//------------------------------// // In Preparation // Story: Seconds Late // by FerociousCreation //------------------------------// Harp Hearts waited impatiently for the two stallions to return; specifically for Alto and his strange behavior. Her hoof tapped to a tune that sung in the mare’s head. She gandered to where the Alto and High Brass left. To her surprise and relief, saw them smiling at each other as they approached. Harp Hearts briskly made her way over to them, and asked with a sly look, “So, what did you two talk about?” High Brass smiled at the pink pony, “Why, to thank me for making you happy. Didn't Alto whisper that into your ear before he and I left?” Alto nodded in agreement, plastering a half smile on his lips. The rich pony gave Alto a hard push, and continued, “Part of me did worry that he was trying to beat me up.” High Brass scratched the back of his head. “Maybe I should have had Bastion come along.” “You can go and get her in case we have another talk again,” Alto said, almost wanting him to go get Bastion. Then again, it was best if she stay away; the mare can be quite cruel to those who might look at High Brass funny. Harp Hearts giggled at the joke, “Oh don't you worry about Alto. He is the last stallion I would expect to get into a hoof fight with somepony.” High Brass laughed but squinted an eye at Alto suspiciously. “I would hope.” Even after all the things I said, you still think I would act irrationally… “Anyways, he was glad with how I treat you and make you happy. Alto just wanted to be sure I keep it that way.” “I am certainly glad he feels that way,” Harp Hearts said. I would also like to tell you how I really feel about High Brass, but I’d rather not state that now. Alto looked to the stage, knowing he was needed. “I will be off you two.” “Alrighty.” Harp Hearts gave Alto a friendly embrace. “Have fun.” “And have a night to remember.” Alto held the mare’s shoulders, seeing his reflection off her eyes. He turned around, violin case gripped hard in his hoof. “Bye.” “Goodbye!” Harp Hearts cheered back. Going around to the back of the stage, he sat at a plane white chair, and opened his case. Without realizing it, a few stallions stared at him. He looked up and noticed their spotlights. “Gentlecolts,” he nodded, thinking they were going to greet his arrival. A pony stepped forward from the stallions. “How’s it going?” Woodwind asked quietly, afraid to upset his friend. Alto levitated his musical piece from the violin case and scanned over the title and lyrics. “Does it matter?” He stood up and grabbed his bow and violin, brows furrowed with seriousness. “We are here to perform perfection, not muddle in my grief.” Before stepping onstage, he looked at the other stallions. “Don't feel sorry for me. Harp is happy. That's all that matters.” *** Several hours went by quickly for Alto and the others. They had fun with their first experience performing at an open event. Somepony had the idea to do a request from a hat, which ended with the cap filled with ripped paper in no time. In other words, a hoof full of the songs were anything but romantic; the only thing that was not done was singing; that was for later. Alto had the misfortune to play Flight of the Bumblebee, but managed to entertain the crowd with his talent. Another pony wanted to have a tip jar set on display, but a mare rejected the thought; she didn't want the band members to get into a quirl if not everypony got an even amount. Every so often, Harp Hearts would come around and ask Alto when he would perform his solo. The stallion kept telling her that the performance would be at 11pm. However, the persistent mare insisted that he play it early for her; she wanted to hear that “perfect” song. It tickled Alto’s stomach when Harp Hearts said his performance and song was going to be more than perfect. Harp Hearts was always telling him to expect a mistake, even with years of practice. This time, however, the pink pony was saying something different. And Alto couldn’t disagree. A cheer from the crowd arose, hooves stomping on the makeshift stage as a trio onstage finished their piece. “Another thanks to our three performers, and the rest of those who have played tonight, myself included,” Alto spoke into the mic. He hated talking into the thing, his p’s booming in the speakers. But the stallion pressed on, “Now, the band members performing for you tonight are preparing for our Hearts and Hooves performance. It will begin at 11; fifteen minutes from now. Don't be late or forget your date.” Alto grinned, speaking low into the mic, distorting his voice, “That means you, stallions.” The crowd had a laugh before applauding again. Alto placed the microphone back on its stand and exited the stage. The teacher stood at the center of the cramped space they called a backstage. “Alright, everypony!” Mr. Tenor exclaimed. “Gather ‘round.” Every band member clustered around him like children drawn to a torn up pinata, ready to jump at the sight of a shiny wrapper. “I must say, I am quite impressed with you all. This has been quite the evening with the addition of request from a hat idea.” Several ponies spoke up, claiming they were the one who invented the concept, but were quickly hushed. “In fact,” Mr. Tenor continued, “I am so impressed, I think Alto would agree that tonight has been full of perfect performances.” Eyes quickly found the stallion. Alto didn't flinch at the suddenly drawn attention, and instead, embraced it. He shrugged, half smiling, “I disagree.” “Oh…?” The teacher scrunched his brows, “Why do you say that?” “Our pianist played a false note on one of their impromptus. So, almost perfect.” A paper lightly bounced off Alto’s head and laughter quickly escaped everypony. Mr. Tenor rolled his eyes, “Regardless of false notes, it has, once again, been a wonderful night. You all have a great future ahead. And- it makes me p-p-proud.” Large tears rolled down the instructor’s face. Seeing their instructor shed tears of happiness, the band members swarmed Mr. Tenor. They complimented him, saying things like “best teacher ever,” and “learned from the best,” while engulfing him with arms. Alto couldn't disagree with his peers. Mr. Tenor has helped Alto perfect his skills beyond his previous ability. The least Mr. Tenor deserved is a hug. With sappy emotions fully exhausted, the teacher instructed everypony to get the stage set up. Instead of doing what he was told, Alto slipped out the back to get a breath of fresh air. “Alto!” The stallion almost yelped at Harp Hearts’ sudden appearance. “Sweet Celestia, you scared me!” Alto flushed when he noticed High Brass’ entourage was giggling at him, their dates laughing along as well. High Brass wasn't smiling at all, most likely bothered his friends had their stallions surround him. “How has your night been?” Alto asked, able to still his heart. “It has been a wonderful time!” Harp Hearts squealed, snapping her head toward her date. “He has treated me so well.” Her eyes faltered, “Even if I don't deserve High Brass and his kind words.” “You deserve a lot of things.” He, however, does not deserve you- Just the simple thought that crossed Alto’s mind felt poisonous. Alto did feel like he deserved Harp Hearts to himself, but knew that would put him on the level of entitlement. After everything he is, Alto does not deserve the slightest attention from Harp Hearts, yet, she gives it anyways. She still cares a lot about you, Alto. Just keep supporting her happiness, even if it kills you; or beats you upside your head. “Speaking of deserve…” Harp Heart’s began. Alto almost flinched, worried if the pink earth pony can read minds. “...I think we all need to hear that song of yours.” High Brass’ group of mare's nodded in agreement. The mares’ dates just glanced at one another, keeping quiet. “She is really eager to hear you sing, too,” Emerald Shard, a crystal pony, said. Her stallion nodded in agreement, but kept his mouth closed. He was too busy being angry at High Brass. The caramel stallion shook his head, grinning, “You all really want to hear my piece, don't you?” “You did just announce that the band is setting up for its performance.” Harp Hearts bumped her elbow into her friend’s ribs. “We can hear your perfect voice from across the campus.” It was too hard to resist. Alto cleared his throat, and said in a very low tone, “Well, I do try.” The mares giggled amongst themselves, while High Brass stood in his golden outfit with little emotion. Before Alto could speak any further, a mare came from behind the stage and snagged his ear. “Where in the hay have you been, Mr. Perfect?” The pain was too great as Harsh Note began to drag him toward backstage and Alto had no choice but to walk with her. “Just because you are obsessed with perfection, doesn't give you the right to wonder off and let us do the work.” Harp Hearts went on the offensive and interjected Harsh Note’s way. “Don't you be mean to him!” “He!” Harsh Note exclaimed, tugging hard on the ear in her hoof, “needs to help along with everypony!” Finally, High Brass moved from his spot, intervening with the querulous mares. “Ladies, please,” he spoke calmly. Instantly, both ponies halted their angry emotions; Harsh Note didn't remove her grip from Alto’s ear, however. “Oh, H-High Brass!” From what Alto could see from his twisted vision, the usually hot headed pegasus flushed, not sure what to do. High Brass placed a hoof on Harp Hearts’ shoulder and smiled at the mare. “I do agree that Alto shouldn’t have walked off from his duties.” Of course you would stand up for the assertive one… Alto rolled his eyes while trying to get himself comfortable with a twisted neck. “However…” High Brass looked at Harsh Note with a kind, yet serious stare. “...I don’t think pulling on somepony’s ear would be the best way to get them to do something.” He leaned into Harsh Note’s ear, whispering loud enough for Alto to hear, “Even if they deserve it.” If he could, Alto would have kicked the mean stallion in the leg; just enough to leave a bruise on that perfect white coat of his. Harsh Note nodded and removed her grip but didn’t feel any remorse for her actions. “Just come backstage and help us out.” She glanced at High Brass with a simple smile before scurrying away. Alto rubbed his reddening ear. It stung and felt like it was about to fall off. “She can be very mean sometimes,” Harp Hearts spoke in a huff, her cheeks puffed with anger. “Alto wouldn’t have gotten it from her if he wasn’t slacking on his work,” High Brass argued back calmly. The mare shook her head, “Just because you don't like somepony, doesn't mean you have to hurt them,” Harp Hearts responded. High Brass glanced at Alto, keeping his eyes fixed on him. You could learn a thing or two from Harp Hearts, Alto thought. The stallion continued to keep his mouth shut; no need to cause any drama in front of a bunch of mares and their dates. Alto was the first to look away, no longer wanting to resume the unwanted stare down. “Well, got to get back to work,” Alto said to Harp. The two exchanged hugs before the stallion made his way backstage. He heard voices from behind, “Has anypony seen Spearmint?” “She said she would bring her date to the group.”