//------------------------------// // Spearmint // Story: Seconds Late // by FerociousCreation //------------------------------// A discord of colors flooded into the school grounds with mares flourishing in their dresses as stallions mainly stuck to their typical black and white outfits. The air itself was filled with laughs, cheerful mingling, lovers alike, and pegasi. The sight was like an artificial sweetener for Alto. Somewhere out there, a stallion finally mustered up the courage to ask his marefriend to the dance, and is now hoof in hoof with that special somepony. An additional part of him was glad he was the victim instead of that other stallion scared of High Brass’ hunting eyes. At least he and his date can enjoy a night together. A staff member stood with still at the door, his red bow almost blocking his mouth. Alto, Harp Hearts, and High Brass approached, all flashing their tickets. As they walked away, Alto could feel the many eyes in his direction. Mares stared with big wet googly-eyes, admiring High Brass in his shimmering golden jacket. Stallions only gazed with hard glances, whispering, spreading rumors; perhaps talking about Alto. When news about Harp Hearts and High Brass came to everypony’s ears, many speculated that Alto was the victim to the rich pony’s game. Whenever a stallion were to ask Alto about Harp, he quickly evaded them, answering without words. It was sickening to the single stallion. Couldn’t they tell Alto wished to be alone, not be reminded of what had been done? “Wow!” Harp Hearts’ eyes lit, the school lanterns reflecting off her lavender pools. “Look at the quad!” Several white event tents sat in the grass, standing above tables filled with orderves, ranging from multiple cheeses and fruits. Strings of red and white lights stretched around the perimeter of the quad, like a Hearth’s Warming Eve decoration. The center held a stage for the musicians; several were already onstage. A simple dancefloor, red and white checkered pattern, rested below the stage. Most of the ponies standing on the dancefloor simply mingled, while a few couples were having a few early slow dances before their evening began. Various Hearts and Hooves decorations littered the quad in an almost overwhelming manor. But Alto saw them as something not bright and cheerful; they were just mere decorations; and he was here to work. “Hey, Harp,” Alto spoke, stepping in front of her and High Brass. The rich pony stared at Alto with half-closed eyes. “What is it?” the mare asked. “I…” Alto looked at High Brass, trying to hide any emotion from him. “I need to talk to High Brass for a second.” “What for?” High Brass raised a brow, flinching at the mere words. “Because-” Somepony shoved Alto out of the way before he could finish. “High Brass!” a mare cheered. The rich pony gasped at the mint-green pegasus. “Spearmint! You look lovely!” Spearmint was dressed in simple attire, her dress in a very light-green shade. Despite its simplicity, Alto could find yet another agreement with High Brass. Harp Hearts stepped forward and greeted herself, “Hi, Spearmint.” Alto stood alienated, not included in the exchange of hellos; until Harp Hearts dragged him in. “I am sure you have seen my friend before.” Spearmint nodded, her chocolate-brown mane swaying in front of her eyes. “Yes I have.” Alto forced a smile. “And I have seen you always around  High Brass.” Both he and Spearmint shook hooves. “Forgive me for not formally introducing myself to you, or the other mares. I’ve just-” “I know,” Spearmint bobbed. “Harp Hearts told us all about you.” Alto couldn’t help but flush. “In a good way!” “Where is your date, Spearmint?” High Brass asked, no longer wanting attention brought to Alto. Spearmint spun around and pointed to the dancefloor. A stallion waved at her, and the pegasus giggled with delight. “There he is!” Alto leaned in toward Harp Hearts, “She seems happy.” Harp responded, “Trust me, every day she would never stop talking about him.” The mare rolled her eyes. “It’s like she is obsessed.” “Like you havn’t talked about me obsessively to High Brass,” Alto retorted. “Hey, I can talk about whomever I please, mister!” Harp bumped into Alto. The caramel pony staggered dramatically, almost falling over. “-and I want you to be careful, Spearmint.” Alto and Harp Hearts looked over at High Brass and Spearmint. High Brass gave the mint-green pony a concerning look. “Don’t be so worried about me. I am a big mare.” Unable to resume her parting from her date, Spearmint briskly hugged High Brass and briskly left. “Goodbye!” High Brass stood frozen, staring at the back of the mare. Harp was the first to notice the sad crease in his brow. “Is something the matter?” she asked. High Brass couldn’t help but let out a sigh, “I am just worried about her. I don’t trust her date…” Maybe it’s because you hate seeing another mare happy with another stallion. Alto tried to catch the face of Spearmint’s date, but they quickly fused with the crowd of growing ponies. “I am sure she will be just fine.” Harp gestured to Alto. “Just look at Alto. You don’t see him getting upset just because I have you as a date, even if he didn’t even like you before.” The remark didn’t seem to affect High Brass in the slightest; Harp Hearts unknowingly kicked Alto in the stomach, heart, soul, mind, and anything else that may bare a cymbal of emotion. Alto wasn’t upset at how open she was about his feelings against High Brass; the rich pony is well aware of Alto’s distaste for him. Oh, Harp… “Yeah, lighten up like I am.” Alto had to put in as much heart as he could into his words. Though his words were a sign of encouragement, Alto’s tone was more of a, “go fall down a flight of stairs,” sort of manner. High Brass blinked at Alto. “You said you wanted to tell me something?” With Spearmint no longer the main focus, both stallions straightened up. “I do. And I wish to tell you pony to pony, without anypony around.”