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.

Author's Note

I am not sure this is up to my usual standards; this is what happens when one is not consistent with their writing practice. However, I did try my best with it, and I hope you enjoy it.