//------------------------------// // Sweet and Petite // Story: Appledashery // by Just Essay //------------------------------// “And this just in from the local Manehattan Art Scene. It's official, ponyfolk! An agent of Neigh York's very own Photo Finish has confirmed that this Saturday night—one time only and for a very exclusive list of Manehattan socialites—an open house event will be held under Photo Finish's very own roof! Those who attend can be expected to enjoy music, celebrity appearances, and a special exhibit of the kingdom-renown artist's very own photographic galleries and art collections, many of which have not been viewed by the public's eyes before! The life and habits of Manehattan's most famous pony artist have been the topic of much gossip and speculation since Photo Finish disappeared from the public scene. But, following a few surprising appearances at local art events, it would appear as though the mare has finally decided to open up once more! Will Equestria get to feast its eyes on another collection of photographic masterpieces? Stay tuned with us this Saturday and beyond, and we will dish out all the juicy information as soon as it becomes available!” “Why, of course I'll be attending! Fraulein Finish adores my company! Besides, I would be shooting myself in both my front hooves if I were to pass up the opportunity to be near to the source of her latest inspiration... hmmmm... and my smitten heart.” “Mr. Trenderhoof! Mr. Trenderhoof, sir, have you learned anything concerning Photo Finish's health?!” “Whew! Now-now, not so bright with the cameras, please. I n-need these handsome eyes for writing, after all. Heheheh—ahem. What was the question again?” “Photo Finish's health, have you heard anything?” “Hmmmm... Now, Fraulein Finish and I are friends, and it wouldn't be right for me to feed the unnecessarily melodramatic rumors that are floating around out there. But I will tell you this one thing, and I will tell you gladly: Fraulein Finish is the happiest, healthiest, and most radiant I've seen in a long... long while. And I think she owes it all to the mare who is now her new best friend... and the mare of my dreams.” “Grrrggh! This is the third dress in a row! I keep pulling stitches! Why does this keep happening?!” “But... But Suri... uhm... don't you always—?” “Shut up! Did you get the extra lace yet?!” “It's r-right here, ma'am!” “Finally, Cochney! You got something right! Rgggggh... Invite us to the open house, will she? I'll show her...” “But, I don't understand, ma'am. I thought that's what you wanted—” “I don't pay you to state the obvious!” “Errr...” “That's my job, you airheaded intern!” “Erm... r-right. But of course.” “Don't you get it?! It's a challenge! She's mocking us now! She knows that everypony knows she knows that there's not a snowflake's chance in Tartarus of entering her inner social circle now! Grrrr... it's all that damn Governess Firefly's fault!” “Uhm... I-I think it's 'Madame Firefly—'” “Whatever! After Saturday night, she's going to be a friggin' peasant! This dress is going to make her explode into sniveling little pieces! And I, Suri Polomare, will have taken the throne from Photo Finish's fraud of a marefriend!” “Do... d-do you really want to Ms. Finish's best friend?” “What, are you stupid?! Buck, no! But you have to understand, Chichi! This is a race! A race to see who will be the stupid marble-muzzle'd mare's friend when she finally rolls over and croaks! Can you just imagine it?! The last pony to hear Photo Finish's final words on her death bed! That's going to me! I mean—heck—I earned a cutie mark in hospice care!” “Well you certainly didn't earn it in dress making...” “What was that?!” “Oh... uhm... would like me to assist in the cupcake baking?” “Yes. Yessssssss... we will win her with fashion and dessert treats. “Mmmmmhmmm-mweheheheh...” “Uhm, Suri? Your laughter is blowing away all the sequins.” “What part of 'get lost' do you not understand?” “But you haven't said—” “GET LOST!” Knock knock knock. “Hrmmmmm... you may enter.” “Ahem... Don Canter?” “Make it quick. I've got a stone that needs passing like there's no tomorrow. John Stocktrot has nothing on this pain, capisce?” “Right... I-I just came to tell you, sir, that the dame's gone through with announcing her Open House.” “... ... she has?” “Yes, Don. It's the evening after tomorrow. Saturday night.” “... ... ... hmmmm... go tell the boys that they'll be making an appearance there. Eight o'clock sharp. Courtesy of Don Canter.” “But, sir, we weren't given an invitation. You... weren't blessed with an invitation, sir.” “Hrmmm... do we know the school where the foals of the dame's agent attend?” “I believe so, Don.” “I think a pony-teacher meeting is in order. I'll be sure to make Photo's agent an offer he can't refuse.” “Very well, sir. We'll get right on it.” “Hrmmmm... won't be long now. I'll get what's rightfully mine...”