Darling, you really do need to put down that quill once in a while.

Star Shine blinked and looked up as his friend entered, and sheepishly attempted to hide his notebook and pen upon the side of the hot tub. The yellow stallion in the doorway seemed still nonplussed, and with a sigh, the white unicorns horn floated the pad and paper over to the owner of the house.

Clement Orange may have been a stallion who prided himself on knowing the gossip of Manehatten, but his personal attributes were steadfast as ever, and he didnt peek inside the authors vast collection of notes.

Youre here to relax, darling, not to bury yourself in more work, he said, trotting to the side of the tub and swinging himself in effortlessly, hiding the yellow-and-green patterned speedos hed put on. Star Shine sighed, flicking his mane lightly.

Its not work as such, Clem. Its my passion, my hobby. Im just so lucky it helps support myself and Moon, he said with a chuckle. Plus, its been a while since Ive been in such opulent surroundings. I have to take down a few notes. Itd help for a future scene of my new book. Clement snorted, his arms spread across the back of the tub, only the tops of his pecs visible. His Apple heritage showed in how well built he was.

Opulence? Says the stallion who has two princes for sons, a Captain of the Guard for a daughter and lives in a very nice Canterlot house? he teased. There was a splash of water in his face from the unicorn and he gasped. Youre lucky Im not dressed! he spluttered, trying to clean his mane off.

Trust me, Clem. Half of what you hear about Canterlot is all rubbish, Star insisted, slowly beginning to lie back in the water. I wouldnt have agreed to come spend some time here if it would be more stressful and uncomfortable than home, he added. Clements muzzle broke into a smile.

As long as I can be a good host to you, Im more than happy to indulge you, Mr Shine, he said with a grin. I hope you dont mind me showing you my greenhouse, and maybe taking you round the Winter Gardens? It would be a change from leading big tour groups round there. Star caught the glimmer of excitement in the orange ponys eyes and he nodded eagerly.

That sounds lovely, Clem. Especially since our wives are off by themselves. How about we crack open some more of Julias wine? he asked with a mischievous smile. The earth pony laughed out loud, lifting himself out of the bubbling tub.

Well, she and Moon Light are going through less than I expected Im sure another bottle wont hurt, he said with a chuckle. Stars eyes glanced at the tight speedo his friend was wearing, strutting back into the main house. After only a few seconds, he lifted himself out too, intent on following his new-found friend in there

(Mini-fic by Quantax)