//------------------------------// // But Are We All Lost Stars, // Story: Fauna of Mirrors // by Eggtaro //------------------------------// "Creme." called the voice, startling him. Creme looked up from his seat. Ord was standing next to him, his tall figure casting a shadow upon Creme. Ord smiled at Creme, and sat down in the empty chair beside him. The day was over, and it was almost time for the restaurant to close. The remaining staff continued to do their work: wiping the tables, taking out the trash and cleaning the kitchen. Sonata gaze at the two people sitting near one of the already wiped tables. A look of concern furrowed her brow. Creme had pretty much ignored everyone in the restaurant today, even Sonata. He spoke only when spoken to, and replied to the questions with short answers. When pressed further on what was bothering him, Creme would simply remain silent and refused to speak unless the topic was changed. What's wrong, Creme? Sonata thought, still gazing at Ord and Creme. Why are you acting like this? Creme turned his head away as Ord sat down, not wanting to look at him. All he wanted was to be left alone, to ignore and be ignored. His morning anger was long gone after lunch, but something else had already taken angers place: regret. Creme wasn't proud of his actions that morning. He lost his temper, and got mad at Rainbow. Even worse, he shouted at Sonata, who was only concern for him. He knows that Sonata was only worried, and that Rainbow was only joking around. And yet, those words that she said...the same words he had used back then. It brought back an old memory he hated. A memory he could never forget. "Do you have a minute to talk?" He ignored Ord, staring at the floor. He already knew what Ord wanted to ask, and what Ord wanted to tell him as well. But he didn't want to hear any of it. Not because he disliked it. It's because he doesn't deserve such kindness from Ord. "Are you really going to continue ignoring me, Creme?" Ord asked softly. No reply. That was expected, of course. After the phone call from Sonata, Ord had been trying all day to find out what's wrong with the young man. Ord took pride in his work at the Holy Shrimp, and he cares deeply for each of the staff under him. He treats all of them with respect, with kindness, and with care. If there was anything bothering them, or if they needed help, Ord would come to their aid in a heartbeat. Right now in front of him, was a employee in need of help. Or at least, a listening ear. But if said employee refused to speak, however. Things might get more difficult to handle. Nothing Ord couldn't handle, though. He's been through worse. "We both know that you can't ignore everyone forever, Creme. Can you at least listen to what I have to say?" With reluctance, Creme turned to face Ord. He knew Ord was right. Sooner or later he will have to face the music. "I won't ask why you are acting like this, Creme. Nor shall I ask the cause of it all. But you must understand that moods like this aren't really welcomed in the Holy Shrimp. I want everyone that comes here---even the staff---to arrive happy, and leave happy." "I might be presumptuous, but I want you to know that if there is anything that you wish to share--- things that you normally can't say, or have trouble finding someone to actually talk with, I'm always here to listen, all right?" Creme nodded slowly. Ord let out a sigh of relief. Finally, a real response. "Sonata called me, you know? This morning." Creme looked at Ord, a confused look on his face. "She told me what happened. How you got mad at a friend for saying things about your home." Ord said. "Is that the reason why you lost your cool?" "I thought you said you won't ask me anything about today?" Creme asked suddenly. "And you can still choose to not answer any of my questions." Ord replied, smiling. "I am merely offering you the chance to tell me what's wrong. To also give ourselves the opportunity to help each other. That choice, however, is for you to decide." Creme smiled at him. Maybe telling Ord about it might help ease himself a little. Maybe it could also help lift some of his burdens away. But Creme never really told anyone about his problems before. Not ever since back then. He always kept everything to himself, within himself. Creme believed that his burden was his to bear. For he was the cause of that one burden that was the heaviest, the one that he hated himself the most for it. No... Creme's smile faded from his lips. He can't tell Ord about it. He can't tell anyone about any of it. My burden is mine to bear. "Creme." Ord spoke suddenly, placing his hand on Creme's shoulder. "You might think that you can carry all the troubles yourself, that you don't need any help or any support from anyone. You are free to choose what you want to do. As you are free to believe what you believe. If you do not wish to tell me, then don't. I am not forcing you to tell me anything. Nor are you obligated to do so." Creme said nothing. It felt like Ord had just read through his mind. He shook his head. There was no need to tell Ord anything. Ord said so himself. Why should he tell someone like Ord about his problems? Ord was just his manager. Nothing more. He did not want to be a bother to anyone. Ord continued talking. "Telling others about your troubles, worries, or burdens doesn't mean that you are passing it to them. You are not hurting anyone by talking to them, you know. Talking, expressing, or even sharing about your problems to others, can greatly help you. You must never turn away someone who is willing to listen. Someone, who is willing to help. Because you don't need to go through all of this alone, Creme." "My burden is mine to bear, Ord." Creme said, meeting eye to eye with Ord. "Not yours." "And I can help you bear that burden, Creme Fraiche, for as long as it is yours to bear." Ord said, smiling warmly at Creme. Creme stayed silent for while. Repeating the words in his head. Was his way of thinking been wrong all these years? Was everything that Ord said true? Or at least, helpful? He thought hard on the matter. A sudden thought of clarity hit him. He smiled weakly at Ord. "Yes." Creme said softly, after a moment. "I lost my temper, and got mad because of what my friend said about my home. But not because she offended me in anyway. But it was because those words she used were the same ones I said to my father, a long time ago. Words, which I regretted saying until this day." * * * * * * "You don't need to tell them what you told me, Creme." Ord said, waving goodbye. "But the least you can do is apologize." Creme nodded, waving back. "I know, Ord. And...thank you. For listening." "Anytime." Ord winked at him. "I believe the young lady is waiting for you outside. I suggest you start with her." Creme left Ord's office and headed for the exit. He took a deep breath as he passed through the kitchen. Everyone except Ord and Creme and Sonata has left. The only source of light remaining in the restaurant was coming from Ord's office and the kitchen. Ord was always the last one to leave the Holy Shrimp. Probably because he was the only one with the key. Creme felt as if a heavy weight has been lifted from his shoulders. It wasn't completely gone. But it was definitely much more bearable. He wasn't expecting much at first, when he told Ord about his problems. He thought that nothing would change. That everything will still remain the same. His troubles. His problems. His burdens. But it was nothing like that. Creme felt better. He felt happier than before. Was it because he told someone else about his problems? To be able to find someone to listen to him? It probably was, or he wouldn't be having this feeling right now. Never turn away someone who is willing to listen. Creme repeated the words in his head. He will remember those words for the rest of his life. He spotted her sitting on a chair, just after leaving the kitchen. Creme glanced at his watch and was surprised to find out that two hours had already passed since entering Ord's office. Has Sonata just been sitting there, waiting for him? Ord was right again, it seems. As Creme approached her, Creme was immediately filled with nervousness. He hadn't forgotten how he yelled at Sonata, and he still felt bad for doing it. An apology just isn't going to be enough. Maybe he should treat her to something. But how is he going to apologize? He can't just walk up and say "Hey...sorry." and just leave as if the entire thing had never happen. That was just plain...plain. Creme needed to give Sonata a proper apology. "Sonata?" Sonata said nothing. She just sat in her chair, her head facing downwards. Creme gulped. Was Sonata mad? Is she giving him the silent treatment? Well...it was probably what he deserved anyway, after what he did. "Er...Sonata? A-are you mad?" Silence. The situation was looking bad for Creme. Can't she at least acknowledge his existence? Give him some sort of indication that she was listening? At least look at me... Creme thought. He sat down in the empty seat beside her, and sighed. "Sonata, look. I...I want to tell you that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for how I shouted at you this morning. It...it wasn't something I should had done. It wasn't right. You don't even know why I was acting like that. You were only worried for me, and I pushed you away." Still nothing. Looks like Creme has messed up big time. Sonata is never going to speak to him again. Ever. "Sonata...I...I'm ver---" "Creme?" The sudden flashing of lights blinded Creme for a second. He blocked the radiant glow with his hands, creating a shadow upon his face. He spotted Ord looking at him. "O-Ord?" Ord gave a curious look at Sonata and then at Creme. He suddenly snapped his fingers as if he had just figured out something. "Am I interrupting something?" he playfully asked Creme. "Shall I leave the two of you alone?" "Not helping, Ord." Creme mumbled from the corner of his mouth. Ord looked at Sonata again, and chuckled. "Haven't you notice that she's asleep?" Ord asked, pointing at Sonata with his thumb. "Wh---what?" Creme got up and stood in a better position to look at Sonata. There she was, fast asleep in her seat. Sonata must've dozed off while she was waiting for him. Due to the rather dim lightning, Creme wasn't able to see her face properly. (Not that he dared to look at her in the beginning, anyway.) Sonata's head was tilted slightly to one side, with both her eyes closed, accompanied by the sound of her gentle breathing. Creme smiled. Such a peaceful looking face. he thought to himself. He watched her sleep for a few more seconds when--- "Don't do anything funny now, Creme. I'm still standing right here." "I wasn't going to!" he retorted, glaring at Ord. Ord chuckled at Creme's reaction. "Sometimes, I too, find her asleep in the chair. If I'm lucky, she will wake up the instant I shake her." "What happens if you were unlucky?" Creme asked curiously. "Oh, unlucky isn't really the word I would use for your case." Ord said with a mysterious smile. * * * * * * "Can't we just wake her up?" "No. You saw it yourself, didn't you? She didn't even respond." "Are you really serious about this?" "Yes. And, I also find it adorable." "Again. Not. Helping, Ord." "She'll wake up halfway, trust me, Creme." Creme stood up, trying his best to not lose his balance as he does so, since now he was carrying a passenger. Sonata was laying on his back, still fast asleep. After their failed attempts at waking Sonata up. Ord suggested that Creme gave Sonata a piggyback ride home. (To which Creme protested.) "What if I reach her apartment and she still haven't woken up?" Creme asked Ord. Ord shrugged at Creme, smiling. "I'm sure you do what's best." "What's that suppose to mean?" "Goodnight, Creme." and Ord went back inside the Holy Shrimp. Leaving Creme and the sleeping Sonata outside. Creme stared in disbelief as Ord disappeared from view. He let out a sigh. Creme double checked to see if Sonata was properly in place behind his back, before setting out for the trip back to their apartment. The street lamps lighted the way for Creme. Acting as torches in a dark cave, showing him the way out. (In Creme's case, home.) The night cool breeze blew softly on his face. It was an evening like any other. Quiet, simple, and peaceful. Creme thought of Rainbow Dash. How was he going to apologize to her? Creme never really had any experience in apologizing to ponies. Do ponies from Equestria act differently when being apologized to? Will Rainbow be mad at him? Or will she just seat on the couch, waiting for him to come home? Will Rainbow even be at his home? What if she left? Creme shuddered at the thought. If anyone from earth saw a talking, flying pegasus on the loose, chaos will be sure to ensue. Creme walked faster, abandoning his previously slow pace. He didn't want any of that to happen. He wants Rainbow to be at his apartment. But what if the portal suddenly started working again? What if, during the day, the magical portal reopened the way back to Equestria? Will Rainbow leave without saying goodbye? Would she even wait for him to come back so she can tell him goodbye? "Damn it." Creme swore under his breath. "This is what you get for losing your temper. Isn't that right, Creme?" he asked himself. Sonata's soft arms that was around Creme's shoulders suddenly wrapped itself tighter around him. Creme looked behind him. "Sonata?" he asked tentatively. "Rainbow's waiting." Sonata muttered drowsily, nudging her head softly against Creme's back. "I asked her to wait for you." "You did?" "Mmhmm." Sonata yawned. "You want to say sorry to her, don't you?" "I...I do. Thank you, Sonata." "Where's my apology?" she asked softly from behind him. "I was giving it to you back at the restaurant. But you were fast asleep." "I wasn't sleeping...." Sonata mumbled. "I just...dozed off..." her voice became inaudible. "...Sonata?" There was no reply. Sonata had went back to sleep. Creme smiled to himself. He looked above him, staring at the darkening sky. The stars and the moon were more visible now. The night sky was always Creme's favourite. An idea suddenly popped into his brain. He found the perfect way to apologize to Rainbow. All he need was som--- A snore escaped Sonata's lips. Making Creme chuckle. "You're rather heavy, you know that?" he whispered, as he continued down the street, with a sleeping Sonata on his back.