//------------------------------//
// A Single Stare. 
// Story: A Single Stare. 
// by UnluckyBoyHere 
//------------------------------//


(Written by UnluckyBoyHere)


I was already running late. The guys weren't going to wait any longer, and my back hurted for carrying my bass. The day wasn't too bright, a lot of dark clouds up in the sky, and it looked like it would rain in any second, so I hurried up.

A single drop fell in my back, as I turned around and wiped it with my hoof. It was raining, god damnit. I started to run, trying to cover myself below the trees as the rain started getting harder and harder.

The ponies around ran to their homes, and I found myself stuck under a tree. Where could I go? I'd have to pass this rehearsal and wait until I can go back home. I was trying to find a way to cover my bass from the rain, but there was none. Despite having a bag for it, I wouldn't risk it.

So there I was. Sitting, with my baby by my side, cursing left and right. I couldn't believe my luck. Suddenly, out of nowhere, some pegasus fell through the branches and hitted the floor, covered in mud. I got up and ran to help the poor pony, as she got up wiping some rock bits that they were on her wings. I couldn't help to notice this pony, I saw her delivering mail before, and she was well known for her weird eyes direction. Despite being a mock for most people, she was a great person, and we had some chats from time to time. She recognized me right away when she got to see me.

"Uh, hey, UGH, Jeff"-she said, taking some leaves out of her face-"I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"What happened?"

"Some thunder blew right next to me, and it frightened me, so I lost my timing and fell. Also, the water was slowing me down."

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Watch it, I'll try to get this mud out of my wings."-she said, flapping her wings really hard until most of it was off her.

As soon as she was ready to leave, some other pegasus appeared from the top of the tree, a concerned look on her face. A light-grey, beatiful pink mane coloured pony. I was astonished. When she landed, she showed her face. But, the face was not it...there was something else.

Her eyes.

She looked around and ran to the injured poor pony, she raised her head and looked at me. 
"Thanks for helping my sis, that was one hell of a fall!"-she said while grinning a bit. I looked at her, asking myself how she could joke about something like this, but the other pony laughed too. I guess Ditzy wasn't annoyed by this, only a bit scared. They joined in flight, while some leaves and mud trails were falling to earth from the yellow-maned pegasus. It seemed like an akward situation, but it was good for a routine change. The rain was slowing down eventually, and I could walk to my friend's house. I wanted to chat a bit and drink something.

We didn't get to play an entire song, we were too dispersed to focus. We jammed for a while, until we all came to a fabulous end, causing all of us to smile at each other. That was a magical session. We layed on the couches, and we talked for a long time. Hoofsteria was playing in the background, an amazing 80's band.

I walked back home, and went past the place of the accident where now a tiny pool of mud was there. I smiled at the somewhat hilarious memory. And then, I remembered that misterious pegasus. Those deep, bright yellow eyes. I shook my head trying to get those thoughts out of my head, walking away with a disgusted face.

But, as much as I wanted to avoid it, routine was always there. Days were boring as always, and music was the only runaway from there. Music was my passion, a drug that I had to take often. I couldn't stand still in the same place while listening to it. I had to move, it made me twitch and jump. It was something I was born with, maybe a disease, a blessing, who knows? I only knew it could make me feel good, even in the worst situations.

I was walking to work, the sky was much clearer, and I was feeling good. For the last days, the memory of that pony was filling my head, against my will. I was through this, way too many times before. Getting a mare stuck in your mind, wherever you go. And sometimes, you lose track of what you do or think. It's like having a thought and, suddenly, that pony jumps in, kicking and tearing all of your thoughts down. Like an evil cancer in your mind. I couldn't help myself but to hate me for always being like this.

Frustrated, I made it to work, where a long line of people were awaiting for me. I had to clear their doubts away, as I always did. The hours passed like years, and I was laying my head down on the desk, when a voice made me raise my head so fast I thought I was going to lose it.

"Hey Jeff, sleeping at work again? You never change"

Ugh. The residual school mates...

"Guuuyys...you are here again..."

"Of course we are! Paying a visit to the sleepiest pony in Ponyville! Ain't that right fella's?" "Yeah!"

"Guys...you cannot be doing this much noise right now, you'll get me in trouble."

"Ah, but things here are so boring and dull, we just wanted to cheer you up a bit!"

"Seriously, don't."

"What's going on in here?"-my boss said as he walked in the scene.

"Good luck with that Jeffy!"-the group walked away, giving hearty laughs at my misfortune.

"What was that about Jeff? Why didn't you control those naysayers?"

I was swallowing fear. Really slowly. My throat was hurting already.

"It wasn't his fault"-somepony said, as I rolled my head to see who was my saviour. But it was just...that unkown pony who stalked my head during all of these days.

"What are you doing h-Who are you lady?"-my boss interrupted me.

"I'm Flutter Doo. I just wanted to prevent you from comitting a mistake. This pony here tried to calm the jerks that were annoying him and disturbing the peace, but they didn't listen."

I sat there in disgrace. Why would she step into this and why was she there? She was gonna mess it all up. Covering my face with my hooves, I was awaiting the worse.

"Fair enough. Jeff, next time, call me. We've got security, and they can handle them."

"Eh...sure thing boss."-I said, surprised but still scared. 

"You almost get into harsh stuff, don't you?"

"Yeah...thanks for saving my plot. I've had just enough of them, but I cannot make a fool out of me here."

"Well, I know you can't risk your position, and well, I stepped in. I wouldn't like to feel guilty about it later"

"Well, thanks."

"I've gotta go now. Stay fine."

"Bye"-I said, while the pegasus run out of the building, flapping her wings. 

I was still.

Freezed.

I couldn't get her out of my head, it was the end for me. I couldn't believe I had to fall in the same old trap.
I walked home, my head tilt low, I didn't even want to look up, the sky. The home of hers. Everything started to relate. Saw a pony? She. Saw a pegasus? She. Saw a cloud? She. This always happened to me, to the point that a stain in a carpet could remind me of a celebration.

I sat down, and readed a book. Some cheesy novel some friend gave me, it was quite interesting, but I was a bit sleepy already. I got a water glass, and fell heavily on my bed. I was tired. Really tired. So, as soon as I got comfy, I started dreaming.

I was standing in the middle of an empty room. It looked like an old house. I could see outside, a huge and beatiful hill. I walked around in the house, I couldn't see much, only a few rays of moonlight coming through the windows. I was wondering why was I there, when suddenly, I saw an illuminated room at the end of the dark hall I was at. Somepony was standing there, looking away from me. I started walking really slow, I didn't want to startle it. Unfortunately, the doors that led to this room were half-way open, and I could bet anything they would screech. So, giving up on sigile, I said, trying not to scare her, a very shy "Hello?"

The pony didn't react. It was staring at the floor, facing bakwards. It didn't move, but I could hear it breathing. I pushed the door with my hoof, and almost instantly, it turned around.

It was that pegasus I met, but there was something different: her eyes were glowing.

She walked towards me, very slowly, but with a numb face and pure-glowing, yellow eyes. When she was in front of me, she kissed me. I wanted to back away, I was scared, but I couldn't. When I got to close my eyes, she pushed me with her hooves, spat me and turned around, when a huge cold wind stream opened both of the balcony doors, the long transparent curtains waving to both sides, as the pony flew away, remaining as a dark dot in the moon's inmensity. I ran to the balcony trying to get a better peek at her, but she was gone. 

I woke up, covered in sweat. That dream was so intense, but...what did that meant? Why did she kissed me, and why her eyes were glowing?

I went to my kitchen and made me some coffee. I saw the reflection of the weak cold light of my kitchen upon my bass. It was beatiful. I always had some kind of deep satisfaction when I stared at it, it's shape was so curvy and harmonious. I just sat in one of the tall stools, staring at it.

Soon, the sun started rising, changing the sky from a dark blue to a pink and white skyline. I went out, and enjoyed the panorama. It was a weird night, but it worthed staying awake. Maybe the sunrise was something that happened everyday, but it was rare to see, specially if you sleep until late in the morning.

Soon, the day started for the pony folk, and everyone was rushing to get to their works. I had the day off, so I could enjoy it, all by myself. I went to my room, plugged my bass and played for 1 hour or so, until I got bored. I went to Sugarcube's Corner to get some delicious cookies with chocolate chips, I loved those. I got greeted by this loud pink pony that often skipped through Ponyville with a contagious smile in her face. I was almost out of bits, but I was going to get my paycheck soon, so I didn't mind.

I went to the park, I wanted some fresh air so bad. The sun was hitting hard on me, and I was getting really hot, so I sat under a tree, hoping that no ponies fell from the sky again. Taking some cookies out of my bag, my eyes began to close. I didn't had much sleep, so I couldn't fight back. I eventually fell asleep and forgot about everything around me.

Somepony started shaking my shoulder. It was a stranger, telling me a huge storm was coming, so I surely needed to head back home. As I ran through Ponyville, some tiny waterdrops fell on me. Once again, ponies rushing everywhere. When I got home, I made sure all of my windows were closed. Usually these storms dragged rocks and heavy objects, provoking damage to houses or even ponies, if they didn't get any shelter. One of the windows that I had blinds on was open, so I moved them and when I was about to close it, I saw the pegasus that I dreamed with. The one that was always there with me. 

The one. 

"HEY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING OUT THERE?"-I screamed. The wind was getting really strong and I doubted she could hear me if I spoke normally. She turned around, her eyes were red and she had a really sore face. I felt heart-broke when I saw her. 

"COME INSIDE, PLEASE! YOU MAY GET HURT!"

Seeing no response at all, I went downstairs quickly, opening the front door and shaking my hoof, giving her the signal to come in. She just looked at me and then stared at the ground again, crying. I ran outside, and pushed her inside the house. She struggled, but I didn't stop. When she was in my house, I handled her a towel. It was really cold, but she still refused to walk around the house.

I brought her a coffee cup, but she didn't drink. She was really sad, but I didn't know why. She was still a stranger for me, although someone that was always in my mind, so I tried to behave. When I went to sleep finally, I offered her my bed, but she said she was not sleepy. I still prepared myself another bed, because I wanted her to be comfortable for the night. I shown her the bathroom if she needed it, and I went to bed.

The rain intensified during the night, and I heard some hooves going all around the house, until they stopped. I got up, walking slowly to see what she was doing. And there she was, sitting in front of one of my windows, looking outside, mumbling something. I couldn't hear what she said, so I went closer. 

"...she was? Why? Why she was this mean to me? I just wanted to help. Now everyone hates me. Why this happened to me?..."

"I don't hate you."

She turned around inmediatly with a huge suprised face. "What are you doing?"

"I heard what you just said. What happened? Is there anything wrong with Ditzy?"

"It's not her...it's me. I messed things up, big time. I did it all wrong"

"What, why?"

"I had to move some clouds away from here to avoid the storm that's now outside, but I couldn't, one of my wings were in pain, so I couldn't fly straight. Ditzy trusted me to do the work, but I couldn't. When I told her, she screamed and me and called me worthless. She couldn't handle all of the incoming clouds, so she left me here and went back to Cloudsdale. I was really upset with myself, so I didn't even bother leaving the rain. I just wanted to stay there."

"I didn't know Ditzy was like that. I'm gonna have to talk to her. But, you are not worthless, neither any of the things she said to you."

"I don't know..."

We stood the whole morning up, staring through the window, as if we were waiting for something to come up.
I noticed her cup of coffee was empty, she surely was hungry and drank it during the night. I prepared more for her, as it was early. I got some toastes, I was not that hungry, this events kept my head occupied. I wanted to listen to some jazz, so my music player was there to save me. The pegasus, now sitting on one my couches, was looking a lot better, although I didn't know if she was 100% OK.

"I'm gonna go now. Thanks for letting me stay"

"No problem. Take care, and remember what I said"

"I'll try"

She flew away, leaving me there with a whole new range of questions. Why did Ditzy was so mad for something she shouldn't be? Why did she took these words so seriously? Did she really feel any better?

Going down to Ponyville, I saw a shadow coming over me, it was Ditzy. She landed in front of me with a concerned face. Flutter Doo surely told her about this.

"Hi Jeff. Um, I wanted to talk you about-"

"I know what you want to talk about. And let me tell you, I didn't know you could be like this"

"I'm sorry, but I was really upset, many houses in Ponyville got damaged."

"But your little sis had her wing hurt! How could you be so heartless?"

"She was hurt? She never told me that!"

"Well, she was really bad when I saw her."

"Oh god...I didn't know anything about this. I'm so sorry. I need to talk to her right now"

"You really do, go."

The pony flew as fast as she could, leaving a lot of leaves in the air as she did. I couldn't believe that Flutter didn't told her about her wing. It was her fault too, but right now, it was more important to bring back peace, rather to know who was right and who wasn't.

After having lunch, I heard some hooves outside of my house. A bell was heard, someone was out there. It was Ditzy, but with different news. There was a party at Sugarcube Corner for a new pony in Ponyville. Pinkie Pie always did these kind of events, so I definitely was assisting. They were always fun and there was always a lot of tasty food.

The night finally came, and I was in my room, getting myself decent. Despite the fact that these parties always ended being really childish and silly, I always felt like looking good.

I walked down the road, the moonlight was the only thing I could see. The tall grass near some houses could be seen shaking, waving very slowly. It was a beatiful night, and I had a tiny weird feeling about that party in my guts, but I ignored it.
When I was there, I knocked the door, and the pink cheerful pony opened the door, hugging me and asking me to come in. There was a lot of ponies there, but you could still walk through them. Ditzy was there, I greeted her, she was looking better.

"So, did things went well with she?"

"Hopefully, they did. We solved everything, I apologized and she did too. So, we're fine now"

"I'm so happy to hear that. Is she here?"

"No, she wasn't planning to come."

"Why?"

"She was tired and wanted to stay home. It's weird because she didn't do anything during the day."

I thought I could maybe go there and ask her what was wrong. Ditzy took me to her house, but she wasn't there. Maybe she could be at her grandma's house, down on earth.

I knocked the huge front door, but I didn't see anyone. I heard some hooves walking in there, so I decided to go in. It was dark, all of the lights were off. The house looked a lot like that one in my dream, and I could foresee what was about to happen, but I decided not to make my mind upon it. 

Some round stairs led to the second floor, and the walls were illuminated by the moon. I had a strange feeling, but I decided to go on. I looked into every room, but they were either empty or filled with boxes. They were probably ready to move out or something. A door splitted the hall I was walking through with another one. I walked in, and that was it: it was the house of my dream. I walked shyly through the hall, and only 2 out of 6 doors were open, letting the light in. I could feel the cold wind striking my mane, as the panorama terrified me.

I heard a crying at the end of the hall. The room I stepped in, this time, there was a small couch in there. I could see the mane of the pegasus. There she was, but what was wrong with her? Fearing the worst, I tried to follow what I did in my dream, and I pushed slightly the door, letting a loud screech fill the whole room. She instantly jumped off the couch and stepped to one side, looking deeply at me. I could feel my body retracting, as I saw her face. She looked terrible, I could only stare at her. I was petrified.

I started approaching her really slowly, thing she noticed. Whenever I started moving a bit faster, she turned around and tried to fly away through the window. She began to cry again, but something happened that neither I and her was expecting.
I could bit her tail, and pull her back into the room. She couldn't leave, and eventually gave up. When she broke to the floor, she covered her face with her hooves and cried deeply. I helped her to get up, and layed her in the bed, when we both sat down. She kept crying for an hour, the only thing I could do is to stroke her mane. I didn't want to say anything, I was afraid to ruin her even more. When she calmed down, she just layed on the bed. 

"What happened?"-I asked her.

"You shouldn't be here, Jeff."

"Why shouldn't I?"
"I didn't want you to see me this way..."

"It's not like I haven't seen a pony crying before"

"But...I sure do look terrible"

"Here"-I said, wiping her tears away. Her eyes got bigger, as she looked into mines. "Why did you cry?"

"I can't tell you"

"Why not?"

"It' just that..."

A silence striked the room. I didn't want to make her feel like I wanted to extract information from her, so I just ignored that. I kept stroking her mane, I could still hear some shy sobs coming out of her.

"...I love you..."

What? She loved me? She turned her face away from me, letting some tears out. I placed my hoof under her chin, trying to make her look at me. Her eyes were already red.

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

"Because I was afraid you would run away!"

"I've been through this way too many times before, and the truth is...that I love you too. I didn't want to tell you because I was afraid too that you could see me as a weirdo"

"B-but...since when?"

"Since I met you. Since I helped your sis. I couldn't get you out of my head, and everyday, every single day, you were there. Occupying my mind. And I tried to ignore this feeling that was filling me, but I couldn't. You were already settled down in my head."

"I didn't want to think about you either...I had some really painful relationships before, and none of them ended as I would like...I was just going to hurt myself again..."

"But I wouldn't hurt you. I wouldn't be able to do such thing."

She looked deep into me, wondering if I was that pony that she awaited for long. Neither her or my past relationships were any good, but we found consolation in each other, we found peace.

We were all alone, admiring the night in the balcony, the moonlight hitting really hard on our faces, as I could feel something warm landing on my cheek. When I looked at her, she was blushing deeply, looking away. I gave the favor back, but I wasn't planning to do the same...

We kissed for a very long time. When we paused, we looked at each other. The feeling was so soothing we couldn't stop.
When the night ended, the sun was going through the curtains, illuminating the whole room. We were both laying down on the bed, cuddling each other. We woke up, and I was ready to head home, but she bited my tail back, and pulled me to her, giving me another warm kiss. I snuzzled my head against hers, I was really going to miss her. 

When I made it home, I fell on my bed, stared at the ceiling. I didn't feel so happy in my entire life, and I couldn't believe my luck. I didn't sleep that day, neither the next one. My head filled with feelings, things I didn't knew somepony could feel.

I found something I wanted to find long ago.

I found love.