Drunken Hearted Pt. 1: On The Street At 11:30

>The gentle clack of the railroad beneath you wakes you.
>Not that you were really sleeping to begin with.
>The train car is silent otherwise.
>You’ve been on this train ride for a couple of days; you hope to arrive in Manehattan soon.
>It’s been a long journey. The weather in Los Pegasus was warm and sunny all the time.
>On this coast of Equestria though, things are different. The weather beyond the train is stone cold with a gentle icy rain.
>It isn’t winter yet, but it’s getting there.
>Through the window you can see the distant city lights drawing nearer. The rain droplets on the window twist the hues of red, yellow, and blue in your vision.
>The rain falls gently onto the streets with the rain people.
>Getting on the train was strange. All the seats are short to accommodate ponys; it feels so odd to have the back support so low. It’s definitely not ideal for long journeys.
>You rub your eyes to get a better look at the incoming city.
>It looks just like home; the one you left behind.
>Maybe now you’ll feel like you’re back there while you’re here…if even for a few days.
>You look down at the rapidly-fleeting ground for a few moments.
>It looks just like home, too. The grass and rocks are so ordinary…just like on Earth.
>You look at the buildings again. They look ordinary too.
>The neon lights flicker and dance with one another in the towering facades of the city.
>You can see your own reflection in the dim light given off by them.
>You stare at your eyes in the window.
>You aren’t normal; you aren’t ordinary…at least not here.
>You’re strange. You’re out of place.
>There’s a low beep in the room, signaling to all passengers that the train is about to arrive at its destination.
>It’s something that you’ve been in tune with lately.
>To you, it signals another few days of exploring cities, watching television, eating local cuisine…
>Alone.
>You look at the adjacent seat. Rarity is still curled up under the blanket you bought for her so long ago.
>It was nice when you gave it to her; she really appreciated it. She even went so far as to say it was the most thoughtful gift she had ever received.
>The two of you used to cuddle a lot; you’d stay up all hours of the night just…talking; talking about everything.
>When you arrived in Ponyville, she was infatuated with your attire and how it was so similar to Equestrian styles.
>Of course, she had never seen corduroy before. You told her it wouldn’t be bad to “steal” the design for herself.
>She thanked you endlessly. It was something that instilled your friendship, and later relationship.
>But to you, it was nothing. You were just happy to have a friend; someone who listened to you.
>It’s hard to believe that was almost 2 years ago now.
>How things have changed.
>The train arrives at the station. Some of the outside lights flicker as moths orbit them.
>You stand up and arch your aching back before kneeling again.
Rarity? Honey, wake up...we’re here.
>You gently nudge the sleeping pony to coax her out of her slumber.
Come on, let’s get out bags and get to the hotel.
>Following an angry groan, Rarity removes her sleeping mask.
>”Anonymous! I know, okay?”
>Rarity flings the blanket off of herself with a thrust of magic.
>You pick it up off the floor, staring at the cutely drawn fillies holding apples on it before slinging it over your shoulder.
>Ponys pass you as they start to depart the train.
>Rarity stands in the hallway waiting for you.
>You are so very tired, but incapable of sleeping.
>”Anonymous, darling, aren’t you going to fetch my bags?”
>It is your job. You’re her boyfriend and all.
>It’s your job…isn’t it? Rarity seems to think so.
>You unload the overhead compartments containing all 4 of Rarity’s bags, and your single small backpack.
>It’s funny; some things never change…no matter which dimension you’re in.
>After struggling with the luggage you and Rarity make it the nearly deserted platform and stand outside.
>There’s a light mist that kisses your face as the wind blows. The blanket sways in the wind along with it.
>The two of you stand in silence outside the station and stare off down the streets of the sprawling city.
>”This is ridiculous! I arranged for a carriage to pick me up!”
>Just her? Oh.
>”I mean, the fashion agency booked us a suite at the Philton Inn, they could surely spare the bits to come and pick us up. Do they not know who I am? I’m going to turn this city on its head.”
I know.
>You fidget in your jacket pocket while Rarity continues to curse the city.
>You slip a small cigarette out of its packaging and place the butt in your lips.
>Rarity continues to talk, but looks at you as you spark your lighter.
>”Ugh, Anonymous. Smoking is an absolutely atrocious habit. You should really stop.”
>You inhale the tobacco.
I’ll stop later.
>The city buzzes and beeps with vehicles and citizen chatter.
>”Anonymous? Did you hear me?”
>She always seems to be talking. It’s not like it used to be…she mostly talks about herself now.
What?
>”Can you believe they didn’t send a carriage for me? There’s not even anyone to greet us!”
>You’re a little surprised too, usually there’s usually a few high-level ponys that meet and greet Rarity. You on the other hand are just always…there.
Well…it is…
>You look at your watch.
11:30.
>The breeze becomes a little colder now; enough force to blow your hair and Rarity’s mane easily.
>You want to hug yourself to keep warm but you dare not let Rarity’s expensive luggage touch the filthy ground.
>Rarity shivers too.
>You motion you head to your shoulder.
Are you cold? Do you want your blanket?
>She turns her nose up at the suggestion.
>“No thanks. That thing is much too itchy.”
Oh…sorry.
>A few moments pass. The station’s light shut off behind the two of you.
Well, it doesn’t look like anyone’s coming to get us. I guess we’re hoofin’ it.
>Rarity grunts.
>”Fine.”
>Rarity used to like when you said that phrase.
>You and Rarity wander through the confusing maze of concrete streets in the Manehattan night while the mist continues.
>Lots of ponys are carrying umbrellas made of clear plastic and others with intricate patterns.
>You can see Rarity glancing at them. You’re both thinking that she could make a better one.
>The two of you used to discuss fashion together. It wasn’t something that really interested you in particular, but she brought it out in you.
>She really is talented.
>Billboards of designer perfumes and clothing companies dot the flickering skyline and veggie dog vendors litter the streets.
>It’s all a lot to take in…nothing like the familiar streets you grew up on. Similar, but eerily different.
>The city mocks your memories.
>You wander from street corner to street corner, like the city’s warrior.
>With every corner, a few ponys stop and stare at you as you pass. They’ve never seen a human before.
>Others call out for Rarity from all corners of the street, asking for autographs and photos with her.
>She really is becoming more popular all over Equestria. With every new city you realize it more.
>It’s like the wet ground seems to highlight your hopeless feelings.
>You look above you at the towering buildings again and get vertigo.
>Everything reminds you of home…but it’s not the same in your heart.
>”Anonymous? Are you coming?”
Right…sorry.
>You were too busy staring at a billboard with your girlfriend’s picture on it to notice her walking off without you.
>Finally, after asking a smug pegasus for directions, you arrive at the towering hotel.
>It’s hard to fit the luggage through the revolving doors.
>Rarity just looks back at you.
>”Be careful, Anonymous. Those cost me a lot of money.”
>You continue to struggle until one back falls to the ground, dragging the blanket on your shoulder with it.
>You and Rarity freeze and stare up at each other.
>”I really hope you wash that thing now. I don’t want dirt in my mane.”
>You pick up the bag as Rarity is bombarded with a group of sleepy pony hotel staff greeting her.
>They clamor to get her attention.
>Rarity develops a serene look. Lately she’s developed a taste for attention from others.
>You stand aside as you watch Rarity receive praise for her groundbreaking designs and styles.
>You look onward at her.
>You feel detached. You’re out of place and unwelcomed.
>A pony speaks up from the crowd and motions over to you.
>”Ms. Rarity, do you need another servant to carry your bags to your room?”
>At least Rarity never calls you that. Instead, she just makes you feel like it.
>On the elevator ride up to your room, the two of you make hollow small talk.
So. This is a pretty big place, huh?
>”Hmm. The one in Van Hoover was bigger.”
>The doors ding as you rise in altitude and floor number.
Yeah. I guess it was.
>You expect her to say something, but Rarity taps her hoof impatiently.
>The doors slide open as the two of you walk to your suite.
>You open the door for Rarity as she walks in.
>The room is massive. You’re really impressed.
>The bed is large. You wish it were smaller so you could sleep closer to her, when she’s actually here.
>There’s a large window overlooking the massive city. It’s actually not that daunting looking from this height to be honest.
>You peer out of it and the gently blinking lights on top of all the sky scrapers.
At least the room is nice.
>You place the bags down and toss the blanket on a chair.
>You look at your watch again. It’s nearly 1 in the morning now.
>You are silently admiring the spacious room that the two of you are sharing for the next few days, hoping that you get to spend some quality time with her.
>Rarity yawns and heads to the bathroom to start the shower in silence.
>She insists on being clean.
>You sit on the bed and stare at the wall; in the room alone, surrounded by a city of a few million.
>In this moment right now, you couldn’t feel more alone and out of touch with everything around you.
>You never wanted to be here but you had no choice.
>Rarity sings in the shower. The two of you used to shower together and wash each others’ hair.
>You used to do a lot of things with her.
>She became successful within the first year you started hanging around her.
>Sure you gave her a few fashion tips you got from Earth that propelled her into stardom, but that didn’t mean a single thing to you.
>You were just happy to have someone to talk to; someone who understood you.
>Rarity and you connected on some level. Even this far into your relationship you don’t know how. It all just felt…right.
>The two of you weren’t what anyone in Ponyville expected to be. You were madly in love with one another.
>What happened?
>You stand up from the bed and walk to the bathroom door.
>You raise your hand and knock.
>Rarity angrily snaps from beyond the wall.
>”What is it?”
>Instant regret.
I’m just going to…I don’t know…
>The water runs. You know Rarity is waiting for you so she can continue to washing.
>You hesitantly reply.
I’ll be back.
>”Fine.”
>You slowly open the door and stand in the vast hallway.
>You look down towards the elevator.
>Where are you even going?
>You enter it and punch the “lounge” button.
>Maybe a drink will help.
>A few floors and a few dings later, the elevator stops for another patron.
>A blue mare enters.
>You always make an effort to not stare, especially in Equestria. People don’t ever seem to be who you think they are.
>They always change.
>Two more floors; two more dings.
>You rock on your heels to pass the time and awkward tension.
>You tower over the unicorn, like the surrounding buildings.
>You glance over to her; her eyes were already waiting for you.
>She gives you a small smile; a polite nonverbal hello.
>The door dings again and the doors open.
>You begin to head for the opening, but the mare does the same.
>Awkwardly, the two of you return to your original positions.
>You motion for her to exit.
>You both awkwardly laugh.
>”Thanks…”
>She looks back and smiles again.
>You wait a few seconds and follow in her action.
>You sit the bar, sipping on some whisky and puffing a cigarette.
>A couple of stallions at the far end to your left chat it up.
>They’re in business attire.
>”No, I’m telling you…I saw her in the lobby! Rarity is here in this hotel!”
>The other one doesn’t believe him.
>”I’m telling you. She’s so hot, there’s no mistaking that body for anyone else.”
>You let the words pass through your hollow body.
>You stare at your liquor and swirl the glass, listening to the cubes clank.
>You take the last drink and puff before returning to the elevator, and the room.
>Maybe being a little intoxicated will make you feel something inside.
>You open the suite door, but see that all the lights are turned off.
>You can see a lump in the bed where Rarity is sleeping.
>You slide off your shoes and clothes.
>The clock reads 2:00 a.m.
>You aren’t even tired.
>An hour passes as you sit in the chair with your head propped on the wadded up blanket.
>It smells like her.
>It reminds you of all the times you spent with her in bed…just laying there, feeling so insignificant in this world. But you knew in Rarity’s heart, you were her world.
>You look at the traffic on the streets below.
>It used to be like that.
>You place your legs on the window sill, your head still propped on the blanket and stare outside for an hour before falling asleep.