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- >Sitting in the locker room, you can hear the quiet roar of a packed crowd outside.
- >You knew every single pony who followed hoofball in Ponyville was out there.
- >Somehow the tension between you and Cloudchaser had become public knowledge.
- >And, of course, it had only fomented the excited talk building up to this game.
- >You could not deny that it bothered you that your personal life was somehow involved in this.
- >But you also cannot deny that your growing grudge against Cloudy made this game that much more important to you.
- >Applejack is talking, her own apple family version of your usual pep talk.
- >You regain focus just in time to follow the team out onto the field.
- >Coming in at the half, you look around to see a tired and beaten team.
- >The speed of their offense is running your defense into the ground.
- >And running the score up on the board.
- >The two interceptions you've thrown haven't helped.
- >You know the team is looking to you for guidance.
- >Stepping into the shower, you douse yourself with cool water, helping to clear your head.
- >You're getting wrapped up in the drama, the tension.
- >And that sucks.
- >It isn't fair to your team.
- >And it's killing the fun of the game.
- >You aren't going to the end this season, and everyone knows it.
- >So why the pressure?
- >Because of Flitter?
- >She only comes to these games because of her sister.
- >Stop playing for her, or for Cloudy.
- >Time to play for your girls, your friends and for fun.
- >Yeah.
- >Let's have some fun.
- >Waltzing back into the locker room, you wait for the team to reassemble before taking a knee.
- "First off, I want to apologize." you start, holding a hand up to silence objections. "I've been distracted. And I've been playing to impress, and that makes me a hypocrite. What do I always tell y'all?"
- >"Have fun." Applejack answers.
- "Exactly. And I'm not having fun, and I'm letting my personal headspace drag y'all down. That ends here." you explain.
- >You lay out a few changes, including a new plan for the offense.
- >Their pass defense was killing your team.
- >Long passes were impossible.
- >So you've got a new plan.
- "Everybody runs now. Their defense can barely handle Applejack on the ground. So what if we ground Rainbow and swap out Dusty for Caramel. Hell, I'll even run it if I need to."
- >"Ugh, like, I know you're right and everything, but running is totally lame." Rainbow sighs.
- "Well here's the choice Dash: you start outflying your guards, or we start running the ball."
- >"Yeah yeah, I get it."
- "Let's go have some fun."
- >Another quarter done.
- >Your new plan is working.
- >Not quickly.
- >But it is gaining yards, and the light-duty high-speed pegasi defense is getting banged up trying to block your audible-run offense.
- >You had held Rainbow back, promising her there was a reason.
- >And with the fourth quarter about to start, you've got that reason on your mind.
- >Not yet though...
- >As the line forms up in front of you, a shout sends the ball flying into your hands for a quick handoff to Applejack.
- >Three yards.
- >Not yet, but soon.
- >You've closed the gap to two touchdowns, but the clock only has two minutes left.
- >Rainbow is rapidly becoming insufferable as she begins to despair.
- >The defense is on the field, and that gives you time to plan.
- >There's enough time.
- >But just barely.
- "Alright Rainbow, we need to score and fast."
- >"Duh, Anon! We're gonna lose!"
- "Like hell we are." you shoot back. "We're going to line up like a run play again, but Rainbow, if you see clear skies in the backfield, you take off as fast as you can. I'll hold onto the ball until you get clear."
- >"We'll have to hope Mac can get us th' ball back awful fast if we're gonna score twice."
- "Right. We'll try for an onside kick. They'll expect it, but we have to try."
- >"It's a gamble, but it's all we can do." Rainbow sighs.
- >Your plan in place, you watch the line stop the Raiders on thirds down.
- >Not being even remotely within scoring distance, the Raiders line up to kick...
- >And a firetruck red blur knocks the ball clean out of the air as linemen scatter like bowling pins.
- >Pigskin in his mouth, Big Mac runs clear down the field, knocking a final defender over as he barrels into the end zone.
- "Hey Rainbow?"
- >"Yeah Anon?"
- "Onside kick is out. Just catch the damn ball."
- >"You got it."
- >With only a minute left on the clock, your team lines back up.
- >Down by a touchdown, you've got sixty seconds to tie the game.
- >A big pass play from Rainbow has you only thirty yards from the goal line.
- >Hiking the ball, the teams lurch into motion and you hand off to Applejack...
- >Only 24 yards to go, but only 45 seconds to do it.
- >Repeating the play, you're down to 20 yards and twenty eight seconds.
- >Using your last timeout, you huddle up the line.
- "One last big play and we've got it in the bag. Here's how it's going to work-"
- >Rushing to places, you quickly call the snap as soon as the Raiders are in place, leaving them as little time as possible.
- >Dropping back, you watch as Rainbow and AJ rocket up the sides.
- >As they near the end zone, the Raider's line breaks through your offensive line.
- >Turning across the field, you pass laterally to Dusty.
- >Dropping farther back, the Raiders defense turns point towards your teammate.
- >Rainbow turns and takes flight as Dusty laterals back to you.
- >Reaching back, you drill a straight-line bullet to Rainbow Dash, who tumbles triumphantly onto her hooves.
- >But you've got to make the extra point still, or you'll lose.
- >And Applejack quickly herds the team back into line, for a quick-snap on an audible play.
- >Taking a knee, you hold the ball for the kicker...
- >And look up just in time to see the kick knocked out of the air.
- >It whistles past your head and you scramble onto your feet after it.
- >Chasing after it, Dash beats you to it.
- >As two pegasus charge down at her, you jump in for the block as Dash makes a break for it.
- >The impact of the two defenders knocks you off your feet, landing hard on your side and twisting your shoulder painfully.
- >Looking for Dash, you spot her in the end zone.
- >You'd sigh a breath of relief if that hit hadn't knocked the wind out of you.
- >You savor the roar of the crowd as you lie there on the ground, air slowly returning to your lungs.
- >When AJ finally pulls you back to your feet, the elation really hits you.
- >With a big goofy grin on your face, you scan the crowd and wave to your girls.
- >You've only got two more games left.
- >But the season is effectively over for you now.
- >Making your way into the locker room, you retreat to the showers.
- >As the water washes over you, you consider the next game.
- >Not the worst team, but nowhere near the Stormers or the Raiders.
- >Then a bye week followed by your final match, against the worst team in the league.
- >You'll talk to Mac first, but you're thinking that at least one team practice this week is going to get cancelled.
- >It'll give the ponies a chance to rest, and free up an additional weeknight or two for you.
- >And maybe this week you can abscond to Canterlot again.
- >Hand deliver some of your work and meet with the ponies at the Academy.
- >Take one of your mares with you.
- >Aloe wanted to see some art exhibit, it's probably only there for so long.
- >That sounds like a good plan.
- >Turning off the water, you grab a towel.
- >You can plan more later, you have ponies waiting for you now.
- >Coming out of the locker room, you scan the retreating crowd.
- >A small group of the team's fans throng around you bursting with congratulations and wishing you well.
- >You smile and nod, and wave and smile and nod, all the while slowly wading out into the crowd.
- >The game has been over for a while and most of the townsfolk are heading home.
- >Turning a corner, you manage to catch a glimpse of two purple pegasi near the edge of the stands.
- >Stepping into the light, and away from the few lingering ponies, something makes you pause.
- >Why are you doing this?
- >Flitter glances back and her gaze meets yours for just a second.
- >Turning away, she quickly takes to the air, following her sister into the night.
- >You can feel your brow furrow in frustration.
- "Cloudchaser."
- >"Nope. Guess again." a voice says, accompanied by a gentle bump to your side.
- >A smile quickly wipes away the hint of a scowl that was forming at the corners of your mouth as you turn to see Roseluck at your side.
- >Running a hand through her mane, you catch an ear and gently rub it between your thumb and forefinger.
- >Rose hums contentedly as you continue for a moment.
- >"You seem awfully quiet for how much you've been talking about this game."
- "Hm? Oh, just a little distracted." you say, shaking your head.
- >"Mhm. It makes a mare nervous."
- >Taking a knee, you quickly pull Rose in.
- "Don't you ever worry about that. I mean it." you say, wrapping her in a tight hug.
- >Before you can lean back, she hops forward to plant a quick kiss on your lips.
- >"Let me guess, you came looking for Flitter." Rose states quietly.
- "Yup."
- >"Did you find her?"
- "Well-"
- >"Not in time, then." Rose nods. "C'mon. The girls are looking for you and my parents are waiting. Don't you want to celebrate?"
- >You scan the now empty sky one last time.
- "Let's go."
- >Festivities are in full swing by the time your little group arrives at the usual tavern.
- >While normally you'd join Rainbow and AJ, you've got company this time.
- >Four mares and Rose's parents plus you.
- >Y'all aren't going to fit at the already packed usual table.
- >So instead you take the big corner booth.
- >You find yourself pushed into the back corner, Rose and her parents on one side and Aloe followed by Lotus then Lyra on your other.
- >To your relief, Snap immediately dives into hoofball talk.
- >Rose and her mother are giggling about something to your side, but you're unable to lean in close enough to hear clearly.
- >Lyra jumps into talking hoofball with you and Snap, which is a surprise.
- >Lotus occasionally pipes up, when she isn't having a whispered argument with Aloe over the seating arrangements.
- >Aloe is glued to your left side, one hoof in your hand, the other fending off Lotus.
- >Sipping your whiskey sour, you settle in to savor the chaos.
- >"Th' Eagles are gonna go all th' way this year. I'm tellin' ya, Anon!" Snap says, jabbing a hoof at you.
- "They have a good team, but they also have a tough schedule!"
- >"Who do they play that's so tough?" Lyra asks.
- "Dodge City-"
- >"The Chiefs!? Their quarterback is terrible!"
- "They have the best defense in the country to make up for it."
- >"Alright. Ya got me there." Snap says. "But just because it's gonna be low scoring doesn't mean Filly won't win!"
- "And you have to play the Giants. Their quarterback isn't anything special, but-"
- >"Yeah, they've got Buckham receiving." Snap grumbles. "To tartarus with Manehattan."
- "Here's to that." you say, offering a toast.
- >Snap meets your glass with his, and you both down your drinks.
- >You flag down the waitress and go to order another for each of you when Lilac intervenes.
- >"I think that's enough, Snappy. It's getting late, and we have a train to catch in the morning."
- >"Tch. S'pose you're right." he scowls. "I guess we're going then."
- >As the flower family slides out, you follow.
- "Heading in with your parents?"
- >"Of course." Rose replies. "You live a lot closer than they do, after all."
- >You take a knee and wrap her in a hug.
- "Are you coming to Lyra's concert tomorrow? I have an entire box purchased."
- >"I'll have to ask Lily and Daisy. I'll let you know."
- "Okay then. Goodnight."
- >Letting go of Rose, Lilac moves in for one of her own.
- >"It's been so nice to meet you! You'll have to come out to Filly sometime to meet Laurel and the girls!"
- "Absolutely." you agree. "I'll leave it to Rose to plan that with you."
- >Getting to your feet, you turn to Snapdragon.
- "Snap." you say, offering a hand.
- >He takes it and shakes with a nod.
- >The group heads for the door then, and a nudge at your waist pushes you back to the table.
- >Looking down, you smile at the insistent periwinkle mare and move to take a seat.
- >"Anon? I'm going to go too. I need to be well-rested for the concert." Lyra says, getting to her hooves.
- >Putting a gentle hand on the pushy mare at your side, you step away from the table and take a knee again.
- >Lyra comes around for her hug, and you plant a kiss on her forehead.
- "Alright. Will I see you before the concert?"
- >"Probably not. I'll be super busy."
- "Okay. Where should we meet afterwards?"
- >"I can just come up to your box! That'll be way easier than you trying to find me backstage!"
- "Sounds like a plan. See you tomorrow."
- >"Goodnight Anon, 'night girls!" Lyra says with a smile, before turning and disappearing into the crowd.
- >With your numbers thinned, you wave Aloe and Lotus over to the main table.
- >Ordering a fresh round for the group, you settle in for the night.
- >The morning sun on your face breaks you from sweet, sweet sleep.
- >Stretching, you find one of your arms pinned under a snoring ball of blue.
- >Rolling onto your side, you pull her in close.
- >And in doing so learn that your right shoulder is seriously sore.
- >You should have tucked and rolled with that hit yesterday.
- >Absentmindedly petting Lotus's mane, you consider what you need to accomplish for the day.
- >You need to get to Rarity's to pick up your new shirt and tie.
- >She'll probably scold you for not doing it yesterday, but you were busy.
- >Aside from that, you'll probably soak in the tub to rest your sore shoulder and, of course, there's the concert tonight.
- >A yawn alerts you to the fact that Lotus is now awake.
- >"Mmm good morning, Anon." she groans, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
- "Good morning, pretty pony."
- >"So what are you doing between now and the concert?"
- "I just have an errand or two to run. Nothing exciting."
- >Her tail swishes as she looks into your eyes.
- >"You mean to tell me that I have you all to myself? All day?"
- "Only if you want to be bored." you shrug. "Your call."
- >She leans forward for a kiss, and crawls forward to press deeper.
- >And to step straight onto your shoulder!
- "Mrph!" you grunt through the kiss, causing Lotus to pull back.
- >She looks at you with concern.
- "Shoulder. Please."
- >Lotus takes a few steps back.
- >"Are you okay?"
- "I just fell a little hard on my shoulder yesterday. No big deal." you assure her, rolling out of bed.
- >Lotus follows you into the bathroom, where you pop a couple of aspirin.
- >She leans up against your leg, and stares up at you.
- >"You know, I happen to have a skill set that could help."
- >Laughing, you run your fingers through her mane.
- >"Anon, I'm being serious." she frowns. "Come to the spa with me."
- "I don't think Aloe would appreciate us taking up customer space."
- >"I think you forget that you and Aloe are also dating." Lotus counters. "She won't mind."
- "Well at least let me shower and get dressed. Then we can get breakfast and head to the spa."
- >Cleaned up and on your way, the two of you stop by Sugarcube Corner to pick up some pastries.
- >A croissant for Lotus, a Bear Claw for you, and a cherry danish for Aloe.
- >And three cups of coffee, of course.
- >Too bad you can't irish this up, that'd help your sore shoulder.
- >Or at least take your mind off of it.
- >Soon enough you arrive at the spa, and you follow Lotus inside.
- >Aloe isn't at the desk, but you can hear Rarity's voice coming from one of the rooms.
- >Leaving the coffee and pastry at the desk for her, you and Lotus move farther down the hall.
- >"First a soak in the hot tub." she instructs. "Hopefully it's just a bit sore, and not something more serious."
- "Cheers to that." you offer, raising your coffee before following Lotus into a side room. "A private room, just for me? You shouldn't have."
- >Lotus beckons for you to lean down.
- >"Two things, Anonymous. First, someone didn't bring a swimsuit-" she says, firmly tapping your sore shoulder. "-and therefore will not be decent for the public pools."
- "And the second?" you ask, rubbing the spot she jabbed.
- >Lotus shuts the door before replying.
- >"Second, you have mares now. And we want to take care of our stallion, even if he is stupid and insists on taking care of us and wanting nothing in return."
- "That is an oversimp-"
- >"Anon. I should warn you now that both Lyra and Roseluck have started dropping in." she interrupts you. "Sometimes for the spa, sometimes just to talk."
- >Well then.
- >It's perfectly reasonable, and on one hand you're happy that the four of them are getting along.
- >Life will be easier if your mares are all friends, after all.
- >But the way Lotus talks about it...
- >You like smart mares, but your spidey-senses are warning you that you're being outmaneuvered here.
- >Not sure how.
- >Just that you are.
- >"Anon? Are you going into the tub with your clothes on?"
- "Oh! Right, sorry."
- >Stripping down, you sit on the edge and dangle your feet in the hot water, adjusting to the heat.
- >"Anon, just so you know, you've got a fairly large bruise on the back side of your shoulder."
- "No surprises there, at least it wasn't my throwing arm."
- >Sliding into the tub proper, Lotus turns on the jets before climbing in across from you.
- >Turning, you recline and let your shoulder submerge in the warm waters.
- >Sitting in silence for a while, you take stock of life.
- >And honestly, life is pretty good.
- >Stressful at times, but good.
- >"What are you thinking about?" Lotus asks.
- "Hmm?"
- >"You look lost in thought." she explains, sliding next to you. "What are you thinking about?"
- "Oh, everything and nothing."
- >"That's not very helpful." she frowns.
- "But it's accurate." you reply. "I was just contemplating the big picture, you know?"
- >"Tell me about this picture. Where am I?"
- "Aha, the real motive comes out." you say with a grin. "Alright, just stop me when I start to ramble."
- >You pause to break out your finest words.
- >A base of carefully selected nouns, forming the base shapes of the picture.
- >Nouns like Home, Family, and Wife.
- >A vibrant splash of adjectives for color.
- >You're careful to only use 'large' to describe the Home and the Family.
- >Really the overall theme you're pursuing is 'comfort'.
- >You want your mares and children to never want for anything.
- >That seems about right.
- >It'll be a lot of work, but you can make it happen.
- >You find yourself nodding along as you speak, reasserting your convictions, when Lotus puts a hoof on your (still sore) shoulder.
- >"Anon. You're rambling." she interrupts. "It's kind of cute, and kind of neurotic."
- "Hmm, I'll have to work on my technique."
- >"Rose is right though. You'll make an excellent husband." she muses "If you don't work yourself into a heart attack."
- "Don't worry about it. I've been assured that having seven mares won't be stressful at all."
- >"It's not us that you need to worry about." she quips.
- "Oh really? Because I think that sometimes the four I'm dating right now are already too devious for my own good." you reply, leaning back.
- >"We are very devious." she agrees. "But just devious enough for your own good."
- "What does that even mean?"
- >"It means it's time to move to the massage table." she answers, throwing a towel at your head.
- >Laying facedown, Lotus begins slowly feeling her way around your shoulder.
- >You have to give her credit, it can't be easy working on a body that is literally alien to this world.
- >After a little prodding and poking, she settles into a pattern of massage and stretching.
- >It doesn't feel great, or like it's helping at all, but it does seem like the right thing to do.
- >It's almost like she knows what she's doing.
- "So tell me, oh devious one, what visions do /you/ have for the future?"
- >"...me?"
- "Yeah, you." you smirk, turning your head to look at her. "I want to kno-ow ow ow!"
- >"Sorry!" Lotus yelps, releasing your overextended arm.
- >You lie down, arm hanging by your side, your shoulder throbbing.
- >"I was so busy thinking about what you asked, I lost focus! I'm sorry!"
- "Ha, yeah, no biggie." you assure her. "But let's lay off the shoulder for a moment. Maybe just answer my question instead."
- >"Oh, okay." she says.
- >A few moments of silence follow, and just as you're about to speak up, you feel Lotus climb onto your back.
- >"Would it be horrible if I said I don't know?"
- "Hmmm, of course not." you answer slowly "But it sure doesn't sound the crafty little Lotus that I know."
- >"I just-I don't know. Sometimes I just want me and my special somepony, with a little house away from everypony else. But I could never leave Aloe, so I don't know, Anon."
- "That told me a lot, even if it didn't seem like it."
- >"It did?"
- "It did."
- >"You're not going to tell me what you're thinking?"
- "Nope."
- >She huffs, and the two of you lay in silence for a while.
- >The quiet is nice, and after a few seconds together like that your breathing starts to sync.
- >You feel a pony nuzzle the side of your head.
- >The softness of these ponies defies logic.
- >"Anon?"
- "Yes, Lotus?"
- >"You mentioned taking me someplace once..."
- "I remember that. I think we ruled out Canterlot, put Vanhoover in the 'maybe' pile."
- >"I've never been swimming in the ocean."
- >You sigh dramatically.
- "I suppose I can do that."
- >She says nothing, but you can still hear a barely supressed *squee*.
- >Half an hour later, your therapy session has made no marked improvement.
- >In fact, you actually feel worse.
- >Aloe is actually quietly scolding Lotus in the hallway.
- >You mostly can't hear the details, but sometimes she raises her voice enough to make out a few words.
- >It's difficult to imagine Aloe angry.
- >She's always so quiet and cheerful.
- >Deciding that it would be best to intervene, you begin to dress yourself.
- >You're pulling your shoes on when Aloe pushes the door open, Lotus close behind her.
- >If it weren't for the look on Lotus' face, you'd never know that Aloe had been anything less than her usual self a moment ago.
- >Lotus is clearly upset, but stays silent as Aloe approaches you.
- >With both shoes on, you start to rise from your chair, but Aloe holds up a hoof to stop you.
- >Placing her hooves on your legs, she propels herself up onto your lap.
- >Aloe offers a small smile and leans in close.
- >"Anon, you know that I love you, right?"
- "Of course."
- >"Good. And I'm glad you trust Lotus to take care of you. I hope you trust me too."
- "Naturally." you chuckle, rubbing the pink pony's back.
- >Aloe nods, then looks briefly over her shoulder at the sulking Lotus.
- >"Anonymous, I just want to let you know, that both of you are dumb."
- >En-route to the hospital, you get to hear more about how dumb you are.
- >How Lotus should have picked up on the fact that you're more than 'just sore' from the game.
- >How you should have known to ask the medic about your shoulder /at/ the game.
- >How Lotus should have told Aloe what was going on instead of trying to keep you to herself.
- >How you should not have played along with her schemes.
- >How the breakfast, while delicious, was a dead giveaway that something was awry.
- >On and on she goes.
- >As she leads the way, you fall in beside Lotus.
- >Initially, she attempted to rebut Aloe's accusations.
- >But now she just dejectedly accepts them.
- >Subtle petting has done nothing to cheer her up.
- >More drastic measures are clearly needed.
- >With a swift motion, you scoop Lotus up with your good arm, leaning her against your shoulder.
- >She settles in, and slowly she stops sniffling.
- >"Thank you." she whispers, and you can't help but smile a bit.
- >It takes a while, but just as your arm is beginning to wear out you spy Ponyville General.
- >"Anon? Girls?" a familiar voice calls out from behind you.
- >Moving in your direction is none other than Roseluck.
- >Of course, Aloe also turned around, and is now accosting your shins for carrying Lotus.
- >Aloe's firm but gentle beating moves up your legs as she rears up, now trying to swat her sister (who has wisely pulled her tail up and out of reach).
- >Rose stops a few feet away and just watches you with an amused expression.
- "A little help?"
- >She just shrugs and smiles.
- >You level your gaze at her, with your best 'are you kidding me?' look.
- >Her smile grows a little wider.
- >These ponies.
- >Ridiculous.
- "Okay you two, that's enough."
- >"But Anon-"
- "Nope." you say, pressing a finger to Aloe's lips as you crouch down.
- >You release Lotus, who reluctantly returns to her hooves, and lean in to keep Aloe quiet with a kiss.
- >A long, soft kiss.
- >With a hand caressing her face.
- >It's easy and natural to linger a moment on her lips.
- >When you straighten up, all three mares have a fierce blush on their faces, though Aloe's is certainly more pronounced.
- >You throw a smirk and a wink in Roseluck's direction, then turn to resume your trek to the hospital.
- "Y'all coming or not?"
- >After some inane small talk in the waiting room, a nurse leads you into the back.
- >"Mister Anonymous, I'm Nurse Redheart and I'll be taking care of you today."
- >You nod, and she goes about the usual rigmarole -height, weight, diet, exercise, etc...
- >It reminds you that, if you're going to really stay in Ponyville, you should write to your Canterlot doctor and have your files sent down here.
- >"Okay Mister Anonymous, with that out of the way why don't you tell me why you came in today?"
- "Simple enough." you reply "Like I said before, I play hoofball, and in the last game I took a hard fall on my left shoulder. Normally I wouldn't worry about it all that much, but it's sore to the point that I can't really use that arm now."
- >"Oh, I knew I had heard about you somewhere! You're friends with Rainbow Dash, aren't you?"
- "Guilty as charged." you smile "What's Speedysnooze told you about me?"
- >"Mostly talking about hoofball. She was really disappointed that you weren't going to be able to play this season, but it seems something changed?"
- "Yeah, I'm in Ponyville for the long-term, it seems."
- >"Well welcome back. Now, let's look at that shoulder-"
- >An hour later, Nurse Redheart has put your arm in a sling with the weight supported by your good shoulder.
- >It was a bit awkward for a while, as she had you take your shirt off and felt you up.
- >She assured you that it was only to try and understand your alien physiology, of course.
- >You can only imagine the reactions the others would have had if they had been there.
- >Rose wouldn't have offered more than a raised eyebrow, but Aloe and Lotus would probably have said something.
- >Assuming Aloe didn't throw her sister under the bus in front of Nurse Redheart.
- >Those two have already been a handful, and it's only noon.
- >Several hours later, the day has not gotten any better.
- >The twins are still at odds.
- >Roseluck went back to work for a bit.
- >Rarity was less than amicable about how late you were in picking up your shirt and tie.
- >Overall a less than stellar afternoon.
- >But now Aloe and Lotus are at home, getting ready before you all went to the auditorium.
- >Leaving you alone to get dressed.
- >And enjoy a Churchill martini.
- "Pouring a cold glass of gin while looking at a bottle of Vermouth" you say to yourself as you adjust your tie.
- >Taking the glass in hand you collapse into your favorite chair and raise the glass to your lips.
- >Drinking deeply, the cold liquor feels as if it is washing the stress out of you.
- >Staring out the french doors leading to the balcony, you can see a few pegasi crisscrossing the skies over Ponyville.
- >It is a nice change of pace, to be able to simply let your mind unfocus, and you savor the quiet emptiness of your precious alone time.
- >But inevitably it must come to an end.
- >Which it does with the particular patter of hooves on your door that means the purple pony princess is looking for you.
- "Come in, it's unlocked." you call, unwilling to leave your chair.
- >You hear the door open and the soft clopping of hooves on carpet as (the pony you assume to be) Twilight trots over to the couch.
- >Your suspicions are confirmed as your friend carefully lowers herself onto the cushions across from you.
- >She's wearing a Rarity original after all.
- >And it would be a mistake to ruffle it right before the concert.
- >Especially since she's going with Rarity herself.
- >At first glance you could mistake it for her most recent gala dress, but quickly realize that it is far less ornate and likely much more comfortable.
- >Practical fashion, really.
- >"You look lost in thought."
- "I'm trying very hard not to be."
- >"So...you're trying to focus on something?"
- "No, I'm trying to avoid thought."
- >"That doesn't really make sense."
- "You've never just needed to just let your mind shut down?"
- >"Well of course I do. It's called sleeping."
- >Nodding in agreement, you take a long draught of the now diluted gin.
- "More sleep probably wouldn't hurt me."
- >"I know you said you only need six hours, but didn't you tell me that most humans need eight?"
- "Alright mom, jeeze."
- >"Hey, I'm just trying to make sure you're okay."
- "I know, I know." you say, waving it off. "I just get enough of that from Roseluck."
- >"I should really invite her over sometime."
- "Or not. I don't need that kind of collusion in my life."
- >Twilight giggles.
- >"Oh Anon, you're cute when you're paranoid. Nopony can create more work for you than you do, even if we work together."
- "I resent that. I take work to pay the bills. It isn't cheap being the only human in Equestria!"
- >"You resemble it, more like."
- "Alright, alright." you concede, waving your empty glass to shush her. "I already got this lecture with Rose's family."
- >Twilight hums in approval.
- "So how about you, Oh Great Princess of Friendship? I bet all the stallions in Canterlot are a-flutter over you. Any prospects?"
- >"Anon!"
- "I mean, c'mon. You're telling me that the mare who tracks down friendship problems all over the country can't track down a nice colt for herself?"
- >"It isn't that simple..." she grumbles.
- "Isn't it?"
- >"No! I mean, it's just- there's a lot of rules about being a princess!"
- >You straighten up in your chair.
- "What do you mean?" you ask, cocking your head.
- >"I mean a princess can't just marry anypony! You think building a herd is complicated, trying arranging a royal marriage! Ugh!"
- "I told you that you should have found a guy way back when we first became friends." you smirk. "Of course, that was simply because I thought you needed some romance in your life."
- >Twilight simply glowers at you.
- "So how does this work? Do you just run ideas past Celly and Luna, or is there a flowchart or something?"
- >"I mostly ask Princess Celestia...I don't understand all the rules well enough to make a flowchart."
- "Well Twilight, I think maybe that's something that would help. It would certainly speed up the process."
- >"It isn't even that. I haven't met anypony worth running through a flowchart."
- "Really?"
- >"Well, one, but I already have a hunch that he won't be approved."
- "Have you asked?"
- >"N-no..."
- "Do it." you reply flatly. "You'll never know for sure until you do."
- >She seems unconvinced.
- >You'll have to talk to Rares about it.
- >Twilight will keep avoiding it if no one pushes her along.
- >And you have too much to do these days to be that person.
- >Eventually the two of you depart the castle together.
- >You had agreed to drop the coltfriend questions if she would drop the herd questions.
- >Instead you discussed the seasonal flood/drought cycle in Appleoosa.
- >Spitballing ideas to better stabilize the river, and talking about the last time Twilight and the girls were down that way.
- >It was nice, even if it was tangentially work related.
- >That project was years away if it even happens.
- >As you near the spa, Twilight mentions Fluttershy's party next weekend.
- "That reminds me." you inteject "I need to find some time to talk to Cadence. Mano a mano."
- >"What?"
- "It's a human expression. I need to speak to her by myself."
- >"Oh, well they're getting in on Thursday, and the party isn't until Saturday, so you should be able to find some time if you let them know."
- "Perfect. I was afraid they were only going to get in the day of."
- >"Anon, did you really think my brother would come to Ponyville and not stay to visit?"
- "You've done that to him like, a dozen times."
- >"Hey! Not my fault!"
- >You lift a brow and cast a sidelong glance at her.
- >"Okay, mostly not my fault."
- >...
- >"Alright! Maybe a few times it was my fault, now stop that!"
- "I didn't say anything."
- >"Arrgh."
- >"Princess Twilight?" Aloe asks from the door "Will you be joining us tonight?"
- >"Oh! Hello Aloe, Lotus. No, I have my own booth with Rarity and Fluttershy." Twilight explains.
- >Unlike Twilight, the twins haven't bothered with dresses opting instead for simple white shawls with matching while lilies tucked behind an ear.
- >You wonder if they always plan to match, or if it's just force of habit for them at this point.
- "She's walking with us to the Auditorium since, you know, we both live at the castle."
- >Locking their door behind them, the twins join you and Twilight and the party ventures forth.
- >Aloe and Lotus take up positions to either side of you.
- >It's ideal for surreptitious ear scratches.
- >And also means that they don't have to see each other.
- >Glad to see that still hasn't resolved itself.
- >Sighing, you follow Twilight as she leads the way to the venue.
- >The Ponyville Auditorium is a surprisingly well appointed hall.
- >You hadn't really noticed the last time you were here, simply because the entire time you were here your focus was split between sneaking a note to Lyra and humming the Mission: Impossible Theme.
- >A plaque on the wall tells you that it's one of the town's most historic buildings.
- >Which makes sense, this place was probably the most exciting thing in town back then.
- >"Anon?"
- >A sharp jab in the side turns your attention from the building to the ponies around you.
- "Ow! God, what was that for!?"
- >The offender is a perfect primped marshmallow you happen to know.
- >"Eyes off the building, mind off work, Anonymous."
- "I can't help it if I happen to like old buildings."
- >"You can always come back later." she replies. "Now go take your girls to their seats like a gentlecolt."
- "I can't yet-oh, nevermind. Roseluck just walked in."
- >"Mhm! Now off you go!"
- "Remind me that I need to talk to you about something later. We'll get lunch or something."
- >"I shan't forget!" she says as she walks off to join Twilight at Fluttershy.
- >You, in turn, go to meet Rose.
- >She's wearing a simple green dress.
- >You don't know if green is her favorite color or what, but you do know that she knows how to wear it.
- >With a few quick strides you're beside her.
- >Taking a knee, you plant a chaste kiss on her muzzle before wrapping her in a hug.
- >"Miss me much?"
- "Oh it has been horrible." you sigh dramatically.
- >Rose rolls her eyes as you let her go, taking the time to bump you as she moves further into the lobby.
- >"Come on, we need to get to our seats."
- >Following Rose, you wave the twins over and hand your tickets to the colt at the doors.
- >He directs you to a staircase, and you herd the group along.
- >Upstairs you easily find your booth (the place only has four of them) and quickly drop into a seat.
- >Two rows of five seats.
- >You take left of center, front row.
- >Instantly Lotus is on your left and Aloe on your right.
- >Looking to Rose for help, she just shakes her head at the sight.
- >So much for your last best hope.
- >Ah well, just roll with it.
- >Your hands are pulled into hooves as the lights dim and the curtain rises.
- >The conductor walks onstage and give a short speech.
- >He introduces Octavia -their featured soloist- and gives a short biography of her work, then talks the audience through the set list for the evening.
- >Aloe and Lotus are each trying to pull you closer to them, though Lotus is at least taking care to be gentle with your bad arm.
- >Eventually you pull both arms away from them and stretch them across the backs of the seats.
- >The conductor concludes his speech, turns to the orchestra, and with a flick of his baton the concert begins.
- >As the concert rolls along, the two sisters begin their silent squabbling again.
- >They've both put a hoof on one of your knees, and occasionally one will try to shoo the other away.
- >Frankly, it's childish and irritating.
- >Inhaling deeply, you slowly release it.
- >It's fine, this is why you have a private booth.
- >Okay, it isn't fine, these two are really getting out of hand, but no one else has to see it at least.
- >The batting of hooves across your lap continues to pick up tempo as you pointedly fold your hands and lean forward.
- >Instantly the twins push up against you.
- >With a grunt, you reflexively pull your bad shoulder away from Lotus, who gently rubs it before settling back in.
- >This is...actually kind of cozy.
- >If nothing else, it is an improvement over the little spat they've been having.
- >Looking over, across Aloe, you see Rose frown just slightly.
- >You shrug at her, and she shakes her head.
- >You return your focus to the music.
- >Damn, you missed an entire piece!
- >A short piece, but still.
- >This next one was "Jupiter" from Colt's "Planetary Suite".
- >One of your favorites.
- >Applauding loudly, you lean back in your chair as the conductor announces a fifteen minute intermission.
- >Stretching, you rise and excuse yourself to use the restroom.
- >Three mares is proving too much for you.
- >Three!
- >And you're supposed to have seven?
- >You can't help but feel that maybe, for once, you'll get Candyass to relent.
- >Quickly brushing that bit of optimism away, you sigh.
- >Next weekend was that shindig at 'Shy's.
- >You need to walk into that party prepared.
- >A list of questions, and instructions for the Elements to find a way for you to meet with the Pink Menace one on one.
- >You need to ask questions.
- >Questions like: What the hell were you thinking?
- >And: Have you lost your goddamn mind?
- >But, until then, you need to deal with some out of line fillies back at your booth.
- >Finishing your business, you make a quick stop at the bar for a glass of whiskey on the rocks before you head back upstairs.
- >Plastic glass in hand you make your way back toward the booth, pausing at the top step as you catch a whispered argument taking place.
- >You tilt your head to listen as you sip quietly on your bourbon.
- >"...can't you see you're upsetting Anon?"
- >That's Aloe, probably.
- >"Me!? You're the one who...."
- >Yeah, because that was definitely Lotus.
- >"...start this, but I won't...." Aloe mumbles.
- >"...both of you are behaving..."
- >Ah, Rose is there. Good.
- >"...just because you were first..."
- >"...not the alpha yet!" Lotus spits.
- >Before anything gets too heated, you down the rest of your drink and take the final steps out into the open, tossing the cup neatly into a bin as you pass.
- >The three of them immediately fall silent as they watch your approach.
- >Taking off your coat as you step back into the theatre area, you drop into a corner seat and pointedly toss the suit coat onto the seat next to you.
- >After a moment, you hear more hushed bickering.
- >Finally Roseluck enters, sliding into the second row, finding the seat directly behind you.
- >Eventually the end of the intermission quells the quiet quarrel and two rather miffed mares return to the booth, quite pointedly not looking at each other.
- >Your eyes roll at the idea that you are the cause of this and will likely have to be the solution to it as well.
- >It occurs to you that in your irritation you failed to actually address the issues, but as the curtain rises you remind yourself that you aren't here for them.
- >You're here for Lyra.
- >Leaning forward, you intertwine your fingers and focus your attention on the stage.
- >With a flick of the baton the orchestra comes to attention.
- >And with a wave he launches them into a collection of folk songs featuring Octavia on a wide variety of string instruments.
- >Closing your eyes helps you to really appreciate the quiet complexity of the orchestra supporting a seemingly simple solo melody.
- >The music conjures images of the countryside, and ode to a way of life oft overlooked as ponies increasingly move to the cities and newly formed suburbs.
- >It is as if the composer spent a summer writing this collection while renting a room from the Apple Family.
- >But, unmerited nostalgia for rural life aside, you pay particular attention to this song because it really brings the lyre to life.
- >More than once Lyra is among only a handful of ponies playing.
- >You had always assumed that the Lyre was a plucked instrument -a one note at a time sort of affair- but this piece has Lyra strumming away as if it was a guitar.
- >A learning experience.
- >It's a surprisingly up-tempo piece, and sadly it races along to its conclusion all too quickly.
- >For the next several pieces, Octavia leaves the stage and Lyra returns to being merely one part of a large ensemble.
- >You find yourself surreptitiously checking on the others.
- >It's impossible to tell how Rose is doing since she is directly behind you.
- >But the other two are off to the side, and you can see them both easily enough.
- >Aloe is focused intently on the orchestra, the corners of her mouth pulled into a subtle frown and her ears twitch irritably every few seconds.
- >Lotus is less focused on the music and more on the ground.
- >The orchestra winds down its second to last song, and you quietly stand up.
- >Putting your jacket back on, you take its place with your arms stretched out across the backs of the two seats to either side of you.
- >Having gained the attention of both Aloe and Lotus, you wave them over, and they eventually move to join you.
- >Octavia returns to the stage for the closing song, an arrangement of Nessun Dorma.
- >You drape first one arm, and then another, across the backs of your companions.
- >It doesn't take much effort to pull them against you.
- >Lotus is sniffling again, but then again, this song makes you a little teary-eyed too.
- >You close your eyes and tilt your head back to focus on the serenading strings of Octavia's cello far below onstage.
- >It isn't a very long song, and soon it comes to a close.
- >The curtain drops momentarily as you reclaim your arms to join in the applause.
- >When the curtain rises again, the conductor dismisses the orchestra section by section, allowing for them to take their bows.
- >As Lyra rises, so do you.
- >And when she leaves stage you drop back into your seat.
- >The crowds below are dispersing
- >The lights are back up
- >The curtain is closed
- >But you are still in your seat
- >Aside from the two apologetic mares in your arms, there's Roseluck behind you still that you'd like to talk to.
- >And, of course, you told Lyra to meet you here after the concert.
- >Aloe has already offered a whispered apology.
- >Lotus isn't quite that composed yet.
- "Aloe, can you give me a moment with Lotus?"
- >"Oh. Yes, I'll just-"
- "Just scoot over a seat or two. You don't have to leave."
- >As Aloe moves, you turn to Lotus.
- "Lotus."
- >Nothing.
- "Lotus, look at me."
- >Nothing.
- >Setting your hand beneath her chin, you lift her gaze to meet yours.
- "Lotus. I'm over it, okay?"
- >She nods.
- "You want to prove that you're sorry?"
- >Another nod.
- "Go make up with Aloe."
- >Lotus hangs her head, but she does get to her hooves...slowly.
- "Oh, and Lotus?"
- >She looks over at you.
- "It's her fault too. And she knows it." you assure her.
- >Planting a kiss on her forehead you send her to go talk to her sister.
- >Heaving a small sigh of relief, you maneuver around the seats to join Rose a row back.
- "Hey princess."
- >"And here I thought you forgot about me."
- "Never. I just know you can handle not having me hold your hoof at all times."
- >"I still like it once in a while."
- "And that's why I'm here now."
- >"I suppose I can forgive you."
- "Love you too."
- >Wrapping an arm around Roseluck, the two of you watch the twins have a hushed conversation.
- >Both of them are clearly upset.
- >Hopefully with themselves as well as each other.
- >You have great faith in their bond as sisters.
- >They'll make up, they have to.
- >Right?
- "You've never held a grudge against your sisters...have you?"
- >"Maybe for a few days at most."
- "Unfortunate."
- >"This is a little thing." Rose assures you, letting out a tiny yawn. "They'll be fine."
- >You hope so.
- >The last thing you need is for those two to go after each other because of you.
- >Eventually the two sisters share a hug and make their way over to you and Rose.
- >Assessing the seating arrangements, you quickly scoop up Rose with your good arm and set her in your lap.
- >"Anon!" she whines "We're in public!"
- "No one is here to see." you shush her, pulling her against you.
- >The twins quickly hop into the seats to either side.
- >Hooves hold your arms to the seat, they stand to either side of you.
- >Lotus speaks first.
- >"I'm sorry, Anon. I wasn't thinking and I could have really hurt you! We all know how much you enjoy hoofball, and I would have felt terrible if i ruined that for you..."
- "But you didn't, so-"
- >"But she could have." Aloe interjects. "And she's sorry. And I'm sorry too."
- >The pink mare affectionately nuzzles the side of your head.
- >"I was so worried about you that I started a fight with Lotus, and then that fight distracted you through the whole concert."
- >"Not all of it." Rose offers.
- >"Still, we were rude to Anon." Aloe insists.
- >"And we're sorry." Lotus agrees.
- >Closing your eyes, you bury your face in Rose's mane for a moment.
- >Carefully you think about what to say.
- >You nod to yourself, as you lift your head.
- "Alright you two. You're forgiven this time." you reply, earning a smile from them. "But! But tomorrow I expect you both to apologize to Lyra. I came here for her, and instead I spent quite a bit of time dealing with the two of you."
- >"O-oh. We hadn't really considered that..." Lotus mumbles.
- >"Yes...tomorrow we will find her and apologize."
- >Carefully letting go of Rose, you gingerly wrap your arms around the twins and give them a light squeeze.
- "You girls drive me nuts sometimes, you know that?"
- >Leaning your head back you release a sigh.
- "But I love you anyways."
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