//------------------------------// // Obedient // Story: Seconds Late // by FerociousCreation //------------------------------// “Is… something wrong?” Harp Hearts stepped in between the two, seeing a hint of anger in their eyes. High Brass was hesitant on answering and half wished his bodyguard was present. “Does it have to be just you and I?” “Yes. And there is nothing to worry about.” Alto smiled at his friend, “Trust me, there isn’t.” “How long will we be gone?” High Brass asked. “Not long…” Alto said. High Brass stepped toward his date. “I think she should have to hear what you need to say.” Alto grinned, his smile growing like slow rising yeast. “Come on, you haven’t done any wrong to me. I’m not going to hurt you.” Just the word game alone sparked a pang of fear upon High Brass’ face. Alto amused himself at the sight of High Brass’ nervousness. Good to know you feel helpless without your bodyguard when somepony asks you to speak privately with them. Harp Hearts moved forward in High Brass’ defense. “What is this all about?” she ordered, bothered by the ordeal. “N-nothing,” the rich pony responded. “I just… don’t like to go alone with somepony I don’t-” High Brass cut himself short. “Let’s go to… where ever you need to talk with me, Alto.” “Then follow me. We are just going into the hallway.” Before Alto turned around, he whispered into Harp’s ear, “I just want to thank him for making you happy.” Harp nodded, but was still skeptical about what was going on. “Follow me, High Brass.” *** The hallway was brightly lit and nopony was within sight. High Brass stood close to the door, almost ready to run. “What is this about, Alto?” The caramel unicorn faced High Brass and Alto tried to hide his sadness. “And if you do anything irrationally, Bastion will come and-” “Oh stop!” Alto barked. “I'm not going to attack you or whatever you think I may do.” It did please Alto to see High Brass dislike being alone with another stallion. But Alto didn't want to keep Harp Hearts waiting; or worried. Alto blinked, showing his true emotions. His brows creased in a sad furrow and lips sagged toward the ground. The facade was off. “I know you have Harp Hearts in the sole of your hoof,” Alto started, “and it makes me happy to see her filled with joy. All I want to ask of you is to keep it that way; keep her happy, and give her no reason to doubt your words.” High Brass hummed, his hoof running across his chin. “Now this was unexpected. I was believing you would use your habit of hitting things on me.” “If I did that, I would lose everything…” Alto sniffed. “You have already lost half of her to me.” Alto's angry eyes stabbed at High Brass. “But I must say…” High Brass began. Alto only blinked, still holding his glare. “You are quite obedient and are quite good with holding your tongue. Every stallion I have had the pleasure of stealing his mare in question, has tried to ruin my name by telling their mare what I had done. And, of course, they had failed.” High Brass had no need to feel intimidated by Alto and the rich pony stepped forward. “But you, my friend…” Don't you dare call me friend! You are far from it. Alto’s ears fell back in defense and shame. “...I have never seen a pony like you who so willing to keep my date away from the truth.” “If I tried to tell her the truth, it would destroy Harp,” Alto admitted. “It will not only affect her thoughts about you, but me as well. You and I will both suffer.” “That is true,” High Brass nodded, his tone serious. “And I don't want the mare I love harmed.” Alto almost fell over, his ears trying to scratch out the recorded words in his brain. “That mare, that… friend of yours is… wow.” High Brass flushed, looking up at the hallway light. “I can see why you wanted to ask Harp to the dance. She's cute, playful, kind, encouraging-” “I get it.” Alto didn't want to listen to another word. “Just stop talking about her.” The rich pony glared at Alto, “Now you know how I feel when Harp talks about you!” High Brass yelled, his voice bouncing off every flat surface. He cleared his throat calmly, trying to pretend his anger didn't just lash out. “She does like talking about you… a lot. And I don't get what she sees in you…” “She sees good friend, that is what!” Both stallions leered at one another, trying to burn a hole into the other’s head. The stalemate lasted for a minute and both knew they were letting Harp Hearts, the mare they care for, stand alone in the dark. “Just do this for me,” Alto grumbled, “keep her happy. Lift her spirits. And overall…” He swallowed a painful lump in his throat. “...love her with every ounce you can.” Almost like a jab, the caramel pony extended his hoof at High Brass. “Swear that you will!” The rich pony didn't need to smile. “I don't use vulgar language.” High Brass grabbed Alto’a hoof and gave a hard shake. “But I will make a promise I intend to not break.” “Good,” Alto replied flatly. *** He was alone! We should have- No. Not yet. But he doesn't have his guard. I know. That will make things easier for us. Then when shall we make our move? If he steps out of line… I don't want an “if!” I want a when! Shut up! I have been waiting for a chance like this for a long time! And I don't want anypony to mess up my opportunity to get what I want! ...We know…