A Bad Day at the Spa

Rarity loaded her crate of dresses onto the train, not daring to let anypony else lay a hoof on it, for fear it may be destroyed. She'd only managed to finish five of them, and was about halfway through the sixth when it was time to leave. Applejack had already started to pack everything up, including Rarity's emergency mobile sewing machine. She'd also fetched a wagon and loaded up a bunch of supplies that Rarity had rattled off seven or eight times, even after they'd already been loaded.

Still, Applejack knew the amount of stress she was under, and was happy to let Rarity push and shove, as this was an emergency in her mind, and Rarity had a habit of repaying this kind of deed. Even if she was at her worst right now, when this was all done, Rarity would come through for her. She always did. Not that Applejack was doing this for the favours; she was doing it because it was the right thing to do. Still, she knew a favour was coming whether she wanted to be rewarded or not, and she just had to weather the storm until it passed.

Once the train was moving, Rarity pulled out her sewing machine. It was a long trip to Manehattan, even on the express train. If she hurried, she could finish number six and start number seven before they arrived. And of course, Applejack was either by her side or running an errand. Tonight would be the second night in a row they'd go without sleep, and they certainly looked the part.

As they sped past Phillydelphia, Rarity let out a rather loud whine.

"What's wrong?" asked Applejack. "Is one a' yer bolts the wrong colour?"

"No," sighed Rarity. "Well, yes, actually, but I can probably deal with that after we arrive in the studio. No, I just realized that my scheduled appointment at the spa is tomorrow! I was going to watch Sapphire Shores walk the stage while having my hooves done, as a reward for a job well done. Now I have to be right behind the curtain, making sure everything goes along properly, and I'll miss my appointment!"

Applejack waved. "Ah'm sure they'll let ya reschedule... Aloe an' Lotus are--"

"No, not the usual spa, the most exclusive and luxurious spa in Equestria! I was only able to even make an appointment because Sapphire Shores was with me, and I can't reschedule because they're all booked up!"

"Oh," sighed Applejack. "Yeah, real sorry 'bout that. Ah know nopony works harder on these dresses than y'all. Maybe we don' always see eye-ta-eye, but trust me, Ah know how hard ya work. Y'all deserve a vacation. Tell ya what, when we come back ta Ponyville, first mud bath's on me."

Rarity smirked. "I appreciate what you're suggesting, Applejack, and I would gladly accept, but I've asked so much of you already. I couldn't possibly--"

"Consarnit, Rarity! Y'all need a break! Don't you dare worry 'bout payin' me back 'til this whole thing's done and you've had a good night's sleep!"

A tear came to Rarity's eye. Wordlessly, she turned back to her sewing machine, but she'd already decided what she was going to do in response to Applejack's offer.

As the train began to slow, Rarity and Applejack packed up everything in crates and prepared to disembark. The pegasus that had delivered the message had organized their train tickets, and had brought a reserved wagon to the station to allow quick transport to the studio where Sapphire would be waiting.

The lot was ridiculously busy, as there was going to be several appearances today and two shows tonight, with Sapphire Shores as the centerpiece. She was already waiting in the back when they arrived, barking orders at her aides as they rushed around, trying to prepare everything.

"Rarity!" she shouted out, jogging up to her briskly. "Thank Celestia you're here. Do you have my dresses?"

"Most of them," panted Rarity. "I only have the two left for your stadium appearance, but they'll be done tonight, I promise!"

"Too slow!" answered Sapphire. "My producer moved that show to noon last night. I have to have those outfits this morning!"

The colour drained from Rarity's face. "I NEED A TABLE, RIGHT NOW!!" she shrieked.

"You!!" shouted Sapphire, pointing to one of her stage hoofs. "Bring her a table!"

Applejack began unloading the crates, making sure Sapphire saw the dresses, including the half-finished one, which Rarity immediately set to work on. She wasn't big on this kind of production, so once Sapphire assigned Rarity an assistant, Applejack decided to bow out.

"Ah'm gonna head on back ta Ponyville," she said to Rarity. "Call me up when ya come back, we'll talk then."

"Right, thank you," huffed Rarity. "Just leave them there on the table."

Applejack snorted. Rarity was right back to work, even with her mane looking dirty and sweaty. Still, if anypony knew what it was like to be overwhelmed by obligations, it was Applejack. Rarity would be fine; she had somepony looking out for her. "Well, Ah'll see ya."

Rarity looked up suddenly. "Wait, you're leaving?"

"Y'all have work ta do, and an assistant who probably knows the difference between viridian an' vermillion. Ah know one a' them's the orange one, bu--"

"Red," corrected Rarity. "Vermillion is red, viridian is green."

"An' they prob'ly know that. Ye'r in good hooves. I'mma go hit the hay on the train."

"Wait, wait..." Rarity reached into her travel pack and pulled out a piece of paper. "Here, this is yours."

Applejack looked at the paper. "This is yer pass to the spa. Ah can't take this."

"My treat," insisted Rarity. "I can't go, anyway. Somepony should enjoy it, and you've been so very helpful that I can't think of anypony more deserving. Go. Have a nice time, and tell me all about it when I come back."

Before Applejack could object again, Rarity had turned back to her table, and was hard at work making the dress for Sapphire. There was no more talking to her, as she would likely either ignore what was said, or just forget it two seconds later because she was trying to think of too many things at once. It was best to leave her be and let her sort things out on her own.

"The best spa in Equestria, huh?" breathed Applejack, looking over the information. "Ah guess Ah could use a little R&R..."