to figure out what food will go best with it.”

“You needed an opinion on pasta, right?” Coco nodded. “You know, I have a friend who’s coming over tonight, and she knows a lot about cooking. She could help you out, if you’d like to come over for dinner.”

Coco’s eyes dilated. “D-dinner?” She rubbed her stomach again. “Ooh, I don’t know. I’m still pretty full from earlier.”

“You wouldn’t have to go now!” She laughed. “I don’t think even my friend’s divine cooking could fit in your li’l belly.” She playfully poked Coco’s gut. “It’s all tight and stuffed right now. You couldn’t eat another bite.”

Coco blushed, and Fanny’s cheeks turned rosy, although Finish thought this was just her being as friendly as she had been. “Yes, Coco, that sounds like an excellent opportunity… for our photo shoot.”

Finish turned. “But we must now be getting back to work. Coco, are you well?”

“Yes, Miss Finish.” Although it still looked like Coco was struggling, she walked to the back door of the studio. By the way, what was it you wanted to talk about?"

Finish hesitated before remembering what she had come out for in the first place. "I came to see... that you were well."

"Oh." She turned to Fanny. “Um, it was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Pancake.”

“The pleasure’s all mine, sweet pea,” Fanny said with a nod of the head. “You have a good day now.”

“And wipe the sweat off of your back!” Finish commanded. “You’re covered in sweat.”

“Yes, Miss Finish!” Coco yelled frightfully, and scampered off.

Finish sighed, knowing that her sex wouldn’t be on her coat anymore. With that out of her mind, she turned back to Fanny. “Thank you for helping me—helping her, I mean.”

Fanny’s brow raised slightly, but she kept that warm smile. “It’s alright, dear. Poor thing had eaten quite a lot, and probably wasn’t used to it. Will I see you at dinner as well?”

“As much as I would lo-like to attend, I cannot. I have work to do at my house later on.” She mentally cursed herself for having to prepare for photo shoots later on.

“Oh, that’s a shame.” Fanny pouted for a moment before smiling again. “Still, I’m glad we can at least have Coco over! She’s a bit shy, isn’t she?”

“Yes, shy, quite.”

“I gathered. Hopefully she’ll relax there. We’ll have such a big meal waiting for her.” She punctuated the sentence with slight turn of the head and a grin.

Finish’s knees locked.

“Anyway, I gotta run now, honey.” Fanny took Finish’s hoof and shook it. “It was a pleasure meeting you, but I got my own planning to do, for my own photo shoot.”

Finish could feel the blood rushing up to her face, but she tightened her neck to stop that. “It was nice meeting you as well.”

“Take care now!” With that, Fanny walked and turned until her rump was in front of Finish again. As Fanny walked away, Finish thanked Luna that there was none of her arousal on her crack. Unless it was lost in between her crack, and Fanny simply ignored bringing it up, liking the lube for when she did—

She couldn’t take it anymore. With as much restraint as she could muster, she entered the studio. Before anypony could get her attention, she went straight for the models’ room.

Coco emerged, her coat free of sweat and sex. “A-Are you alright, Miss Finish?”

“I’m fine,” she muttered, brushing past her. “Is there a model in there-is anypony in there?”

“No, Miss—“

Before Coco could continue, Finish barged in. “Just get to work,” she said briskly, and closed the door.

Now alone, she locked the door and turned the model’s shower as cold as she could make it. Before she stepped in, she opened the model’s drawer and pulled out a measuring tape. Throwing off her dress and goggles, she tied the tape around her muzzle and stepped in, jolting as the freezing water hit her. As the thoughts of Fanny, Coco and the ordeal rushed back to her, with the tape to keep her silent, she masturbated to near exhaustion before finishing up, putting everything back into its rightful place, and walking back in to help the next model’s shoot.

Voyeurism

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Finally, every model expected that week had an appointment, as well as a projected outfit, prop and background to go with their shoots. Photo Finish looked over every single item one last time to note anything out of place. A few adjustments here and there made their mark, and then all was perfect, according to Finish. She placed the paperwork into a folder and placed it at the top-right corner of her work desk.

After all of that was taken care of, she took a glance at her clock: seven in the evening, on the dot.

“Perfect,” she said. With everything proceeding as scheduled, she cracked her neck and thought about what to do next.

And that wasn’t normal for her. She had usually immediately cooked herself something to eat and went to take a cold shower before heading off to bed. Why am I deliberating? I don’t want to do anything else.

But thinking about it, she knew that wasn’t true. Seven o’clock was still early in Canterlot, and she knew that very few ponies would be asleep. Her thoughts drifted back to Fanny Pancake’s proposal that she come to dinner with them; she doubted that Fanny would close up that early, being in Canterlot on a special occasion, after all. And Coco would be there as well, as the main taste tester, so she wouldn’t be suspected of going for any other reason than research. She’d be completely in control of the situation, as Coco wouldn’t do much on her own.

“No.” She sighed, thinking to the events from earlier that day. She had reached the backside of one of the most beautiful mares in Equestria, and what had she done? “I fretted and fumbled like an amateur!” Her heartbeat was quickening at the thought of being near Fanny again, and for this she mentally chided herself some more.

“I shall not go to dinner,” she decided with a half-nod, half shake of her head. “If I cannot get control over my body, I shall not expose myself to that sort of place. The embarrassment would not be worth the intimacy.” With complete control over herself—just then way she liked it—she shut her study door and proceeded through her house.

Dinner was the simple affair it always was: white rice with steamed carrots and broccoli tonight, with a glass of water to help it down. The dishes were promptly washed, the house was inspected for anything out of place, and then she proceeded, on schedule, to her bathroom.

“I shall take a quick shower, and go to bed. I will not think about this any more.” I will still need to tell Coco to lose weight, once we pick out the food needed for the shoot. So there’s no point in getting excited about it. I can’t have her waddling around, struggling to lift up a foreleg as she sews dress after dress, her massive belly pressing into the table, her bulk making it bow, her rump sticking straight out so it would make other ponies have to go around, her flanks jutting out as she walks around, her face staring at me, her cheeks blushing in frustration at how she can’t control her appetite, how I would have to be there to make her calm down, how her belly would shift and shape as it lay atop me as we—

She stopped halfway up the stairs, emitting a frustrated groaned. “Get a hold of yourself, Photo Finish! You are not a schoolfilly! You are a professional mare, and you will act like one!” With an indignant huff, she strode to her bathroom and turned on the water.
“You will tell Miss Pommel that she should lose weight,” she commanded to her reflection in the bathroom mirror. “That she must lose weight, and you will forget that Fanny Pancake is here, and that… this may be your one chance to meet her.”
Her barking softened, leaving her speechless. There would be no way of telling Fanny Pancake, of all ponies, to lose weight; surely she could at least say how much she admires her work.

“No.” She turned away from her reflection. “I cannot tell her. I should just forget about Fanny Pancake and focus on my shoot.”

She moved to turn the shower on, but her head began to ache. After standing there in the silence, she decided a bath was in order. It was rare that she took one, but this was a special circumstance. With slothful speed, she turned on the water, added chamomile soap to the tub, and let it bubble up. The fragrance began calming her.

There was one last thing she would need before she got on with her bath properly. Tucked under the sink was a pair of binoculars, which she took out now and set on a hook above her bath. See, her house was on a hill near Canterlot’s natural mountain wall, this hill being reserved for the more famous ponies of the great city. Her bathroom faced the rest of Canterlot, giving her access to a view of the entire city. When she bathed, she would take her binoculars out and peer out, just in case she spotted some ponies or other creatures late about with interesting attire, jewelry or baubles. This would spark her creativity every once in a while. There was also a newspaper next to her toilet, where she’s mull over recent events and see if something caught her eye, but that is not relevant to what happened that evening.

Her mind put at ease, she stepped into the slowly rising water. It was warm, but no hotter, exactly the temperature she liked it to be (she wouldn’t be able to use her binoculars if they fogged up). Without a sound, she lowered herself into the water. It came up to the top of her thighs, and she lay there on her underside, motionless, thoughtless, until the waters rose to her withers. Then, as it began to subsume her neck, she rolled it again to get the last cracks out.

“Perhaps I should see a doctor,” she thought with not much conviction. Her neck gave a final loud pop!, and she moaned lowly.

The water rose over her nostrils, yet she didn’t stir. Only when she was about to run out of air did she rise up and turn it off. The bubbles fizzled around her, and for a while she closed her eyes and didn’t move. It’s the right thing to do, right?

Why even bother to question it?

What do you mean?

You’re saying it’s bad for her to be so heavy. Why are you doubting it?

There are a lot of ponies who get by and are heavier than average.

But do you really need a heavier pony working for you? Would that not ruin your image, having somepony who is fat waddling around your studio? In other studios?

But she’s a good worker, even with the fat. And she’s shy, so she wouldn’t be around other ponies too much.

So you’d keep her for yourself.

I don’t see why not, a third voice piped in. After all, Coco hasn’t told you to stop, or that she’d embarrassed about her weight.

But—

Besides, you can always fire her if she does badly, or if she becomes too heavy to move.

Photo opened her eyes. That thought made her insides churn, though couldn’t figure out why. On the one hand, it wasn’t good for business, for herself or for Coco that she gain weight, right? On the other hand…

Her eyes drifted to her hanging binoculars. But this might be my only chance to indulge myself. Why in Equestria would I let this chance slip up, if only to preserve my dignity, which I already have? Besides, it’s not like I was the one that had her gain weight in the beginning.

And what about Coco?

She thought about that mare. She doubted that Coco Pommel would appreciate what was happening to her. Besides, she was a good worker. Still hesitant, and as meek as a mouse, but a good worker. Would she really go along with Finish’s desires?

No, she wouldn’t.

Then force her.

“No,” she said aloud. “I cannot. I will not fatten her up any more.”

It’s decided then.

It’s your loss.

With a content sigh, she sank deeper into the waters. This was her one time when she could relax, let her muscles unwind, stop being so critical of everything. She could just let herself breathe in and out, throwing all the stress away, and mentally preparing for the days ahead of her.

She had no idea how much time had passed, but at some point in the night she stopped floating in the waters and proceeded to scrub her coat. After that, her mane and tail. It was all routine, and she got through it with no trouble or thought.

Once that was taken care of, she took up her binoculars and peered out her window. It was an eventful night, and although she didn’t know why, she relished the thought of peering out at the world and seeing what she could find.

Over here, a griffon showing off an assortment of Canterlot jewels on his body to his friends, who squawked in approval—she assumed.

Over there, a mare dancing about in a fiery red dress, shifting her eyes at a stallion who nodded along with the music.

Still further off, a Mustangian mare with a pink shirt, a very simple affair, yet with an infectious smile, as she wrangled some of the surrounding ponies to dance.

Towards the castle, she saw—

She took in a deep breath. Towards the castle, she saw Coco Pommel, clad in a red sweater obviously too small for her, pinching her skin while giving her a muffin-top appearance. She blushed as she walked around other ponies, obviously conscious of her more-than-standard weight.

Finish couldn’t stop staring. The sweater caused her backside to swell with the shifted skin, her rump shaking left and right as she walked, her forelegs straining to touch the floor as they were squeezed by the sleeves. “No more fattening,” she reminded herself. Nopony gave her much attention, but with how self-aware Coco was, everypony could’ve been staring at her. There may’ve been a procession of ponies Finish couldn’t see watching her, pointing hooves at her.

“Oh my stars, look at that mare!”

“She’s probably going out to eat again. You know how big ponies are.”

“Well, let’s give her some encouragement. It’s no use trying to avoid everypony with a rump like that.”

“Hey, fatty! Go on and get your dinner!”

“Save some room for second dinner, too!”

“Or third, since you probably already ate at another restaurant.”

“And ate your refrigerator before that!”

“Look at how that sweater is so confining!”

“Why are you trying to appear skinny?” A mare approached her.

“Oh, I-I don’t want any trouble—“

“I know. You probably want dinner.” With a speed that only a pegasus could manage, the sweater was ripped off of Coco, causing her front side to bulge outwards. “See? You can’t hide what’s inside.”

“Or outside!” A stallion approached and slapped her bottom. “Look at these cheeks!”

“And those thighs!” A mare approached and prodded her flanks. “They’re huge!”

“Get a load of that belly,” a third pony said, and on cue three other ponies walked over and poked and prodded her.

“Please stop.”

“Going somewhere?”

“Of course she is. There’s no food here!”

“Then we’d better take her to get something to eat!”

And then Fanny Pancake walked up to her, her mass knocking ponies out of the way, with a platter ponies could waltz on. “Don’t worry, Coco, honey. I brought it all to you.”

Finish smacked herself in the head. “Stop. I will not fatten her up anymore! And neither will Fanny. It is just a pleasant dinner she is going to, with just her, Fanny and their chef. Once she has the correct noodles, she will be done with it.”

And even though she was in the privacy of her bathroom, she ignored the burning in her loins. With a sigh, she picked up her binoculars and peered out again.

Down one of the streets, there were two ponies nuzzling each other under the shade of a tree. “Cloaked clothing,” she mused. “For those ponies that wish to look elegant in secret.”

Down another street, a black cat scratched at a lightless window. “Pining clothing, for when ponies wish not to be disturbed.” She nodded, her creative juices flowing.

Down a third street—

Her binoculars fell with her gasp. It was all she could do to keep her concentration as she fumbled to get them out of the tub, drain them and wipe the lenses with a towel. She whipped about and looked out again, her binoculars unhindered. It took her a moment to find who she’d seen.

There was no mistaking it. Her cat-black fur, her purple mane, her aqua sweater, and her bobbing belly that could’ve slapped against the ground. Her marehood began to tingle as she continued watching the mare walk, with the grace of a noblepony and with a graceful walk. She couldn’t even imagine why she’d be here at this time, but once she saw Black Forest Cake, she nearly forgot about Coco.

“Oh my stars,” she mumbled. “Is everypony from Blubber Lovers coming to Canterlot?” She continued watched as Black Forest walked past tourists who gawked at her gut, striding with an almost soldier-like rigidity-yet-elegance before setting her sights on something. Finish looked ahead.

It was Coco.
The round mare began talking to Coco, who shyly stammered something in response. Finish remained motionless, her heartbeat hammering in her chest. Black Forest beckoned her to follow, and so Coco did. Finish could only guess as to what Coco was staring at right now; Black Forest didn’t have a wide rump, not according to pictures, but seeing that belly bobbing around like a pendulum must’ve been magical.
It had to have been that! Coco wouldn’t stop looking forward. She suppressed the nagging thought that perhaps Coco just wanted to see where she was going, and avoid running into anything—least of all that glorious gut—and continued watching Coco be led onwards, entranced by her belly.

At length, she shifted her gaze to Black Forest. The mare walked with cool confidence, with a small classy smile and controlled steps, almost like a captain. Her belly exhibited as much control, merely bobbing up and down like a basketball, which was enough to make Finish writhe a bit. Her head stayed locked forward, even when she spoke. Her mouth moved just a little, not exuberantly, but at a steady pace.

She wondered what it would be like to get up close and actually talk to her. In a moment, she thought about leaping out of the bath and attending the dinner herself, for who knew what other pony that appeared in the magazine would be there? And in the next moment, she decided against it. Firstly, her marehood was out of control, and she didn’t want anypony to see her out with that sort of savage desire. Secondly, she didn’t want to raise Coco’s suspicions, as she could be one of those gossipy types that told everypony about her day and about everypony else; or else she would be too timid to hide her secret from prying ears, whomever that would be.

With a defeated sigh, she slouched back down into the tub. The warm waters did little to soothe the ache in her marehood; in fact, if anything, it magnified it. She tried to wait it out, let it simmer before it died, but to no avail; it persisted, and wanted her to look back out.

There’s no point, she told that internal burning. I’m not going.

Photo Finish, an eerily soothing voice that belonged to her said. You’ve been reading about these ponies since you landed your first big job here. You know you’ve always liked bigger mares, that’s just a part of you. Are you really going to let this opportunity pass, even in your own bathroom?

Exhaling sharply from her nostrils, she rose again, took her binoculars, and looked out again. It hadn’t been that long since she had submerged herself in the waters, so she was hoping the mares hadn’t gone too far.

They hadn’t. They had stopped at a food stand, and while Black Forest Cake grabbed a tall mug of what looking like hot cocoa (Photo snorted, and writhed her hindquarters), Coco had a caramel apple with her. At first, she looked bashful, but Black Forest was there to reassure her about whatever it was. She couldn’t understand the words, but she understood the gentle tap of Coco’s belly, followed by a slap upon her own massive gut. The two mares laughed.

Finish’s heart was hammering, and a hoof reflexively reached down to stroke herself. She stopped short. No no no!

Go on.

She ignored the voice as the two mares walked on, Black Forest taking deep gulps of her cocoa, Coco biting away at her apple. Her cheeks bunched up, forcing her eyelids up in a very cute manner. Finish couldn’t help but hum in curiosity. “She should smile more,” she said out loud. “She looks nice.”

They stopped at a corner, waiting for a carriage to pass. As they waited, Black Forest turned to Coco and made a comment. Coco looked down at her sweater, and blushed. Black Forest laughed and pulled on the back of her sweater, loosening up the muffin top. After it squeezed her middle again, Coco tentatively reached down and felt Black Forest’s sweater. The other mare stood proudly, letting her belly loosen from the constraints. Coco’s hoof brushed—or was almost consumed by—Forest’s belly. They gazed into each other’s eyes, and Coco jerked away, face red as Forest looked at her with a… was that a knowing smile? Or was that just embarrassment?

It didn’t matter to Finish; she had begun masturbating. Belly-play had been one of her favorite parts of Blubber Lovers, especially with Dark Chocolate and French Vanilla, and seeing the two of them nearly engage in it—they were, damnit!—was too much for her to resist. She wanted them to continue, begged for them to continue. Yet they didn’t. Black Forest merely chuckled and continued guiding them.

Finally, they stopped at a door, and Black Forest knocked. Finish recognized it as a bed-and-breakfast establishment, meant for ponies who were coming in for a day or two to take in Equestria’s crown jewel. They all waited, and Finish watched the windows. She could see a shadow walk towards the door. A large shadow. A massive shadow.

The door opened, and Fanny Pancake beamed down on them with her cheery smile.

Finish couldn’t resist anymore. Two of Finish’s favorite models, and her significantly plumper employee, all hanging out together? Black Forest with a mug, and steam puffing out of the inn from no doubt a massive feast? This was too much to behold!

She dove into her marehood, began rubbing it in jerks and plunges. It was more haphazard than usual, and even as the mares stepped inside and the door closed, not without a view of Fanny’s fanny, Finish was already moaning lewdly. She wriggled and writhed in the tub, nearly dropping her binoculars again. She imagined what they must’ve been doing in there. Plunging their muzzles into a feast like pigs? Letting the staff and servants feed them like goddesses? Tearing off their sweaters and comparing bellies, before rubbing those soft globes against one another, moaning before shifting around to get a view of the rest of their bodies and do Celestia-knows-what? Was the chef just as big, and would he or she join in? Or tie them down and force them to eat, eat, eat!?
She stopped, panting, and looked back out. She couldn’t want to miss anything.

From the window, she saw Black Forest beckon for Coco to sit; she did so on a fancy couch that looked like it had recently had a lot of weight on it. Black Forest took a seat next to her, and her side of the couch bent. And then Fanny plopped down, her flanks touching the edge of the couch and at the same time pooling over Coco’s thigh. The couch groaned and touched the floor, but it didn’t break or snap.

Fanny spoke some words to Coco, who replied bashfully. Then she motioned for somepony to approach. Photo looked to see a mare come in, not one she recognized. This was a skinny mare—skinny compared to the other three, that is; on second, she was a stocky mare. Green coat, darker green mane and tail, and flakes of basil for a cutie mark. She wore a chef’s outfit.

“That must be their private cook,” Photo panted. How she longed to be there, to be next to that basil-flanked mare, hearing the extravagant amounts of food they were ordering, to see the couch give way under their weight, to lie atop them, on their soft bodies and bellies, to give it that final push!

Fanny said some things and pointed to Coco. The chef smiled kindly. Finish tensed. The chef slowly approached, and spoke a simple thing to her. Her muzzle moved slowly and every word seemed level and controlled; Finish guessed the mare was from a relatively busy city, not quite bustling, with a cool temper.

Coco began talking, and Finish noticed her mannerisms were a bit less fidgety than when she was at work. That disturbed her. “I guess I shouldn’t be too angry,” she thought. “She’s still new at work; she’ll stop being so nervous all the time.” Coco still stammered and avoided eye contact.

Fanny wrapped a foreleg and drew Coco in. A few words were said, and Fanny bellowed, her titanic tummy shaking and wobbling, her chest jiggling with the laughter. Coco’s own body couldn’t resist the momentum, and jiggled along with it. Everypony laughed.

Finish groaned lowly with pleasure. Black Forest had patted Coco’s belly in reassurance. Coco said nothing.

“Come on! Pat her belly, for crying out loud! Make it jiggle and bounce! Ride it!” She shrieked that last part, and for fear of waking on her neighbors and alerting them to what she was doing, she silenced herself.

Back at the bed-and-breakfast, Coco looked back at the chef and began making gestures. The chef watched and listened without interjecting. Once Coco was finished, the chef began asking questions, and Finish was able to catch snippets of it.

“Are you looking for something long?”

“Thin or thick?”

“What sauces are you thinking of?”

“Other food?”

Finish realized that she was asking about the pasta for the shoot. Coco answered hesitantly. “I should be there to help her,” Finish muttered with a hint of
frustration. “But she knows food, so I will let her handle it.”

She knows food?

Well, I assume she does.

The chef said some things, at first explanatorily, and then excitedly. With a bow, she excused herself. Coco looked back up at Fanny, who was saying something with enthusiasm. Whatever it was, she punctuated it with a great big slap of her belly.

Finish continued prodding.

The next few minutes consisted of the three mares talking to one another—or rather the two mares talking to one another, and Coco listening. At points one of the larger mares would ask Coco something, and Coco would stammer out an answer. After everything she said, Fanny would laugh and pat Coco on the back. Finish couldn’t tell if Coco was uncomfortable with that or not; her smile was awkward.

Then Fanny pointed to Coco and asked her something with a serious face. Finish could only make out two words:

“Your boss”

She watched Coco, waiting to scrutinize every minute detail.

Coco got up from her seat and began pacing. Finish didn’t even ogle her rump, she was too busy watching Coco talk. She stopped every now and then, as if to censor herself—she —before continuing onwards. Not a smile came to her face for the first few minutes.

“What are you saying about me?” Finish had stopped rubbing herself.

The other mares watched her talk. Black Forest nodded with the patience one would expect from a quiet mare. Fanny, however, was more animated. She would nod, ask questions, her body would shift to some stimulus from Coco’s tale.

And then Coco launched into some other discussion with a smile. Her movements were sweeping, her pacing quickened, her smile grew. What made Finish feel better was that Coco’s lips read her name several times. The other two mares looked astonished.

After Coco finished, and turned back at them, and took a seat next to them, Fanny patted her on the back, while she and Black Forest exchanged glances. Finish couldn’t tell what that meant, but she wondered if she had anything to do with it.

Immediately afterwards, the food was ready. The chef pony came out with a serving trolley, four large plates, and a steaming pot.

“Now the fun begins,” Finish whispered, beginning to rub herself again.

The mare took out a ladle dipped it in, and pulled out a ladle-full of noodles. They looked like spaghetti, but were much thinner. “Capellini,” Finish lip-read. “Angel hair.” She set three ladle-fulls down on each plate—earning a look of shock from Coco, and bemusement from Fanny—and gave each of the mares a fork. Coco looked at hers like it was a spear, and she had to trek into this vast jungle of food to get to the other side; Black Forest looked at it like a food critic would a delicious meal; Fanny looked at it like it was a piddling offering. The chef looked at Coco with concern, but Coco waved her off, perhaps saying she would be able to finish the meal.

Before anypony dug in, basil-flanks poured alfredo sauce on the noodles, and sprinkled in some peas and chopped carrots. For a moment, Finish lingered at the display on the plate. Such a light, graceful meal would work perfect for Fleur’s shoot! With some white wine and bread and butter, it would look both cozy, like Italian cuisine, and high-scale, like Fleur was. The steam wafting up, the white covering and the few subtle colors made it a perfect dish. A glass of white wine, Shamrock '95, completed the meal for each of them.

And then the mares dug in.

It was far different than what Finish was expecting. and the masturbation intensified for it. Black Forest rolled her noodles up like a professional, slowly and steadily, before taking a moderately-sized bite. Coco watched her at first, and then dug in with much less control. She wasn’t messy, but she wasn’t as elegant at eating as Black Forest was. Comparing the two, it was like watching an excited puppy eating next to the collected alpha female. She wasn’t entirely neat, but she grabbed a napkin whenever she needed it.

Fanny, on the other hand, was like a whale, taking monstrous bites. Her fork was heaving with pasta, and each bite demolished it like it was nothing. She stopped to talk some, to give the other two a chance to catch up, Finish presumed, but then went right back to eating. Bite after bite went down, her cheeks bulging tremendously, each bite savoring the massive amount of food shoved in, before swallowing with a large gulp. In a few forkfuls, she was done.

And then she asked for more. Finish yearned so badly to be there. The water was now lukewarm, but she didn’t care. She wasn’t leaving until they were all done.

The other two looked at her as basil-flanks piled the pasta on, a grin on her face all the while. Coco looked with surprise, Black Forest without a reaction. Fanny looked down and chuckled, sayig something like “Better catch up!” before digging back into her full plate.

Finish mewled as the rubbing increased. She watched the spectacle of Fanny destroying a second plate as Black Forest ate with a controlled air. As slow as she was going, though, it wasn’t as slow as Coco’s eating, who would linger on each mouthful, smiling, before swallowing. Occasionally, the two mares would say something, but then they would go right back to eating.

After Fanny was done with her second plate, she set it down on the trolley. Basil said something, and Fanny gave her a hearty answer with a slap of her belly, which left Basil beaming. Probably asked how her food was, Finish thought to herself. Who wouldn’t beam at the honor of having Fanny Pancake, of all ponies, say your food is delicious? Of eating your food? Of eating you? Of putting you on a plate, her eyes gleaming at how delectable you are, and then she dives in, her cheeks cradling your rump, covering them, as her muzzle plunges into—

She began bucking as Fanny rubbed her belly. Coco stared at the jiggling belly, almost mesmerized. Black Forest grinned as she finished her food. Coco took a breath and continued eating. Her belly had rounded out, most likely still stuffed from before, and considering these were large plates, the fact that she had eaten so much was astounding.

But then Coco slowed down, and nearly stopped. She breathed laboriously, the pasta almost done. Basil looked over it like she waited for Coco to finish it. Black Forest watched her without any emotion, except for what Finish’s trained eye saw as a curious stare. Fanny looked down at her, and asked—Finish read her lips—whether she was done or not. Fanny looked down at her with kind eyes, almost encouraging.

Coco looked down at it, and for a moment her eyes bugged. Basil was about to come and take it from her, but Coco took the fork up, rolled a very large ball of pasta up, and slowly shoved it into her maw.

Finish nearly came. Her climax was fast approaching.

Basil encouraged her, while the other two said nothing. Coco swallowed, and took another large bite. In just four bites, the pasta was demolished this was, and Basil took the plate and fork before it had a chance to drop to the floor. Coco cradled her belly with her hooves; it jutted out, taut and unmoving. Black Forest clapped, Basil cheered, and Fanny offered a hoof to comfort it.

Finish lurched, but stopped. As torturous as it was, she would wait for dessert so she could finish, waiting for these mares to stuff themselves even more. Basil offered it (of course) and Black Forest and Fanny agreed to it, while Coco abstained. For an instant, she felt disappointment in her employee. That cooled down when she remembered that Coco had just started.

“Besides,” she stammered, stopping her soft ministrations for a moment. “She is not going to want to get fatter, is she?”

Pies were brought out. Fanny took a whole one for herself, grinning like an eager schoolfilly getting into forbidden sweets; Black Forest took two pieces daintily, and Coco watched with a smile on her face. Fanny began spraying whipped cream on each slice of pie—apple, it turned out to be—and dropped them one-by-one into her waiting maw. Finish’s masturbating began anew, imagining each slice adding at least five pounds on the already gargantuan mare’s frame. Black Forest ate like a royal, slowly and gracefully, without a crumb in place.

Coco watched silently, looking around the room and drawing as little attention to herself as possible. Fanny seemed to notice this, and offered up something to say. Coco replied, and they both laughed. Coco looked away, and Fanny stared at her. Finish couldn’t tell what the looks were, she assumed Fanny was looking at her as a guest. Although… there was something in her eyes, her movements that betrayed something else.

Slice after slice went down, until Fanny was down to just one. She patted her belly again, and it merely quivered now. Finish wanted that last slice to settle in her stomach, to stop the buildup and wait in anticipation for the results. But Fanny didn’t eat it. Basil waited patiently, a confused look on her face.

“Go on Fanny,” Finish moaned. “Stuff it into yourself.”

And then Fanny turned to Coco, and offered it to her.

Finish squealed, her hindlegs spasming at the offering. Coco at first refused, but Fanny insisted. Coco stared at it, her belly still, her hoof rubbing it.

After a moment, she nodded.

“Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeees.” Finish bucked and plunged her hoof in and out. “Do it. Don’t stop.”

Finish’s breath grew shorter the closer the slice got to Coco’s muzzle. Black Forest approached her and held out a hoof, as if to help her open it, but Coco opened it herself. The slice slid in slowly, very slowly. Coco’s eyes winced, but yet she slowly reached out

“Don’t ever stop.”

She had trouble. The rest of the ponies watched, transfixed.

Finish was at her peak. “Come on,” she muttered. “Eat it. Eat it!”

Coco opened her mouth wide.

“Eat it and become fatter!”

What are you doing? What about not making her—

“To Tartarus with that! Fatten her up, fatten her up!”

Excellent.

Coco stopped.

“What are you doing?” she shouted. She was teetering on the edge.

Basil-flanks walked to the window and closed the curtains.

Finish stared at the window, motionless, her brain trying to process what was going on. Then, something harsh and savage emerged from her throat.

“No!” She threw herself at the window. “No no no! Why would you do that?” She pounded at the sill. “Why hide her from me? Why now, of all times? Damnit!”

This went on for a whole minute, and then she sunk down, her face sliding against the wall until she slowly fell into the tub. She just lay there, the water submerging all except her muzzle. Why should she watch any more? Coco had finished her food, ensured that she would be heavier the next day.

But something nagged at her. It wasn’t the promise of more food; Coco would clearly have had enough. She rose up and grabbed her binoculars, shaking off the suds from the lenses. She peered back out at the house.

The curtains were still drawn. And even if she were to leave her tub, she couldn’t get an angle that would allow her to see what was going on. She was defeated.

Silently, slothfully, she rose from the tub, unplugged it and walked onto her bathroom mat. She dried herself sluggishly until she was completely dry, her marehood still yearning as she rubbed down her backside, and then threw the towel onto the floor. She walked to her room and crawled into bed, lying on her covers and waiting for sleep to come for her.

But sleep wouldn’t. The ticking clock in her room wasn’t what was keeping her up. So what was it? She turned to her side, and then became aware of something around her neck. It was her binoculars.

“One more look couldn’t hurt,” she said. With a dead roll over, she trudged to the window and peered out. Not all was hidden there.

They were all at the front door. The three larger mares stared at Coco, who was groaning and rubbing her belly. Fanny said something, holding a quilt that hung on the back of the couch. “Is she going to ask her to spend the night?” Finish hoped so; Fanny was more well-known for her bountiful breakfasts, and after a filling dinner, Coco would need an even-more-filling breakfast to stretch that stomach out and get even more weight on her.

But Coco waved her off, and hopped on her hooves. She almost fell back, but Basil was there to push her up from the flank. Coco nearly buckled under her own weight, but stood. She swayed a bit, and widened her stance to accommodate her larger belly. Finish began feeling excited again.

“No.” Finish shook her head. “No more. I’ve had enough for tonight.”

Fanny nodded, and Black Forest walked next to her. With a few more words, in which nothing more physically happened, and Finish couldn’t make out any more of what they were saying, they went to the front door. Basil lingered for a bit and hugged everypony, even squishing Coco’s cheeks with her hooves, before disappearing inside quickly and joyfully.

Fanny wished Coco a good night, and Coco bowed to do the same. They both reached for the other and nuzzled each other. Finish remained motionless.

Then Fanny disappeared, her flank slapping against the door frame as she swung around, and the door closed. Black Forest and Coco walked to the apartments. Once they stopped in front of it, Black Forest looked up with some surprise, and Coco laughed and waved her off. They both hugged, and Coco entered the complex, with Black Forest lingering. Finish would’ve admired the backview of both Black Forest’s belly and rump, but was more curious with that was going on. After a moment, she turned and began walking away, a look of puzzlement on her face.

Finish wouldn’t deliberate anymore; she was too dejected. She waited until Black Forest returned to the bed-and-breakfast, and then put her binoculars away. “Coco’s probably going to hang out with them more,” she said. “I must make sure she keeps up with her work… but should I interfere with her if this means she gains more weight?”

Why should you? If she wants it, and you want it, then you both win. Who would get hurt?

“Coco, maybe, if she doesn’t watch herself. And the business, if she can’t keep up. And my reputation, if ponies find out that I like fat ponies.”

Photo Finish, this is new territory to you. You cannot face it fearfully.

“I’m not!”

She enjoyed all of the food? Enjoyed stuffing herself?

“Yes.”

Then wait it out and see what happens.

Finish lingered in the bath for a while, percolating those choices. They were left unresolved when she rolled back into bed.

“I have no idea what I am doing anymore,” she said. “But if things get too far out of hand, I will stop her.” She drifted off to sleep, her thoughts going to how she could see Coco the next day, and every day after that, becoming heavier and heavier and heavier…

The First Incident

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The scent of cooking dough was driving her insane. It wafted out of the doorframe like tentacles trying to rope her in. She knocked twice, and immediately the door opened to reveal Fanny Pancake in her apron, flour and dough smeared across it.

“Hello, Photo Finish,” Fanny said with a beaming smile. She reached down and pecked Finish on the cheek, her chins and cheeks resting on her shoulder.

“Hello, beautiful,” Finish breathed back. Fanny moaned into her face, and rubbed her cheeks along her side. “How is she?”

“She’s been coming along nicely.” Fanny turned her head in beckoning. “Do you want to come in?”

“Ooooh, yes!”

Fanny nodded and turned, slowly giving Finish a view of her entire body. In a few seconds, her rump was inches away from Finish’s face, its side squished against the doorframe. “Then come on in for breakfast.”

Finish took a deep breath, and shoved her face against Fanny’s rump. The doorframe creaked as it eased itself out. She could feel her tail swishing with anticipation and her head sinking in, but it wasn’t enough. With a grunt, she rose to her hindlegs, pushed her hooves against her backside as well, and continued onwards.

Inch by inch, Fanny stepped into the room. Finish’s underside pressed against the back of Fanny’s belly, while her head was comfortably between her voluminous crack. Moans and groans echoed throughout her entire body, vibrating against Finish’s head. She lingered there for as long as she desired; she couldn’t even conceive how long they’d been moving in the room, but Fanny kept on inching forward.

She didn’t get to Fanny’s pussy. She would wait or the other mare.

Eventually, Fanny stopped, and Finish backed away from her. They had gotten to the dining room. Finish walked around Fanny, and her anticipation grew as she heard grunting, gulping and snorting.

“I’ve been taking good care of her,” Fanny said sultrily. “You found yourself a fine mare. She just hasn’t stopped eating since she got here!”

Finish stepped quicker around the dining room, but saw nothing. She looked back at Fanny, who pointed to the kitchen. Once she peeked over the counter, she moaned as loudly and as lewdly as she could.

There, standing in the middle of the large kitchen, was Coco Pommel. An impossibly long line on plates, bowls, platters, cans and boxes led up to Coco’s spherical midsection and bountiful rump. Photo Finish slowly approached her star, who didn’t look back. She merely continued to chow down on thick pancakes, drinking the sea of syrup on each layer before chowing down on the pancake itself. Her rump was as large as Photo Finish herself, the width of it able to support her entirely, with a crease at each cheek. Her flanks were like sacks, her cutie mark distorted and folded over. Her belly was a few centimeters from the ground, and her back had several different rolls that bunched up as she ate. Her breast and neck sagged against the table, wrapping the edge of it within her rolls. Her cheeks drooped widely, and were so heavy they didn’t even bounce as she chomped away.

“Do you like what you see?”

Finish brought a hoof to Coco’s side. It sank deeply into it, taut with food, soft with fat. Coco didn’t stop eating. “Ja, ja, I love it.”

“She’s trained, too.” Fanny stepped beside Finish and tapped Coco on her flank. “She’ll do whatever you tell her to.”

“Really?” Finish’s breathing sped up.

“Try it out, see for yourself.”

Finish looked over Coco, who regarded her with one eye while continuing to eat pancakes. What did she want first? It didn’t take her long to consider.

“Stand up,” she commanded. “Let me see your belly.”

Coco grunted, and pulled her muzzle away from the pancakes. The prized pony licked her lips clean before hoisting herself, through a laborious kick of her forelegs, onto her hinds. It took her a while, and she had to use the counter to get upright, but once she did, her rump pulled her back.

“Yeeees.” Finish circled her, while Coco watched her with a prideful smile and a ravenous gaze. Her belly rested against her tree trunk thighs, which held her upright with surprising strength. Syrup and dough ran down her humongous gut. As Finish got a side profile, Coco reached forward, grabbed as much as she could, and lifted it up. Fanny couldn’t help but help her out. Finish nodded with approval. And then, Coco dropped it. Her belly lurched her forward, nearly dropping her to the floor. Her rump bowed outward with the effort to keep upright.

But, through some miracle, she managed to keep on her hinds. Coco watched her boss with unblinking eyes, as if she wanted to see the surprise on her face. With a satisfied grin, she rose up again, patting her belly and her flank. Finish continued the inspection, just now noticing that the only light on in the room cast her prize in a spotlight. She made it to her back, seeing the rolls getting thicker further down. Her eyes traveled along each one of them, eventually settling on her rump. Coco’s tail swung back and forth, slapping rhythmically against each cheek. Finish couldn’t repress the urge to touch it. It wasn’t as pliable as Fanny’s, but it was more firm, and she reveled in running her hoof along each one.

Her right side went exactly as it had on the other side of her. Coco’s yearning, submissive gaze hadn’t left her eyes. She was about to give her a once-over again, but was stopped by Fanny’s hoof. “Hey,” she whispered.

Finish nearly orgasmed. “Yes?”

“Do you want to see a trick?”

Finish could only nod. Her mind was nearly numb as Fanny plopped her rump down, causing the room to quake. Suddenly, she lifted up; she didn’t know how. In seconds she found herself resting on Fanny’s belly, sinking into her monstrous gut, large enough for her to take a few steps on. She looked up at Fanny, who pushed her with a gentle hoof, onto Finish’s back.

“Fanny, what are you doing?”

The massive mare merely looked down at her with a smile. “Oh, Coco?”

Coco looked at Fanny with entranced, hunger-glazed eyes.

“Do you want to show Finish what you can do besides devour food?”

Finish watched as Coco’s hungry eyes locked onto her, and she smiled. Slowly, so as to accentuate each heavy movement, she lowered herself and waddled over to her with slow, deliberate steps. Finish felt her marehood winking under her as she approached, but dare not move; she didn’t want to disturb Fanny.

Then, without a pause in movement, Coco dove in between her open hindlegs and lapped at her pussy. Finish gasped, lurched, and then moaned as Fanny pulled her back. “Relax. Enjoy yourself.”

Finish could just barely look down, but what she did see made her twitch and moan. Coco was wild, slurping, kissing, suckling at her with no control, less interested in pacing herself, and giving herself entirely to Finish. What was even better, she could visibly see her backside swelling outwards. She was growing right before her eyes! She began rising, her belly pushing her upwards, her forelegs being sucked into her billowing form, her cheeks caressing her thighs more and more.

“Look at you,” Fanny whispered. “You’re doing this to her. You naughty girl.”

Finish moaned.

“Does it feel good?”

“Ooooooh!” Finish bucked several times, and Coco was unfazed. It seemed like nothing would deter her from her dessert. Her rump bowed outwards, her cheeks overlapped Finish’s thighs. She needed to kiss that face, get a taste of it.

“Stop.” Her loins burned, but she needed to get a taste for herself.

Coco halted, staring up with obedience, the hunger still burning in her eyes.

“Go get her,” Fanny breathed, nudging her onto her rump. Finish stood on her monstrous belly, and slowly approached Coco.

Coco merely eyed her with expectation, face yearning for action yet not betraying any impatience. This was Finish’s time, and she was going to enjoy it at her pace. She knew that, and so waited.

Finish stepped forward some more, and Coco closed her eyes and prepared herself. Finish leaned forward, smelling herself on Coco. She was just out of reach. She took another step forward.

And she hit her head on the floor.

“Gah!” Her eyes flew open, and she looked around in panic. She was in her room, on the floor, nearly tangled up in her blanket. She took a moment to catch her breath, and once that was achieved, she sighed weakly.

“It was all a dream.” She felt the damp spot at her marehood, and trudged to the bathroom, heart hammering, to clean herself off.

Worries

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It had been two weeks since Photo Finish had spied on Coco and Fanny Pancake, and things had only grown since then. Her knowledge of Fanny Pancake and Black Forest Cake, whom she had met later that week, had grown, along with her appreciation for both of them. Her reputation with Fleur de Lys had grown, to the point where Fleur took every opportunity to talk about how much she loved Finish’s work and how everypony who was anypony got a picture with her. Her tension at work grew, as her involvement with the Blubber Lovers increased, and she had to do more than she had ever thought to keep her secret away from other ponies.

And Coco Pommel herself had grown.

Gone was the “petite” chubbiness that she had started work with. Now, instead of chubby cheeks, they were now tubby and full, lightly pressing against her eyelids. Instead of the slightly thick neck, her neck now had two rolls in it, and it shook visibly whenever she turned her head. Instead of the little breast she had possessed, it now stuck out evenly with her muzzle. Instead of the slightly chunky legs she had sported, her forelegs now bulged past her knees, drooping down just barely over the top of them, producing slight wrinkles. Her back also had a few rolls on it.

Further back, instead of the pot-belly she had begun with, she now had a globe underneath her. It bobbed and swayed whenever she moved around, and stuck out like she was expecting a foal when she sat down. When she worked, it would press up against the table, forcing her to maneuver it either above or below the table. It was obvious that Coco was a belly mare, but her rump wasn’t anything to laugh at either. Each cheek was thick enough to be able to rest a stallion’s head on it (or so Finish imagined). Her flanks were even keel with her belly in terms of width, and her cutie mark was only slightly smaller than a pony’s hoof. Even her dock had thickened up with fat, as Finish noted one day upon close—in the guise of professional—inspection.

Her growth was not a surprise, as she had continued hanging out with Fanny and Black Forest during her times out. Finish didn’t pry into the matter; she didn’t want to show that she had any interest in it, even though it would be heavenly to see who she would eat with, talk about her weight, show off her flab and bulges, compare, rub up against, fondle, rub, kiss, lick—

She shook her head, lowering her tail before anypony else saw her, and continued on her way towards the seamstresses’ table. Coco was, as usual, busy at her table, while Pins N’ Needles worked as deftly as before. An aqua dress for the next model was near completion, with only adornments to finish it off. Coco, meanwhile, was working on Fleur’s dress. They had all agreed on a coral pink for her—upon Coco’s squeak of a suggestion—with a simple transparent fabric and seashells as baubles and ornaments. She was currently working on multiple ponyquins, considering various designs and styles. As she went around, Finish couldn’t help but stare at Coco’s eyes, intently eyeing her ponyquins as if she wanted to devour it whole.

“You just never stop being hungry, don’t you?”

Coco turned in confusion. “Excuse me, Miss Finish?”

“You just never stop being hungry.” She stepped towards her and lifted up the fabric. “You are always aiming for the next highest thing, trying for perfection. I lo-like that about you, Miss Pommel.”

The bashful mare blushed in embarrassment. “Th-thank you, Miss Finish. Truth be told, I had a lot of help from Pins.”

“It is true, of course,” Pins added bluntly, though with a smirk. “I had to tell her to actually assemble the designs out so it would stop staying in her head.”

“Excellent.” She circled around the ponyquins one by one. Most of the dresses were flashy and aristocratic. “Miss Pommel, which one do you think Fleur will appreciate the most?”

Coco stammered. “Um, I don’t know, Miss Finish.”

“Which one would you pick?”

Coco thought for a moment, and then picked one where the fabric was thick, the trimmings complicated, and it was covered in sequins. “This one would probably be up to Fleur’s liking, since it has all of these sequins, and the patterns are something that royalty would wear.”

“But would it be something a Bitalian would wear?”

Coco grimaced. “I wouldn’t say so, to be honest.” She doubled. “I didn’t mean that it’s a bad dress! Only that it’s perhaps too elegant for a normal dinner. N-not that we don’t want it to be elegant, or that elegance is bad, but—”

“We must have some elegance for Miss Fleur,” Finish said firmly. “But we must not overdo it. This is supposed to be a pleasant dinner, after all.” She walked among them some more, and then her eyes fell on one that had a few seashell adornments.

“Oh!” Coco blurted out, stepping in between Finish and the dress. “This was just something I was playing around with, something I thought would fit the mood. It’s nothing really.”

Finish had only heard part of it. Coco’s flank was right in front of her face, and it was jiggling. Actually jiggling!

“M-Miss Finish?”

Finish laid a hoof on it. It was soft, yet firm. “Miss Pommel, let me see it.”

Coco reluctantly moved, and Finish got a better look at it. The trimmings were nowhere near as complex, but they were smooth and accentuating. The seashells didn’t stand out, yet added a flair of their own. It seemed like something a modest pony with a lot of wealth would wear near the beach. “Why are you trying to hide it?”

Coco rubbed the back of her neck. “Erm, just because it wasn’t as… fancy.”

“You mean not as flashy.” Finish traced a hoof around her flank. “It is still good ponywork. It’s just more reserved than that other dress.” A dress that Fleur will probably pick, she thought with a twinge of disappointment.

“Yeah,” Coco said quietly in response. “I, um, think you should go with the flashier one. Because, um, Fleur would look better in it.”

“Are you sure?” Finish stared down at her, who had taken a submissive stance, her barrel nearly brushing and squishing against the floor.

“Well…”

“I disagree.” Pins N’ Needles didn’t look up from her work when she butted in. “She would look better in the modest dress.”

Coco blushed. “You really think so?”

“I believe it is at least worth setting aside for her to try on.” Finish took the dress and walked it over to a vacant coatrack. “It will be useful if Fleur is not into sequins.”

She and Pins shared a laugh, while Coco chuckled, obviously embarrassed. Finish looked at her smile, at the dimples they created. She began feeling that all-to-now-familiar sensation of heating up. “We will discuss this more during lunch, ja? We could go to—“

Coco looked down shyly. “Um, I appreciate that, but I’m actually going to skip lunch.”

“What do you mean?” Finish looked to Pins for any signs of understanding, but the other mare hadn’t budged.

“I’m not really hungry and…” She trailed off.

Finish’s mind went white. Why is this happening? She obviously is self-conscious about her weight now! “Did somepony say something to you?”

“Oh, no!” Coco waved her forehooves about, her hindlegs quivering to hold her weight up. “Nothing like that. It’s just, well…” She looked back at herself, shifting her flank to get a better look at the blubbery mass. Finish pretended to look with her, but she was really looking upon her, getting ready mentally to pounce.

“You cannot expect to work on an empty stomach, do you?” Finish leaned in, patting her on the back. The rolls on her back were developing nicely, not yet rolls, but rather small bumps. She didn’t know whether Coco noticed that Finish lightly moved these bumps around, entranced at their softness.

“It’s not exactly empty. I… I ate a little while ago.”

Finish stopped to think. Coco had just told a lie; she hadn’t eaten, Finish had watched her like a hawk all day. “Right,” she said with her degree of professionalism, and some restraint. “I will not push it anymore, then.”

“Push, Miss Finish?”

“Don’t worry about it.” It had been Pins who had said that, and she pointed to the rest of the dresses she was working on. “Let’s just get back to work.”

Coco looked between Photo Finish and Pins for a few seconds, and when neither of them responded, she merely nodded and turned. “Yes, Miss Needles.”

An hour passed with Finish trying to tell everypony what to do, and how to set up for the next model, but her mind simply wasn’t there anymore. Every time she would say something, which she said in a haze, she would turn back and steal a glance at Coco working. She was still diligent, and not in the least bit sweaty; Pins N’ Needles was the unknowing cause of that, putting a fan above them to keep them cool. Coco’s belly often pressed up against the extended hoof on the ponyquin, as she stood to make an adjustment to it. Finish would see how much her belly gave to the ponyquin, and would feel a tinge of jealousy within herself.

And then there were the moments when Coco would turn, not realizing how much more of her there was, and her rump would knock against the ponyquin’s forehoof. She’d look back at it to ask for more… or, Finish corrected herself, to see if the ponyquin would fall. The ponyquin didn’t have enough weight in it to make that beautiful backside jiggle, and Finish would often feel disappointed. And then Coco would look at her, and shyly and shamefully return to her work, and Finish would turn with the utmost reluctance back to her task.

I just don’t understand it. What could’ve made her change her behavior so rapidly? Why is she lying to me now? She thought about reprimanding her, but she didn’t want to lose Coco. She couldn’t risk it.

And then there was the matter with Pins. Finish had, a few times, turned to look back at Coco, and would catch Pins looking at her. It was a slight glance, but enough to set her head turning back to her work. And then she’d look back again, realizing how her looking away made her seem suspicious. And then she’d look away again when she’d catch Pins staring at her once more. Her neck had begun to ache from how much she had done this.

The hour passed, and the scene and equipment for the model had been finalized. The model arrived shortly afterwards, a tall, slender light-blue unicorn mare whose form would be the envy of stallions everywhere. Finish went to greet the mare herself.

“Hallo, Blue Belle,” Finish greeted with her trademark enthusiasm, though noting with a dry throat. “Are you ready for your big shot?”

“Of course!” Blue Belle said with typical aristocratic grace. “I’m very excited to finally get a photograph from the great Photo Finish.”

“Yes, yes, well,” Finish said, invisibly swelling up with pride. “The honor is ours. You will be outstanding. Your body is so skinny and—“ She froze. Skinny? Is that the word you really wanted to use?

Blue Belle didn’t pick up on the word usage; she visibly swelled with pride. “I try and maintain my figure. So many ponies live their lives with a normal body, when they can be as svelte as I am.”

“Yes, but—“ Finish stopped herself. “Yes, it is most certainly excellent.” She beckoned for the mare to follow. “We have everything set up here, Miss Belle. We will just need to do some make-up, and you will be ready to go.”

“Excellent!” Blue Belle followed behind, calmly taking in the studio’s details. “Where’s my dress? I’ve been dying to seem the dress you’ve made for me!”

“Yes, dress, a very small-I mean svelte dress.” Finish shook her head, hoping to clear it of whatever it was that was causing all of those slipups. “Pins!” The pegasus turned her head, wordlessly waiting for instructions. “Bring Blue Belle’s dress!”

Pins nodded and walked to get it. Meanwhile, Finish continued guiding Blue Belle. “You will be the belle of the ball in it. Ravishing! Exquisite!”

Blue Belle nodded. “Your words intrigue me, I can’t wait—Ooh!” Blue Belle had turned to take a good look at it.

“As you can see,” Finish began, “We have spared no expense in making sure that this is perfect for you.” She turned to show her the dress. “Pins, explain to her—“

Her breath caught in her throat. Standing in front of her wasn’t Pins N’ Needles at all. It was Coco, holding the dress over her back. The dress bounced side to side on Coco’s back, as if grinding itself against the fatty fur. She felt herself going tense and weak at the same time.

“Sorry, Miss Finish,” Coco began with her characteristic nervousness. “Pins insisted that I come over here and show her the dress myself. But if you want me to go and get her instead, I can—“

Finish finally blinked, and regained control over her mouth. “No, it is fine. You will tell her about the dress.” Finish looked at Blue Belle, who had lifted up the dress in her magical grasp. “This is Coco Pommel, one of our seamstresses.”

The model looked over Coco, and her muzzle visibly crinkled up. “So tell me about it.”

Coco had begun pointing out the various details in it—the black trimming that would starkly contrast against her coat, the silky purple fabric that would drape over her and accentuate her lithe form, the broach that would bring out her eyes, should anypony look at it. Blue Belle appreciated the artwork, Finish could tell, but every time Coco would hold it up for her to consider, she would visibly back away. Finish immediately knew why, and before she even knew it, she acted.

“Miss Pommel here has done an amazing job here, has she not?” Finish picked up the dress and put it back onto Coco’s back. “She has a great handling of the needle and thread.”

Blue Belle immediately took it off of Coco’s back. “Yes, it’s lovely. I’d like to put it on as soon as possible.”

“Yes, that would be for the best.” Finish waved a hoof in the direction of the dressing room, and Blue Belle immediately hurried along, casting disapproving glances at Coco.

As soon as the model was in the dressing room, “Are you alright?”

Coco stammered. “Yes, Miss Finish. I-I’m sorry, I should have gotten Pins to give it to her.”

“It is nothing—“

“But she was so insistent, I swear!” Coco looked like she would begin to cry any moment now. “I asked her to take it, so I wouldn’t embarrass you—“

“Embarrass me—“

“But she insisted that I be the one to take it, and now that model is mad because of me, and—“

“ENOUGH!”

Everypony stared at her, shocked, while Coco shrunk again. Finish wanted to rest a comforting hoof on her withers, but was painfully aware of everypony’s judging eyes. She couldn’t let herself be discovered, no matter how much it hurt Coco this moment.

“You did a good job,” Finish said bluntly. “There is nothing to worry about. Continue with your work.” Coco didn’t move. “Now, Miss Pommel!”

Coco squeaked and scrambled away. Finish may’ve admired how her rump bounced as she scurried off, if she weren’t so frustrated. She looked back at Blue Belle, who had a grin on her face as she emerged wearing the dress. Keep it together, she told herself inwardly. Keep it together. Don’t say anything you will regret.

“I am sorry about that outburst, Miss Belle—“

“No worries at all,” Blue Belle said cheerfully. “Sometimes you just have to reproach your workers. Completely understandable. Completely…” the grin on her face turned into a leer. “Deserved.”

“Deserved?” Finish asked with more force than she would’ve liked. Fortunately, Blue Belle didn’t seem to notice.

“A pony of her size needs discipline. If she can’t control her stomach, she probably can’t control anything else, either.”

Finish’s face began to burn, and yet the looks on the make-up ponies’ faces told her to keep her muzzle shut on the matter. “We will—“ She gulped. “We will get your make-up over with, and then get the shot done.” As she said that, she reproached herself. That was what she would say when she had nothing nice to say! And she always had something nice to say to her clients!

“I can’t wait!” Blue Belle cried out with enthusiasm. Finish seethed, but couldn’t really blame her; it was her big day, after all. Instead, Finish made the motion for her make-up crew to turn the set-up around, so Blue Belle’s back was to the rest of the studio. Once that was done, she walked towards the catering table and grabbed a box of doughnuts. Without looking at anypony else, she went straight to the seamstress’ tables.

Once Coco saw the box, she began shaking her head. “Oh, no, Miss Finish, you don’t have to—“

A hoof cut the other mare off. “I must have my workers at their best.” Finish set the box down next to her. “And this is how we get the best from you. You are a good worker, Miss Pommel, and it would be a shame to have you not be at your best.”

Coco continued shaking her head. “I assure you, Miss Finish, I don’t need food to motivate me—“

“But it will help you focus.”

Coco continued shaking her head. Finish shoved the box into her belly, where it sank a few inches. She scrambled to think of some way to get Coco to eat. “Then… think of this as a reward. This is the first problem you have properly dealt with, and there will be more to come.”

Coco smacked her lips, opening the box and looking over the doughnuts. Finish watched her eyes as she looked over the ensemble. Instead of hunger and lust, though, there was careful consideration. Then, slowly, Coco reached down and took one into her mouth.

“Thunk yuf, Mith Finith.” Coco blushed and swallowed. “Thank you, Miss Finish.”

“Of course,” she said, her face easing up on the burn. “Eat as much as you wish, until you feel better.”

“Yeth, Mith Finith.”

Finish blanched inwardly. That wasn’t a tone of joy in her voice; it was one of submission, one of shame. She couldn’t think of anything else to do for her, so she turned instead to Pins. “How are the suits coming along?”

“They are coming along,” Pins said, a serious look on her face. “And if that hag Blue Belle reproaches my employee again—“

“Pins!” Finish’s mind scrambled to say something to her; Pins N’ Needles was a stubborn mare, who would do whatever she said she would do, without fanfare, but with proficiency and force. Best to deal with it before the words came out. “Coco is safe now—I mean fine now.” She groaned. “Isn’t that right, Miss Pommel?”

Coco nodded, her cheeks bulging from holding a maple bar.

“We are growing mares, Pins, we can take care of ourselves.”

Pins looked at her with bemusement.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Coco butted in. “Miss Finish, you said—“

“She said that we are grown mares, and we can take care of ourselves.” Pins continued with the suit she had been working on. “Snappy clients are just something we have to deal with in our job, Coco. You will get used to it. These things pass, and I’m sure she’ll appreciate the dress you’ve made for her.”

“Exactly.”

For the first time that day, Coco smiled. “You really think so?”

“It is how it has always been.” Coco turned to Pins. “Right?

“Right.” That would’ve been where it had ended, had Pins not punctuated her reply with a wink.

“What was that?”

“You know.”

“Know what?”

Pins cocked her head. “You don’t know?”

“No. Do not play these games with me, Miss Needles!”

Pins chuckled and beckoned her closer. Finish leaned in, exasperated at how she was currently being treated.

“You say that we are growing mares, right?”

“Yes!” Finish hissed. “We are growing ma—“ She froze. Her eyes unsteadily went to Pins’, and she was glad that they were hidden behind her goggles, lest somepony see them bugging out. Pins nodded. “Grown mares, that is what I said.”

“And that is what I said,” Pins replied casually.

Finish was feeling flustered. “Just get back to work.”

“Of course, Photo.” Pins went on as if nothing had happened. Finish whirled around at Coco, who had nearly polished off the doughnuts. “Are you feeling better, Miss Pommel?”

“Yes, Miss Finish.” Coco stared at the last two doughnuts in the box.

“If you want them, finish them.”

Coco deliberated and then began poking her belly. She watched with rapt fascination as Coco stood on her hindlegs, poking and prodding her girth. It looked slightly bloated, though Finish guessed she wasn’t full yet.

Slowly, so as not to spook her—or let on anything to Pins—she walked over to the box and lifted up a doughnut. Coco stared at it like Finish had lifted it up magically, and slowly her muzzle opened. Finish eased it into her, watching out of the corner of her eye in case anypony were to watch the lewd thing she was currently doing. Nopony seemed to focus on them; they were all busy getting everything set up for Blue Belle. With a quiet breath, Finish continued feeding the doughnut to Coco.

Coco, meanwhile, ate it with her eyes closed. It surprised Finish that, even though she had polished off ten doughnuts already, she could still be lost in the taste of the eleventh. That one was devoured, and when Finish held up the final, jelly-filled doughnut to her, she leaned in to take it into her maw.

Finish nearly shoved it in, and let her hoof linger there as Coco chewed it. She didn’t know why; perhaps it was to make sure Coco ate it all, but she couldn’t tell for her. She watched Coco swallow, and was about to lower her hoof when Coco stuck her tongue out and began licking it.

Her heart lurched from the sudden realization of what she was doing. Her eyes darted to see if anypony was watching: nopony at all. She could tell that somepony in the background was looking for her, but her sight of him was blocked by Pins holding up the suit in just such as position as would block eye contact. She glared at Pins, who went about in her usual manner, before turning to Coco…

…Whose eyes bugged at the realization of what she had done. Before she could stammer anything out—before she could even get a sound out of her mouth—Finish inspected her hoof.

“I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I—“

“Thank you.”

Coco’s jaw locked. “Huh?”

“It’s clean,” she said as casually as though Coco had given her a spare bit. “Are you feeling better?”

Coco dumbly nodded.

“Do you need anything else? There may be some muffins left.”

Coco blinked, slowly coming back down to reality. She looked down at her belly, which hung over the table. “I-I don’t think so,” she said hoarsely.

“Okay then.” Finish lowered her hoof and prepared to lift the other one for cleaning, before realizing just how stupid of an idea that was. “Now, please get back to work.”

“Yes, Miss Finish.”

With that, Finish walked away from the seamstress, taking a lingering look at Coco’s belly, not hiding the smile that crept onto her face. Coco rested her forelegs on it, pressing down on it, testing its tautness. Finish would’ve admired longer had she not caught Pins staring at her. She walked away, and went straight to dealing with Blue Belle.

What the hay is wrong with me? Why am I acting like such a slut? Where has my professionalism gone!? She looked back at Coco, who had returned to work, and who couldn't avoid the ponyquin brushing its forehoof against her engorged stomach. Perhaps this is getting out of hoof.

The photo shoot went off without a hitch. Blue Belle turned into another model that would end up in her catalog, and with profuse thanks and excitement at having to keep the dress, she bounded off with aristocratic grace off to whatever it was she did. Everypony cleaned up and prepared to go on their lunch break, just as they had always done.

Finish looked over the pictures. They were all extraordinary pictures, and she commended herself on a job well done. Everything about it was as she liked it: perfect. With a satisfied nod, she set them down in her folder and, giving the studio a once-over to see that everything was now in its proper place, freed everypony to lunch.

At lunch, it was common that nopony notice what Finish would do, as she had a habit of lingering there and triple-checking everything. That afforded her some time to look at Coco. The mare at made a few suits, two at most, but that was on pace with their schedule, so everything was good. Pins had finished three, which was even better. Coco had put her equipment away and was about to walk away when she turned, and knocked the ponyquin over.

Finish could only laugh inwardly at the sight, which she immediately found odd. IF somepony else had done that, she would’ve told the pony to pick it up and be on their way, and not be such a clumsy sod. But not Coco. Her flank had slapped against the ponyquin’s side, so it was obviously the ponyquin’s job. It just wanted some of the action.

Photo Finish, what the hay are you on about?

“I don’t know anymore.”

“Don’t know what?”

Finish shook her head, and suddenly everything became clear. Coco was near her, with her saddlebag strapped tightly around her, and Finish must’ve said that out loud.

“I was talking to myself.”

“Oh, okay.”

That was a gift that Finish possessed: the ability to explain oddities with her simply being Photo Finish. “You did an admirable job today, Miss Pommel.”

“Thank you,” she said meekly. “Although I should probably, you know…”

“Do what?”

She was about to mewl something out, but then somepony broke her concentration. “Oh, uh, nothing.”

“Miss Pommel, what is it?”

“No really, it’s nothing.”

“Tell me!”

“Hello, girls!”

Finish stiffened, and her head swiveled about to catch the sight of Fanny Pancake approaching them. Finish could’ve sworn that Fanny had gained some weight, though how she could tell that at all was something she couldn’t figure out. She reasoned that just because Fanny was so big, and so associated with food, it would make sense that she would continue gaining weight.

She shuddered at the thought. Maybe she’d stick around to see Fanny hit immobility.

“Hi, Fanny.” Coco waved excitedly, but then shrunk back considerably. Finish looked out of the corner of her goggles with confusion. What is going on with her?

“How’d it go at work today?” Fanny stopped right on front of them, much to the distaste of passersby, who had to step around her flank to continue their journey. Finish smiled, not just at seeing Fanny again, but at the thought of her mere existence and standing there caused ponies go have to move.

“It was excellent,” Finish said with an excited growl. Fanny raised a brow, while Coco gawked. “I mean, it was excellent.”

“Ain’t that the bees knees?” Fanny looked down at Coco. “And what about you, sweet pea? Everything good?”

“Oh, um, yes.” Her voice was soft, and she stared at the ground.

Fanny’s face took on a look off concern. “What’s wrong? Did somepony be mean to you?” Her eyes went between Coco and Finish; it made the photographer feel uneasy.

“No, it’s nothing.”

“Did somepony insult you?” Fanny stepped towards them a little bit.

“Not exactly. It’s nothing really, there’s nothing to worry about.” She looked up with a smile. “Nothing at all.”

Fanny raised a brow, but smiled as well. “If you say so, honeybun.” She gave a lingering look to Finish, who wilted slightly. “Hey, the girls and I are planning on going out and getting some chocolate. Well, a lot of chocolate for me, obviously,” she added with a guffaw. “Would you want to come along? I know how much you like chocolate!”

Finish made a mental note of that, and turned to Coco. Coco looked about, as if to avoid answering. She couldn’t take any more of the suspense. “Miss Pommel, are you still bothered by Blue Belle’s comment?”

“No, Miss Finish, I’m not,” she said quietly. Both of the other ponies knew that she was lying. “I… I don’t think I’ll be able to make it today, Fanny. I have… work to do.”

Finish’s face scrunched up. “You haven’t even eaten lunch yet—“

“I’ll see you some other time.” She nodded to Fanny, and then turned to Finish. “I will see you back at work.” Before Finish could say anything, she walked away.
Finish stood there for some time. Blue Belle must’ve gotten to her more than I thought.

Obviously. Do you think that now is a good time to tell Coco that she has to lose weight?

Because of what one pony said? It’s like Pins N’ Needles said: these sorts of ponies come by every so often, and we have to learn how to deal with them.

But being fat isn’t acceptable in Canterlot. You’re now seeing that she’s out of place.

I know…

“So what happened?”

Finish whirled around to see Fanny looming over her, her chest dangerously close to bumping into her. “Huh?”

“Why is Coco acting that way? Who hurt her?”

“Listen, it’s just business—“

“Did you hurt her?”

Finish gawked. “No, I did not. It was a client.” She slapped herself; she had just given confidential information, against her job regulations.

“Let me guess,” Fanny began indignantly. “Some skinny model came around and called Coco fat.”

Finish wanted to clarify, but what was there to clarify? She had summed it up succinctly. “Yes.”

“Mmhmm.” Fanny looked at the direction Coco walked away from. “Poor Coco. And did you stand up for her?”

“Of course,” Finish said with a huff. “I would not let anypony insult her.” Her heart began to race. Did I just commit myself to take care of her? What am I doing?
Whatever it was, it cheered Fanny up. “Good. She’s a good mare. She doesn’t deserve to be treated like that.”

“I agree.”

Fanny shook her head. “And I don’t know where she lives, so I wouldn’t be able to talk to her about it.” She sighed. “It must be tough, being even slightly chubby in Canterlot.”

Finish thought about that. She had called Coco slightly chubby, instead of outright fat. The more she thought about it, though, the more it made sense. She had only just recently begun to be immersed in the actual blubber lovers world, so Fanny would have a much better idea of what constituted fat and what constituted slightly chubby.

“Anyway,” Fanny continued with a sigh. “I actually came to see you.”

“You did?” Finish’s heartbeat quickened.

“Yeah.” Fanny’s face softened, and Finish could see signs of weariness. “The gist of it is, our camerapony’s equipment has work itself out, and we need a camera to shoot it with. I know you’re probably not somepony who likes to associate with obese mares and stallions, but we were wondering, if we paid you, if you wouldn’t mind letting us borrow some of your equipment.”

Finish’s heart quickened even more. Let Fanny Pancake, the greatest blubber lover, borrow her camera? “I’d be honored.”

Fanny gaped. “Excuse me?”

“I will let you borrow a camera, free of charge.” She nodded with determination. “Anypony who is a friend of Coco Pommel can borrow the camera for free.”
Fanny squealed in delight. “Ooh, you have just made my day!”

“And if you need anything else, let me know, and I will get it for you.”

Fanny wrapped her in a hug, her barrel enveloping the entire mare’s body. Finish felt the skin and fat sliding over her, enveloping her. She felt like she was in heaven. “Thank you so much! You have no idea how happy that makes me! I’m sure the others will appreciate it as well!”

“Others?” Photo could feel her heart pounding next to Fanny’s fleshy chest.

“Me and the others are a part of a monthly magazine,” Fanny explained, releasing Finish from her heavenly grasp. “We come by here once a year to take a group photo and celebrate ponies with… well, similar tastes.” She shook her body around for some sort of emphasis. “You understand, right? I mean, it’s not like I can hide myself.”

And we’d most certainly not want that. “I understand. I will help you with your photo shoot.”

“D’oh, I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“It would be no imposition.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely.” Finish felt her voice tremble with anticipation, and gulped to calm it down.

Fanny didn’t catch the subtle action, and instead beamed in satisfaction. “Thank you kindly, Photo Finish. It would be an honor.” She looked around. “Well, I must be off now. I’ve got to delegate with some of my other ponies.” She began her ponderous turn, but before completing it, she looked at Finish. “And, say, if you could perhaps talk with Coco about today… and maybe the shoot? I know you’re not a fan of larger ponies—“

Sweet Celestia, stop taunting me!

“But I think she’d look pretty in it. But if she’s too busy…” She didn’t finish it.

“I will talk to her about it.” She nodded. “But not before she is finished with her work.”

In an instant, she found herself shaking a mighty hoof with Fanny. “Of course! I wouldn’t dream of taking her away from her work! This is just for fun, you know!” Before Finish could stop shaking thin air, for Fanny had stopped, the large mare turned. “Well, see you some time in the future!” With that, Fanny began trundling down the road, her flanks almost hitting ponies who shuffled out of her way. Her flanks occasionally bumped against other ponies, but that only made her seem to walk prouder.

Finish sure hoped so. She watched Fanny walk off into the distance until she made a turn, and then turned around and began making her way to work. Something is definitely wrong with her, and I must set it right. She began trotting, looking for a place where she could pick up something for Coco to snack on while they talked.

To the Confectionary

View Online

Photo Finish had expected to be met with some odd glares from her employees when she came back to the studio with a steaming box of cinnamon rolls. She exhaled through her nostrils as slowly as she could, aware of how tense she was from what had happened earlier. It didn’t seem as though anypony noticed her; their eyes were glued to the box on her back.

Behind her goggles, her gaze moved left onto the seamstresses’ table. Pins N’ Needles was making adjustments to a gothic-style dress for a very tall model. She couldn’t see Coco’s face, but she could see her flank poking out from her left, the front of the dress. She must be working on the other side. What a shame; it would’ve been nice to have seen that full backside facing me. She thought this as her eyes travelled to the forelegs of the dress, and noted that one pressed against her flank, draping itself against the curve.

“M-Miss Finish?”

“Yes?” she snapped at the stallion that had spoken up.

He flinched. “Er, I was just going to ask if those are, you know, for us?”

“What?”

Everypony was staring at him in disbelief; nopony would ask a question like that to her. Then again, bringing a box of cinnamon rolls was unusual from Photo Finish. “The cinnamon buns on your back,” he replied, now less timidly.

She made to turn away, to walk straight towards Coco. But then something piped up in her mind.

What are you doing?

I’m taking this to Coco.

All of it?

Yes, all of it.

But what about everypony else?

I didn’t buy any of this for them! Why would they want any anyway?

One did ask for it.

A mere setback.

But what will they say when you—

I will tell them to get back to work! That’s simple enough.

… I mean when they see you giving all of it to Coco.

Her head turned to see Coco, but she jerked her head down before her employees could follow her gaze. Two asked if she was alright, and she replied with a quick nod. Behind her goggles, she looked up to see Coco, whose attention was completely on the dress.

She’s not even looking at me.

“Miss Finish?”

Look at that. She’s not even looking at me!

Relax—

After all I’m doing for her!

You are making a scene.

She looked back up at her other employees, who were all eyeing her with curiosity.

You’re right. It will hurt, but it’s worth capitulating more than revealing my secrets.

A wise decision.

“Of course they are for you. You all have been working hard, and you deserve a reward.” Amid raucous cheers, Finish begrudgingly yielded the box to the eager stallion. Eyes bugged by the gesture, and after a moment of silence they all congregated to the box where they split their spoils.

They hadn’t gotten to all of them, as Finish so mischievously thought to herself. In her forehoof was a single glistening treat, ready to go into the ravenous maw of any gluttonous mare. With at least that consolation, she made her way to the seamstresses’ table.

Coco’s eyes looked briefly at Finish coming towards her, and then at the cinnamon bun, and then back to her work. There was no lingering gaze at the treat in Finish’s hooves, no sniffs from her muzzle, no salivation, no reaching out and snatching it from her. In fact, Finish thought that she had seen the other mare shrink away from the treat.

What is going on? Finish’s nape bristled. Is she… is she avoiding this? Coco continued placidly. No, I cannot have that.

“Coco!”

The other mare started so abruptly, all of her equipment fell out of her hooves and to the table with such a racket, that Pins’ hooves froze up as well. Coco stood, frozen, for a moment, her belly and rump quivering ever-so-slightly from the sudden movement. And then, Coco lowered herself slowly, her ears folding back, her belly squishing against her thighs, her eyes closed in fear.

“Y-yes, Miss Finish?”

The wavering voice caught Finish’s subconscious, but she ignored it. Coco was acting too strangely to heed any sort of patience. “Why are you not joining in the employee camaraderie?”

“The what?”

Finish sighed. “I feel you are becoming too absorbed in your work.” She held out the cinnamon bun for her. “This is for you. Eat it.”
Coco blanched. “No thank you, Miss Finish, I ate earlier. Would you like it, Ms. Needles?”

The pegasus stretched her legs out, her face slightly scrunched up from the sudden interruption. “I don’t have much of a sweet tooth. You go on ahead.”

Coco shook her head again. “I really mustn’t.”

“Do not be a sport-spoiler!” Finish goaded. “Go on.”

“But Miss Finish—“

“Eat it!”

“Stop.”

Both mares turned. Pins was glaring at Finish—not in a noticeably aggressive manner, but Finish knew from experience that Pins wasn’t to be messed with at a time like this. As it were, the pegasus set her needle and thread on the table and walked over to her boss.

Now’s not the time to be balked. “What?”

“Coco does not wish to eat it,” Pins said, moving between the two of them. “Do not force her.”

“Now see here—“

“For both of your sakes.”

She blinked. “What?”

But Pins didn’t answer her. Instead, she turned to Coco and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Darling, you don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to.”

Finish suppressed an indignant snort and looked at Coco. What she saw wasn’t Coco immediately clinging onto the pegasus’s authority, or capitulating to hers. The other mare merely looked at the ground, her forehoof rubbing against her belly.

She is hungry, that I can tell. But why, then, is she denying herself? She looked up at Coco’s face, and saw a hesitant grimace. Does she not like cinnamon buns? I would doubt that! Is she—

“Of course,” Pins continued, her voice dropping a pitch. “You don’t have to refuse simply because you’re on the heavier side.”

Finish started. Is that it? Is she embarrassed? A considering look downwards by the other earth pony further pushed this thought. This is why she doesn’t want to go with Fanny. I bet Blue Belle has caused this! I swear, if I ever see her, I shall make sure she never works another day in fashion again!

“Well…”

She shook her head of the thought and reached out, lifting Coco’s chin with her hoof. “Pins N’ Needles is right. You do not have to eat it if you do not want to. But you do not have to refuse if you do not want to, either. I offer it to you for a job well done. Nothing more.” She thought that she saw Pins roll her eyes, but dismissed it for the mare in front of her.

There was hesitation. Finish extended her hoof.

Coco looked up. Finish shifted her hoof, making sure every glisten of the glaze could be seen.

Coco sniffed the treat. Finish brought it closer to her lips.

Coco’s muzzle opened. Finish pushed it in.

Both mares moaned in delight.

“Yes,” Finish cooed. “There is a good girl.”

Coco’s head leaned to the side as she chewed the entire treat, her cheek smooshing against her neck, causing her right eye to scrunch up. I can’t wait until her entire face is like that all the time. “Mmm, thank you Miss Finish.”

“Of course!” Finish leaned in and wrapped her foreleg around Coco’s neck. “Does this mean that you will go to the chocolate store?”

“Chocolate store?” Pins asked, leaning in. “You mean Master Duffle’s Masterful Delights? Where ponies get so much chocolate, they need duffle bags to carry it out?”

“The very same,” Finish said. There may’ve been others, but surely with appetites as large as Fanny and Black Forest alone possessed, no other place could sate it with vast quantities of chocolate. “You are going, yes?”

Coco blushed. “Oh, I don’t know.”

“You must not be rude,” Finish egged. “After all, I will be helping her with her photo shoot, and it would be nice if you were better connected with them, so that I could… understand their tastes more.”

“And with Photo Finish accompanying you, you can find out together.”

Finish glared at Pins, and was about to chastise her or interrupting, but Coco peeped up. “Will you be there?”

Her goggles nearly flew off from how hard she nodded. “Of course! All the more opportunity for research.”

“Mmhmm… research.”

Finish bristled.

“…Okay, Miss Finish,” Coco said, a faint smile on her face. “You win. I’ll go.”

Finish nodded outwardly, but inside her mind celebrated. Did you hear that? We win.

We win.

We now have the upper hand.

Let’s use it to our advantage.

“Of course we will go. Now finish up this dress.”

“Yes, Miss Finish!” With that, Coco began taking several measurements minute, writing them down deftly onto her notepad. Finish, proud of herself, turned and walked away to take care of other things and get her employees (now filled with cinnamon buns) to work. The sly smile from Pins hadn’t gone unnoticed, but she wasn’t about to sully her victory with questions and chastisements. For the first time in a long time, she couldn’t wait for work to be over.

Fanny Pancake was ecstatic when she heard that Coco would be joining her for her chocolatier adventure. Immediately, she grabbed the mare and dragged her inside. Before Finish could politely follow inside, the door closed in front of her with a simple motion of the larger mare’s flank.

Her mind spiraled. That flank. That beautiful, monstrous flank! She thought about inviting herself into the hotel, but her hoof shook every time she reached for the knob. Maybe I should just wait until they come out. I mean, who knows what they’re doing inside. They’re probably talking about how much chocolate they’re going to eat, rubbing their bellies in anticipation, rubbing each other’s bellies, Coco sinking into Fanny’s bellybutton, Fanny reaching down and massaging Coco’s rump, the two mares pigging out on each other—

“Ah, Photo Finish!”

“Gah!” She jumped and hit her hoof on the knob. “Ooh, confound it all! Who in Equestria—“ Her breath caught when she saw it was Black Forest. “Oh, my stars, I am sorry!”

“Relax, meine freunde. You are so tense.” Black Forest’s voice was soothingly elegant, and her movements were graceful as she walked past Finish. Even her belly, large and round as it was, bounced like a metronome. Her sweater was magenta with silver trim around the neck and hems. As she continued sauntering by, Finish saw something she never thought she’d see Black Forest in: a pair of sweatpants, also magenta with silver trim on the hems. The final addition to her clothing, and what caught Finish’s eye the most was the silver belt that was around her midsection, right between her sweater and pants, hugging her belly tightly. Finish fancied that she looked like a luxurious candy wrapper.

“What do you think?”

“Huh?”

“Stylish, no?”

“Oh, yes! Smooth and unobtrusive, simple and—“ She coughed. “—Alluring. Like a chocolate treat.”

“You really think so?” Black Forest ran a hoof along the fabric, stopping at her bellybutton. “I was going for that exact look.”

“All you need is a shiny silver bow, and you will look like a bon bon.” Oh, my stars, did I really just say that?!

“You are absolutely right!” Black Forest exclaimed in interest. “A bow on my head,” she said considerably, turning her body around. “And one on my tail. Two sides of a wrapper.”

Black Forest’s rump could be described as “chubby” instead of the outright obese belly she had, but it still jiggled in front of Finish’s face. From this view, she witnessed that her belly was constantly pushing into her hocks and thighs, something that apparently didn’t bother her. A few steps in place showed her that all of the grace her walk had was while her thighs were constantly rubbing against her belly, even pressing slightly between them and against her… A quiet whinny escaped her muzzle. “Er, y-yes, two sides, yes.”

Black Forest looked back with a cheeky grin as she knocked on the door. “Fanny, are you almost done?”

“Just a moment!” came Fanny’s voice. “I’m gettin’ Coco ready!”

Getting Coco ready? Finish thought, her tail twitching in anticipation. Ooh, I wonder what she has planned!

“Well, hurry it up in there!” Black Forest cried out coquettishly. “Photo Finish and I are waiting.”

It went silent inside.

“So, Photo Finish,” Black Forest began, turning to her. “Have you ever been to Master Duffle’s?”

“Not… in some time,” Finish lied. In truth, she hadn’t been there at all. There had been no reason to go. “I do not think the owner will remember me.”

“How could anypony forget a name such as yours?”

“It was a long time ago.”

Black Forest’s eyebrow raised, but before she could prod, the door opened. Out stepped Fanny Pancake, garbed in a chef’s jacket (“just to advertise, you know, considering the scene we’re about to make”). Finish noted that the buttons weren’t strained by her titanic gut; it must’ve been a special-made jacket. Behind her shuffled Coco Pommel, and Finish took a good look at her. She had on a small confectioner’s hat, as well as an apron Finish was sure couldn’t have been Fanny’s. It would’ve been insignificantly small and tight on her. On Coco, it hugged her just right, the strings just barely cutting into her supple flesh, the front curving along her belly like holding jelly in a bowl.

It took some effort for Finish’s jaw to stay in place, and not to utter a cry of beauty. She couldn’t stop a shaky breath from her nostrils.

“You look healthy!” Black Forest commented. “Perhaps if this modelling business doesn’t work out, you can be a baker of some sort!”

Finish balked, though in an instant regained herself. The slight wasn’t lost on Fanny, it seemed.

“Ah, Miss Finish,” the large mare said, looking down at her. “What brings you here?”

Finish began to feel dizzy. Three large mares, each wearing something that caught her eye, and she was the odd one out. It had been a long time since she had been at the bottom of a conversation, and it had caught her off guard. “I, uh, came here to see… uh—“

“Oh, she came to see if you wanted to talk about the photo shoot, while we’re at the factory.” Coco stepped around Fanny and stood next to her boss. “If that’s okay with you.”

“Oh,” Fanny said, incredulous. “Is that so?”

Finish took a deep breath. “Yes. And…”

“And?” Fanny prodded.

“And I thought it would be nice to go somewhere new.” Her heart was pounding at Fanny’s inquisitive eyes. “Try and see new things. It is always good for my jo-for myself.”

It was Coco’s turn to look surprised. “Really? I mean, you could’ve just asked. I’m sure we’d be delighted to take you along.” When Finish began nodding, Coco blanched. “Not that you’d have to ask, of course, Miss Finish. I was just saying—“

“I understand,” Finish said. “Relax, this is supposed to be fun!”

“Now that’s the spirit!” Fanny guffawed, slapping Finish on the back. The smaller mare, by virtue of inertia, fell to the ground, but not before her rump was slapped by the meaty foreleg (by virtue of motion). “Oh, sorry about that! I don’t know my own strength sometimes.”

“It is quite alright,” Finish moaned, raising herself on shaky hooves. “It is all for fun, right?”

“Indeed,” Black Forest interrupted, stepping between the two of them. “Now what do you say we, as you Equestrians say, ‘get this show on the road’?”

“Oh, yes!”

“Ja.”

“Alright, ladies!” Fanny proclaimed, taking a stride forward. “Let’s go!”

Thus the four mares began walking down the street, and to anypony on the sides, or behind them, or in front of them scrambling to get out of the way, they were a sight to see. Fanny was like a carnival show on her own up front, her cheerful walking sending her body swaying to and fro, her rump bouncing like she was dancing. Black Forest, following closely to Fanny’s right rump, walked with measured grace; hers was a calm gait, keeping up with Fanny while staying just far back to not be smothered. Coco, in the middle, kept her gaze slightly downward, probably so as not to be caught looking at that magnificent backside, Finish thought.

Finish yielded the left side, only because Coco knew Black Forest personally more than she did; her knowledge from Blubber Lovers, of course, supplanted more information than Coco could’ve possibly had. Still, a view from the left side wasn’t that bad; and on the plus side, every time Coco would be in her own world and would bump into Fanny’s rump, Finish had a clear view of it, and Black Forest would have a harder time seeing Finish’s grin.

Still, there were other ponies on the road that could see her. She knew that the others were drawing a spectacle, but as far as anypony knew she was simply on the same road as them, going the same direction. There were a few murmurs, and every time a pair of eyes fell on her, Finish could feel her blood chill.

What are they thinking about me? She found herself inching away from the other mares and took a step onto the sidewalk.But what if they think I’m trying to get away from them? She took a step down onto the road. But what if they think that I’m trying to be with them? Sidewalk. But I am trying to be with them! Road. But I mustn’t let them know that. Sidewalk. I really shouldn’t be worrying about that—

Coco bumped into Fanny’s rump again, and her head ground down along the bottom curve until Fanny’s undercheek rested on top of Coco.

Oh, sweet Celestia, yes! Get in there!

Before she could conjure up any sort of fantasy, Finish walked straight on into an onlooking pony. And before she could reprimand the assailant, she felt her hooves falling of under her. And before she could scream for help, somepony caught her in their own hooves.

“Oh, my stars! Are you all right?”

Finish adjusted her goggles and looked at the stallion on front of her. “Fancy Pants! Wh-what brings you here? At this street? On such a… day?”

For his part, Fancy Pants didn’t seem fazed by her awkward speech. Instead, he beamed at her in his usual alacritous manner. “Why, Fleur and I were just out and about enjoying a stroll! Isn’t that right, my dear?”

Behind him was Fleur, in a casual red dress and chapeau. She didn’t join the other two in conversation; instead, she was standing stock still in place, her face aghast, and her eyes glued on Fanny. Finish and Fancy Pants walked up to her and watched the massive mare walk on by. As Fanny’s meaty shoulder was about to block their view of her face, Fanny’s left eye wandered down to Fleur. At the last moment before she passed them by, Fanny winked.

Fleur snorted. “I guess the circus is in town.”

If anypony heard that, they didn’t show it. Fanny continued walking confidently on by, her flank nearly bumping into Fleur (who scuttled backwards to avoid it). Black Forest and Coco followed behind; Fleur’s gaze lingered on the latter.
“Isn’t that one of the mares that works for you,” Fleur asked nervously, pointing a hoof daintily at Coco.

“Y-yes,” Finish said.

“What is she doing with such—“

“Shall we talk about your dress?”

Fleur gaped, apparently from confusion rather than impudence.

“Yes, that sounds like a splendid idea!” Fancy Pants cried out, taking his wife’s hoof. “We were just talking about Fleur’s shoot, just today, actually, and now would be a perfect time to catch up!”

“Yes!” Finish exclaimed, taking the two of them the opposite direction. “Your dress, it is a simple pink. We are going for both elegant and delicate with that color choice, as you don’t want to look too fancy at a dinner. There will be seashells lining it, to make ponies think of the ocean views in Bitaly…”

"Ooh, then what about a pearl necklace?"

"We shall see about that as well!"

She went on about the dress, which was both simple and elegant. Fleur listened at first with a discerning ear, and then with delight as the conversation continued. The venue had been picked: the balcony of a design parlor, one luxurious ponies knew about on a need-to-know basis. The cuisine had been picked, Fleur particularly praising her on her pick of cavatappi noodles (“I can’t afford to look like I eat much else, or ponies’d think I’d end up like those mares.”) The other details, such as travel costs and scheduling, had to still be set up; Finish said that they were currently packed, but the truth was that she had been putting off the request.

After everything was laid out, Fleur clapped her hooves together and cried, “Wonderful! I knew you would come through for me, Photo Finish!”

“Yes, I always do.”

“Indeed!” Fancy Pants took Fleur’s hoof in his own. “Come, darling. What say we head on over to a chocolatier’s to celebrate? A treat is in order.”

Fleur blanched. “What say, rather, my dear husband, we go to an arts museum? I don’t need to be sullying my figure, hm?” She chortled. “No offense to your lesser, of course, Photo Finish.”

“Oh, none at all,” Finish replied through clenched teeth.

Without another word, and a wave from the stallion, the two aristocrats made their way past Finish and went about their business. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. That was close. I really need to take a break. Chocolate does sound good about now.

Her eyes snapped open. “Oh, my stars!” Without delay, she galloped down the street. It no longer mattered what ponies thought of her, for she was bent on reaching her entourage. “Please do not be there already!”

As her luck would have it, the trio were still walking by the time Finish had found them. She cantered on as if she weren’t in a big hurry, and stopped to a slow walk while keeping pace with them. Coco looked over at her and, seeing her returned, stepped towards her.

“Are you okay?” Coco asked.

“I’m fine,” Finish croaked. “I just had to take care of business with Fleur.”

Coco’s eyes lit up. “Oh, my, I hope she’s not mad at having to wait this long for her shoot.”

Finish chuckled. “It will be a while yet before she gets her shoot, and she knows this. The location is booked solid for a while.”

“Oh.” Coco didn’t press on. “I see.”

Finish noted the tone in Coco’s voice. Despondent again? What is going on with this mare? She is in the company of me! And Fanny and Black Forest! What could she be despondent about?

As if reading her mind, “A few ponies laughed at me earlier. I bumped into Fanny, and they said that I must’ve been blind to not have stopped.”

“This does not matter,” Finish said quickly. “You must ignore them.”

“Oh.”

It was the end of that conversation, and Finish wouldn’t prod on. Coco wasn’t immediately swayed back to being happy, but it was best to move on a bit at a time. After only a few steps more, the four of them stopped.

“And here we are!” Fanny turned around ponderously, and then lifted up a foreleg in a showmare’s manner. “Master Duffle's!”

Master Duffle’s Masterful Delights had gold-painted grilles in the windows, guiding the unsuspecting travellers’ eyes to them and, consequently, to the wares on the other side. A dark, mahogany table, which housed a pyramid of gold-wrapped chocolate truffles, was the first thing that greeted ponies’ and other creatures’ eyes. This, Finish recognized and she was sure Fanny outright know, was not only to show how sophisticated the place was, but for the slope of the pyramid to draw the eye upwards to the rest of its wares. Behind it, mahogany shelves and magenta-clothed tables held various other gold-wrapped confections, just waiting for the passersby to go inside and unwrap them.

“Have you ever been here?” Black Forest asked.

“No,” Finish and Coco said together.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Fanny walked forward and bent down to make her way inside. “Now I hope he widened these doors like he said he would.”

One of two things became obvious: either he hadn’t widened them, or Fanny had simply outgrown them. Either way, Fanny’s flanks caught in the doorway, exposing her backside for all to see. The door frame creaked as it was forced to rock forwards and backwards, the hinges creaked with the force of flank on them, and the welcome rug out front was beat with Fanny’s hindlegs as she waddled in place. Fanny’s tail rocked back and forth, up and down, free of its own accord.

“Dagnabbit, Duffle!” they heard Fanny say from inside. “I thought you said these doors would be widened!” Behind them, ponies gathered to see the spectacle; a lot of mares looked away in disgust, while the stallions stayed in place, transfixed. Black Forest shook her head, amused, while Coco shuffled in place not knowing what to do.

Finish stepped away into an alleyway to avoid other ponies. Once within the shadows, she began hyperventilating. She tried speaking, tried thinking, but the only thing she could do was moan. Her tail was hiked straight up as she continued watching, seeing Fanny bucking back and forth, trying to inch her way inside. Another moan escaped, and she felt something warm running down her muzzle. Still, no thoughts.

“Shouldn’t somepony go help her?

“How is anypony supposed to push that through that doorway?”

“Should we try and pull her out?”

“And keep her from all of that chocolate?”

Meanwhile, Coco fidgeted in place. “Should we try and help her?”

“No.” Black Forest walked to a bench and sat down on it. “Duffle should come out eventually.”

“How do you know?”

“He doesn’t miss his chance.”

“His chance? For what?”

As she asked, somepony walked from around the back of the shop and up to the madly jiggling rump cheeks. He walked to within reach of Fanny’s backside, and stood there for a moment staring at the effort.

“Who’s that?” Coco asked.

“That,” Black Forest said, settling into place, “is Master Duffle Bag.”

Photo Finish took a few shallow breaths to calm herself down and peeked at the stallion. He was a suave gentlecolt, with a light brown coat and a gold mane and tail. His build was normal for a stallion, but his poise was proper and in control. His blue eyes wandered around Fanny’s as if he were scanning a work of art.

And then the moment was interrupted.

“Duffle!” Fanny cried from inside the store. “Where are you, you crazy sonuva—?”

“Relax, my dear,” the stallion spoke in a voice as smooth, rich and deep as chocolate. “I am right behind you.”

A groan came from within. “Oh, of course you’d be back there, instead of inside pulling me through this door that you said you were going to widen last year!”

“And how do you know,” Duffle continued, feigning disinterest, “that I didn’t widen them, and you simply widened more than that?”

Finish was beginning to feel nervous, but almost immediately Fanny guffawed. “Oh, I see. So you’re just enjoying the show, aren’t you?”

“Every year, my dear,” he said, giving her rump a pat. “It’s not every day I witness such a glorious bounty enter my shop doors. I simply must savor it.”

“You pig!” Fanny squealed in delight. “Come on!”

“Yes, I am just as gluttonous as you, honey.” Duffle smiled, patted her rump in reassurance, and planted a kiss on the right cheek.
Finish nearly swooned.

“Now, then,” he continued, clapping her hooves together forcefully. Then, in an instant, he rammed into her backside with his shoulder, and then began shoving against her. His foreleg sunk into her flesh, his face was half-buried in the flesh, and his hooves dug into the ground from how much he was pushing. From how unremarkable his size was, he pushed with enough force to send her part of the way through. The ponies watching were silent, save for a single stallion that muttered an awed “dayum.”

“E-excuse me, Master Duffle, but do you need help?”

The half of his face that wasn’t buried looked at Coco, who was standing next to him. His smile grew wider. “Are you one of Fanny’s friends?”

She nodded.

“Yes, I could use some assistance. Fanny’s been snacking incessantly, as you can plainly see.”

“Hey!”

Coco chuckled, and then threw herself at Fanny’s other cheek. Fanny’s rump squished deeper into the doorframe, and everypony could see progress being made as her flanks slid further in. Fanny’s hindlegs stamped in an effort to get herself in, a display that made Duffle laugh. All the while, Black Forest watched patiently, Finish madly, and everypony else stunned.

Finally, after a whole minute of shoving, slapping, stomping and grunting, the three ponies finally pushed through the door. Fanny’s flanks, no longer squished on both sides, flared out and bounced freely. Coco and Duffle bounced against her cheeks as they all crashed to the floor. The door, now relieved of its burden, slowly closed.

Finish’s tail slowly lowered back to normal. Her breath returned to her, and her legs stopped shaking. Everything seemed to be returning to normal, so she emerged from the alleyway.

“Well,” Black Forest began, getting up and looking at Finish. “That is our cue to follow.”

“Ja.”

“Bitte.”

“Danke.” They nodded to each other, and Finish walked towards the door. Fanny had been helped up onto her hooves, and turned to beckon the other two inside.

But something nagged in Finish’s mind. Wait, maybe I shouldn’t go in.

Why not?

I don’t know.

Then just go in. You will be closer to Coco and Fanny and Black Forest.

But…

But what? Just watch them eat, and it will all be fine.

Yes, it should all be fine.

Once she entered, she walked over next to Coco and looked at the interior. Both mares’ eyes were wide in awe, though Finish managed to keep her jaw closed.

There were thousands of treats on display, of various shapes and sizes; some were smaller than a ladybug, while others were larger than a basketball. Bars, bon bons, kisses, cookies, puddings, cakes, cupcakes, chocolate-covered fruits and flowers, and many more things were out, organized like toys in a toy store. It was hard to take in all at once, even harder once they noticed how the displays weren’t organized like books in a library; displays and shelves twisted and turned like filigrees. Displays were also blocked from ponies’ views by chocolate fountains and (Celestia help us all) casks. Finally, the namesake Duffle bags were scattered next to the door, for anypony's taking.

It was all a bit too much for Finish to take in, and she began to feel lightheaded.

“Oh my stars!” Coco exclaimed, leaning forward to see Finish’s face. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, why would I not be?” Finish croaked.

Everypony else turned to her. Black Forest spoke up, surprised. “Oh, you have a nosebleed.”

“Huh?” She reached down and felt her muzzle. Indeed, her nose had begun bleeding. She imagined when pretty quickly. “Oh, yes.”

“Did something happen while we were helping Fanny?” Coco asked.

Finish suppressed a blush. “No, nothing happened. I just, uh…”

Duffle chuckled. “I can imagine that such a marvelous display can have such an effect on ponies.” He looked at Fanny, who gave him a wry smile.

“I doubt it,” she said lowly. “Anyway, why don’t you get cleaned up, darlin’? You’re looking a li’l pale.”

“Ah, yes.” Duffle pointed to a doorway near the back. “The restrooms are that way. Would you like some water?”

“No, thank you,” Finish said, trying her best to sound normal. With a deep breath, she walked away from the group. They began talking amongst themselves, but she didn’t hear them.

Upon reaching the doorway (which, she noticed with gratefulness, wasn’t near any of the displays), she walked straight to the mares’ room and went right to the sink. She was aware of somepony else there, but paid her no mind. She splashed some water on her nostrils, and then some more on her face.

Keep it together, Photo Finish. You won’t have to endure this much longer.

Yes. Just enjoy it as it is: a day out to sample some chocolate with some other ponies.

And an opportunity to discuss business.

Yes! If you get distracted, talk about business, about the upcoming shoots!

Or eat some chocolate yourself.

Yes.

“Here you go, dear.” The other mare handed her some paper towels. “For your nose.”

Photo Finish turned to take them. “Thank you—“

She froze.

No, no no no no

Yes, yes yes yes yes!

It’s a damned coincidence!

It’s fate smiling down upon me!

It was Dark Chocolate.

“You look like you got a little too excited.”

That was an understatement; Photo Finish felt like she was going to explode with emotions. She was exactly like she appeared in her comics, with the same large dimples, the same wide barrel, the same round belly, the same wide rump.

“Looks like it’s still going.”

She was barely aware of paper towels being dabbed onto her nose, as her mind raced to comprehend what was happening. She must’ve looked like a fool, she thought, staring blankly at one of the most prominent ponies in Blubber Lovers. There was also the matter frazzling her mind on where French Vanilla was. They were always together, where could she be, was Dark Chocolate by herself—“

A flush from one of the stalls made her head snap to the right. Second later, the door opened, revealing the other half of the couple. French Vanilla, in all of her glory, came out with small steps. The creamy-white mare walked over to the sink and began washing her hooves, obliviously humming to herself.

Okay, calm down, your idols are right in front of you, and you’re bleeding like a horny teenager! Thank Celestia your tail’s not going berserk.

She checked.

Yes, not going wild at all.

Why are they here?

They’re probably here for the shoot.

And to hang out with Fanny.

Exactly. You’re with them now, so introduce yourself.

“Good afternoon,” Finish croaked.

Dark Chocolate smiled. “There we go, dear. You’ve gained your senses back.”

French finally looked over at them. “Oh, hello!” Her voice was soft, like a reserved schoolfilly’s. “You’re Photo Finish!”

Seeming to have forgotten this simple fact, Finish straightened herself up an adjusted her goggles. “Yes, I am. And you are?”

“Oh, nopony important.” French looked down at the ground.

Oh no, this isn’t going well. Why is she acting like this?

Dark looked between them, and then took French’s hoof. “I’m sorry, Miss Finish, but we should probably be going. Come on, Vanilla.” Dark held French close to her as they walked out. “It was a pleasure.”

“It was more than a pleasure.”

They stopped. “What?” Dark asked.

Why did you say that?

It’s true.

“I mean, thank you for helping me. How can I repay you?”

French looked at the ground, pawing at it softly. Dark, meanwhile, raised a brow. “Repay? There’s no need, I just wanted to help.”

That didn’t work.

What did you expect?

What did I expect?

And now they’re going to go to Fanny Pancake and tell this whole story to—

A lightbulb went off in her head. “Yes, and I think you would honor us by joining us for some chocolate dining.”

“I’m sorry,” Dark replied, obviously trying to act patient. “But we already have a group of ponies that we’re hanging out with.”

As the two mares turned, Finish stepped in front to open the door. “I’m sure Fanny would insist.”

They both stopped.

“Fanny?” French perked up. “Fanny Pancake?”

“Yes,” Finish said, feigning ignorance. “You know her?”

“Know her?” Dark laughed heartily. “She’s one of our best friends! How does the great Photo Finish know her?”

“I’m working on a photo shoot with her.”

“You are?” French asked, a tinge of fright in her voice.

“Yes, I am mainly there to replace some equipment, but I would like to be there to make sure it functions properly.”

“Oh.” French leaned her face into Dark’s shoulder, her left eye sinking into the flesh. “I see.”

What is going on with her?

I don’t know. Perhaps she’s just shy?

“What’s wrong, baby?”

“Nothing.”

Or maybe not. Finish felt the tension rising, so she instead waved the mares to come out. “But that is for later. For now, they are getting ready to eat. We should join them.”

That made French perk up. “Yes, that sounds lovely.” With that, and no other words, the three mares left the bathroom. They easily found Fanny and the others laughing near the entrance. Finish noticed that the front door sign had been flipped to “CLOSED,” and that no other ponies were inside.

“It’s a private party,” Dark said to her. “We get this factory to ourselves for one day.”

“Hey, girls!” Fanny swept the two portly ponies in a hug, and Finish wished that she could see their flesh meshing against one another. “Finally, I haven’t seen you in so long!”

“It’s great to see you as well, Fanny,” Dark replied, hugging the right half of Fanny’s neck.

“We’ve missed you dearly,” French said, hugging the left half.

They hugged for a few seconds, and then Fanny set them down. For an obese mare, she could lift quite a bit. I wonder how much she can lift. Maybe she can lift up everypony onto her massive back, so everypony can ride her and—

Not now! You’ve caused enough trouble as it is!

“Oh, and who is this?” Dark approached Coco. “A new friend?”

“Yeah!” Fanny grabbed Coco and brought her right next to her, sandwiching her between her thigh and chest. “This is Coco Pommel. She works for Photo Finish as a designer of dresses.”

“Really?” French piped up. “How chic.”

Coco blushed. “Um, nice to meet you.”

“Likewise, mademoiselle,” French said, bowing to her.

“Right back at you!” Dark said. “And don’t think you can hide from me, Black Forest!”

Everypony turned to the mentioned mare, who was sitting down on a chaise next to the store. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Dark. You’re too keen for that.”

“Hello, mon ami,” French said, walking over and nuzzling her.

“Hello, meine freunde.”

Dark watched impatiently. “Yeah, yeah, save some for me!” Dark threw herself onto Black Forest’s gut, bringing out an oomph! from her. “Though I’m expecting there will be more of you by the time we’re done.”

More?

“We shall see, Dark.”

We shall?

“Okay,” Duffle said, stepping to the side. “Is everypony here?”

Everypony… and that means me!

What are you so upset at now?

“Yeah, I think we all are!”

“Shall we get on with it, ladies?”

We can’t watch them.

What? Why not?

Because we’re here!

“Don’t be nervous, Coco.”

“Yeah, just have fun.”

“Okay, I’ll try.”

We can’t just be voyeurs anymore.

Yes we can-wait, I see.

We’re here, and we will be expected to act!

“Are you ready, Madame Finish?”

“I am.”

All of our fantasies, our watching, and we’re now in the middle of it!

What do we do?

Feed them!

No, don’t be so forceful.

Stuff them!

Calm down!

Run?

It’s too late.

No it’s not.

Well, we won’t, now will we?

No.

Then what do we do?!

“It is all yours, my ladies.”

The five large ponies set off into the chocolate sea, and Finish could do nothing but watch.

What do I do?

Just go in. Be yourself.

Yes. And claim my prize.

The Second Incident

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Off Finish went to claim her prize, searching for any of the mares to show any signs of vulnerability, or better yet willingness, and even best yet lust. She knew chocolate had a slightly romantic effect on ponies, and plotted to take every advantage of that she could. Within the limits of acceptable pony standards and decency, of course. Still, it was good to hope that they’d get drunk on chocolate, and wouldn’t mind a belly rub and more upon that.

Fanny shoveled food down like a hippopotamus, shoving as many candy bars and balls and other assorted treats into her maw and munching on them with those titanous cheeks. She thought about trying to get something going on with her, what with her having massive loads of chocolate within her, but decided otherwise. It would be a dangerous venture to go to a mare that massive and hungry until she was full, and she doubted that that would happen anytime soon.

Black Forest was at a bar, guzzling down hot chocolate after hot chocolate. She playfully patted and rubbed her tummy, and for a moment the two mares watched it swell up. More and more it swelled, becoming rounder and rounder and bigger and bigger bigger bigger bigger! Finish wanted to wait for the mare to finish, for at least her hooves to sink into her spherical body, but that would take too long, especially since the gluttonous mare was only on her twentieth mug. So she moved along.

She was so anxious to stuff a pony to the brim that she went looking for Coco. Eventually she found her in the back, eating slowly and steadily. That wouldn’t do, no siree. She reached for as many pieces of candy as she could and began shoveling them in Coco’s mouth. Coco moaned as she ate, and slowly but surely began to swell with fat.

“Yessss. Get nice and big for me, my prize.”

“As you wish,” Coco moaned as more food was thrust into her muzzle.

“Oh my,” she heard from behind her. It was Dark Chocolate, who was watching with French Vanilla. Both mares were blushing. “Now that is a feeding session.”

Finish grinned. “It looks like you will have to up your game.”

“Don’t worry about that, honey,” Dark said with a wink. “I’ve already got that covered.”

Finish stared at her as Dark passed the two of them, giving Finish a playful bump with her flank, and shoved more candy into Coco. The shyer mare had grown nearly as big as Dark herself, but kept on eating regardless. Dark shook her rump as she walked, making sure the three observers could see everything.

And then she stepped into a large fountain of chocolate, and disappeared. Probably getting a drink, Finish supposed, she waited for the other mare to emerge humongous. Maybe even Fanny’s size.

Dark eventually resurfaced, still the same size, but now covered in darker chocolate. From head to tail, everything about her dripped with chocolate.

“Shall we?” French asked the two other mares. She led them to her girlfriend, and they all surrounded her, taking in the glistening spectacle within their circle.

After a moment of admiration and posing, Dark cleared her throat. “Well, girls? Eat up! As they say… it’s on me.”

French kissed Dark on the cheek. “I’ll be sure to leave a generous tip.”

“You always do.”

And with that, French began licking her girlfriend’s face. Starting with the left cheek, she suckled it clean, taking the entire thing into her mouth. Dark’s eye closed from the panting that French did from her nostrils, they were that close together. The other mares could hear the sucking and suckling, with large swallows of chocolate. A bit of it ran down onto French’s muzzle.

Once the left one was suckled clean, she moved down to Dark’s double chin. Her tongue darted around in the crevice like she was performing cunnilingus, with long licks and short dances, and kissing the fatty area around it. When French would stop to take a breath, Dark would lick the chocolate that would drip onto her muzzle. And then they’d go at it again.

Finish was hot and bothered, and decided to move in. Dark’s left cheek was clean, but her right cheek was still coated in chocolate. Finish stepped up and watched as Dark winked at her. And then Finish stuck her tongue out.

The chocolate was amazing, and Finish’s entire muzzle sunk into her cheek. It shouldn’t have been possible, but it did. Finish buried herself into it, looking at Dark’s gleaming eye from the corner of her goggles. It was an amazing thought, to think that Dark’s fat cheek—one fat cheek—could feel the same as, she imagined, a skinnier mare’s entire bubbly rump.

Speaking of rump, she heard Coco move in on Dark as well. She retreated for a moment, leaving a wet patch of coat on Dark, and looked underneath her belly. What she saw made her even hotter than before: Coco was licking Dark from the hooves up.

“That’s it,” Finish purred. “Lick her from the bottom up. Stoop yourself to her service, make yourself servile until you can’t control yourself, until you must eat everything and everypony that I desire. You’ll have a never-ending appetite.”

Coco was much quicker than the other two mares, licking Dark’s cannon clean in seconds before moving on to the next one. Finish returned to the task of licking the cheek clean. As she was about to finish, she felt a muzzle press next to hers; French had moved in to steal the final piece from her. Finish wouldn’t complain, not while French was so close, pressing her side into hers.

“Why don’t you move on to the belly?” French suggested. “I’ll work on her back, and Coco can continue on her legs.”

Finish could only nod as she swallowed chocolate. Dark, hearing their plan, stood up onto her hind legs, exposing her belly for Finish. That glorious belly shoved in front of her face. French wasted no time in shoving Dark’s mane in her mouth. Coco’ meanwhile, had finished both cannons and moved to putting the larger mare’s forelegs into her mouth, at the same time.

Finish growled in lust, and would not be beaten. She stared at Dark’s belly, large and full, waiting for Finish to dive in. And dive in she did. Finish sank into Dark’s flesh a few inches, enough to where Dark’s moan vibrated her whole face. Encouraged, she began lapping up chocolate as fast as she could. The best part of all of this was that no matter how much she ate, she never got any fuller.

No, the best part was the company. Coco was so eager to please, and watching her suck on two chocolate-covered legs at once drove Finish wild. French had finished her mane, and worked from her nape downwards. At times, the two fat mares’ bodies would grind against and hug Finish’s far skinnier body, driving her close to the edge.

To top it off, Dark constantly moaned at the attention, drawing breaths suggesting she was close to a climax. Finish let her expert tongue draw circles around Dark’s navel, and then widened outwards. She sometimes licked in unison with French, going as low as her, as slowly or quickly as her, along her chest and belly. Finish would lift Dark’s belly from its underside, pressing her face up against it as she lapped up chocolate from down there.

After cleaning that area up, Finish got a look at Dark’s teats. They were like malt balls, large and round and covered in chocolate. She probably would’ve stared forever, had French not pushed her head in between her lover’s legs and pulled her forward by the mane.

“Drink up, Photo Finish,” she said.

Finish needed no further compliance. Her lips wrapped around Dark’s nipple and began suckling deeply. The other mare moaned in obscene amounts of pleasure, her back presumably arching since her belly thrust forwards. Coco soon joined afterwards, and the two of them worked on pleasuring Dark as much as they possibly could. Finish even teamed up with Coco in a double-faced motorboat, which caused spurts of chocolate milk to land on their faces.

This would’ve went on for ages, but eventually Finish became hungrier for more. Everypony was eager to oblige, as they all maneuvered her past their large bodies until she was kneeling down behind Dark. A knowing smirk came from her and French as Dark hiked her tail up.

Finish knew what was coming, and smirked. The last of the chocolate had to come off somehow, and she had been chosen to do it. And do it, she would.

“Supporting each other, no matter how heavy.”

And Dark dropped her rump down upon her.

When she came to, she found herself lying on a chaise with her head on a pillow, and Master Duffle Bag’s hoof on her forehead. He looked concerned, and she felt a slight pain.

“My dear, are you alright?”

She moaned as she rose. “What happened?”

“You stood in place for a while, and then you fell forward and hit your head.” He was the only one around, the other off doing their own thing. “Should I get a doctor or a coach?”

“No, I’m fine.” How did I have such a vivid dream in the middle of all of this? Why did I have this dream? She was obviously not in the right element, but she decided to stay. She had to stay. For the girls. For the chance of a lifetime. For Coco Pommel.

Within the Chocolate Factory

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Photo Finish was stuck in place. What was the proper thing to do? Grab as much chocolate as she could and shovel it into these mares’ maws? Take it one piece at a time, savoring each flavor like a wine tester? Place them over one mare’s body while the other two eat off of it, like the Neighponese sometimes do? Her heart was racing, with the possibilities swarming into her mind, the burning desire to make these mares round and subject to her whims, and the desire to become closer to them as friends making her head swim.

Her head swam so much that she decided to walk in order to clear it. Perhaps walking among them will give me an opportunity.

Perhaps. But remember, be cordial.

And assertive.

Maybe.

Definitely.

Maybe.

She looked around for anypony to talk to, and found a sight that made her stop in place, gawking. Fanny hadn’t jumped into the fray like she had imagined. Instead, the largest mare in the room had laid her body down, by Duffle’s urging, on a chaise. The poor piece of furniture groaned as its legs bent inwards and its bottom splintered. For an instant, she wondered if it hadn’t been specially made for Fanny, since it didn’t break immediately.

And then her attention shifted to Duffle, who had climbed onto Fanny’s rump like it was a ladder, and hoisted himself onto her side. Fanny laughed as Duffle did it, and the stallion, encouraged, bounced on her flank as if it was out of control. His entire body was laid out on her flank alone; what it must’ve felt like, having all four legs sink into that pillowy, fleshy flank.

He continued his climb along her side, stopping to give her belly a kiss, eventually reaching her thick neck. His legs drooped along it, and Finish wondered if he had an erection buried in the shoulder fat. It wouldn’t have surprised her.

Then, reaching out of Finish’s view, Duffle pulled out a jar of chocolate balls. Fanny eyed them with obvious lust, and a bead of drool slid down her cheek. Duffle smiled at the sight.

“Hungry?”

Fanny shook her head and chuckled. “What do you think? I’ve been away from your chocolate for so long.”

“I know,” he said, with a change in his voice. Finish almost wanted to say that it was wistfulness, but she couldn’t imagine why. “I always yearn for this time every year.”

Every year? Why have I never heard of this until now?

You’ve never been in here, that’s why.

That’s true.

“But,” he continued, his eyes gleaming with desire, “I always save the best for you.”

Fanny grinned, lifting a foreleg and wiping her cheek. “And I always bring my biggest appetite for these moments.”

“Then open wide, my bountiful beauty!”

Fanny’s muzzle coyly popped open, her eyes closed in anticipation.

Finish watched and waited, hoping that Duffle would begin feeding her the treats one by one in a feast that would last hours. Instead, he tipped the jar downward, letting the malt balls fall into her mouth. The jar became three-quarters full, and the half-full, and then it only had a quarter of its contents left. She watched as Fanny’s cheeks bulged with the treats, filling up like she was gaining weight then and there.

The jar’s contents were all inside Fanny’s cheek, and the large mare barely looked like she was struggling. Her muzzle closed, and she chewed the hundred-or-so balls like it was all just a small wad of bubblegum. A chorus of crunches resounded in Finish’s ears, and she couldn’t even imagine what it was like for Duffle to watch.

The stallion had reached down for another jar, this time full of kisses. But he didn’t shove them into her mouth like Finish would’ve done. Instead, he watched as she continued to chew the mouthful, assumedly savoring every bite.

After a minute, she swallowed, and a noticeable bulge travelled down her throat. Duffle cooed as the bulge travelled along his groin, and he reflexively bucked on her neck.

Finish’s tail swished. This stallion has good tastes. I wonder what he does to mares when he’s got them in bed!

“You were right,” Fanny said. “These are your best chocolates.”

“Only the best for my balena bellezza.” He hoisted up her foreleg and kissed her hoof.

She giggled, and Finish noted that her usual loudness was gone; Fanny spoke quietly, as if to a lover. Is there something there that I am seeing?

Duffle poured the entire jar of kisses into her mouth, and watched patiently as she chewed. Then they moved on to a jar of s’mores, then a tray of chocolate cupcakes, then a plate of cake, and so on and so forth. There was a multitude of treats that Finish didn’t even recognize, but watching Fanny eat them was nonetheless enjoyable.

After the tenth large serving of treats, Finish looked around to see if anypony was staring at her. Nopony was. I should stop standing around and mingle with them. I’m sure Fanny wouldn’t take kindly to me standing around and not partaking in anything, even if I’m not an MMM.

With that decided, she walked over to the feeding duo. Duffle had to hop off for a moment, leaving Fanny alone. The mare was rubbing her belly, which still looked empty, as far as Finish was concerned. It slapped against her thighs whenever she dropped it. “Excuse me, Miss Pancake?”

Fanny’s eyes darted to her, and her expression became serious. “Oh, hello Photo Finish. What brings you over here?”

Finish cleared her throat, then regretted doing that as it was too professional for a place like this, and then brushed it off completely as it would’ve been odd for her to act unprofessional, and then felt odd emotions welling up inside her. “I came over here to—“

She froze. What did she come over here for? She couldn’t say that she was admiring her body or eating habits, and it wasn’t likely that she needed anything from Duffle Bag. What was there to say? She couldn’t walk away now.

“I came over here too… to talk about the photo shoot.”

“Ah,” Fanny replied curtly. “Listen, darlin’, I appreciate the enthusiasm, but now’s not the time or the place for that. I’ve been waiting for this trip for a long time, and plan on enjoying myself.”

“Yes—“

“I think you should go enjoy yourself as well,” Fanny said with a smile. “Or, since I know you’re busy with other models and photo shoots, you can leave.”

Finish flinched. There was no snappy malice behind those words; Fanny had merely made a suggestion. This blasted mare! Why can’t she understand why I’m here?

“I shall go enjoy myself,” Finish said flatly, and then chided herself mentally for it.

“I’m sure you will.” Fanny turned away, her face out of Finish’s sight. “Got everything prepared, dearest?”

“Almost,” Duffle called to her. “I’ve got dozens more treats to give to you.”

Finish blushed, and turned away to hide it. She wanted to continue watching the feast, but knew her presence was unwelcome. Without another word, she walked away to find somepony else to talk to.

Perhaps I can speak to Dark Chocolate and French Vanilla. I’ve only just met them, so I think they’d be willing to speak to me.

Navigating the chocolate factory was a bit more difficult as she would’ve guessed. There were dozens of shelves and fountains to work around, and while everything was organized for easy access, each entrance required going through a wooden gate, like one would use in entering the front yard of a cottage. She imagined it was this was simply because Duffle would want ponies to feel like they were entering somewhere special with each aisle.

“I imagine that ponies would rub against one another as they move through here,” Finish said aloud, sure that everypony was too distracted to pay attention to her. “I cannot wait to see Coco squished together against somepony else as they eat, and eat, and eeeeat…”

Her eyes glazed over at the thought of Dark and French side by side in an aisle, their sides squishing against one another and against the aisles. They wouldn’t get any chocolate on their coats, as they’d work each shelf up and down, hoovering up everything on their side. She imagined Coco trying to join in, and her shoving herself, inch by inch, between them. But they wouldn’t mind, as the trio would certainly ménage a trois—

You don’t know that.

Then Dark and French would take turns reaching over to the shelves and feeding Coco chocolates, giving her a long kiss as they transferred treats from muzzle to muzzle. Coco would moan, and the lovers would moan, and they grow fatter on the spot until they broke the shelves around them, and the aisle would burst with flab as they grew too big for the sides to handle!

“Where are they?” Finish wheezed. “I must see them!”

She whipped around a corner of an aisle filled with nougaty chocolate, and came face-to-rear with Black Forest. She froze. The tail in front of her flicked along her muzzle, giving her greater glimpses of her rear and large belly. There was a slurping sound coming from the front, and Finish heard the running of a fountain.

Her heart began beating. This is it. I am witnessing Black Forest Cake drinking herself round. A short moan escaped Black Forest. Maybe if I just stand here and watch, I won’t bother her, and I can watch as she drinks it dry. I have no doubt that she can do it. Black Forest’s legs spread out wider. Yes, my dear, drink up for me.

Hoofsteps were approaching. No, I can’t! I must blend in!

Finish slowly backed away from Black Forest. From further back, she saw Black Forest’s body wiggle from side to side slightly, as if she were dancing in place. My prize. How can I claim you?

Her rump collided with one of the oak columns holding the building up, creating a noticeable thud. Black Forest stopped drinking and slowly turned around. Chocolate coated her lips and chin, but none dripped onto the floor.

How does she do that? “Hello, Miss Cake."

Black Forest smiled. “Hello, Photo Finish. What brings you here?”

“I-well I was just, um, checking around for, er, Coco.”

As if on cue, a cream-colored face peeked out from an aisle further down. “Yes, Photo Finish?”

“Ach, yes, just the mare I was looking for!” Finish stepped around Black Forest and teamed up with her employee. “How are you enjoying yourself?”

Coco beamed. “Oh, very much! These two mares have been showing me around the factory.” From behind her emerged Dark and French. “They’re really very nice.”

Finish acknowledged the couple with a stare, and watched their reaction. Dark smiled at her, but French stayed back, not joining by Dark’s side. Her eyes were cast downwards. What is her problem? I want to be her friend, so why does she act like this?

She decided, for the sake of progress, to ask. “Is your friend shy?”

Dark blinked, and French visibly started. Dark turned to her. “Is something wrong, baby?”

French shook her head, and tentatively raised her head. “No, I-I am just in awe of being around somepony as popular as Photo Finish…”

Finish smiled. “That is kind of you—“

“…in a chocolate factory,” French muttered in conclusion.

It was Finish’s turn to start. “What does that have to do with anything?”

Before French could stammer anything more out, Dark spoke up. “Hold up, Photo Finish. Don’t be too hard on her, now. She’s just a little bit shy meeting new ponies, is all.” Dark placed a hoof on French’s shoulder. “Do you wanna talk?”

French turned towards Dark and away from the rest of them. “No, I just would like to go somewhere else.” She walked away, almost trotted. Finish thought for a moment about what had just happened, but her attention shifted to French’s plot jiggling so… naturally. Now that is a massive magnificent mare.

“I hope she’s okay,” Coco said.

“Me too,” Black Forest said.

Dark watched French walked away, and then turned to the rest of group with a sigh. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her all of a sudden.” And then she smiled. “Hey, Black Forest, are you trying to drain another chocolate fountain?”

Black Forest rolled her eyes. “I am merely trying to enjoy myself, and then you all came around.”

“Oh, honey, we’re just here to see the spectacle!”

Black Forest grinned at her. “Perhaps I can get around to draining this.”

Finish wanted to see it, so she prodded. “Can you hold this much chocolate?” She had to ask drily; she was aware of how much control she had already lost, and had to conserve her feelings as much as she could.

Black Forest turned to her with a raised brow. Goddess, let her take control of me!

Dark merely laughed. “You should’ve been there when she drained the chocolate fountain at Las Pegasus!”

Finish’s eyes bugged, but it didn’t show behind the goggles. The Las Pegasus chocolate fountain was the largest chocolate fountain in the world. “You drained that? I find that hard to believe!”

Black Forest huffed. “It was in preparation for the playwright R. Panic’s latest play, The Mare in the Cave. I played the boulder the actors came in and out of, as well as the Sun and the Moon.” She grinned at Finish. “And they didn’t use any props or magic. It was completely natural."

“Oh, really?” It’s getting fun to goad her. It was, admittedly, less fun to not moan at the thought of what she had said.

“Still don’t believe me?” Black Forest turned away to the fountain. “Achtung!”

With that, she thrust her muzzle in and began quaffing the chocolate down. Finish could’ve sworn the bulges going down her throat were larger than Fanny’s had been. In seconds, her belly began to swell. Slowly, her belt became tighter around her, but there was no signs of stopping.

“Y’all may want to back up.”

“Why?” Coco asked nervously.

“Because she’s about to pop!”

I believe it, but I must ensure it. “Yeah, right!”

Black Forest shot her a look, and Finish remained quiet thereafter. She is so dominant when she’s in her zone. My prize, no. I am her target. She spread her legs further apart to accommodate her growing gut. Rounder and rounder it became, the belt digging into her tighter and tighter, squeezing her fat flesh, stretching thinner and thinner, holding on for dear life. The sweater and pants themselves were straining, the material showing her black coat through the transparent fabric. And she hadn’t even broken a sweat!

How much can she really hold? Can she get as big as the sun?

The climax came too soon for Finish. With a moan from Black Forest, the belt burst off of her violently, flying right over Finish’s head. Her belly bounced around free of its confines, and the smallest of torn threads could be seen on the fabric at the lowest point of her belly. Black Forest let her belly bounce around, proudly standing like a statue while the largest part of her jiggled freely and happily.

“There,” Black Forest said, turning to Finish. “Convinced?”

“Ja.”

“Danke,” she replied with a smile, bowing as much as she could. “And now if you ladies would excuse me, I have a meal to finish.” With that, she returned to her drink.

Finish wanted so badly to watch, to see her sweater and pants burst off of her, to see her larger than the sun itself. But she heard somepony speaking.

“I’m going to go check up on French," Dark said, leaving them be.

“I’ll go with you,” Coco said, following.

“Right behind you,” Finish blurted, and then mentally slapped herself. You idiot, why did you say that? She felt Black Forest’s eyes on her, presumably expecting her to leave. Without another word, she slowly followed Coco, leaving Black Forest Cake to unwrap herself of her wrapper-themed clothes.

They walked through the numerous aisles with Dark as their lead; she knew how to navigate through the store like it was her home, and Finish wondered if it had been her home at some point. At times, Dark would call French’s name, with no answer in reply. Finish was about to recommend they check in the bathroom, but she decided against it; seeing Dark and Coco’s rump jiggling about in front of her was too pleasant a sight for her to give up, especially with how her day had been thus far. The shaking was nearly hypnotic, and she could feel herself relaxing with the two mares in front of her giving her such a show.

After a length, they finally found French Vanilla by herself. The mare was idly nibbling on a candy bar, and Finish wondered how she could look so immaculate after having been surrounded by chocolate, free from prying eyes to gorge herself.

“Honey?” Dark approached French and gently placed a hoof on her shoulder. “What’s going on?”

French was about to speak, but upon seeing Finish her muzzle closed. Finish felt slightly offended, but wouldn’t show it. French’s eyes cast downwards, and she said something low enough to be inaudible to her.

Dark looked back at the two of them. “Could you give us a moment, please?”

“Of course!” Coco turned and walked past Finish. “We should leave them alone… if that’s okay with you.”

Finish sighed; this was another thing that she wouldn’t be able to partake in, and it was beginning to wear down on her. “Yeah, sure, let us go.” At least she would have Coco.

I have Coco to myself.

Yes.

She is under my control.

No, not really.

But I can easily press her under my control.

Do you want to?

There are many things that I would like to do that I’m not doing.

Focus, Photo Finish. You want to see her eat, right?

Yes.

You can’t just force her to.

You don’t know that. Perhaps she’d like that, some mares like that.

But you can’t just jump in! You have to talk to her.

I’ve talked enough!

“Coco.”

She turned. “Yes?”

Finish pointed to a loaf of chocolate bread, one of dozens on the shelf to their right. “Try that.”

Coco looked at the bread, not with the ravenous eyes of somepony hungry, but as a businesspony would look at wares. That mustn’t do.

“They look scrumptious, ja?”

“Huh? Oh, yes, Photo Finish.” Coco reached out and took a slice into her hoof. “Very soft to the touch. Dark chocolate, a few chocolate chips, would be nice for a photo shoot in a bakery or a more childish shoot, but not for showing off elegance.”

Finish balked. “Wha-no, taste it.”

Coco did as she was told. She chewed it quickly, not savoring it, but rather trying to swallow it as fast as she could. Her swallowing wasn’t ravenous, either; she ate it like anypony would eat anything. “It’s really nice.”

“Delicious? Savory? Moist?”

Coco gave her an odd look. “Moist? No, I don’t think so. It’s soft, almost like a cake.”

“You must have more?” Best not to be too forceful.

Coco shrugged. “Shouldn’t we be looking at chocolate we can use for the photo shoots?

Why in Tartarus are you thinking about that? We are surrounded by chocolate. Gorge yourself! "Perhaps you are right. Where should we look?”

Coco smiled. “If you wanted to give Fleur a really nice Bitalian cake to go with her meal during the shoot, we could try looking at gianduia.”

“What?”

“G-gianduia,” Coco continued, pawing at the ground. “It’s a chocolate mix that you can spread on a cake. It’s got chocolate and hazelnuts mixed together.”

Finish stared at her for a moment; Coco continued pawing at the ground. “How do you know about this?”

“Oh,” Coco began more cheerfully. “I had a friend who was from Piedmount, and he would make gianduia for all of us fillies and colts. I’ve always remembered it for when I would go to Bitaly…” Coco pawed at the ground once more.

“Show me,” Finish said, feeling her blood boil.

“We’d have to ask where it is, if this factory has it.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Finish went off in the general direction of Fanny and Duffle, but as she took her first step, she felt her tail twitch. Oh, stars above, why? “Please ask Duffle, I must use the restroom.”

“Okay, Photo Finish.” Coco was back in her professional spirit as she went off on her own.

Finish, meanwhile, cantered out of the aisle and towards the restrooms, which were marked with a large sign above them. Along the way, she caught a glimpse of Dark and French. The former was offering the latter a chocolate bar held by her lips; French eyed it with an embarrassed smile. Dark reached a foreleg and pulled French’s tummy towards hers until they smushed together, and the two mares’ muzzles were inches away from one another. French finally closed her eyed and bit the other half of the bar, her muzzle kissing Dark’s, causing the other mare to smile warmly.

Finish felt her tail twitch again, knocking over a stack of truffles, but she didn’t turn and pick them up. Instead, she galloped straight towards the bathroom and, upon entering, locked herself in one of the stalls.

What has me so impassioned all of a sudden? She asked in her mind as well as aloud. “What is going on? What did Coco say that set me aflame? Was it her description of the jin duel, or whatever it was? Was it when she recounted her foalhood? What, What?”

You can’t control yourself, can you?

I know. I am even becoming aroused by things that elude my mind.

You were aroused?

Yes… and there was more.

You must figure out what.

Yes, I must.

“Photo Finish?” a voice called from the end of the bathroom. “Dark is going to take us to the gianduia.”

“Wunderbar!” Finish, now slightly calmer, flushed and washed her hooves, not wanting anypony to suspect. When she emerged, she saw Coco, Dark, French and Black Forest. The latter mare’s belly was squished against her legs, and the bottom of it was inches away from touching the floor. Her rump had also grown, and it was bare of their pants; Finish assumed that she had burst out of them. Her sweater was torn down the middle in the bottom and along her back, while the sleeves were torn from being pulled so taut.

Goddesses, please don’t make me rush to the bathroom every time one of these mares does something sexy.

“I unwrapped myself,” Black Forest said with a coy smile.

Goddesses protect me!

“Sorry for the delay, everypony,” Dark said, leaning herself against French. “My girlfriend here just needed to shake off some… bad vibes, as best as I can put it.”

Finish regarded French from behind her goggles. The other mare wasn’t as distraught as she had been, and she offered a smile, but Finish’s trained eye could tell that something was still bothering her. She decided to try and break the ice, and get some sort of friendship going. “It is good that you have such a good friend to help you out. She is very respectable.”

French’s eyes widened, and soon afterwards a blushed followed. “Yes, you are exactly right. Dark Chocolate is the finest friend anypony could ask for.”

“Aw, shucks,” Dark said, her own blush reminding Finish of a maraschino cherry in a chocolate treat. “There’s no need for that.”

“It’s always nice to have support,” Coco added.

“Yes, it is,” Black Forest added, leaning on Dark playfully, much to the mock-irritation of Dark and the amusement of French.

“Quand allons-nous ménage a trois?” French asked with a playful smirk.

“Frenchie!” Dark chided, her eyes bugging. Black Forest merely grinned, her expression and posture like that of a lazy hippo. “Black Forest, French here was wondering—"

“Heute abend,” she said dreamily.

Both mares went silent as they blushed, and French leaned on Dark as well. Finish had no idea what French had asked, but the sight of Dark being sandwiched in by two other mares that were as large as her made her nostrils begin to sting with excitement.

“Ja,” Finish added, the sight reminding her of the magazine she held so dearly. “Supporting each other, no matter how heavy… the situation gets.”

Everypony nodded in agreement, and Finish felt like she was finally making progress.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” Dark pointed in the general direction of the eastern end of the store, away from Fanny and Duffle at the southern entrance. “Let’s get some gianduia!”

They all set off to the eastern end of the store, leaving Fanny and Duffle to themselves. Finish followed along behind Coco, while Dark and French led. It afforded her a view of three shapely rumps, two massive, one merely fat, all of them bouncing in anticipation. Yes, dance for me, my pretty little prizes. Soon, you shall be mine. One way or another, you will be mine.

She was aware that Black Forest was taking up the rear, and as she turned to look at the mare, she saw a comical waddle. Black Forest’s belly offered no room for her to move her legs, so she had to straddle side to side to move forwards. She thought it was adorable and… moreso than that.

She also noticed Black Forest’s eyes darting away as she turned around. Was she watching me? She could see a grin struggling to stay concealed behind Black Forest’s calm demeanor. What is she hiding?

Not able to stand it any longer, she waited for Black Forest to pass her. “Is there something the matter?”

“No,” Black Forest replied plainly. “Nothing at all, I’d wager. Und du?”

“Nein, mir geht es gut.”

“Sehr gut.”

Finish didn’t know what Black Forest meant by all of this, but she dared not press. Black Forest waddled past her, moving more slowly than before.

“I remember having gianduia as a foal,” Coco said, striking a conversation with French. “My neighbor would make it for all the foals.”

“Ooh, mez ami, je aime!” French replied with enthusiasm. “I had a gianduia cake when I was in Turein a while back. I and Dark shared it in one of our friends’ villas, and afterwards Dark took what was left of the chocolate and—“ She cut herself off, glancing back at Photo Finish.

What did I do this time? Finish asked herself in frustration.

“Why don’t you finish the story?” Dark asked, her face beet red.

“Some other time. Anyway, you will love Duffle’s, I am sure; he gets his made in Turein and shipped here.”

Coco’s eyes gleamed, and her mouth began to water. “Oh my, that sounds—“ and then she cut herself off. “Oh, but I mustn’t indulge too much. This is mainly for research for a photo shoot.”

What? Damnit, Coco, why are you stopping this?

“Have you ever heard of Fleur de Lys?”

“No, can’t say I have.”

“I’ve seen her before,” Black Forest said. “She had stayed at a ski lodge I was at in Andcorral. She is an elegant, proper, thin mare.”

“Oh,” French said with obvious disdain. “I see.”

Finish shook her head, out of sight of everypony, of course. Why are they doing this? They are in a chocolate factory, they should be enjoying themselves. Instead, Coco wants to do research for me, French doesn’t want to divulge her dirty fantasies around me, and Black Forest is acting oddly around me—

She stopped. Wait, that all has to do with me. Do they not want to enjoy themselves around me? A few looks back at her seemed to confirm this. The more I see it, it becomes obvious. I should tell them to enjoy themselves.

You’ve already told French to do that.

And she isn’t listening.

I should tell her more forcefully. And Coco, for that matter.

At the risk of losing their respect? And Black Forest’s conversation? And Dark’s trust?

But I really want to see some gluttony and foodplay in action!

Is it worth the risk?

…

…No, it’s not. It hurts, but there will be another day.

And in the meantime, you must think about why this is happening.

“Coco!”

Coco started. “Uh, y-yes, Photo Finish?”

“I just remembered, I have work to do.”

“You do?”

“At this time?” Black Forest asked.

“Unfortunately.” Finish reached into her robe and gave Coco some bits. “Please bring over a sample of jam-duffle to my house when you are done.”

“Gianduia,” French corrected. Finish noticed visible relief, and though it pained her to see it, she would take it for now.

“Okay, Photo Finish,” Coco said, taking the bits with a more alacritous attitude. “I can do that.”

Finish bowed; best to salvage this as best as I can. “Thank you for the time out, but I must be going.”

“Have a good time, Photo Finish!” Dark said cheerfully.

“Goodbye,” French said.

“We shall see you later,” Black Forest said eerily.

“I’ll see you at work,” Coco said, tossing the bits around.

“Enjoy yourselves,” Photo said at last. And with that, she began making her way to the entrance.

It hurts, but if I am stopping them, then I must be out.

Do you think my bathroom telescope will catch a glimpse of them?

Only one way to find out.

As she reached the front door, she heard Fanny call to her. “Are you leaving so soon?”

“I have work to do,” Finish replied. As she turned to look at the mare, she saw Fanny’s belly rising far above her than it had before. The chaise was resting on the floor, its legs doing the splits, something Finish never thought she’d see. Duffle Bag waved lazily to her as he held up a pitcher of hot cocoa. “Have a good day.”

“Seeya later!” Fanny called out, waving off to her.

And with a disappointed heart, Finish went out the front door. It closed slowly behind her, leaving her every opportunity to change her mind.

No. Somehow, I messed it all up.

They still regard you kindly, do they?

I think so.

Then don't worry about it.

I can't. Somehow, I messed up, and I don't know how.

Leave it. We will try again tomorrow.

Yes.

We will have our prize.

Yes!

She went on with a melancholy heart regardless, leaving her fantasies to potentially play out in reality without her.

The Third Incident

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She knew this was an imagination of hers as she sat in her bathtub, her binoculars staring at Master Duffle’s Chocolate Factory, with its curtains blocking off everything to passersby and spies. But she could imagine what Coco and the rest were doing inside.

She imagined Duffle feeding Fanny until her corpulent body rolled over the chaise, completely covering it in her soft, bountiful flesh. She’d be forced to lie there with Duffle Bag on top of her while other ponies came in, just to witness such a beastly sight. And Fanny wouldn’t care; she’d just be fed more chocolate for the rest of her life, and neither she nor Duffle would object to that.

In the distance, after Coco and the other mares had tried out the gianduia (she had no idea what it looked like, though she guessed it was like a pudding), Black Forest guided her to one of the fountains. It wasn’t the one that she had sucked dry; it was one completely filled to the brim with chocolate, the fountain spraying with more force than a normal fountain would.

Coco watched with fascination at the beauty of the chocolate fountain. Meanwhile, Black Forest waddled behind her and began shoving her rump. Coco tilted forwards slowly, and when she realized what was happening, her muzzle was already submerged into the fountain’s chocolatey depths. On instinct, she began drinking.

Dark and French each took a seat on top of her, one sitting on Coco’s neck, the other on Coco’s rump. They wouldn’t let Coco move; she was beached even while she was able to move, and would remain so for the rest of this dream.

Coco’s eyes were covered by Dark’s brown rump cheeks, but her neck held her up steadily, without trouble. Her tail brushed against French’s large rump, and even between it, eliciting a moan from the white mare. And while Coco was submerged, Black Forest and Finish walked up to her and talked in her ear.

“Supporting each other, no matter how heavy,” Finish whispered.

“And you are about to be really heavy,” Black Forest added.

Finish could already see Coco’s belly beginning to swell. The fat filled up like a balloon, becoming round before pushing itself outwards. It was still soft to the touch, and Finish imagined it would remain so. With Coco’s eyes covered by rump, and her mouth submerged in the chocolate, there was no way to tell how she felt.

“Stay there,” Finish whispered, “and be my sun. You thought Black Forest was big? Just wait until she sees what you will become.”

A small, gurgling moan escaped the waters, and Coco continued drinking. There was no choice for her except to drink and grow. Her belly pushed Black Forest and Finish aside, its girth pressing into her meaty thighs and forelegs. Her rump also grew, less from the force of chocolate pushing against it, and more from chocolate filling it up. It grew as large as French’s, and then as large as Dark’s, and then it grew past that. Those cheeks continued filling out behind her, and she was powerless and will-less to stop it.

Her belly pushed her legs apart as it grew. They bowed out, and then slid on the floor as her belly continued to grow. And then her belly touched the floor, at first bobbing against it, and then crawling inch-by-inch along the wood.

And still, she drank.

“Yes, you glutton,” Finish whispered, her body forced to conform to Coco’s if she wanted to talk in her ear. “Get nice and big and round for me.”

A muffled groan could be heard; surely Coco felt like she had had enough, but would keep on drinking. Even as her belly lifted her hooves off of the ground, she would continue drinking. Even as her rump and flanks would begin sucking in the rest of her legs, she’d continue drinking. Even as her forelegs filled with chocolate and began looking like pillows, and began swallowing up her forehooves, she continued drinking.

She was as tall as Fanny now, and even rounder, even wider, even more impressive. She was now a chocolate-filled pony ball, whose head somehow still remained at a level to drink, and drink, and drink. Finish tried to imagine what Coco must’ve been feeling: an evergrowing tightness and fullness in her stomach, the stretching of her skin and fat, a bubbliness in her rump that constantly built up, the taste of chocolate never leaving her mouth, her brain demanding more, accepting that she was powerless to stop it and she might as well enjoy it.

Coco’s rump knocked down a shelf behind her, and then one on each side of her. They creaked as they were pushed, and then groaned as they fell. Duffle didn’t notice; he was lost in his own expanding world under him. Coco didn’t notice; she was too busy guzzling down more chocolate. Everypony else noticed, and they cheered her on. All except for Finish, who watched silently, her tail raised up.

Coco rolled over a fountain, and crushed it under her girth. The strangest thing happened then: the pipe that had been spouting the chocolate from the top got lodged into her belllybutton, and that too began filling her, making her grow faster.

On top of her, Dark and French made out, their bodies sinking into Coco’s expanding girth. Their rumps and flanks had sunk into Coco’s back, and their bellybuttons followed soon after. They continued kissing as they sank into Coco.

More shelves fell over, and a few columns snapped at Coco’s expanding girth. The motion caused Coco’s body to slosh from side to side, but her head still remained at a position to continue drinking. Now only her hooves stuck out of her body; the rest of her anatomy, save her face and neck, were sucked into her growing mass. Even her neck had thickened up enough to begin merging with the ball that was herself.

Minutes later, Coco covered half of the store. During this time, her hooves had disappeared into her body, and divots formed where her hooves sank into her. Her neck was eradicated, and her face, now tubby, still remained in that positon where she could continue drinking. Her cutie mark was larger than Finish, and grew with every gulp. Her tail remained the sole feature sticking out of her backside, a miniscule detail hanging down only a few feet.

Dark and French were being sucked into divots as well, thought they didn’t mind. Coco’s back was so thick with chocolate, and had such a give, that their large bellies and chests had been sucked in. They clung onto each other through what little reach they had, and it decreased with every gulp.

Finish sank a hoof into Coco, feeling the softness and fullness of the other mare. “Yes,” she whispered. “Keep on going. You shall be larger than the sun itself!”

Columns cracked at a fast pace, and near all of the shelves were toppled over. Fanny and Duffle had been consumed by Coco’s expanding flesh, and Finish and Black Forest were quickly approaching the wall. Coco’s side covered the other wall completely, and her rump just made contact with the front of the store. Coco’s body began edging over the fountain. She could’ve gone completely over it, breaking the endless flow of chocolate.

But that didn’t happen. Instead, she went over it, and her mouth just so happened to get lodged into the pipe within the fountain that spouted all the chocolate. So even though Coco’s body covered the poor fountain, chocolate still flowed. Coco surged forwards with chocolate and fat, and the pipe would ensure that that wouldn’t stop any time soon.

On top of that, Finish noticed that all of the other fountains’ pipes were lodging themselves into Coco’s belly, flanks and rump, pushing their chocolate into her, inflating her even faster. It didn’t make sense, but she was beyond caring at this point.

Coco’s back was quickly approaching the ceiling, and Dark and French would’ve been crushed had they not been sinking into Coco. Now only their heads remained out of Coco’s fat, and they were quickly being sucked in like quicksand. They continued making out anyway, and doing Celestia-knows-what in the privacy of adipose.

Coco’s head pushed into the wall of the back of the factory, shoving her against it until it was completely smushed against it. She had to continue drinking anyway, so her shoulders and chest pushed along with her, surrounding her head completely until they covered the back wall. The factory’s walls began to creak with the strain.

Finish looked to her side, and didn’t see Black Forest anywhere; she must’ve been rolled over by Coco as well. She watched the wall of Coco approaching her with open forelegs. “Come to me, my prize!”

The fat overtook her, and she was squashed. She could still move, so she felt every bit of Coco’s expanding flesh. She couldn’t see it, but Dark and French were now completely sunk into Coco’s body, even as it pressed up against the ceiling.

In an instant, she imagined herself as a bystander, watching the walls of the factory bow out, the windows fill with Coco’s flesh. Creak, creak, creak, and then in an instant the factory exploded, leaving Coco’s body to expand free of its confines. Her body was at the same time spherical and saggy. Dozens of pipes continued pumping her fuller, including the one at her face.

Finish, now un-squashed, walked over to Coco’s face and smiled. “This is a good start,” she whispered to Coco. “Now let’s get you to rival the sun, shall we?”

Coco groaned in agreement as her head sunk into her body, and she became nothing but a ball of chocolate.

“That will be the day,” Finish moaned to herself in her bath.

"Would You Like To Come In?"

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The windows to Master Duffle’s factory had been concealed by curtains; Photo Finish had been painfully reminded of that when she had gotten into her bathroom and peered out of her binoculars to witness what was going on inside. It had remained this way for over an hour when she finally gave up her pursuit and went to take care of some work.

There were models to shoot tomorrow, four in total; an art gallery exhibit to attend; a fashion show to schedule in Fillydelphia; a prospective model to interview; a gaffer to interview; and Fleur de Lys’s photo shoot to continue planning. The dress, as far as she knew, was nearly done, while the location was set a few months from then. She had the capellini and would probably have the gianduia, but there was still the other items on the dinner table, as well as the furniture and decorations to plan, not to mention who she would get to entourage with her for the shoot.

Photo Finish, you’ve done all of this before.

Yes, I know.

You shouldn’t have any trouble with it.

You already know that won’t be the case.

You lust for them, I know, but you must not let that change your work.

I know.

Relax, you will at least be assured that this will be taken care of.

I know.

She straightened out a stack of papers, all containing reports of upcoming trends and models, and set them in a manila envelope. “There. Now I have everything I need to plan for upcoming shows, galleries and interviews. Let us move on to Fleur’s photo shoot.”

But as she reached for her sketches, she stopped. “No, I cannot. The entourage and décor will be easy enough to organize, but the food will be another matter.”

No it won’t be.

“I will need Coco to look at what can be done.”

No, you don’t.

I do.

You don’t.

I do.

Alright. So how are you going to go about making it happen?

I will make a special plan about it tomorrow at work.

With food?

Of course. Coco can’t be motivated otherwise.

Something about that statement disturbed her.

Get back to work.

I can do no more work.

So what’s the plan?

She didn’t even answer internally. She stretched herself out of her chair, letting her back pop a few times, and grabbed her material. As she did, her eyes cast onto the magazine lying alone on the desk. It hadn’t been enough to merely deal with her constant arousal in the bathroom; she had grabbed the most recent edition of Blubber Lovers, the one she had looked through that fateful day, and had it next to her in case she needed something to focus her energy on.

And she had needed it a few times throughout the night.

She decided to let the magazine rest there; there was no doubt in her mind that she would be needing it at some point in the near future, if not that night. Her work was carried out of her home office, and quickly closing the door, she carried it upstairs. She limped all the way to her bedroom, her thighs sore with friction.

She sighed in relief as she finally reached her bedroom. Every part of her body wanted to collapse onto her large bed, to sink into it and forget that the day had happened.

Why would you want to do that? You got to witness the Massive Magnificent Mares eating lots of chocolate.

But what did I do?

You watched, like I said.

But is that enough?

It used to be.

But not now. Not when they were right there.

She didn’t collapse. It would’ve been a bother for her dress if she had done that. She instead limped over to her closet and turned the light on. Unlike what other ponies had thought, she didn’t have a vast array of clothes. Two pairs of shoes, one light-blue pair of high heels and a pair of dark-blue slippers, which she slipped on upon entering. Nine dresses for special occasions, including her zebra-striped one which she slipped off of her body. One extra pair of goggles, and she set her normal pair next to those.

Blinking away the pain of the blood rushing to where the goggles had pressed into her face, she took a look at herself. Her mauve eyes had bags underneath them, signs of her near-sleepless nights. “Oh,” she moaned. “I must get some sleep tonight.”

But first, a bath. Her body ached too much for her to ignore that. She limped out of her bedroom and down the hall. The water was turned on, lavender oil was added and created suds, some Maredi was put on her radio. Photo Finish sighed.

The binoculars gleamed in the light. “No, not tonight,” she sighed. “I must get some rest.”

Don’t worry about your failures today. There will be tomorrow.

Finish stepped in and let her body sink down into the water. It was graceless, very uncharacteristic of her, but she didn’t care at that moment. The water and lavender was already working on her muscles. She sighed into the water, and her head sunk in underneath.

This is nice.

Yes.

Will I ever have Coco as a prize?

If you act the way you did today, then there is no likely chance.

Yes, you’re right. But something about today made me feel funny.

Lustful?

No, it was something more than that.

Like what?

I don’t know.

When did it happen?

When we were talking.

You weren’t checking out her body? Or her flank? Or past that?

You know that I am always checking her out. But I was interested in what she was saying. She let her muzzle emerge for air. She talked about Bitalian chocolate, and her childhood. Those aren’t things I usually care about, but… there was something about the way she described it all.

It isn’t love.

No, it’s not. Not yet, at the very least.

Is there any possibility that it is the spark of love?

No, there’s a fat chance of that.

Even now, when you are meant to relax and collect yourself, and even with your marehood red and sore from your hoof, you still think of those fat ponies.

It is a dreadful curse.

And a massive blessing.

You can’t decide.

You know why I can’t.

If you want to take a fat pony as your mate, then why don’t you?

She rose from the water and stared out the window, not at the direction of the hotel where Fanny was staying, but rather to Canterlot Castle. It was majestic, grand, always in fashion. Her gaze drifted to Classy Coats, the premier fashion-show studio in Canterlot. It would be getting ready for an Autumn Equinox fashion show, and Photo Finish would be likely to attend.

Would I still be allowed to events like that, with a fat mare by my side?

You wouldn’t have to take him or her with you.

And what if she wanted to go?

That… is a good question.

And what would everypony in general think of me if I were to choose a fat pony as a mate? Would they still respect what I see as beautiful?

You know that having a fancy for fat ponies doesn’t exclude your seeing anything else as beautiful.

But would other ponies realize that? Is Canterlot ready to accept fat ponies as beautiful like I do?

Does beauty even matter here? They are the object of your lust, so why include beauty?

Because they are beautiful!

That made her pause. She thought about it for a moment, and the thought grew stronger with every passing moment. She had considered them attractive, but beautiful? Certainly Black Forest was, with her grace and poise even with a hulking belly. French was cute and elegant and sweet, while Dark… she had a sassy, home-grown sort of beauty to her. Could Fanny be classified as beautiful, besides being a whale of a mare?

Why can’t she be?

She figured she was right. Fanny was friendly, cheerful, joyful, and so full of life. She didn’t just walk wherever she went; she practically danced with how much vigor she had in everything she did.

She is very beautiful.

And Coco?

Coco… I have no idea how to describe Coco. She…

The thought wouldn’t come to her. Coco wasn’t ugly, she told herself. She was fairer than fair, she thought.

She’s too reserved, she finally concluded. She can blossom into beauty, if she accepts who she is. She’s just too fearful of other ponies.

She sighed. Her muscles throbbed in relaxation and her fur had stopped stinging. Her thighs were achy, but that would go away in time, she was sure.

“Thank Celestia for bathtubs,” she mumbled. “I really needed this.”

The binoculars’ lenses shimmered with the lavender bubbles moving about. “No,” she told herself. “I will leave them be. I will just lie here and relax, and then go to bed with a clearer—“

Her doorbell rang.

All of the therapeutic soothing seemed to dissipate in an instant. With a swift motion, she pushed her window open, leant out, and called down, “Who is there!?”

She watched the front corner of her home, waiting for somepony to answer. Instead, somepony was walking around the corner. She would give that pony a good yelling at for interrupting her most necessary bath!

The shadow crept closer, and Finish could make out some details. Her anger melted into something else. Her heartbeat quickened. The shadow was large, with modestly short hair. On the neck, she could just make out a collar and hair clip resembling a flower.

Oh, goddesses, why her? Why now?

The off-white face of Coco Pommel peeked out from the corner. “H-Hello, Miss Finish?”

“Coco!” Finish snapped. “What are you doing here?”

Coco blanched. “I’m sorry, Miss Finish, you just said that you wanted to see the gianduia chocolate for yourself for the shoot, and I brought some for you, but if that’s not okay, then I can leave and come back tomorrow, or bring it to work—“

Bring it to work? Goddesses, what will my employees think if I were to inspect a gianduia cake in front of them? “No no, I will come down and retrieve it.”

She began getting up from the bathtub, sending water sloshing around. A voice piped up from outside. “Uh, if you’re taking a bath, I could just—“

“Wait. Right. There.”

Coco gulped. “Yes, Photo Finish.”

Finish closed her window and, climbing out of the tub, began drying herself with her monogrammed coral-colored towel. “Of all the times to show up, why now? Why, when I finally get a chance to relax?”

Are you going to pass this opportunity up?

What, to have sex with her?

No, to talk to her.

She thought back to her conversation at Duffle Bag’s, and how it had enflamed her so. “Perhaps this will be an opportunity to explore this feeling more thoroughly.”

That’s the spirit.

Plus, it won’t hurt to get an up-close look at her— Her thighs stung as she walked down the stairs. On second thought, I should just focus on talking to her.

When she got to the door, her heartbeat picked up. But what am I going to talk about? Work? Fanny? Fleur? More of her childhood?

Well, why not?

What do you mean?

Why not just talk to her?

What do I know of small talk? It’s a waste of time.

Do you want Coco or not?

Yes, I do.

Then you must at least try and engage in small talk with her.

She didn’t give her mind the satisfaction of being right, but as she opened the door, she took a deep breath and readied herself for the small talk.

“Hello, Coco.” Her voice was quivering, but she doubted Coco would notice. “How was your night?”

“Oh, it was very nice!” Finish looked Coco up and down. Her belly seemed round and bloated from food. Excellent, she indulged herself… but only when I had left. She was clean from head to tail, no chocolate out of place, though she did ave a faint hint of it. Her teeth had no chocolate on them; she must’ve brushed them or drank some water before coming here. Her collar was straining against her neck, though. “I stayed at Duffle’s factory longer than expected—longer than intended, I should say.” Her expression became demure. “I talked to Fanny about the photo shoot, and she said that everything seemed to be going okay. They just need the cameras, and for everypony else to show up.”

Ah, yes. Gala, Pineapple, Silver and Big Wig. I should ask when they will be arriving. But why did Fanny tell her that she only needed the cameras? And as a matter of fact, why did she tell Coco, but not me? I know more about photography than she does, I make a living out of it! “She wouldn’t talk to me about it!”

Coco flinched, sending the bowl of gianduia shaking around on her back. “Well, she was busy eating… chocolate… you know…”

“Yes, but this is business!” she snapped.

“I’m sorry!” Coco yelled. “I don’t know what happened, I just—“

In an instant, Finish knew that she had erred. “Coco, calm down! I apologize. I just want to get every last detail sorted out. It weighs down on my mind when I don’t have everything laid out perfectly.”

Coco stopped mumbling. “…Oh. I’m sorry.”

“Relax,” Finish said forcefully.

Coco took a few deep breaths, and then motioned to the bowl on her back. “Here is the gianduia that you wanted, Photo Finish.”

Finish stepped outside and looked at the bowl on Coco’s back, rubbing against Coco’s side as she did so. She had trouble seeing it even with craning her head; Coco’s side pushed her out nearly far enough that anything on her back would be nearly out of reach. The gianduia glistened in the moonlight, a light brown spread that was smooth, obviously an elegant sort of chocolate. It didn’t jostle around as Coco moved; rather, it stayed perfectly in place. She could smell the faint hint of hazelnuts coming from it.

It was just right for a luxurious cake at a banquet. “That is perfect!” she exclaimed.

Coco blushed. “Aw, well, Duffle Bag was willing to spare a bowl just for you, so long as he received credit in some way. You know, for publicity and… stuff.”

“Yes, we can do that.” Finish reached up, having to place her hooves on Coco’s belly as she climbed, and took the gianduia from her. The spread moved just a little, but not too much at all. “It is just what we need.”

“Are you sure Fleur’s going to want that?”

Finish stopped admiring. That’s right, I haven’t even asked her. Ha! I’m sure a mare like her wouldn’t be able to resist. “I will ask her tomorrow”

“Okay.”

Finish took it inside and made to close the door. This is exactly what I wanted from her. She got me what we needed.

Yes, but are you really going to leave her outside?

She stopped dead in place. “Oh, right. Coco, would you like to come in?”

A faint hint of a blush crept to Coco’s face. “Oh, should I? I mean, it is your house, and you might be busy, and may want to finish your bath, and—“

“Coco!”

“Eep! Oh, right, sorry!” Coco stepped inside, her belly and rump jiggling madly as they worked to push her in. Finish noted that Coco’s sides nearly, but didn’t, brush against the frame. In time, Photo Finish. Perhaps even tonight, if you play your cards right.

A mischievous smile fell onto her face. Yes, but what could I use to feed her? I must look into my pantry and—

A pain rose from her thighs. Or, I should just talk to her.

“I think this is the first time I’ve seen you without your goggles,” Coco remarked with a small smile.

“What?’ Finish suddenly realized that she had left her goggles upstairs. “Oh, right, I cannot wear them in the bath.”

“You have pretty eyes.”

“Thank you,” Finish said, trying not to blush. “So, Coco, exactly how much did you indulge with Fanny and the others?”

Coco had been looking around the living room space, admiring all of the portraits, the sleek black furniture, and the fireplace, when Finish had asked. When she heard, she turned and looked at the ground, her hoof pawing at the carpet. “Oh, uh, not a whole lot.”

What?!

“Well…”

Don’t be shy, my prize. Let your gluttony shine. Nopony else is here to watch.

“I tried controlling myself…”

But?

“And in my defense, I didn’t eat as much as I could’ve…”

No!

“But Black Forest kept offering me treats…”

Bless her heart.

“And I turned some down…”

You bad pony, you.

“But I did… stuff myself.”

Ooh, yes.

“A few times.”

Wunderbar!

“And I… needed help getting home.”

Mein stars, why didn’t I see it with my binoculars?

“I’m sorry.” Coco hung her head.

“Do not be.” Finish walked over to her and raised her head. “You are doing what is good for business. You are mingling with our clients!”

“I know,” Coco said nervously, “but I don’t want you to think of me as a pony that does nothing but eat all of the time.”

“Why not?”

“Huh?”

“I asked why not—“ Finish froze. Celestia, did I just ask why she doesn’t want me to see her as a glutton? What am I thinking? “—I mean, why would I think of you as somepony that eats all of the time?”

Two guilty eyes gazed onto her stomach. “Well, look at me.” Her voice held a slight quiver that made Finish nervous.

“What can I do to help you feel better?”

Coco’s face scrunched up in confusion. “Photo Finish, you don’t have to worry about me. I can get by. Is there anything that I can do for you?”

Finish’s body tensed up. What can she do? She can down the gianduia in one sitting, and then let me feed her everything I have, and then take her out to eat at as many restaurants as we can stay awake through, and then she can come to my bed and we can— Her thighs started up again. Damnit, I can’t think about that! And I can’t make her eat more, not when she’s feeling like this.

Her mind jolted. Wait, did you just think that?

Yes, why?

That is actually nice of you.

Nice?

Yes?

I don’t want her to think of food as the enemy. I can’t force her to eat yet, not when she’s so reserved.

Oh.

“Would you like to spend the night?”

Coco’s eyes bugged. “Huh?”

“Would you like to spend the night? I do not want my employees to feel bad, and I have sometimes gone to great lengths to cheer them up!”

Nice lie.

Thanks.

“If you need to be near somepony, then I can offer my couch, or guest bed.”

“Um…” Coco’s face was on fire. Was it working to draw her in, or drive her away? Should I take a chance?

You’ve already offered to cheer her up. Might as well.

“Maybe you just need to get in a bath and let your troubles soak away! I can draw one up for you, if you would like.”

Coco’s face was beet red. “That’s okay, Photo Finish,” she near-panted. “Really, I should just be going.”

No, I’m losing her! “Will you be alright?”

Coco turned and nodded. “I think so. But… th-thank you for the offer.” She swallowed a lump. “I really appreciate it, and all the time you’ve helped me get used to things in Canterlot.”

Finish felt her chest swell up. “You are welcome. I really like you—as an employee.”

“Oh.” Coco nodded to her. “I really like you as a fremployer.”

“Of course. I know great talent when I see it.”

They both stood in place, waiting for the other to say something. At length, Finish made the next move. “So you really must be going.”

Coco looked at the grandfather clock in the dining room. “Yes, it’s getting late, and I have to make dinner for myself.”

“I will see you out.” With that, Finish and Coco walked the few steps to the front door. Finish opened it up and let Coco move past her, their sides slowly brushing against one another. In a stroke of luck, Luna or Boreas the Wind King or some other deity caused a chilly breeze, which stopped Coco in place. Finish got an up-close view of Coco’s large rump, placid and unfettered. The breeze even pushed against Coco’s tail, but she kept it in control. Almost, almost. But… in time.

“Thank you, by the way.”

Finish snapped out of her trance. “Thank you? For what?”

“For coming with us tonight. I know it’s weird, being around ponies that are overweight, but it made it much easier, with you there.”

It was Finish’s turn to blush. “You are welcome.”

They stood there waiting for the other to act. After some length of time. Coco bowed. “Good night, Photo Finish.” She reached her neck out, but then withdrew it. “Um, do you allow hugs?”

Instead of answering with words, Finish craned her neck forwards. They hugged and nuzzled each other, Finish’s brain working overtime to keep the blush off of her cheeks with the bombardment of Coco’s meaty neck and plump cheeks rubbing against her, and her puffy chest pressing against hers. Her thighs burned, but she paid them no mind.

When they broke, Coco’s cheeks were slightly red. Finish bowed slightly as she stepped inside. “Good night, Coco.”

Coco turned, and so Finish closed the door. She looked out the window at Coco’s rump, and solely at her rump, as she walked down the path that led to the normal cobblestone streets. She watched her flank as Coco proceeded down the street and out of view.

Then she cantered up to her bathroom and, pressing the binoculars to her eyes, watched Coco as she continued on home. Her thighs ached and her heart pounded, but she didn’t stop until Coco was inside her apartment.

“And that, I suppose, is the end of that.” She set the binoculars down and walked over to her bed. Rolling into it, she stared up at the ceiling.

That went well, didn’t it?

Did it? I didn’t feed Coco anything, or tell her how I truly feel.

In time, Photo Finish. Like you keep on saying. In time.

I hope so. She didn’t remember if she slept or not, for the next day came before she knew what was going on.

The Fourth Incident

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She had eventually convinced Coco to spend the night, and eventually told her that she had wanted to see Coco do nothing but eat all day and night. Surprisingly to her, Coco confessed the exact same thing, and soon they had her on a strict eating regimen. Day and night, she was crammed with the fattiest of foods, and Coco could do nothing to stop it from entering her. None of it left; all of the fat and nutrients were converted to fat.

She surpassed Dark and French in days, and Fanny not long after that. Shortly afterwards, her mobility left her, her belly resting on the floor and pushing her legs up too far to reach the ground. And still she ate. Even if she wanted to shuffle for help, or somepony wanted to push her out, she soon became too wide to push through a door. She became wider than three ponies, and then four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten even! And still she ate.

Eventually, she fell through the floor, but Finish had that planned as well. She had fallen softly onto the ground through magic that she had paid for—from whom, she couldn’t remember, and everything worked out to where Coco could lie there and continue eating. So she ate and grew, and ate and grew, and ate and grew.

After that, she ate and grew, ate and grew, ate and grew.

She did nothing but eat and grow, eat and grow, eat and grow.

A few years later, when Finish came down to visit her, she was astonished and overjoyed. She had received the notification through magic: Coco had passed her 1,000,000^th pound. She had gone down to their private hideout to get a look at her. She had continued giving her all the food she could muster up, and all the loving words she could say. But they had agreed that from the 100,000^th pound onward, they wouldn’t see each other until the next milestone.

And now Finish saw Coco, and beheld her in all of her glory.

She couldn’t see where Coco ended. Coco’s sides and forelegs extended out of view to her left and right; her belly pushed her up, up, up out of view. Only the bottom of her massive chain of chins could be seen. Her forelegs extended beyond Finish’s sight, gigantic sacks hiding tiny forehooves somewhere underneath. A somewhat-large system of see-through walls kept her front from blocking the doorway; her back was unrestrained to grow all the way back there.

Finish walked forward and pressed her hoof into Coco’s chest. She could sink her whole foreleg—her whole self!—into her flesh and make a gnat-sized indent. She hugged as much of Coco as she could, her hindlegs struggling to keep steady against her body that continued to grow ever upwards.

A deep, guttural moan reverberated throughout the entire body, signaling that Coco knew her master was there. It would take ages for Finish to climb up to see Coco’s face, but luckily she had portals to help her out with that. She stepped into one by her side, which took her from the bottom of Coco’s chest to directly in front of her eyes.

Coco’s face exploded outwards with flesh. Her cheeks encompassed all of Finish’s view when she looked down; her chins extended beyond that. Her muzzle, her forehead, her nape, even her ears were wider than before, probably each having a hundred pounds to them. Her back, that sea of fat, pressed hard against the back of her head, but with Coco’s already fat head there was no room to surge forward. So it rose upwards like a wave, staying there for Coco to lean back on.

“Hello, my prize.”

Coco’s eyes blinked, still pretty as ever. She moaned through the literal dam of fattening foods entering her.

“You’ve gained weight.”

Even with tons of fat on her cheeks, her mouth still smiled at the thought.

“You are my best prize. I love you.”

Coco closed her eyes, letting the praise wash over her as the food continued being pushed into her. Finish kissed her face, feeling her muzzle sink into her flesh completely. She let her body rest right under Coco’s muzzle, hearing the avalanche of food entering that wide maw. Her marehood rubbed against Coco’s chins, the many folds slapping against Finish’s underside. Her flanks were caressed by Coco’s giant cheeks.

She felt Coco growing under her, and her body jolted with electricity. Hopping into another portal, she landed on Coco’s back. That arch extended endlessly into every direction; Finish could make out no back of Coco’s head, or part of Coco’s sides, or even Coco’s giant rump. She sank into it like it was a mud bath, the warmest, softest, most refreshing mud bath she could find in all of Equestria. It rose up, further and further and further, story by inconceivable, uncountable story. She massaged as much as she could, and would’ve loved to continue on massaging her lover’s back for the next decade. But she knew that her lover needed caressing elsewhere.

So she took another portal and ended up buried alive.

Alive under a million pounds of Coco Pommel, under her belly. It pressed against her with ridiculous amounts of force, yet it was the softest prison she could ever find herself in. Complete darkness, with the sound of millions of calories digesting away and Coco’s light moans echoing throughout. If she was actually buried here, she wouldn’t have minded.

But there was one more place to see, so she took another portal to Coco’s backside. This was a towering piece of flesh that extended farther than her belly, where her flanks were larger than Canterlot Mountain, she’d wager, though she didn’t know how that worked. She didn’t have to though, since that glorious rump pressed into Finish as it grew against her. She slapped it as hard as she could, watching the ripples extent for miles in every direction.

It was time to celebrate. Decades of feeding, of growing came to this. One million pounds of mare were hers. She leapt forward, to begin the process of finding that marehood hidden under all of that rump flesh—

And ended up smashing her muzzle against the footboard of her bed. She would’ve probably cursed, had she still been conscious after that. But she drifted off to unconsciousness, which is slightly worse than sleep but gets the job done regardless.

The Checkup on the Restrained

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If there was one thing that Photo Finish hated more than anything, it was herself being late for work. When the sunlight had hit her face, she had nearly careened off of the bed with how frantic she threw herself up. Realizing that she was behind her schedule, she had darted out of the room before even donning her goggles.

In her panic, she had unconsciously skipped her breakfast and her grooming as she rushed toward the front door. Her mind screamed at her to take care of these things—Finish’s morning routine was sacred to her—and yet she continued to ignore them. “I must get to work!” she cried out, trying in vain to calm the voices in her head. “I cannot wait!”

The images that had been pervading her mind, and the burning in her loins, didn’t register as she reached for the knob. The only thing there was work, and her reputation as a punctual mare to uphold. In reality, it would be a few hours until her studio would be open for business, but she already imagined Pins N’ Needles, the second mare to show up for work, waiting by the front door for Finish to open up.

Thinking straight was beyond her at that moment, and as the door opened, her mind focused only on propelling herself down her walkway, down the streets, and off to work. So she didn’t notice the mare in front of her, and plowed right into her chest. She fell back with a thud, landing on her back and knocking the wind out of her. Before she could yell at the offending pony, a voice called out to her—or rather, called down to her.

“Oh, my stars, I am so sorry, Photo Finish! I didn’t see ya’ comin’ out of your house.” The voice caused her to freeze. “You look like you’re in a hurry to get somewhere.”

She lifted herself up to a sitting position, groaning as her back ached. “Good morning, Miss Pancake. It is so good to see you.”

“Are you alright?” Fanny asked, offering a hoof to help Finish up. She took it, and marveled at how effortlessly Fanny lifted her up. “You look like you took quite a fall there.”

“You are telling me,” Finish moaned. “I am late for work.”

Fanny looked up at the sky. “Late for work? I figured you were an early riser, but it’s not even seven o’clock!” Fanny’s expression turned gentler than her cheerful demeanor usually was. “You could use a rest.”

Finish shook her head. “I do not need a rest. I must be off.”

“Are you sure?” Fanny reached out a foreleg to drape it on Finish’s back, and the thickness and warmness of it soothed her. “I mean, you don’t even have your dress on! I’ve never seen you without it.”

“What?!” The word spat out of her control. She jerked her head around, and found her blue fur exposed for everypony to see. “Ohmystars, I have forgotten my dress!” She dashed around to dive back into her house, and instantly found her muzzle smashing against the door. For a moment, all she could see were stars.

When she came to, she found herself on her living room couch with an icepack on her muzzle. She tried to remove it, but when she did she felt a searing pain, and saw blood on the paper towel between her skin and the ice pack. It went back on, and she groggily rose.

“Is that you, Miss Finish?” Fanny’s sweet voice called from the kitchen. “How’re you feeling?”

She attempted to sniffle, but the hardened blood made that difficult. “I am feeling a little better. Thank you.”

When she stepped into the kitchen, she found Fanny over her stove, stirring something in her pot. Without a sense of smell, and without any residue on the countertops, she couldn’t tell what it was. “Waste not, want not, I suppose. Or maybe she ate all of the leftovers.” This came out mumbled, so Fanny didn’t hear her.

In that instant, she noticed how Fanny’s rump swayed pendulously as she cooked. I am alone with the greatest MMM right now. Should I take this moment to get romantic with her?

Do you not remember how sore you are?

That doesn’t matter right now. I have the greatest MMM in my home, cooking food! Why should I pass this opportunity up?

You know what? You’re probably right.

I know I am.

Do what you gotta do.

Instead of getting chastised (or perhaps complimented) on her remark, she merely took a seat at her table; her mind was still foggy. At the same time, Fanny took a ladle hanging over the stove and dipped it into the bowl.

“I hope you don’t mind my taking over your kitchen,” Fanny said, pouring the contents of the ladle into a bowl. “Your stomach was growling, and I figured you tried leaving for work without eating anything. This should help you get your strength up.”

Finish looked down at the bowl, seeing a stew of potatoes, carrots, turnips and beans in a light broth. Instantly, she regretted knocking her muzzle against the door, for she knew that it would’ve smelled heavenly. “Thank you,” she moaned, dipping her spoon in the concoction. When she noticed Fanny standing there, watching her eat, she motioned to the opposite chair. “Please sit.”

Fanny chuckled. “Thank you for the offer, darling, but I don’t think your chairs were built to withstand my posterior.” She gave her backside a slight shake. “Or the rest of me, for that matter.”

Stooooooooooooop!

“But I would like to talk to you, if that’s okay.”

Finish looked up from her food to see Fanny’s stern look. The tone of the visit had gone from friendly to businesslike in a second. Maybe she wishes to talk about the photo shoot. Finally! “Yes, we can talk.”

Fanny sighed, the intake of air stretching her belly to rest on the tile floor. She must’ve eaten breakfasts already. “Look, I don’t mean any insult you by saying this, but—“

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

“Ach, blast!” Finish rose violently and shouted, “Who is it?”

A voice called from the front. “It’s your star model, Fleur de Lys!”

Finish’s blood froze. No, not here, not now! She quickly looked at Fanny, whose eyes were squinting at the doorway like daggers. “I-I am sorry, Miss Pancake—“

“No worries,” Fanny said in a lower tone than usual. “You go on and take care of what she needs.” She went to the stove and pulled out two more bowls for the stew. “I’ll set up a bowl for her.”

“Danke.” Finish walked to the door, still holding the ice pack to her muzzle. Before she reached the door, it opened with Fleur’s magic. Fleur had a purple coat on, despite it being warm for Canterlot weather, and a pair of sunglasses. “Oh, good morning, Miss Fleur—“

“Morning,” Fleur said curtly, striding into the lobby. “Mind if I come in?”

“Well, as a fact of the matter—“

“Woah.” Fleur’s voice grew quiet. Fanny had peeked her head out of the kitchen, and a portion of her massive body peeked out with it. “What are you doing here?”

Fanny cocked her head in a dismissive manner. “I’m just here to talk business with Photo Finish. I fixed up some grub, too, if you’re hungry.”

Fleur made no response to the larger mare; instead, she turned to Finish. “I actually came here to talk about her and her friends.” Before Finish could reply, she cut to the point. “Why were you with them yesterday?”

Finish straightened herself up; it was time to put all of her hiding to good use. “I was trying to work out some business with Miss Pancake. We have set up a photo shoot.”

“Oh?” Fleur uttered, bemused. “But I don’t recall any photo shoot taking place in a chocolate store.” Out of the pocket of her coat, she pulled out a photo and gave it to Finish.

It showed Finish and Black Forest, one after the other, entering the factory after Fanny had squeezed through. The doorway had been cracked, and the walls had bulged out slightly, but that hadn’t been what had caught her attention. Finish was smiling as she entered, and Black Forest had obviously been staring at her as she walked. The onlookers had begun to disperse at that time.

“You took this?” Finish asked coolly.

“No,” Fleur replied, straightening her height up above Finish’s. “Somepony brought this to me.”

A paparazzi. “What of it? I do not think it is of concern where I do my business.”

“Oh, it’s not a matter of where. It’s a matter of with whom you conduct your business.” Fleur made a not-so-subtle gesture towards Fanny. “I understand that business is business, but you must think about your reputation.”

Before Finish could say anything, Fanny stepped out of the kitchen. “There won’t be much to say about her reputation. She’s only supplying the equipment, nothing more.”

Wait, what?

Fleur crinkled her muzzle at her entrance. “Is that all? Then she doesn’t have anything to worry about.”

“She shouldn’t have anything to worry about by photographing ponies of a larger weight class.”

“Do you really believe that?”

“Yes.” Fanny sighed. “We all have our own beauty to us. Just so long as we’re not vain about it.”

Fleur glared at her. “Sure.”

Fanny sighed. “But, Photo Finish, I’ve actually come here to ask that you not come to the photo shoot.”

“What!?”

Both mares backed away when she blurted that out. Fleur’s brow raised as she turned to Fanny.

“I know that it is uncomfortable for you to be around us—“

“But—“ Before she would protest, she caught sight of Fleur’s brows raising in curiosity. She immediately stopped talking.

“—And even though I don’t want to admit it, it might do some things for your reputation if you’re shooting photos for us.”

“My—“ Another look, another instant of closing her mouth.

“I appreciate your enthusiasm, I really do, but I think it would be best for everypony if you didn’t show up. Plus, you’re making some of the girls nervous, and I think they’d be intimidated if you were to show up to shoot photos for them.”

“I’d bet.”

“So I am letting you know that you don’t have to come.” She smiled.

Finish’s mouth hung open, not believing what she had just heard. “Will your cameraman be able to work the machinery? It is delicate equipment, after all.”

“Don’t worry your head about it.” Fanny patted her back. “He is very competent at his job; he’s been doing this for ten years now. Even then, you can show Coco how to operate it, right?”

Her mind flashed to that mare. “Coco…”

“You mean your fat dressmaker?” Fleur sniffled. “Yeah, I’d think she’d fit right in there.”

“Hey!” Fanny stepped towards her, prompting Fleur to shuffle backwards. “You can make fun of me all you want, but you damn well had better leave Coco out of it!”

Fleur shuffled behind Finish. “Okay, okay, I understand. Leave Coco alone, got it!” She squealed when Fanny took another step forward.

With that, Fanny bowed towards the pair. “I suppose I’ve said all I had to say. Photo Finish, don’t worry yourself about the photo shoot. I’m grateful that you would lend us your equipment, and I just don’t want you to trouble yourself with coming along.” Before Finish could say anything, Fanny strutted for the door.

“Wait,” Finish muttered.

“Yes?” Fanny asked, obviously peeved at this point.

What could she say? Reinstate her as the head of the photo shoot, at the risk of being banned from it for good? She isn’t repulsed by fat ponies, at the risk of losing Fleur as a client? Tell Fleur to apologize, at the risk of everything becoming worse? All of these things stopped in her throat, and all she could say was: “I wish you luck.”

Even without looking back, she could tell that Fanny was smiling. “Thanks, dear. I wish you and Fleur here luck as well.” She left, the door frame scuffing as she squeezed her flanks through, then the door slamming shut behind her.

“I should leave as well,” Fleur said after a length, her outlook a lot cheerier. “I appreciate your work, Finish, and I can’t wait to see the finished product!” Fleur skipped merrily out of the room and out the door, leaving Finish to herself.

The lonely mare’s heart pounded inside her. I have just lost one of my most valuable clients, all because I can’t tell anypony the truth! I should run out there and find her and—

You can’t do that.

Why not?

Because somepony might be watching.

Who would be watching us? Fleur? She wants nothing to do with Fanny in the slightest.

And yet she acquired a photograph of you and her, and the rest of the fat ponies.

That… oh my stars, you’re right? How did she get that? Why did she get that? Is she thinking about blackmailing me? Does she know my secret?

And if she does, why wouldn’t she just outright come and say it? Why pressure you like she did?

Who could she have gotten to take these photographs? It had to have been somepony who—

Another knock at the door.

“Sheise, what now?” Finish turned swiftly, which only caused her head to swim, and teetered to the front door. With a groan, she opened it.

“What—“

It came out as a bark, but once she saw the pony there, her voice died.

“H—h—h—h—Oh, French Vanilla! I was not expecting you to come here!”

It was French Vanilla, her face fidgeting and downcast. “H-Hello, Madamoiselle Finish. M-May I—What happened to your muzzle?”

Finish once again became conscious of the pain and the towel on her muzzle. “Nothing too serious. How can I help you?”

“May I come in?”

Finish couldn’t help her face lighting up. “Of course, meine freunde, of course! Come right on in.” As French stepped inside, Finish spoke up from behind. “There is stew in the kitchen. Your friend Fanny made it this morning.”

French whipped around. “Oh, Fanny was here?”

“Ja.”

“Why?”

“For business reasons,” Finish found herself mumbling, still bitter over earlier’s business.

French scuffed the ground. “Oh, that’s… good.” She looked down at the ground. “I’m sorry for coming in like this. I know you’re a busy mare.”

“Oh, no! Not at the moment, I—“ Her mind jolted. Wait, I have to get to work! I hope what French has to say will be quick.

Instead, French seemed to mumble. “A-about yesterday.”

“Yes?”

“I just wanted to apologize.”

Finish balked. “For what?”

“For my behavior yesterday.” Finish noticed that French was tensing up. She didn’t look like she was going to cry, and didn’t have that throaty whistle to her voice. Every movement she made, however, seemed to deliberate, as if it didn’t want to go out of line. Even her corpulence was more subdued, shaking a lot less than at the factory. “I shouldn’t have been such a spoil-sport. I’m sorry if I ruined your fu—I mean business.”

Finish raised a brow. This can’t be. Not another one of you, coming to tell me that I’ve done a bad job! I already know that! “It is okay, French Vanilla. You were of no offense yesterday.”

“You are being too kind,” French continued, stepping in place. It seemed to Finish that she was growing more nervous. “I know you and Fanny are talking about the photo shoot. I hang out with Fanny a lot at this time, and if you need some alone time to discuss things, you can tell me to go away.”

Why would I do that?

Why wouldn’t you do that? Fanny is more knowledgeable. She would get in the way of business.

But telling her to go away is rude. I don’t want to distance her.

“Okay.”

Why did I just say that?

Because it is the right thing to say.

French flinched.

That was the wrong thing to say!

“I don’t understand what it takes to maintain such professionalism in one’s social life, so forgive me if I have offended.” She hesitated. “Um… what I am trying to say is that I don’t know how you keep up the straight face and business set of mind.”

Finish couldn’t help the chuckle the spat out of her. “You would be surprised how hard it is.” Especially with somepony like you and Dark around me, you fat vixen you.

“So I will try and stay out of your way, okay?”

“Oh, okay.”

Smooth.

“Well… okay then.” French began stepping out of the room. “Thank you for seeing me today, Photo Finish. I very much appreciate it. And I wish your photo shoot—our photo shoot goes very well. Thank you.”

Before Finish could register what was going on, French wrapped her in a hug. Finish’s breast sank into hers, her neck was squeezed by hers, her cheek was smothered by hers. From this view, Finish could see her rump jiggling from the forwards motion; her eyes were entranced on it. Unlike Coco’s slight jiggle, which was like a small earthquake, French’s rump shook like a wave, like somepony had dropped a glob of jelly on the floor.

Perhaps I can push my luck here. Have her cuddle with me while I tell her how she doesn’t have to worry about anything.

You could, but what would Dark say?

Maybe she’d want to join in.

Are you serious?

They did it with Black Forest, didn’t they?

They’re friends. For all they know, you’re nothing but a business associate.

Finish groaned. “I apologize, but I must be getting on my way.”

“Oh, excusez-moi!” French backed away, her rump bouncing around wildly, just out of Finish’s sight. “I had no idea. Well, I did, you are a busy mare.” Before Finish could explain herself, French scuttled past Finish and towards the front door, affording Finish more of her large backside. “I must be off as well. Dark is probably worried sick wondering where I am!” She opened the door and dashed out. “Au revoir!” The door slowly closed behind.

Finish stood in the middle of her living room again, stunned. What is happening?

Why are all of these ponies coming over and giving me bad news?

Why didn’t you tell French that Fanny had asked you not to come by?

…Ach, I didn’t tell her that! Why didn’t I tell her that?

You were too busy staring at her rump.

I know.

At least it was good, right?

Yes. I wish I had more time to— She gasped. I have to get to work!

Another round of rushing out the door, and this time, she had no plans on stopping. Nopony had better be out there, or else they’re going to her a face full of angry mare!

She opened the door and sped out, only to slam headfirst into somepony else.

“Ooh, ah! Who is it?!”

“Entshuldigung, meine fruende.”

Finish immediately relaxed. Black Forest’s dulcet voice rang in her ear as the mare helped Finish up with her magic. The pack of ice went back onto her muzzle with the softest of touches.

“Danke schön, Black Forest,” Finish mumbled. “I am sorry, I am in a hu—“

Her breath caught once again, this time realizing that Black Forest had no clothes on. It wasn’t unnatural seeing a pony clothesless, yet Finish had never seen her without a sweater or tracksuit on. Her belly hung freely, nearly bobbing along the floor, while the rest of her followed along with grace.

“What is it?” Black Forest asked with a smile. “Do I have something on my coat?

Finish’s breath was heavier than usual as she spoke. “No, Black Forest, your coat is perfectly pristine.”

The look Black Forest gave Finish was one she couldn’t immediately decipher. She was still smiling, but her eyes were intense, as if waiting for something. For a while, they just stared at one another. It was making Finish uncomfortable, and the more uncomfortable she felt, the more it looked like Black Forest’s smile grew.

Finally, she couldn’t take any more. “You are teasing me, are you not?”

“Goodness, no,” Black Forest said, stepping forward so that they were side by side. “I am just concerned about my appearance. I mean, it simply wouldn’t do if something were out of place, would it? Speaking of ‘out-of-place,’ what happened to your muzzle?”

“I hit my head.”

“Ach, I am sorry. Do you need anything?”

“No.”

“Then may I come in?”

Finish couldn’t stop looking at Black Forest’s immaculate coat, her large belly mere inches from her side. She did her best to maintain eye contact with Black Forest, which wasn’t difficult to fake, considering she had her near-impenetrable goggles on, but she still made the effort.

Black Forest didn’t seem to notice as she asked again, “May I come in?”

“Hmm? Oh, I do not believe I have time to chat. I am late for work, and I must be off.” She maneuvered herself around Black Forest, waiting for the mare to back away. Black did so, and she reached for the door.

“I must say, I’ve never seen you without your dress before.”

Finish froze. Damn! I still don’t have it on!

“You look nice without it.”

Finish shook her head as she opened the door. “Danke, but I cannot show up for work without it. Since I must go in, I will invite you inside.”

Black Forest’s eyes narrowed. “Thank you. I would just love to catch up with you about the photo shoot.”

Finish groaned. “I would rather not.”

They both stepped inside. As Finish raced up her stairs, Black Forest stepped inti the kitchen. “I hope you don’t mind if I get myself a drink.”

“No, not at a—“ Finish froze. “A-a-a drink?”

“Yes,” Black Forest said, peeking her head out of the kitchen. “I worked up such a thirst walking here. I just need a quick drink of water.”

She’s not saying a cup or glass! Do something! “Yes, have as much as you like.”

“Thank you.” She didn’t say anything more as she slipped back into the kitchen.

As she cantered towards her room to grab her trademark dress, she thought frenetically to herself. Why is Black Forest acting like this? What is her goal? Is she going to tell me not to come either? And why wasn’t she here with Fanny or French?

No explanation came to mind as she slipped on her dress, now feeling less naked. She staggered back downstairs, believing herself ready enough to leave the ice pack; the pain had numbed down enough for her to handle. But as she stepped into the kitchen, she pressed it firmly against her muzzle, feeling a nosebleed coming her way.

Black Forest was hunched over the sink, her gut pressing into the cabinet under it. The faucet was firmly inside her muzzle, and each swallow she took forced her neck to bulge. Without her usual sweaters, her slowly expanding gut looked sorta comical to Finish. In another respect, she looked so natural, so unfettered, so…

So free to expand.

She might’ve let Black Forest have much more than her fill, had the other mare not turned around. Slowly, she took the faucet out and set it down. “I apologize. I was really thirsty.”

“Do not worry about it.”

“I won’t.” Black Forest smiled. “Now, why don’t you tell me about your progress with our photo shoot? I hear you’ve been putting in a considerable effort to make sure it comes out perfectly, like everything you do.”

Finish didn’t even feel a blush coming on, as earlier’s conversation came back to her. “Actually, I will just be providing the equipment.”

Black Forest’s brow raised. “What do you mean?”

Finish suppressed a sigh. “I have been asked not to come.”

“By who?”

“By Fanny.”

“Did she say why?”

“Yeah, she says that she would not want me to trouble myself, when I have other clients to attend to.”

Black Forest rubbed the faucet in her hoof. “I see. That does make sense. Our camerapony is capable of handling equipment himself.”

“So I have heard.”

“But still, I would like for you to come.”

Finish looked up, confused. “Why?”

“I think… it would be good for everypony if you attended.”

“Why?” Finish was beginning to feel something gnawing in her stomach.

“Just because.”

Finish scuffed the ground. “I do not think that would be a good idea. Fanny was persistent when I refused at first.”

Black set the faucet back in its rightful place. “I see.” She slumped back onto her fours, her belly lightly bouncing against the tile floor. “Don’t you worry about a thing, Miss Finish. I will have a chat with her about your coming.”

Finish raised a brow. “I do not think that is necessary—“

“Perhaps not,” she continued. “But I will put in a good word for you.” She walked past her. “I wasn’t expecting to leave so soon, but I have business to attend to. It was pleasurable talking to you.”

“Yes, it was a pleasure as well.” Finish didn’t turn around as Black Forest took her leave, her belly lightly dragging against the carpet as she walked out. The front door hesitated before closing.

So Fanny doesn’t want me to come, but Black Forest does? How will she convince her?

What makes you think she can convince her at all?

It’s the only hope I have, to be sure.

But the other ponies?

She’d have to talk with them as well.

And do you think she can do that?

There’s no reason to doubt. Black Forest is a wonderful speaker.

A wonderful everything.

With a wonderful belly.

Another knock at the door.

“Nein, I must leave for work!” Finish checked her clock again: she was forty-five minutes past schedule! Now she only had an hour and forty-five minutes to get to work. She dashed towards the door again, but didn’t rush out of it. There wouldn’t be a repeat of the two earlier events.

She opened the door. “I am sorry, but I must be off to work—“

“Oh, I do beg your pardon, Miss Finish—“

Finish froze, much against her own will. “Fancy Pants? Wh-what brings you here?”

Fancy bowed to her. “I am here on business. Would you be willing to—good gracious, what happened to your muzzle—

“Long story,” Finish said quickly, stepping out of the way. “Would you like to take a moment to chat?”

Fancy nodded. “I would love to, my dear, thank you.” He stepped regally inside, and soon had a seat on one of the living room cushions. Finish didn’t mind the sudden intrusion; nopony turned down business from Fancy Pants (except for Princess Celestia, but that’s another story entirely).

“Would you like something to drink?” Finish offered.

“No, really, I must be brief about this.” He grinned. “Fleur will be upset if she finds me out for too long without her.” He motioned for her to sit, which she did shakily.

“Now,” he began, adjusting his monocle before speaking. “It has come to my attention that you’ve been asked to help with a photo shoot for a group of ponies of… er, um, different physical characteristics, shall we say?” Finish nodded. “This is becoming quite a concern for Fleur, who thinks that you might be taking attention and work that could be used on her photo shoot.

“I’m not one to dictate how a pony runs her or his business, and I certainly don’t object to a group of… larger ponies wanting to have a photo shoot. What I am addressing is that for somepony who deals with regular-sized ponies, I imagine it’s rather awkward for you.”

Finish wanted to say “Not at all,” but the words wouldn’t come out. She continued to listen.

“Now, I did some research speaking with the pony who will be presiding over the shoot, and he told me that all he needs is photography equipment. I can help provide equipment for the photo shoot; I know a few other cameraponies and camera stores who can give the ponies what they need.”

Finish’s gaze was levelled at him, though behind the goggles he wouldn’t be able to know.

“And I will be willing to pay you extra for the extra time,” Fancy said with a smile. “I know you’re a busy mare, and it would mean a lot to Fleur and myself if you would give our little project special attention.”

Finish nearly snorted, and it took all of her effort not to.

“How does that sound?”

How does that sound? So far, I have a mare that wants me to be at the shoot, another that doesn’t. A third that just wants to equipment, and now you’re telling me you don’t want me to provide the equipment for them? This is too much, I can’t think straight!

“I will consider it.”

Fancy frowned. “Is that all?”

“Unfortunately, that is all that I am willing to give to you at this time. My business is very important to me, and I can’t just give up a client like that.” She knew those words were lies, and Fancy, as an astute businesspony, wouldn’t understand the reasoning. She was just hoping to Celestia that he would accept the explanation. “I assure you that Fleur will receive my full attention.”

That brought his smile back. “I know you will. I am just trying to make everything easier on you, and not upset Fleur. I hope you understand.”

“I understand.” I just don’t understand why Fleur’s so insistent on keeping me away from them.

“Then I shall check up on you in the near future, awaiting your decision.” Fancy Pants rose form the cushion. “Thank you for seeing me in such short notice. Enjoy your day!”

Finish rose with a confused look. “Th-thank you, Fancy Pants. Your time is always appreciated.” Enjoy my day? What is he on about?

She didn’t even notice that he had let himself out, the door closing firmly.

Okay, no more visitors, I must be off to work! She opened the door, and found Fancy Pants stepped to the side right in front of it.

“It has been a long time, hasn’t it, Duffle Bag?”

No, not him!

“Yes, it has! Let’s catch up some other time, shall we? I have some business with Miss Finish here.”

“Yes, I have just concluded business with her. Have yourself a good day."

“You as well.”

The stallions parted, and Duffle turned to look at her.

“Good afternoon, Mister Duffle Bag—“

“Darling, it’s morning, and early morning at that.”

She blinked and shook her head. She noticed that, despite the funny jab, Duffle wasn’t smiling. His expression was blank. “Oh, so it is.”

“Anyway, I need to talk to you about Fanny and her girls.”

Her stomach lurched. Oh my stars, what now?

“May I come in?”

Resigned, she let him in. He took a seat exactly where Fancy Pants had, and Finish took a seat where she had sat before.

“I’ve come here because Fanny Pancake is a dear, dear friend of mine.” Before Finish could comment, he quickly continued. “I’ve known her for a long time, and she and I are close. I would do anything for her and her friends, which is why I’m here.

“I noticed that everypony yesterday was acting oddly around you, and that you and Fanny weren’t the closest of mares.”

So I did do something to offend her.

“I am here to firmly tell you not to mess with her, or any of her friends.”

Finish blinked, and failed to suppress a gasp. “Do you really think that I would hurt them?”

He regarded her with a grimace. “I don’t know. You are, after all, a mare of high class and dignity; who’s to say that you view these ponies as beneath you, simply because they have a few hundred pounds more weight on them than you have?”

She shook her head. “I assure you, Duffle Bag, that you have nothing to worry about. I have nothing but respect for them—“

“Your actions speak otherwise.”

She had had enough of this nonsense. “Which actions?”

“How brusque you are with them; how you wouldn’t allow Fanny to indulge herself, for one day of the year she comes to me; how you didn’t chat at all with Black Forest, or Dark, or French, or even your own employee Coco Pommel, who’s a sweet girl once you get to know her. You may be invested in their business, Finish, but I can’t let you treat them so… so curtly, if you will.”

Finish nodded. “So you wish for me to…” She actually couldn’t figure it out; her blood was boiling too much to think straight.

“I wish for you to be less uptight around them. If you do have nothing but respect for them, then be friendlier to them!” His tone changed, from one of commanding to one of urging. “They are nice, once you get to know them, and when you’re at the shoot—“

“I—iiiii—“ She didn’t finish the word “If.”

“—Just be more genial. These aren’t your strict models you work with on a daily basis. Please try and be friendlier.”

She nodded eagerly. “I can do that.”

“Especially around French Vanilla. She’s a shy, sweet young lady, and you’ve probably scared her to death with your presence alone.” He didn’t say this jokingly.

“I understand.”

“Good.” He rose with a spring in his knees. “Because if I find out that you’ve hurt any of them, I will hunt you down.”

She nodded, outwardly patient but inwardly seething. She didn’t rise as he walked out and slammed the door shut.

Stay away from them, don’t provide them cameras, be closer to them, be nice to French… What in Celestia’s name is happening?

And why didn’t he ask you about your muzzle?

I don’t know. Maybe he got some schadenfreude out of my pain. She looked at her clock again: she now only had an hour and a half to get to work. “Please, let there be no more visitors outside!”

She trotted to her door, hoping that she could get to work. Even with only ninety minutes to set up, she would at least be in a familiar setting. “Please let there be nopony there,” she squeaked as she opened the door.

No such luck.

“Oh, good morning, Dark Chocolate,” she said, her head beginning to ache. “How may I help you?” She couldn’t think of anypony else that could come and visit her, unless paparazzi started to swarm in, and interviewers came and took over her house.

“Hello,” Dark said briskly. “May I come in?”

“I am so sorry,” Finish said, closing the door behind her. “But I am severely late for work, and I must be off.” She dashed around Dark.

Or at least tried to; Dark stepped back in front of her. “Then let me make this brief: stay away from French Vanilla.”

Finish blinked. “Excuse me?”

Dark’s eyes narrowed like daggers. “You heard me. I had to hold my sweetheart while she told me how nervous she felt around you, how she felt like you were judging her and going to talk about her to your friends. She couldn’t even get any writing done because of it! Did you even know that she was an author?”

Finish blinked. “She is?”

“Ever heard of the Memory Lane series?”

She gasped. “I have, I really like those books! All of the sights and sounds and smells, all of the places and various different cultures of ponies, they are very evocative books!”

“I know,” Dark said, her tone never relaxing. “I know, I helped her edit them when she was feeling down about herself. And she couldn’t begin the next one last night because ponies like you made her nervous as a clam!”

“I apologize—“

“I know you’re not doing it intentionally, but I can’t have my love like that. And, to be honest, I don’t know enough about you to say you won’t turn on her. So, for the sake of everypony, stay away from her.”

“Okay.”

Wait, why did you say that?

I don’t know.

After the talk with Black Forest and Duffle Bag?

I just wanted to make her happy.

And yet you made everything worse.

“I’m glad we understand.” Dark gave a bow and a tiny smile. “Good day to you, Photo Finish.” With that, Dark turned on her heels and walked away. Finish was in too much shock to admire Dark’s prodigious rump, one much larger than French’s.

This is all wrong.

Why is it all happening now?

And why am I so hated?

Get to work. Everything should calm down when you get there.

“Right. Do not stop for any more ponies, just go straight to—“

“Miss Finish?"

“GAH!” She hadn’t even noticed Coco Pommel next to her. She fell to the floor, hitting her back and beginning the ache in her muzzle and head all over again. Still, she lay there frozen, staring at Coco. She knew that Coco had become wider overnight; the chocolate binge and whatever her dinner was had had a greater effect on her.

“I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to frighten you, are you alright?” Without waiting for an answer, she set her cup of coffee down and helped Finish up to her hooves.

“Hrm, I have never been better,” Finish grumbled.

“I’m sorry.”

Finish shook her head. “Do not be. I am already late—“ She glared at Coco. “Why are you not at work?”

Coco raised a brow. “At work?”

“JA! At work, where you work, for me, where I work, for money, doing work!?” Finish rubbed her head. “I am super late, and you will be late too, if you dillydally around here.”

“Miss Finish, today’s Sunday.”

Finish’s blood froze. “Vat?”

“It’s Sunday. There’s no work today… Unless I missed a memo saying we were supposed to work today and oh my stars, please tell me I didn’t miss them memo…”

Coco continued worrywarting, but it ran by Finish, who stood stunned. It was Sunday, she finally remembered, and there was no work to be had that day. Slowly, her muscles turned to jelly, and her legs began to lower.

“No, Coco, there is no work today,” she croaked as she fell to the ground.

“Miss Finish, please wake up.”

Slowly, her senses returned to her. She was on her couch, underneath a blanket. Her dress was hanging on her armchair across from her. Her muzzle throbbed with a dull pain, but she noticed that she could smell again; instantly, she knew that there was a bowl of stew next to her. Another aroma wafted its way to her nostrils, and it was familiar enough to make her sit up.

“Is that coffee?” she asked aloud to herself.

“Yes, Miss Finish, exactly the way you like it.”

Finish’s eyes darted to the mare who spoke. Coco stood there next to the couch, with a relieved look on her face. Finish’s eyes hadn’t deceived her; Coco had indeed gained weight since the last time she had seen her. Her stomach was round as if bloated, but it was soft. It reached down to her knees. Her chest, too, dipped low and pressed against her forelegs, which themselves had thickened up enough to jiggle on their own. Her neck was plumper, her collar loosened up from normal just to stay on, and her cheeks were large enough to create dimples around her face.

Finish felt her nethers burning, aching for her.

No, I want the madness to stop.

You want to rest. Still, you want her.

I do.

“The way I like it?” she asked with a quiet voice.

Coco nodded and blushed. “I, um, took the time to learn how you like your coffee, so that if you needed it, I could get it for you. You had all of the ingredients in your kitchen, so I made some. I hope it helps.”

She took the cup and sipped it. Perfect bitterness, perfect sweetness, perfect temperature. “It is perfect. Thank you.”

“Of course.” Coco pointed to the bowl of stew. “I heard your stomach rumbling, and thought that some leftover stew should help.”

So she doesn’t know about this morning. Finish picked her spoon up and took a large mouthful of potato and carrots. It was slightly cold, but she didn’t care.

“What happened to your muzzle?”

Finish chuckled. “I was in a hurry, and ran into the door.”

Coco gasped. “Are you okay?”

“I am fine.”

Another mouthful, and she noticed Coco scuff the floor, wondering what she was thinking. Oh well, she’s here now, and everything else is crazy. I might as well take a chance. Finish rose up and patted the seat next to her.

Coco was still blushing as she walked around, and Finish could get a view of her flank. It was definitely thicker than yesterday, her cutie mark bobbing up and down like a ball when she walked. Her flank nearly obscured her dock, from how high it rose. Finish continued admiring as Coco sat down next to her, and continued watching as it sank into the couch cushion and partially ate the blanket that got trapped under it.

The couch made a faint squeak as she sat down. That is pathetic; it’s not enough. It seemed to be enough to fluster Coco, who reached down to pull the blanket corner out of under her. Before she could, Finish spoke up.

“You have gained weight.” It felt natural to say.

Coco’s blush intensified as she shrunk into herself—as much as her body would allow. “I-I know. I’m sorry.”

No, don’t be.

“I know. It’s for business, right?”

Wait, did I say that out loud?

“Well—“

“It’s okay, Photo Finish,” Coco continued with a resigned tone. “I know why this is happening. I just… I have been having trouble controlling my appetite, especially when there’s someplace new to try out. I’ve been trying, though, because I don’t think you want somepony really really big to work for you.

Please stop berating yourself.

“I’m not berating myself, I’m just acknowledging what’s happening.”

Damnit, muzzle, be quiet!

Coco patted her stomach softly. “I’m just worried that it might be getting out of control, you know? I mean I don’t mind doing it for business—“

Wait, really?

“But I don’t want it to go too far. I know you have your standards.”

Yes, and you’re not meeting them!

“So I came here to ask… should I start losing weight?”

Finish finally blinked. “What?”

Coco didn’t look up, and her voice grew quieter. “I don’t want to embarrass you, and I don’t think that you want somepony that’s too big working for you. So do you want me to lose weight?”

Finish felt herself going lightheaded again. No no no, why is she bringing this up now? After all of the work that I’ve done with her, she can’t be thinking about giving it up now! Why, why now? Why, when she’s the biggest she’s ever been?

“Has somepony made fun of you?” Finish barked.

Coco flinched. “Um… well, not too many ponies—“

“Ignore them,” Finish continued with a shaky voice. “Ignore them and do what you want to do.”

“But what about work—“

“You are doing a fine job, Coco,” Finish said, leaning in closer. “Please stop fretting.”

“I’m trying,” Coco said, her voice on the verge of crying. What is going on? “But you always seem so flustered, and I don’t want it to be because I’m getting bigger and bigger and bigger—“

Stop, I can’t take it!

“And you’re just trying to be nice to me, when I should be mature enough to—“

Photo Finish had had enough. She leaned forward all the way, knocking the blanket off of her in the process, and wrapped her hooves around Coco’s neck.

For a while, everything was silent. Coco’s voice had quieted, and Finish’s had stopped completely. Finish sunk into Coco’s stomach fat, while her face pressed against the other’s fat cheek. In that instant, her body heated up, and her nethers burned for the mare she was clinging on to.

Then, slowly, Coco’s forelegs wrapped around her’s body, and her cheek began nuzzling Finish. Finish’s heartbeat quickened, while her nethers ached from desire. Her hooves drifted down Coco’s back, trying to reach down as far as she could.

This is actually happening?

Yes, it is.

We should take as much advantage over this as we could.

Yes, she wants it. She wants me, and— Finish froze. Wait, I don’t even know that. She may just be hugging me to be a good friend.

What would make you think that?

I hugged her first!

So?

So, I’m in this situation.

And

And-and-and-and-and—

Slowly, Finish let go. “I am sorry.” When she looked back up, she found Coco blushing.

“No, it’s okay. I needed it. Thank you.”

Finish’s voice caught in her throat. “I have just gone through a lot today, and I feel stressed.”

“Oh.” Coco’s voice dropped. “Well, do you want to talk about it?”

“Talk about it?”

“Yeah,” Coco replied with a more upbeat attitude. “Like friends.”

Friends? Finish’s hooves jittered in place. “No thank you. I think that I will try and do this on my own.”

“Oh.” Another voice drop. “Okay then.” She rose. “I think that I should go now.”

Finish didn’t try and stop her; her insides were boiling, and she didn’t know why. “Okay. Have a good day.”

“You do the same.” Coco stood still for a moment, the blush slowly going away. Then she began walking out.

Meanwhile, Finish sat there, stunned. That was my one moment, and I… I don’t think it went as badly as it could’ve. It could’ve gone better, though. I need to work on my schmoozing— Her stomach lurched. Ach! What is going on?

“Miss Finish?”

She turned. “Yes?”

Coco scuffed the ground once more before speaking up, her eyes full of determination. “If you ever need anypony to talk to, you could always come over to my apartment, or call me here, and we can talk, okay?”

Her heart lurched. “O-okay.” Coco turned to leave, but she couldn’t allow that to happen. “Coco?”

“Yes?”

Finish’s voice kept getting caught as she spoke. “If you need anypony to talk to, come over here, or talk to me at work, okay?”

Coco smiled. “Okay.” That caused Finish to smile. And then Coco left, and the door closed softly behind her.

Finish didn’t know how long she sat there. At length, she finished the bowl of stew and the cup of coffee, perfectly made by Coco. That is an amazing mare. I must have her.

But what about this paparazzi?

To Tartarus with him! Or her! I’m Photo Finish, and I am not easily conquered!

Except by Coco.

The thought didn’t finish, as there was a knock at the door. Finish didn’t even complain as she got up to see who it was. It didn’t even surprise her to see who it was.

“Good afternoon, Pins,” she croaked, suddenly realizing she needed water.

The pegasus blinked in surprise. “Afternoon? Photo Finish, what have you been doing all day?”

Everything came back to her in a haze. “It has been a rough aftern—morning.”

“I can tell,” Pins said with a shake of her head. “Do you want to get a drink and talk about it?”

Talk about it… Finish found herself nodding. “That would be nice. Just let me get my dress.” If there’s anypony that I can confide in, it’s Pins… and soon, Coco. She threw on her dress, leaving the bowl and cup on the coffee table, and left with Pins and a heavy mind.

The Fifth Incident

View Online

It was a normal day as Photo Finish and Coco Pommel walked down the busy Canterlot street, restaurants and food shops flanking them as far as the eye could see. She couldn’t remember why they were there, but it felt nice.

“You really are getting fat,” Finish said.

Coco bowed her head, trying to hide the blush from her employer. “I know. I can’t help it, I just can’t control myself.”

“I see that,” Finish said as she turned back. Coco had walked up to a candy-apple vendor and began popping apple after apple into her mouth. They both watched as Coco's body grew, her belly drooping closer to the floor, her hips billowing outwards, her rump thickening and plumping up. "You just can't help yourself, can you?"

"No," Coco admitted. An entire cloud's worth of cotton candy disappeared into her maw, rounding her out further. She could still walk normally, though, which surprised both of them.

"You're just going to keep on eating, no matter what?"

Coco tried to say something to the contrary, but found herself slurping up spaghetti from somepony who had brought an entire pot's worth out to her. Her belly squished into her legs, and her rump began knocking into ponies behind her. Was she really that much of a glutton that she needed ponies to come out of their restaurants to feed her?

Finish seemed to think so. "We have important business to attend to, but I do not want to see you go hungry."

"Oomph! Dun'f wurry, Futr Funch, Um good," Coco tried to say as more food was shovelled into her—pizzas, raviolis, penne, rotini and whatever other pasta could be thought up. Coco's stomach hit the ground, and began lifting her up. "Wuh cn stll wrk."

Finish stomped her hoof, waiting for Coco to finish.

Coco, seeing the glare her boss was giving her, resigned herself to her fate and ate up as much as she could. More than pasta joined into the fray: hay burgers, ramen noodles, tacos, soups, stews, salads and more than she could process. Finish watched in fascination as Coco continued to grow. Everypony around her had to climb onto her burgeoning body to reach her mouth.

"You are getting bigger, and bigger, and bigger..."

Coco moaned, her forelegs taking over her hooves, her flanks overlapping her hindhooves. She couldn't even talk, as there was no room in her mouth to form words.

"And bigger and bigger and bigger..."

Her belly touched the sidewalks, and then began overlapping them. Her flanks knocked over several lampposts.

"And bigger and bigger and bigger..."

Her cheeks were comically stuffed, and everypony kept on stuffing her. She was several hands taller than anypony around her, her back level with the roofs of the once-impossibly-large buildings.

"You just can't stop. Can't control yourself."

Coco moaned again, her body pressing against the sides, causing the brickwork to creak. Still, she ate on, finally accepting that this was who she was: a great big pig who couldn't stop eating, who couldn't stop growing.

"You are getting bigger..."

Her back towered over the roofs.

"And bigger..."

Her hooves were gone, and her eyes struggled to stay open against her cheeks.

"And bigger..."

Her rump touched Canterlot Castle.

"And bigger."

The buildings around her shook, trying feebly to stay together.

And through it all, nopony made a comment. Coco needed to be fed, and so she would be. And there was nothing

she

could do

about

her

gluttony.

The buildings crumbled under her, leaving her more room to grow...

and grow...

And all the while, Finish was smiling.

She awoke with a start.

"Another dream?" she asked herself. "When will these end?"

She thought back to how her day had gone, and felt that what had happened earlier had exacerbated this particular dream. It was still odd, and it made her head swim.

She walked to the bathroom and regarded herself in the mirror. "What is wrong with me?" she asked herself. "Why can't I control myself anymore?"

Things are changing.

I know.

Too quickly for you to handle.

Maybe... but still...what she said...I feel alright.

And yet you can't control yourself.

I can fix that. I will fix that.

After a drink and a cold splash of water to the face, she returned to bed. "Okay. Let's try this again." She rolled into bed. "I can do this. I just have to go to work tomorrow and pretend that everything is fine. I can do that."

And with that, Coco drifted off to sleep.

Act 2: Desire//The First Move

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It was time to go to work.

Normally, this thought was accompanied with nothing but positive thoughts: new places to explore and observe the natural and architectural beauty of, ponies to witness the grace of and help come alive with finesse, and the continuous search for those perfect moments caught on film. Being the boss of her own team of ponies dedicated to finding the beautiful in the everyday, and having control over the final product while simultaneously giving control to the natural beauty within everything around her.

And recently, she had become acquainted with a new side of beauty: the Blubber Lovers. Fanny Pancake, a mammoth of a mare, had been welcoming of her, and lively in her eating. Black Forest had been as graceful as the slimmest of ponies, even with a constantly full belly. More recently, Dark Chocolate and French Vanilla had sparked the romantic side of this simultaneous interaction and voyeurism, driving her desire to new heights.

And, in her own line of work, there was Coco Pommel. A chance to see her newest employee, ever-growing in skill and girth, had become a treat for her. Coco was, to be honest with herself, one of the more problematic employees she had, lacking the self-confidence needed to strive in this industry. But with enough practice and rough love, she meant tough love, she would fit right in (even if she didn’t fit through the door—No, focus!). Seeing her working diligently as she swallowed doughnuts from one of the employees, her hooves becoming steadier and defter, her eyes more focused and astute, her belly becoming more full and larger and larger and larger and larger and—

She shook her head. It would not do good to think like that at a time like this.

Normally, the thought of work and Coco would provide nothing but positive thoughts. Today, though, the possibilities of beauty came tinged with an undertone of paranoia. Nothing and nopony would stymy her from going to work; all the same, she knew that she would have to exercise caution. Since Fleur had visited her, she knew that there was a strong chance that she was being watched. There was no chance that a random pony taking a picture of her with Fanny and other ponies, and that picture ending up in Fleur’s possession, was a coincidence. There was a paparazzo watching out for her. She’d had private paparazzi watching out for her before, and she never paid it any mind. This time was different. This time, she actually had something to lose.

So she kept her eyes open as she walked down Canter Court, where her house was, to the main street of Celestia Way. Nopony was in sight, which gave her some confidence. Even if somepony was hiding and ready with a camera, there was nothing at this time that would incriminate her of any dalliance. She kept walking as normal.

I still need to keep my eyes open. I can’t risk anypony catching me.

What about the Blubber Lovers?

I will just need to treat them like business prospects, nothing more.

You know you can’t do that.

Yes, I can. That is the way that Fanny wants it to be, so I can oblige her for now.

For now. What a nice sentiment. And what about Coco?

She is still my employee. I must still talk to her.

And the relationship is on hold.

No, it’s not.

What about your reputation.

I may be treating the Blubber Lovers as customers, but I will not be blocked from what I want.

And the paparazzo?

I can handle a simple pony with a camera.

This is different.

Everything is different. I love the challenge. I can handle it.

You had better hope so.

The rest of the trip went by uninterrupted. Every minute was spent in silent contemplation. She considered skipping the main street and taking one of the alleyways, but that would definitely rouse suspicion. She considered calling out of work to avoid anypony, but that would leave models unshot, employees without instruction, herself behind schedule. She considered telling Coco not to come into work, but seeing her treating Coco so special would confirm it to Fleur. She couldn’t do any of that, not today, not with so much at stake.

After ten minutes of walking, she finally made it to Celestia Way. It was, as always in the morning, packed with ponies walking to work, tourists exploring the sights, carriages carrying creatures around, and royal guardsponies keeping an eye on everything. A quick scan—without turning her head, for that would’ve been suspicious—showed some ponies with a camera, but none interested in her. A look in the windows and alleyways showed nopony keeping an eye on her, and no vantage point for anypony to follow her when she did head off.

Never let your guard down. Affirming this to herself, she began trotting to work.

For the first few minutes, Finish kept an even pace, not once altering her gait or looking side to side. A sweeping glance to the sides would show her all that she needed to know, and behind her goggles, she glanced left and right feverishly, trying to pick up on anything out of the ordinary. Ponies watching street performers, ponies at cafes sipping tea and coffee, ponies window-shopping—those were the ponies she watched the most. They had the reflections of the windows to keep an eye out for her, where she lacked such an advantage. None of them had cameras, from what she saw, which did nothing to assuage her—

I am not nervous!

Don’t deny it. We can’t get bigheaded.

But we also must not let fear grip us.

Then why are you looking at everypony and every building, bush and carriage?

I am being cautious. I am not fearful.

As she thought this, she ran into a stocky stallion with a camera. “Scheiße!” she blurted out, swatting the camera away.

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry for frightening you, madam!” the stallion blurted out with a shaky voice. “You should watch where you’re going—“

“Humph!” She turned and immediately cantered off. “I cannot be late!”

Think that threw off the paparazzo enough?

No, he or she must know that my mind is elsewhere.

But at least you’re on your way to work. He or she must know that that is your main focus at the moment.

Even though it actually isn’t.

She made it to Ginger Street and looked straight ahead—not to deceive, but rather in search of something. “It does not look like she’s ahead of me. I wonder if she is still in her apartment—“

She stopped herself before her head turned. No, I mustn’t let on that I’m looking for her.

She decided to take a detour to the right, into a bakery. “I can at least fake waiting.” Quickly, she approached the counter, where the barista looked at her in shock.

“Oh my stars!” the barista said in a valley-mare tone. “You’re Photo Finish! I’ve been a long-time admirer of your work.”

Oh thank Celestia, a chance to speak. “Yes, thank you, I appreciate it. I am on my way to work, actually, and I would like a cup of coffee, if you have it.”

“Of course! How would you like it?”

As Finish went through her thorough explanation—having to stop a few times so the mare could catch up—she caught a glimpse of something moving quickly out of the corner of her eye. The specific movement, all of the shaking and jiggling, told her that it was Coco who was approaching.

Oh no, not here, not now! She couldn’t have seen me!

“Ah, there she is,” the barista said. “She’s late today.”

Finish chanced a look, and her heart leapt. It was Coco looking frantic, but that wasn’t what her eyes were drawn to. Her belly bounced as she tried to canter over, and her flanks pushed a few ponies aside; Finish’s heart stopped at every bump, and hoped that Coco would be clumsy enough when she came inside. Her collar was as loose as it could possibly go, and even then it was tight on her. Her saddlebags held parchments and drawing supplies for work, and those were resting above her hips, she’s so big she’s pushing them apart!

“She’s a regular,” the barista commented.

“Oh.” Finish turned and took a breath, hoping the barista didn’t notice anything. “Do you have the instructions down?”

She gave a flair-filled fling of her notepad, showing everything in neat cursive. “Down to the t-bag! Get it?”

Finish’s eye twitched; the barista hadn’t noticed behind the goggles. “Yes, I do… I would like to order a box of… cinnamon rolls, if you sell them.”

“Of course!” The barista looked behind Finish. “Hiya, Coco!”

“Hello, Ginger Snap—“ Coco panted before being cut off short. “Oh, Photo Finish! Oh my stars what are you doing here?”

Finish turned. “Hello, Coco Pommel. I am here to purchase some coffee and cinnamon rolls.”

Coco’s eyes went wide. “Oh, that sounds delicious!”

“Yes, I would not order them otherwise.” She flounced her mane. “You are here for coffee as well?”

Coco blushed. “Yes, and I’m here to get breakfast as well.”

“That is good.” There, conversation over, don’t make this awkward. She turned back to the barista. “How much?”

After paying the mare, Finish walked away, grabbed a newspaper, and sat in one of the chairs. What was the top story in the newspaper? She had no clue, of course. She didn’t even bother to read it. While the paper blocked the view of the Celestia-Way window, the less-travelled Ginger-Road’s window provided a great reflection for her. Hidden behind the paper, she turned her head and stared at Coco.

The mare was looking around at all of the tasty treats on the shelves. Ginger, meanwhile boxed up a dozen cinnamon rolls and set them on the counter. Then, while Coco was talking and pointing, Ginger quickly made the coffee in less than a minute. Before Finish could get up, the items were magicked over to her table.

“There you go, Miss Finish!” Ginger yelled. “Your food is ready!”

Finish moved the paper and took her coffer. “Thank you.” She sipped it, noting that it was exactly perfect. I may have to come here more often. Then, putting her paper back up, she returned to staring at Coco’s beautiful backside.

She couldn’t stop staring at Coco’s backside bobbing up and down as Coco shuffled place, in anticipation. Whether her anxiousness came from the food that could’ve been inside of her or from having Finish here or trying to rush to work she couldn’t fathom. All I know is that I want her to keep on dancing.

Of course, the dancing was cut short. Coco had taken her white chocolate latte and salad—

“Salad?” Finish asked aloud?

Coco stopped, furrowing her brow in confusion. “How did you know I got a salad?”

“I saw you—“ She stopped, remembering she had her paper up. “I mean I heard you order it. I was curious.”

“Oh.” If Coco suspected anything, she didn’t let on. “Well, I was thinking that I might actually be getting…” She adjusted her collar. “A little bit too big, if you know what I mean.”

Finish’s nape bristled. “I… understand.” Then she smirked. Let’s see how you handle this. “Well, I have a dozen cinnamon rolls that I plan on keeping for myself. Help yourself, if you would like.”

“Oh no, I don’t want to impose—“ Coco’s words fell short when Finish opened the box with a fling of the hoof. The sweet cinnamon scent wafted up and hit her, immediately making her drool. “Oooooh… maybe just one.”

“Help yourself.”

Finish returned to her paper, sipping the coffee all the while as she listened to Coco chomping away. She didn’t say anything from behind the paper, nor did she look just yet. She wanted to wait until just the right moment.

Then she heard it: glaze being peeled away from the paper wrapping at the bottom of the box. Finish looked out the window at Coco’s reflection, and watched as Coco shoved the end of the treat into her mouth. Munching away at it, she pulled more and more into her mouth, the glaze and cinnamon all being sucked into her maw. When her cheeks filled up like a chipmunk’s, she swallowed and continued snacking.

Yes, Finish thought as Coco swallowed the last of it. Keep on eating, Coco.

Then Coco returned to her salad.

Oh, for crying out loud! Finish set her paper down more forcefully than she would’ve liked to, but nopony noticed. “Would you like another?”

“I don’t think so,” Coco replied, licking her lips. “I don’t want to take them all from you.”

Of course you don’t—wait, take them from me? So there’s a chance…

“I am fine with having a few less.” She pushed the box forwards. “Go on.”

“But ponies are watching.”

“Who, Ginger Snap?”

Coco nodded, blushing sheepishly instead of nervously.

“Do not worry about her, I am sure she will not mind if you eat a lot in front of her—“

And then Finish stopped talking, her jaw going limp. Photo Finish, what are you doing? Did you not want to avoid this behavior? The paparazzo’s probably wondering what in Tartarus you’re doing!

“You are right. Being gluttonous in front of her would be rude. Let us worry about that later.” She took a sip of her coffee and regarded Coco. Something was definitely wrong in her eyes and countenance. She considered that Coco may’ve actually wanted to pig out then and there, but her refusal to even look at the cinnamon buns told her otherwise. “What is wrong?”

Coco sighed. “I-I just don’t like…”

“Don’t like what?”

“Being called a glutton. I mean, I know it’s probably true, but it just seems wrong.”

Finish’s eyes bugged. “Do you like to eat a lot?”

“Yes—“ Coco cut herself off. “Nevermind, forget I said anything.” She took a bite of a cinnamon bun, and then froze. “…Oh. I guess I’ll be taking one more.”

Finish nodded. “That is fine.”

Coco stared at the bun for a moment, and then at Finish. The photographer couldn’t make out her expression, and Coco wasn’t showing any clues to her. Then, after much deliberation, Coco jammed the entire thing into her mouth.

Finish’s jaw dropped, and then immediately slammed it shut while Coco’s eyes were closed. Coco’s cheeks bulged as she chewed, a light trail of steam coming out of her nostrils. Both of their breaths were deep, Finish’s trying to calm down, Coco’s causing her belly to nudge the table.

Coco swallowed, the large bulge travelling down her neck, and reached for another one. “May I have one more?”

Finish’s heart was hammering. “Y-yes.”

“Thank you!” Coco said cheerfully as she ate this one a lot slower.

This is too much!

Don’t worry. Coco won’t do this for long.

But I bought these for her!

On impulse! We can’t risk her finding out, not here in the middle of a café.

We can’t risk the paparazzo finding out either. I will keep these for myself—

Coco moaned lowly. “Thuss’r sugurd. Yu shood try wun.”

Finish stopped thinking. The chomping and moaning had done her in. She picked up her stuff, including the box of remaining buns, and trotted to the door. “Thank you for the coffee it was perfect I will come by some other time.” Slow down, you fool!

“Of course!” Ginger Snap yelled, waving to her. “Come on in any time, Miss Finish, and I will hook you up.”

She grumbled inwardly. “Coco, are you coming? We will be late if we do not hurry!”

Coco jumped up. “Oh, right, I’m sorry, I’m coming!” She grabbed her empty plate. “Here you go, Ginger!”

“Thanks, doll,” Ginger said, taking it out of her hooves. “I’ll see you at lunch?”

She has lunch plans? Perfect, I can avoid her and recollect my thoughts.

“Yep,” Coco replied with a wave of her foreleg, which sent her forethigh and chest wobbling. “See you this afternoon!” She turned and, as Finish held the door opened, walked through. “Thank you.”

Finish only nodded as Coco walked past her, and, placing the box of cinnamon buns on Coco’s back, followed after her.

The rest of the way to work was spent in talking about work. Finish needed as much normalcy as possible at that time, and although discussing plans with her employees wasn’t something she normally did, it would at least be seen as not outlandish. She didn’t think Fleur would notice enough to accuse her of anything, if the paparazzo was still tailing them.

And with how much Coco was swaying back and forth, her rump moving like a hypnotizing pendulum, she was sure that somepony was at least following them. A few stallions looked their way, some in disgust, others in admiration. She took a secret pleasure knowing that she had something that they couldn’t all to herself.

Get it together. You can’t give yourself away.

What was even more infuriating was when Coco would seize ahead, and then stop and wait for her. Consistently, Coco stopped right on her path, so Finish’s eyes would stare straight at the center of Coco’s tail, and absorb everything around it. Blasted oblivious mare! Finish moved to the side and walked on past her, not bothering to acknowledge what had happened. Then they would discuss work some more, and it would happen again.

In one instance, Finish entertained the thought of not moving, of walking straight into Coco’s backside to teach her a lesson. And then the lesson got way out of hoof and Finish decided to pick up the pace.

Coco must’ve gotten the message, for she stopped going forward and instead kept an even pace with her. But then Coco would walk a little bit too close and bump her flank into Finish. She would continually blurt out apologies, to which Finish would only acknowledge with a glare. At one point, Finish actually asked her to stop, to which Coco immediately obliged. She was grateful; now she could stop constricting her tail so much, and it could move without flagging.

Finally, much to Finish’s relief, they made it to work. Another look back, and nopony ducked into any corner to hide or shifted out of the way. Her heart pounded at the thought that she hadn’t picked out the paparazzo, but she couldn’t dwell on that at the time. For now, she just had to get inside and—

Coco nudged the door open, and held it with her flank, which spread against the transparent glass.

Just get inside, just get inside. Finish trotted in without thanking her, and the two of them separated. Coco walked to her station, being greeted by Pins and watched by the other early-bird workers, while Finish scurried into her office without a word to anypony. Upon entering, she immediately closed the door.

A deep breath followed in the silence. “That is better.” She walked over to her desk. “I can work in peace without having to worry about any sort of paparazzo, or about Coco’s recklessness getting in my way.”

As she finished saying that, there was a knock at the door. She took a deep breath. “Come in!”

The door slowly opened, and Coco slowly ambled in, her head downcast.

Oh, stars above, help me. “What is it, Coco?”

The other mare scuffed the ground. “Um… Pins sent me to check up on you.”

Finish raised a brow. “What? Why would she do that?”

“I don’t know.”

“And why would she send you instead of checking up on me herself?”

“I don’t know.”

“That is odd.” She knew why Pins would do that: she simply didn’t want to leave her work, so sending anypony else would be for the better. But she had revealed nothing else to Coco, which perplexed her. “Usually she is open about those sorts of things. I will have to speak with her myself.”

“Okay.” Coco scuffed the ground again. “So, are you okay?”

“I am fine.”

“I didn’t touch you too much, did I?”

Not by a longshot, you coy little— “No, you did not. But you may want to watch where you are shaking your flank. You may bump into somepony.”

Coco blushed. “I know. I kept doing that this morning. I bumped into my kitchen table this morning, and I got oatmeal all on my flank!”

Did you have somepony eat it off? Why didn’t you get me?

Photo Finish, what in Equestria—

“Are you okay?”

“Uh huh,” Coco said, nodding and sending her cheeks wobbling. “I just had to shower again.”

“And you had oatmeal before a salad?”

Another blush. “Y-yes. A-and those cinnamon buns.” She reached back and put them on Finish’s desk. “Here you go, by the way. You forgot them when you went into the office.”

She looked down at the box, and then at Coco, who was waiting for instructions. What do I tell her?

Nothing, remember? You can’t risk the paparazzo finding out!

The paparazzo isn’t even in here—which means that I can act!

What?

She’s been tempting me all morning, and now is my chance to strike!

Photo Finish—

Silence!

Quietly, slowly, calmly, she grabbed a fancy glass plate from behind, set it down, and removed one solitary cinnamon bun. It landed on the plate without a sound. Then she nudged the box to Coco. “That should be enough for me,” Finish said. “I have only need for one. You may have the rest.”

Coco blinked. “Oh… um… what about the others?”

Finish thought for a moment, and then gestured to the chair in front of her desk. “Eat them in here.”

“In front of you?”

“Yes, so nopony notices.”

Instead of objecting, Coco took a seat and opened the box. “You’re sure?”

“Positive.” Without any more gestures, Finish turned and began to mull over the files she had for that day.

She hadn’t dared start reading until Coco was chewing away, moaning quietly to herself. Once a rhythm was going, she began skimming through the plans for that day: nothing but model auditions and scene planning. She has already begun to plan for various scenarios to put each mare in as Coco’s chewing continued.

Halfway through, a light fit of coughing caused Finish to look up. She was trying to clear her throat, which was causing her collar to bulge around the bottom of her neck. Suddenly, an idea came to her.

“Here,” she said softly. “Let me help you with that.”

Before Coco could process what was going on, Finish deftly undid the collar and slid it off, sliding her hoof across her neck and feeling the log of fat mold around it. She was close enough to feel Coco’s breath on her coat, and for an instant they both looked each other in the eye. Coco had a faint color to her cheeks; Finish hoped to Celestia she didn’t have one as well.

Then Finish went back to her business, and Coco continued eating away.

I did it! I made the first move!

That was… surprisingly easy.

She’s not going to object to something so trivial as my taking off her collar—

That isn’t trivial at all!

It is too. She won’t object to me. Not yet, at least.

When will you stop?

When can I stop? She hasn’t objected to anything yet.

…

…Wait, yes she has.

When?

…I don’t actually remember. But I feel that some resistance was met already.

You should just give up. This is crazy!

I know. But I love the challenge.

“Are you alright, Coco?” Finish asked as the other mare finished the penultimate cinnamon bun.

“I’m fine,” Coco replied, reaching in and taking one of the last two buns.

“Good,” Finish replied. “I’m glad.” She took her plate and set it to the side to be cleaned. Then she went back to her business.

Or at least she tried. With the amount of food in Coco, she was having some difficulty breathing. I will need to stretch out her stomach—

Leave it.

Her panting made her get goosebumps as she slowly chewed the last two buns.

Come on.

A swallow.

Hurry up.

Another swallow.

Be done already!

Another swallow.

End this madness!

Another swallow.

Keep on eating…

Another swallow.

Keep on growing.

“Thank you, Photo Finish,” Coco wheezed, patting her belly. “That was a… a lot of dough.”

“I gathered.” Finish looked at the clock and, seeing that it was time to start, got up. “Rest in here for a while. I am going to boss these ponies around.”

“Okay,” Coco replied faintly. Finish looked back just in time to see Coco close her eyes.

“That is a good mare,” she whispered as she closed the door behind her. Then she turned to begin her work day properly—

—and ran straight into Pins.

“Hello, Photo Finish,” Pins said coolly.

“Good morning, Pins,” Finish replied coolly.

“Where is Coco?”

“She is in the office.”

“Why?”

“I told her to wait in there.”

“Why?”

Finish regarded her with a stare—which Pins wouldn’t have seen behind the goggles. “We are going over plans.”

“Uh huh. What are the plans?”

Now she was feeling nervous. “I will have Coco show them to you once I am done discussing them with her.”

“Why?”

“I would rather not waste your time on flights of fancy until we have something workable.”

Pins nodded. “I see.” Pins turned to walk away. “Very well, then. I will wait.”

“Good.” Finish tuned to walk away.

“Oh, by the way.”

“Yes, Pins?”

“It was nice of you to share your cinnamon buns with her.”

Finish turned, and Pins was walking away with a grin.

An Opportunity, So Early in the Game

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“There we go!” Photo Finish said aloud. “Another day of organizing models, dresses and pictures without a single hitch.”

And now that all of those things were finished, her mind drifted quickly to Coco. She groaned, slouching in her chair.

It wasn’t even that she wanted to at that moment; in fact, she would’ve avoided even the thought of her for the rest of the day if it was up to her. She hadn’t even seen Coco after locking herself up in the office, so she had assured herself that she would be fine.

But now that the day was done, her mind immediately fixated on the image of Coco’s flank pressing against the glass of the door, creating a large cream-colored circle with her cutie mark smoothed out; or Coco’s appetite at the café as she scarfed down cinnamon roll after cinnamon roll; or her rump wobbling as she walked down the street, or when she came into her office earlier and kissed her in thanks for the cinnamon rolls; or when she sat on top of her and shook her rump in her lap—

She groaned again. “Knock it off, brain. None of that happened.”

Hey, a mare can dream, right?

Yes, and that’s the problem. I need to focus.

You don’t even want to think about her?

Not until this paparazzi is off of my tail.

Usually, Finish would’ve gone out to her studio to look over the progress made between her seamstresses, her make-up crew, her set designers, her photo-helpers, and of course eager models looking for her expertise. Today, she wouldn’t admit it to anypony, but she wouldn’t dare to go out and expose herself to anypony who could be, or work for, the paparazzi. No fleeting glances at Coco could be captured, no pats of encouragement could be construed as inappropriate, no offers of food could pin Coco as her pet—

She sighed. No, that’s not right at all. She closed the manila folder on her desk. “I should just get home and rest. No observations, no magazines, no going out.”

The clock read half-past five. Her staff would’ve already packed shop by now, as it wasn’t a photo shoot day. It was better for her, she figured; the paparazzo wouldn’t have many places to hide, and even if he or she were there, she would know who it was. Her eyes caught more that anypony would think, and she knew the studio like her own home; there wouldn’t be many, if any, obvious hiding places for him.

She tossed the folder in her saddlebag, rose from her chair, walked over to her door, and flicked the lights off. “Just go home and rest,” she told herself once more. She pushed the door open.

And came face-to-face with Coco.

“Oh!”

“Oof!” Finish sighed exasperatedly. “What is it, Miss Pommel?”

“I-I’m sorry, Miss Finish,” she stammered out, her chest rising with her labored breaths. “I didn’t mean to startle you, I just wanted to check up on you, because you haven’t been out of your office in a while—“

“Enough!” Finish barked. I will not have the paparazzo gaining any information on me. “Just… I am fine. I was just very busy with paperwork.”

“Oh.” She didn’t press further, Thank Celestia. “Um… uuuuuuuuuh…” Coco smacked her lips, which caused her cheeks to jiggle. Filling up those fat cheeks of yours, I see. What salty, sugary, fattening treats have you shoved into your maw— “I-I was wondering…”

“Yes?” What is she going to ask of me? If I have any more cinnamon buns? If I can walk her home? If I can take pictures of her?

Coco’s breathing quickened. “I was wondering if you needed anything.”

Oh, there are so many things I need from you. “Your work is all taken care of, yes? Then I do not need anything more from you.”

“Oh,” Coco replied with a whisper. “I mean… You’ve looked kinda stressed lately, and—”

“I am fine,” Finish replied firmly. “Please do not worry about me.”

“Oh.” Coco looked down at the ground. “Okay.” She turned, bumping the desk with her rump. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.”

“Okay, Coco.” Finish waited until Coco left before she sighed and rubbed her temples. “Why did I do that?”

Because of the paparazzi.

Yes, he or she is causing so much stress.

Don’t let it get out of this office.

Yes. I must play it cool. With a deep breath, she opened the door and walked out.

Coco wasn’t there. Must’ve gone home. The only pony that was still there was Pins, gently putting her spools and needles away. She hadn’t even looked up as Finish walked out of her office and towards the front door.

“Good night, Pins,” Finish said simply.

“What did Coco want?”

Finish stopped. “She wanted to know if there was anything else she could do before she left.”

“I imagined that would be the case.” Pins closed her suitcase. “Coco does like to please.”

“What do you mean?”

“At the job.”

“Oh.”

“What did you think I meant?”

Finish raised a brow. “You do not usually ask this many questions.”

“And you usually don’t avoid answering them.”

Finish bristled. Pins smiled. “Don’t worry about it, Photo Finish. There’s nothing to worry about between you and me and Coco.”

“No, of course there is not.” Finish huffed and walked out. “Have a good night.”

“Good night, Photo Finish.”

They both walked out of the studio together, and after locking the front door, the two mares went their separate ways. A ways away, Finish looked back, and caught Pins looking back at her. Pins turned her head and rounded the next corner.

What was that about?

Who knows?

How does she see so much? And why is she concerned about us?

She liked Coco.

Does she?

I think you’re becoming a bit paranoid.

No. I think Pins might be a spy.

For Fleur?

It would make sense with how much she knows.

I can’t refute that.

I must keep an eye on her, then. For now, I will go home and rest. I hope reading some newspapers will take my mind off of all of this, at least for the night.

As it turned out, and as she had in her heart predicted, the tabloids did nothing to shake her desire to go to Coco’s apartment and tell her everything. No amount of gossip or conveniently-timed pictures could distract her from the real confusion that Pins had caused, or the despondency that Coco showed when she turned her down. And the well-edited words only forced her to think of her own actions, and whether or not she—

“No! I have not said anything that I did not mean! I meant to say that I could not, because of the paparazzi. I just cannot go off at a time like this!” And with that, she kicked the newspaper away from her.

“I… I… I cannot do anything while he or she is out there, watching my every move.” She sniffled.

Photo Finish, what was that?

What was what?

Are you about to start c—

No, I am not! I never c—

It’s okay—

No, it’s not! I can’t do anything while I have cameras on me, scrutinizing my every move.

You are giving up too easily. You are Photo Finish, a mare who has cameras on her every day, a mare who walks around with no fear, a mare that gets things done!

I know. But this…

You are trying too hard. Look at the tabloids again.

With heavy hooffalls, she trudged over to the newspaper and picked it up again. The latest gossip was plastered on the front page: Coloratura subtly writing her music in order to manipulate foals into doing her Tartarus-damned bidding. The photo used showed her smiling down at children, almost menacingly.

And how is this supposed to comfort me? Coloratura is being attacked, just as I am. Am I supposed to feel a kindred spirit in her?

Is the article truthful?

It didn’t take any thought at all for her to know it wasn’t. The article cherry-picked lyrics that, in the song’s context, had a well-intentioned meaning to them, and the overall tone showed a deep-seeded opposition to the pop star. Are you saying—

What I am saying is that the newspapers and magazines will make up anything to put you in a bad light. You have dealt with this before, have you not?

I have. But those stories have always been false. This is something I am actually experiencing, a romantic relationship with my fat coworker.

Romantic?

…Well—

I understand.

What?

Just be careful when you go after her.

But I can’t go after her! Don’t you understand that?

The voice in her head was replaced with a throbbing migraine, and before she knew it she was lying down. She discarded her goggles and closed her eyes, and almost instantly it died down. “I cannot do this tonight. I need… to rest.”

With aching hooves, she discarded the paper onto her coffee table and dragged herself to the stairs. Ascending them made her stomach go into knots. Should I go to bed, she thought, or should I take a bath first? I know what will happen if I go to the bathroom, so I should just go to bed, right?

Right.

She reached the top and turned left.

But a bath will help calm me down.

As you wish. Just be careful.

What, do you think the paparazzo will be watching me take a bath, looking through my binoculars?

It is always possible.

The worst thing that would happen to me is that I am called a peeping tom. Is that really so bad?

Has it been that bad before?

She knew that it hadn’t really been; she was known to do this stuff publicly before. I could just brush it off as looking for late-night inspiration. I can’t be slinking in the streets forever, now can I?

She turned on the bathroom light and doffed her dress—which made her feel twenty pounds lighter—but not her goggles. The steam clouded her vision as the hot water filled the tub, but she didn’t bother wiping them away just yet. She didn’t even grab a magazine for her perusal or enjoyment; it was wise not to give anypony any sort of ideas about her.

And this made her angry. “Why should I censor myself in my own home? I am the master here!” But she knew why, and, wiping her goggles, decided not to speak up any more.

For a while, the only sound in the whole house was the ticking of the clocks, and the running water filling up the tub. Even Finish rubbing off her goggles every now and again didn’t make any squeaks. But when she turned off the water, she rolled in with a plop!, producing a splash that sent some water over. Damn, I shouldn’t be making such a scene—damn, I shouldn’t be worrying about making a scene in my own home—damn, I shouldn’t be worrying about worrying—

She groaned under the water’s surface before coming up. She was about to say something—she was about to say a lot of things, actually—but with everything inside her head, she decided not to. Instead, she snorted the water from her nostrils, and then rested her head on the bathtub head. Her body went limp.

Time passed. She didn’t know how long she had stayed like that, her body motionless, but it did little to relieve the thoughts in her mind. In fact, they only grew, and grew, and grew, and—

“Not tonight.” Finish grabbed her mane shampoo, dumped a small portion into her hoof, rubbed her hooves together, and began rubbing it into her mane. Each rub was violent, not usually how she would treat a mane as well-coifed as hers, but the pain temporarily took her mind off of the aches in her body. Her tail didn’t receive the same treatment, instead being gently scrubbed with throbbing hooves.

Her coat was next, and it almost seemed as though her aches were melting away with each scrub of her loofah. She gave her neck a loud crack after washing it; her hooves stopped throbbing after her forelegs were washed; the knot in her stomach unwound after her underside was cleaned; and her back eased up after being scrubbed. She even felt twinges of desire as she ran the loofah along her flanks and rump. “Not tonight,” she whispered with a smile. Her hoof knocked off her goggles as she rubbed her backside clean.

“Oh, oooh…” She arched her back. “Oh, Coco, right there.” Her thick face rubbing against her bottom, softly, hesitantly looking for Finish’s sweet spot. “Right there, just put your fat face right there—“

A faint knock reached her ears, sending her flailing in the tub. Her heart pounded. That’s impossible, nopony could’ve seen me from down there! She indignantly shoved her window open and peered out. “Who is it?!” she barked.

At first, there was no reply. “These Tartarus-damned juveniles and their pranks—“

But then a bulge of a cream cheek peeked from the corner. She didn’t need to see the rest in order to know who it was.

“H-h-hello, Photo Finish—“

She didn’t wait for the rest of her babbling. She jumped out of her tub, slipped and fell, shot up, kicked her door open, practically leapt down her staircase, dashed through her foyer, and with a deep breath pushed the door open.

“Coco—“ She nearly slipped on the front step. “Coco Pommel! What brings you here this time of night?”

The bulbous figure of Coco walked over from the shadows of the corner and into the light of the front porch. There had been no change to her figure since the last time Finish saw her. Still holding back, Coco? “I… I was just wondering—oh my.”

“What? What is it?”

“You’re wet.”

Finish’s eyes bugged, and she pointed an angry hoof at the other mare. “I do not know what you are talking about!” But right as she said this, she felt drops of water on her coat, and heard the drops hitting the floor. “Oh, you meant—Coco, what are you doing here?”

“Oh.” A blush appeared on Coco’s cheeks, and Finish’s heart stopped. Oh my stars, Coco, what are you doing? Are you here to finally be with me, after so long resisting me? And of all times, when the paparazzi could be—

Her thoughts stopped. In an instant, she realized that the mare of her desires was in front her her, blushing like the cheerleader in front of the hoofball stud, and she had ran from her bath, soaking wet, to meet her in public, and the paparazzo had a perfect opportunity to nail her for her lust. In the next instant, she took Coco by the foreleg and pulled her inside.

“Wha-wha-what are you doing, Photo Finish?” Coco asked with a panicked tone.

“It-it is cold out here,” Finish babbled, her tone hoarser than she would’ve liked. “Come in and rest.”

“But I just wanted to ask a question—“

Finish shoved with all of might against Coco’s rump, finally coaxing the mare into the foyer proper. Swinging her hindleg about, she finally found the door and kicked it shut. There. Now nopony can see us. And there were no flashes, so it’s not likely anypony took a picture.

“Photo Finish?”

“Yes, Coco?”

“You can stop pushing me now, I think this is far enough.”

She snapped out of her rushing state and looked up. There, staring right at her, was Coco’s large rump. Nowhere near as glorious as Fanny Pancake’s, but the large expanse of skin in front of her, the beautiful spherical shape, the slight sag from the weight, the large crack like a curtain, concealing what she imagined was a lusciously plump set of lips. Her hoof sank into the flesh, soft yet firm, and it jiggled from her walking. Even Coco’s fetlocks, which twitched every now and again from the weight, made Finish’s heart swoon. Even the dock of Coco’s tail had thickened up, a firm roll that Finish just wanted to—

“Photo Finish?”

She snapped out of her observations to look at where she was. In her haste, she had shoved Coco all the way to the stairs that would’ve led to her bathroom… and her bedroom.

Okay, Photo Finish, what can I do to get her upstairs?

What are you doing? You want to get her up there now?

Is there a better time?

Yes, and it is not now!

But—butt— But she couldn’t think of a justification to get Coco up there. No excuse, no reason, nothing came to her. Slowly, she eased off of Coco. “I am sorry.”

“It’s okay, really,” Coco said with a wavering voice. “It was just… weird.” She turned to look at Finish, and she was smiling. “Um. May I have something to dry myself off?”

Finish’s eyes travelled along Coco’s body, and she saw the other mare’s legs, sides and rump were dripping with water. Finish herself was still dripping wet. “Of course, I will get us a towel.”

Having by now regained her composure, she made her way up the stairs to her hallway closet. She grabbed her largest towel—usually reserved for special occasions—and, after some deliberation, grabbed one just for her. No use trying to cuddle. This should be big enough for her.

Meanwhile, Coco was staring at the ground, and didn’t even look up as Finish descended the staircase. It made Finish want to stop and stare at the other mare’s corpulent magnificence, but she decided to keep her composure instead. Coco looked up when Finish was mere steps away from her, her face turning a soft shade of pink.

“Here you go,” Finish said quietly, trying not to break the moment. The large towel was almost big enough to completely wrap around Coco’s belly, a sight that made Finish’s heart beat faster.

“Th-thanks.” Coco maneuvered the towel around the wet spots, and Finish watched with fascination as Coco struggled to reach around her flab.

“Would you like some help?”

“Um, no thank you,” Coco said too quickly, what is she doing now?. “This is a very nice towel.”

“I am glad you like it,” Finish replied, going to jump on her couch, then realizing she was still soaking wet. She wrapped the towel around herself and then laid on the couch. “Now, what are you doing here, and why are you blushing so much?”

Coco’s blush nearly doubled. “Um, well, it’s just that I’ve never seen you without your goggles before. You have pretty eyes.”

Finish’s heartbeat froze. “Oh, well… do you expect me to wear my goggles in my own home?”

“N-no, now that you bring it up.”

“B-but thank you, Coco Pommel.” Her voice became soft, much to her bafflement. “Now, what can I do for you?”

“Oh!” Coco’s blush doubled, and she began to look everywhere but at Photo Finish. “Well, I was going to go out with the girls to get something to eat—“

Ooh, go on.

“B-but they had business to attend to—“

I bet they did, and you are too delicate to get involved.

“A-and I was wondering if you…”

What?

“If you wanted to go and get some dinner.”

—————

“I was going to go somewhere nearby, called Pies to the Skies.”

I’ve heard of it, a place specializing in large pies… oooooh!

“Whoa, Photo Finish!”

She realized that she had said that last part out loud. “I have heard of them. They are a nice place.”

“Mmhmm, so I’ve been told by an amicable clockmaker named Rose. She helped me with my clock at home, though she was a bit… entranced by it, I guess.”

Yeah yeah yeah, I get it, a mare bewitched by a clock, now get back to you and your offer of taking me to—to dinner? Oh my stars… why now? Why now!?

“I just had nopony to go with, and you were nearby, and I know you’ve been working hard lately, and I thought it would be nice to extend an invitation.”

Finish’s breathing became heavy. “That is awfully kind of you, C-Coco Pommel.”

Coco smiled.

“But I cannot go tonight.”

Coco’s smile dropped. “Oh. O-okay.”

“I am truly sorry,” Finish said, getting up and wrapping a foreleg around Coco’s withers. “I wish I could, but I am still busy getting things ready. I cannot step out… tonight.”

“I understand.” Coco nodded. “Is there any way I can help with your work?”

“No, this is all bossy stuff.” Bossy stuff? “You go on and have fun, Coco. I will try and come another night.”

Coco’s smiled returned. “Okay, I’ll ask another time.” She shrugged off the towel with considerable effort and, passing it to her boss, walked over to the front door. “And if you want to come on by tonight, I’ll be there a while.”

A while? She felt like she was about to faint. “Uh-okay, Coco, have fun, gotta get work done before I go completely mad! Take care.” She thought about opening the front door, but decided not to risk the paparazzi getting a picture of them together.

“Okay.” Coco opened the door herself and walked out. “See you later, Photo Finish.”

The door closed, and Finish was left to sigh and contemplate those last few words. See you later… it is prophetic.

You will see her at work tomorrow. I see no reason why that is prophetic.

Don’t ruin the moment.

Okay. Have your moment.

She thought of herself alongside Coco Pommel, leading her to the pie place, shoving her wide flanks through the doors, telling her to wait at a table while she ordered everything for her, and then feeding her slice by slice while Coco greedily wolfed it down. She began reaching down for her lips, but didn’t want to risk the paparazzi coming after her.

“I should just let Coco Pommel go tonight. Go upstairs, get some sleep, and everything will be fine tonight and tomorrow.”

But I can’t. She is seeking food for herself, and she’ll be there for a long time. And this late at night, the place will be packed, so I could blend in if needed!

Don’t do it, Finish. We’ve come this far to ruin it.

I find it hard to listen to my inner voice, imagining Coco Pommel by herself, saddened that I wasn’t there to keep her company while she ate and ate and ate and—

Finish, think of the risks!

Think of what I’m missing out on! A chance to see my prize actually work her magic!

She slammed her hoof on the table. “I am going!” With a grin, she added, “I am just going to be discreet about it.”

Her body was made up first, and then her mind joined in. She galloped upstairs, flung her towel into the bathroom, and went into her bedroom to make plans for that night.

If there was something Photo Finish was good at, other than photography and strictness, it was moving about inconspicuously. Under the cover of being a bush, she sidled her way through her backyard, through her fence (a feat that would have been impossible for anypony that didn’t know about the loose bar), and along the streets of Canterlot. She had mastered the art of standing still at the flicker of a light or the sound of hoofsteps, and even if somepony behind her was looking out of their window. She knew the city well enough.

She made it to Pies to the Skies without difficulty, but not without paranoia. Better to be safe than sorry, she told herself. As she had expected, the place was packed with families, of colts and fillies jumping around from a sugar rush. It was the perfect place for a single mare of prodigious size to waltz on in and chow down.

No paparazzo in sight. No paparazzo out of sight. I am good. Emerging from her bush, she crossed the street and opened the front door.

Sweet smells assaulted her senses almost immediately, and it was almost enough to make her faint. But she just kept her composure and walked up to the front desk.

“Hiya!” A cheerful stallion greeted. “Are you here by yourself?”

“N-yes.” Finish looked around for any sign of her. It would take some time among the families of sugar-rushed ponies. “One, please.”

“Al-right!” The stallion flipped a menu into his apron with a hoof, and turned to lead the way. “We have one booth open. Just follow me.”

They maneuvered their way through several tables, just barely avoiding the foals rocking their chairs back and forth. Nopony recognized her; Finish had been careful not to wear either her goggles or her trademarked dress. Eventually, she spotted Coco Pommel sitting by herself, her belly pressing into the table, mmm!.

And then she realized that the booth next to Coco was empty. She began to sweat.

“Here we are—“

She immediately dove into it, before Coco could look at her. Her heart pounded. No, this wasn’t supposed to happen! I was supposed to be far away from her, not at the table next to her! If the paparazzi sees both of us so close together… She sighed raggedly.

“Erm… The stallion brought out the menu and set it on the table. “W-would you like anything to drink?”

“Water,” Finish said with as hoarse a voice as she could force. “Lots of it, please. It has been a long day, and I feel it will be a long night, too.”

An Opportunity Seized

View Online

A Little Cream for a Lotta Coco

Chapter 13: An Opportunity Seized

For the minute it took for the waiter to come back with the water, Photo Finish was straining every sense in her body to discern what Coco was doing in the next booth. She listened to every creak and groan of the seat and table, her indecisive hums as she flipped through the menu, and the constant grumbling of her stomach. She pushed herself against the backrest to feel Coco’s body pushing against it, and checked below the backrest for a gap to feel her rump (with no success). She smelled for any sort of guilty arousal from the fat mare, but only got a whiff of sweat instead.

But she dared not look over to see her, for the risk of being caught was too great. She instead looked around for the paparazzo. Her trained eyes darted from table to table, looking for anypony that was giving her too much attention or anything out of place. So far, nopony had given up any clue that they were observing her; in fact, nopony seemed to be alone at that time, everypony at least being with a spouse, a date, a foal or a business colleague. The waiters seemed to be too busy with the packed night to pay her any attention, but she still wouldn’t let her guard down—

“Here we are!”

Except for that brief moment. Finish jolted up, stirring a few ponies around her. The waiter just continued grinning as he set it down. “Thank you—I mean thanks, doll!” Finish said in a southern tone so as not to rouse Coco’s suspicions.

“Of course!” The waiter replied with an all-too-big smile. That went away as his voice lowered. “Now you wait here, I need to get this—“ he leaned in. “—Much larger pony’s order. I mean, you should see her!” His face contorted into mocking shock.

It was all Finish could do not to bash his face in or high-hoof him for his obviously keen eyes. “Alright, hun, you go ahead and take her order. I’ll be here nursing this.”

The waiter slid just a short distance away while Finish leaned back, drinking her water more measuredly while listening to the conversation next to her.

“So have you decided on what you want to order?”

“Um… actually, no.”

What’s taking her so long? She’s had to have looked at the menu long enough! Get on with it!

“I mean, everything here just looks so good.”

Finish’s eyes gleamed. Everything? Everything? Do you even have enough to afford that? She fiddled with her hooves, realizing that she had enough bits on her to aid her employee.

“Yeah, everything here is delicious.”

“I bet! It’s really hard to choose between them.”

Just pick something, will you?

“What was that?”

Finish slapped a hoof over her muzzle. I just said that out loud.

“Erm, may I have a little bit more time?”

“Of course!” The waiter said in what Finish picked up on was an annoyed tone. He trotted away, leaving Coco to hum over the menu.

Finish tapped her hoof lightly on the table, controlling her impatience as each hum from Coco lengthened the night by that much. Come on, Coco, just pick something! It’s not like it’s going to matter anyway, you’re going to force it down your throat soon enough. Either that, or I’ll do it for you.

The waiter returned to her table. “Ma’am, are you ready to order?”

Finish balked. “Excuse me?”

“Have you decided on the pie you want?”

“Umuhuh…” Finish stared off into the distance. Truth be told, she wasn’t used to being stymied by indecision. She was also not a connoisseur of pie, choosing instead to watch her figure. “Would you please give me a few minutes to decide?”

“Of course!” He seemed confused, yet genuinely cheerful to be helping her. He trotted away and helped a few tables on the other side. No signs of the paparazzo in the crowd yet.

“This is really hard. Which one should I get?”

A crazy idea came to mind. Desperation overcame her secrecy, and she looked over. “Excuse me, Miss?”

Coco jumped a bit and turned her head. “Um, yes?”

Finish was temporarily distracted by Coco’s jiggling belly and squished rump, but then returned to looking at her with as big a smile as she could muster.

“I’m ever so sorry for bothering you,” Finish said, doing her best to keep her accent up. “But I really want to get something here, and I have no idea what I want. I just came in from Fillydelphia, and I wanted to try this place for a while, and—”

“Oh!” Coco’s face scrunched up. “I’m actually having trouble deciding myself. Everything looks so good.”

“I know, right?” Without waiting for further invitation, she sidled her way into Coco’s seat and got comfortable. “It’s all so enticing, I just want to order everything!”

Coco scooted a bit, slightly nervous about the newcomer. “I thought about that as well.”

Finish gave her a coy smile. “So where’re you from, darling?”

“Oh, I’m from Manehattan,” Coco said, sliding the menu forwards. “I’ve been working in Canterlot for a while, underneath Photo Finish. Have you heard of her?”

“Heard of her?” Finish hummed, wondering if she should reveal any information that may compromise her. On the one hand, she was Photo Finish! Anypony from Fillydelphia would know about her. On the other, denying it would allow her to find out what Coco really thought about her. “No, can’t say that I have.”

“Oh,” Coco said. “She’s a photographer, one of the best in Equestria. You look somewhat like her, actually. Though I assume she has a camera for a cutie mark, and not a… a star. And not having her mane in a bun like yours.”

Finish smiled uncontrollably with pride, both at her words and her disguise. “Do go on.”

Coco shook her head. “Actually, I’d rather not think about work at the moment.”

Finish blanched, but continued smiling. “Whyever not? You do work with one of the best, you are either very lucky or very talented.”

“Well, thank you, but I’ve been having some… problems at work.”

“Like what?”

“I’d, um, rather not say, if it’s okay with you.”

“Oh, no—I mean, oh yes, I understand.” Inside, however, Finish was roiling. Problems at work? Why hasn’t she told me about it? Why haven’t I picked up on any of it? Have I been neglecting her? “Though I’m sure your boss would understand if you were to bring up your concerns to her.”

“I’m not so sure.” Coco tapped the table uncomfortably. “It would be nearly impossible to tell her. It’s so weird.”

“Darling, I’ve seen weird before—”

“Hello again!” The waiter was emphatically ecstatic. “You decided to buddy up?”

“Yes, we have.” Coco motioned for her. “She’s from out of town, and I’m trying to help her out. Have you decided on anything?”

“Yes, I’ll have the apple pie to start off with.” In truth, she hadn’t decided on anything, and just went with the very first item on the menu.

“A popular one tonight.” The waiter wrote it down on his notepad. “And for you?”

Coco was about to order, but stopped immediately. “Oh, um… excuse me, Miss?”

Finish looked at her curiously. “Yes?”

“I was going to try a few different flavors. I hope you don’t mind.”

Finish chuckled. “It’s all good. A big girl’s gotta eat, after all!”

And then everything froze. Oh my stars, did I really just say that out loud? And in front of her? Is she going to tell me to leave?

Coco’s eyes shot open. “I… I suppose so. I’ll, uh, have the apple pie, the blueberry, the boysenberry… and the peach, please.”

The waiter blinked. “That’s quite a lot for a single pony.”

“I’m… trying to diversify.”

“I see.” The waiter wrote it all down, shaking his head all the while. “I’ll be right back, ladies.” He trotted away, giving a few odd glances at them.

Once he was out of earshot, Finish turned to Coco. “Verzeihung.”

Coco’s head swiveled around. “Excuse me?”

Damnit, Finish, get it together! “Please forgive me, I did not mean to come off as so blunt.”

“Oh, it’s alright.” Coco looked down at herself. “It’s true, I have been putting on a lot of weight recently.”

“It happens,” Finish said nonchalantly, taking another swig of water. “You’re not as big as my brother. Whoo! He’s a huge’un.”

Coco blushed. “Sorry. It’s just not common in Canterlot to be overweight.”

Finish looked her up and down. There was no denying in her mind that Coco was a beauty, her thick body shifting about in hunger and doubt. Finish wanted to encourage her, but she had to be subtle about it. She looked about to see if anyone was watching, and then turned back to her and simply said,

“Well, I’d rut you.”

A hoof quickly found its way to her muzzle.

Coco shot up. “Wh-what?”

“I said I bet you that it isn’t that big of a deal! Hehe, just focus on yourself, and you’ll be fine!”

Nice one, Finish. Smooooooooth.

“Oh.” Coco adjusted her collar. “I’m sorry, I misheard you there.”

Before she could screw anything up further, the waiter came back with a huge tray, filled with slices of pies. “Alright, ladies, here we are!” He let it slide off of his back and onto the table, where it deftly settled in the center. “Enjoy!”

“Thank you,” Finish said, sweat dripping from her forehead.

“Thank you!” Coco chirped, and Finish grinned. Coco looked so happy looking at all of the slices of pie in front of her, and perhaps the pie across from her, in front of Finish herself. “Everything looks so good.”

“You look starving!” Finish chirped. “Let’s not delay any longer, and eat!”

Coco grabbed the fork and began pulling her slices of pie to her. Finish watched as she considered which one to dig into first, and then her eyes lifted up to hers. “Um, you don’t need to wait for me.”

“Oh, yes!” Finish cried out. “I do apologize, I was just wanting to see what you thought first.” She picked up her fork and looked at the pie. Her stomach lurched; she would never eat something like that, so sweet and fattening. Fattening… Finish gulped.

“Is something wrong?”

“Oh no! I’m simply… parched.” She took a gulp of water, and then tried scooping up the pie. She got a lot of filling, but no crust, and it fell off. “Oh, uh… I must admit, I’m not too used to pies. I’ve never actually sat down and ate one.”

Coco gasped. “Never? Not even as a foal?”

“Nope.” Finish crossed her arms. “Never.”

“Oh my stars! No wonder you’re wanting a second opinion.” Coco stabbed her fork into the apple pie, right through the crust, and picked up a perfect wedge from the slice. “See? Like this.” It was a large portion, almost half of the entire slice, Finish noticed, rapt with attention.

And then Coco took a bite. Finish hadn’t paid attention before, but now in front of her, in disguise, she could see Coco’s appetite at work, or what it had become from the weeks in Canterlot. Coco’s bite was huge, and she savored the flavor with closed eyes and shuddering lips. A little bit of filling spilled out of her mouth and trickled down her chin. Her body jiggled as she chewed, lost to everything around her.

Finish stared with heavy breathing, her tail swaying from side to side nearly out of control. Her heart beat rapidly, her muscles tensed just waiting for Coco to finish and swallow. The noises around her dimmed as she focused on the chewing, Coco’s small exhalations from her nostrils and on her moans. Her soft, sensual moans.

And then she swallowed. A huge lump that went down her throat and settled into her big, fat, growing stomach. “Ah,” she said. And when her eyes opened, her face contorted into confusion. “Um, i-is something wrong?”

Finish blinked, and then came to. “No, not at all! I was just interested in how invested you were in the pie. Was it good?”

“Ooh, it’s marvelous,” Coco moaned, shuddering. “Flaky, crumbly, with a lot of cinnamon.” She took another bite, and this time kept her eyes open. She watched Finish intently.

Finish looked down at her own pie. She used her fork to mimic Coco’s movements, and actually got a good portion of the pie. She gulped, and then took her own bite.

She thought that she would be revolted by the pie, by the chunkiness and the crumbly bread, but it was the opposite. It was gooey, flaky, and with a good amount of cinnamon. She thought that cinnamon was only good sparse, but there was a lot in this pie, and it worked. She swallowed, and couldn’t help but giggle.

The giggle made her stop. I let myself slip through. She must’ve heard Photo Finish in that laugh! She looked at Coco, who merely smiled. I need to control myself.

“That was delicious!” Finish cried in her fake accent.

“I know! It’s amazing!”

“Yes!”

“I can’t wait to—oh, oh my.”

Finish blinked, seeing Coco’s eyes bug, and then looked over. Everypony in the restaurant was staring at them, some with admiration, but most with shock, and a few with disgust. Finish narrowed her eyes, and that was enough to make everyone look away. When she looked back, she realized that Coco was shrinking.

“Goodness, maybe I shouldn’t have been so enthusiastic about this food. I should probably get a box or something. This may’ve been a mistake—”

Oh hell no you don’t! “Coco!”

Coco squeaked. “Yes?”

“You must not—” she realized she was slipping into her normal tone. “You shouldn’t let other ponies worry you. You obviously enjoy your food, so just enjoy it.”

“But other ponies are watching. I don’t want to disgust them—”

No, I’m losing her! Before Coco could doubt herself further, Finish took the rest of the apple pie and, with desperation, shoved it into her mouth.

There was a flash and a click.

Everything froze. Finish’s heart stopped, her gaze locked, Coco’s mouth went rigid, their eyes wouldn’t blink. They didn’t move except for the slight jiggling Coco’s body made with the impact. The other patrons fazed out of their existence, and everything went silent.

And then Coco moaned lowly, and began chewing. Her eyes closed and she leaned into Finish’s hoof. Finish realized what she was doing, and quickly pulled her hoof back. Coco was absorbed into the moment; Finish was repulsed by it.

“Mmmm….”

“I am so sorry—”

Before Finish could finish her apology, Coco picked up the blueberry pie with her hoof and, without using her fork, began biting into it like a pizza. Another moan, and blue lips. The same thing happened to the blackberry, and then the peach.

And all the while, Finish couldn’t stop staring, couldn’t stop processing her. Her mind was telling her to run, to hide, that something was up, but she couldn’t. She didn’t. Her tail was rigid, her hooves were shaking, She had started Coco on this train, and by Celestia, she was going to see it through.

“Where’s that waiter?” Finish asked. “You look like you need some more.”

Coco burped lightly. “Excuse me. I’m sorry but I am very hungry right now. Starving.”

“After four slices of pie?” Finish wheezed a chuckle. “You must have a big appetite.”

And then it was gone. Coco’s chewing and rubbing stopped, and her eyes widened in shock. “Oh. I-I guess so.”

Finish realized how badly that must’ve gotten to her. “And there’s nothing wrong with that—”

But the comment had hit its mark. Coco sighed, using a napkin to wipe filling from her face. Finish cursed herself inwardly. Why did I say that? It was to draw her into the fat world. And she is fat! But why is she hiding it?

The waiter returned promptly. “Done already?”

Coco nodded, but Finish waved her off. “Nonsense! She just got started.”

Coco looked at her. “Um, are you sure?”

Are you really asking for my permission? “I’d like to see you continue.

“I would like that.”

Something awakened within Finish. She saw Coco now as under her control. Coco would do her bidding, now that she trusted her. And Finish was hungry to see how far Coco could be pushed. “Then let’s get one of every other flavor of pie.”

The waiter blinked. “Really? Are you sure she can eat all of that?”

Finish patted Coco’s belly. “I know she can do it.”

The waiter breathed a sigh. “Coming right up.” He walked away, obviously not enthused about bringing so many pieces of pie to their table.

Finish clapped her hooves. “We’re about to put on a show!”

Coco blushed and shook her head. “Oh my. I’ve never done something like this before.”

“You’ve never binged a bunch of food?” Finish gave her a cheeky grin, pushing a hoof into her belly. “This would say otherwise.”

“No, I mean I’ve never eaten a whole lot in public.”

Finish nodded. “I see. Don’t worry, I’ll be here to help you out—”

“Did I hear somepony saying they’re about to binge?”

Finish turned her head, and she gasped. Walking up to them was a stallion, one with grey fur, dark hair and a massive gut swinging freely below him. His wings ruffled as he approached them, and Finish’s heart pounded wildly within her chest.

“Hey, ladies.” The stallion nodded to the pair of them. “I’m Silver Streak.”

Coco gave a slight bow. “I’m Coco Pommel. Um…”

“Nice to meet you!” Finish shouted, putting a hoof out. “I’m Pho… Forest Hatter.”

“Charmed.” Silver whipped his head around not taking Finish’s hoof. “You’re quite a plump little thing, aren’t you? You here for the shoot?”

Coco’s eyes widened. “Oh, you’re in Canterlot for Fanny Pancake’s shoot?”

“Yeah, and I’m here to get some grub!” He slammed his rump into the seat, forcing Coco to scoot over. “I’m just gonna slide on in here.”

Finish chuckled nervously and scoot herself over, trying to subtly touch Coco’s flanks against hers, with no success. It was nice meeting another Blubber Lover, but something about him rubbed her the wrong way. He was loud and proud about his gut, she remembered that from the Blubber Lovers magazine. But something about this situation made her nervous.

“Go on ahead.” Coco fiddled with her hooves. “There will be enough to go around.”

“I’m sure there will be.” He cracked his neck. “What a day! I just got off the Canterlot Express and just got to my hotel room. Fanny met up with me, and she told me that we got a few new workers on the shoot.”

Coco nodded. “My boss is giving you guys some equipment and helping out with it.”

“Oh?” Silver leaned in. “So you’re Photo Finish’s protégé?”

“Protégé?” Coco blushed. “I’m nowhere near as good as that.”

“Fanny disagrees, though she’s probably just defending you from her.”

Finish bristled.

“Defending me?”

“From your boss? You’re one of us, a Blubber Lover—”

“A what?”

“Don’t try and hide it! You’re about to binge eat a bunch of pies like a pig, you’re one of us.”

Finish felt her nethers warming up. So that’s what it’s like to dirty talk a blubber lover. Keep on going. Goad her on and make her feel special. Tap into her carnal instincts and—

But when she looked back at Coco, she saw her frowning. About to cry, in fact. It confused her.

“Erm, I don’t think I’m hungry anymore—”

“Relax, my little piggy! I’m a fatass sow, and you’re nowhere my level, so you don’t need to be bashful.”

“But, I just feel uncomfortable.”

“Come on! Don’t be a downer, be a pig!”

Finish decided to step in. “I don’t think she likes being called that.”

“She just needs a little food, then she’ll be better.”

“But—”

“Trust me, I’ve talked to ponies before. There’s a pony named Pineapple Prize, and she loves being talked to like that. You just need to be coached.”

Coco didn’t respond. It seemed as if she had shut down. Finish felt her nethers cooling down at the sight of Coco breaking down. She pushed herself up.

“Honey, you want me to get you some water?”

“Yes please.”

Finish walked away and grabbed some cups from the counter without asking for anypony’s permission. After filling it up, she brought it back and slammed it down on the table, rousing Silver’s attention. Coco took it with the smallest of smiles while Silver shook his head, losing interest.

They sat there in silence for a while. Then Silver asked her, “Are you her girlfriend?”

“Y—what?”

“Are you her girlfriend?”

Finish shook her head. “No.”

“Oh.” Silver drunk some beer that had been brought to the table. “You should try a fat pony in bed. We’re all good, stallion or mare.”

“I imagine.” She warmed up to him.

“In fact, we could organize a three-way after our food, if you’d like.”

Finish’s mind was split. For one thing, she was completely open to the idea of having sex with him, and of having sex with Coco, and she could only imagine the dizzying heights of euphoria that she could reach when she would be with both. On the other hand, Coco was looking nervous. She understood that Coco was shy on matters such as sex and general contact with other ponies, but this was another matter entirely. There was fear present in her.

So she nodded to him. “I wouldn’t mind going to bed with you.”

Silver grinned. “That’s more like it—"

“But let her go. She’s not ready.”

Silver snorted and regarded Coco up and down. Coco merely sipped her drink silently. After a while, Silver nodded. “I guess you’re right. Hey, I’m sorry about all of that. I’m used to getting tail pretty easily. I’m not used to meeting shy ponies, you know?”

Coco didn’t look up. “I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize, darling.” Finish placed a hoof on her shoulder. “You’ll get there when you’re ready.” She looked at Silver, who nodded in agreement. He earned some respect from her.

Finally, the pies came by. “About time!” Silver yelled. The waiter regarded them all, and then rolled his eyes and set the plates down one by one. Chocolate, coconut cream, banana cream, key lime and many others were set out all along the table. Finish moved her plate out of the way, which gave him enough room to put the last of the pies, one covered with candy of all kinds. That made Finish’s heart pound at the thought of the calories stuffed in there, and her stomach churn at it being in front of her.

“What’re we waiting for—”

Before Silver could dive in, the waiter put the bill in front of them. “There you go.”

Coco opened the check, and her eyes shot open like dinner plates. “Oh… dear. I just barely have enough to cover that.”

“No worries,” Silver said, pulling out a bag of bits. “I got you covered.”

“Thank you,” both of them said together.

“But I’ll pay on one condition.”

Coco shrunk a bit. “Yes?”

“Oink for me.”

Finish slammed her hooves on the table. “What?”

“Relax, girl.” Silver leaned in. “If you want me to pay for your entire meal, then just oink for me.”

Finish was a little bit turned on by the request, having wanted to do this very thing with Coco before, but now seeing how much it was hurting her made her feel bad. “You don’t have to—”

“Oink oink.”

Finish’s tail nearly hiked.

“There we go.” He took the bits and threw them to the waiter. “Now let’s eat!”

Before anypony could react, Silver picked up one of the pieces of pie, the key lime, and shoved it into Coco’s mouth. Finish was about to ask him to stop, but Coco moaned at the flavor and chewed slowly. Silver nodded, taking a bite of the chocolate pie before placing it in front of her lips. Coco took a moment to swallow before opening her mouth again. Silver placed the rest of it in her mouth, and she resumed chewing.

Finish felt the burning jealousy within her, and nearly leapt on him to take over. But she simply watched. I can’t act right now. I can’t let the paparazzi see me out here in the open force-feeding her. They may’ve already gotten a picture of me from that one moment, I can’t make it worse. But there was a pleading look from Coco, and it was looking at her. Why is she looking at me like that? Does she… does she want me to join in?

More and more pies were put into her mouth, and Coco dutifully chewed and chewed and swallowed. Her belly was pushing outwards now, and for a moment Finish was turned on as all hell. Coco was in a groove, and she wasn’t stopping.

Or, rather, she couldn’t stop. She looked over at Finish again, filling spilling from her mouth. Finish thought that she was helping by leaning over and pushing it back in, but Coco’s eyes strained in response. She took a seat again, now more confused.

Coco’s belly bubbled from the fast intake of sugar and filling, and it was rounding out from its flabby state. Coco rubbed it constantly, and Finish leaned over to help her out. “That’s good,” Silver said. “You girls work together, and lemme get these in faster.”

“No problem, honey,” Finish replied. She locked eyes on Coco, who was looking around at the both of them with… was that worry? Coco motioned for some water, and Finish pressed it up to her lips. There was slight relief, though Coco didn’t smile at them. “You doin’ alright?”

Coco didn’t reply. She just tried getting more pie into her mouth, courtesy of Silver.

“Yeah! Now we’re talking!” He sped up, trying to pack her full. Finish shifted in arousal and discomfort. Something was wrong here. They were fulfilling their fantasies, weren’t they? Coco should’ve been happy at that moment! But Coco’s worried look increased to panic.

The feeding continued. Coco’s belly pushed further into the table, beginning to ever-so-slightly tip it. Finish could feel her blood boiling at the quiet creaks the single leg was making. Coco tried to shift to a more comfortable position, but it was to no avail.

Hang in there, Coco, we’re more than halfway through this! Keep it up!

After what may’ve been the 12^th slice of pie, Coco coughed some pie up.

“Whoa, what’re you doing?” Silver asked drunkenly.

“You’re going too fast.”

“Nonsense!” Silver shoved two whole slices into her mouth. “You just need some training.”

Coco’s eyes bugged, and she whined. Finish’s heart dropped at seeing her like that, partially because she thought it was hot, and partially because of how much pain Coco was in. She was torn.

“There we go,” Silver said, chuckling. “You got some fat cheeks there.”

Coco sputtered, sending crumbs everywhere. She swallowed, and groaned. Her face went slightly green. “No more, please…”

“Aw, come on!” Silver continued, putting another slice into her face. “You still have about ten left.”

Coco threw a hoof to her mouth. “No, please! Let me take these home, we can continue later!”

“This is a part of feeding, baby.” Silver shoved it into her mouth. “You’re getting stuffed. Trust me, you can hold it. I’ve seen it before, I’ve done it before, and now I’m gonna show you how to do it. Fanny will be so proud.”

Coco began crying, and that did it for Finish. She shot her hoof out and grabbed Silver’s before more pie could be shoved into her mouth. “That’s enough.”

“Hey, let go—”

With strength that only she knew she possessed, she picked up Silver and held him in front of her. “So help me, if you continue this, I will make you regret the day you’ve ever met me.”

Unfortunately, the fear tactic came too late. They looked over just in time to see Coco vomit all over the table. The restaurant all had eyes on them now.

Coco began crying, and Finish knew she had to act fast. She grabbed Coco, shoved her out of the booth, and guided her out of the restaurant lightning fast. It was just enough time to allow Coco to relieve herself on the sidewalk. A few ponies watched her, and Finish glared at them to shoo them along. Silver followed behind.

“That was some binge!” He laughed. “You’re such a lightweight. Any of us would have easily cleared that table right up—”

*Crack* Finish’s hoof flew towards him, knocking him straight out. Coco watched aghast before puking one last time.

“Are you okay?”

After her episode, Coco was in full tears. “Oh my stars, I really just did that!”

“It’s okay, he shouldn’t have pushed you like that.” Finish leaned up against her. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

“Thank you, Forest.” Coco leaned away from her. “Thank you. I’m sorry you had to see that. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I’m just more worried about you right now.” Finish began making her way home, but stopped. “Actually, which way do you live?” This was obviously something she knew, but she couldn’t make it too obvious for her.

Coco guided them to her place, leaning against Finish the whole way. They didn’t talk the whole way, Finish because she was too concerned with her identity being revealed, Coco because she was still feeling queasy. Nopony bothered them; they saw Coco’s green face, and moved out of the way.

After a while, they made their way home. Coco heaved herself off and took her keys out of her purse. “Thank you. For everything.”

“My pleasure.” Forest nuzzled her. “Now you get some rest, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Coco blinked. “I will?”

Finish slapped her hoof on her forehead. You idiot! You’re not Photo Finish right now, you’re Forest… whatever! “I’m gonna check up on you tomorrow, just to make sure you’re feeling well.”

Coco blushed. “Thank you—” before she said anything else, Coco dashed off to the bathroom, letting the door slowly close behind her.

Finish let her head bang against the door, standing there for Celestia-knows-how-long, before the stench of vomit on her coat made her realize that she needed to go home and get cleaned off.

The Sixth Incident

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The Sixth Incident

Photo Finish and Coco were still at Pies in the Sky, and the waiter had just dropped off their near-endless supply of pies. The other tables had long since gone home, and now that they had the restaurant to theirselves, Finish was going to make sure that every slice went into that big, fat stomach.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes, Forest Hatter. I’m ready.”

Finish chuckled. “No, Coco, I’m not Forest Hatter. I’m your boss.”

Coco grinned. “I thought so. Only you would go to this great length to feed me.”

“A growing girl’s gotta eat,” Finish said, picking up a slice of coconut cream pie. “Now how about a little cream for a lotta Coco?”

The fat mare leaned forward, opened her maw and lolled her tongue out. Finish’s hooves worked deftly, placing pie after pie in perfect position for Coco to suck them in.

The effects had begun working immediately. Her belly began pushing out against the table, tipping it little by little. Coco moaned with each flavor, each one adding more pounds to her frame.

The waiter came back with a can of whipped cream, which he began spraying liberally on every slice, even those already covered in whipped cream. He watched, entranced as Coco continued eating and eating and eating…

The table leg snapped, and the table fell to the ground. The pies piled up neatly in front of Finish, who picked up the top two slices and continued feeding Coco uninterrupted.

Without the table, she could see the progress Coco was making. Her rump was as large as she was a moment ago, pushing her up and up, and would completely cover Finish when she was underneath it. Her belly flowed out enough to touch the ground and then begin creeping along the floor. Her flanks were wider than the entire booth! Her cheeks hung low enough to touch her shoulders. Her chest flared out on top of her massive stomach.

So Finish had to crawl on top of her belly to continue feeding her. The waiter passed her the pies to continue fattening her up, and Coco ate dutifully, getting fatter and fatter!

“That’s a good piggy,” Finish said. “Oink for me.”

“Oink oink!” Coco grinned, her cheeks filling up.

“Good piggy. You’re such a big sow, aren’t you?”

Coco’s face changed to panic.

“What’s wrong?” Finish asked. “I thought you liked this.”

And then Coco vomited.

Finish shot up in bed. “Oh, Coco, what have I done? I’m so sorry.”

Her body came down from the intense arousal, and walked over to her window. “Coco, I hope you’re okay. We shouldn’t have pushed you that much.”

She didn’t sleep that night.

Due Apologies

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A Little Cream for a Lotta Coco

Chapter 14: Apologies All Around

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The blue hoof of Photo Finish flew forth, and pinpointed the switch to turn the alarm clock off. Then the hoof, joined by its left-legged companion, flung the covers off. The head of Photo Finish rose from the pillow upon which she had slept, and her eyes, keen and eager, opened wide.

“I, Photo Finish, am ready for the—the—oh, I fall baaaack!”

And she rested her head once more upon the pillow. Her head, though comforted by softness below, ached and throbbed within. Her eyes, though not at all watery, stung with the burn of one who had cried not long ago. Her throat heaved with stifled breaths. And her mind, cloudy as it was from a deficit of sleep, swam with despair.

She remembered it all with a heavy heart. The sneering ponies around her and Coco Pommel. The jabs that Silver Streak, once a suave hunk in her mind, took upon the sweeter mare. The lack of action on her part, as she watched Coco eat beyond her limits. The eventual vomit that had erupted after more than enough. The rage at having Silver Streak continue after it was due. And a feeling that had been put away long ago with her newfound fame: guilt at the stinging groans and sobs that Coco emitted as she waddled home.

For minutes she stared at her ceiling, playing the images in her head over and over. After a while, she shook her head, groaned and sat up again. “Get over it, Photo Finish!” she told herself with an angry, hoarse voice. “It happened, and you cannot change that. You must go and seize the day!”

She threw the covers off and jumped out of bed, but had landed on something unknown to her at first. A fit of shock and disgust took her as she looked down, to see the makeshift wig she had used to disguise herself last night. It was the wig of the cowardly Forest Hatter. At once, she kicked the wig out from under her leg, and sent it to the corner of the room.

Eager to return to a sense of normalcy, she walked over to a nearby mannequin and removed her prized dress from atop its back. She folded it and draped it over her back, and then proceeded to the bathroom. “A shower will help clear my mind,” she said, the hoarseness in her throat worsening a tinge.

A cloud of steam has encompassed her body before she stepped in and let the hot water take over. Bitter-smelling shampoo and sweet-scented conditioner ran through her mane while she lathered her coat and body in soap. She was covered in soap bubbles, so that any onlookers would mistake her for a sheep, but as the water washed it away she revealed a much sleeker, glowing version of herself.

Then, after she had wiped the foggy window clear, she took a comb and pulled at the few knots in her mane and tail. Then she took her brush and straightened everything out to as straight and flowing as it could be. She’d brush her teeth after having breakfast, but she lastly donned her trademark goggles on. This had been done for years, in order to avoid paparazzi sneaking through her window to take a picture of her uncovered eyes.

Especially after last night.

And then it all came back to her. The goggles hid her eyes, but she knew what was behind them. The shame welled up in them, and through the pink tint she stared at something that made her shudder. She left the mirror in haste, and went downstairs for breakfast.

“Some eggs and toast should help clear my head,” she muttered aloud as she opened the fridge. And yet, even as she cooked the eggs sunny side up and popped the toast into the toaster, she felt something wrong in the pit of her stomach. A glass of orange juice and some apple slices later and she was all set. She sat down, ready to enjoy herself.

And then, through just the faintest aroma of the apple slices, it all came back. The smell of apple-infused vomitus that had come out of Coco. And everything that had happened leading up to it. Suddenly, the smell of food made her want to puke, though she was empty. She sighed and threw the food away. In the end, she made herself a cup of coffee, without any of the embellishments she’d usually put into it.

Her head instantly began to clear, but the memories didn’t. With a heavy sigh, she walked over to her couch in the living room and flopped down, all the while keeping her full mug from spilling so much as a drop.

I can’t stop thinking about it.

Good. Maybe now you’ll learn from your mistakes.

What was my mistake? I wanted to watch Coco eat, and Coco ate! It was her fault.

You should’ve stopped her.

But how was I supposed to know that Silver Streak would interrupt us? It’s his fault that everything went wrong!

Is it?

Yes! She took another sip of her coffee. I’m not the bad guy.

You keep telling yourself that.

Lying there for some time, she kept reliving the memory of the previous night. The coffee went cold the next time she took a sip, so she set it on a coaster with a sigh. “I should not be sitting here wallowing in pity for my actions! I should get up and get ready for a day at work! I can make it up to her there.”

There’s only making up if you’ve done something wrong.

She straightened her dress out, made sure her mane and tail were impeccable, and her glasses were clear and free of tears. She strode out of the living room and through her foyer, and made her way to the front door. With a second of hesitation, she opened it up and looked outside. The sky had only lightened up a little bit; Celestia’s sun was close to the horizon, but the raising hadn’t occurred yet. Surprised, she looked back at her clock: six-fifteen. Nearly an hour before she would usually leave. She shivered at the early-morning air, but didn’t go back inside.

Instead, she walked down her walkway and onto the stone steps of Canterlot proper. Then she ambled down the road leading to one of Canterlot’s main streets. There were only guardponies on Celestia Way; it was still too early for the sunraising, so ponies either weren’t going to be heading there just yet, or had already shown up to reserve a spot.

It gave her time to walk in peace, for which she was grateful. And, a stray thought entered her mind, the paparazzo won’t be on me. They won’t expect me to be out this early.

Hopefully they hadn’t caught anything at Pies in the Skies.

She twitched a twinge, but kept her pace. That was Forest Hatter. I was not recognized there.

But suppose through the various ponies reading the tabloids, somepony recognizes you. Would you be able to defend yourself?

I could pass it off as somepony else.

And suppose the paparazzo watched you sneak around to get there in the first place. Would ponies trust you to deny that?

I was careful going there! I saw nopony around, and I don’t miss much!

I suppose.

But her mind couldn’t be quieted after that thought. She imagined ponies staring at her, gawking at her behavior, wondering how somepony of such high fashion standards would stoop to something so… so…

Depraved?

Lewd?

Psychotic?

“Uncommon,” she muttered under her breath. “It is uncommon, but not depraved.”

And for a moment, the worries of peer pressure left her. The ponies could point and say things, but did that invalidate her? Not a chance, she told herself. She was still Photo Finish, by thunder, and nopony could take away her skills, her years of art, her Coco—

But then her mind went straight to Coco. “The ponies of Canterlot might give me leniency from being shunned, but Coco would be destroyed. There is no way that Coco would be able to handle it.”

But again, it wasn’t your fault. It was Forest Hatter’s.

Finish hesitated. Yes, it was. But I made up for it. I took her home, made sure she was well, told her I’d check up on her—

And then she lurched. “I-I was supposed to check up on her!” She smacked herself in the forehead. “Verdammt!” She immediately turned and galloped as fast as she could. “I hope I am not too late!”

Too late? Do you realize what time it is?

It was irrelevant. She galloped as fast as she could to the apartments on the other side of town. The guards that watched her didn’t try and stop her; they knew who Photo Finish was, and knew that she was prone to flights of fancy, so they left her be.

“What should I buy for her to eat? She may have already eaten breakfast, but maybe I can bring her something else!”

Why would she want anything from you? You already gave her too much last night!

I know, but I know better now! I’m not going to give her any more than she can handle. Cinnamon buns? Donuts? Pancakes? Croissants? She saw the apartments in the distance, and knew that she had passed all of these shops already. I’ll ask her if she wants to grab anything, and then make it up to her.

You had better hope she’ll be able to walk after last night.

I’ll carry her if I have to!

With that, she burst through the door to the complex. The landmare wasn’t quick enough to dodge out of her way, but Finish simply leapt over her and continued on her way. Nopony was in the way, nothing was blocking her path.

When she got to Coco’s door, she hesitated. “Wait, what if it is too early? What if I wake her, and she gets mad? What if she does not want to talk to me after that? Should I even risk it?”

She knocked.

“It is okay. Maybe she is still sleeping at this time—”

“Hmm? H-hello?”

“Verdammt!” Maybe it’s not too late. Maybe I can still escape, and then she won’t have to see me like this!

Slow, heavy hooffalls could be heard inside, coming slower. You came all this way. You can’t back out now.

You’re right. I must apologize to her!

A soft groan could be heard from inside. “Who is it?”

Finish’s jaw failed her. What if she is still angry with me? I can’t do this—no! I can do this. I must do it! I must, I must, I must! Or my name isn’t Photo Finish!

The doorknob began to turn. “Hello?”

“This is it,” she whispered. “No turning back now.”

The door slid ajar, and a tubby cheek and black-bagged eye peered through. “Hello? Oh, oh! Photo Finish! What a surprise! Wh-what are you doing here?”

Finish balked. “What am I doing here? I came to ap—to check up on you!”

Check up on her?

Coco’s face scrunched up. “Check up on me? For what?”

Finish gaped. There’s no way that she forgot already! “You know, about last night!”

Instantly, Coco blanched. “Oh. You haven’t heard, then.”

“Heard?”

“Y-yeah, you heard about what happened.”

What does she mean, heard what happened? I was there, doesn’t she realize that— And then it occurred to her. “Oh, about last night. No, no I have not. Was everything alright?”

“Yeah,” Coco replied, averting her gaze. “It was okay.”

Finish scraped the floor. “Would you mind if I—may I come in?”

Coco looked away from her. “I don’t think that’s a good idea right now. I’m not—” her stomach gurgled, and she groaned. “I’m not feeling well.”

Finish looked down, but couldn’t see her belly yet. She pushed against the door slightly. “Coco, what is wrong? Are you okay? If you are not, then I want to help.”

“No, really. Like, ‘throwing up’ sick.”

“Because you ate too much?” Finish’s tone came out more desperate than she would’ve liked, but she kept pushing the door.

“Y-yes,” Coco replied, sounding like she was panicking. “I don’t want you to see.”

Finish had had enough. She slammed her hoof down against the door, prompting Coco to stop pushing. “Coco, please. I need to see you.”

Coco stared at her, and Finish stared back. Her heart beat more loudly the longer she kept her stare. After a while, Coco shifted her gaze downwards and backed up, pulling the door open in the process.

“Thank you, Coco,” Finish said, a sigh of relief following. She walked in and looked around. There were no fast food boxes, bags or packages, nor was there any breakfast prepared. No dishes in the sink, either. The only thing that had been used, by the looks of things, was a cup full of water with a straw in it.

Then she stared at Coco, who had just waddled to her couch. Her rump had indeed grown a tiny bit from her gorging, bouncing against her hocks and jiggling with each step she took. Her flanks swayed heavily, but slowly as Coco was stepping as slow as possible. Her belly was what drew her attention most of all, though; it was round and taut, not even swaying underneath her, but moving like she had a basketball underneath her. A gurgle could be heard as Coco stepped, followed by a soft groan from the overstuffed mare.

Finish flicked her tail before Coco turned and climbed onto the couch. Her movements were slow, making her not to jostle her belly too much. Coco began to pant. She did manage to get herself splayed out, and once she had her hindhooves on the cushion she let her flank drop. Coco brought a hoof to her mouth as her belly quivered from the sudden movement, and Finish had a mind to look for a trash bin for her. Before she could move, Coco redirected her attention to her.

They didn’t say anything for a few seconds, just staring at one another. Finish began feeling warm again, seeing Coco’s big fat body lying there, and she felt her dock begin to stiffen with anticipation. She decided to break the tension before the tension made her do something reckless.

“So, Coco, would you like some breakfast?”

At the mention of breakfast, Coco’s face paled. “Oh, no, not at all,” she said with a cheek-full voice. “I’m sorry, Photo Finish, but I’m really not feeling well.”

Finish thought quickly before the dreaded silence could return. “Did you get some bad food at Pies in the Skies?”

Coco grimaced. “N-no, nothing like that. All of the food there was great.” Her voice faded at the end, a tell-tale sign of somepony trying to hide something.

And today, Photo Finish would be having none of it. “Coco, if something bad happened there… if somepony hurt you—or called you fat, then we should go down there and let them know that it is not appreciated.”

Coco looked away from her, and at the barren coffee table instead. Come on, Coco, let me know how badly I messed it up for you. It took a little while before she spoke. “I-It’s like I said,” Coco began, not looking up from the couch, “The food was great. But…”

“Yes?”

“Look, Photo Finish, I really don’t want to talk about it.”

“But—”

“I’m sorry,” Coco said, looking up with tears in her eyes. “But I really don’t want to talk about it.”

Finish stood in place, stunned. Go on, continue pressing.

But if she doesn’t want to talk about it, then I shouldn’t force her to.

You came all the way to apologize to her, you can’t just back out now!

But looking at Coco softly stifling sobs, Finish’s heart gave. “Okay, Coco. I will not ask any more… Is there anything I can do for you?”

Coco shook her head, bringing a hoof to her eye. “No, I’ll be fine. I don’t think I can come to work today. I hope that’s okay”

“That is fine,” Finish replied, turning to the door. “Get some rest.”

“Yes, Miss Finish.”

“And…” Finish couldn’t bring herself to look back, so she merely said, “I am sorry for what happened last night.”

“...F-for what, Miss Finish?”

“Just get some rest,” Finish woefully commanded. Then, without waiting for a response, walked to the door.

Is that it?

What else am I supposed to do? She’s not ready to talk, and I don’t think I can push it any further.

You came all this way for nothing.

I know. I just can’t find the right words. And I can’t let her know that I was there.

You’re weak.

She reached the door with these thoughts still battling in her mind, and reached for the knob slowly. “Good day, Coco.”

“Have a good day, Photo Finish,” Coco replied. Finish heard rustling on the couch, and saw that Coco had adjusted herself for comfort.

What a shame.

She opened the door and proceeded to walk out. Then, she immediately was bumped back inside. “Dah!” She shook her head and looked forward. Even with her goggles crooked, she could make out the wall of golden-brown obscuring her vision, jiggling from the impact.

Goddesses, not now!

“Ooh, sorry about that, honey,” the telltale homely voice of Fanny Pancake said from above her. “I wasn’t expecting you to be here.”

Finish adjusted her goggles. “It is alright, Miss Pancake. I was just leaving.”

An awkward smile appeared on Fanny’s face. “Oh, dear. Honey, could you back up a bit? I’m gonna need some room.”

It took a second for Finish to realize what Fanny was hinting at, but once she did she scrambled out of the way, finding herself right next to Coco’s couch. Fanny stepped in and started the process of squeezing herself through the relatively tiny doorframe.

“Nnngh, hang on, Coco, I’m comin’ in!” Fanny gave Coco a strained smile as she shimmied left and right. Her belly pressed against the floor as her sides bunched up. Finish wondered how long it would take her to get through, if it were even possible to get through with how small the frame was. Fanny squirmed and squeezed, but couldn’t even get her hips past the door. “Dagblastit, why won’t these hips get in?”

Then she began rocking herself back and forth, and the door frame—as well as the surrounding wall around it—began to shake. *Smack* against the walls, and cracks began to appear. *Smack* again, and the door frame began to bend out of place.

“Almost—*huff*—got it!” Fanny angled herself, and then slammed herself against the wall. “I’m comin’ through—yyyaaaaah!”

With several loud cracks, the door frame flew into the room, and parts of the wall crumbled around her. Her hips bulldozed what they skid across; her flanks took off even more than that. Fanny steadied herself before she could fall onto her chest (and probably fall through the floor, Finish thought as she felt the wood under her hooves). After all was still, Finish and Coco stared at the giant mare panting, and a Fanny-sized hole in the wall.

“Coco?”

Coco shook the shock from herself and mumbled a shaky, “Yes?”

“Honey, did I break the door off of the wall?”

“Ummm… Yes.”

“Fiddlesticks!” Fanny threw her body around 180 degrees, and Finish, stunned herself, was sent to the ground by the oncoming rump. “I shoulda known that I wouldn’t have been able to fit.” She turned around again with a wry smile. “Ah, well. Something that flimsy wasn’t gonna stand up against 1,400 pounds of mare, am I right?”

Coco swallowed a lump in her throat and nodded.

“I should probably let the landlord know about this,” Fanny said sheepishly. She walked over to the counter and set down a paper bag that she had on her back. “Photo Finish, would you be a dear and put the door back while I sort this out?”

It took a few seconds for Finish to regain her consciousness, half from the fleshy impact and half from the sheer sight of Fanny actually ripping a door off of a wall, but once she did she nodded. “Yes! No problem at all!” She felt herself being pulled up by Coco. “Thank you.”

Coco dusted off Finish’s coat. “You’re—bwurp!—welcome,” she replied with a bubbly burp. “Should I help?”

Finish couldn’t get anything out of her mouth before Fanny interjected. “Of course not, honey! You just get some rest and wait for me to—”

“Is everything okay in here?”

They all looked to the door to see a pajama-clad stallion peering through the hole. “Oh, everything’s fine, honey,” Fanny said, ignoring the gawking he did at her. “Don’t you worry your head over us, we’ll get this taken care of. Now excuse me.” With that, she shimmied past him—partially dragging him along the wall with her flank—and made her way downstairs. A diminuendo of creaks from the stairs followed her.

Finish had finally regained herself and lifted up the door. She heard Coco grunt, and immediately held up her hoof. “No, Coco, lie back down. I will handle this.”

“Okay, Miss Finish,” Coco replied softly, lying back down.

She began pushing it, and the stallion came in and helped her. They set it as much in place as they could—not able to cover it all up, but serviceable in Finish’s eyes. She thanked the stallion, and he left with a smile.

Then Finish walked to the paper bag. “What did Fanny come here with?” She took a peek inside, and found a collection of potatoes, celery, carrots, onions, garlic cloves, a bottle of olive oil, and some spices she didn’t recognize. “Huh.” She looked back at Coco, and then back at the bag.

“What’s in there?” Coco asked.

“It is just some vegetables.” Finish turned and walked back to the couch. “Looks like Fanny wants to make you some soup to make up for last night.”

Coco blinked in confusion. “Why would she do that?”

Yes, Photo Finish, why would she make up for something she wasn’t a part of?

Finish smacked herself. “I-I do not know what goes through her mind, Coco. But once she gets up here, we can tell her that you are not feeling well, and do not need food… at this time…”

“Is something wrong, Photo Finish?”

Finish thought about it for a moment. You’re never going to be empty, Coco. Fanny’s going to feed you even though you’re bloated. She doesn’t want you to lose that beautiful gut, darling. She wants to see it grow, just like I do.

“Ph-photo Finish?”

“Yes, sorry Coco. My mind was somewhere else. I think she just wants to make sure you are fed today.”

Coco grimaced a smile. “That’s nice, but I’m not hungry at the moment.”

“Well, we will be sure to tell her once she gets up here.”

As if on cue, thunderous hoofsteps came up to the door. Finish walked up to open it, but the wall slid out of the way before she could reach it. Fanny peeked in, and behind her was a stunned stallion, the landlord.

“Hey, gals!” Fanny shouted, looking past Finish and at Coco. “I let the landlord know what happened, and… he didn’t believe me.”

“By my auntie’s beard!” The landlord’s eyes bugged. “Dagnabbit, how’d you even get in here!?”

“Heh, by breaking the door down,” Fanny replied sheepishly.

“Geez, you fatass! You know how long this is gonna take me to fix?”

“Now now,” Fanny said, her tone dropping, “there’s no need for that kinda language.”

“But the wall!”

Finish stepped forward. “The wall can be fixed, sir. There is no need to—”

The landlord gasped loud enough to interrupt her. “You’re Photo Finish? The Photo Finish?”

She smiled. “The very same.”

“On my uncle’s cufflinks!” He nearly squealed, coming close enough to make her feel uncomfortable. “I never thought I’d have Photo Finish in my apartment complex! I have been a fan ever since I was a colt!”

Finish gawked, half from surprise and half from seeing such a gruff stallion such as him fawning over her. “Thank you, sir. Now, about your wall: we are responsible for this, and my company will make sure you are properly paid for this.”

“Of course, Miss Finish!” The stallion looked at the damage, and then at Fanny. “But shouldn’t she—”

“She is an important client of mine, and I will take care of her,” Finish concluded with finality.

“Oh, of course!” He nodded at the superobese mare and backed away. “I apologize, I had no idea.”

“No trouble, sugar,” Fanny replied. “It was my fault, but you’re in good hooves in Photo Finish.”

Finish smiled at her.

“Now, I will leave you to whatever business you ladies have. You let me know if you need anything, now!” With that, the stallion turned away and scurried downstairs.

Finish sighed and turned back to the other mares. Fanny had walked over to the counter and rifled through the contents of her bag. “You hungry, Coco?”

Coco’s cheeks bloated up, but only a puff of air escaped her lips. “N-not really.”

Fanny frowned. “I suppose you’d be bloated up after what Silver and that other mare did to you.”

Finish suddenly got the urge to leave. “Other mare?” she blurted out. No, why did I do that?

Fanny looked over her shoulder at her. “Oh, you didn’t hear?”

Finish looked over at Coco, who was sinking into the couch. “No, I did not hear about it.”

“I’m sorry, Miss Finish,” Coco mewled softly. “I just don’t want to talk about it. It’s not related to business or anything.”

Finish felt a pit forming in her stomach. “I… see.”

Coco nodded, but then Fanny took a step towards her. “You don’t have to worry about Coco anymore. I’m sure I can help her out with some good homemade soup. It’ll help her out no problem, get that bloating out of her system. You can run along to work, and Coco can tell you all about pies later.”

The pit grew even larger. Should I just leave? Fanny would help her out, and Coco would be in good hooves… No, I can’t! I must let Coco know that I care somehow! “Fanny,” she began, her stomach tightening from the talking. “Do you know this Silver Streak?”

Fanny gave her a quick glance, and then returned to her bag of food. “Silver Streak is one of our friends, and one of the clients that will be at the photo shoot. He’s a regular partygoer, and loves to have a good time. Although he took it too far last night.”

“What did he do?” Finish asked.

“If Coco doesn’t want to tell you, then I won’t say nuthin’ either.”

Finish looked at Coco, who looked away from her. “That is fair, I suppose. Although once I meet this Silver Streak, then—”

“Don’t you worry about him,” Fanny interjected with a bold tone. “I’ve already taken care of him. We don’t take kindly to ponies ruining other’s nights. He can do that sort of thing to other Blubber Lovers, but not to sweet li’l Coco over there.”

The pit felt more like a gaping hole at this time. “And the other mare?”

“Never heard of her, but she’s supposed to be coming over today, and once she does, I’ll make her pay.”

Finish’s heart hammered away in her chest. Oh goddesses, I can’t face that! Coco I can handle, but Fanny? I’d be crushed in an instant! I should leave now, let Fanny handle it.

But what about Coco?

I know I still need to apologize to her. And I, Photo Finish, can’t back out of that!

“I need to leave now,” Finish said suddenly.

“Oh, now?” Coco asked. “Um, okay.”

“Enjoy your work,” Fanny said in a chipper voice. “Don’t work too hard now!”

“Yes, of course,” Finish said, turning to the door. “Get some rest, Coco, and do not worry about work right now. We will be able to handle ourselves today.”

“O-okay, Miss Finish.” Coco sighed and lay back down on the couch. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Just focus on getting rest.”

Coco didn’t say anything else, and Fanny was too busy working on the soup, so Finish took her leave immediately. This time, she didn’t even look back at Coco before closing the door.

Once the door was closed, she rushed down the stairs and out the door. The landlord waved at her, but she galloped right past him. Once outside, she slowed down to a canter, but continued on to her home. “I need to get Forest Hatter to apologize. Fanny may be mad at me—at her—but I still need to do it. Then I can put that shameful mare behind me.”

She had a saddlebag slung over her bare back, with her goggles and dress neatly inside. That would be for getting back into character when she was done with Forest Hatter. And speaking of which, she had on a rather ornate headpiece that had been gifted to her in the past. She didn’t think that anypony would recognize the swan-plumed hat from early in her photographing career, and felt safe with it covering up her mane. Her tail had been done up in a braid, as an extra precaution to her identity.

She believed that she had everything taken care of at that point. So now all there was to do was trot to Coco’s apartment and apologize. She, of course, had checked everywhere for paparazzi, just to make sure nopony had caught on to her yet. And even as she walked in the street, she had to make a constant effort not to go about with her usual determined stride. But Photo Finish had some experience with masking herself around other ponies, so she wasn’t panicking from the task.

But the few glances she did receive unnerved her to no end. And yet she never broke her form, never took her eyes off of the front of the road. She constantly kept vigilance for the paparazzo, and wouldn’t let anypony distract her, either to know where her headpiece came from, or to simply wish a good morning from one stranger to another.

Finally, after an agonizingly hot and hypervigilant walk through the not-yet-packed streets of Canterlot, she made her way to Coco’s apartment complex. She took a deep breath, and entered.

The landlord was talking with a few of his staff about his encounter with Finish earlier (making her sigh at the attention). Upon seeing her, he went back behind his counter and bowed to her. “Howd’ye do? Haw may I help you?”

She cleared her throat. “I’m looking to see Coco Pommel.”

His eyes bugged. “You too? Gee, first Photo Finish, then that humongous mare, then that other big mare, and then—”

“Wait,” Finish said, holding a hoof up to sell her persona. “Other big mare? I only saw—I mean I only knew about one of them.”

“Well, there are two up there now. One a huge mare with pancakes on her flank, and the other a darker mare with a big stomach and a sweater stretched over it.”

Black Forest is here too. That’s not good. “Thank you. I will head up there now.”

“Of course,” the stallion said without any fanfare. Finish inwardly chuckled at how she had fooled him so easily. And now that I’m past him, I need to go and face Coco. And Black Forest. And Fanny. All of them at once.

Each step up felt like they were magnets, and her hooves had to be yanked off of them to keep her going. Other ponies were up, some talking about the events from earlier with the door, and she knew she had to keep moving, lest others decided to take a look and recognize her. She pressed onwards.

Maybe Coco will have already forgotten about your arrangement?

No, there’s no way. And even if she did, it wouldn’t be right for me to let it go.

Why does it matter to you? You, Photo Finish, could simply leave your disguise, get rid of the pony that never existed, and you, Photo Finish, can come in and be your normal self without admonishment.

Finish stopped in front of the door that would lead to Coco’s room. Her inner voice had a point. She could let Forest Hatter disappear, and since there was no connection between Hatter and Finish, she could get off scot-free. Nopony would be the wiser.

No.

But—

I hurt her. I did it to her, and I need to let her know that I’m sorry. Even if I am just Forest Hatter.

She knocked on the door.

Thundering hoofsteps approached the door. That’s Fanny. I can still back out of this.

No. I must do this for Coco.

The door opened swiftly, and Fanny’s chest greeted her. Finish looked up at Fanny’s sweaty face. She cleared her throat and began.

“Hiya!” Finish exclaimed in the widest smile she could muster. The corners of her cheeks ached from the strain. “I’m here to see Coco Pommel. Would you happen to know where she is?”

Fanny’s eyebrow raised up. “And you are?”

The pit in Finish’s stomach widened even further. “Oh, I’m just somepony that met her last night.”

Fanny lowered her head. Finish hadn’t thought that Fanny’s neck and chest would allow her to get eye level with her, but she did. “Are you, by chance, Forest Hatter?”

Finish gulped. “Y-yes.”

It seemed like an eternity as Fanny stared at her. Finish could feel her deep, slow, hot breath against her face, and for a moment she considered legging it out of the apartment. And then Fanny raised herself and backed up.

“Come on in,” Fanny said in a soft voice. “She’s just on the couch, relaxing.”

Finish gulped again. “Thank you, darling,” she said, and scurried inside.

Not a lot had changed since she had left. The assortment of vegetables and spices had become a steamy, hearty soup, and three bowls had been placed on the coffee table. One massive one, Finish quickly figured out, was Fanny’s. One wauld’ve definitely been for Coco. It took a second to remember that Black Forest was also somewhere in the apartment as well.

And then Finish saw Coco. The other mare’s belly looked slightly less swollen than it had earlier. Coco herself was massaging it, her breathing a lot slower and her face in far less of a grimace. Her collar lay on the table next to a half-eaten bowl of soup. And when Coco looked at her, her eyes widened almost into a full circle.

“Oh!” Coco hoisted herself up, cradling her tummy all the while. “Forest Hatter! I was wondering if you were going to show up.”

She doesn’t seem to recognize me. That’s good so far. “Well, I had to come to check up on you last night. You look like you’re doing a lot better.”

“I’m feeling better,” Coco said with a soft sigh and a tiny pat of her belly. “Thank you.”

Finish had only begun to feel better when Fanny’s heavy hoofsteps came up from behind. Before she could turn her head, the larger mare bear down on her.

“You really did a number on her last night, you know that?” Fanny began menacingly. “You and Silver Streak came in and embarrassed the daylights out of her, you know that?”

Finish looked at the ground. “Yes, I know. And I’m sorry for that.”

“Was that your intention? To embarrass somepony just because they’re overweight?”

“What? No, no!” Finish shrunk back. “Believe me, it wasn’t intentional. I just wanted to show Coco a good time.”

“It’s true,” Coco said from behind Fanny. “I don’t think she meant any harm.”

“Coco,” Fanny continued, her voice not losing its harsh tone, “You don’t know what these ponies are like. There are ponies who don’t like fat ponies, and they’ll do what they can to make fun of and embarrass them. Listen, you’re too sweet and innocent a mare to have seen it, but I have.”

Suddenly, more hoofsteps could be heard, this time from the kitchen. “Has Forest Hatter come by yet?” Finish waited as Black Forest came into the living room. Their eyes locked. Black Forest’s only reaction upon seeing her was a raised brow.

What is that supposed to mean? Why is she looking at me like that? Is that her way of showing anger?

“And what do you have to say for yourself?” Fanny asked, looking back down at her.

Finish immediately snapped back into the moment. “I truly am sorry. I really did just want to show Coco a good time. I got carried away.”

“Humph.”

“Believe me, if I really didn’t care about her, would I have come all this way to apologize on my own, with no other witness but Coco, when I could’ve gone back to my hometown and forgotten this whole thing?”

Fanny looked away from her. “Well… I suppose not. But what you did was wrong!”

“I know,” Finish continued, bowing her head “And I own up to it. I would rather that I make a total fool of myself than hurt that sweet young thing. Especially in such a profane manner.”

Fanny harrumphed and turned her backside to her. “I’m not sure I can take your word on that. According to Silver Streak and Coco here, you hadn’t been forcing anything into her, but you hadn’t stopped it, either. I doubt you meant any harm by it, but it did happen.”

“And I wish I could take it back,” Finish pleaded. “But I can’t. I can only offer my apologies.”

It wasn’t Fanny that spoke up, but Coco who peeked around. “Thank you. I mean, it means a lot that you came here to apologize to me.”

“I appreciate it as well,” Black Forest said, stepping up to her. “I imagine last night was not what you expected, but you don’t seem like the kind of pony that would torture another pony for her own amusement. Nor the type of pony that would go out of her way to apologize if she was.”

Finish began to feel uncomfortable; Black Forest had walked up to within a step of her. “Thank you for that. Yeah, I wouldn’t leave somepony like her on her lonesome.”

“No,” Black Forest agreed with a smirk. “You wouldn’t.”

What does she mean by that? She doesn’t suspect anything, does she? Before she could muse further, Black Forest walked back to Coco.

“Honey, is there anything that Miss Hatter can do for you before she leaves?”

Coco looked between the two of them. “No, I don’t think so.”

Fanny turned faster than Black Forest could. “Then I would suggest she leave.”

Finish’s eyebrows furrowed, but Black Forest spoke up before she could. “I agree. Certainly you’ve got a lot to do, and you did apologize like you promised Coco. I see no reason for you to stay, unless you wish to dine with us.”

Finish gulped once more. “No, that’s quite alright. I must really get going.”

“Oh, okay.” Coco waved at her. “Have a good day, Forest.”

“You as well, dear!” Finish turned to the other two. “Y’all have a good day now!”

“You as well, Miss Hatter.”

Fanny didn’t answer.

Finish sighed and made an immediate exit. There’s nothing more for me to discuss with them. I said what I needed to, and now I can put Forest Hatter behind me. She began walking down the stairs that would lead her out of the apartment and into the day proper.

“Wait, Forest!”

She stopped. What is it now? She turned around and saw Coco lumbering down the stairs. “Yes, Coco?”

Coco stopped. “Oh my, I’m sorry if I’m interrupting you.”

What—wait, I talked in my normal voice! “Now at all, my dear! What can I do for you?”

“Listen,” Coco began. And then she took a deep breath. “About last night… I really don’t blame you for it. I believe you wanted to show me a good time, but Silver Streak interrupted it.”

Just keep on rubbing it in, why don’t you? “I should’ve stopped him.”

Coco didn’t agree or disagree with her. “Regardless, I appreciate what you did today, and last night.”

“Last night? Darling, I merely hit that stallion for hurting you.”

“No, I mean for all of the food. I did want to try it all out. It was just too much.”

Finish felt her heart flutter. “Well, you definitely seem like the type of mare that loves to try new things.”

“Yes,” Coco said, beaming. “I’m trying to travel a bit for my job, so I can see new sights. It’s always been my dream to travel around Equestria.”

Make a mental note of that.

Already did. “Of course! I’m sure you’ll work your way up there.”

“Thank you.” Coco walked forward and nuzzled her. “I mean it.”

Finish’s heart definitely fluttered. That fat cheek smushing itself against hers, her chest melding against hers, her slightly labored breath so close to her ear… No, I can’t. Not after tonight.

Coco broke the embrace and bowed to her. “I need to get back and rest. Have a good day, okay?”

“I will!” Finish shouted. “And you g-get some rest, alright honey?”

“Yes.” Coco turned around, cumbersomely in the narrow stairway, and began walking back upstairs. “See you around!”

“See your round round a—I mean see you around too!” Finish took her time staring at that magnificent rump walking up the stairs, and then turning from view. As Coco’s flank rounded the corner, Finish caught sight of Fanny glaring at her. She felt bold enough to watch Coco’s flank press against the wall before disappearing, before making her exit herself.

The walk to work wasn’t too long, and with her conscience clear, she double-hoofed it. She had stopped by Ginger Snap’s bakery and changed clothes before getting herself a coffee and moving back on. She had been lucky that nopony had seen her change. For a moment, she felt alright.

And yet as she approached the front door to her work, she couldn’t help but feel Fanny’s disapproving gaze upon her. Fanny really didn’t like me.

She didn’t like Forest Hatter. And she’s gone. Now you can focus on yourself.

Of course. Forest Hatter’s gone, Photo Finish is here. And now I am in control. She opened the door and walked inside.

Her employees were already getting set up for the workday when Finish entered. Their eyes fell upon her in surprise. She knew why: she was never this late—that is to say, fifteen minutes before work. But their stares lasted longer than she would’ve liked, so she went to Pins N’ Needles’s table.

“You’ve taken a while to get here.”

Finish scoffed. “I had business to take care of.”

“Well, so does Fleur de Lys.”

Finish’s jaw dropped. “Fleur? What is she doing here?”

“Not sure,” Pins continued without any change in tone. “But she’s here with a photographer, and she appeared anxious.”

Finish’s heart raced. No no no! How, how? I checked everywhere? Was it when I was distracted? How did they catch me?!

Down to Business

View Online

Okay, just keep your composure, Photo Finish. You don’t know that Fleur de Lys knows of your rendezvous with Coco, or that you were even out at all! Certainly, if Coco, somepony you’ve worked with for so long now, couldn’t recognize you, nor any of the ponies at Pies in the Skies, then you can’t expect a paparazzo to be able to discern you from the disguise, now can you?

Don’t be so foolish! Nopony would’ve been actively trying to discern me from a disguise except for the paparazzo! He or she would be the only ones who would be waiting to do it! And after the fiasco that happened last night, it’s highly likely that a camerapony saw me there. Regardless of whether or not I was recognized, I was certainly seen with Coco and Silver when it all happened.

Photo Finish was making her way down the back hallway in as slow a hurry as she could muster. There was nopony in the hallway, as everypony else was in the main work area getting ready for the work day. Finish should’ve been as well, but Fleur’s being there early, on the day after the disastrous night, could not be ignored by her.

Did you check the Canterlot Cavorter for any reports on it?

No, I didn’t.

Did you hear anypony gossiping about it?

No, I didn’t.

Did somepony stop you and ask why your employee was seen vomiting?

No.

Then consider that if nopony’s stopped you to check on your employee, then nopony knows about what happened to your employee.

This did little to calm Finish’s nerves. Still, she pressed onward towards the backrooms, where the more high-class models would get ready in private. Pins had told her they were waiting in there for her, away from everypony else, and she was thankful for this; if the truth somehow got out about her, at least there’d be no employees to witness it. I can at least get through this without letting my staff know. She came across muttering from one of the rooms. She stopped, and could hear Fleur inside.

“You see how perfect this is, right? Surely she can’t resist talking to me after seeing these!”

“Yes, Fleur,” a deep baritone voice said. “But what gave you the inspiration for these?”

“Something I came across last night,” Fleur replied saucily.

Finish silently gasped. She knows. She saw Coco Pommel, and now she’ll expose me! Or maybe not so. Maybe she just wants to talk about Coco herself, and has no idea that I was there at all! But that means… That means that she’ll want Coco out of the picture entirely.

What are you going to do?

I’ll figure something out. She put her hoof up to the door. I will not lose her over this.

She knocked.

“Who iiiiis iiiiit?” Fleur asked.

“I, Photo Finish, have arrived!” Finish gulped.

“Ooh, come in! We have much to discuss.”

With a deep breath, Finish opened the door.

Inside, Fleur was sitting on one cushion, and a stout tan unicorn stallion with a red mane and tail was sitting on the other. Finish stepped inside and scrutinized his appearance, and she knew he was doing the same. Immediately, Finish noted his straight back, his solid legs, his unwavering eyes, his raised brow at her entrance. This was a pony that meant all business. He knows, for sure he knows… She looked back at Fleur, who was… grinning? Why would she be grinning at a time like this!

“Photo Finish!” Fleur exclaimed. Fleur’s posture was almost as rigid as the camerapony’s but her face was all a smile.

Better not let on that I know. “Fleur, darling!” Finish walked over for a hug, and received Fleur’s signature smooches on the cheeks. “I was not expecting you to be here this early! Or at all. You were not scheduled today.”

Fleur nodded. “I know I wasn’t, but my photographer here thought of something last night that I just knew you had to look at!

Finish put on her best smile. “R-really?”

“Are you unwelll?” The photographer asked. “You’re sweating.”

Damn his keen eye. “Oh, well, yes. You see, I am just so excited to see what Fleur has to show me!”

The photographer’s brow raised a millimeter higher, but Fleur’s eyes widened, and her smile grew. “Oh, I can’t wait! I know that you were busy last night, and hopefully I can help you see something we can work on.”

Finish nodded. “Of course!” She wants me to get rid of Coco, or at best chastise her for her actions last night.

“And now you’re fidgeting,” the photographer said. “Are you sure we haven’t caught you at a bad time?”

Why would he care about that? “No, now is a good time. Go ahead and show me.”

Fleur grinned and levitated the pictures to her. “Ooh, please be honest about it!”

Finish knew the pictures were levitating right in front of her. And she was thankful that her goggles couldn’t be seen through by the others, otherwise they’d know that she had her eyes closed. Okay, Photo Finish, think. What are you going to say about these incriminating photos?

Say that it was for the photo shoot! That you wanted to know which pie would be best for the scene.

And the disguise?

Say… that you didn’t want to be seen in public!

But then she’d know that I was skulking around with Coco at night, trying to avoid the paparazzi!

No, not that! You were trying to avoid everypony else, because you didn’t want your fans to see you.

That could work.

“I know you had that overweight mare go to Pies in the Skies, and I think this may be better for you.”

She does know! What about Coco Pommel?

What about her? She’s your employee, and you may do with her as you wish.

But you know how the Canterlot Elite are! They’d never work for me again, and they’d slander my name. I won’t have as many models to make shine!

You can salvage it! You just need a good justification.

“Photo Finish?” the photographer cleared his throat. “Are you alright?”

“Yes,” Finish said somberly. “I just need a moment to let it sink in.”

“Please,” Fleur said quietly. “Take your time.”

Well, I should open my eyes, and at least see where the paparazzo was hiding.

Remember, no matter what, keep calm.

With the softest gulp she could muster, she opened her eyes and took in the photos.

And then tilted her head in confusion. “Uh… what is it?”

Fleur clapped her hooves together. “It’s a tiramisu!”

Finish blinked. What she had in front of her wasn’t the disastrous scene from last night, or herself in disguise, or Coco Pommel with a swollen gut, or Silver Streak, or Pies in the Skies, or even a pie. Instead, it looked like a multiple-layered cake with a few layers of cream and a coating of chocolate powder on top. And there were multiple cakes in the window of wherever she was at.

“Oh… oh!” Realization hit her like a ton of bricks. “I see!”

Fleur clapped her hooves in excitement. “I’m so glad! When I heard that you were looking at pies with that other pony, I decided to look for something that may be more authentic, and this is what I found. I knew that I just had to bring some to Perfect Pixels to see what I saw.”

The stallion grinned. “It’s not like I could just ignore a mare knocking on my door in the middle of the night.”

Fleur blushed lightly. “I’m sorry about that, but it couldn’t wait. I didn’t know how long the store would hold that, or how long it would stay good until. I had to show you then and there!”

Perfect Pixels looked at Finish. “You see what I work with?” he asked with a smile. “Well, I suppose we both have the same client, so you’d understand.”

Finish chuckled along with Fleur and Perfect Pixels, but inside her mind was reeling. So, these aren’t pictures of me and Coco at Pies in the Skies, but of just some tear-miss whatever. But now I can confirm that this ‘Perfect Pixels’ is the paparazzo; there’s no way that a simple photographer with no close relationship to her would wake up in the middle of the night just to look at some cake. Now, not only have I avoided detection, but I’ve gained a crucial piece of information from her.

“So, Photo Finish?”

Finish snapped from her thoughts. “I am sorry, I’m afraid I did not hear what you said.”

“I said, do you think this would look good in the photo?”

Finish nodded. “Anything to make it seem more authentic! I would say that pies may work for some of our other shoots, but tear-miss-you will work much better with the angel hair pasta.”

“Er, it’s tiramisu. And yes, I agree. It’s highly rich—”

Finish started. “R-rich?”

“—and decadent—”

“D-d-decadent?”

“And oh-so-sweet.”

“And fatteni—I mean very sweet?”

Fleur nodded. Perfect Pixels, however, wasn’t willing to let her go so easily. “Were you about to say fattening?”

“No, I was not.”

“I believe you were,” Pixels continued. “Sure, having tiramisu is one of the more decadent things in life, but certainly not on its own. We’re trying to send a message of richness, are we not?”

“Yes, of course!” Finish trotted over to Fleur. “I was… just worried about Fleur’s sweet tooth, that it may get to her.”

“Oh, wow.” Fleur crossed her legs in a dignified manner. “Photo Finish, you have nothing to worry about. My figure will be just fine. I did not maintain my figure from carelessness, no matter the temptation.”

“Surely,” Perfect Pixels said to her in a pointed manner, “your more rubenesque clients have shown you the difference between reckless indulgence and simple appreciation.”

Finish paused. Why… how dare he! I ought to show him the error of his ways!

Wait a minute. Remember, Perfect Pixels is a member of the Canterlot Elite. That’s just how they view fat ponies.

I suppose you’re right. But still, ponies like Coco can show far more than ‘reckless indulgence,’ as she devours… an entire tiramisu by herself. “Yes,” she said dryly. She looked back at the photos. “You know, I think I will show one of these to my assistant, and then we can deliberate on how it would best fit the photo shoot.”

Fleur’s eyes narrowed. “You’re talking about the chubby one, right?”

Finish’s eyes also narrowed behind her glasses. “Yes.”

Fleur scratched the back of her head. “I know that she’s one of your employees, and she’s been with you a while, so obviously she’s trustworthy. But, would she really have the… erm…”

Finish could feel the beginning of a twitch in her brow. “Yes?”

“Patience, to keep herself off of the tiramisu.” Her voice faded into a whisper at the end.

Finish took a silent deep breath. “Fleur, I assure you, I understand what you mean. Coco Pommel has an appetite, as you can no doubt tell.” She saw Fleur’s face relax. “But rest assured, that she has a good understanding of food, and she will have the greatest chance of knowing how the tiramisu will work for your photo shoot.”

“Oh, speaking of the photo shoot,” Fleur continued, perking back up. “How’s the dress coming along?”

Finish smiled. Finally, something I can talk about without worrying. “It is going marvelously! You know that we have gone with a striking scarlet for your body to stand out.”

Fleur moaned. “That does sound like me.”

“And we thought about adding a sapphire necklace, so that would help your eyes pop with the picture.”

“Ooh,” Fleur said, bringing a hoof to her chin. “That does sound like it would help me stand out.

“Yes! And we will be making the hem nice and sleek , and the skirt smooth and silky for your figure. It will definitely fit the Bitalian image.”

Fleur clapped her hooves together. “I’m not too picky on how wide the skirt is, but I’m happy to hear that it would help me blend in.”

“Not to mention,” Pixels added, “that it would help show off your image.”

Fleur nodded. “Anything else?”

Finish thought. “Well, for the forelegs’ shoes, I was thinking about making them either a dark ruby or a lighter vermillion. It could go either way, so I would like to leave the choice up to you, and then let Coco know to design it like that.”

Fleur gasped lightly. “Coco is the one making the dress?”

The back of Finish’s neck bristled. “Yes, she is. Is there a problem with that?”

“N-no, I mean yes. I just don’t want food to get all over it.”

Finish’s eyes widened in shock. How dare she—wait, she’s got a point. We don’t want anything getting the dress dirty.

But does she really think that Coco would do something so unprofessional? She scrutinized Fleur, who was pawing at her pillow while biting part of her lip. Yes, it seems so.

“Fleur, darling, you do not have anything to worry about. Coco Pommel is up to my standards, and takes care in everything that she does. Even if she likes her food… a little too much.”

Fleur regarded her. “Right, I shouldn’t have doubted you. I just want everything to be perfect, you know?”

“Of course.” Finish took Fleur’s hoof into her own. “And I am here to make sure that everything is perfect for you.”

Fleur smiled. “Thank you. As for the gloves, I think I like vermillion better.”

“Then vermillion it shall be!” Finish looked over to Perfect Pixels. “Do you have anything to add?”

“Are there going to be any adornments on the skirt?”

“I had thought to keep it simple for Fleur, but we can certainly look into that.”

Fleur rose to her legs. “Then I suppose it’s time for us to leave! You’ve got to have your hooves full, and we’ve taken enough of your time.”

“Not at all.”

Fleur lowered her head to get close to Finish’s ear. “Just, please make sure Coco Pommel is careful, and doesn’t get the dress dirty.”

“Of course,” Finish replied, leading Fleur and Pixels out of the private room. “Believe me, we’ve got the best—”

“Can we meet this Coco Pommel?” Pixels asked. “I’d like to see her myself, to make sure that she’s the kind of pony who’d take the utmost care with Fleur’s belongings.”

“Oh, and speaking of which…” Fleur turned around and, using her magic, gave the tiramisu to Finish. “Here, you can show this to Coco and see what she thinks.”

Finish smiled, as wide as a Cheshire cat.. “Thank you! I am sure she will appreciate it.”

Fleur grimaced. “Just make sure she doesn’t ‘appreciate’ it all at once. It’s really rich and decadent.”

“I promise.”

Promise that I’ll see that she enjoys every bite to the fullest once she stops being sick.

Her scheming was immediately derailed by that thought. “No, Coco Pommel is not here today. She is at home sick.”

“Oh, well, in that case, we’ll come by in a few days.” Pixels turned to Fleur. “Let’s be off, and let Photo Finish to her work.”

Fleur waved at her. “Adieu! I’ll be awaiting eagerly for news!”

Finish waved back without saying anything. Her throat was burning from bile, and not even a deep, slow sigh could relieve it. The tiramisu rested heavily on her back. With a grin, she walked to the office refrigerator to put the tiramisu in, and to get a drink of water.

Well done, Photo Finish. Not only did you avoid the paparazzo and save your reputation, but you’ve updated Fleur on the progress of her dress, and got a nice fattening treat for Coco.

Do I try and feed it to her today?

Trying to push your luck, are we? Perhaps. At the very least, you can give it to her to put in her refrigerator. Then she can see it every time she opens it up for a meal or a snack.

But what if Fanny’s there? She would get suspicious if I were to just bring it in for her.

Tell her it’s for business. She can’t tell you off for business’s purpose.

You’re right.

And since Fleur gave it to you, you won’t have to worry about the paparazzo!

That’s right! She’d get suspicious if I weren’t to give it to her!

Unless it were a trap.

Wait, what?

But her thoughts were broken by one of her other employees asking for her keen eye as assistance in one of his tasks. She took a quick deep breath and followed him. No Coco meant no worrying about the models around her making snide remarks, or the employees shuffling around Coco’s bulk, or having to hide anything. Today, at least, would go smoothly.

Every meeting was smooth, every decision right, every shoot on point, and every client satisfied. Photo Finish had gotten through the work day without breaking a sweat, and now was ready to go home. Her employees had all worked hard to bring everything to perfection, and as a welcome change of pace for her—everything went off without a hitch.

She was high on the clouds as everyone was packing up. Her staff were all in good spirits as well, and everyone was chatting as normal as they walked out of the studio. She herself was about to stride out of there, when she saw Pins out of the corner of her eye.

“Pins!” She cried out. “Your work today was fantastic!”

“Thank you,” Pins said with her usual calm demeanor.

“We are on fire!” Finish cried to her, “and we are not going to stop!” She strode towards the front door.

“You’re forgetting something.”

Finish halted. “Huh?” She looked inside her saddlebags, but didn’t note anything missing. “Are you sure? I have all of my notes and paperwork right here!”

“What about the tiramisu?”

Suddenly, everything from the early morning came back to her. “Oh, right. The tiramisu for C—for me.” She slowly stepped away from the door. “Thank you for reminding me.”

“Of course,” Pins said, opening the door. “We wouldn’t want Coco missing out on a tasty treat, would we?”

Finish whipped about, but Pins was already gone. “Bah, of course she would say I would give it to Coco! She knows I do not have a sweet tooth, right?” She shook her head and walked over to the fridge.

Inside, aside from the various forgotten lunches from the staff, stood the tiramisu as gloriously as it had when Fleur brought it in. Finish licked her lips, not from the thought of eating any of it, but rather from the thought of bringing it to Coco, and watching her belly press against the table as she stared at the tower of sweetness. Her breath was visible inside the cold fridge, forming a soft layer of frost on the surface of the treat, and its soft, heavy echo reminded her of Coco..

She pulled it out with the greatest of care. A quick look-around at all of the recently opened supply boxes was all she needed to find something to put it in, so that nothing from the outside would be able to tamper with it. It was an inconspicuous box, something that nopony outside, not even the paparazzo, would be able to suspect of foul play.

With a wipe of sweat from her forehead and a quick look around to see if anypony was watching, she placed the box carefully on her back and finally made her way out of the shop.

The way back was always less crowded at this time, as tourists would be tired from sightseeing all day. Finish had a much clearer field to keep an eye out for the paparazzo, enough so that it seemed like it was a blessing from Celestia herself. She made it to the apartment with no nicks in the road, both figuratively and literally. It was like destiny was guiding her there.

When she went inside, the fanatic landlord was nowhere to be seen. She at first sprinted up the steps, but that only caused her to nearly lose the cake on her back. She went up slower, and she didn’t encounter any ponies along the way. The trip to Coco’s door was smooth and silent, with no interruptions as the rest of the trip had been.

It all happened so fast, it felt like her mind crashed back into her body as her hoof hesitated its knocking. “Wait, what if Fanny is still there?” She recounted the encounter from earlier, and she began backing up. “Should I come back tomorrow?” She looked at the cake, and then at the door. “No, no, I should get this done now. And if Fanny is there, then at least I will have an explanation.” She stepped up and knocked on the door.

A few seconds passed. Then hoofsteps came from inside. They were faster than this morning, and were still slow enough to know that they belonged to Coco Pommel. Finish’s heart raced; she didn’t hear any sign of Fanny at all. Okay, I just need to be myself, and not go overboard trying to get her to devour the tiramisu and I can get through this just fine.

The door opened, and Finish got a very good look at Coco as she caught her breath. The belly was less round than it had been this morning, instead sagging low underneath her, even past her knees. The rest of her body looked softer as well, and Finish became giddy even from the deeper dimples on her cheeks. Speaking of her face, it looked less green and more her usual light cream color. And instead of the grimace she had seen earlier, her face bore a smilet.

“Oh, Photo Finish!” The other mare stepped forward. “How was work?”

How was work? Is that all you ask of me? “It was fine, really. Nothing out of the ordinary. I am sorry that you were not there. How are you feeling?”

“Much better, thanks,” Coco said. “Thank you for checking up on me.”

“Of course!” Finish replied with a flourish of her foreleg. She felt the tiramisu wobble on her back, and immediately brought her hoof back down. “I would not forget about you, my sweet Coco.” The mare’s blush urged her onwards. “In fact, I have something to give you!”

“Really?”

“Yes!” Finish started turning. “Close your eyes.”

Coco did so, her cheeks quivering from the motion. Finish moved so her side was towards Coco, and leaned in to get the tiramisu near her muzzle. Coco sniffed, and her mouth simultaneously smiled and… grimaced? Was that a grimace?

“I don’t think I’ve ever smelled something like this before,” Coco said.

Finish beamed. “Open your eyes!”

Coco did, and her eyes widened like dessert plates. Her cheeks puffed out and her lips salivated. Finish watched with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. “Oh, oh my!” Coco’s eyes twinkled, and a hoof went to her belly. “Where did you get this?”

“Fleur de Lys gave it to me, and wants to have it in the photo shoot!” Finish rocked her body, urging Coco to take the dessert off of her back. “She wants your opinion on it.”

Coco smiled and took a step back. “I think that would be a great idea! Give an elegant picture like that some sweetness to it. But I don’t think I need to take it, Photo Finish.”

Finish frowned. “Coco, do you expect me to eat all of this by myself?”

“No!” Coco blushed. “D-do you expect me to eat it all by myself?”

“Y—” Finish stopped herself immediately. Wait, don’t let her know that’s what you want. Not yet. Let her ease into it. “No, of course not. It is a lot for anypony to eat by themselves. But you could invite friends like Pins and Fanny to have some.”

Coco beamed. “I could!” Coco turned to take her tiramisu to her kitchen, and Finish watched as her rump bounced, wobbled and jiggled with excitement. She flicked her tail fiercely.

“So, will you be good to work tomorrow?”

“I should be,” Coco called from the back. “A-are you leaving now?”

Finish wanted to come in, but felt like she wouldn’t get anywhere with her at this stage. “Yes, I require rest.”

“Do you want to try some of this tiramisu before you go?”

“Oh, no, I want you to have the whole thing.” Her breath caught in her throat.

“What?”

“I mean, I want you to try it first! I am hesitant when it comes to sweets.”

“Right, I should’ve known.” A few seconds passed. Then Coco’s voice came again. “You wanna watch me try some now?”

Finish’s heart lurched. “Are you sure you are well enough for that?”

A pause. “I think so. I’ll just take a bite.”

With a deep breath, Finish stepped inside. Coco’s apartment was pristinely clean, her sink empty, her dishes drying in a rack. “Did you do some cleaning while you were here?”

She found Coco blushing as she rounded the corner. “No, Fanny was the one that had done that. She said that it would help me get better.”

Finish rolled her eyes. “Of course.”

Coco blanched. “You’re not mad at her, are you?”

Finish grimaced. “No, Coco. I am just… trying to keep my distance.”

Coco frowned. “Okay.” She took out a fork from a drawer and walked over to the tiramisu. “I’d like to show her this. It looks delicious!”

Finish smiled. She walked over to the table and watched as Coco walked around it, perhaps looking for the perfect place to spear her fork in. At first glance, the treat looked uniform. But as Coco stopped, Finish caught a single part that was fluffier than the others, and as she could’ve predicted, Coco’s fork gravitated towards it. The tiramisu was stable enough to keep its shape as she pulled the morsel towards her.

Hesitation. Finish looked at Coco, who was staring directly at her. A few seconds passed. Then Coco closed her eyes and put the whole thing into her mouth. “Mmmm.” A deep breath through the nostrils. “MMMM!” Her smile was as big as her cheeks would allow, her dimples pressing into her eyelids in a way that made Finish’s heart flutter.

But Finish also noticed her hoof rubbing her belly, and the thought of the morning’s happenings came back to her. She took a slow, silent deep breath and continued watching her.

“Oh, my stars!” Coco chirped. “This is amazing!” Her fork plunged in again. Once again, there was hesitation as her hoof rubbed her belly.

C’mon, you can do it, Coco. Keep eating, you know you want to.

Finish reached up and took hold of Coco’s hoof.

What are you doing?

“Coco,” Finish said sternly. “You should wait until you are completely well before you continue eating this.”

The glint in Coco’s eyes were gone, and reality settled into her. “Oh… you’re right.” Coco smiled. “Thanks, Photo Finish. I’d probably go overboard if I kept eating.”

“Yes,” Finish agreed, daring to bring a hoof to Coco’s belly. “We would not want your tummy to get upset again, would we?”

“No,” Coco replied with a smile and a tinge of… something Finish couldn’t decipher. “Thank you, Photo Finish.” She set the fork on the table, picked up the tiramisu and took it to the fridge. Finish saw that her fridge had been stocked up with essentials instead of the fattening barrage of fast food from her earlier trips. “It looks like Fanny helped you out with food,” Finish said.

“Yeah.” Coco scratched her nape with her hoof. “She did a lot for me.”

Finish nodded. “And I will be sure to thank her the next time I see her.”

Silence. Then, Coco looked back up at her. “Now what?”

I don’t know. I… I don’t feel like doing anything except resting. I’ve kept my composure, but now I’m just feeling tired. “I should get home. I need to rest.”

Coco smiled. “Okay.” With that, Coco led her to the front door. “Thank you again for the tiramisu, Photo Finish. I appreciate it. I’ll give my opinion to Fleur on where it should go in the picture.”

“My pleasure! And, remember, show her after you have had some more.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll see you tomorrow!”

“See you tomorrow!” Finish walked away, hooves heavy but head held high as the door closed behind her.

Well, that was fast.

I couldn’t think of anything else to say.

You had your opportunity to feed her even more.

I wasn’t going to take another shot at messing things up! I’m going to take my time.

Suit yourself. You’re the one missing out on her pigging out on a tall, filling plate of fattening tiramisu.

But as Finish walked home, she dismissed this thought. No, Coco isn’t going to push herself like this. Not after what happened last night. And I’d rather be there to help her and make sure she’s safe, than have her glut by herself.

What’s gotten into you?

What do you mean?

Nevermind that. Now what are you going to say to Black Forest?

What? A second later, her brain caught up to her, and she saw the massive magnificent mare sitting on her front porch reading, her red sweater stretched over her belly beautifully.. What? What’s she doing there?

“Hello, Photo Finish!” Black Forest’s voice called, snapping Finish out of her thoughts.

“Good afternoon, Black Forest!” Finish trotted up to her. “What brings you to my home?”

Black Forest’s smile was as warm as the sunset glare on the wall behind her. “I’m here to talk to you about the photo shoot. Do you have the time?”

Finish fidgeted. “I think I do.”

Black Forest grinned. “I’ll make it worth your while. I bet you’ve been busy and would like to rest. So I won’t take up too much of your time.”

Finish nodded. “Yes, come in, come in.” Finish led her inside and to her living-room couch. Oh boy, I thought this would all be over, but of course fate would not see that it would be so easy! “What is on your mind?”

Black Forest lay down on the sofa with as much grace as other models Finish had worked with; even her large belly hung down off the edge with elegance. “I was thinking of trying something different for this shoot, and I was wondering if you would help me decide on that point.”

Finish’s heart thrummed. Try something different? Black Forest Cake, your pictures are the epitome of beauty and grace! Why would you want to try something different? But the other mare’s gaze didn’t waver. “What would you like to do differently?”

“Well,” Black Forest began, bringing a hoof to her sweater. “See, I’ve always worn a sweater in my pictures, partially to tantalize ponies with the thought of it ripping from my belly, and partially because I just love the constriction it has on my figure.”

Finish’s tail twitched. “I see.”

The model picked up her belly. “See?” she pointed to the bottom of the sweater. “See how tight it is against my body? The imprint the design leaves on my gut? You probably can’t understand, but other ponies find this very appealing.”

Beads of sweat formed on her forehead. “I can understand. Skin-tight apparel is appealing to a lot of ponies.”

Black Forest grinned. “Thank you. It’s nice to see a pony be so accepting of one’s assets.”

“Y-yes.”

Black Forest’s gaze narrowed. “But this time, I was thinking of doing away with the sweater, and showing everypony my belly in its full glory.”

Finish’s eyes went wide. “Full glory?”

Black Forest nodded, and before Finish could say anything else, she began pulling the sweater over her body. “Just—nngh!—let it all hang loose and free.”

Finish’s breathing quickened. This is not happening!

It totally is!

I-I-I-

“I love the sweater,” Black Forest continued, her sweater over her muzzle, blocking her face. “But I have the urge to show it all off.”

Touch it!

I-I-I-

What are you waiting for? Touch it!

No! I’ve gotten this far through the day without losing my cool, I can do this. It’s just business.

…

...You’re right. Let’s keep our cool.

The sweater came off, and Finish caught a view of Black Forest’s unadorned belly. It spread out like a well-endowed pear, the bottom resting on her thighs mightily, the sides lightly slapping at her flanks and nearly touching the cushions of the couch. Black Forest’s labored breathing helped it bounce, emphasizing how heavy it must’ve been. Her bellybutton was cavernous, pristine and smooth, and Finish couldn’t resist licking her lips at the sight of it. It tapered up sharply to a chubby chest that was nowhere near as fat as her belly. It took everything within Finish not to dive onto it. She could never imagine just how much belly was being held back by the sweater, how bulging, how wide, how glistening the belly was.

“*huff* Well?”

Finish was at a loss for words.

“Photo Finish? Are you alright?”

Finish shook her head rapidly. “Of course! I just would not have imagined… how do you make it all fit in such a tiny garment?”

Black Forest smiled warmly. “With a great deal of difficulty. That’s what makes it so exhilarating.”

Finish chanced a closer look at it. “I would imagine your clients would lose their minds if they saw this.” And I still need to keep mine.

“So you believe I should go au natural?”

Finish balked. “Well… why not do both? With the sweater and without? As a compare-and-contrast picture?”

For the first time since Finish had met her, Black Forest raised a brow in interest. “Oh?”

“Or, rather,” Finish said, a burning thought urging itself out of her muzzle, “why not show the sweater ripping off of you? Bear it all out through force?”

Black Forest’s eyes closed. “Mmmmm, darling, that’s absolutely sinful.” She licked her lips. “I love it. I never would’ve imagined you to have such a mouth-watering imagination.”

Finish backed up immediately. “Well, when you are a photographer, you need to be able to think like your client. Try and bring out what they want.”

Black Forest got up from the couch. “Thank you, Photo Finish. This has been an enlightening talk.” She picked up her sweater and pulled it back onto her. Finish watched the reverse-strip with a blank face and an unsteady breath. “I must be going now.”

Finish was taken aback by the abrupt exit. “Oh, okay.”

“Will you still be there for our shoot?”

“Maybe. I still need to talk with Fanny about that.”

“Okay.” Black Forest turned, her belly swaying slowly as she turned. “Have a good day.”

Finish sighed quietly. Mission accomplished. I kept my cool the entire time. “Have a nice night, Black Forest.”

The Seventh Incident

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“Oh, there’s one more thing, Photo Finish.”

Finish’s heartbeat picked up again. “Yes?”

But Black Forest only walked back slowly, very very slowly, her gaze locked onto Finish’s. Eventually, her patience waned. She tapped the table once…

And that’s when it happened: Black Forest pounced on her.

“Aah!” Finish fell back onto the arm of the couch. Suddenly, her breath was caught. Black Forest’s weight, mostly in her belly, was atop her. Her forelegs were trapped underneath the bulk. “Wh-what are you doing?”

No response. Finish chanced a look at her face, and Black Forest looked at her with an amused expression. Finish tried pushing up, and managed to lift her up a bit, but couldn’t heave her off. “Nngh, Black Forest, I do not think this is professional!”

“You don’t?” Black Forest smirked. “I thought you said that we needed to think like our clients. Think about what they want. What you want.

Finish stopped struggling. Black Forest’s voice was teasing her, taunting her from on top of her. Her fantasy had come to life. She leaned back as much as she could, and let the massive belly crawl up her body. She had to breathe deeper to get air into her.

“You like that?”

“Mmhmm.”

“I know.” Black Forest rocked around. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“I know I’m not as evenly put together as Coco,” she continued, “But I am the queen of bellies. Now, worship me.”

Not as evenly put together as Coco… she mentions Coco, minutes after I went to see her. No, these are my thoughts. This isn’t real.

Finish leaned back up, her hooves massaging her eyelids.

“Is something wrong, Photo Finish?”

Finish moaned. “I am sorry, Black Forest. I was lost in thought.”

Black Forest chuckled. “Did my belly cut off too much oxygen?”

“No, no, it was something else. An idea I have been... mulling on for—” She stopped. “What did you say?”

“I said,” Black Forest continued, taking a stride towards her, “did my big fat belly cut off too much oxygen from your brain?”

Finish began panting. “You mean… I was not imagining things again?”

“Again?” Black Forest chuckled sultrily, taking another step towards Finish. “Now I know why you seem so distracted all the time.”

“And you just put your belly on me?”

“Yes,” Black Forest confirmed, pressing her bellybutton against Finish’s forehooves. “And you admitted that you loved it.”

Her face was aflame. “Uh, um—”

“Do not worry,” Black Forest continued in a whisper. “This will stay between us, and we can still talk about business. But for now, we have other business to deal with.”

“W-w-we do?”

She nodded. And slowly, ever-so-slowly, she rolled onto Finish. The photographer couldn’t help but moan as the belly once again crushed her. “I told you to worship my belly, you devious lover of fat!”

Taking It Slow

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A Little Cream for a Lotta Coco

Chapter 15: Take It Slow

The weight of her façade crashing down was as heavy as Black Forest’s gut on top of her. After a few seconds of struggling, she managed to catch her breath, labored as it was. With just enough room, she peeked over the big belly above her and saw Black Forest watching her, smirking placidly at her.

How long has she known?

She must’ve known as soon as she met me!

That can’t be the case. Fanny doesn’t know… does she?

If she does, then does that mean that Coco…

“Well, Photo Finish?” Black Forest teased from above, squeezing the sides of her tummy to push her bellybutton against Finish’s snout. “I’m waiting.”

What should I do?

You heard her! She demands that you worship her belly!

But—

Isn’t this what you want?

Of course, but—

Isn’t this what you’ve fantasized about for years?

Yes, but—

And isn’t this what you’ve wanted to do to Coco for months?

C-Coco.

And now Black Forest, the Baroness of Bellies herself has given herself to you! What are you waiting for? Seize her!

And then, seeing Black Forest grinning down at her, just waiting for her to take her, gave her strength. The fact that her breathing and muscles were crushed were replaced by a deep tingling in her hooves and tongue, and a burning in her marehood. In a split second, she hoisted Black Forest off of her and pinned her on the other side of the couch.

“Mmm.” Black Forest put her hoof on Finish’s head. “There we go. My belly felt so much pent-up energy underneath me. Give it to me, dear.”

“You want worship, Baroness?” Finish pinned her legs down all around Black Forest, caging her, and securing herself on top. “I will give you worship the likes of which you have never seen!” She began humping the belly underneath her.

“Ooh, oh? Oh, yes, oh yes!” Black Forest moaned.

That spurred Finish onwards. She humped faster, rocking the belly back and forth as much as she could. The bottom of the gut slapped against her thighs, then drooped up to rub against her backside, right underneath her nethers. She began alternating between slapping the belly like she would Fanny’s big, fat rump, and shoving her whole hoof in Black Forest’s bellybutton and thrusting it in and out, and then peppering all around with wild, sloppy kisses.

“Adventurous,” Black Forest mused as she massaged her belly. “I like that.”

Finish threw her head back and emitted a guttural moan, and in an instant she was hit by the most powerful orgasms she had ever felt. Orgasm after orgasm rocked her as much as Black Forest’s belly did. The belly wobbled underneath her, threatening to throw her off if she didn’t keep her balance. And after it was all done, she slumped over, sweating like a work-stallion and panting atop the mighty beast.

“There we go.” Black Forest reached up and stroked her cheek. “You feeling better?”

“Nnnnghuh.” Finish leaned into her hoof. “Y—yuh-huh.”

“How long have you been waiting to do that?”

“S-since I first laid eyes on you.”

“Mmhmm.” The big beautiful mare lifted herself up, jostling Finish enough for the spent mare to fall back. “You certainly gave her a ride there,” she said, rubbing her belly. “I had expected you to last longer, to be honest, but I suppose it was your first time, ja?”

Finish couldn’t help but blush. “Yes. Well, first time…”

“With another pony?”

“Ja.” Finish shook her head. “Still, I did not think it would be that short.”

“Or rough.” Black Forest lifted her gut up, and Finish could see the hoofmarks all around. “I’ve never had a pony go that wildly on her. In that regard, you were certainly more than I thought you would be.

“But still,” she continued. “I must ask: why would somepony of your social status, who comingles with the upper echelon of the social milieu, who works with stunning, svente models, have any interest in a pony of girth such as myself or Coco Pommel?”

By this question Finish had finally regained her composure and, raising herself from the cum-soaked sofa, began to speak. “I did not think it would end up like this. But when I had first started out as a photographer, I had picked up every magazine I could for influence. I wanted to know everything. And, one day, when I went into a more...erotic place, I found it: Blubber Lovers.”

“Ah,” Black Forest said, nodding at her. “Let’s get a washcloth for your sofa, my dear.”

“Hmm?” Finish looked back at the couch, and caught a glimpse of the cum drying. “Oh, right!”

“Which issue did you read first, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“The one where you were in a snowy cabin, drinking whiskey and patting your belly.”

“Oh!” Black Forest cried with mirth. “My first photo shoot! I must say, I’ve grown rather distant from whiskey since then. I prefer wines, rums and sweeter beverages. But that was a time… a dark time.”

Finish looked back in confusion as she wetted a cloth. “Dangerous?”

“I had been as reclusive as I could remember back then,” Black Forest began wistfully. “I don’t want to get too much into it, but I’ll just say that cultivating this big belly of mine was the most liberating thing I’ve ever done. I wouldn’t want to be skinny even when I’m to retire from Blubber Lovers.”

Finish didn’t say anything. She just let the thought play out in her mind, and the silence linger as she scrubbed the couch free of her cum.

“But that was a while ago,” Black Forest continued after some time. “And now I’m in the company of big, fat mares that have helped me through some tough times. And I’ve met Coco Pommel, as well, and you, a deviant like the rest of us. And I’ve got a chance to see you two become a couple.”

Finish stopped. “I am not sure that will happen.”

Black Forest shrugged. “It may, or it may not. Your stunt last night certainly didn’t help your case, but your checking on her, and standing up to Fanny like you did, definitely shows that you care. Plus, you can screw pretty well with some practice and restraint.”

“But I thought you said you liked it!”

“I did. But Coco definitely wouldn’t.”

Finish rinsed the cloth and set it into the hamper with a huff. “You think so?”

“I know so.” She put her hoof on Finish’s wither. “Trust me, French Vanilla is the same way. They wouldn’t like it rough.”

Finish paused to consider this. “I, er… I thank you for this information.”

“Of course.” Black Forest said, looking back at her. “You have got a lot to learn before you’ll win Coco’s heart, I feel.”

Finish stared down at the couch where they had done their deed. I’ve already put in so much work. I know I had a major setback last night, but I have learned my lesson. I can treat her right. Black Forest doesn’t know how I treat her at all!

She turned to say something to the larger mare, but she was gone. “Black Forest?” she called. Then she caught sight of a dark figure out her window, walking down her walkway and out of her property. “But what if she is right?”

She began to meander up the stairs, feeling a new kind of weight on top of her. “What if I am not ready to woo Coco? What if I mess up again?”

Listen to yourself. It sounds like you’re giving up.

No. I am too attached to Coco to give up now. I know what I must not do. I must now figure out what I must do. She went into her room. Tomorrow is a new day.

That’s the spirit.

Yeah. And yet as she laid down, she felt Black Forest’s doubt stretch out over her body, and pin her down as if the mare herself was there. I will figure it out somehow.

The next day, Finish hopped out of bed and landed deftly on her hooves. “I, Photo Finish, am ready to start the day!”

Her morning routine was as lively as it usually was, with her usual coffee and breakfast. She did herself up in the bathroom with the same vim and vigor that she would muster on a normal day, and she ended up looking fresh. Her mind was clear and focused… more than focused. Something was broiling inside of her, something that wanted to be let loose.

Not yet.

She left her home quickly, with her notebag and other personal items with her. She had let this whole thing go on for too long, and it was time for her to reclaim her person and her status. She was Photo Finish, after all, and she was in control. This situation wouldn’t control her, she would seize this whole thing in her reins and set it all straight.

Before going into work, she decided to stop by Ginger’s Bakery once again, in the hope of catching Coco Pommel there. “Hopefully she isn’t too sick to get herself a snack.” She rushed inside and took her place in the line. There were quite a few ponies, some of whom gawked at her, others of whom waved at her in a friendly manner, and others who outright ignored her. But there was no Coco Pommel at this time. She looked around the bakery, and there was no sign of her around.

“Oh, well.” Finish looked at the treats inside of the display case. “At least now I can figure out what to buy her without having to worry about ponies spying on me.”

Doesn’t she have an entire tiramisu to eat?

Yes, but a little more wouldn’t hurt.

Not to mention, it would be a blessing to her figure.

Yes, that too.

It took a while before she got up to the front, and she had grown somewhat impatient. It didn’t seem like anypony else had noticed, and she counted herself as lucky for that. She also considered it a good thing that she was impatient; that meant that her mind was in the right place. When she got to the front, she recognized the pony in front of her.

“Good morning, Ginger Snap!” she greeted the barista.

The mare jumped as she recognized her. “Oh stars alive! You’re back!”

“Of course I am back! Why would I not be, after last time’s service?”

Ginger blushed. “Oh, now don’t go getting me like that. I’m only doing my job.”

“Speaking of job,” Finish continued, “I am looking for a treat to give to Miss Pommel today.”

“Ooh! She was in here this morning--”

“What?” Finish leaned over the counter. “You mean I missed her?”

“Sure did! She was on her way to work, and wanted me to see this beautiful cake she got yesterday. She said it was from you.”

Finish nodded and adjusted her goggles. “Yes, the tiramisu.”

“Yeah, that.” Ginger looked behind Finish. “Listen, I would love to continue talking to you, but there’s a line forming behind you.”

Finish looked back to see a few ponies eyeing her. “Oh, right.” She named her special coffee and waited for Ginger to ring her up.

“What about that treat?”

“Huh?”

“For Coco!” Ginger scratched her cheek. “I know most ponies wouldn’t agree, but you know the saying: a big girl’s gotta eat, right?”

Finish forgot to control her emotions, and a grin formed. “Yes. A big mare’s gotta eat.” And eat and eat and eat.

“You okay there, darling?”

Finish snapped out of it. “Yes, I am fine. Give me a dozen cinnamon rolls.”

“Cinnamon rolls again?”

Finish glared at her. “Is there a problem with that?”

“Hey, don’t mind me. It’s just that, usually Coco likes to mix it up, and…”

“Does she?”

“Yeah, she doesn’t like having anything the same multiple times. She would choose something else. But you know, she is your employee, and she wouldn’t object, I’m sure.”

“Oh.” Finish thought for a moment. “Then in that case, may I have a dozen raspberry danishes?”

“Of course! But you don’t need to change just for Coco. I know that maybe a dozen cinnamon buns and a single danish would be appreciated. I could also throw in a danish for Coco as well.”

Finish was getting annoyed by her chattering. “May I have a dozen of each?”

“Oh, but--”

“That is my final request.”

Ginger’s eyes shot wide open. “O-of course!”

Finish paid for her food and coffee, and waited. While it took the staff a while to make everything, Finish watched outside for any sign of Coco returning. But there was nothing; Coco didn’t come. She got her food and beverage balanced it perfectly on her back and in her hoof, thanked Ginger greatly (which prompted a lot of attention from the other ponies, and some more orders flying off of the shelves) and took her leave.

The walk to work was quick, but not lacking in attention. Ponies who knew the eccentric Photo Finish would oftentimes watch her to see what crazy idea she would bring with her to work. They all no doubt smelled the food on her, and sweet baked food at that, which wasn’t something she was associated with. She gave them all a warm smile, perhaps fueled by the sugar or the coffee, and went on her way. She counted herself lucky that she could get away with these sorts of actions, and that the ponies around her were understanding enough of her to encourage her to continue.

When she got to work, everypony that was already there instantly looked up at the smell of food. They gawked at the amount on her back, and immediately went to take it off of her back. Once they did, Finish immediately began looking for Coco.

Finding her wasn’t difficult, as she was just at her regular station, but she was truly a sight to behold. She was facing away from Finish, so Finish got a very good long look at her. She was not as round, but she surely was fatter than before. Her rump stuck out a few centimeters more, enough to sag and form the beginnings of a square at the bottom. Her belly, though not as large as Black Forest’s, hung bulbous underneath her, enough to press up against her thighs. She was turning into a hefty mare, and Finish struggled to take her eyes off of her. After a while, she knew that she had to stop, lest the others around her get suspicious.

“C-Coco!”

The fat mare turned to her. “Oh, Photo Finish!” she smiled, and Finish took note of the thicker dimples she had. “How nice to see you!”

“I am glad to see that you are better!” Finish trotted up towards her, barely noticing a unicorn levitating the boxes from her back to set on a table. “You certainly look healthy.”

“Yep, and I feel a lot better.” Coco sighed. “I’ve cut back on the food a bit, and I think that’s helping.”

“How ni—” She stopped. “Cut back? Did you skip breakfast?”

Coco nodded. “Yes. I don’t think that I can handle a lot of food right now.”

Finish clenched her jaw. Remember, she just got over being sick. No need to push it. “Just be careful, okay? It is dangerous not to eat.”

“Yes, Photo Finish.” Coco sighed and looked back at her table. “I should get back to it.”

“Yes,” Finish agreed with a level voice. “And I must get back to my own work.” With that, Finish walked to her office, cool as she could be.

But once she reached her door and closed it, she began to pace around. This is not a good start to my redemption!

Patience, Photo Finish. You need to be patient. Now, Coco Pommel doesn’t need to be rushed.

You are right. I don’t need to rush her at this time. I will have her, but I will do so smartly.
She remained in her office in silence until the time to work started.

Work proceeded oddly. Finish knew that something was off. Maybe it was—no, it had to be something with Coco Pommel. She kept a careful eye on her throughout the day, but noticed that she did nothing wrong. She didn’t grumble about a lack of food, nor did she look sick. She looked fine, and worked just fine as well.

Maybe you’re just going crazy.

Oh, hush!

By lunchtime, Finish was mentally irritated. As everypony walked over to the fridge, Finish stayed back and watched Coco. But it seemed as though Coco wanted to keep an eye on her as well, and whenever their eyes were close to meeting, she would look away. After three times of this, she decided to look at the clothing instead.

But soon after, she heard a commotion at the fridge.

“Wow, is that a whole tiramisu?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Can I have some?”

Finish’s ears perked up in anger.

“Me too!”

“Me three!”

“Of course!”

Finish turned and prepared to yell at them. No, that’s her tiramisu!

Stop!

What is it now?

You can’t make a scene.

She slowed down and took a moment to take the situation in. There Coco was, making other ponies happy giving out her tiramisu to others. You know… you’re right. She wouldn’t be able to eat all of that in a sitting. We don’t want a repeat of last time.

“Miss Finish?”

She blinked, and saw Coco standing in front of her. “Coco! What a nice surprise.”

Coco raised a brow. “Surprise?”

“What is it?”

“Oh, um… would you like a piece of tiramisu?”

Finish looked down to see a plate of cake sitting in front of her, balanced on Coco’s hoof. “Oh, would you save that for later? It is a bit too much for me to eat in a short amount of time.”

Coco smiled. “I understand. But, may I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“I still have a piece of tiramisu for myself.” Coco pointed back and showed a quarter of the tiramisu left. “I was wondering, since you want research on it, if maybe… you and I could eat together, alone, while we discuss it?”

Finish’s heart drummed within her. What did she just ask?

“If you don’t mind, that is.”

“Oh, of course I do not mind! Come on over to my—I mean I will come over to your—no wait—”

Coco put a hoof on her wither. “Why don’t we try it after work, when everypony goes home?”

Finish took a lot of willpower to control her breathing. “Yes, that will work.” Yes, Coco Pommel, and I will show you that I can treat you right, my darling!

Tiramisu

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The rest of the day went by without incident, as far as Photo Finish knew. Everyone was happy that they had received a slice of the tiramisu, and she noticed that Coco was treated a bit friendlier around the workplace, even if she occasionally bumped ponies with her big body. Finish couldn’t help but grin as Coco made friends and gave them unintentional booty bumps. As the day wore on, everyone was taking care of their business, only occasionally coming to her for advice, so she had a lot of time to herself.

And she made sure she spent that time meticulously, making sure she wouldn’t have a single detail out of place.

The table had been the hardest part for her to prepare. She had originally wanted to use one of the business tables, since it was an on-the-job taste testing they were going to do; that, however, felt too formal. “For Celestia’s sake, would Fleur want to eat a tiramisu at a business table? I should think not!” She had called for one of her entourage to fetch her a nicer table from one of the local cafes. The cafe proprietors didn’t mind; most shop owners knew of Photo Finish’s spontaneous bursts of creativity, and would lend her what she needed when she needed it most of the time.

Now that she had a nice cafe table—complete with a dark-red tablecloth, some embroidered napkins and shiny forks and knives—she next went about setting up the room itself. She had at first thought about using only the presentation lights to dim the room… “No, that may be too romantic. I don’t want to scare her off. Normal lights it is.” After that was the backdrop. She went into the backroom and dug through the backdrops she used to show her travelling clients what their scenery may look like, and rifled through them. “Veneighce? Floranch? Roam?” After some deliberating, she pulled the Veneighce view—depicting the Veneightian canalways from the second floor of a nearby building, complete with a gondola and gondolier—and slid it against the back wall. The point of view would put them in the mood for Bitaly while they ate, ensuring they’d at least be on track.

But that’s just for you, right?

No, I don’t want Coco to focus on how she was sick. She needs this distraction as well. Keep her eye on the prize.

Next, was the musical accompaniment. She had, at first, considered having no music, since it would be a work meeting; “but music would certainly help set the mood for eating something so decadent and fattening and sweet. Besides, she needs some lightening up after that recent fiasco.” She dug through her company’s runway tracks they kept stored up for any DJ they hired, but found nothing suitable for a Veneightian outing. It took another employee an hour and a half to borrow a cassette from a Bitalian restaurant, and another hour to find a cassette player to play it. But once she had her music, she relaxed considerably.

“She’s just getting in the proper mindset,” her employees would say to themselves. And in a sense, they were right.

After the music began playing, she stepped to the front door and observed her work. “Hmm… is this romantic? But not too romantic, right? This is still business, after all.” The table was definitely set up to greater detail than a normal business meeting, but it wasn’t too out of place for Bitaly, right? No fancy flowers in the middle… Should I get flowers? No no, that’s too much. The backdrop and music wouldn’t give the impression of romance… Unless I change the track… no, I’m overthinking it. A jaunty day-on-the-town track should suffice. This should be enough for when she… devours the tiramisu, dear Celestia above, I hope this is enoughbutnottoomuch!

Now that everything was set up, all she had to do was make it to the end of the day. So she closed up so nopony else would see inside, and made her way back to the lobby. Everypony was already beginning to clean up their work areas when she returned. They all saw her and gave her a nod of acknowledgement as they continued cleaning. She blinked in confusion, but after looking at the clock, and how late it was, she caught herself back up in the moment.

“Excellent work today, everyone!” she waited until everyone looked up. “I am happy with the progress we are all making today.”

As she said this, she began to hear murmurs from others around her.

“She looks excited.”

“Should we be concerned?”

“Perhaps her sporadic attitude is over.”

“Or perhaps it’s getting worse.”

“Yeah, you just can’t tell with her.”

Finish wouldn’t let that phase her. “Please continue organizing your work areas and prepare to head on home.”

Nopony on her crew were willing to argue with that. They all returned to their cleaning duties with a greater enthusiasm; Finish hoped her nice comments spurred them on. After all, the faster they leave, the faster I can go back with Coco and—

Let’s focus on closing first.

Yes, but Coco—

We are trying to control ourselves. We cannot just focus on her. She’ll come later.

Yes, she’ll come later, hungry for you and that tiramisu.

Yes, but we shall not rush it, remember. We shall not ruin this moment. We must be patient.

“Are you finished, Boss?”

Finish snapped to attention and turned to Pins & Needles. “Finished?”

“With your preparations in the back room.” Pins leaned her head to the side, looking past Finish and to the back hallway. “You’ve spent much time back there. You must’ve been busy.”

Finish nodded. “Yes, I will be doing some after-work activity in preparation for our trip to Bitaly.”

“I know. Coco told me. She is excited… about the trip to Bitaly.”

Finish looked intently at Pins, who merely stared at her with a stone expression. “I am sure she is. I hope to train her up enough to let her come along.”

“I’m sure she’d happily save up enough money to come along with you regardless.”

“Yes, she would.”

Pins gave her a coy smile. “Anyway, I must finish my closing tasks. Enjoy the rest of your day, Photo Finish.” With that, she turned and walked back to her station.

Thankfully, nopony noticed their exchange. Several of them had already completed their cleaning duties, and were standing around chatting relaxedly. Finish walked around inspecting all of her employees’ hoofwork, making minor changes here and there, and then began walking towards the seamstresses’ table.

...And then she turned back around. Patience, Photo Finish.

“There we are,” she heard Pins saying behind her. “Everything is neat and tidy.”

I don’t need to check up on her. Pins & Needles would already make sure everything is perfectly organized by now.

“Y-Yep, everything is alright here!”

“Catch your breath, Coco.” The sound of creaking metal could be heard. “You’ve worked hard today. You must really be wanting to go to Bitaly.”

“Oh-well yes, but I’ve been working hard because I’ve missed some work, and I really want to catch up.”

Oh, don’t worry, Coco. You and I will catch up in the back room when you—

“But your stomach is still upset, right?”

Finish stopped walking around.

“A-A little, but it’s not too bad. I can still work.”

“Still,” Pins said, her tone growing stern, “I don’t want you working yourself sick.”

“Oh. thank you.”

“Of course.” Pins patted her tummy. “Enjoy your after-work time with Photo Finish.” Pins trotted away, joining the others in their after-work chatter.

Finish looked over to Coco, now that she was alone. Coco shifted on her stool, causing it to creak, Celestia above. Her flanks hung off of the stool and sagged towards the floor, though her haunches still retained a doughy roundness to them. Her belly sagged lower still, though it was still bloated enough to be somewhat round itself. Her face—those chubby cheeks and her double chin—were contorted… unpleasantly.

“She must still feel bloated,” she said quietly. “I will leave her be for now. Best not to agitate her further.”

I think you’re being too cautious, Photo Finish. She told you earlier that she wants to eat.

No. I’ve learned my lesson last time.

We’ll see about that.

Coco then got up and joined the others, who welcomed her warmly. Finish grinned, until she saw Pins smirking at her, which made her turn away quickly and stare at the clock. Serendipitously, the hands suddenly struck four o’clock.

“Have a good night!” Finish shouted.

Everypony nodded to her, with a few of the higher-ranked employees waving to her, and began to file out. Although everyone was crowding around the door, they had all been so well trained by Finish, they could all file out neatly without crowding. Pins was the last to leave, and before she completely disappeared, she gave Coco one last look, and then one more for Finish with an additional smile.

Finish pretended not to see it. “Coco!”

Coco shot up to attention, causing her belly to bounce slightly. “Y-Yes, Photo Finish?”

Finish cleared her throat; the excitement that had been building up had nearly spilled out completely. “Whenever you are ready, meet me in the back room so that we may try the tiramisu.”

“O-Of course, Photo Finish!” Coco scampered away to the refrigerator.

“T-Take your time! I just have to get some more things set up.”

“Yes, boss.”

Finish spun around and cantered back down the hallway and into the room, shutting it quickly and loudly. “Okay, just gotta double-check everything once more.” She narrowed her focus in the way only Photo Finish could, and began making everything… perfect. Perfectly centering the tablecloth, perfectly paralleling the silverware, perfectly adjusting the backdrop, perfectly wiping away every smudge that could possibly be visible to a trained eye. Finally, she restarted the Bitalian music track again, and then waited.

And not a moment too soon. As soon as the phonograph needle touched the vinyl cassette, there was a knock at the door. Finish steeled herself with a deep breath, then said, in as controlled a voice as she could muster, “Come in, Coco.”

There was a moment of silence.

Geez, that was very sultry.

Be quiet.

Let’s hope you didn’t scare her away.

Then the doorknob turned. Finish laid eyes on Coco, who was carrying the remaining tiramisu on her back. Her body sloshed around when she walked in, her hips just barely missing the frame, the tiramisu quivered with the motion, and Coco’s face was… her eyes were cast downward.

That was, until the music started. The mare jolted in place, the tiramisu bouncing on her fat back. “What is that?”

“It is music from Veneighce, Coco!” Finish declared with enthusiasm. “It will put us in the mood for the Bitaly trip.”

Coco closed her eyes. “I… I see what you mean, Photo Finish.” She smiled. “I’m very excited for the trip!”

Finish closed the door behind her, and locked eyes on Coco’s rump as the larger mare stared at the backdrop.

“Do you have many of these?” Coco asked, approaching the backdrop closely. “This is a very nice view.”

“Of course it is,” Finish replied, walking over to the table. “I am the one who took the picture. We have many of these, in order to show our clients what they should expect to see on their travels.”

Coco turned to her, beaming. “I can just imagine seeing sights like this in Bitaly. I’ve always wanted to see Veneighce, ever since I was a foal.”

Finish silently took a seat and watched as Coco ran her eyes along the picture. She couldn’t help but notice just how large her shadow was, even though she was standing close to the backdrop. The shadow was bobbing from side to side, and once she noticed, she couldn’t stop her eyes from wandering to Coco’s rump, and how it swayed ponderously to the beat of the music.

“...Um, Photo Finish?”

“Yes?” she asked more hoarsely than she had intended.

“Do you really think I have a shot at going to Bitaly?”

“Of course!” Finish threw her forelegs up. “Why would you think otherwise?”

Coco folded her ears back. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything.”

Finish sighed and waved her to the table. “Do not doubt yourself. Just continue to work hard, and you should be ready to come along just fine.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Pins says that you are coming along well, but you are too nervous, and that causes some of your sewing to be crooked. You must relax and focus.”

Coco cast her eyes downward. “I understand. B-But it’s not just my nerves, right?”

“...What do you mean?”

Coco rubbed her foreleg, which wobbled and shifted with the motion. “Well, I try moving as fast as I can, but it’s hard, because… Well…”

Finish blinked out of watching her foreleg. “Have a seat, Coco.”

“Oh, right.” Coco slid the tiramisu container on the table and took a seat… and her belly pushed the table right into Finish.

“Oomph!”

“OhmystarsI’msosorry—”

“I-It is fine,” Finish grunted, pushing the table away—where it pressed into Coco’s gut. “You have a big belly. It is expected of you to struggle with tables—”

When Finish regained her posture and looked at Coco, she found the other mare’s face paling. “Oh, right, you are bloated.”

“Yeah, sorry Photo Finish.” She looked down at the table.

Finish waited for a response, but nothing came. Eventually, she decided to take a hint and ask. “Are you bashful about your weight?”

Coco looked at the floor. “I-I uh mean well, a little… It wouldn’t get in the way of my Bitaly trip, would it?”

Finish thought for a moment. Would other ponies care if I have her along? Would it be a bother if I had an overweight pony on a photo shoot on a supermodel like Fleur? There would be a lot of ponies with eyes and cameras on us. But they would be focused on Fleur and myself. Would they really notice her? I-I don’t think so, nor do I think they would care. I don’t hire ponies unless I believe in them, and everypony knows this already. Besides, Bitalians are known for their food; I’m sure they won’t mind.

But with the paparazzo chasing you around, if they do catch you with Coco, would it be safe to assume that I am out cavorting with the Massive Magnificent Mares? Is it worth risking that?

But I am Photo Finish. I would know how to hide her from sight.

But why hide her at all? That wouldn’t be fair to her.

Finish smacked herself in the face. You’re right. That absolutely would not be fair to her.

“Photo Finish, are you alright?”

“I am fine… I do not believe that your weight would be too much of a problem on this trip.”

Coco perked up. “Really?”

“I would not say so unless I mean it.” Finish reached under the table and patted Coco’s belly. “Everything is fine, Coco. Let us not worry about it.”

Coco’s face was crimson red. “Uh, th-thank you, Photo Finish.”

Finish smiled. “Right! Now let us focus on this tiramisu!”

Coco’s eyes opened wide. “Oh, right!” Coco popped the contained open and pulled out the remaining two slices. “Here, one for you and one for me!”

Finish eyed the tiramisu carefully. I don’t usually eat that much food. I wonder if I can eat all of this. Meanwhile, Coco was looking up and down at her own slice, a bit of drool forming at the corners of her mouth. Finish’s heartbeat quickened. Oh my, she looks like she’s ready to devour it whole! I-I can’t wait to see her get started!

“Shall we?” she said with lus—with enthusiasm.

Coco looked over the slice at her. “Oh, y-yes, we should.” Her voice was shaky, as if she could barely contain herself.

Finish picked up her fork quickly, but held it in place. Her eyes were glued to Coco, who picked up her fork and immediately plunged it into her own slice. She watched as Coco pulled out, a very large piece on the end of her fork. It was still hard from the refrigeration, with not even a crumb falling from it. That’s it, eat it all. Put it all aw—but before she could finish her own thought, Coco shoved it all into her mouth.

Oh my stars.

“Hmm?” Coco uttered, her cheeks bulging.

I said that out loud, didn’t I? “Nothing, my dear. Please, eat.”

Coco chewed slowly, at first having no noticeable reaction. Then, as the food broke down and her chewing became easier, she closed her eyes and moaned. Her mouth curled into a smile as she chewed, and her free hoof roamed to her belly. Finish waited for her to begin rubbing it, but all it did was rest for now.

And then she swallowed it, and dove in for more. Finish stared at her, waiting for Coco to unleash herself and tackle the food with a ravenous hunger… but it didn’t come. Why is she going so slowly?

Do you want to encourage her to eat faster?

I do… but I won’t. I need to take this slow, don’t rush it. I don’t want to repeat that incident.

But Coco’s the one feasting upon it. You don’t need to worry if she overindulges—

Her thought was interrupted by Coco suppressing a belch with her hoof. Finish grinned, until Coco grimaced. “Are you okay?”

Coco nodded. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m not completely well after what happened.”

“Take your time. There is no rush.”

No rush? Oh, I see, you want to draw this out. Enjoy it.

I suppose so.

What do you mean, you suppose so?

Finish couldn’t answer. Instead, she watched as Coco chewed each bite for a considerable amount of time. Each swallow was followed by a tiny sigh, and then she’d pull out another large piece and start the slow process all over again. Slowly, her own fork lowered to her plate, the piece she had plopping silently on it.

But once it rested on the plate, Coco stopped. “A-Aren’t you going to eat any?”

Finish glanced back up at her. “Who, me? Yes, I must also taste the tiramisu with you, to make a good judgment on the tiramisu.”

“...Are you alright, Photo Finish?”

“I am fine!” she tried saying, but rather barked. “I am just trying to focus, that is all.” Coco winced at her outburst, and Finish winced at her reaction. “I am sorry. Let us eat.”

Coco looked down at the table while taking another bite, this one much smaller than the last one. Damnit, I need to do something to get her back into the mood. Finish plunged her fork into her slice and pulled off a piece just as large as the ones that Coco had been eating this whole time. The tiramisu had somewhat softened, the confection squishing downwards from gravity, but the whole thing remained firm on the fork without even a crumb falling.

“Okay, Coco.” Finish brought the fork up to her lips. Her cheeks stung with the anticipated sweetness that would come, but with a deep inhale from her nostrils, she put it all in her mouth.

Oh goddesses above toomuchtoomuchtoomuch

The richness settled into her taste buds like a massive book dropped in front of a sleeping foal: the cold, chocolatey, creamy, firm richness hit in an instant and jolted her awake. The softness then rolled around her mouth, spreading to everywhere inside. Her eyes shot wide open from the intensity of the flavor. “Mmmm!”

Coco gave her a smile. “See? It’s great!”

Finish snapped back to her. She swallowed a few times, making sure it all went down, before she spoke again. “Yes, you were right, C-Coco!” She panted. “That is delicious and… very rich!” She could feel the heavy glob settle into her stomach, and imagined it settling onto her figure. No, that’s not going to happen from just one bite, or even one slice. I have nothing to worry about.

Now Coco, on the other hoof… all of that is going to help her out. Indeed, Coco had gone back to eating her own slice, going slightly faster than she had been before. Finish took another bite, this one much smaller. The richness was far less overpowering, allowing her to actually focus. This… this would probably fit in with Fleur’s photo shoot, right? I think so, considering how wealthy she is, and how rich this tiramisu is. With a somehow-steady hoof, she picked up a pencil and began making notes on her notepad.

“Oh, right!” Coco pulled out something from her side, set it on the table, and began writing with it.

Noticing the odd contraption, Finish swallowed and pointed at the curly thing. “What is that?”

“Oh, this? It’s a Loopin’ Quill. I bought it from a Bittish stallion who… uh…”

“Who what?”

“Who said it was… curvy… like me.”

Finish’s eyes darted to the bright green pen to avoid lingering—even though she knew her goggles would hide them from Coco—and she noticed how… large the loop was. It was like the pen had a huge, round belly at the center that bounced whenever she moved the pen and wrote with it. She began to squirm.

“O-Okay,” Coco said, setting the pen down. “I’ve made some notes. We should get back to eating.”

Without a word, Finish nodded and picked up her fork once more. Coco did the same and began tackling her tiramisu with faster speed. Finish watched for a moment, making sure her fork was moving all the while, so Coco wouldn’t be suspicious of her wandering eye. Coco ate through half of the tiramisu, and then three-quarters of it. Finish’s eyes wandered down to her stomach; no noticeable bulge had developed yet.

The last few bites, however, went by much slower. Coco breathed several times, rubbed the underside of her belly—almost out of Finish’s view, enough to where Coco probably felt safe—and even burping with her mouth closed. Several “excuse mes” were uttered underneath her breath, and then she would take another bite.

She’s taking her time with those last few bites.

Yes, I know.

You would think she wouldn’t be daunted by this, considering how much she eats normally.

Don’t you remember? She’s still bloated.

It just seemed like she was getting excited about eating all of it, the longer we were doing this.

As the music shifted from a jaunty tune to a more romantic melody, Coco ate the last bite of her piece. She quickly set her fork down, leaned back and exhaled. Finish watched as her tummy, now just barely larger than before, grew and shrunk with each breath.

“Whoo!” Coco leaned herself back up. “That was a lot more than I thought it was going to be.”

“It was? But it was just one slice.”

Coco blinked. “Oh, I know. I would probably eat two or three on a normal day, but—” She suddenly clammed up.

Three?

See? She’s getting into this.

We don’t know that.

“How is your piece, Photo Finish?”

Finish glanced down at her own, noting how there were only a few bites gone. “It is very rich and sweet. I am not used to this sweetness.”

Coco looked down at her piece. “Yes, it is very sweet.”

“I am… not sure that I can finish this.”

Coco stared at Finish.

“Would you like to try and finish it?”

The music began thrumming a guitar with an intense, beckoning tone. Coco gulped and patted her own belly, her cheeks swelling briefly with air.

Is she too bloated? “Or we could save it—”

“N-no no, if you want me to try and finish it, I suppose it… wouldn’t be too much trouble.”

Finish felt her spine tingle. Yes, Coco. Do it. Eat up. She pushed the tiramisu towards the other mare, who took it slowly. Eat it all.

Coco picked up her fork and, with a deep, long breath, plunged it in. With another, deeper, longer breath, and with a trembling fork, she put the whole large bite into her maw.

Finish watched with bated breath as Coco chewed the bite in her mouth. Coco moaned, sending shivers up Finish’s back. The beckoning of the guitar continued to egg her own. And then, Coco swallowed.

And grimaced.

It was very minute, but the pout of her lips and the tightness of her throat couldn’t be hidden from the eyes of Photo Finish, even with all of the fat in the way. That was definitely a grimace. She must not be feeling well.

She’s the one that said she’d keep eating. She’s probably just feeling gassy, but she’ll keep on—

“Coco, are you alright?”

Coco looked up at her. “Oh, y-yes. I’m just… still feeling bloated.” She looked away from Finish.

She’s lying.

Why would she?

Because she doesn’t want to upset me. This is an important thing for her, and she doesn’t want to ruin it. But she’s going to make herself sick at this point!

At least it won’t be your fault.

Coco plunged her fork in again, pulling out the largest piece she had thus far. Her eyes bugged at the size of it.

Yes, Coco. The guitar began to build up in an ascending line with its tempting melody. Impress me. Eat it all up. Force it down your throat.

Coco took a few deep breaths. Finish began leaning across the table.

That’s it, Coco. Don’t hesitate.

She licked her lips and gave one final exhale through her nostrils. Finish continued closing the distance.

That’s it, Photo Finish. Take over for her. Feed her.

Coco opened her mouth and pulled the morsel towards her. Finish reached her hoof out.

Feed her, feed her, feed her!

Finish grabbed Coco’s wrist. The other mare stopped, mouth still open, tongue wiggling.

Feed her!

And then, at the crescendo of the song… Finish began pulling the fork away.

What are you doing?

“Coco,” Finish said gently. “You do not need to continue if you are not feeling well.”

Coco stared at her with wide eyes. The music became jaunty again, though they both knew that the situation was not.

“I know I said you could finish it,” she continued, “but I do not want to see you sick again.”

Coco’s ears folded back. “I-I’m sorry, Photo Finish. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“You are just eager, Coco, to go to Bitaly. But we can finish this later.”

A heavy sigh followed. Finish could tell that part of it was from the amount of food and gas that was inside of her, but not all of it. Slowly, Coco hefted herself forward.

“Thank you, Photo Finish.” Coco offered a small smile.

Finish got up from her seat and began putting the tiramisu back into its container. “Of course! Now, since this is still business, what did you think of its being used in the photo shoot?”

“Oh, right!” Coco looked through her notes, her eyes narrowing after each line. After she was done, she looked away.

“Coco?”

She didn’t answer at first.

“Coco, please give me your honest opinion.”

“Well…”

“Yes?”

“Although the tiramisu is delicious… I think it may be too rich for Fleur’s picture.”

Finish blinked. “Really?”

“I know that Fleur’s wealthy, but with the lightness of the angel hair pasta, I don’t think it would fit like…”

“Like what?”

“Well… like a cassata.”

“What is that?”

“It’s a bright sponge cake that is usually covered in fruit. That would brighten up her picture, and keep the color scheme consistent in tone. O-Or you could try a panna cotta, which would have a more gelatinous texture and look to it. A little smaller, but you could still decorate it with some fruits. The possibilities of coloring it wouldn’t be as strong, though, so it would depend on how hard you’d want to draw the eye to it.”

“And the taste?”

Coco raised a brow. “I’m sorry?”

“The t—” Wait, that wouldn’t matter in a photo! “You are just giving me some creative possibilities with food, I cannot resist but ask about the taste!”

Coco blushed. “Oh, well, I actually haven’t ever tried either.”

“Oh, really?” This sounds like it could be fun.

“But if you want something more bite-sized, you could try puffed zeppole or sfogliatelle, which are shaped like seashells. The powder of the zeppole and the sfogliatelle would blend in with the pictures nicely.”

“Yes, yes! I like this creativity, Coco Pommel!” Finish pumped a hoof into the air. “Ve must try these at once!”

Coco balked. “Oh, but I wouldn’t know where to get them.”

“What?”

“Well,” Coco began, scuffing the ground with her hoof. “I would need to look up where I could find any of that, and—”

“No, I can take care of that.” Photo Finish turned off the music and opened the front door. “Now come on. We have made significant progress today, and we must both rest. Especially you, so your tummy can no longer be bloated.”

Coco followed after her, albeit much more slowly. “A-And then I’ll try them and report to you?”

Finish stopped in her tracks. Try them on her own? No, this must not be! I must find an excuse to dine with her!

“Don’t worry, I won’t overdo it like last time.”

“Ah!” Finish turned to her. “I will make sure of that!”

Coco scrunched her nose in confusion. “What? How?”

“I will dine with you, of course! I want to see your creativity and passion sparking as you try these different meals!”

Coco’s face glowed. “Oh, I see. Well… I think that would be a great idea. Of course, not like you have any bad ideas, I was just saying—”

“I know, Coco.” They had reached the front door. “Now hurry along and get some rest, and I will do the rest.”

Coco smiled. “Okay, Photo Finish. And thank you for eating with me.”

Finish’s heart fluttered. “Of course, my dear. Good night!”

“Good night.” And with that, Coco began to waddle home.

Mein stars, she is even waddling now!

Yes, and once we gather up all of those treats, we can make her waddle even more!

Remember, though, we must take it slowly. We will not mess up our next opportunity.

The Eighth Incident

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Coco stared at the rest of the tiramisu, the last slice of the whole bunch. Her lips and hooves trembled at the thought of eating it, but Finish was there. With a steady hoof, Finish reached forward, took the whole slice, and slid it into Coco’s maw. The other mare swallowed obediently, the unchewed cake sliding down slowly, making her fat neck bulge with the effort.

Then Coco’s stomach bubbled. The fat mare cooed as the bubbling grew, and grew, and grew… and then her stomach began to grow, and grow, and grow!

“See, Coco? You weren’t bloated! Those were just growing pains.”

Coco gave her a devious smile as her belly pushed the table away from her and into Finish. The skinnier mare threw the entire thing away and flung herself onto the large belly. It was larger than Fanny’s by this point, and growing even faster now.

Finish kissed and kneaded it, and it reacted by lurching into her lap, cuddling into her arms, pushing her back more and more and more. Coco’s moans grew as she did. Finish couldn’t see how fat her rump had gotten or how round her face or chest were; all she could see was a wall of belly. A wall of belly that soon sandwiched her in between it and the wall behind her. It first pressed into her legs, rubbing against her marehood before creeping its way up her body. Finish let out a moan as that belly completely covered everything, surrounding her in softness for seconds as Coco continued to fatten up.

Then she fell backwards. When she regained her bearings, she found that there was a hole where she had fallen, full of Coco’s flesh. “Yes, my darling!” The whole wall began to creak and crack and bow towards her. “Come to Photo Finish!”

Cracks, and then flesh pouring through… and then a massive explosion of bricks and fat surging towards her!

Finish shot up and looked around. She was back in her room. But, instead of complaining, she smiled.

“I can at least go wild in my dream.” She lay back down, closed her eyes, and tried to find where she had left off.

The Studio

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Chapter 18

The next two days went as usual in terms of business, and quiet in terms of fatty decadence. Coco had been looking for the treats mentioned before to replace the tiramisu, and Photo Finish had to remain patient. It was a waiting game for her, not just because of the difficulty of finding the proper food for the shoot, but also because she had to contend with Coco’s continued bloat. She had made an attempt to feed her some treats from the café, but Coco couldn’t bring herself to eat them just yet. Finish had merely nodded, told her to take it easy, and set the box down for everyone else to enjoy.

You didn’t even try to force her to eat just one?

I told you, I must be patient. I will not have a repeat of the Pie incident.

But still, not even one?

She swallowed her temptation and continued working. While she was busy looking over the models coming in the next day, she heard talking behind her. Other members of her staff were chatting with Coco, asking about the dress, about what had been going on in her spare time… and about the incident. Finish tensed up as she heard them bring it up, but instead of jeering and deriding her, they were asking how she was feeling, if she needed anything, recommending anti-bloating medicine, and those sorts of things. Coco thanked them for their concern, and asked how they were doing in turn. It turned into a conversation.

That is a surprise. I didn’t think they would talk to her with that much weight.

Or maybe her size never mattered in the first place?

Don’t be ridiculous. Of course her size matters. It always matters in this industry!

And yet there she is, commingling with the makeup artist and manestylist like any other pony would.

Finish felt a pang in her chest. Whether it was pride that her employees were getting along with Coco, or guilt in how difficult it was for her to get along with Coco, she couldn’t tell. She quickly retreated into her office, papers in her grasp.

As the day waned on, she had accomplished a lot in her office. The times were set for the models’ shoots, the props chosen, the details about the models’ preferences memorized. Details about Fleur’s shoot were also prepared, including the blimp ride to Bitaly booked well in advance. Of course, Fleur and Fancy Pants would’ve already booked their own trip, so she didn’t have to worry about that. The only thing she had to worry about now we're finding a chef for the angel-hair pasta, and Coco’s treats being stuffed into her greedy maw as she moans, each one causing her belly to bloat a little bit more mein stars what a beautiful belly that is—

There was a knock.

“Come in!” she cried hoarsely.

The door opened, and Coco came in with a smile. “Hello, Photo Finish!”

“Coco!” She sat up straight, her legs straight up on the desk. “Come in, come in! How is the chatting going?”

Coco blushed. “It’s nice. I was just wondering if you wanted to take a look at the dress for Honey Bun tomorrow.”

Honey Bun… now there’s a fitting name for a hefty mare. A few buns and she… “Yes, please, show me.”

Coco pulled something off of her back, and displayed it proudly in front of her. “Ta da! What do you think?”

Finish blinked, and her brow furrowed. The colors on the dress were exquisite, with red silk and topazes for adornments. The form was fine, but… After a few seconds of stunned silence, she spoke up. “Coco, one side is longer than the other.”

Coco gasped. “What?”

“Look.” Finish got up and pointed to the hem of the dress. Indeed, the left side was longer than the right one, creating a lopsided effect. “See? You made one side longer than the other!”

Coco flinched. “I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to—”

“It is fine,” Finish said curtly. “Just go and correct it.”

“On it!” Coco turned and waddled out of the room, her rump jiggling like crazy as she cantered as best as she could.

Holy Celestia above, I need that.

“No! I cannot think about that right now!” Finish got up and walked over to her door. “I must figure out why Coco made such a careless mistake.” Reaching the door, she peeked out of it just enough to see the costumers’ station.

She watched as Coco brought the dress back with several huffs. Pins approached her, concern on her face. Coco explained the situation, showing Pins the mistake. The other mare nodded at her, and helped her get it onto the marennequin. But when the dress was on, the hems appeared properly in order.

No, Finish saw the problem directly below the dress: the stand the marennequin was on was bent.

“Verdammt!” Finish cantered out of her office and straight towards her. “Coco!”

Coco jumped in place. “Yes, Photo Finish?” she asked nervously.

“Look!” Finish pointed down. “Your stand is bent. Your dress is going to be lopsided with that!”

Coco looked, and her eyes widened at the sight. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that it was bent.”

Finish sighed. “It is fine. You just need another marennequin, that is all. How did this one get bent, anyway?” she asked more to herself.

But Coco had an answer. “W-Well, actually… I was leaning on it earlier.”

Finish’s jaw dropped. “Y-you did this? By leaning on it?”

“Mmhmm,” Coco replied, blushing a light red.

Oh my stars, she’s crushing things under their own weight! I’m getting excited just thinking about the possibilities of this! “Um… well, please do be careful, Coco.”

“Agreed,” Pins said, finally joining the conversation. “Now come on. Let’s fix this up.”

Finish watched, petrified, as Coco put her weight on the other side of the marennequin, and Pins adjusted it from the bend itself, to make sure the stand was straight. Once that was done, Coco moved as quickly as she could adjusting the hem to proper equal length. Everypony else watched on as she worked, and chuckled under their breath when Coco had to bend down very low, forcing her rump into the air; it took a lot of willpower for Finish to not reach out and pat it.

“And… there.” Coco rose up and turned to Finish. “It’s fixed.”

“Very good,” Finish said, a beaming smile on her face. “Now that that is taken care of, we can go on back to business—”

“Now ain’t that the loveliest dress!”

Finish froze. Oh my stars, that cannot be! Here? NOW?

But the voice continued on. “Coco I knew you were a talented dressmaker, but I didn’t expect you to be this skilled!”

The thundering hoofsteps brought Finish out of her shock, and with shaky legs she turned to see who else but Fanny Pancake approaching them. The other workers scrambled out of her way, their faces even more shocked than Finish’s. “Pardon me!” she yelled in a warm drawl. “Big pony coming through!”

“My stars,” Pins said quietly, showing concern for the first time in a long while. “I-Is that a friend of yours, Coco?”

“Sure am!” Fanny walked directly up to Pins and stuck a hoof out. “Fanny Pancake, a pleasure to meet ya! Even if you don’t feel the same way.”

Without hesitation, Pins held out her own hoof out and shook with her larger mare. “I’m delighted! Coco’s told me a few stories of you and your outgoing personality and care. She, huh, didn’t tell me about how tall you are!”

Fanny smirked. “No need to feel embarrassed, darling. I’m a large mare, I know. But you must be Pins N’ Needles, right?”

“Why, yes.”

She turned and smiled warmly at Coco. “Coco’s told me stories of you as well. You’re a great mentor, I’ve heard.”

Pins smiled back. “I’m glad to hear I’m making a good impression.”

With that out of the way, Pins turned to Finish. “Hello, Photo Finish. Do you have a moment?”

Finish stopped the steady leaking of air from her gaping jaw and fixed herself upright. “A mo-a moment?”

“Yes.” Fanny straightened her body upright—a task nopony who saw how fat she was would think she was capable—and looked back down with a serious expression. “I am here on business, if you don’t mind.”

Her employees murmured amongst themselves. “Business? What kind of business would she want?”

“This day just keeps getting weirder and weirder.”

“And Coco’s blushing like mad!”

“Is Photo Finish also blushing?”

Finish whipped around to her employees. “Everypony, we must show her respect. No more mumbling! Get ready to leave for the day!”

Everypony scrambled to the door, including Pins. Fanny chuckled, a lopsided grin on her face. “Wow, I didn’t think I’d see Photo Finish be as commanding as this!”

“Think nothing of it,” Finish said as she led Fanny and Coco to the office. Of course, with how narrow the doorway was, there was simply no way for Fanny to fit through the door. So they continued into the back hallway, out of sight from everypony else. “Now, how can we help you?”

Fanny smiled at her. “I am here to talk about our photo shoot.”

Both Finish and Coco nodded. “Go on.”

“Now, we know that you’re lending us some of your equipment, and we are grateful for that. But, I was wondering if you—or at least Coco—would come down to our studio tonight and take a look around. We just booked it, and we’re gathering around eightish.”

Coco smiled, and then looked at Finish. “I can go over tonight, and let you know how it is, Photo Finish.”

Finish started. “What?”

“Oh, it’s okay, Photo Finish,” Fanny continued. “You don’t need to go. I’m showing all of our models the studio tonight, so there will be a lot of larger ponies there.”

Finish’s heart beat like bongos. All of the models? Every single one? And… And Fanny doesn’t want me there? “Well, I would like to see the studio myself as well. I am sure Black Forest Cake would like to show me how the cameras should go, and it will be good to understand the space you and your models are working with.”

Fanny smirked. “Well, ain’t that the bee’s knees! I’ll be sure to let the gals know!” She pulled out a piece of paper from her side; she was too wide for Finish to see from where the paper came. “Here are the directions. It’s in the southeast. I’ve got a description and everything.”

Finish blanched at the mention of the southeast, but nodded nonetheless. “Very well, Fanny Pancake. We shall see you there.”

“Ooh, yes!” Coco chimed in. “I’m looking forward to meeting everypony, and seeing the studio.”

Fanny beamed. “Thank you, Coco.” With that, Fanny turned herself around—nearly hitting Finish with her rump—and strutted towards the door. Everypony parted as fast as they could to get out of the way of the excited mare. “See you there, Coco! See you there, Photo Finish!” she called as the door closed behind her.

All of the employees turned to Finish.

“Well—” but before she could say anything, the clock tower struck, and everypony left in a confused rush. “Well.”

“Well,” Coco echoed. “So… I’ll see you there?”

“Meet back here around seven,” Finish ordered. “We will gather up what we need, and head out then.”

Although a resident of Canterlot wouldn’t dare say that any part of the grand city was ridden with poverty, it was a generally-agreed-upon fact that the southeastern section was the least-desirable place to visit. The smooth, pristine cobblestone roads weren’t as often taken care of in southwestern Canterlot, and the few uneven stones that sometimes caused ponies to trip was evidence of that. The paint on the building walls had not been kept up as often as the rest of Canterlot, so though everything appeared normal, there was still a sense that these buildings were fading with time. The roofs were bent slightly from the winds of Canterlot Mountain, with no regular repair apparent. To an untrained eye such as Coco’s, this place would merely be called run-down; to Finish’s far-more-experienced eyes, what really spoke of the troubles here were the lack of lights. Even though several of the buildings were businesses, very few had their lights on at full; whatever was happening inside was not something they wanted prying eyes to see.

“Um, Ph-Photo Finish?”

“Yes, Coco?”

“Are you sure we’re at the right place?”

“Yes, this is where Fanny said she would be.” Finish continued walking down the street, looking around here and there and keeping her collar up. I don’t really want to believe it myself, but if Fanny says this is where she is, then this is where she is.

Well, it makes sense, doesn’t it? Blubber Lovers is content for fantasizing and fetishizing, so that sort of material would be shot around here.

But the MMMs and the SSSs are not well known. They could get a studio in a better part of Canterlot and nopony would bat an eye. I wonder whether or not there’s more lewdness involved than we previously thought.

No, I refuse to believe that!

Why?

Because they’re more classy than that.

But isn’t that what you want? To have large mares willing to do anything?

I…

“What’s that?”

Finish looked up, and above the small building was a balloon. A balloon larger than the entire building itself. A brown balloon with a red tie, emblazoned with a giant snowflake, and the words “Winterlight Balloon: Lighter than Air, Larger than Life.”

“Yeah, I think this is the right place.”

They proceeded onwards to the building underneath the large balloon. It was very modest, with only one floor—not a common thing in Canterlot—and one long window that was stained with dirt. A single dim cheap hanging lantern illuminated the front desk, neither attended by anypony or decorated with anything. The exterior was similarly uncared for, with a faded white coat of paint, unlike the lustrous white of the rest of the city; no other color was present. The alleyways were bereft of anything, the roof was a plain brown gabled, the street number painted on rather than bolted on with gold numbers. The only other thing of note was the green-painted door, which was peeling and… broken down. As was the rest of the doorframe.

“You think Fanny—”

“Yes.” She turned back to Coco. “Still got the camera steady?”

Coco looked behind her to the box on her back. “It’s still good. No need to worry about that.” Her voice was slightly wavering as she said it.

Finish smiled and walked to the doorway. “Hello?” she called in. “Fanny? We are here!”

“Ooh, is that the new model?”

Finish balked. “I do not recognize that voice.”

“Coco?” Fanny’s familiar drawl shouted from inside the dim walkway. “Is that you?”

Coco walked over to the frame. “Yes, I’m here, just like you asked.”

Slowly, a figure approached them from inside. Finish could tell from the size of the silhouette that it was Fanny, with how large it was and how much it wobbled as she walked. As Fanny reached the doorway, Finish squinted her eyes. There’s something off about her.

What?

I can’t tell. It’s too dark.

“Well, a fine evening to you two!” Fanny huffed, her voice slightly raspy. “I’m glad y’all made it. What do you got there, Coco?”

Coco looked back. “Oh, it’s Photo Finish’s camera.”

Fanny beamed. “Right! Well, Photo Finish, our camerapony will be a bit late, so until then, you can just hang out, okay?”

During Fanny’s talking, it clicked for Finish. She saw the beads of sweat, the slight bags under her eyes, the heavy breathing, her shaky legs. “Fanny, are you okay?”

“Hmm?” Fanny looked over to her. “Who, me? Oh, I’m fine. Just cleaning up the studio, that’s all.”

Finish nodded. “I suppose the previous users did not tidy up?”

“Nah, you know how it is with some of these ponies.” Fanny wiped the sweat from her brow. “Truth be told, I’ve never seen a studio left like that before.”

Did she just say a studio?

Yes, she did. “This is not your normal studio?”

Fanny’s smile grew, but Finish’s keen eyes picked up on the small downwards twitch at the corner of her lips. “Nah, our usual spot was booked up, and the proprietor wasn’t willing to make any sort of deal with us. It’s just the nature of being in this kind of business, especially in Canterlot, and especially looking like we do.”

Finish frowned. Any other time, and I would find that heaving mass of sweaty flesh tantalizing. Is it just labor that’s making her tired? “Did you have trouble finding this place?”

“I don’t struggle with anything of the sort,” Fanny said, looking away from her. “I found this place fine, and am just trying to get everything set up, is all.”

Finish’s ears twitched. “Everything?”

“You know, making sure we have all of the models, equipment, props and whatnot. And, well, I’m sure you’d know, given you work here, but I gotta make extra sure that it’s safe. I don’t want anypony poking their business around with any of my girls or guys, if you know what I mean.”

Finish blanched. “I can see why you are so tired.”

Fanny raised her form tall and proud. “I ain’t tired, Photo Finish. I can manage this.”

Finish wanted to add some words of reassurance, but suddenly a voice was heard from inside. “Is that the new model, Fanny?”

I don’t recognize that voice. Who is that?

“Lemme see, lemme see!”

Fanny’s right flank began to squirm. “Now, hold your horses, dear! I’m movin’, I’m movin’.” She leaned to the side, allowing another mare to come into the picture.

Finish stifled a gasp as another one of the Blubber Lovers appeared before her. This time, it was the callipygian Pineapple Prize, who eyed Coco up and down. Her manner was graceful, but not as brash as Black Forest’s; her eyes, on the other hoof, were inquisitive, and enjoying herself.

“My my, what a succulent snack!” Pineapple sauntered forward, her large rear shaking behind her like a bowl of gelatin. “You are Coco Pommel, I presume.”

Coco gulped, her face aflame. “Yes,” she barely managed to stammer.

“I’m Pineapple Prize. It’s a pleasure.” Pineapple held out a hoof to shake; but once her hoof touched Coco’s it glided to her forearm, and then her chest. “It’s always lovely seeing a round girl displaying her curves. It makes me so excited.”

“Pineapple,” Fanny began in a scolding tone. “Leave the poor girl be. She’s not quite, well, comfortable yet, if you know what I mean.”

“Of course,” the other mare said, her smile shaping into a less sinister one. “I do hope we can accommodate you comfortably. I’m sure some time on Big Wig’s belly will relax you.”

Finish’s heart began racing. Big Wig is here, too?

Is that everyone?

I’m not sure. Lemme check… No, that leaves one I’ve yet to meet. “Excuse me, but is Grand Red Gala here yet?”

Fanny’s eyes went wide. “Grandy?”

What the hell are you doing?

What? She’s the only one I’ve not met yet.

Do you not just realize what you’ve done?

I, uh, do not.

“Oh, I get it!” Fanny said with a smile.

Finish stood stock still. “You do,” she said, making sure there was no hint that it was an inquiry.

“You’ve done your research! I wouldn’t expect you to have the gumption to buy a Blubber Lovers magazine just to know about our models, but I appreciate it all the same.” She leaned over and grinned at Coco. “Or was that you carryin’ one around?”

Finish caught a gasp in her throat just before it could erupt from her. Oh my stars, I just admitted I buy the magazines!

Right, well, she made a scenario to save your gormless hide. Better play along with it.

But—

Especially if a looming paparazzo begins having any ideas about how you spend your free time.

Finish’s heart thundered. “Of course! You are, admittedly, not the size of my normal clientele, but I would not disrespect you without doing my research.”

Fanny smiled. “Well, about Grandy—”

But Pineapple cut her off with a gasp. “You are Photo Finish? The Photo Finish? And not just some knockoff imitator?”

Finish tossed her mane with a flourish. “The very same. I, Photo Finish… have arrived!”

She turned to Fanny, at first confused, and then with a smirk. “Oh, I get what you’re doing, here.” She sauntered over to the photographer. “Allow me to show you around, your eminence. I’m sure you’ll find the other models an ‘eyeful’ the likes of which you’ve never seen. You could ‘eat’ your heart out at the sight of them.” She turned around and shook her rear right in front of Finish’s face. “If this type of full figure is what you’re after, we have a lot more inside.”

Finish felt her nostrils tingling. Please, stop, please keep going, please don’t get me too excited!

“That’s enough, Pineapple,” Fanny said with a shake of her head. “We don’t need to go off flustering her. She’s merely here to help. Besides, she’s already met the other gals.”

Pineapple walked back towards the larger mare and leaned back against her chest, not even moving Fanny a little bit backwards. Her rump rested comfortably within a fold of the fattier mare. “I see. And to what do we owe this pleasure?”

Finish took a deep breath. “I am—I mean we are here to see your studio, to see how we can set up a camera.”

Pineapple cocked her head. “My stars, Fanny Pancake, when you said we had a famous photographer coming to help, I didn’t think you would manage to snag the most famous one in all of Equestria!”

Fanny smirked. “It was all by accident. We can thank Coco for that.”

Coco smiled sheepishly. “We just bumped into one another, that’s all.”

“It’s hard not to bump into this wide, wide mare!” Pineapple gave Fanny a playful pat with her cheeks. “Maybe we can snag Fancy Pants with those wide hips of yours, and acquire a fortune.”

“Or maybe we can tempt him with your juicy booty, girl. You’re probably more his size, anyway.”

Pineapple giggled. “So, girls, care to see the other models?”

“Yes!”

Everypony jumped. Finish blinked at her outburst. I may have overdid it.

Well, roll with it!

“It is time to see the studio!” She took Coco’s hoof and dragged them both to the doorway. “Let us commence!”

Fanny eyed her with confusion, but with Pineapple’s prodding, she turned to lead everyone into the studio proper.

When Finish saw the inside, her heart dropped. The entire studio was an off-white, almost an eggy cream color. All four walls were the same creamy white, and the few lights above cast a glow with a tinge of yellow that made it look sickly to her. Besides that, the only other things present were a chaise lounge with an ancient floral pattern, and a flimsy table with four fold-out chairs that wouldn’t hold any of the models. Finish guessed that was the point.

What was warmer in this room was the company inside. Finish let Coco waddle in first, and while the fatter mare greeted the others, Finish allowed herself a chance to swoon. Here she was, and never in her wildest dreams of being a photographer would she imagine herself in the same room as the models she so lusted after.

Black Forest Cake was clothed in a hoodie and a pair of yellow-tinted sunglasses, not too dark where one couldn’t see her eyes; the hoodie looked like it was meant for a tall stallion, yet the bottom of it squeezed her supple belly almost constrictingly. She was chatting with Coco, straightening her collar, playing with the flower in her mane, squishing her cheeks together. The mare glanced over at Finish, and gave her a leery smile.

Next to her were French Vanilla and Dark Chocolate, who were also talking with Coco. Dark was leaning against French, their hips smushing together like only fatty flesh could. They each had a scarf, Dark Chocolate a creamy white one, French Vanilla a bold brown one. Neither spotted Finish at first.

Next to catch her eye were Pineapple Prize and, much to her chagrin, Silver Streak. Pineapple had no clothes on, instead sporting a hibiscus in her mane. Her rump swayed behind her, obviously playing at Silver in front of her. Finish shook her head, but had to admit that Silver pulled off the large jersey on his overhanging belly quite well. He caught sight of her, and looked away just as quickly.

And finally, there was Fanny, who was walking around with a broom and sweeping up plenty of dust. There were also rags flung onto her back, and letting her eyes stray, Finish could see patches of water where something had been wiped up. Fanny panted as she worked, but still kept herself moving. For a moment, Finish thought about helping her, but something caught her attention from the other direction.

“We-he-hell! To what do we owe this pleasure?”

Finish jumped in place, shocked by the deepest voice she had ever heard in her life. She turned to the source, and despite her professional mind screaming at her to contain herself, her jaw dropped.

“Don’t worry, I get that a lot.”

He was the fattest pony she had ever seen. His dark blue coat rippled out like a dark lake, and each movement the stallion made sent his body rippling and undulating. His cheeks were larger than Finish’s hips, and his dimples went deep as he smiled. His chins cascaded down to his neck, piling up with fat like a bunch of stacking rings that had gone flabby. His bulging chest looked like it would spill over and envelop her at any minute. His forelegs could easily hold Finish onto it if she decided to lie down on one, though they weren’t as large as Fanny’s.

And then there was his belly. Size-wise, it was not as large as Fanny’s; Finish could take a guess, though, that it was just as large in volume, for this stallion was not as tall as Fanny was. It had the sheer flab of a morbidly obese pony, and it pushed his legs off of the ground. Speaking of his legs, his flanks were larger than Finish was, and they sank down against his belly from gravity’s pull. His rump rose only slightly above his fatty back, but it just ran down the back of his belly and nearly pressed against the floor.

Photo Finish cooed.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance,” the immobile blob of sexiness said to her. “I’m Big Wig.”

Finish gulped. “P-Pleased to meet you.”

He smiled. “I know that you’re probably not used to seeing ponies of our girth, Mademoiselle Photo Finish, but I would like to say that I’ve been a fan of your work for quite some time.”

“You have?”

“You’re the inspiration for my passion. Your manestylist is an artist, and I strive to style manes with as much grace and flair for the adventurous as you are. Even if I can’t exactly,” he continued with a chuckle, “move myself around for an adventure.”

“That’s where I come in.”

Finish glanced over to his side, and found another mare approaching them. This one was much skinnier, and Finish felt like she recognized her. Orange coat, golden mane…

And then it clicked. “You are Big Wig’s… feeder, yes?”

Big Wig blinked in surprise, while the other mare flashed a smile. “Why yes!” Her Orange-ish accent came in full force. “I’m Orange Creme. It’s lovely to meet you in person! Big Wig is simply obsessed with your oeuvre of work.”

Finish couldn’t help but blush, and toss her mane over her shoulder with a flourish. “I am happy to hear that—”

“Fanny, my girl!” Big Wig called out. “To what do we owe the pleasure of seeing the one and only Photo Finish in our studio?”

Finish turned to the rest of the group. French spotted her for the first time that night, and looked away. Dark was next, and positioned herself more in between Finish and her lover.

“Now, don’t go on makin’ Photo Finish her nervous, ya hear?” Fanny stepped right in front of Finish and stared down at Big Wig. “She’s been a mighty help for us in our time of need. Show some respect!”

“Of course I’d respect her, Fanny,” Big Wig whined. “You know I wouldn’t dare disrespect a pony that didn’t deserve it. And Photo Finish is a guest, right?”

“A guest, yes, and also a volunteer.” Fanny maneuvered herself as gracefully as she could—though still bumping her rear into Finish’s face, long enough to give Finish time to grin like a mare in heat, and then hide her face again—and stood next to her. “Photo Finish has been kind enough to lend us a camera so we can complete the shoot on time. We all know that we’re not as popular as the types of magazines Photo Finish is published in, so let’s take a moment to thank her for being willing to help us all out.”

General hoofstomps and thanks came her way, a few of them excited, a few apprehensive.

“I am honored to—”

“And let us also give a warm welcome to Miss Coco Pommel, who, despite her sweet nature, would like to make a contribution to our magazine herself!”

At this, everypony hoofstomped vigorously, including Big Wig with his flabby forelegs flopping around, and Orange Creme who cheered like a cheerleader would. Coco blushed at all of the attention, especially the physical pats from Black Forest. Finish, meanwhile clapped very slowly.

This, of course, caught the eye of Fanny. “It’s okay, you don’t need to clap.”

Good goddesses, what is up with her? Why does she need to be so condescending?

“Now, let’s just chat up, get caught up and whatnot, and then we can all head out to dinner.”

Everypony cheered except for Finish and Coco. Finish was shocked, her whole body petrified by the thought of missing it. Coco eyed Finish with pleading eyes. Finish noted her indecision, and would have a word with her later.

“So, Fanny bumped into you, and somehow got you to come down here to help us simple folks,” Big Wig mused, his hoof upon his chins. “We are exceptionally lucky for that.”

“Yes,” Orange chimed in, “but I cannot understand why you volunteered for, well, ponies like us.”

“Maybe it’s because of her,” Big Wig continued, pointing to Coco.

“That is… a part of it,” Finish admitted. “I admit that a part of it is also for the challenge. I… often like to seek out the new in life. When a mare as… grand as Fanny comes along, I am drawn to her.”

“Oh,” Orange Creme said, her tone going limp. “So it was merely interest.”

“It’s how it starts, I reckon,” Big Wig said with a smile. “It certainly happened to me. Perhaps we can win you over to being a Blubber—”

“Why don’t you run along,” Fanny interjected, shoving herself in between them, “and not let their words get the better of you? I’m sure Black Forest would like to have a word with you, and Coco would certainly like your company.”

Finish smiled at her, but noted the sour look on Fanny’s face. “Oh, yes, of course.” Without another word, she turned away and walked off to the others. “Hello, Black Forest, Dark Chocolate, French Vanilla.”

“Yes?” Dark glared at her.

“How are you ladies doing?”

“We’re fine,” French answered in a whimper.

“It’s alright, girls,” Black Forest said, leaning against Finish just enough where Finish had to lock her knees to keep herself from buckling. “You don’t have to worry. My personal interactions with Photo Finish have shown me that she’s alright with the larger figure.”

Dark softened only a smidge, while French raised herself up and looked at her directly, though her frown hadn’t left yet. Finish looked out of the corner of her eye and spied Coco, who was scuffing the ground and looking away shyly. “If you say so, Black Forest. So to what do we owe this pleasure?”

Finish smiled. “I am here to work with the camera, mainly, and make sure that you all like how it looks.”

The lovers looked at each other, uncertainty etched on their faces. “Well,” French mumbled. “Well our photographer has his own way of doing things, and I’m just not sure that you would abide by the same rules.”

Finish cocked her head. “Elaborate.”

“Whoa, calm down,” Dark interjected, stepping towards Finish. “She didn’t mean anything rude, you know.”

Finish’s eyes bugged. Rude? I didn’t think I was being rude. Is French really that sensitive? “I apologize.”

“It’s fine.” Black Forest leaned even harder against her, causing Finish to grunt. “I hope you don’t mind reducing some of this.” She smirked at Finish. “I mean we do carry around a lot of weight, and sometimes we need someone to lean on.”

Finish smiled. “I-It’s fine.” Fuck, I’m going to cum.

But this display had French smiling, and even Dark was smirking. “Well, I don’t think you need to be so accommodating—”

“Nonsense! Coco, come here and relax.”

Coco gasped. “Oh no, I couldn’t possibly do that to my boss!”

Damnit Coco, do as she says.

“Don’t mind if I do!” Dark trotted over, her body bouncing with mirth, and she leaned on Finish’s opposite side. Finish groaned and buckled down farther. “There, so comfortable.”

Wow, she’s so soft. So this is what a Massive Magnificent Mare feels like. If only Coco would come on over.

“French, why don’t you come on over and lean up against her?”

French backed away slightly. “No thank you.”

Black Forest pushed herself off of Finish. “There we go. Now you can relax.”

Dark pushed herself off as well and trotted away. Finish gave her a smile, but Dark didn’t reciprocate. She rejoined French and began talking to her in a low tone that Finish couldn’t understand. Finish, meanwhile, raised herself and looked at Coco, who looked away with a small giggle and… a blush?

Does she find this cute?

It’s more likely that she was amused that her boss was put under so much pressure.

Well, I held them up, didn’t I?

Of course. You showed her that you can handle all of that weight.

Yes. I’m strong. I am Photo Finish!

“Hey, Fanny! Do you need to take a load off?”

Finish’s confident grin whipped itself into a frown of fright. “Uh, perhaps it would be wise for me to move on?” She scampered away, with the others laughing at her. She trotted right past Fanny, who was looking over some paperwork on a clipboard; she hadn’t caught what Black Forest had done. A brief second of peeking showed her what had Fanny’s attention: expenses. Doesn’t she have a bookkeeper for that?

It doesn’t look like this.

Can’t any of the other ladies take care of it?

“Isn’t somepony going to help her?”

Finish stopped to see Coco looking at Fanny, concern written all over her face. Black forest sighed next to her.

“Coco, sweetie, Fanny would not want us to interfere. She is a fiercely hard-working mare.”

“But—”

“Did I hear my name being called?” Fanny walked over to the group. “Coco, do you need anything?”

“N-No. Do you?”

Fanny balked. Finish didn’t blink as she watched them. Then, Fanny laid a hoof on Coco’s wither, her foreleg sagging into Coco’s neck. “Darling, don’t fret. I want you to be happy! Don’t go worrying your head none. You and the other girls just enjoy yourselves!”

“But—”

“No buts, unless you’re showing your cute butt off.” Fanny smiled until Coco was cherry-red, and then walked back to her cleaning and calculating.

That must be it. She doesn’t want the others to worry. That’s why she’s working so hard. I… I can relate. Finish sighed and walked away.

She trotted over to Silver and Pineapple, stopped, and then proceeded. “Hello.”

Pineapple turned to her and smiled, and Silver looked down at the ground. “Hey, Photo Finish! To what do we owe this pleasure?”

“Hey.”

Photo Finish sighed. “What happened is in the past. We must look forward to the present now, Silver Streak. We have magic to form!”

He looked at her queerly. “Magic? Well, I don’t like to brag—”

Pineapple blew a raspberry.

“—but I do know how to make magic with the camera.”

“Mmhmm, yes, of course.” I know, Silver Streak. I have seen you many times. You are quite daring in your pictures, representing the Seismic Sexy Stallions.

“So you are here to work the camera, right?”

Finish nodded. “Yes, I will be working to camera for you all tonight.”

Pineapple giggled. “The shoot is not tonight, silly! The shoot isn’t for a few weeks. We’re all just here getting prepared, that’s all. We just acquired this studio, after all—”

“Let’s not talk about that!” Fanny stood next to Finish. “Really, we can work with this!”

Why did she say that?

“Y’all keep talking about Canterlot, or your travels, and let me finish cleaning up, okay?” Without waiting for an answer, she trotted away to continue dusting the lights.

Finish turned to continue talking with Pineapple and Silver about Canterlot and whatnot, but couldn’t help but keep peering at Fanny out of the corner of her eyes. She continued working, but would stop for a few seconds to catch her breath. Seeing a mare she had so often fantasized about in this state made her feel… uncomfortable was not the right word. She couldn’t quite put her hoof on it.

Then, before she knew it…

“There!” Fanny tossed the broom off to the side, where it landed with a deftness unexpected of a mare her size. “Everything is all cleaned up!”

While everypony else cheered, Finish looked around at the cleaner space with a growing sense of melancholy. The white walls and floor were all even, but they were an eggnog color that didn’t look like it would work well with the camera. The lights had been dusted off, but they were still too dim to possibly work with. The furniture had all been dusted off, but Finish couldn’t get past how garish they were.

“Alright, Photo Finish.” Fanny flicked her mane out of her face and looked down at her. “Here’s what we have to work with. It ain’t much compared to what you work with, but I’d say it’s usable. Wouldn’t you?”

Finish nodded. Seeing Fanny panting as hard as she was, her belly inflating to nearly touch the ground, her body still jiggling from the exertion, made her feel excited; yet in her eyes, she noted somepony who was tired, yet the fires of passion, passion for seeing good work fulfilled, kept her going. I wonder how hard you work to provide for the girls. Her gaze shifted to Coco, who watched Fanny with concern and Finish with pleading eyes. I can’t let them down.

“You have cleaned up well. It is a good start. It will certainly look a lot better with the props and equipment. Coco!”

Coco shot up. “Y-Yes?”

“The camera!” As Coco brought the box to her, Finish continued. “Do not worry, fillies and gentlecolts!” she cried out, a fire in her belly building up. “Leave it to me, and I will help you create… ze magic!”

Practice Shots

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A Little Cream for a Lotta Coco

Chapter 19: Practice Shots

“Are you sure you want to handle this—”

“Yes!”

“—Um, a-all by yourself, Photo Finish?”

Finish whipped her head out of the legs of her camera and, after shaking her mane from her muzzle, gave Coco a large smile. “Of course! Coco, I am the camerapony here, and you are a model, just like all of these other ponies. Go on and commingle with them, get some experience dealing with models.”

Coco scuffed the ground. “I-I don’t know.”

“Why are you so nervous? This is a practice shoot, it is not the real thing.”

Coco looked away, backed up and crossed her forelegs, covering her chest and blocking her belly.

Okay, Photo Finish. She’s still nervous, and I can’t rush this. I gotta get her to calm down. “Coco, concentrate. You will need this kind of interaction if you want to succeed on our trip to Bitaly.”

Coco’s eyes widened at the mention of Bitaly, and she slowly uncurled. “I understand, Photo Finish. I just want to impress you, and not let you take care of everything.”

Finish smiled at her. “Do not worry, Coco, mein mare. This is what I do! This is how I make—” A flourish. “—ze magic!” She relaxed her pose before continuing. “Besides, your job is as a seamstress and costumer, and as of right now a model. If I need your help, I shall ask for it.”

Coco blushed. “Thank you, Photo Finish. I’ll be nearby to help out with anything.”

Finish shook her head and forcibly turned her around, faster than Coco could realize what was going on. “Do not worry your head right now. Go off and chat with the other girls, now!” With a firm slap on Coco’s rump, Coco shoved her off. Coco yelped and scampered away, her rump jiggling all the while.

Finish allowed herself a leery grin… before freezing as she noticed the other models staring at her. Her smirk became lopsided and she tried to turn away, but her body wouldn’t let her. She could see Black Forest biting her lip, fighting to contain a fit of laughter.

“Mmmmy apologies, everypony!” she finally managed to say. “I find it hard to contain my excitement.”

The models looked at one another, and then laughed softly, as if trying to lighten the mood. One particular pony’s boisterous laugh caught Finish’s attention, though. Fanny shook her head, trying to calm herself. “I gotta say, I’ve heard of Photo Finish’s personality, and to see it in action while she’s working is something else!”

Finish quickly turned away and continued setting up her camera. Her inner voice spoke up with glee. Do you see that? We’ve made her happy!

Yes, but weren’t you listening to her?

Yes? She is happy to watch us.

But she was speaking in the third person. She was not speaking to us directly.

And that bothers you?

Yes, it does. She is not willing to talk to us as friends yet.

You do remember that this is a business meeting, first and foremost?

Yes, but—

Remember to be patient. They will come around to you soon enough. For now, just enjoy it while you can, and don’t let on to anyone about your enjoyment.

Finish took a deep breath and continued working on. Her camera was now completely assembled, and she set the cloth on top of it. None of the models looked her way as she dove underneath the cloth to peer into the camera itself.

At first, she felt as though her camera lens was warped, seeing as how the image in it was blurry. Once she poked her head out of the cloth, however, it made sense to her: the wall behind had a giant smudge. An untrained eye may notice it if one were to squint at it, but to Photo Finish, it was nearly unbearable. She began to sense that some of the models were watching her concerned expression, and she went back underneath the cloth.

“Everything okay, Photo Finish?” Fanny called.

“Yes, everything is fine,” Finish called back. She slowly panned the camera around, looking at each of the models. Everypony was going about their normal routine, only aware of the camera lens on them, and not on the eyes of the pony drinking them in.

Ignoring the wall behind them, she watched as each of the models interacted with one another. At first, everypony was relaxed, and conversations went on with no hindrances. Coco stayed close to Black Forest and let everypony else around her chat away; Dark and French dominated that conversation. Pineapple and Silver soon joined in, but mostly kept to themselves. At the far side of the room, Big Wig and Orange Creme were talking with Fanny, who was leaning against one of the walls. Fanny herself was not talking very much, and at times would look over at her, perhaps wondering what she was doing underneath the camera cloth.

As she made adjustments to better fit the ambiance of the room, and went back to check on the models, she saw them growing increasingly nervous. French was the most obvious pony to show it, cuddling close to Dark and keeping her lover in between her and the camera. Dark kept looking at the camera, sneering each time she felt Finish wouldn’t notice. Silver also made sideways glances to the camera, and then at Coco; he must have been being exercising caution around Coco Pommel, making sure not to do anything untoward to her. Although not a model, Orange Creme stroked her feeder’s body in an almost-fidgety manner, her face betraying nervousness, most likely for his sake. Neither Black Forest nor Big Wig showed any signs of nervousness at all, but Finish noticed Black Forest was no longer her calm, playful self. Finish knew that something was happening in her mind.

She scrutinized Coco and Fanny more closely than any of the others. Coco didn’t hide her nervousness at all; her body rocked back and forth, and her forelegs constantly raised and lowered in preparation to flee, should she need to. Black Forest leaned against her periodically, and she often rubbed Coco’s nape to calm her, though it did little. Coco looked over at the camera several times, and that made her rock and fidget slightly more each time. Fanny didn’t show any signs when Finish had the lens on her, but would bite her lip and swing her foreleg back and forth when the lens was off. Finish caught this from peeking out of the cloth.

Everypony’s nervous.

I would be, too, if Photo Finish came to my humble photo shoot to stare at me.

I thought at least one of them would see me as a friend by now. Especially Black Forest, with how close we’ve gotten.

You’ve got to remember, you’re still an outsider to them.

But Coco is my employee, and we have no issues. She shouldn’t be nervous about my being here!

“Everything okay, Photo Finish?”

Finish turned her camera slightly to see Black Forest right in front of her. “I am fine,” she said.

“You don’t sound like it.” Black Forest trotted right next to her, letting her side rub against Finish. “Are you nervous?”

Coco waddled over to them. “Do you need any help, Photo Finish?”

“Nein.” Finish shook her head clear. “I am just making adjustments.”

“That’s nice,” Black Forest said to her. “But I wouldn’t get too much into it now. This is just a practice shoot, after all. And I know you’re the expert here, but our own photographer will be here soon, and he’ll know how to frame us larger mares.”

Finish saw Coco blushing next to Black Forest, and couldn’t help but blush herself. Thankfully, the cloth hid it from everypony else.

“Speaking of our photographer,” Black Forest continued, “why don’t you come on out and relax for a bit? He’ll be arriving shortly.”

Her face still burned at the company of the fat mares around her. “I think I will keep on making adjustments here. But do let me know when he arrives, will you not?”

She chuckled. “Of course. If you need anything, like a glass of water or some fresh air to calm you down, you just let me know, okay?” She winked into the lens.

“Calm down?” Coco asked, her eyebrow raised. “Photo Finish, are you really okay here?”

Finish’s face burned more brightly, and she briefly wondered if they could tell even from the cloth underneath.

“She’s fine,” Black Forest replied on her behalf.

“Yes, Coco, I am fine.” Finish popped her head out. “I am just… in the zone, as it were. I am channelling extra energy for these particular models, so I cannot help feeling flushed.”

Coco nodded as if she understood, though Finish knew she didn’t. Finish decided to reverse the conversation. “Are you okay, Black Forest Cake?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you nervous?” Finish kept herself hidden in the cloth to hide her frown. “You look a little nervous.”

“A-Are you nervous?” Coco asked. “Can I get you anything?”

Black Forest smirked, and turned around. “I may be a little nervous, but that is normal for me. Come, Coco. Let us go back to our previous conversation.”

“Mmm, okay.” Coco turned around, and found herself flank-to-flank with Black Forest. They both walked back together, giving Finish a view of their fat backsides swaying with one another. Finish dove back underneath before she was caught with a beet-red face.

Black Forest was lying.

Obviously, but it’s not like she’ll just tell us what’s wrong with her.

Though I think it’s obvious.

Don’t lose faith now, Photo Finish. Remember, this will take some time.

She didn’t know how long she was hidden from everypony else, but eventually a stirring from the group brought her to peek out of her cloth. Fanny had walked outside, and everypony else was following closely after her, with Coco trailing behind. With this new gathering, Finish pulled herself out of the camera and began walking over to them. Black Forest turned and waved for Finish to hurry.

“He’s here,” Black Forest said.

She hurried over to the doorway, and the models shuffled and waddled out of her way, giving her sideways glances that carried some implication she had to ignore. Once she had pushed past the smaller models, she then found herself smack-dab against Fanny’s rump.

“Oops!” Fanny walked forward, giving Finish some breathing room. “Sorry about that, honey. Come on and meet our photographer, Wide Lens.”

The stallion she saw was not even close to what she was expecting. His belly, to start, was not large and pendulous, but rather flat and lined with abs. His rump was not bulbous and jiggling, but rather firm and sleek. He was a tall, trim stallion with a yellow-orange coat and light brown hair. His cutie mark was a camera on a tripod, an older model which immediately told Finish of his humble origins.

And when his hazel eyes on Finish’s goggles, he gave the loudest gasp she had ever heard.

“My stars, Fanny,” he said with a smooth Fillydelphian accent. “When you wrote that the great Photo Finish was helping us, I thought you were joking!” He approached the photographer with large, excited steps. “Yet here you are, in the flesh. Enchante.”

Finish was so shocked by the unexpected physique of the photographer, it took a second for her to snap to attention. “Ah, yes! It is a pleasure to meet you, Wide Lens.”

“To what do we owe this pleasure?” he asked, bending down and kissing her hoof.

Finish adjusted her goggles and waved her foreleg to the models behind her. “I am here to assist you with your camera, as I promised Fanny Pancake I would.”

His attention glided from her to Fanny. “And how did you secure such a grand talent, Fanny Pancake?”

The huge mare chuckled breathily. “I had originally just asked for the camera, but despite my saying we could handle it, she insisted on being here to help operate it.”

So she still doesn’t want me here.

Patience, Photo Finish. You’ll win her over, so long as you control yourself.

“Besides, our newest model Coco was actually the one that got us the camera.”

Coco’s meek voice spoke up from behind her. “I-I did?”

Fanny turned to look at her. “Yes, darling! Finish was emphatic that since you were our friend, she’d let us borrow it for free!”

Coco stared at Finish with wide eyes. Finish turned her head away and scratched her nape. “Wow, that’s very nice.”

Finish coughed. “Yes, well, since you are, well, friends, it seems fitting to help friends, right?”

Coco smiled. “Yeah, I agree. Thank you, Photo Finish.”

Finish felt a warmth radiating in her chest. This wasn’t like how she and Coco had talked before. Coco’s words weren’t strained by her usual nervousness; her thanks had been genuinely happy. Her big body stood a little taller than it did, and Finish felt her body heat up even more.

“So… Can I see this camera of yours?”

“Huh?” Finish shook her head clear and turned back at him. “Oh, yes, of course!” With that, she cantered inside past the models, most of them scrambling out of her way. “Let me show you my baby!”

“Well, I’ll be,” Wide Lens said with wonder as he looked over her camera. “I’ve never seen something this fancy before!”

Finish smiled at him. “Do you think you will be able to handle this?”

He gave her a sly grin. “Well, if you wouldn’t mind showing me how this thing works—but, you know, it’s your baby and all that, and I don’t want to mess it up. Celestia knows how protective I am of my own camera.” He looked down at the ground. “Hopefully it’ll be fixed up for next year’s shoot.”

Finish put a foreleg on his withers. “Do not worry, Wide Lens. With this camera, you shall capture these models even better!”

He grimaced.

“Is something the matter?”

“Oh no,” he began with a chuckle. “Nothing at all! I’m sure your camera will work out well for us.”

Finish raised a brow. What is he on about? He has no reason to be nervous.

You can’t go through the whole night fretting over everypony’s words, Photo Finish. The great Photo Finish does not fret this much.

She grinned. “How about I show you how this works?”

He immediately beamed. “Yes, please!”

They spent the next several minutes going over the intricacies of her baby. She picked up that he had no experience with high-end cameras, but she was patient in telling him how it operated. He took everything in with great enthusiasm, and he radiated energy enough to make her happy again.

In return, he told her about his own experience with photography, about how he had begun as a newspaper photographer covering large events in his small town a little ways from Fillydelphia. According to him, he had once gone long-distance to cover a sporting event, and had to stop for lunch. Once he saw his waitress, Fanny Pancake, he was initially shocked, and then intrigued. Her confidence and warm hospitality attracted him, and his enthusiasm for photography attracted her. Soon enough, at her apartment, they got to talking about his work, and how she had wanted to start a magazine for larger mares to show themselves off. He was smitten with the idea, and soon they got their start.

While he was talking, she took several chances to peek at everypony else, and that most of them were watching them. Coco was sitting close to Black Forest and French Vanilla, and all of them were watching the pair. Dark Chocolate was leaning on French, much more relaxed than she had been. Pineapple and Silver stood next to one another, the former excited, the other jovial. Big Wig was relaxing a bit farther away, and Orange Creme lay on top of him as if he was a mattress; both were softly serenading each other, with words Finish couldn’t hear. Even Fanny was smiling as she watched them, leaning against the wall and panting.

“Say, Wide Lens.”

“Hmm?” Wide Lens didn’t pull himself away from the mechanisms of the camera.

“Is Fanny always this tired when you are preparing the shoot?”

Wide Lens grimaced. “You noticed that?”

“Yes.”

He shook his head. “Well, no, Fanny’s not usually this winded. I don’t know what’s going on with her....”

“How can we cheer her up?”

He chuckled. “Now don’t you worry about that. You just gotta focus on the camera, right?”

Finish’s brow furrowed. “No, I would like for the models to be as happy as they can be for the practice shoot.”

He raised a brow. “Really?”

“Yes!” she replied sharply.

He backed away. “Huh. I didn’t think you’d—I mean, let me think for a moment.”

“Did not think I would… what?”

“I know how to cheer her up!” he said suddenly with overflowing enthusiasm.

She sighed, and decided not to press it. “How?”

“She always gets excited when the shoot starts,” he said with a grin. “She loves seeing her models flaunt their stuff.”

Finish’s heartbeat picked up. “So that is what needs to be done?”

“I guarantee she’ll cheer up in no time.”

“Then let us commence.”

He blinked. “Oh, now?”

“Why not?” Finish smiled at him. “I think you are ready enough.”

Hr squee’d. “Oh, thank you Photo Finish! You are very kind, for a mare that shoots far more famous models.”

She stopped herself from wincing at that remark, and turned to the rest of the room. “We are ready to begin!”

Fanny immediately pushed herself up and walked to the others. “Alright, it’s about time we got this show started!”

The rest of the models all clapped their hooves on the ground—Big Wig and Orange clapped onto his belly—and cheered. Finish caught Coco clapping as well, and for a second felt good for her; but then Coco’s pupils dilated, and her breathing quickened. Oh no, she’s becoming anxious. I can’t have her doing that. I had better calm her down—

“Don’t be nervous,” Black Forest told her. “You’re going to do fine.”

Coco chuckled airily. “A-are you sure? I’ve never modeled, you know.”

“I know, and that is why we practice. Don’t worry, Photo Finish and I will help you.”

Coco looked over to Finish, and then immediately turned away. What is she doing?

“Will you be starting us off, Fanny?” Black Forest asked.

The big mare chuckled just slightly less raspily than Coco had. “Actually, why don’t we let Pineapple Prize be the first one to take the shoot?”

The others all looked at one another, none of them saying a word.

“What’s the matter, everypony?”

“It’s just tradition for you to go first,” Pineapple said, bouncing forward, causing her rump to jiggle about. “But I have no problem going first for you, Fanny.”

Finish watched, confused. Then Wide Lens whispered in her ear: “This is most unusual. I don’t know why she’s changing the order.”

Finish watched Fanny carefully, and saw that the MMM was peeking her gaze at her. I think I already know why. Pineapple is, after all, the skinniest of the lot, besides Orange Creme, and she’ll always be with Big Wig, the fattiest pony here. Well, Fanny, I will not be so easily pushed away, not now that I’ve come so close. She turned and trotted to the camera. “Let us create ze magic!”

Coco clapped her hooves together. “Oh, yes!”

Finish smiled. Thank you, Coco. She waved Wide Lens over. “Come, let me show you this beautiful machine in action!”

Wide trotted over to her side. “Ooh boy, I can’t wait!”

Under the cloth and through the lens, she watched as Pineapple sauntered over to the couch, making sure her booty moved as far as it could to either side of her. She wanted to give Finish a show, and the photographer felt a stirring already in her loins.

This is it. It’s actually happening.

It’s just a practice shoot. It’s not like it’s the real thing—

I will photograph the Massive Magnificent Mares for the first time! This is what I’ve fantasized about!

Yes, I can’t deny that.

Give me everything you’ve got, you fat mare, you!

“Holding out on us, Pineapple?” Dark asked with a grin.

Pineapple huffed. “I can’t give all of my energy on a practice shoot, you know,” she replied with her own smirk. “I’m just giving a teaser, that’s all.”

Finish blanched. “A teaser?” she muttered underneath her breath.

“Yeah,” Wide Lens said playfully. “She likes to do that.”

Perhaps you’re overthinking it, Photo Finish.

Of course you’d say that. She sighed and sneaked a quick glance at Fanny, who was keeping a steady stoic face. Fanny’s not as excited as she was earlier. Perhaps I’m not overthinking this after all.

“Well?”

She snapped to attention. “Yes! We begin—”

What she saw made her jaw drop, and she was only thankful the cloth hid her face. Pineapple was lying on her belly, with her rump slightly raised in the air and facing the camera. Finish’s legs shook, even more so when Pineapple gave her booty a shake.

Keep it together, keep it together.

“Well?” Pineapple giggled. “We begin? Or is this too much for your refined—”

“Now!” It came out as a blast from her lungs, and the first flash from the camera was in sync with her shout.

Pineapple jumped, startled. But she very quickly regained her composure and resumed her posing, waving her rump around very slowly. Finish waited for her flank to reach her left side, and then took a shot. A shake to the right, and another shot.

“That is good,” Finish said, hoping the tone of her voice would urge her to keep going.

Pineapple grinned. “I know.” And then she began shaking her rump a lot faster. “Hopefully your camera won’t get blurry from all of this.”

Finish tensed up. “The lens is fine.”

“Oh?” The model began bouncing her rump up and down. “Then perhaps I’m not trying hard enough—”

“Rein it in, Pineapple.”

The model stopped. “Oh? Y-Yes, Fanny.”

Finish stopped. What is she doing? For the love of all of Equestrian, don’t stop! Fanny, why are you doing this to me?

I don’t know. You should ask her.

No, I don’t think so. It’s probably not worth asking. Fanny is their leader, after all.

What would it hurt to ask?

She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she turned to Wide Lens. “Would you like to get some practice?”

The stallion beamed. “Would I!” They swapped places, and after some positional adjustments from him, he steadied himself. “Alright, darling, show me what you got!”

Pineapple began waving her rump again, and Wide Lens took several pictures of her. Finish watched from the sidelines, at first being merely entranced by the booty, but then catching the model’s face behind it. Pineapple kept looking over to Fanny, eyeing her for a brief moment before returning her eyes to her work. Finish took a chance to look over at Fanny herself; the large mare’s own gaze was moving between Pineapple and…

Coco? Finish looked over at her employee, who was watching the action as if mesmerized. Why watch Coco? She’s not in the shoot yet—

“Alright, I think that’s enough for me.”

Finish snapped back to attention. Wait, no! I missed it!

Alas, Pineapple rolled off of the couch and stretched herself out. “Didja get what you wanted, Wide Lens?”

He boisterously slid out of the cloth. “All of it and more!” He turned to Finish. “Hopefully it wasn’t too much for you, Photo Finish.”

“T-too much?”

“It’s overwhelming, I know.” Wide Lens frowned. “If it’s too much, you know, I could take over—not that I don’t think you can handle it! It’s just, I don’t want you to get overwhelmed and—”

“I am fine, my fellow photographer.” Finish patted him on his withers. “You are doing a fine job. You have treated my camera well for a first-timer.”

He grinned. “Of course. Handling a camera is like handling a Massive Magnificent Mare: be gentle until it’s time to get wild.”

Sweet Celestia, don’t tempt me.

“Alright, who’s next?” Fanny asked.

Before anyone could offer, Pineapple raised her hoof. “I believe we should give our new model a chance in the spotlight.”

All eyes fell onto Coco. The mare in focus slowly backed away from everyone, staring at the ground, looking left and right at nothing. “Oh, well, I dunno.”

“Aw, come on!”

“Get it, Coco!”

“You can do it!”

Coco backed away even more. “I really don’t know.”

Black Forest walked up to her and placed a hoof around her neck. “It’s not as scary as it looks, Coco.”

Finish approached them. “Yes, it really is not that bad! There is nothing to be nervous about.”

Coco looked away from Finish, scuffing the ground. “I’m sorry, I-I’m just…”

“Come on, Coco,” Finish urged. “You will be fine—”

“Would you feel better if I went first?”

Finish stiffened. Oh, oh my, is she really? She looked over, and saw Fanny standing tall and proud over them. She is. Oh my stars, she is!

“Um, y-you don’t have to do that for me. I’ll just—”

“Hey, Coco,” Fanny began soothingly. “Don’t fret none. Everypony’s nervous on their first shoot. You’re more nervous than most, sure, but that’s fine. We’re here for you.” She patted her on the back. “Here, let me show you how it’s done, okay?”

Coco’s grimace twisted into a smile. “Yes, please,” she said meekly.

“Whoa, nelly!” Dark shouted. “Fanny Pancake’s about to show the blubber lovers how it’s done!” The others around her stomped in excitement, causing the room to shake.

Fanny rose to her full height and tossed her mane back. “Alright, fillies and gentlecolts! Let me show you how it’s done!” She looked at Finish with a smirk. “Think your fancy camera will be able to capture all of this?”

Finish replied with her own smirk. “I think it can handle the… special demands your body presents.”

The corner of Fanny’s mouth twitched. “I sure hope so.” She turned ninety degrees to face Coco. “You just watch me, okay?”

“Okay, Fanny,” Coco said with a nervous smile.

Fanny turned around—giving Finish a near-front-seat view of her rump in all of its glory—and walked over to the prop couch. “You think this tiny thing will be able to handle all of this?”

Everypony except for Coco began to laugh. Once she realized it was a joke, she began to laugh as well.

Coco’s being a bit too serious right now.

She must really be nervous.

But why? She’s got nothing to be nervous about. She’s sexy! And she’s among friends!

Fanny used her flank to push the couch out of the way, and then lay down on her side. She let her belly take center stage, and crossed her forelegs for comfort. “I am ready whenever you are.”

“Very well!” Finish shouted. “Then we shall—”

“Alright, Fanny, show me what you got!”

Finish balked. A flash snapped her to attention, and she turned to see Wide Lens operating the camera. “Wha?” That should be me!

“Oh, yeah, stroke that big ol’ gut.”

Finish snapped her head around, and saw Fanny running her hoof up and down the fold of her belly. Oh Celestia above, I need to get out of sight. She backed up to get behind Wide Lens, and did everything in her power to lower her tail.

Fanny watched her for a second, and then turned to Coco. “Are you getting all of this, honey?”

Coco nodded with a gulp.

“Good.” Fanny stretched her fat neck as far as it could, raising herself as mightily as possible. “Confidence goes a long way in this business, especially when you’ve got so much to show off, like we do.” She gave her belly a smack, sending it waving back and forth. Wide Lens took several shots while she played with her gut.

Again, again!

Then, Fanny rolled herself around a quarter circle counterclockwise and sat down on her rump, facing the camera and exposing her belly completely. It pooled in her lap, spreading completely over her fetlocks.

“How’s that fancy camera holding up?” she asked.

Wide Lens laughed. “You just barely miss the edges, my beloved!” He began to take more pictures. “Keep it coming.”

“Oh, you know it!” She proceeded to knead her belly, giving the other models a smile as she worked her flesh in her hooves.

“That’s such a beautiful belly, Fanny!”

“That’s it, Fanny. Knead that dough!”

Finish spent the next few minutes transfixed on Fanny’s belly. As she watched, though, she began to notice a few things that constantly distracted her. First, there was the floor around her; no matter how clean Fanny made it, it was still smeared with very light-yet-ugly traces of old hoofprints. Second was the wall behind her, still smeared the same off-white as before. Finally, there was Fanny’s face; it betrayed exhaustion and… some other emotion she couldn’t quite place. It can’t be fear, can it?

“Alright, Fanny!” Wide Lens shouted. “Why don’t you turn around and show me your hefty rump?”

Finish stiffened. Oh sweet Celestia, I don’t think I’ll be able to handle all of that! Give it to me, Fanny Pancake. Give me all of your sexy, sexy ass!

“Actually, I think I’m done for tonight.”

Oh thank goodness, I don’t think I’d be able to handle-wait, what!?

Fanny rolled onto her hooves. “I’m gonna take a breather, sugarcube.”

Finish blinked. Oh, well one must pace themselves. Patience, Photo Finish, patience. Her mind frothed with lust as she shifted her gaze to the other models, and found that most of them were watching her with surprise. French began whispering to Dark, and after she was done, Dark began nuzzling her. This doesn’t appear to be normal for them.

She returned her gaze to Fanny, keeping her head straight ahead so no one would suspect that she was watching her. She left the shoot very quickly. I don’t recall her taking many pictures of her rump in the other issues of the magazine, so maybe she has an aversion to it being on display. Fanny looked over to Finish, and then back to the models. Or maybe it has something to do with me. But what have I done to dissuade her from taking some booty shots?

She took a deep breath, released it as softly as she could, and turned to the models. “Alright, Coco, are you ready to—”

“No, I’ll go next.”

Finish glanced over at Black Forest. “Oh?”

“Yes.” The model smiled. “I would like to give Coco a few pointers myself. Is that okay, my dear Pommel?”

Coco scuffed the ground, a blush on her face. “Yeah, that’s totally fine.”

Finish couldn’t help smiling. She’s so adorable.

Black nodded. “Very well, then. Photo Finish, would you be so kind as to bring the couch over?”

“Oh, yes, of course—”

“No, I got it.” Coco waddled onto the set, and pushed the couch to where it had been. “Is that a good place?”

“Move it a bit to the right,” Wide Lens said. “There, it’s perfect. Alright, Black Forest, work your magic!”

Black lifted herself onto her hindlegs and, with the grace of a ballerina with a medicine ball tied to her belly, spun around and landed on the couch on her side. The furniture creaked and sagged, but held. Finish’s jaw hung open at the sight.

Mein stars, she lays there just as confidently and elegantly as the models I photograph. Such poise, such sophistication.

“Are we ready to begin?”

“As I’ve ever been,” Wide Lens said, and a few seconds later some flashes went off.

Black Forest smirked. “A major component to modelling is confidence, as Fanny said” She rested a hoof on her belly. “You must not be afraid to face the camera, or to allow ponies to see you. However, confidence comes with knowing your own body. You must believe that you’re beautiful before you step in front of the camera.” She glanced over at Coco. “Do you believe you’re beautiful, Coco Pommel?”

Coco’s eyes widened. “Oh, um… I guess so.”

Black Forest stared at her. “Are you sure?”

She looked down at her body, really taking her size in. “I think so.”

The larger mare chuckled, sending herself rippling. “You are, my dear.”

“Thank you,” Coco squeaked, smiling uncontrollably.

“Exceptionally.” Black Forest rolled onto her back and let her belly rest on top of her. Take a look at this belly. I believe it is beautiful. So full, so malleable.”

“So wonderful!” Wide Lens cried out, taking even more pictures.

“Preach it!” Dark shouted.

“I’ve nurtured this belly for years. It is a part of me, here to stay.” She looked up to Coco. “You have a big body, and you have taken care of it well, no?”

Coco’s entire face was red. “I-I guess so.”

“Are you afraid of how sexy you are?”

“Oh, well, I’m not really—” She clammed up.

“Isn’t she beautiful, Photo Finish?” Black Forest asked. “For a larger mare, that is?”

Finish tensed up. She wants me to say she’s beautiful? But what if somepony sees me and—wait, why am I worried? With these ponies around, this is obviously the right choice! She took a deep breath and…

“Stick to the shoot, Black Forest,” Fanny said, cutting her off.

The model hummed. “If that’s what you want. Anyway, I wouldn’t sell yourself short, Coco Pommel.” Black Forest turned over and stared at her. “After all, we are all including you in the shoot. You must be beautiful for that, no?”

Coco guled. “Do you really mean that?”

“Of course.” Forest returned a smile of her own before looking aside. “Wide Lens, I feel like that is enough for now.”

Wide stopped shooting. “I got some real nice pictures here, milady.”

The model rolled off of the couch. “We’ll make them stunning come the actual shoot. Coco will be confident, I’m sure.” She stroked Coco’s chin. “Don’t worry. We will be by your side.”

Coco’s blush deepened, and her eyes immediately darted to Finish. “Th-thank you,” she whispered.

Finish harrumphed. Why wouldn’t Fanny let me say she’s beautiful? Certainly she has nothing against Coco being beautiful, right? And any sort of encouragement is welcome. She is being unreasonable.

Hold on, Photo Finish. We are in her realm now, not the other way around. She’s really the one in control here.

But she asked for my help! And to treat me like this… She began to shake.

“Alright, who’s next?” Wide Lens asked, his voice betraying nervousness.

“Dark, French,” Fanny said. “You’re up.”

Dark stepped forward. “Can we skip tonight, and perhaps do it another time?”

And now she’s doing it as well? No, this is too far. “Why?”

Everypony turned their heads to her. Several of the models looked nervous; Dark’s countenance, meanwhile, took on one of irritation. “We’re just not feeling up to it tonight. Is that a good-enough explanation?”

Finish stiffened up and drew in a sharp breath, ready to retort. But then she caught French peeking out from behind Dark, and seeing the obvious fear in her eyes made her soften. She’s just trying to protect French Vanilla. That’s why she’s angry.

I’m glad you’re slowing down enough to understand that.

Still, I can’t concede without a fight. She let the breath come out slowly and steadily. “French Vanilla, is there anything I can get you?”

French gasped and backed away. “Oh, u-u-um, n-no thank you, Photo F-Finish, merci beaucoup.”

“Darling, it is okay.” She looked over at Coco, who was looking nervous as usual. “I understand. Would it help if I left for a while?”

French blanched. “Oh, I-I would not impose, Ph-Photo F-F-Finish—”

“Actually, I would like to have a private word with Fanny.”

Fanny jumped to attention, as energetically as a superobese mare could. “I… suppose so. Dark, French, why don’t you get your shots in while Photo Finish and I discuss things.”

Dark harrumphed. “Yes, we can do that.”

The two mares began to walk out of the room. Finish looked over her shoulder just in time to see French join Dark on the set, a smile on French’s face. She snorted.

Once she stepped out of the room, and Fanny finished squeezing through, Fanny spoke first. “Is there something the matter, Photo Finish?”

The emotions she received made Finish stop in her tracks. Fanny’s voice was strong as ever, but Finish caught the slight tremble in the back of her throat. There was also the formality of the question, far from what was expected from the warm, friendly Fanny Pancake. She scrutinized the model’s eyes, and found her pupils widened.

No matter how hard you’re trying to hide it, it’s clear to me that you’re nervous about something. I admit that I don’t understand it. Still, that attitude from earlier needs to be addressed. Finish took a second to think of a response before she spoke. “Fanny, are you alright?”

“Who, me?” Fanny stood up taller. “I’m fine. And how’re you doing?”

“I am concerned. Fanny, why did you object to my telling Coco she was beautiful?”

Fanny’s brow furrowed. “Is that what this is about?” She brought a hoof to her forehead. “I was just trying to save you some embarrassment, that’s all.”

“Embarrassment?”

“Yes, embarrassment.”

Finish cocked her head. “What do you mean?”

Fanny was taken aback. “Well, I’m just saying, well…”

“Coco is beautiful, is she not?”

Fanny laughed. “I already knew that. But, you know... we’re not the models you usually photograph. I figure you’d struggle to say something nice about her figure and her weight. There’s no need to pretend you’re okay with how we look.”

So that’s what this is all about. The Canterlot standard of thinness. Finish drew in a deep breath. “There will be no pretending between us, Fanny Pancake.”

Fanny nodded. “Of course. And again, I really appreciate—”

“With that being said,” she continued, cutting her off. “There is not an ugly model in that room.”

Fanny blinked. “Excuse me?”

“I do not have a problem with any model here.” It was Finish’s turn, finally, to stand tall and proud. “Not Coco, not French, not Dark, Not Black Forest, not Big Wig.” She placed a hoof on Fanny’s shoulder. “Not even you, my dear.”

Fanny was frozen. “Y-you… I can tell by the tone of your voice that you mean that.”

“Of course!”

Fanny smiled. This smile was not marred by stress or worry; it was the warmest smile she had given her. “You’re definitely not like other Canterlot ponies I’ve met. The rumors about your… eccentricity are true.”

Finish rolled her eyes. I’m not crazy, if that’s what you’re getting at.

“I appreciate that.” Fanny brought her in for a hug. “Truly, I do.” Finish melted into Fanny’s chest, feeling the pillowy softness and carnal firmness at once, and wanting to feel up the rest of her body. But before she could pounce, Fanny pushed her away. “Alright, why don’t we go and get the rest of the models photographed?”

“Yes!” Finish flung her head to invoke her inner energy. “Let us create ze magic!”

They went back inside together, Fanny squeezing in first (giving Finish just a few seconds alone with that massive rump, and allowing her to flag her tail with no worries), and Finish following afterwards. Once Finish made her way around Fanny’s body, she saw Dark and French walking off of the set, side by side. Everypony was stomping and cheering for them, with Coco giving them a hug. The sight of her fat cheeks squishing against two other fat cheeks made Finish’s heart race.

“We’re doing great, everypony,” Wide Lens said to the room. “Alright, now why don’t we let some of the stallions go next?”

“Alright!” Silver Streak rushed forward with speed that surprised Finish. “I’ll go first, Big Wig.”

“It’s all good, my friend.” Big Wig leaned back against Orange Creme, who was all too happy to support him.

Everypony cheered for him except for Coco, who looked away from him. Finish watched as Silver plopped himself down onto the couch, on his rump, and jutted his gut out. His belly was large enough that it hung over the edge, almost as far as Black Forest’s. Finish was still angry from what happened at Pies To The Skies, but she had to admit that it was a marvellous belly.

Coco, meanwhile, was slowly backing away from the scene. Finish caught this out of the corner of her eye, and decided to walk behind everypony and talk to her. She knew that Coco would be spooked if she spoke or tapped her, so she waited until Coco backed up enough to brush against her, just briefly feeling that soft, supple rump.

“Oh, sorry,” Coco whispered. “O-oh, Photo Finish. I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

“I just got here,” Finish let her know. “You are nervous around Silver Streak, yes?”

Coco nodded, her foreleg crossing over her in a defensive stance.

“I understand,” Finish told her, “but this is a photo shoot, and we must treat everypony with respect.”

Coco looked away. “Yes, Photo Finish—”

“Silver Streak really is sorry for what he did,” Black Forest interrupted. “I know, he told me himself.”

Coco looked over at her. “He did?”

“Of course. Fanny wouldn’t allow him here if he wasn’t truly sorry.” Black glared over at Finish. “You knew that too, right Photo Finish?”

Finish balked; Black Forest’s tone was clearly disapproving. Why is she upset with me? I haven’t said anything wrong, have I? I came over to support Coco and make her not be upset.

I don’t understand it either. Just go along with it.

“Of course I—”

Then Black walked over right beside her and whispered, “Then surely you should’ve realized that was what she needed to hear. Surely she’s worked with you long enough to know how models need to be treated.”

Finish blanched. Oh, buck, I did say something wrong.

“Just a bit of constructive criticism,” Black Forest said before turning back around. Finish saw Coco staring at her in confusion, and tried to say something. But she found her face flushing up, and she decided to walk away before she said any more stupid things.

Right as she went back to her place next to the camera, she caught Silver smacking his belly with both hooves, sending it rippling. “Yes, yes!” Wide Lens shouted next to her, and took two pictures of the ripple effect. Finish didn’t respond to any of it; her tail flicked idly, but that was it.

“Alright, Big Wig,” Silver said, panting from the effort. “It’s your turn.”

Big Wig laughed at him. “Man, if you’re out of breath just from that, I’ll have to give it my all just to match you!”

Orange Creme patted him on his shoulder. “Just don’t overdo it again, sweetie pie.”

“Yes, Honey Bun.” They kissed each other, and Orange set about pushing him along.

Fanny stepped right beside the feeder. “Alright, big boy, let’s get rolling!”

Even with the two of them together, it took them a while to get Big Wig across the floor. For his part, he didn’t seem to mind going over and over; his face was calm and smiling the entire time. Coco rushed in to move the couch out of their way, and soon Big Wig had the spotlight.

“There we go,” Orange grunted. “You ready, Big Wig?”

“Oh yeah. Come on up here, girl.”

Orange giggled and climbed up atop his belly, with grace that only an experienced feeder could do. “Tut tut, you’ve lost some weight since we’ve been to Canterlot. We’ll have to rectify that.” She began rubbing his belly with all four of her hooves.

“Ooh, yeah.” Big Wig lounged back and relaxed as she used her hooves to work her magic.

Finish’s breathing quickened as she watched the massaging and cuddling, even more so as she heard the camera clicking beside her. Her eyes eventually travelled to Coco, who was blushing cherry red, and she imagined her as big as Big Wig, and her on top, massaging her belly, caressing her cheeks, humping her flesh. And then she imagined her twice as big. Then four times as big, taking up several yards of the room. And bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger and—

“Whoa, guys, get a room,” Pineapple said with a giggle.

Finish looked back over, and found Big Wig’s belly rocking back and forth, and Orange on top panting. “Sorry, everypony. We got a little carried away.”

“We?” Big Wig laughed deeply.

Orange huffed. “Yes, we. I know you were enjoying it too.”

“It doesn’t mean I was getting carried away!” He mock-whined.

Fanny shook her head with a chuckle. “Alright, let’s calm down. We’re not trying to scare away our guests here.”

It was Big’s turn to blush, and he looked over to Finish. “I’m sorry, ma’am.”

Orange wiped the mane out of her face and waved over to her. “Yes, I apologize too.”

Finish took a shaky breath. “It is fine! I assume this is normal for the two of you.”

“Heh heh, not during shoots, no.” She slid off of him, landing deftly onto her hooves. “Alright, big guy, I think we’ve had our fill.”

“I haven’t!” He whined playfully. “You said you’d stuff me, remember!”

“After the shoot, sweetie pie.” Orange put herself against him and began to push. Silver rushed over, giving Big a playful slap on his ass, and helped push him along.

“Man, that was hot,” Wide Lens whispered.

“Yes, it was.”

“What?”

Finish looked over. “You said something?”

He blinked. “I… was talking to myself.”

Finish froze completely. Oh my stars, I just said that it was hot, and Wide Lens was right next to me! He’s gotta know for sure! I’ve ruined any chance of anonymity. I might as well just go into the center of the room and proclaim that I love fat ponies, and maybe they’d all pile onto me to welcome me into their circle, and I could reach Fanny and Coco at the same time and—

“I didn’t quite catch what you said.”

...Oh. I guess I won’t be doing that, then. “I said the shoot was going well.”

“Oh, isn’t’t it just?” He stroked the camera. “We’ve got a lot of pictures tolook at. I couldn’t be happier.”

“I am happy for you,” she said with a pained smile.

“And I really want to thank you again for lending us this camera.” He rubbed the frame of it up and down. “It’s a marvellous machine.”

“It has been with me for over ten years,” Finish shared. “I am glad it is able to serve you well.”

He nodded to her, and then turned to the models. “Alrighty, that’s everyone.”

“Wait, no it isn’t,” Silver said. “Coco Pommel hasn’t gone yet.”

All eyes fell onto Coco. Finish watched the familiar scene of Coco’s eyes widening, and her backing away, scuffing the ground, and looking down at the ground.

“You okay, dear?” Fanny asked.

Coco closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and looked back at them all. “I’m fine. I-I’ll do a few shots.”

Nopony said anything as Coco walked with shaky legs over to the couch. Her body shook with each step, her fat quivering with anxiety. She climbed up onto the couch and lay down, The couch creaking softly underneath her.

“U-um…” She looked over at Finish. “I-Is this okay?”

Finish took a very deep breath This is Coco’s first photo shoot. I’m going to have a picture of Coco Pommel in my room! She is going to look marvellous—

And what about everything behind her?

That thought made her smile leave her face. Finish just couldn’t ignore it: the off-white walls, the smeared floor, the cheap couch. Coco wouldn’t be enough to carry that by herself. Still, I can just cut that out.

Ah, yes, that you could.

“It’s okay, Coco,” Dark told her. “Relax.”

“You’ll be fine!” Pineapple shouted.

“There’s nothing to worry about,” Big Wig said.

“We’re right here for you,” French added.

Coco took another deep breath. Her body eased up, but didn’t completely relax. The first shot went off and she stiffened completely, her eyes bugged and her lips twisted in the most awkward position.

“Ooh, yeah,” Wide Lens said, slowly peering out of the cloth. “That was a good first shot!”

Coco, however, looked away. “I’m sorry. I must’ve looked so awkward.”

“No no no,” Fanny said, rushing forward. “Really, it’s okay. It was just nerves, you know. Shake it off. It only gets better from here.”

“Yeah!” Everypony around her cheered her on.

Coco gulped. “O-Okay.”

“Deep breaths, Coco,” Black Forest cooed from the sidelines.

Everypony watched as Coco took several deep breaths. Finish, especially, watched as her chest puffed up and down like a quail’s, her belly expanded with each breath, her cheeks filled up just slightly with every inhale. Then Coco gave Wide Lens the nod.

“I think I’m ready.”

“Here we go,” Wide Lens called out. “Three, two, one..."

"Wait." Finish walked over to him. "I'd like to take the shots this time."

"Ooh, of course!" Wide Lens ducked out of the cloth and let Finish have the camera back.

When she peered in, she saw Coco had tensed up even more. I must not worry about this. The others will help her to calm down. I am sure of this. I just need to do my job. "We begin... now!"

And then the flashes came. Everypony watched as Coco smiled and posed as best as she could. Everypony around her quietly cheered as each picture was taken.

But as Finish watched, she noticed the subtle signs Coco was making. Coco’s breaths were deep, but they weren’t calm; they were, rather, the deep breaths of someone constantly trying to stay calm. She saw the shaking of her hooves and ears. She saw the gaze she gave the camera, watching it as if it was a predator, wondering what its next move would be.

She’s beautiful, but still too nervous.

Perhaps you should say something to calm her down.

If the other girls can’t help her, nopony will.

“Okay, Coco, I think that’s good enough,” Fanny told her.

“Oh, thank Celestia!” Coco leapt off of the couch and began trotting away.

“Wait.” Coco stopped as Black Forest walked forward. “Why don’t we get some shots together?”

“What!?” Coco’s shout was hoarse, verging on a scream but just barely kept under control. “B-But you’re so talented at this, and I’m—”

“I would love to get a few pictures with you.”

Coco stammered. “But I’ve never modelled before—”

“And that is why we are practicing, Coco.”

“But you’re so beautiful—”

“And so are you, Coco.” She gave a wink to Finish. “You just showed us all, right Photo Finish?”

Finish beamed. “Of course! It was a bit rough, but it is nothing practice won’t be able to fix!”

Now is not the time for that!

For what?

Black Forest shook her head and continued. “Please.”

Coco’s blush intensified, and she looked from Black Forest to Finish to Black again. “Are you sure?”

“Of course, my darling.” She waved Coco over. “Let’s get a few shots together.”

Coco hesitated further.

I-I have to try again. To cheer her on!

“You can do it, Coco Pommel.”

Coco looked over at her boss.

“I believe in you.”

Coco’s eyes widened, and it looked like she would pass out. “Uh, um… O-Okay, I’ll give it another shot.”

“Fabulous.” Black Forest passed Coco and led them back to the couch.

Finish looked around the room. Wide Lens was still underneath the cloth, his hooves running around the camera, admiring its craftsmanship. The other models were cheering Coco on, stomping their hooves in support. Black Forest looked past Coco to give Finish a nod and another wink. But just past her, Finish saw Fanny glaring daggers at her.

What is her problem now? I didn’t do anything wrong. I urged Coco to get into the modelling scene, and I didn’t insult her. Fanny has no reason to be mad at me.

You don’t think you made a mistake just now?

Whatever. Let’s focus on Coco and Black Forest instead.

Finish shifted her attention to the pair, and found Black Forest resting on her rump, her belly pooling into her lap. Coco was on the other side, slowly making her way onto the couch. Ooh, I must get into a better position for this! Finish walked back to the camera, bumping into French Vanilla along the way (incurring another glare, this time from Dark Chocolate).

Once she was there, she watched the scene unfold. Black Forest helped Coco onto the couch, and then whispered some instructions to her. Coco nodded and rolled over, back down and belly up. Then the more experienced model took Coco’s head, and rested it on her massive tummy. Coco’s blushed only deepened, even more so when Black rested her foreleg on Coco’s own belly. And the scene was set, with Black Forest being used as a pillow for Coco’s head.

“There we are, darling,” Black Forest cooed. “Comfortable?”

Coco’s blush made her glow red. She stammered an “uh-huh” while rocking her head side to side, making herself as comfortable as possible.

“So beautiful,” Black Forest whispered. “Don’t you agree, Photo Finish?”

“Huh?” she grunted as ungracefully as one could.

Black Forest looked over with a smirk. “Your girl here. She is beautiful, no?”

Finish gulped. She looked over at Coco, who was staring at her, waiting for an answer. “Uh-uhm—”

But before she could answer, a lot happened in a short amount of time. The frame on the couch snapped in half, sending Black Forest and Coco to the ground. Coco bounced off of the larger mare’s belly and rolled onto her own belly. She hit the ground with a *thud* that shook the studio. Black Forest herself stabilized like flan after her drop.

Coco, meanwhile, shook like gelatin. It took Finish a moment to snap out of watching the mass of flesh jiggling before she sprung into action, rushing forward to help Coco to her hooves. And not a moment too soon, as most of the other models galloped to help Black Forest to her legs. Only Fanny and Orange Creme helped Finish get Coco stable.

“Are you alright?” Finish and Fanny asked together.

Coco shook her head clear. “Oh my stars, I’m so sorry!”

“Oh, don’t be sorry, honey!” Fanny wrapped her meaty forelegs around her and pulled her into a hug. “It wasn’t your fault. It was mine.”

“What do you mean, Fanny?” Orange asked.

“It’s that couch. It was all I could find on such short notice.” She sighed, her body sagging heavily with exhaustion. “Don’t y’all worry none. I’m sure once Red Gala arrives, me and her can get that reinforced.”

Finish didn’t say anything, instead rubbing Coco’s back to calm her down.

“Are you girls okay?” Wide Lens asked, rushing over to help.

“I am fine,” Black Forest said with a tinge of irritation. “Coco?”

“Um… Y-Yes.” She looked down at the ground.

“Hey, cheer up,” Wide said, raising her chin. “We got some great pictures with you, and one stunning picture with you and Black Forest. Believe me, you did nothing wrong.”

Coco gave a small smile, but a quick glance to Finish wiped it clean. “I’m sorry, Photo Finish. I don’t know what—”

“It is fine,” Finish said quickly. “As long as you are safe, then I am happy.”

“You are?” French asked.

Finish looked back at her. “Yes, I am.” She looked back at Coco, who was scuffing the ground, a light blush on her face.

“So now what?” French asked, her voice timid with shock.

“Now we put everything on hold,” Wide Lens said, walking over to them straight and tall. “It’s no use dwelling on this, right? Come, let’s not be sad! Let’s go out and get something to eat.”

Everypony murmured to themselves, several of them giving looks to Fanny. Fanny was too busy comforting Coco.

“I think that’s a great idea!” Black Forest cheered. “We should all celebrate our being here. We know the camera works, right? And we know we can strut our stuff. Why don’t we get a nice meal?”

Everypony cheered in agreement, even Coco. Fanny gave her a warm smile before letting her go. “Alright, ladies, shall we?” Everypony began to shuffle out the door, until it was just Finish, Coco, Fanny and Black Forest.

“Say, uh, Finish,” Fanny began. “You were a big help today, you know.”

Finish beamed. “Thank you, Fanny Pancake. It is what I do.”

“And, well, I think you’re welcome to come eat with us.” Fanny scratched the back of her head. “Although some of us really… well, we’re not exactly the cleanest of eaters, you know? And we eat a lot. And when I say a lot, I mean a lot.”

Finish nodded. “I understand.”

“But I think it would be fun,” Black Forest added. “Don’t you, my dear Coco?”

Finish looked over, and saw an expression she hadn’t seen before. This wasn’t mere nervousness; this was dread. “Um… Actually, I think it may be a bit too messy for Photo Finish.”

Finish felt her heart sank. Coco, what are you doing?

“I don’t think you’d enjoy yourself.”

Well, you’d think wrong, young lady! I would most certainly—

Now now, don’t rush it. If Coco doesn’t want you to go, then you don’t go.

But she has no good reason to keep me away!

How do you know that?

She had no answer. “Oh, of course. I would not want to make anypony uncomfortable. I will pack up the camera and head on home, and we can try again soon, ja?”

Fanny sighed, this time in relief. So you never wanted me to go after all. “Sure thing, honey. Again, I really appreciate everything you’re doing for us.”

Finish nodded without saying anything.

“Alright, ladies!” Fanny shouted. “Shall we be off?” With that, she bounded out the door. Black Forest sauntered after her, stopping to whisper in Finish’s ear:

“I am not impressed.”

And then she left. Coco trudged after them all, not even looking back at Finish, her head downcast. Once they were gone, Finish walked over, slowly put her camera away perfectly, and trudged home herself.

This was rough.

Don’t let this get you down. You did several great things tonight.

Coco drove me away. Fanny didn’t want me there. Black Forest is disappointed in me.

But the shoot went well. The camera functioned just as it should, the models were all delectable, Wide Lens understood everything going on.

But Coco drove me away.

It will all come in due time.

But why did she keep me away?

We’ll find out tomorrow, okay? You have several pictures’ worth of material at hoof.

She smiled. “Yes, I have the pictures. I will develop them, and then I’ll have them to myself.”

But as she continued walking home, she couldn’t help but feel the pain of Coco telling her not to come. Coco, who she wanted to be close to, who she tried to uphold that night, had pushed her away. And it didn’t stop bothering her for the rest of the night, depriving her of any sleep.

Behind Closed Doors

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A Little Cream for a Lotta Coco

Chapter 20: Behind Closed Doors

Sunlight poured onto the newly developed photographs, illuminating the blubbery ponies in all of their glory. Most of the pictures showed the models staring with confidence at the camera, despite being on a cheap couch in a dirty room; they were happy to be there among friends, no doubt, having as much fun as they could in that single moment. The rest of the pictures showed Coco Pommel, who, despite her best efforts, couldn’t hide her fear from Photo Finish. Even with that fear, the sunlight showered the photo, and Coco glowed with beauty.

Finish stared at the pictures for a few precious seconds, watching the sunlight crawling over them with the sun’s rising, imagining it was her body crawling along their bodies. Once it touched her own skin, her mind jolted awake.

I’m late!

She bolted out of her chair and rushed into the shower. The initial blast of cold water made her gasp, and the weariness from the night’s work vanished.

There we go. Good as new.

But to what purpose?

For work, of course. You can’t dwell on last night forever.

I am aware of this.

You still have a career to nurture. You cannot let that get away from you.

I know. And Coco will be there.

And just as plump as ever.

But will she be too bloated? That night at Pies in the Skies was—

She is in the care of professional eaters. She will not overdo it with them there.

You’re absolutely right.

Her mind quieted after that, and she showered, dried, and dressed herself with a tingling anticipation. Coco’s pictures lay on the table, where Finish had ogled her beauty all night. She knew, though, that it wouldn’t compare to seeing her in three dimensions, and within her professionally-clean studio instead of the dirty one.

Breakfast consisted of a few pieces of toast, and after that she gathered up all of the pictures from last night, stuffed them in her satchel, and grabbed her camera and a few extra rolls of film. She had only forty-five minutes to get everything set up for work as she trotted out the door.

The walk to work was mostly uneventful. The morning was cooler than normal, with the sky slightly overcast. As usual for overcast days, civilians and tourists that had stayed the night stayed at home; only the store owners and early-bird workers were moving about. In fact, some of the workers watched with surprise as Photo Finish hurried her way to her studio much later than normal. She ignored them as much as possible as she cantered to work.

As she passed Ginger Street, she saw Ginger Snap serving Coco Pommel in the cafe window. She just barely caught a glimpse of the interaction as she sped along, but that was enough for her to see that Coco had, indeed, grown since last night. Her belly and chest squished against her legs, the tops of her forelegs partially obscured by her bulbous chest. Her rump was really beginning to sag now, just past the point where gravity began misshaping it. Her back had one new roll on it, and a small roll at that, but it was a thick roll nonetheless. Her neck sported a double chin that supported her fat cheeks, which were beaming with delight at the conversation she was having with the barista.

But she didn’t linger to stare for long, or go in and talk to them. Her desire to be near the fatter mare could not overcome her need to get to work on time. The rest of the canter to work had no interruptions, and she entered her studio thirty-seven minutes before it opened for business.

Pins N’ Needles would be there in seven minutes, so Finish hurried to get the pictures in her office, just to avoid any possibility of anypony seeing them. Before she could reach her office, though, there was a knock at her front door.

“Huh?” She whipped around to see Fleur’s photographer, Perfect Pixels, standing at the entrance. Oh no, what does he want?

Probably something to do with one of Fleur’s ideas, like last time.

She trotted over and opened the door. “My friend Pixels—”

“May I come in?”

She blinked. “Er, we will not be open for—”

“Another thirty-six minutes,” he interrupted. “You and I need to have a talk, and it can’t wait.”

Finish harrumphed. “If it is that important—”

“It is.”

“Then come on in.” She moved out of his way and let him step inside. She noticed his satchel, and began to sweat.

Every photographer has a satchel, Photo Finish. You shouldn’t be jumping to conclusions so soon. “Did Fleur not come with you?”

“No. She is asleep at this time.”

“Ah.” Finish scuffed the ground. “So what are you here to talk about?”

“Last night.”

“Last night?”

“Yes,” he continued, pulling his satchel open. “With the Blubber Lovers ensemble.”

She froze. Oh goddesses, he knows!

I-I-I don’t know what to say.

I don’t know what to do!

“So you know what I’m talking about.” He passed her a few photographs. “You were seen last night in front of a building with the models found in the Blubber Lovers magazine, and talking with a photographer.”

She looked at the photographs, and immediately noticed the twigs around the edges. Damn it all, he was hiding in a bush. It undeniably showed her in front of the blubber lovers, talking to Wide Lens. One was zoomed in on her and Wide Lens, and another was zoomed in on Coco Pommel, standing next to Black Forest.

“You can’t deny that you were there.”

She resisted the urge to tremble in front of him. “You are right. I was there.”

“Why?”

Finish thought for a moment. What is he looking for? He certainly doesn’t think I was there for any sort of lewd reason, right? He wouldn’t know that I lust after them, that I have their magazines… wait a minute. Perhaps he’s a blubber lover as well?

“Let me ask you a question first.”

“Okay.”

“How do you know what magazine they come from?”

He scoffed. “Trust me, it’s not by choice. I have had the pleasure of meeting that whale of a mare a few years ago. Nopony could miss that freakshow walking through the streets, blocking normal ponies’ pathways. She had a few copies of that magazine in her bag. It’s no stretch of the imagination to conclude that everypony there, save you, Coco and the other photographer, was either a model for that magazine, or they were being recruited.

“Am I wrong, Photo Finish?”

Finish fought the urge to tremble with the blood boiling in her veins. This pompous ass! How dare he speak about them like that!

Hold your reins, Photo Finish. Remember, he’s from Canterlot. This type of behavior is normal.

No, I must say something.

Don’t. Photo Finish, you can’t ruin your reputation with an outburst against him. Keep your cool.

She took a deep breath. “No, you are right. They were there to set up a photo shoot.”

“And why were you and Coco there?”

“To… they requested our assistance.”

“And you agreed?”

“Obviously.”

Perfect shook his head. “I’m sorry you had to endure that. That must’ve been rough, what with all of that fatty flesh all around you.”

Well, it would’ve actually been soft, you clod.

“Perhaps you should politely tell them you won’t help them anymore.”

Finish took a small, sharp breath. “And why should I do that?”

“Why shouldn’t you?”

She balked.

“How does helping a bunch of gluttons help your career? How does it enrich Canterlot to have these humongous ponies parade around a camera? This kind of behavior can’t be encouraged, after all.”

“Who said I was encouraging it?”

“You are most certainly condoning it.” He shook his head. “I don’t know why, but if other ponies were to find out that you were spending your time around these gluttonous beings, who knows what they would think of you?”

Finish looked down at the ground.

“They’d think you’re losing your mind, of course.” He patted her on the shoulder. “They’d be disgusted by it, and you wouldn’t get any clients that would actually help advance your career. It would end badly for you.”

She sighed. “I understand what you are saying—”

“Excellent!” He walked past her. “It’s something for you to consider. But let me just say this: Fleur de Lys is the most prominent and promising client you’ve ever had, is that right?”

“Y-Yes.”

“If I feel that you’re losing your mind, I’ll tell her it’s not worth it to shoot with you.”

She whipped around. “You can’t make that decision for her!” she shouted.

“Oh, but I can.” He adjusted his satchel so that she’d notice. “As a fellow photographer and a family-friend, she trusts me to know what’s best for her in this regard.”

She scoffed, but the words to respond wouldn’t come out.

“I believe we’re finished,” he said cheerfully. “Adieu, Photo Finish.” He opened the door. “You first, my dear.”

“Thank you,” came the voice of Pins N’ Needles, who walked right past him. “I see you and Photo Finish had some business.”

He left without saying anything.

“Rude.” She walked over to Finish. “I assume everything went well between you two.”

“Excuse me, I need to yell.”

“As you wish.” Pins walked over to her station and began setting everything up.

Finish walked away to her office, her hooves trembling underneath her. Once inside, she threw her satchel at her chair, locked the door behind her, and screamed as loudly as she could.

Damn it all! How did it come to this? He’s won. The paparazzo has won.

This is bad. This is very, very bad.

Her inner monologue repeated the same thing over and over, even as she lost her energy from her screaming, even as she slumped down in her chair, even as she sat there, listening to her employees coming in one after another, chatting with one another, at first getting their pleasantries out of the way, and then wondering where Photo Finish was.

Finally, as it neared five minutes to working time, and her mind continued repeating the same hopeless words, she heard a voice that caught her attention.

“Good morning, Pins!”

“My dear Coco, hello.”

Finish rose from her chair. There’s Coco. She will wonder where I’m at.

Indeed. We can’t hide from her.

You’re right. We must get back to work. If not for our sake, but for hers. And for the sake of our employees.

Perfect Pixels has the advantage for now, but I, Photo Finish, will not be defeated so easily!

She pulled out the Blubber Lovers photos from her satchel and slipped them into a folder. “There. Now I can deliver it to them without a problem.” With a crack of her neck, she kicked the door open.

“I, Photo Finish… have arrived!”

Everypony looked at her, no doubt confused on why she had been in there for so long.

“We are off to a late start,” she said simply. “That is all you need to know. Carry on!”

They all immediately got back to their work, this demand being more in line with her character. Coco and Pins got to work setting up their station, the latter giving her a lingering glance. Finish watched her until the seamstress looked away, and then took a few more seconds to ogle Coco behind her goggles.

Ooh, yes, this is most exquisite. You have certainly grown, my dear. No matter what Perfect Pixels or Fleur de Lys do to me, no matter what resources they have, I will not relinquish you so easily. You have grown on me, Coco, and hopefully I can make that happen literally. With you on top of me, scarfing down all the food you can handle.

Coco looked over and gave her a nervous smile. Finish nodded to her and walked away, speedily setting up everything she needed to, in a flurry of flourishes that only Photo Finish could deftly deliver.

The first few hours went by without any problems. Three relatively undemanding models entered her studio, and every one of her employees were in top form to take care of them. This included Coco, who, despite her weight, could handle her needle and thread just fine, and deliver dresses to the models without wrinkling or stepping on them. The models made light comments about her weight, but it was more for curiosity’s sake than for insult.

Coco, of course, shirked away at the comments. The models all apologized to her and told her that they didn’t mean any harm, but she told them that apologies weren't necessary, and that she herself was sorry. “She must be sensitive about her weight,” they told Finish once Coco was out of earshot.

“Yes, quite,” Finish said, watching Coco out of the corner of her eye. What in Equestria has gotten into her now? She watched as Coco looked over to her, and then immediately looked away. First she was cheerful, and now she’s nervous. This time, it’s not the models’ fault. They obviously meant no harm, and they apologized to her. What more does she want?

I don’t know. Why don’t you ask her?

Coco looked over again, and then immediately looked away. That is a great idea.

“Coco!”

Coco jumped in place, causing her belly to bounce and sway underneath her. “Y-Yes, Photo Finish?”

“Can we speak in the backrooms, please?”

The rest of the employees quieted down; they all knew from experience that a backroom talking to meant that something was seriously wrong. Coco, lacking this experience, was nonetheless anxious. “Y-Yes, Photo Finish. I’m coming.”

Finish made her way to the backrooms, and waited in the hallway as Coco waddled her way over to her. One of the models giggled at the sight, but another one of them jabbed her in the chest to stop her. Finish waited a moment for Coco to catch her breath before taking them both back to the room, specifically the one where they had shared their tiramisu.

Before Finish could speak, Coco stammered an “I’m sorry.”

Finish resisted the urge to sigh. “For what?” she asked in the most pleasant tone she could muster.

“F-For being so awkward, and for making the models uncomfortable.”

“No, Coco, you did not make the models uncomfortable.” She watched as Coco scuffed the ground. “You did not notice, but they were being polite.”

Coco nodded slowly. “O-Okay, Photo Finish. I guess I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Do you have something else on your mind?” Finish asked with a leery smile. “Your dinner from last night, perhaps?”

At the mention of that, Coco clammed up.

“Coco?” Finish raised her chin with her hoof. “I am asking you how your dinner was last night.”

“Oh, i-it was f-fine.”

A cold feeling began forming in Finish’s stomach. “Did something happen?”

“What!?” Coco shook her head rapidly, sending her cheeks and double chin wobbling. “No, of course not! Everypony was so kind, and the food was—” She clammed up.

“The food was what?”

“Oh,” she continued with a blush. “I-It was fine.”

She’s blushing? Does that mean… does that mean that things turned romantic last night? Did she hook up with some other pony? Or is food beginning to become romantic to her? Finish flicked her tail idly. “And what did everypony think of the photo shoot?”

“Most of the ponies enjoyed it.” Coco grew more nervous in front of her. “Fanny… well, she seemed upset about the set.”

“And she’s not the only one,” Finish confessed. “It needs some tender loving care.”

“Y-Yeah.”

“Go on.”

“Oh, Black Forest and Pineapple Prize weren’t in a good mood about how last night went, either. They wouldn’t tell me why.”

Probably wanted her to enjoy her meal with them. “And everypony else?”

“They said it seemed fine.”

She’s telling the truth. “Did anypony have anything to say about me?”

“Well, Dark—” She stopped talking immediately.

Right, Dark doesn’t like me at all. “Was Dark the only one?”

“No, Black Forest thought you were…”

“Thought I was what?”

“...A bit too uptight.”

“Uptight!?”

“But-But Fanny stuck up for you!”

Finish blinked. “She did?”

“Yeah, she said you were a great help last night.”

Finish began pacing. Uptight? What does Black Forest mean by ‘uptight’?

I don’t think Coco would tell us if we went and asked her.

No, she wouldn’t. I’ll have to talk with her myself.

But can you believe it? Fanny Pancake of all ponies having your back.

Yes, I think we’re making progress. With her. But not with Coco. She looked back at Coco, who was getting antsy as she watched Photo Finish walk back and forth. Pacing’s not getting me anywhere.

She stopped. “Well, as long as nopony harmed you, and you enjoyed yourself, I am happy for you.”

“Thanks,” Coco said with barely a whisper.

I know you’re upset, but we must deal with that earlier issue, Coco. “Coco, do you feel that one of the other models talked badly about you?”

“Well, not really. It’s just a little embarrassing.”

“What do you mean, ‘embarrassing?’ You are a big girl, and they were just pointing that out.”

Coco retreated from this last fact. “U-Um… I’m sorry.”

Finish could feel her temper beginning to rise. “For what?”

“I…” Coco looked away.

I can’t tell why she’s upset.

Perhaps it’s something that you said.

No, it can’t be! I have done everything perfectly! I—I—

“Perhaps… it is something that I did?”

Coco’s eyes bugged. “Of course not! You didn’t do anything wrong!”

“I do not believe you,” Finish responded. “Coco, if I have done something untoward to you, then please tell me.”

Coco began forming tears in her eyes. “I-I mean it. You’ve been nothing but kind to me, and I-I’m just a nervous wreck.”

Finish took a second to let them both breathe. This tells me nothing.

No, this tells you that she’s nervous.

But it doesn’t tell me why she’s nervous.

Then you have to pry it out of her. You’ve seen how much she’s been clamming up today. Something is really bothering her.

Finish placed a hoof on Coco’s wither, idly running it through her rolls of fat. “Coco, would you please tell me why you are nervous?”

Coco stared at her for a second, and then deflated with a long exhale.”It was just an embarrassing night.”

“Night?” Finish tilted her head. “You mean last night, yes?”

“Yeah, and I shouldn’t have been embarrassed.” Coco looked down. “I mean, I had fun, and we ate with friends, but… I just don’t have the confidence that you and the other girls do.”

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, making Coco jump in place. Finish rolled her eyes inwardly and opened the door herself, revealing Glitz and Glamour, her manestylist.

“I’m sorry for interrupting,” she said briskly, “but somepony is here to see you. She is not as large as that other mare was, but she is hefty.”

Finish blinked. “Oh, I see.” Which of the Blubber Lovers is here today, I wonder? It must be Black Forest, here to chastise me some more. She nodded to Glitz. “Thank you. I will be right out.” Once Glitz left, she turned to Coco. “It looks like you and I have some business with the girls from last night.”

Coco blanched. “I see.”

“Coco, did something really happen last night?”

Coco scuffed the ground. “K-Kinda.”

“Then let us take care of it.” Without waiting for a response from Coco, she walked out the door and down the hall. Alright, somepony hurt Coco, and it’s time for me to get to the bottom of this.

“P-Please don’t be mad,” Coco begged as she waddled behind her. “I-It’s not their fault, I—”

But once they rounded the corner, they both stopped. Coco stopped her begging, and Finish felt the anger inside her dissipate. It was not Black Forest Cake at all, but rather French Vanilla standing right at the doorway, trying her best to hide from the workers inside.

What is she doing here? I thought she was afraid of me.

She doesn’t look particularly brave at this moment. I don’t see Dark Chocolate anywhere.

Most peculiar. Perhaps… perhaps what happened between her and Coco is the reason Coco’s upset this morning? If that’s the case, I don’t think she would’ve meant it.

There’s only one way to find out.

She trotted over to her, Coco following behind as fast as she could waddle. “French Vanilla!” she said in the most cheerful tone she could.

French squeaked. “Oh, H-Hello there, Mademoiselle Photo Finish.”

Finish smiled at her. “Come, there is no need to be timid here. What can we do for you?”

“H-Hi, French,” Coco said, her voice no longer full of nervousness.

“Oh, Coco!” French immediately perked up, and pushed past Finish to hug her. “How are you, my friend?”

Coco hugged her back, their bodies squishing against one another. “I’m wonderful. How are you?”

“I’m…” Her cheerfulness vanished. “Oh, I’m sorry, I do not mean to cause a scene in front of your boss.”

Finish shook her head, hoping it would clear her blush. “How was your dinner last night?”

French hesitated before speaking. “It was fine. We all had a good time. I had forgotten how delicious Canterlot food was.”

“You did?” Finish asked, leaning into the question. It doesn’t sound like Coco’s problem is with French.

“Oui,” French continued, oblivious to the lean-in. “And Coco Pommel was wonderful company last night!”

Coco looked away from them both.

“Oh,” French continued, seeing Coco’s shyness. “But you were so embarrassed at how much you ate. I wish you would not be so tense.”

Ooh, so it’s with how she ate. How very interesting. “And how did Coco eat last night?”

It was French’s turn to look away. “I’m sorry, I do not wish to make her more embarrassed.”

“I’m sorry.”

French blinked. “Whatever for?”

Coco looked over at Finish, and then to French. “Actually, can we talk about that in private?”

“Oh, of course.” French looked over at Finish. “Would you mind giving us a moment?”

Finish smiled so widely, her jaws began to ache. “Of course!” You may use one of the back rooms.”

“Come with me.” Coco led the way, and French followed in step. Finish watched their rumps swaying from side to side as they walked past all of the employees, who were doing their best to keep at their work and sneak glances at them at the same time. Her heart beat faster as they disappeared in the hallway.

Then Finish took off after them.

What are you doing?

I am going to hear what’s going on between them.

But they’re having a private conversation.

Coco is upset about something, and they’re not willing to talk about it in front of me. I must know what it is, for Coco’s sake.

For her sake, or for yours?

She peeked around the hallway corner, and waited until the two disappeared into one of the rooms before making her way to the door herself. As quietly as she could, she turned the knob and pushed it open. Now let’s hear what they have to say.

“Coco, please. You have nothing to be sorry for.”

“No, I do. I was so nervous last night.”

“You did come from your first photo shoot. It’s natural to be nervous.”

“But not at a friendly dinner.”

“Oh, you were nervous at the dinner? But you ate like a queen! A most impressive amount.”

Ooh, Goddesses, I should’ve been there!

“I know, and that… well…”

“I don’t understand. Did we make you nervous?”

“No, of course not!”

“It’s okay to say yes. Truth be told, I was nervous as well.”

“You were?”

“Your boss. She’s so intimidating.”

Finish cringed. I already knew this, though it hurts every time I hear it.

“Yeah, she can be a bit scary at times.”

Is that how you truly feel about me, Coco?

It could just be your reputation. She wouldn’t be the first pony to say that you’re scary.

“B-But she really does mean well. She wouldn’t do anything to hurt you or the others.”

“Oh, Coco,” French continued in a weary tone. “You don’t have the experience to say such things.”

Experience? What does she mean by that?

“I have been around fancy ponies like that before, and I have been hurt by them.”

“Oh my goodness, I’m sorry! I had no idea.”

“It’s fine, mez ami. Please forgive me if I am not as comfortable around Photo Finish as you are.”

Coco didn’t respond.

“But we are not talking about me,” French continued, her tone losing its weariness. “Please, what made you nervous last night?”

“I-It really wasn’t you. It was… well, there were so many other ponies watching us last night.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I should’ve realized sooner. That is such a blunder on my part.”

So that’s it. It wasn’t any of the Blubber Lovers. That’s a relief.

“And who knows who was watching us. If Photo Finish watched me eat like that, she would’ve been so shocked. I might’ve lost my job!”

Finish threw her hoof against her throat, to stop a laugh from escaping. Fired for eating like a pig? Not likely, my dear.

“So Photo Finish is just like everypony else, then.”

“N-No, not at all! I mean…”

“It’s okay. You are in a tough position, my dear Coco. I don’t envy you. But please remember that you have friends on the outside who’ll look after you, no matter what anypony else thinks.”

“I know. I really appreciate all of your company.”

Finish just so happened to peek inside to catch French giving Coco a peck on the cheek. Oh yes, please, give me more. She saw Coco blushing as French pulled away.

“So,” Coco began breathily. “What did you need to talk to Photo Finish about?”

It was French’s turn to grow nervous. “Oh, w-well, it was about last night.”

They didn’t talk for a moment, and Finish felt that it was time to enter the room. She pulled away from the door and knocked on it.

“Yes?” Coco called out. “Coming!”

Finish pushed the door open before Coco could even take a waddling step. “Are you ladies done with your conversation?” She watched from behind Coco as French looked away from her.

“Yeah, I think we’re done,” Coco said. “French?”

“Oui,” she said quietly. “Your timing is… rather impeccable, Photo Finish. Showing up just as we’re finishing,” she said with a dejected tone.

Finish chuckled. “Well, you see—”

“Oh, Photo Finish is very good with timing,” Coco interrupted. “She has a sixth sense for that sort of thing.” She turned to her boss. “You get used to it after a while.”

Finish’s smile widened beyond her control. Thank you for covering for me, Coco. I’m glad you’re getting used to me.

“I’m glad we had a chance to talk, Coco.”

“Me too,” Coco responded, looking over her shoulder. Finish noted how much her cheek squished into the back of her neck. “Um, should I stay for your conversation?”

Finish waited for French to answer first, but she kept quiet. French must really be nervous.

Well, you know why. She isn’t trusting of high-class ponies like myself.

Well, if there was ever a good time to give her a reason to trust me, it’s now. “Do you want that, Miss Vanilla?”

French scuffed the ground. “I… I think I’d rather it just be the two of us.”

“Oh.” Coco turned back to her after a moment’s thought. “Okay. I’ll be outside if you need anything.” She waddled out the door past Photo Finish, and closed it behind her.

“So!” Finish began with the same cheerful tone from earlier. “What may I do for you, my friend?”

French gave her a queer look before looking back at the ground. “I, um, wanted to speak with you about the photo shoot from last night.”

Finish tilted her head. “But should Coco have been sent out for that? After all, she was a part of the shoot as well.”

Finish grimaced. Great, way to make her feel bad, Photo Finish. “Y-you are right, of course. I didn’t want Coco to get the impression that something wrong happened last night. Especially because she thought she messed up.”

“Something wrong?” Finish chanced a step forward, which only caused the model to take a step back. “Did somepony insult you last night?”

French gasped. “Non, nothing of the sort! You were so professional and accommodating, and Coco was so polite.”

“Then… did something happen to Coco that I should know about?”

“Non.”

“Then what—” Don’t rush it, Photo Finish. You see how nervous she is. She quieted herself, waiting for French to continue.

“I… I came to apologize to you.”

Finish’s jaw dropped agape. “Apologize? For what?”

“For how I acted last night.” She scuffed the ground once more. “Dark Chocolate would say I have nothing to apologize for, but I do. That’s why I came here alone. Please don’t be mad.”

This is certainly unexpected, but I should probably let her finish before I say anything. “I am listening.”

French blanched a bit before continuing. “I was so nervous last night with you there, I acted completely unprofessionally. I didn’t talk to you, and I hid myself from you as much as possible.”

Yes, I noticed that.

“Oh. I didn’t think you did.”

She realized that she had said that out loud. “But please, continue.”

French took a deep breath before continuing. “But then at dinner last night, Fanny told me about how you had no problems with us, and admittedly at first I didn’t believe it.”

“Understandable.”

French balked. “E-excuse me?”

“With how skinny the models I photograph are, and with how much Canterlot stresses skinniness, it makes sense that you would think I would have a problem with photographing a pony of your physique.”

French took another step back.

Patience, Photo Finish. “But I stand by my word. I do not have any problems with photographing you, or any of the other blubber lovers.”

French looked away. “I…”

“By the way,” Finish continued. “How was Coco last night?”

French instantly brightened up. “Oh, she was marvellous! Such a cute little mare, so polite and helpful and timid and smart!”

Of course she was timid—wait. “She was good with conversation?”

“Oh, she was so knowledgeable about the world. So many cities, so many cultures she wants to see!”

That’s right. She wants to travel.

French calmed down. “Oh, but she is so timid. I wish she could have some confidence.” She looked back at Finish, and then balked and shrunk away. “I’m sorry. That’s probably not what you want to hear. She knew her business well.”

Finish’s smile was uncontrollable. “I am fine with everything you have told me.”

“You are?”

“Of course! It was a great conversation.”

“I-It was? Are you… Oh, you don’t have to be polite, Photo Finish.”

“No, I am not just being polite. I do not wish for us to be opposed to one another, French Vanilla,” Finish continued. “I wish for us to cooperate. To… to be friends.”

French’s eyes widened. “Friends?”

“Of course! In fact, I would like to show you something.” She reached out for her hoof. “I want you to follow me.”

French stared at the hoof for some time. Then, without taking it, she walked forward and stepped next to Finish. “Okay.”

“Perfect!” Finish whipped around and pulled the door open…

…Causing Coco Pommel to fall to the ground.

“Bwah? Coco?” Finish shook her head to clear her mind of the surprise. “What are you doing?”

“Are you okay?” French reached down to push her up; Finish, snapping to attention, joined in.

“I’m sorry!” Coco stammered as she steadied her legs. “I couldn’t help it, I just had to listen—”

“It’s fine.” Finish patted her on her shoulder. “Are you okay?”

Coco chuckled softly. “Y-yeah, I’m fine.”

Finish rubbed her shoulder some more, admiring the softness of the flesh. As if electrified by the touch, a lightbulb went off in her head, “We are leaving this room, Coco.”

“Oh, sorry.” Coco turned around to walk out…

But Finish moved first, pushing her head against Coco’s rump and slowly walking her out. She heard an “Eep!” from Coco, but ignored it as she continued pushing. Inch by inch, she walked Coco out of the room, admiring how she sunk into Coco’s flesh, how the bottom of her cheeks weighed against her forehead. Emboldened, she moved her head just slightly towards the center of Coco’s rump.

Just a little bit at a time, and eventually I’ll slip in between Coco’s—

“Um, Photo Finish? We’ve cleared the doorway.”

Finish yanked herself away. “Ah yes of course!” She allowed Coco some time to get ahead, watching the tiny indent she had made in her flesh jiggle about. Then she looked back at French, who was staring at her.

Is she trying to figure me out? I suppose there’s no harm in that. She walked ahead, slowly enough that French could keep up, into her studio proper.

“Everypony!” she shouted. She heard French flinch behind her, but pressed on regardless. “Your attention!”

All of the employees stopped setting up for the next model to look over at her.

“How many of you have ever read the Memory Lane series?”

“O-Oh,” French mumbled behind her. “Y-You don’t need to—”

“I have!” Glitz and Glamour squee’d. “They’re really nice.”

“Me too! I have the whole set,” Helter Skelter, her makeup artist, proclaimed. Other ponies around her also said nice things about the book series. “Do you need them, Photo Finish?”

“Nein,” Finish answered with a wave of her hoof. She stepped out of the way to show French to them. “This is the author of the series.”

French quaked in her hooves. “Photo Finish, this is really not necessary!”

"Really? That's amazing!"

French stammered. “Huh?”

“I love your work,” Glitz told her, stomping her hooves for emphasis. “I wish I had brought a copy with me, so I could get your autograph.” Everypony else around her stomped their assent.

French chuckled nervously. “Please, you’re too kind.”

“What brings you here?” Glitz asked.

French began to stammer once more. She’s just nervous about her modelling. Glitz’s question wasn’t at all malicious. Perhaps Coco can explain to them—That’s it!

“She is Coco’s friend, of course,” Finish answered.

“Ph-Photo Finish!”

“Oh, really?” Glitz clapped her hooves together. “Coco, how’d you meet an author like her?”

It was Coco’s turn to stammer. “I, um, we met at a candy shop.”

“How delightful!” Glitz approached French with enthusiasm, and other ponies followed suit. “And what brings you here to Canterlot?”

Finish watched as French’s eyes began to bug, and she stepped back frantically. “B-Business. I just came here to-to-to visit Coco, that’s all.”

“Oh, well, don’t let us interrupt.” Glitz turned around. “Alright, everypony, back to work.” With much reluctance, the crowd dispersed.

Finish approached French with confidence. “See? You are not in any danger here, my dear.”

French chuckled with a nervous air. “Y-Yes, I see. Heh heh.”

“French,” Finish continued, chancing a hoof on her withers. Her big, soft withers. “I only wish for you to feel comfortable here. I know it is hard, but nopony here means you harm.”

French sighed. “I see. Th-Thank you.” She looked over at Coco, who was blushing. "Really, thank you."

Finish felt her smile waver. She is still nervous!

Yes, but you've made progress. Don't try and do too much at one time.

"I am happy to help."

French looked down at the ground. "I think it's time that I leave."

Finish nodded, fighting to keep the smile on her face. "Of course. You must be busy today."

French mumbled inaudibly.

"It was lovely talking to you." She leaned forward and kissed French on the cheek.

…

Oh my stars, what have I done!?

What in Tartarus, Photo Finish? I just told you to not to overdo it!

She tastes lightly of French Vanilla.

Celestia above, that's what you're thinking about? What about Dark? What about your reputation? What about Coco?

Finish watched, petrified, waiting for a reaction from French. The fat mare blinked once, then twice, and then leaned forward and reciprocated. She let the feeling wash over her: French's soft lips pushing against her cheek, her cheek just barely brushing against Finish’s snout, her double chin caressing Finish’s own. And once she pulled away, she looked into the fat mare's eyes for some sort of longing.

Okay, that was obviously a completely platonic kiss. One of custom, not one of romance.

You think she's caught on to the intent of your own kiss?

Celestia above, I hope not.

French curtsied to her. "Have a good day."

Finish felt her throat drying inside, so she merely nodded. French began walking, and then stopped suddenly. “Oh, wait, um, there is one more thing!”

“Yes?”

French scratched the back of her head, giving Finish a lopsided smile and a nervous chuckle. “Actually, Wide Lens told me you were developing our photos.”

Finish gasped. “You are right!” She galloped off to grabbed the photos from her office, feeling light as air. “Here you are,” she said, passing the folder to French’s hoof. “They are all done.”

“Merci, mez… Thank you, Photo Finish.” And with that, French took her leave, giving short, pleasant farewells to the employees as she left.

Once she was gone, Finish walked straight to Coco, whose face was red. "How do you suppose I did?"

"Huh?" Coco shook her head clear. "What do you mean?"

"Was that too much? You know French Vanilla far more than I do, so you would know if I went a little overboard at the end."

Coco scratched the back of her neck. "N-No, I think you're fine."

"Excellent!" Finish clapped her hooves together. There's at least this small victory. She began walking away, back to her office.

"Um, Photo Finish?"

She stopped. "Yes? What is it?"

Coco hesitated for a moment, and then began speaking. "That was really nice. You have a natural gift of making magic happen. I… I…"

"It is okay," Photo Finish said. "I think there's a lot of magic in you as well."

Coco blinked. "You do?"

"Yes." Finish approached her. "I just have not seen a lot of it yet."

"...Oh."

"But it will come in time," Finish hastily continued. "And I would like to show you how. Would you like to go on a d--"

Holy smokes, what are you doing? Are you trying to break the world record for fastest loss of a prize?

Finish saw Coco's eyes widen like dinner plates, and caught herself. "Dinner, with me?"

Coco's eyes didn't shrink. "Dinner?"

"Yes, a business dinner."

Coco's expression remained unchanged. "Um… I don't know. I mean, I've had two messy dinners in public already."

"Then we will have it in private."

"What?" Coco cleared her throat. "What?"

"At my place."

Coco stiffened up.

"Or at your place."

She stiffened up even more.

"Or here at the studio, even."

This caused Coco to relax. "Well, if it's here, we can talk about work--"

"No!" Finish pulled Coco in closer. "This is a friendly dinner, ja? I want to get to know you better."

Coco gasped softly. "Well…"

You have officially gone too far.

"I mean…"

You've pushed her too early, and now you're going to pay the price.

"That's fine."

Goodbye, Coco my sweet. I wish I could've held onto you for--wait, what?

"Yes?"

"Mmhmm. I'm not doing anything tonight, so I'm free."

"Oh, perfection!" Finish cooed. "Tonight at seven o'clock, yes?"

"It's a date."

They parted ways after that, and for the rest of the day, Finish focused only on helping out the models in her care. A few times she looked at Coco out of the corner of her eye, but never lingered.

I have taken many risks today, and I must not lose it by gambling too much. I, Photo Finish, must keep my composure until seven tonight. Then, the fun can begin.

Just remember not to overdo it this time.

Yes, of course. Okay, just a little bit of fun.

That's more like it. A little bit at a time, and you'll win Coco over.

The Ninth Incident

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The Ninth Incident

Finish entered the backroom just as French planted a kiss on Coco’s lips. They both looked at her, Coco with surprise, French with pure seduction. French pulled Coco away and waved Finish over.

“Well, Photo Finish, it’s so lovely to see you,” French said, reaching out for Finish. “You have been so stressed lately. Why don’t you come and hang out with us?”

Coco nodded, putting on her own seductive smile. “Yes, Photo Finish, I’d do anything to help you de-stress.”

Finish flicked her tail, and let French wrap her hoof around her neck. The model brought Finish in between herself and Coco, letting their chests squish her in. Finish cooed, even more so when they pressed harder into her. Their double chins rested on top of her head as they continued to make out.

“Ooh, yes,” Finish cooed. “That’s it, girls. Keep going. Coco, go in and bite her lip. Have confidence.”

French bit first and began suckling. Coco moaned and pushed herself even further forward, squishing Finish in even more.

“That’s it, French Vanilla, show me what you got.”

French giggled. “I’ve had a lot of practice from Dark Chocolate.”

Dark Chocolate. Ooh, if only she were here. How much saucier this would get. She’s come to me and, with her aggressiveness, tell me to get away from her mare, and then hit me...

Finish felt her own hoof slap against her face.

“It is getting harder and harder to slip into these moments.” She sighed, got up, made sure her tail would stay down, and unlocked her office. “Oh well. I have no reason to be upset.” She stepped out of her room and went back to work.

A Tasty Treat

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A Little Cream for a Lotta Coco

Chapter 21: A Tasty Treat

It had been a few hours since the studio had closed for the day, and everypony except for Photo Finish had gone home. Everything had been left immaculate, as was her standard for her employees. The backroom had been set up by herself for the two of them to dine in: fancy tablecloth, candles, fancy Bitalian background, music from her gramophone. It had been just like when they shared the tiramisu, and Finish hoped it would be just as enchanting this time.

But remember, this is a business dinner to her. There’s nothing romantic about it.

Yes, I know. I’m not going to rush this.

The time wore on, and Finish began pacing around her studio. “Stars above, where is the food? I ordered it a half-hour ago!”

Relax, Photo Finish. Proper quality food takes time to make, you know this.

You’re right.

Don’t get impatient.

Yet Finish continued pacing regardless. Minute after minute passed with nothing. At one point, she took a glance at the clock. “Coco will be here any minute.”

Do you think she’ll be dressed up for the night?

That would be silly. She can’t fit in anything!

That’s not true, and you know it—

And if she does, we’ll make sure she won’t be able to.

Business dinner, Photo Finish. Business dinner. She would be mortified if she were to ruin clothing right in front of you.

The studio doorbell rang, causing Finish to jump in place. “Stars above!” She galloped over to the door, causing the stallion standing there to frantically back up. “Yes?” She shouted as she pushed the door open.

“Uh, Buonasera,” the stallion said as he calmed down. “I am here with your delivery order Miss Photo Finish.”

She snatched it from him and left him a bag of bits. “Thank you very much,” she said while closing the door on him. The food hit her nostrils, making her coo. “Let us see what we have to work with here.”

The bag had what Finish would consider the basics for Bitalian takeout: a helping of fettuccine alfredo, spaghetti, lasagna, and breadsticks. “Irresistible,” she said to herself as she took the food to the back room. “Perfectly irresistible.”

It took her a few seconds to lay the food out picture-perfect, and not a moment too soon. The doorbell sounded once again. “That must be Coco!” She clapped her hooves together. “What perfect timing!” She galloped out of the back room and right for the front door.

Coco was on the other side, with her old collar on, hugging on tightly to her neck. Ooh, why did you bring that, Coco Pommel? You know that won’t last very long, especially after tonight. The mare outside at first smiled upon seeing her boss, but then began backing away. Why are you backing away, my sweet? No, come closer, let me have you—

*BAM!*

The world vibrated around her, and the next thing she knew, she was sitting on the floor, clutching her forehead.

“Photo Finish!” She heard in front of her. Coco was helping her to her hooves, doing her best to make sure her fat chest didn’t rub against her boss. She was too good at it, Finish thought to herself. “Are you okay?”

Finish watched the expanse of flesh rise and fall in front of her, and couldn’t resist. She leaned forward and let herself sink into the other mare. “I am fine, Coco. Just let me rest for a minute or two.”

“O-Of course,” Coco said, raising a foreleg and resting it on Finish’s withers. “Um, t-take as long as you need.”

Don’t tempt me. Finish nuzzled herself into the flesh further, and let herself be content in that moment. The clock ticked by as Finish let her throbbing head be soothed by the pillow of fat Coco had. Cocogently stroked Finish’s neck, and Finish reveled in how her fat foreleg rubbed against her back. She wondered if Coco was enjoying it as well; looking at the other mare’s face didn’t tell her much, as Coco was staring at the ground as if lost in thought.

Eventually, Finish pushed away from her. “Thank you, Coco. I feel much better now.”

Coco smiled. “That’s wonderful.”

Finish resisted the urge to pinch Coco’s dimples and turned away from her. “Come, I have prepared for us a Bitalian meal for tonight.”

“O-Oh.”

She stopped. “Is something wrong?”

“O-Of course not,” Coco responded, looking away.

Ignore it.

What?

This is a business meeting. Even if she doesn’t want to eat, she knows it’s part of her job.

No, that’s not why I invited her, and you know it.

You can’t just stop her from eating like this!

Finish stepped forward. “Coco, please be honest with me.”

Coco hesitated, but eventually began to speak. “Well, it’s just… it’s Bitalian.”

“Yes? Do you not like Bitalian food?”

“No, I do. I’ve just had a lot of it recently, and…”

It clicked instantly for Finish. “Oh, it has grown too tiresome for you!” She continued before Coco could protest. “Believe me, darling, I understand perfectly. One simply cannot sustain themselves on one thing alone.”

Coco scuffed the ground. “Well, I can smell that the food is here, and I wouldn’t want it to go to waste—”

“Then we will store it. Simple, yes?”

“Well—”

“And we will go somewhere else to eat.”

Coco scuffed the ground again. “Do you really want to do that? Even though you already prepared everything?”

“Of course! You need inspiration.” Finish trotted away from her to the backroom. “You wait right here for me, and I will be right back.”

“Yes, Photo Finish,” she answered, giving her a tiny smile with a tinge of confusion.

Finish burst into the room and began frantically disassembling everything. The gramophone’s needle was knocked off with graceful haste, the Bitalian background was rolled up and placed in the corner, the candles were blown out just from Finish passing by them as she grabbed the food and made her way out of the room. As if reading her mind, Coco had the door to the fridge open as Finish beelined for it. A few seconds later, every platter had been stored in a cloche and placed on the shelf.

“Thank you, Coco,” she said sweetly.

Coco slowly pushed the door closed. “Of course, Photo Finish. You looked like you were in a hurry.”

Finish nodded, adding a flick of her head for flair. “Yes, we must head out at once!”

Coco smiled awkwardly. “Y-Yes, Photo Finish. I’m right behind you.”

With that reassurance, Finish walked out of the studio. After Coco waddled her way out the door, Finish closed it behind her and began trotting down the road, towards the elite restaurants.

The night was cool, and the streets were filled with tourists taking in the night life of the great capital. Several ponies gawked at Finish with admiration, while they looked at Coco with shock, confusion, and some with disgust. Finish chanced a few glances, and found that Coco was working not to bump into ponies around her, so would have definitely taken in several of their reactions. Finish made sure to talk to Coco as ponies stared; once they saw they were together, they would leave Coco alone.

Besides the onlookers, everything seems to be going well.

It seems like it.

So where should I take her? A Prench restaurant? Or perhaps Japonyse? There’s several three-horseshoe restaurants around here—

Do you really think Coco will be impressed by a three-horseshoe restaurant? She’s a big girl, she’s gotta eat!

Well, then what do you suggest?

How about…

See, you don’t know what Coco wants, either!

Wait a minute, that’s it!

Finish stopped in her tracks. “Coco, what do you want to eat?”

Coco stopped walking, panting hard to catch her breath. “I-I don’t mind, Photo Finish—”

“No,” Finish said stubbornly. “It is your choice tonight. I want this to be special, and you want something new. I shall therefore have you picked someplace that you have not yet been.”

Coco looked around where they were; several three-horseshoe establishments surrounded them, none of them obviously grabbing her attention. “I’m not sure about any of these places.”

“Then follow your stomach.”

“...What?”

“I mean, follow your nose.”

Coco gave Finish a lopsided smile, yet sniffed the air as she was told.

Photo Finish, what the hay are you thinking?

I’m letting Coco find where she wants to eat.

But following her nose? That’s not going to work.

I’ve seen it work before. Rarity’s pink friend let her nose guide her, and I’m sure it’ll help Coco as well.

Isn’t that pony a special case, though? I mean, as one of the bearers of harmony, she’s got to have a special sense—

Hold it. Coco’s got something.

Indeed, Coco’s head began to turn as she sniffed. A few sniffs later, she emitted a tiny moan. Finish felt the hairs on the back of her neck tingle.

“Did you find something, Coco?”

Coco stopped, a small blush forming on her face. “Sorry, Photo Finish. I think I got carried away.”

“Good.” Finish lightly pushed her towards where her snout had been pointing. “Get carried away.”

Coco’s eyes widened. “Are you sure? What I’m smelling isn’t anything like the food we’re surrounded by.”

“If it calls your stomach—I mean nose, then it must be something exquisite.” Finish rubbed her hooves together. “Come, let us go forth to eat.”

Coco’s smile straightened out, and her shoulders relaxed. She sniffed the air again, and then began waddling off away from the high-end restaurants. Some ponies gave her queer looks as she walked past them, but seeing Photo Finish behind her drew their attention away from the fat mare walking past them, sniffing the air for their dinner tonight.

Meanwhile, as they continued to travel, Finish watched Coco’s rump jiggling in front of her. Maybe it was a trick of her mind, but it seemed like Coco’s booty jiggled more frantically the closer they got to their destination, as if yearning for food to help it grow. Her belly swayed from side to side as she waddled, attempting to hypnotize Finish to come closer, come closer and embrace the belly, embrace the booty.

No! You are in public, remember?

Finish kept her distance as Coco led the way, down several streets, until they came to an alleyway. “Coco…” Finish looked around at the hidden space. “Are you sure this is—”

And then she smelled it: a strong aroma of spices that tickled her nostrils. She followed the trail of steam that had enticed her, to look at the building tucked away at the back of the alleyway. It was painted magenta, with golden flowers and swirls adorning the walls. The roof was yellow, the trim at the floor was green, and the door itself was blue; several colors shined in the night, including the yellow, red and green waves above and below the windows, the magenta curtains, and the pink flowers in the bushes outside. Most prominently shown among the decor was the head of an elephant right above the floor, layered in front of a red-orange-yellow flower.

“Whoa,” the mares said in unison. “What is this place?” Coco asked.

“I have heard of this place,” Finish answered. “The Tasty Treat, if I recall. It became popular recently after some renovations. I feel Rarity had a hoof in that.”

“Oh, I think I read about that, too.” Coco clapped her hooves together. “I’ve wanted to try this place ever since I got here.”

Aha! A perfect opportunity. “Then let us not waste another second!” She walked forward and led them to the door. Once Coco caught up, Finish opened the door for the both of them.

The inside of the Tasty Treat was a sight to behold: wooden tables and stools lit up with paper lamps in their centers, with colorful cushions to sit on; several carpets of several colors hanging over the ceiling like banners; several pictures pictures of Indian elephants and native flowers lining the walls. Past all of that was a golden desk trimmed with red fabric, with the same elephant logo behind it, this one also holding a spoon.

“Wow,” Coco whispered to herself as they walked in. “This is… this is something else.”

Finish looked around with a smile on her face; though not as easily wowed as Coco, she happily admitted that the place was beautiful. Definitely a far cry from the upscale restaurants Canterlot was well-known for, it was pure, authentic Indian culture, and she basked in it.

“Welcome to the Tasty Treat!”

She snapped to attention to see an Indian unicorn mare approaching them with a pleasant smile. Immediately, several articles of clothing caught her attention: her golden headband and earrings, her simple-yet-smooth shirt, her red bandana with golden balls lining it, her mane and tail with a few strands poking out, her large smile. She couldn’t help but bow in respect. “Thank you! I have never been here before, and it looks exquisite.”

“You are too kind,” the mare said as she wiped a mess off an already-occupied table. “You are here alone?”

“No, I am here with an employee of mine.” She nudged her head over to Coco.

The mare looked over and nodded. “Of course, a table for two! Please follow me.”

Within seconds, they were seated on two plush cushions. Somehow, the mare was able to find a seal large enough for Coco to comfortably rest her rump on, though each cheek needed its own cushion. When Coco looked embarrassed, the mare patted her on the back and reassured her. “Don’t worry, it’s no trouble at all. Let me get you some menus.”

“Thank you.” Coco watched the mare walk away, and then turned to Finish. “Wow.”

“Still taking it all in?”

“Yyeah.”

“I told you this would be a magical night.” She let Coco continue admiring everything the place had to offer, and silently began scouting the place herself.

There are several ponies here right now. Let’s see… no table has just one pony at it, and nopony looks like a paparazzo. Nopony looks like they’d want to pay attention to us, anyway, and I didn’t see anypony come in after us, so these ponies couldn’t have known that we were coming. Outside. There’s nowhere to hide outside, and there’s too much happening for any paparazzo to get a distant shot of us. I think we’re safe.

For now. But we must be ever vigilant. You never know when somepony will come in with a disguise.

“Here we are, my friends!” A male Indian voice called to them. “Welcome to the Tasty Treat.”

Finish turned her head slowly. “Thank you, sir. This place is—”

Her jaw stopped as she saw her server, a stallion with puffy hair, a moustache, and a wide frame. His simple orange shirt hugged his round chest in a humble manner, spurring Finish’s imagination about humble fashion for the wider pony. His body was not as big as Coco’s, but his round belly and wide backside kept Finish’s attention as he set down a bowl of soup for them.

“—Beautiful.”

He smiled at her. “Thank you, thank you. Me and my daughter do our best to maintain things here, to make everyone feel comfortable.”

My stars, he should be a model for Blubber Lovers!

She smiled even wider at the thought. “And what is this?”

“This is a hearty vegetable soup to start your dinner.” He nodded to the both of them, and levitated two menus over to them. “We call it Mulligaitawny. We will also be bringing some curried oat cakes for you to sample. Please look at our menu, and enjoy your meals tonight.”

Coco grabbed hers and opened it up. “Wow, thank you. This smells great.”

He beamed, his cheeks dimpling, and Finish resisted the urge to reach over and pinch them. He left them to go handle another table, and Finish’s eyes were glued to her backside.

My stars, what a figure.

He wears it all so elegantly.

We simply must ask him to model for us.

...I don’t know about that.

What do you mean?

He doesn’t seem like the type to want to model.

But look at him! Such a figure surely would—

No, he wouldn’t want to. And asking him would probably be awkward.

“Oh my!”

She snapped to Coco. “Yes?”

Coco smacked her lips. “This soup is amazing! Um, that is, if you like spicy food.”

Finish looked down more closely at the food, noting the chilis mixed in with the rest of the vegetables. The broth had a bit of a glow to it, not enough to be menacing to her taste buds, but enough to warn her there would be a kick of flavor to it.

“Y-you don’t have to feel like eating it if you really don’t want to.”

Finish flashed her a smirk. “Do you want seconds?”

Coco looked away quickly, a blush on her face. “N-no! I just, you know, don’t know if you—”

“I am teasing, Coco,” Finish said with a smirk. The smell tickled her nostrils with a light stinging, even more so as she brought a spoonful up to her muzzle. Coco continued sipping on her own portion of soup and watching her boss bring the spoon to her lips. She blew to cool it down, and then took a full bite.

Finish had eaten vegetables hundreds of times, and had soup just as often; this combination, with the spicy peppers mixed in, heated not only Finish’s mouth, but also her spirit. Warmth radiated throughout her entire body as the veggies and broth slipped down her throat and into her stomach. As Finish moaned, eyes closed in bliss, a trail of steam left her muzzle, cooling her mouth a tad.

When she opened her eyes again, she saw Coco slurping her soup down with big gulps. A small stream of broth ran down her chins, slowly running towards her belly.

*gulp, gulp, gulp*

Finish strained her ears to hear the liquid sloshing inside that huge gut, the spiciness in her mouth seeming to increase with the sight. But it was over too soon, as Coco set her bowl down hard.

“Ah, this is really… tasty.” Coco blinked. “Um, Photo Finish? You’re leaning in really closely.”

Finish’s vision focused, and she realized that she was nearly muzzle-to-muzzle with the mare in front of her. She quickly leaned back and shoved another spoonful of soup into her mouth. The steam began to escape from her nostrils when she found her words again.

“Mein stars, Coco, this is remarkable!”

Coco gasped. “Oh, I’m so glad you like it!”

“It seems that I, Photo Finish, have found a new lunchtime restaurant for me!”

“But you haven’t tried anything else yet!” Coco’s protest was said with a chuckle.

Finish beamed. “I cannot imagine the food here would be anything less than spectacular, after having a few bites of this soup.”

“That is most excellent to hear!” They turned to see Saffron returning with oat cakes covered in sauce. “This should no doubt please you both.” She set it down and trotted back to the kitchen.

Finish turned to Coco to offer the first oat cake, but Coco was already digging into one, her cheeks bouncing up and down with each chew. “Eager, are we?” she asked with a grin.

Coco moaned and nodded, sending a little bit of curry down her chins. “Oh, yes, this is amazing! You must try some.”

For a while, Finish merely watched Coco eating the oat cakes one by one, entranced by her jiggling cheeks. Eventually, though, the scent of curry drove her to pick one up and pop it into her mouth. The curry was thick, and a blend of tomatoes, onions and various other spices danced in her mouth with the eventual mushiness of the oats. After she finished her one, she watched as Coco swallowed cake after cake after cake, her face never losing the enthusiasm she had trotted in with.

Eventually, Coriander came over with a notepad in his magical grasp.

“And what would you like for your main course? As you can see, we have—”

“Ooh, there’s just so much!” Coco clapped her hooves together, her meaty forelegs smacking into her gut. “It’s so hard to decide on just one thing.”

Finish began to feel the butterflies in her stomach. Then you should get everything, my darling.

No, remember. We want her to control herself. We don’t want a repeat of the Pies in the Skies incident.

Of course, I’m aware of that. You are right. I must not rush her—

“Photo Finish?”

“Yes?”

Coco rubbed her hooves together. “Would you be okay if I… um, ordered more than one thing from the menu?”

“More than… more than one thing?”

Did she say that?

She just said that!

“It’s just… everything here looks delicious, and I just want to… try it all.”

Now control yourself, Photo Finish.

Yes, I must control myself. Coco, on the other hoof—

Remember, we can’t let what happened last time happen to her this time. She cannot go overboard with it.

But there’s no harm in goading her, is there?

Photo Finish leaned in. “But Coco, are you sure you will be okay handling that much food?”

“Well,” Coco pondered. “I can take whatever I don’t eat home with me. It’s just that everything just looks so delectable…”

“Then by all means,” Finish went on with a smile, “Dine to our hearts’ content!”

Coco gasped without a sound. Finish’s smile disappeared. “What? What is the matter?”

“Oh, n-nothing!” Coco replied with a blush. “Um, I’ll have your normal curry, and I’ll like to sample the coconut curry, please.”

Coriander wrote that down, his brow furrowed, perhaps from waiting so long for them to decide. “And for—”

“Ooh, and I would also like to try the samosas, please! And some veggie kebabs on the side, and some naan bread and saag to go with it.”

Coriander nodded. “Of course!” He waited a second for Coco to continue; once he saw her blush deepen, he turned to Finish. “And for you?”

“Yes!” Finish began with a tap of her menu on the table. “I will also have your house curry!” She quickly glanced through the menu once more. “And some of this ‘Gobbling Jam.”

“...What?”

“Er, these donuts.”

“Ah, the Gulab Jamun, of course!” He wrote her order down. “And can I get you both some basmati rice to go along with your meals?”

“Yes!” They both said in unison.

“Lovely choices,” he concluded, finishing the order with a curt stroke of his pencil. “Now, please wait here a moment, and I will bring your food. It may take a while, since you…”

“Since we ordered so much?” Coco asked, her smile faltering.

“Yes, but that is okay!” He nodded to her. “We will do our best to make sure you have your food in a timely manner.”

“Thank you,” Coco replied quietly.

“Yes, thank you!” Finish added with a chipper flourish. “We look forward to the meal.”

With that, Coriander walked to another table to take some orders. Finish caught a few of the other patrons staring at them, and knew that would distract Coco if she saw them as well.

“So, Coco!” She took a sip of water and waited for Coco to settle her eyes on her, her smile coming back just a bit. “How is the dressmaking coming along?”

“It’s coming along pretty smoothly, now that I’m feeling better.” Coco ate the last oat cake and continued. “Yeah, I haven’t had any problems with the dress in a while. It should be ready by the time you go out to Bitaly.”

“Excellent!” Finish let her eyes wander down to Coco’s belly; the cakes and the soup hadn’t even made a bulge in that gut. She felt herself tingling in anticipation at the thought of what the night would bring. “And have you had any new experiences with the other ladies?”

“Not recently, no, but—” She clammed up.

“But?”

“Nothing.”

“Come on, but what?”

“Photo Finish… I don’t want to talk about it.”

Finish took a deep breath. “Okay. That is fine.”

Coco shrunk from her. “I, um, I mean—”

“Really, it is fine!” Finish said with a very wide smile. “It is okay not to tell me everything.”

It is?

Yes. I can’t pressure her to tell me something she doesn’t want me to know. Not without the risk of losing her.

I suppose. Plus, if it’s that risque, it would be better to let it surprise you.

Yes, I could just watch in disguise, of course.

“This place looks really nice.”

Finish blinked back to the real world. “What?”

“The Tasty Treat. I really like the cultural pieces.”

Finish looked around, and quickly took in all of the colorful rugs and warm, glowing lanterns. The bright pillows and the various pictures from India. “Why, yes, indeed. This is truly a beautiful place.”

“Yes, it is.” Coco’s voice dropped a few pitches. “Very beautiful.” I should get out more often to places like this.”

“Hmm?”

“Yeah,” Coco said, scuffing the table. “I haven’t really branched out much. I can’t imagine what I’m missing, if I haven’t found a place like this before.”

Finish looked back, but saw Coco merely admiring the scenery. Finish turned her attention to the kitchen, and saw various pots, utensils and so many colorful ingredients flying around in a flurry. And just below all of that, Saffron was concentrating on everything coming together, a determined smile on her muzzle.

“Um, Photo Finish?”

“Hmm?”

“How is everything going with your other projects?”

Finish perked up. “Oh, well, let me tell you all about them!”

The next half hour was filled with Finish recounting various models she had recently worked with, from the up-and-comers to the big shots that ponies all around Equestria would have heard of and adored; the big shoots she was planning far into the future, including her annual trip to Mareis, Prance for the big fashion show; and for prospective new styles she wanted to try and discover. Coco watched her with rapt attention as Finish went on and on about what she did and what she wanted, sometimes getting lost in her own woven tales.

After she had gone through everything, Coco clapped her hooves together. “That’s a whole lot. I didn’t know you did so much.”

“Yes, well—”

“And the way you told them was mesmerizingly—” But Coco looked away before she could finish.

“I have been told I explain things quite well.” Finish reclined back in her seat. “I am happy you enjoyed it.”

“Yeah.” Coco’s eyes lidded. “That smell…”

Finish sniffed the air. “Ah, yes, the smell of food is heavenly.”

Coco clapped her hooves together. “I hope they bring it out soon.”

Right on cue, Coriander and Saffron came walking out of the back, several large trays on their backs. “And here we are, ladies!” Coriander set one tray down on the table, showing them many of the goodies they had ordered.

“Your banquet awaits!” Saffron chimed in, setting the other tray down. “We have your curries, your kebabs, your samosas, and your Gulab Jamun.” The two unicorns deftly maneuvered the bowls and plates around the breads and bowl of saag, and took the empty bowls of soup and plate away. “Please enjoy yourselves!”

Finish and Coco looked at the spread before them. If there was any doubt that Coco would be full tonight, the sheer amount of each of the foods present would certainly do the trick. The curries were in large bowls, and there were a dozen kebabs on one giant plate. There were five puffy samosas for each of them as well. Finally, the dozen-or-so pastries that were the Gulab Jamun, swimming in a kind of syrup and glistening with sugar, gleamed tantalizingly at them.

“Whoooooa.” Coco’s eyes darted around at the feast laid before them.

“This looks so stunning!” Finish whipped out her camera and took a photo of the display. “I must store this for later use. This is stunning enough to belong in a magazine!”

“Absolutely,” Coco nearly whispered.

“Ooh, you are too kind!” Saffron clapped her hooves together. “Father, the great Photo Finish just said that our cooking was worthy of a magazine!”

“Yes, yes,” Coriander said, patting her back. “That is very good. But please, do not admire the food for too long. It will get cold.”

Finish looked over at Coco, waiting for her reaction. She didn’t have to wait long, as Coco plopped down onto her stool—she could hear the wood splintering underneath her—and scooped up her spoon. Before Finish could take her own seat, Coco dipped her spoon into the bright coconut curry and brought it to her mouth. Both Coco’s first bite and Finish taking her seat happened at the same time, and the photographer had milliseconds to get comfortable before being electrified by the seamstress’s moaning from across the table.

“Oh my stars, this is wonderful!” Coco took another bite, this one even quicker than the first one, and a third to follow just as quickly. Her cheeks jiggled vigorously with the chewing and the moaning that ensued.

All three of them watched Coco continue to savor every bite of the curry. After a few more bites, she grabbed a samosa and shoved it into her maw. Finish could’ve watched her gorge herself all night, but a look from Saffron told her she needed to eat as well.

So Finish slid into her chair and grabbed a samosa, with Coco’s encouragement, and tucked into it. The outside was slightly crispy, and the inside was compact and mushy, with the savory taste of peas, potatoes and assorted spices lighting her mouth up. It was a nice snack for her as she watched Coco scarf two more down, never once stopping her moaning at the taste. A smile crept onto her face, moreso from the show than the food, though that certainly played a part.

In what seemed like no time at all, the samosas were all gone, and Coco continued slurping up the coconut curry. Saffron and Coriander had left their table some time ago, so it was just her and Coco. But as Finish realized this fact, she saw ponies at the other tables looking at them.

It’s fine. Let them look. Let them be impressed at Coco’s capacity. Let them marvel at her prodigious girth!

Wait, I thought you were trying to hide your face from this, Finish?

The thought had struck her so suddenly: most of these ponies would know who she was, and would be able to find out who Coco Pommel was as well. As much as I want this to go on, I need to stop this.

“Coco.”

Coco looked up from her bowl. “Yes, Photo Finish?”

“...Please, slow down.”

Coco blinked, and then immediately whipped her head around to look at everyone else. “Oh my, I’m making a scene, aren’t I? I’m sorry—”

“Do not worry about that,” Finish interrupted, grabbing a napkin and wiping Coco’s face with it. “Just try and eat with a little more control.”

“Thank you,” Coco answered with a smile as the last of the curry was wiped away. “I can do that.” She picked up her spoon and put a scoop of the normal curry into her mouth. Though not entirely gracefully, there was enough control to disinterest the watchers.

As Coco finished her normal curry and began working on her coconut curry, Finish decided it was time to try her own. She scooped up a small portion and placed it into her mouth. It was chunkier and sweeter than she had thought it would be, with just a hint of spiciness thrown in. This is delicious, as is everything else. This is no surprise.

Coco continued slurping up the curry in front of her, and finally, Finish noticed her belly taking on a more full shape. The loose fat was beginning to firm up as it stretched to contain the volume of food inside its host. Finish ate more slowly, just so nopony would see that she has her eyes glued onto the belly. Each gulp added just a little bit more volume to the mass, and Finish was here for the long game.

With both curry bowls finished, and a few inches of lift to her fat, Coco moved on to the kebabs, and made short work of all of them. Each batch of veggies on the sticks slid into her mouth, and with a few chews she swallowed them and moved right on to the next. The dozen-or-so sticks were tossed to the side, and that just left the naan bread and the bowl of saag.

The dark green mixture of vegetables was scooped up by the first piece of bread, and Coco stuffed it quickly into her mouth. Her cooing hadn’t lost any of its gusto as more of the bread and saag went into her mouth. She did make sure to give Photo Finish a piece before she was done, and Finish admitted with equal amounts of gusto that it was a remarkable dish.

So what if the other ponies were all watching them? She wasn’t doing anything shady, was she? She was keeping control of the situation, and to top it all off, she wasn’t just watching the action. And if anypony would attempt to pass it off as voyeurism, she could pass it off as just wanting to try a new restaurant. Those who knew Photo Finish would know how invested she could be in a new activity, and she would surely win the publicity debate, should one come out of this whole ordeal.

Finally, the naan bread and saag had gone completely down their throats and into their bellies, and as Finish settled down with a soft huff, Coco practically smashed the seat underneath her with how hard she came down. Coco’s belly was a lot more full, and Coco rubbed it up and down. Finish stretched out in an attempt to divert attention, but the customers who continued watching were glued onto the belly. There were no cameras, though, so Finish wasn’t worried.

“Is everything okay over here?” Coriander asked, trotting over with slow steps and wide eyes. “Good heavens, you all enjoyed yourselves!”

“Yes, we did,” Finish said with a smile. “This was a truly wonderful meal.”

Coco looked up at him with half-lidded eyes. “It really was.”

“Can we get you any dessert?”

Coco heaved herself up. “Well, we still have the Gulab Jamun, right?”

“Right,” Finish said, looking down at the pastries. “Here, tell me how they are.” She tossed one of the donut balls at Coco, who somehow managed to catch it without any trouble.

“Mmm. It’s got a bit of an alcoholic bite to it, but it’s pretty sweet.” Coco clapped her hooves together. “Do you have any more curry?”

Finish’s whole body stopped moving. “More curry?”

Coco looked over with a blush. “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just that, those other two were so delicious, I just want to try some more! But if you don’t want to, we can—”

“No, no, it is fine!” She nodded to Coriander, whose jaw was hanging agape. “More curry, my good man!”

“Ah, y-yes, of course! Anything for the great Photo Finish!” He scampered off back into the kitchen.

What are you doing?

I’m getting her more curry!

Are you crazy? After how much she’s already eaten? We don’t want her to make a scene!

Yes, I know. Believe me, I have everything under control.

More curry was brought to the table, and Coco dove right into the closest one, completely unaware of anything Finish was saying. It’s all the same, really. I don’t need to urge her onwards. I can just sit back and enjoy myself.

Just make sure she doesn’t—

Overindulge, yes, yes, I know!

Coco nearly shoved her entire face into the next bowl, but stopped herself just short. Finish quickly took a seat and watched her eat. It would be easy to make sure she wouldn’t take it too far, as her eyes were glued to the almost gluttonous display in front of her.

The walk to Coco’s apartment was quiet, save for the occasional passing tourist heading towards an inn. Finish thanked Celestia for the empty walk home, as the sight of her supporting Coco’s fat body would’ve interrupted the moment. Each step was a struggle, with Coco doing her best yet clearly needing some support. But it is all good, Coco. The fewer calories you burn, the better.

“A-Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Coco sighed, emitting a tiny burp. “I can make it home myself, you don’t need to do this.”

“Nonsense!” Finish shifted her shoulder to better dig into Coco’s flesh. “You ate a lot my dear. I do not want you to have an upset stomach as you walk home.”

Coco moaned, but did not protest. They continued walking down the street slowly, Finish savoring each moment she had with Coco on her.

But as they walked, she couldn’t help but keep her eyes open and alert for any paparazzi. There were no bushes where anypony could hide, but there were several establishments they could’ve been blending into. As they continued their walk, though, she calmed down. Perhaps it was the food resonating within her, or perhaps it was Coco’s body resting on her, or perhaps it was something in the air; she eventually decided it was too much to check every single store, and focused on supporting Coco on the way home.

Twenty minutes after they left the restaurant, they arrived at the apartment. Coco carefully raised herself off of her boss, and slowly turned to her. Finish’s smile grew a hair when she saw Coco’s eyes drooping from sleepiness.

“Thank you for walking me home, Photo Finish,” Coco said with a yawn. “Oh, I’m sorry—”

“I am glad you enjoyed it.”

Coco scuffed the ground. “Um, what do I owe you for the night out? Since you paid for everything and all that?”

“It was a business dinner, so just think of it as a company expense.” That, and seeing you grow that belly is payment enough.

“I… I really appreciate it.”

“I’m happy you enjoyed yourself. You should have no trouble in Bitaly.”

Coco relaxed and bowed her head. “Th-thank you. I’ll make sure to do my best.”

“Just finish the dress, and you will be fine.”

Coco pushed her mane back. “Um, I think I’m gonna go to bed now.”

“Of course! It is late, and you need your rest.” Finish began reaching forward for a hug, but stopped herself quickly.

“Good night, Photo Finish.”

“Good night, Coco. See you tomorrow.”

Coco turned and walked to the apartment door. Finish waited until she went inside before making her way home, doing everything in her power to not show off the spring in her step.

There it is. A perfect night, with no mess-ups.

Let’s just hope that no paparazzo caught us.

So what if they did? It was a business dinner, after all. They can’t pin us as being romantic. Besides, I didn’t see any paparazzo anywhere.

I suppose. We should just hope that nothing bad comes of this.

Don’t worry. Nothing will.