Derpy waited anxiously in Rarity's dressing room, standing awkwardly as Rarity fussed with her hair, because she wasn't allowed to dress her. Derpy sighed as Rarity gelled and sprayed and combed and curled her hair for the hundredth time that day.

"Is something wrong, darling?" Rarity levitated a mirror in front of Derpy so she could see herself.

"No, I'm fine, really." Derpy stared at her reflection. "Just... Nervous."

"Why? Is this manestyle not good? Is there anything I can do?" Rarity asked anxiously, watching the grey mare with a look of concern.

"No, I-I don't think so. I'm just worried I'll mess up," Derpy confessed. "I'm called Ponyvilles Biggest Clutz for a reason, you know. What if I trip again, like last night?"

"You'll do fabulously, I just know it," Rarity gave the pegasus a reassuring squeeze. "Photo Finish always has a good reason for what she does. Always."

"But I don't know... if I even want to do this." Derpy said hesitantly, her shoulders sagging.

"Oh, but dear, you know you don't have to, don't you?" Rarity said anxiously. She didn't want Derpy to feel like she couldn't say no.

"No. No, it's fine. I'll... get used to it. I'm just worried about Dinky. I've heard about models never having time for themselves, and I can't have that. Dinky's dad passed away a few years ago, so I'm all she has left. I'd hate to have to leave her with a foalsitter all day long. She's such a delicate little thing..." Derpy trailed off, a worried look in her eyes.

"Nonsense. I'm sure they'll let you see Dinky. She is your filly, after all." Even as she said them, Rarity knew her words were a lie. Well, not a lie, per se, but certainly not the truth, She herself had experienced how Fluttershy had never had any time for anything.

"Well, alright then, I'll be fine,Rarity." The blonde pegasus put a smile on her face, for Rarity's sake, and added, "And the manestyle is perfect. I just love it!"

Rarity smiled back happily. "Fabulous. Oh! There's the door! Coming!" Rarity rushed out into the shop, already saying various greetings out loud, practicing.

"Good morning, Ms Finish!" Rarity trilled as she led the famous pony into the shop. "Yes, she's waiting in the dressing room-- yes, I'll get her at once. Derpy?"

Derpy took a deep breath and one last glance at herself in the mirror. "You look smashing." She said to herself, quoting the fashionista who was already coming to get her. Then she called out, "Coming, Miss Rarity!" And stepped out.

Photo Finish already had her camera ready, and her two assistants rushed to Derpy's side, circling with brushes, combs, and outfits, ready to transform the plain grey pegasus into a thing of beauty, to be displayed all over Equestria. Rarity stood to the side, watching. Derpy looked to her for moral support, and she gave a small smile of reassurance.

"STOP!" Photo Finish said suddenly. The assistants had forced Derpy's petite body into a garishly pink and yellow miniskirt and a white, lacy shirt. Frankly, Derpy thought it looked awful, but she kept her mouth shut. Assistant #1 had been repeatedly put on and taken off different colours of makeup, waiting for the photographer to show some sign of approval. She stopped on command, leaving Derpy's eyelids and cheeks a sickening shade of pink.

"You! Walk to me," Photo Finish barked at Derpy. "Slowly!" She added after the pegasus began walking.

Derpy held her breath, all her thoughts forming into one hopeful little chant. Don't trip, don't trip, don't trip, don't trip, don't trip. She walked slowly forward, keeping her eyes on the floor, watching out for anything she might crash into.

"Look up!" The command sent Derpy sprawling in surprise. Her head had whipped up too quickly, causing her to lose her balance. Yet again, she ended up with her rear in the air in front of the most well-known photographers in Equestria.

"Oh, gosh-- I-- um..." Derpy stammered, her cheeks flaring red under all the blush.

"Perfect." Photo Finish said slowly. "Stay zere!" She positioned herself behind the camera, and after several snaps from the machine, the legendary pony commanded Derpy to walk again. This time, Derpy had a limp from the fall, but that seemed to delight Photo Finish, who simply took more pictures.

"Erm, ex-excuse me?" Rarity walked up behind the photographer and tapped her shoulder. "I think your model is, uh, hurt."

"Just a little." Derpy sat down on a large armchair and rubbed her injured hoof. "But I would like a break. Rarity, could I have a drink?"

"I go." Photo Finish kicked her camera back into its case and swept out, her assistants hurrying after her. "Vee meet at dawn."