I’m a musician, a pianist to be specific. I discovered my talent at a relatively early age, due to my parents pressuring me into the arts. I don’t hate them for it. In fact, I love them for pushing me. I sincerely doubt I’d be where I was if not for them.
So, I spent years upon years perfecting my skills. It didn’t take me long to get noticed. It started with talent contests and then it quickly moved to fancy parties my parents liked to throw. I’d always be the star, the center of attention. That’s how my parents liked it and I never wanted to disappoint them. While I was never a shy pony, it was unnerving the first few times. I quickly came to love it though. I soaked in the applause and fame like a sponge. Not too much of it, mind you. My parents were always there to slap me back onto the right track.
I couldn’t help but sigh. If they could see me now…they’d be so disappointed in me right now. They weren’t the only one. Here sat little lonely Frederic in front of his favorite instrument, trying and failing to play. I wanted to, oh how I wanted to. My hooves hovered over the keys as the music played in my mind, but…It must all muddled. I couldn’t think straight. My breathing grew quicker. ‘Why can’t I do this? Why can’t I play?’
I sighed. I knew why. She was gone. Gone forever, my Beauty Brass.
“Frederic, I’m so, so sorry.”
What was she sorry for? I was the failure. I couldn’t make us work.
I sniffled and rubbed my nose. It wouldn’t do me good, getting my beloved instrument dirty. Yet, I couldn’t help it. She was my everything. My best friend since childhood.
‘My love.’
I couldn’t keep her and it was tearing me up inside. She didn’t want me anyways. I wasn’t worthy of her. My music was inferior to the serene notes that she played on her sousaphone.
Still, I had to play. I had to keep some semblance of control and passion in my life. It had been days since we’ve spoken and weeks since we broke up, but I couldn’t stop beating myself over it. It was frustrating.
I place my hooves over the notes and tried to calm my breath. I had to focus. I had to try and let my soul heal. So, I let my hooves do the work. They flourished over the piano, notes filling the air. I felt alive, complete here. Maybe I could get over her. Maybe…
“I don’t think it’s going to work out between us.”
My hooves flopped, striking the wrong cords. I cringed at the horrible sound. ‘Focus. Don’t remember.’ I had to block her out. I had to forget my love for her. I started playing again.
She didn’t think it would work? She agreed to date me. She could have said no. She could have just let us remain friends, but no. She wanted to try. Well, look where that got me. Anger built up and it showed in playing. My hooves went down harder than I should have on the piano. The music that filled the area cold and harsh.
‘She left me with nothing, but a broken heart! Is she that cruel? Did she plan it?’
“I still care for you, remember that.”
My playing stopped. I knew she cared for me and I her. I really did. Of course I did! We were friends since we were mere markless children. I remember being so shy when I first met her. I didn’t know why I was. I just found her cute. She was far more boisterous and over the years, she’s always dragging me out to different places and trying new things. I liked that about her. Some spontaneity is always good. It gave me something to look forward to.
But now she had somepony else. She was happy and here I was just sulking.
“I…I just don’t love you the same way you love me.”
My heart threatened to shatter again. Those words cut me deep, much deeper than she intended. I LOVED HER! I always loved her, ever since I could understand love, I loved her. For years I wanted her and now….
Was it love? Was it really? I wondered about that ever since the breakup. I cared for her with all my heart. ‘Yes, it is love…but she’s right. She doesn’t love me like I her.’
I shook my head to try and clear my thoughts. I had to keep playing. I was a musician, for Celestia’s sake. I haven’t played before anypony in weeks. I know my fellow musical brethren were being supportive, Octavia more so, but I couldn’t keep this up. I’d be booted out in the end. They didn’t need me to drag them down.
Striking the notes, I started up my music. It wasn’t what I wanted though. The accent was off, like it wasn’t all their and what was there was a broken heap. It was a mangled creature of composition that nearly made my ears bleed.
I played on through it. I had to keep playing. Music helped me forget. It gave me purpose, even with a broken heart, but it was bleeding through. The air was filled with heartache and discord and I could faintly hear little pings of something wet striking my piano. ‘Odd. It wasn’t raining when I came in…and I certainly don’t think this building is in such disrepair that a hole in the ceiling would occur.’
“I think we should try and find someone else.”
My hooves fell harshly on the keys, stopping in mid-bridge.
‘Find someone else? HOW? WHO?! WHY?’ I couldn’t answer any of that. I just hurt. I wanted the pain to go away. I wanted to smile again AND WHAT”S WITH THE RAIN?
The droplets were getting worse…and was my face wet? I put a hoof to my cheeks. They were soaked. I couldn’t believe it. I was crying again. I told myself I wouldn’t cry. WHY WAS I CRYING?
My jaw hit the keys and I covered my head with my hooves. ‘I’m a sobbing wreck. Unfit to even touch a piano, let alone play one.’ I gripped my mane and pulled in frustration.
I wanted to be happy. I wanted to smile. I wanted to love.
‘WHY IS THE WORLD CONSPIRING AGAINST ME?!!’
But that’s when I heard it. It was but one note, but it grabbed my attention. Turning to face what or whoever touched my beloved piano, I came face to face with none other than Pinkie Pie.
Oh, I knew her name. Nopony in Equestria doesn’t know of the Elements of Harmony, nor could I forget the mare who had ruined the Grand Galloping Gala of last year. Honestly, I should be furious with her. I should’ve asked her to leave, force her even. I didn’t though. I don’t know why.
Now that I think of it, I didn’t really hate her for her actions. Embarrassed was more like it. I mean, she rubbed her rump right up against mine in front of a large crowd of nobles. Who does that? Apparently the pink menace did.
Whatever anger or frustration I had for her disappeared the moment I stared into those large blue orbs of hers, I couldn’t help but let go the pain. Maybe I was just tired, or maybe she’s just that good at her element. I don’t know the answer to that one.
She wasn’t jumping up and down or doing anything crazy like that. She was just giving me a warm smile that reached her eyes. I could practically feel the warm compassion she giving me.
So lost in thought, I barely noticed her playing the note again. I did however, so I just gave her a curious look. She didn’t do anything more than play the note again.
‘Does she want to…’ I believe she saw my dawning realization, for she nodded and played the note again.
I looked at my own hooves. I wondered if I still had it in me to play with somepony else. I wondered if I was worthy too…’Oh, buck up and play with the cute mare.’
I gulped and played a much lower note. Her smile grew bigger and she played another note. I followed suite and I was astonished. An honest to Celestia smile started to work its way onto my face. Every time she played something, I’d play something to compliment her. With each key pressed, our music started to grow faster and more complex.
I couldn’t believe it. This mare who I remembered as nothing more than a pony on eternal sugar high was playing like a master. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed. No, I was moved by her music. Everything was perfect, from the timing to the pressure she put onto each and every piece. I couldn’t help but smile as wide as the mare next to me.
I listened to our song and I noticed the differences. My notes were strict and precise, while hers were chaotic and random. Yet, they came together to form something I’ve never heard before in my life. I loved it.
Sadly, the song had to eventually come to an end, but what an end it was. I could just picture a massive audience singing us praises for our masterpiece. Frederic and Pinkie; the music duo of the century. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought.
Still, with the end of the song came both the euphoria and a little panting. I guessed me and her put quite a bit into this performance, for we were both sweating and panting like, dare I say, dogs. Uncouth to say the least.
I looked to her and for some reason, the light bounced off her fur delightfully so. If I didn’t know any better, I’d have mistaken her for an angel come to aid me in my time of need. ‘Maybe she is.’
Before I could say anything, the sound of somepony clapping from the seats caught my attention. Looking to the source, I was shocked to find the new hit sensation in the fashion world; Rarity.
“Brava, brava,” she exclaimed. “Encore!”
I smiled with pride. It may not have been a huge ensemble, but performing for a pony as renowned as Rarity was uplifting. I raised up from my seat and quickly bowed to her, showing my gratitude. Pinkie seemed to follow suite.
When I say follow suite, I mean she back-flipped off the seat, did a few spins in the air before falling to the ground in a bow similar to my own. I briefly wondered if the mare was some sort of acrobat of sorts. She certainly had the skills for it.
“Wowee, wowza,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, righting herself. “That was the best duo piece I’ve ever played.”
“I take it you play often,” I spoke with some humor. While I’ve worked on perfecting my mainland Equestrian, my germane accent still had an underlying undertone.
Pinkie Pie nodded enthusiastically. “Oh your super duper right. Playing instruments is fun.”
I inclined my head. “On that, we can agree, but I do have to ask. Why are you here?”
Pinkie smiled and got right up in my face within a second. I was both off-put and a little intrigued to be that close to her. ‘She’s actually a very nice looking mare.’
Her smile turned into a frown. “I was walking with my friend, Rarity, when my Pinkie Sense…”
“Pinkie Sense?” I raised an eyebrow. ‘Such a ridiculous term.’
“It’s best not to ask, darling,” Rarity spoke up, stopping beside us.
“Well, my Pinkie Sense acted up telling me there was a sad pony somewhere close by and I thought, ‘that’s terrible’,” Pinkie appeared next to Rarity in the span of a blink of the eye. “So I grabbed Rarity and ran all the way through Canterlot trying to find the sad pony.”
Rarity huffed and fretted with her mane with a hoof. “More like threw me onto her back and took off running.” She sent a mock glare at Pinkie. “You’re lucky my coiffure wasn’t, as you put it, messed up badly.”
Pinkie giggled. “Aww, don’t worry Rarara, your Aunt Pinkie wouldn’t do anything to mess up your coffee.” She tapped her chin. “I didn’t even know you drank coffee.”
“I do,” Rarity said, looking a little ticked with the nickname. “But that’s beside the point, deary. I believe you were answering Herr Frederic here.”
“Right,” Pinkie stomped her hoof in determination.
I couldn’t help but look on in bewilderment. These two made such an odd couple of characters.
“So, we raced all over Canterlot and Rarity was like ‘slow down’ and I was like ‘NEVER!’ and the other ponies were like ‘Jump for your live!’,” all the while Pinkie was talking, she was imitating the ponies she was talking about. Again, Frederic wondered if she was an actress of sorts. “But eventually I found this theater. Rarity told me that nopony was inside since it was closed, but I didn’t believe her. My Pinkie Sense is never wrong and I’d never abandon a sad pony because of a closed sign. So, I ran inside and saw you crying over the piano.” She cupped my cheeks in her hooves. “You looked so mopey dopey that I had to do something fast.” She sped over and propped herself on the stool on the piano. “I figured that you like music, so I started playing, but playing by yourself isn’t all that cracked up to be, so I wanted you to play with me.” She jumped up and threw her forelegs in the air. Surprisingly, confetti shot out from behind her. “And you did.” She pulled me into a tight hug. “And now you’re all smiley.”
“Err…” I didn’t know exactly what to say to that. A mare tracked me all the way here just to make me smile. Honestly, I was a little overwhelmed. “I thank you, Miss Pie.”
Pinkie giggled. “Call me Pinkie, silly.” She rubbed my head with her hoof like one would do with a child.
“Yes Pinkie,” I said, straightening out my mane. “I’d like to say I’m very thankful for what you’ve done for me. To be honest, it’s been days since I’ve last smiled or felt happy.”
Pinkie gasped. “Going days without smiling? That’s horrible. What happened?”
I sighed. “I’d rather not talk about it.”
“Okay,” Pinkie chirped happily.
“While it was a pleasure to meet you Herr Frederic,” Rarity chimed, pulling her friend along. “We must be going. Auf Wiedersehen.”
“Auf Wiedersehen,” I muttered. While it was wonderful to speak the mother language, I felt a little hollow just letting her…I mean them, go.
“Frederic, I want you to be happy…Please, if you care for me, find somepony who’ll make you smile.”
I grit my teeth. I wasn’t going to wallow in my misery anymore. I was going to smile. I was going to live my life to the fullest…I’m going to ask that beautiful mare out on a date. He rushed up to the departing mare.
“Miss Pie! Miss Pie!” Turning around, the mares gave him a curious gaze. Stopping in front of the pink beauty, he tried to say the words on his mind. “Miss Pie…”
“Pinkie,” she clarified.
“Pinkie,” I said. The name rolled off my tongue like sweet honey. “I just wanted to say that a simple thank you won’t suffice.”
Pinkie giggled. “You don’t have to get me anything. Making ponies smile is what I love to do.”
I shook my head. “No, I want to do more. Would…” I hesitated for a moment, my cheeks turning a tinge red. “Would you mind attending dinner with me?”
“Sure,” Pinkie said. “Rarity and me…”
“Darling,” Rarity interrupted with a knowing smile. “I think he just wants to go out with you.”
Pinkie’s eyes widened and she looked at me in shock. “You mean like a date?”
I shakily nodded, starting to sweat in my nervousness.”
“Of course I will, silly,” Pinkie giggled with a small tinge of red dotting her cheeks. Honestly, she looked even cuter when she blushed. “I’ve never been on a date before, well actually I’ve been on several dates, but those were fruits, not date dates. Are we going to going out on dates during our date, that’d be weird, unless it’s a giant date…”
Rarity shoved a hoof in her mouth, stopping her from speaking. I was both thankful and peeved. While the mare was going to pretty much talk me to death, I didn’t think silencing her like that was…Okay it was called for, but still.
“She’s delighted,” Rarity said.
My smile split my face as I reared up in excitement. “WUNDERBAR!” I blushed in embarrassment from my outburst. “I mean, that is delightful news.”
Rarity hid a giggle behind her hoof. “So, where shall you two meet?”
“Well, I don’t know, but…” I started.
“I know just the place,” Rarity spoke up. “Gustave le Grand is a personal acquaintance of mine. He owns a restaurant not far from here. I’ll have a little chat with the darling and you’ll have free seats in no time.”
“That sounds awesome,” Pinkie pulled Rarity into a hug. “Thank you, bested fashion friend.”
“You’re welcome,” Rarity smiled.
I gritted my teeth. “Sounds lovely.” I didn’t really think so. I knew Gustave, or at least, a few things about him. The main thing, he was Prench. Not that I had anything against them…Okay, yes, but that’s between our two countries, not us. That, and I hated Prench food, but I couldn’t say that in front of the duo. That’d ruin my chances with Pinkie. “I shall meet you at six.” It was still early day, so that’d give me several hours to prepare.
“Six it is then,” Rarity led Pinkie out.
I sighed in both aggravation and bliss. “Love is complicated.”
I did my best to keep myself calm. I really, truthfully did. I kept telling myself I had everything under control like a respectful stallion should. I showered, put on a fresh tie and suit, the works. Honestly, I kept thinking to myself I should wear one of my newer tuxedos or something, but this was the first date….At an highly esteemed restaurant. I didn’t need to be so spiff and span…Right?
‘Well, look on the bright side. It’s not like I need to worry too much about what I wear. I mean, it is a prench restaurant.’
So here I was, standing outside the building. A lot of ponies would say it’s no big deal, but it is. It’s no secret that we Germanes and the prench weren’t on…speaking terms with each other. While I wasn’t one to judge a people by their nationality, I was still wary of eating here. ‘Prench food isn’t the most edible.’
Still, I had to put on a ‘brave face’, as the common ponies say. ‘Is that it, or did I mess up the phrase?’ I didn’t really feel like wasting my time figuring that one out. I had more important matters to attend to at the present moment.
Steeling myself, I trotted inside. Upon entering, it looked like a decent enough establishment. Gustav Le Grande was certainly putting his utmost best effort into his restaurant. The air was calm and lively, with voices speaking at leisure from within. There were, of course, some prench incenses that made my muzzle twitch in apprehension. I wasn’t too fond of the smells, but they weren’t that prevalent, so I chose to ignore them.
Whatever insecurities I felt, I stomped them down. This was my path to happiness. My enlightenment in the way of romance. ‘I can see it now. I shall be standing at the altar, awaiting my grandiose, happy future. My parents crying tears of joy, awaiting their future grandchild. Just one of course. I don’t think I could handle having several. I’d probably pull my mane out. Beauty Bass will no doubt be crying in the back like an infant, wishing she’d never broke my heart. And Pinkie Pie…She’ll be looking lovely as ever in wedding gown, heading towards me at the altar. And then, we’ll pledge our undying love for one another. I shall pull up her veil, revealing those exquisite eyes of hers…Eyes I could get used to, lost in. We’ll lean ever closer, lips puckered…Oh those so kissable lips.’
“Monsieur, I would like to inform you that I’m straight,” a prench, male voice broke me out of my reverie.
Realizing too late that I had fallen into a delusional daydream, I opened my eyes to see the pompous prench orderly behind the booth. I knew he was prench because he was pretty much twice my size, easily comparable to Saddle Arabians or deer in build. He was jerking backwards, avoiding my apparent kiss. Blushing in embarrassment and shame, I tried to compose myself. “I apologize, my mind was somewhere else.”
“Oh, I know so, monsieur,” the prench stallion rolled his eyes. His tone made me frown.
“What’s with the tone?”
“What tone?” He asked. “I don’t have any tone.”
I clenched my teeth. Truth be told, I really wanted to call him out on his rude behavior, but I dare not. The prench are a race of highly powerful, pompous, unicorns. So, I bit down on my comeback and sighed. “Look, I just came here to politely request a booth for me and my date.”
“So when shall he be arriving?” The prench stallion picked up a feathered pen and lazily opened the book.
“She,” I said through clenched teeth. “She will be coming shortly.”
The prench stallion bowed his head. “I am sorry, monsieur. I falsely assumed your preference.”
“Thank you,” I breathed a sigh of relief. ‘Maybe this won’t be so bad afterall.’ “So, about the booth?”
“I am sorry, but we’re booked for tonight,” the stallion told me. “If you’d like, I could try and schedule you for next week.”
I frowned. “What?”
“We’re booked for tonight, monsieur,” the stallion said. “I can try and…”
“I heard you the first time,” I cut him off. “Look, unless you want a problem on your hooves, it’s best you open up a booth.”
“Why?”
“Firstly, I am none other than Frederic Horseshoepin, renowned pianist,” the stallion wasn’t impressed. I smirked at my next thought and puffed out my chest in pride. “And my date is one of the Elements of Harmony, the lovely Pinkie Pie.”
The prench stallion just stared at me for a moment. At first, I thought he was in awe of my luck. I mean, who else could say that they were dating a national hero? Of course, he surprised me. He laughed.
“An element bearer?” He wiped away a few tears of laughter with a hoofkerchief he held in his magic. “Monsieur, you are a riot.”
‘How dare he insinuate that I’m a liar,’ I glared at him, but the stallion was too busy laughing at me to notice. “Are you always this informal with your clients?”
“Oh heavens no,” the stallion said. “You’re just a humorous exception…Germane.”
‘Oh that’s it!’ Before I could snap at him, another voice spoke up.
“Is there a problem here?” The lovely voice of Miss Rarity spoke up.
Turning around, my jaw nearly touched the ground. Miss Rarity was wearing a simple, but stunning light blue dress that glittered in the light. Sparkling blue, glass shoes adorned her hooves. Yet, even with her stunning but simply appearance, she wasn’t the mare to catch my eyes. No, it was Pinkie. I couldn’t believe it, but here she was in her stunning glory. She was wearing a form fitting red dress that left nothing to the imagination. Well, she’s normally naked anyways, but that’s beside the point. A dark pink hairband held her normally puffy mane together and red glass slippers adorned her hooves.
‘Did it get hotter in here all of a sudden?’ I couldn’t help but pull on my suit’s neck, trying to relieve a little pressure.
“Bonjour Mademoiselle Rarity,” the prench stallion quickly bowed his head in respect, his tone excitable. “It is lovely to see you again.”
“The same could be said of you, Antonin,” Rarity didn’t seem as pleased with the stallion as he was with her. “But please answer my question. Is there a problem here?” She eyed the pair.
I could see Antonin starting to sweat and look around nervously. “Of course not, mademoiselle. We here of ‘Gustave’s Spécialités’ would never allow a problem to inconvenience our beloved customers.” He sent me a pleading expression. “Isn’t that right, Monsieur Frederic?”
I really wanted to chew him out right then and there. Expose him for the little dumkopf that he is, but no. I wasn’t going to do that. I’m not a mean pony, nor did I want to look like one in front of Pinkie. So I sighed. “That’s right.”
“Yay for no problems,” Pinkie cheered, bouncing up to me. “Are you ready for our date? Huh, huh, huh?”
“Errr…” I was still taken aback by her hyper attitude…and her disdain for personal space. ‘Though being only a couple inches apart isn’t so bad.’ “Yes.”
“Yay!” Pinkie bounced into the restaurant. “Last one there is a rotten cupcake.”
Antonin made a motion to stop her, but stopped himself instead when he caught sight of Rarity’s glare.
“I have a booth already set up for the pair,” Rarity told him. “You can check your logs if you wish.”
“No, mademoiselle,” Antonin shook his head. “I shall take your word for it.”
Rarity smiled, heading after her friend. “Thank you, Antonin. I believe Gustave shall hear of your…kindness.”
Antonin hung his head in shame. “Oui, mademoiselle.”
I smirked as I went inside. I caught the glare that Antonin was giving me. “Guten Tag, Antonin.” With that, I left him to silently mumble under his breath. I felt a little empowered with leaving the prench stallion in such a state. I know it’s mean spirited, but hay everyone can be insensitive from time to time.
It didn’t take me long to find Pinkie Pie. She was rocking back and forth in her seat, barely controlling her jubilation.
I chuckled. “Excited?”
Pinkie Pie nodded. “Of course I am, silly. This is my first date after all.”
“I’m seriously surprised to hear that,” I really was. “Surely, stallions would flock to such a beauty such as yourself.”
“But to answer your question,” she shrugged. “Sometimes. Most of the stallions in Ponyville treat me like a sister, so it might feel a bit odd for them. Others…” She frowned. “Kind of get sick of my spontaneity.”
“Sick of it?” I raised an eyebrow. “But you’re Pinkie Pie, the Element of Laughter. Surely they knew what they were getting into.”
Pinkie shrugged once more. “Guess I’m a little too much to handle for some ponies.” She waved her arm about. “But that’s alright. My mom says that’ll take a special stallion to handle me.”
I nodded. “True.” ‘A special stallion indeed. I do so hope I know what I’m getting myself into…Actually, strike that. I have no clue what I’m getting myself into. Isn’t love grand?’
“Now that you’ve asked a question,” Pinkie spoke up, breaking my thoughts. “It’s my turn.”
I saw no harm in answering anything she asked. “I see no harm. Fire away then.”
Pinkie Pie saluted. “Aye, aye, captain.” She giggled again.
I just couldn’t get enough of the noise. It was like listening to the perfect note.
“Why were you so mopey, dopey before?”
I blinked in confusion. I was prepared to deal with any question, most assuredly, but that? No, not a clue. I couldn’t help but look away with lowered ears as stray images flittered about my mind. Why did mere thoughts of her bring such confusion? ‘She broke my heart! I should hate her...But she’s my childhood friend. She didn’t want to hurt me…LIES!’ My head hurt just thinking about it.
“Frederic?” I heard Pinkie say. The worried tone she carried snapped me out of my stupor. Her large eyes shown with concern. “Is everything alright?”
“Yes,” I nodded quickly, hoping she wouldn’t press me.
“If I said something…brought up some bad memories,” Pinkie’s voice trailed off. Her ears were splayed back and she looked defeated.
“No, no, no, no,” I shook my head vehemently. “Nothing like that. I was just so worked up about my next performance is all.”
“Really? Huh, I thought somepony as super awesomely talented as you wouldn’t have that problem.”
I gave her a beaming smile. I was really glad to get off the ‘Beauty Brass’ subject. “Well, it’s true. I’m a nervous wreck sometimes.”
“That’s a relief,” Pinkie smiled. “For a second there, I thought you were having inner turmoil over your feelings about a friend/ex-lover.”
I…I had nothing to say to that. ‘How the hay…?’
“But I guess I was wrong,” Pinkie giggled. “But being a nervous wreck isn’t something to cry over. I get nervous and saddy waddy too.”
“Oh, and what do you do to combat those feelings?”
“Combat them?” Pinkie tilted her head in confusion. “Why would I do that? I don’t want to hurt anyone. I just go throw a party or hang out with one of my friends. A simple friendly smile will brighten up my day, really.”
“Yes, quite,” I smiled. “I too enjoy bringing joy to ponies. It’s part of the reason I perform. It makes my heart soar to see my notes bring elation out from my audience.”
“Ooh, ooh,” Pinkie bounced up and down in her seat, excitedly. “That’s my favorite part of musicals.”
“Speaking of which, who taught you?”
“Who taught me what?” Pinkie asked. “How to sing? My mom. She’s an awesomely,” she threw her arms out wide and pushed her chair back. “Stupendous singer. I keep asking her why her talent wasn’t singing, or why she didn’t join a quartet and travel the world, secretly fighting bad guys on the side. She told me she never had the time and liked it on the farm. That and she’s a pacifist.”
Again, the mare before me rendered me speechless with her words. ‘I’m noticing a trend.’ “No,” I shook my head. “Your music.”
“My granny,” Pinkie gave me a look of nostalgia. “She was the best at everything: parties, singing, dancing. You name it, she could do it. She taught me everything she knew.”
“She sounds like a superb mare,” I said with a smile. I noticed the waiter coming up to our table. ‘Finally.’ “I’d love to meet her.”
“And she’d love to meet you,” Pinkie leaned over to whisper in his ear. “Be careful. She’s full of surprises.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I turned my head to greet the waiter. Thankfully, he was a regular earth pony, so I didn’t have to crane my head skyward in order to talk to him muzzle to muzzle. He hoofed over a pair of menus to us.
“Hello, I am Cultured Tone. I shall be your waiter for tonight.” Unlike the prench stallion up in front, this pony’s accent was as small as my own. I was a bit thankful for that.
“Hi Culture,” Pinkie waved at him. “I’m Pinkie Pie and this is Frederic. He’s the bestest pianist ever!”
I blushed a little bit from the praise. “Nein, I’m not that good.”
“And modest too,” Pinkie giggled.
Cultured Tone rolled his eyes. “Would you like for me to give you some time alone,” when I raised an eyebrow he continued. “To let you think over your orders, of course.”
I shook my head in answer. “Hmm,” I quickly glanced over to choices and sighed. It’s no secret that I really don’t care for prench food. Not because of its source. No, I just don’t care for it. “I’ll have a small salad and a glass of water.”
Cultured Tone nodded and wrote it down. “And for you, mademoiselle?”
I looked over at Pinkie to see her flipping the menu this way and that. She honestly looked confused. I scolded myself. The menu was in prench, so of course she would. I personally know enough prench to get by in a small conversation and whatnot. “Do you want me to read it for you?”
Pinkie shook her head. “Nopey nope, I’ve got this.” She put down her menu. “I’ll have theCharlotte à la Framboise with a glass of milk.”
Cultured raised an eyebrow. “You just want desert? At this hour?”
“Desert est un plat à tout moment, monsieur.” Pinkie said in a firm, no nonsense tone.
My eyes turned into saucers as I stared at her in shock. ‘Did she…? But I…’
Cultured bowed his head. “Bien sûr,” he took the menus and headed off. “I shall be back shortly with your orders.”
“Merci pour nous attendre,” Pinkie called after him. When she turned to see my shocked expression, she asked “What’s wrong?”
I shook myself out of my stupor. “You spoke prench.”
“Well of course I did, silly,” Pinkie smiled.
“How?”
Pinkie gave me a serious expression. “Listen, I am a party pony. I have to bring my A game at all times and that includes international parties. I mean, how awkward would it be if I threw a party in equish for a prench speaking pony? Really awkward, I tell you that. So, I spent a lot of time reading how to speak other languages. I got bored, so I found those awesomely spectacular audio books. And I was like, ‘this is the best thing ever. Now I can throw a party in prench’. But I didn’t stop there. I kept learning and learning and now I know pretty much every language in the world…Well, I hope I do. I don’t want to go on an adventure and meet some ponies I can’t understand. Not that I don’t want to meet them. I’m sure their great and they deserve to smile, but I can’t throw them a proper enjoyable party if they don’t understand it. Though everyone can enjoy games, no matter the language, so it isn’t a real loss entirely.”
I had a hard time catching up to her long winded, perky, and fast paced speech. Thankfully, I got the gist. “That does make a lot of sense. You are a mare of many talents.”
Pinkie’s smile widened. “The more talents, the better the parties. That’s what Granny Pie always says. Well, that and hot sauce goes great with everything and it totally does.” She reached into her mane and pulled out a bottle right then and there and placed it on the table. “That’s why I brought his little beaut.”
“For what? Are you going to be ordering something else?”
Pinkie Pie shook her head. “Nope, this is for my desert.”
I tried to stop the bile that reached my throat. “Hot sauce? On your desert?”
Pinkie nodded. “You should really try it sometime. It’s stupendous!” She threw her hooves back dramatically and somehow, confetti shot out from behind her.
“Eh, I think I’ll pass,” I really, really didn’t want to even think about the combination. Watching her eat it was going to be torture enough. ‘I’m going to have to get used to all of hers quirks if I wish to pursue her.’
Pinkie shrugged. “Your loss.”
Wanting to get my thoughts away from hot sauce, I decided to bring up another topic. “So, how is Ponyville? I heard it was a nice, quaint village.”
“Pretty much,” Pinkie tapped her chin. “If you also count the giant, flesh eating monsters popping up every now again. Evil gods and daemons trying to conquer. Magic spells that go horribly wrong and cause ponies to change form. Clone rampages. I could go on and on.”
“Really?” I sat staring at her. Just staring. I know I’ve heard quite a few stories about how odd Ponyville is, but I thought it was just exaggeration. Now….Not so much.
Pinkie Pie nodded exuberantly. “Oh yeah, but luckily nopony died…On screen.”
Frederic sighed. “That’s good….Wait, what?”
Pinkie put a hoof to her mouth and giggled. “Joking.”
I couldn’t help but let out a snort of amusement and smile at her. “You are something else, Pinkie. You truly are.”
Love. How splendid a thing it is. Oh, I’m not just saying that because I’m a romantic at heart….Well okay, I’m a full blown romantic. Why, I have enough books on the subject of love to fill an entire library. Though some of them are more…risqué, so maybe not.
Anyways, love is beautiful and if I had something to say about it, it was going to bloom tonight. ‘Pinkie, prepare yourself. Love is such a powerful thing.’
I had been so delighted to hear Frederic ask Pinkie out on a date. I was so afraid Pinkie would never find the one. Oh I had played with the idea of pairing her off with that Cheese fellow, but it was not to be. They were friends. Really good friends and nothing more. I couldn’t help but sigh. ‘They’d have been perfect for each other.’
But that was the past. The present was what needed my full attention.
Pinkie and Frederic were both sitting pleasantly at their booth. Which was a splendid seating arrangement, if I had to say so myself. Sitting in my own booth, I could definitely say without hesitation that it was undoubtedly comfy and felt good on my tush.
The two ponies seemed to have hit it off pretty well. They were even laughing with each other. ‘Good, good. Let the love flow through you.’ I grinned and rubbed my hooves together.
Maybe I was getting too into it? Neigh, there is no such thing as too ‘into love’. Why, we even have a goddess of love and a magical artifact/weapon that is powered solely on love. If that’s not a sign that love is serious business than I don’t know what to make of this world.
Tonight would be easy for me. The two seemed to be hitting it off quite nicely and Pinkie had certainly hooked herself a grandiose catch. Frederic von Horseshoepin was certainly a pony everypony should know. He was elite, chic, and magnifique. He was, to my knowledge, a true gentlestallion in every sense of the word. I had attended only a couple of his concerts, but his skills were to die for. Pinkie would do well with him.
Now to sit back and relax.
“RARITY!” A boisterous, prench sounding voice rang out.
I smiled, knowing that voice. “Gustave darling,” I called over to the griffon.
Gustave Le Grande was one of Equestria’s finest chefs. He was able to make just about everything, from deserts to dinners. He was a boisterous sort of griffon. Not so much as Trixie, Celestia forbid, but he never shied away from praising himself to a degree.
Still, I found his company lovely.
I stood up and trotted over to him. He didn’t waste any time in scooping me up in a big hug. Some of the other customers eyed us, but I paid them no mind. I just kissed him on both cheeks like he did to me. A typical Prench welcome, except for the hug. He seemed to only do that to me and for the life of me, I enjoyed that fact.
Putting me down, he smiled. “It is a pleasure to see you again, but may I inquire what you are doing in Canterlot?”
I just lazily waved a hoof. “Oh this and that. Mostly just helping out a friend in need.”
Gustave put a hand to his heart. “Your generosity knows no bounds.”
I giggled. “True, but please Gustave. Have a seat. I want to hear how you’ve been.”
The two of us took our places on each side of the booth.
“Life’s been splendid,” Gustave said with gusto. “My restaurant has never been more acclaimed, more visited. Oh sure, I would have ponies from all corners of Equestria to come and try my cooking, but now…” He eyed me curiously, to which I shyly looked away. While most ponies wouldn’t think it, Gustave had this sort of…charm to his appearance.
“You wouldn’t have an idea why that’s so,” Gustave leaned in closer to myself. “Mademoiselle Rarity?”
I gulped, turning a pleasing shade of red. Taking out a fan from my dress with my magic, I used it to conceal it as well as fan away my sweat. I wouldn’t want it to ruin my make-up. “I may or may not have spread some rather interesting facts about your establishment in my travels.”
Gustave chuckled. “No need to be so shy about it. I’m overjoyed to serve so many new customers. Seeing the smiles of satisfaction as they taste my hard labor…” He sighed peacefully. “I must thank you.”
I shook my head. “No need. A place such as this should get all the attention it deserves.”
“But I insist.”
“I implore you to drop the matter.”
Gustave sent me a glare, which shocked me a little. He rarely, if ever, glared at me. “Rarity, we are friends, are we not?”
“Of course,” I bobbed my head in agreement. “The closest of friends.”
“Then let me repay this,” Gustave sent me a pleading expression. “It would be dishonorable for me not to do so. Besides, you’re overdue on some ‘given’ generosity. It’s a two way street, my old friend.”
I couldn’t resist the offer. He looked so determined, so…dashing. I had to take him up on the offer. Besides, a little treat here and there never hurt me. “I’d be glad to take you up on that.”
Gustave smiled. “Merveilleux!”
“But I must keep an eye on my friend,” I gestured to Pinkie, who was balancing on the chair with one forehoof and had a bowl balanced on one of her hind-hooves. I sighed. Frederic was staring at her in wonder. ‘At least he’s not embarrassed by her antics. Good for him.’ “She’s on her first date.”
Gustave chuckled. “Remarkable mare, that Pinkie Pie. What I wouldn’t give to have her perform for my customers some time.”
“That can be arranged easily,” I smiled. “Pinkie loves to perform. Maybe tomorrow?”
Gustave nodded, giving me a charming smile that made me blush again. “Tomorrow.” ________________________________________________________________________
*Frederic*
I couldn’t help but clap my hooves as Pinkie expertly jumped back into her seat and caught the bowl. I had heard she was an incredible pony, but to be able to do such gymnastics as well as musical capabilities…?
‘Honestly, is there anything this mare can’t do?’
"Bravo," I said, not minding the strange looks we were given. I was used to them, since Beauty Brass was strange in her own way. "Simply marvelous."
Pinkie put the bowl down on the table. "Oh, that's nothing special. Just some gymnastic skills I picked up from my Granny. No biggee. If you want marvelous then you need to see my big sister. She's like, the most marvelous pony ever!"
"What does she do?"
"She studies rocks!" Pinkie said, sounding like it was the best thing ever. "Isn't that amazing?"
"A geologist?" There wasn't anything bad about that. Far from it. It was a respectful field that helped our fair country grow. I just didn't expect someone related to Pinkie to be in such a field.
Pinkie nodded. "She's studying far from here, but when she's finished, I'm gonna throw her the bestest party ever!"
"You really love your family, don't you?"
"Well duh, of course I do. Who doesn't love their family?"
I didn't answer right away, which made Pinkie look at me in concern.
"Your family loves you, right Freddy?"
I didn't mind the nickname since I was too much in thought. I just lazily nodded my head. "I care about my family and they do for me. It's just....we're a bit strained at the moment." I straightened my tie. "Let's just leave it at that." I didn't want to bring my own family into this at the moment. It wasn't like I hated them. Far from it. Its just...difficult to deal with them some of the times.
"Oh...." Pinkie didn't say anything. She just munched on the last bits of her dinner.
"I'm sorry," I frowned, looking at her droopy expression. "I shouldn't have brought that up."
Pinkie shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."
"You had no way of knowing," I waved a hoof to distill her concerns. "My parents are decent folk. I hold no ill thoughts towards them." Which was mostly true.
"Still, you're all mopey now," Pinkie tapped her chin, obviously in thought. "Any friends?"
"A few," I briefly thought of my band companions. "The other members of my party, or band as you may call it. We haven't gotten together in some time."
"Well, why not now?"
"What?"
Pinkie pointed and I turned my head and I saw the last pony I wanted to see: Beauty Brass.
'What is she doing here?'
"Let's go say hi," Pinkie grabbed my hoof and dragged me along.
"Pinkie, this isn't..."
My next words were cut off as I found myself standing near Beauty, with her gaze upon me.
"Frederic?" Beauty eyed me with surprise.
I coughed and straightened myself, feeling no less awkward. "Beauty."
Beauty just stared at me for a moment, before her face broke out into a huge grin. Quickly and without warning, she pulled me into a bone crushing hug. "Oh, I missed you so much."
"I missed you too," I chocked out, fighting for my breath.
"Yay~" Pinkie happily bounced into the air. "Bonding!"
Pulling back, thankfully letting me breath, Beauty eyed Pinkie. "Is she your date?"
Before I could say something, Pinkie nodded. "Uh-huh. He's my firstest ever!" She pulled me to her side.
Beauty Brass gasped. "Frederic, you sly dog." She punched me on the shoulder, causing me to grit my teeth. Beauty had a bad habit of forgetting her strength. I didn't want to make her feel bad, so I kept quiet.
"I know right," Pinkie giggled. "He's the bestest date I've ever had. 'Course, he's the only date I've ever had, but that doesn't matter because he's a sweetheart, but uppity," Pinkie appeared and disappeared with each description on each side of me. She even ruffled my mane. "Classy but down to earth and have you taken a look at this guy?" She puled out a magnifying glass from her mane and looked me over. "He's fine with a capital F!"
Beauty loudly laughed with all her might. "Oh Frederic, you found yourself a keeper."
"Yes," I groaned. "Yes, I have. And I still see you're single. Can't find the right stallion?"
Beauty frowned at my tone. "Frederic, that's in the past. Leave it there."
"Ah yes," I looked up with a nostalgic look. "The past. A lovely thing it is. Remember how we got along so well. Remember those times."
"We still do," Beauty gave me a 'are you really doing this' face.
I don't know why she was giving it to me. She was the one at fault.
'No she wasn't. Stop this madness now.'
I didn't listen to myself. "Do we?"
"Yes," Beauty snorted in agitation. "Are you still going to carry on with this?"
"I don't know," I raised an eyebrow. "Are you going to stop being an uppity..." I shut my mouth before I could say anything more. 'Oh yes, call her names. Berate her. Prove to her that you're the 'bigger pony' here.' I scoffed silently to myself.
And then I felt someone slightly kick my ankle.
"Ow," I lifted my left foreleg slightly off the ground. When I said slightly, I meant it by earth pony standards.
"Freddy," Pinkie scolded me. "Stop being a jerk."
"Freddy?" Beauty put a hoof over her muzzle to stifle her giggles. "She calls you 'Freddy'?"
"It's cute, like him," Pinkie beamed and I blushed.
"I don't deny that," Beauty nodded. "I'm sorry, but I can't stay long. I have to practice with Octavia and she's not a pony you want to keep waiting."
I chuckled. "No she's not."
"It was nice meeting you again," Beauty pulled me into another hug, albeit going easier on me this time. "I'm sorry I don't have much time and...I'm sorry for everything."
"Why are you sorry?" Pinkie asked, obviously confused. "You seem like such a super duper pony. We should totally hang out later." She started to hop around me. "Isn't that the bestest idea ever, Freddy?"
I sighed and rolled my eyes. "It sounds delightful."
Beauty giggled. "Frederic, you chose wisely picking her. I hope you two are happy." She started walking away. "Don't be a stranger."
'Don't be a stranger?...Is that what I'm becoming? A stranger?' I hated that thought, just as much as I hated my attitude. I was being nothing but a jerk to her. For what? Because she didn't love me? I had a pony right beside me who was willing to give me a chance. I had no right to claim Beauty Brass as my own. She was her own pony. She decided her own fate...
"Are you having an internal moral dilemma?" Pinkie asked.
"Yes," I looked at her with raw confusion. 'How does she do that?'
Pinkie Pie shrugged. "I dunno. It's a gift."
'The hay?' I shook my head. This wasn't the time for some random inquiry. I had to apologize.
"Then apologize," Pinkie said. "It shouldn't be that hard."
"Pinkie?"
"Yes, Freddy weddy?"
"Stop that."
Pinkie giggled. "Okay."
I quickly ran over to Beauty. She stopped and looked back at me.
"Beauty, I just wanted to say...I'm sorry." My head drooped. "I've been a jerk to you for no good reason."
"You had a..."
I stopped her. "No, I had no good reason to do so. You didn't love me and...What did I do? Shut myself off from the world like a spoiled child who lost his favorite toy. I know I can't make it up to you, at least not now. But maybe...."
Beauty pulled me into another bone crushing hug. "Apology accepted, friend."
"Great," I wheezed out. "Can you stop crushing me?"
Beauty laughed and let go. "You should really be used to them by now."
"Can't help that you have the strength of a goddess," I said as I collected my breath.
"Kind of like my sister," Pinkie piped in, cartwheeling over to the pair of us.
"If you're ever in Canterlot," Beauty said to Pinkie. "Look me up. We so have to hang out."
"Oh goody," I said. "Shall I alert the princesses to the coming disaster?"
The mares giggled.
"No silly," Pinkie then gasped. "Unless they want to hang out too. Why didn't I think of that? They totally need to get out more."
"I think this is my cue to leave," Beauty bowed, before trotting away. "Take care now."
"Bye," Pinkie waved both her forelegs.
I just lazily waved one. I was too caught up in how 'good' I felt right now to put a ton of effort into it. "Bye."
"Well," Pinkie said, going back onto all her hooves. "She was awesome."
I nodded. "Yes, she is." And I meant it. "Pinkie..." An idea sprang into my mind.
"Yes, Freddy?"
"Would you mind if I came to Ponyville for a while? I think I would like a new place to draw up some inspiration for my music."
Pinkie gasped and pulled me into a killer hug. 'What is it with earth pony mares and hugs?'
"That's the greastest idea ever!" She screamed into my ear.
"Yes," I wheezed. "Greatest idea ever...Now let me go."
Pinkie giggled. "NEVER! I'm gonna keep you, Freddy. I'll play with you, take you on walks, feed you..."
"I'm not a pet," I glared at her.
Pinkie pulled back, letting me go. The smirk she was giving me sent shivers down my spine. I wasn't certain if it was good shivers or the bad kind. "Not yet, you're not."
"Meep." I meekly said. 'What have I gotten myself into?'
