private Rhapsody in Blue

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

 

Sterling chuckled again when Blue Note mentioned how impressed she was with Sterling's leap. As he heard Blue Note gushing about the music, Sterling couldn't help but feel bad for the Phantom. He was just like Sterling in many ways. They both had their own deformities, albeit in different forms. The Phantom's face was burnt, while Sterling was burnt with the marks of autism on his soul. They were both largely misunderstood by the outside world. The Phantom was considered a monster and nopony understood why he was acting the way he did. Sterling's outside appearances labeled him an alien by the masses as well, and nopony wanted to listen to his views and opinions. The last similarity was what struck Sterling the most. The fact they both had a mare they counted on in some way, although the Phantom did so with a greater extent to Christine than Sterling to Blue Note... 

 

The similarities left him saddened. Deep inside, he knew who the tragedy was directed at. It pierced him inside, especially after realizing that Christine was planning to marry Raoul and not the Phantom... Would he have the same fate as the Phantom? They were so similar, he couldn't help but feel empty... devoid... Did Blue Note see through his own errors? Or did she say all those things just to cheer him up? Did she really care about him? He pondered continually as Blue Note continued to gush about the opera...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

Blue Note was oblivious to Sterling's thoughts as she went on to analyze the musical's story. "The story has quite the interesting dynamic in my opinion," Blue Note said. "The Phantom and Raoul are foils to each other, while both have a relationship with Christine. Raoul is the one that is easily more acceptable by society's standards, while the Phantom is an outcast. I think the Phantom was corrupted by society's view of him. He is trying to cling to the one person who appreciated him, but he's using force and fear. A relationship will never thrive on that..." Blue Note mused. This musical was certainly interesting, and she was anticipating the next act. 

 

"So what is your opinion of the musical?" Blue Note asked, realizing that she had been rambling on. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

(OOC: Are you going to be available for roleplaying tonight?)

 

Sterling was still muddled in his thoughts about the opera. He agreed with everything Blue Note said, but somehow, he just... didn't want to say it at the moment. Deep down, he wasn't sure whether Blue Note truly wanted to be with him yet, and his views on the musical would really change everything if he said something out of the ordinary. He replied simply and softly,

 

"Well... it... it was great. I couldn't focus much on the musical because I had such a hard time getting comfortable on my seat. The romantic scene between Raoul and Christine... it was really touching. I... I feel sorry for the Phantom though."

 

Sterling realized that he was starting to expose himself to Blue Note, so he opted not to speak any further than he already did. After all, Blue Note already caught on most of his thoughts on the musical anyway... for now. Sterling could only ponder on what would come next in Act II...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

(OOC: Oddly enough, I'm more available in the afternoon today. =P I'm going to see DCI tonight, so I probably won't be back home in time.)

 

"I do too," Blue Note said. "His story is very tragic. I don't know how sorry I can feel for him, though. His actions aren't excusable, but what is he to do?" She wondered if there really was anything he could do. If he was cast out, it would certainly be difficult for him to get by. Still, why do horrible things? Revenge was fruitless, in her opinion. "I suppose the second act will explain this even more."

 

Blue Note took a breathe. The theater was beautiful, and tonight had easily been the best since she arrived in Manehatten. "Thanks for taking me around, Sterling. Tonight has been absolutely wonderful." 

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

(OOC: Darn. Oh well. I can do some extra MCAT work tonight then!)

 

Sterling didn't notice the part about the Phantom taking revenge against Raoul and Christine for their love. Nonetheless, he played along and agreed. 

 

"Revenge is really never a way to solve a problem isn't it? I understand why somepony would do it, but it never works out in the end, which often results in a very sad tale." 

 

Sterling also heard Blue Note thanking him graciously for taking her around. He smiled happily at the thought, knowing that Blue Note was grateful for this opportunity. It took Sterling off from his negativity towards life for a moment and led him to reply happily,

 

"Hehe. Well it's always awesome going to a musical with the mare you really enjoy being with. And often times they're wonderful because of the time spent. Still, if it weren't my parents, I wouldn't have known many of these awesome places to go!" 

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

(OOC: Hopefully I can be on tomorrow night. Things keep coming up. =P)

 

"It's so nice that parents would take you to places like these." Blue Note's eyes wandered around the room, as thoughts of her own parents flashed through her mind. She forced them away, and instead focused on the first thing Sterling had said. For some reason her heart soared when he said she was "a mare you really enjoy being with". She hadn't had butterflies like these in ages. Could she really have feelings for Sterling? Was there a chance he could feel the same way? Even if she did, she certainly didn't want to ruin what they had now. "Spending time with a friend like you is certainly well spent."

Edited August 8, 2013 by lincolnshirepony

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

(Daww... By the way, wish me luck! I'm performing for a short little "concert" tonight. I'm playing Bach's Keyboard Concerto in D major! Just the 1st movement though.)

 

Sterling smiled back at Blue Note but was slightly disappointed when she said he was a friend. Deep inside, he hoped for something more with Blue Note, but at the moment, he shook off those feelings. He was here to have a good time with a friend too! Well.. a very close one. A... potential marefriend. Sterling quickly shook his head again to whisk those doubts away. He wanted to enjoy the musical!

 

It was then that Sterling noticed the other ponies beginning to reenter the concert hall for the second act of the musical, which reminded him to move back to his seat. However, he noticed that the other seat to Blue Note's left was still empty. It was empty since the start of the musical. The chair to his right was clearly very uncomfortable, and he didn't want to cause a ruckus like he did in the 1st act. He took his seat to Blue Note's left this time and then explained,

 

"The seat was really uncomfortable, so I decided to move to your left if that's ok. The second act's about to start! I hope things end well..."

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

(OOC: Good luck! I'm sure you'll do fabulously.)

 

"It seems doubtful," Blue Note said. The tragedy seemed inevitable to her. However, the opening number, "Masquerade", was very cheerful. Blue Note found herself once again absorbed in the music, admiring and analyzing the composition. It's cheery nature seemed almost out of place. However, things quickly seemed to be getting darker as Christine and Raoul started singing. Clearly, Christine was still worried about the Phantom, which Blue Note could not blame her for. 

 

Things quickly took a turn for the worse when the Phantom showed up at the masquerade. Blue Note was unnerved by his last line. "Your chains are still mine. You will sing for me!" The desire to control another pony like that was terrifying to her.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndSYR94MEp4

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

 

(Thank you very much! Have a fun time at the movies tonight too! When does your school year start by the way? Mine doesn't start for another 4 weeks.)

 

Sterling took his seat to Blue Note's left this time. The chair was much comfier than the one Sterling sat on to his right. He could hear the cheerfulness of the opening promenade and could imagine the ponies dancing out, not worrying about the Phantom. It was a happy sight, but Sterling jumped from his seat once again when the Phantom arrived. The fact he always arrived at the worst of times began to peeve him. However, his speech towards Christine was one of control, of anger! Sterling didn't like it one bit, but he had to watch on... He could only wonder what would happen next as the Phantom continued to terrorize and terrify all the ponies of the promenade...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

Blue Note was getting more caught up in the suspense of the story. Madame Giry's explanation of the Phantom's backstory made sense. Of course being so mistreated could twist a pony's mind. It was not something that one could just will away. The message of the musical was becoming clearer to Blue Note. "Mistreating others for superficial reasons can cause lasting damage..." Blue Note's eyes were glued to the stage as she became more engrossed in the plot. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling's eyes were fixed on the stage. He could see everything unfold. When Madame Giry explained all to Christine, Sterling wasn't too surprised. Nonetheless, was it really right of him to terrorize everyone else like this? Would he gain any satisfaction from all this hate? Yes the other ponies hated him, just like how UoM's ponies hated Sterling, but deep down, Sterling knew it would be useless to fight fire with fire... Sterling hoped deepy that the Phantom's actions wouldn't cost him in the long run as the second Act continued onward. The musical interludes and numbers were really beginning to get him engrossed into the music. It wasn't that the music was catchy, but the music did a fabulous job dipping him into the world of the Parisian opera house...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note had a bad feeling as the ponies on the stage discussed a plan to capture the Phantom. There was going to be a problem; they were underestimating the Phantom. "This is going to end badly," she whispered. The intensity was building as Christine delivered a powerful musical number about missing her father, with both the Phantom and Raoul showing up. It climaxed with the Phantom wagering war on them both. She was practically on the edge of her seat. 

 

(OOC: Just to switch things up a bit, here's this number Vanguard style.)

 

Edited August 8, 2013 by lincolnshirepony

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

(OOC: I finished the concert today! It went so well! The cellist was so amazed at how musical it was!  )

 

The story continued to build more and more as Sterling too was on the edge of his seat. He could see flaming missiles being targeted at Raoul, to which he successfully dodged. As the intensity built more and more, Sterling couldn't help but continue to gasp at all the fiery effects Broadhay had to offer. The adrenaline was clearly getting to him as he nearly fell of the edge of his seat! Christine and Raoul nonetheless found a way to escape, leaving the Phantom to set the cemetery on fire...

 

Sterling didn't understand why the Phantom would simply set the cemetery on fire and let them escape. For Sterling, it was a simple case of letting emotions get the better of a pony, particularly revenge... Deep down, Sterling knew it was never a good idea to seek revenge on another pony, but what if the same turn of events happened to him? He didn't want to think about it. He pushed those views aside to let himself become even more immersed into the plot...

Edited August 9, 2013 by Sterling Crimson

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

The performance of Don Juan was captivating. The Phantom singing with Christine, it was absolutely terrifying, but Blue Note found it thrilling as well. She was caught up in the suspense of the drama. Was their plan going to work? What was Christine going to do? Her hooves gripped at the arms of her seat. She felt so nervous; it helped to cling to something. The music was so powerful and the story so engrossing. The reveal of the Phantom was so dramatic. "This is amazing," she whispered to Sterling. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

(Last post for tonight. I hope you're available tomorrow night! How did the movie go? The concert went great! (see above))

 

The music of Don Juan was not unfamiliar for the young stallion. What was truly shocking was the fact the Phantom somehow dressed up as Don Juan while dispatching Ubaldo in the process. It felt Sterling shocked, but when he heard Blue Note whispering to him, he felt calmer. He replied with a whisper of his own,

 

"Yes... it's amazing indeed. At first, I wasn't sure whether this was musical was a good idea, but the more I watch this, the better it gets!" 

 

Just then, Sterling could hear a scream in the distance. It was Ubaldo! Sterling gasped and jumped from his seat again, but this time kept himself on his seat. The Phantom now fled, kidnapping Christine in the process! Sterling could only watch in suspense as an angry now began to form... The music continued to increase in suspense as a mare named Meg rallied the crowd to end the monster that was the Phantom... Madame Giry too told Raoul of the subterranean world of the Phantom and how to get there. However, Sterling was most worried about the dreaded Punjab lasso... what if Raoul wasn't competent enough? What if the Phantom was too cunning?

 

At the same time, Sterling wanted the Phantom to win... he couldn't bear seeing a deformed stallion like him bear the grunt of society just because of his looks, even if he aggravated the problem through murder and vice... Sterling could only sit in suspense as the plot continued to unfold...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

(OOC: Seeing the DCI performances on the big screen was fabulous, particularly the Troopers. Though I had leave early so my boyfriend could get home on time, so I missed out on seeing the top corps. =P I should available tomorrow night, unless another one of my friends pops out of no where and whisks me away. Also, yay! I'm glad your concert went well. =) )

 

Blue Note nodded in agreement, watching the descent into the Phantom's lair. Christine was not afraid of the Phantom's face, rather it was his soul that terrified her. Much to her shock, Raoul was captured by the Phantom. Blue Note let out a little gasp, as the Phantom threatened Christine with the choice of marrying him or killing Raoul. The intensity of the moment built as the three sang. She couldn't take eyes of the stage. "What is going to happen?"

 

Blue Note was floored by Christine's show of compassion, kissing the Phantom. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

 

(OOC:

 

 

I insist that we do South Pacific for Sterling and Blue to sing at UoM. There's a plot purpose behind it.

 

)

 

It was a moment of true empathy. Of love. Of kindness. In a world that was dominated by hate, vice, and discrimination. That kiss... it was like a fountain in the midst of fire... Deep within, Sterling could see the sadness deep within. The brokeness of the world... shattered dreams and hopes... The fountain dried before it could truly spring forth... It was now a fountain of tears that flowed from the Phantom's face as he clothed himself in his cape and crouched there like a statue. The crowd's voices grew larger and larger as they approached the Phantom... The romantic "All I Ask of You" now bellowed once again as the scene unfolded towards its conclusion...

 

The crowd had finally reached the Phantom... but when Meg uncovered him... he was nowhere to be found... Only his mask remained...

 

The last chord was finally played. Sterling was the first to clap, to which everypony else clapped with arousing cheers. It was a musical night Sterling would never forget... The entire cast bowed with passion and delight as the musical production finally ended... Sterling was all smiles, even if the ending of the musical was still very sad...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

(OOC: Okay, I would be down for that.)

 

Blue Note stood up and applauded as the cast came out to take their final bows. The musical had been beautiful. The cast went backstage after a final bow, and the lights came up in the theater. The crowd of ponies began to slowly file down to the exits. Blue Note turned to Sterling. "That was wonderful! The music, the acting, the stage. I wish I could have seen something on Broadhay sooner. The story of the Phantom of the Opera was excellent." Blue Note felt herself starting to ramble, but she couldn't help it. Everything was just perfect about tonight! 

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

(OOC: You up for roleplaying tonight? I sure am!)

 

Sterling too got up from his seat and exited Broadhay. He too had a wonderful night with Blue Note and was delighted to have spent it with her. He replied in full agreement to Blue Note,

 

"I agree fully! Everything here is perfect! I just hope our university does another awesome musical production! I love musicals!"

 

Sterling then walked back towards his apartment with Blue Note under the clear night sky. The moon shone above while Manehattan's lights finally shone across the city. It was a sight for sore eyes as the hustle and bustle now dominated the city that never sleeps. Through their walk home, Sterling continued to talk about the best parts of musical: the music. He loved the tension built, the conflicts augmented, and the resolutions emphasized, even if the plot wasn't fully resolved for the poor Phantom...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

(OOC: Sure, I'll have to knock off a little early though. :B )

 

Blue Note enjoyed talking with Sterling about the music as they navigated the crowded city streets. This really was the city that never slept, with lights that never stopped glittering. "Tonight was probably the best time I've had since I've come to this school," Blue Note said. Her life had been composed of one stress after the other lately, but she just felt relaxed now. Spending time with Sterling was enjoyable, and it was nice to have a pony she could connect with. Her feelings for him were beginning to develop.

Edited August 9, 2013 by lincolnshirepony

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

(Knock off early? Huh?)

 

Sterling remembered his past life of today. It was a terrible day to begin with, but Blue Note made it as amazing as the night sky illuminated with stars. He concurred with Blue Note about how amazing the night was. He too had a wonderful time.

 

"I've had a wonderful time with you too Blue Note. If it wasn't for you, then I would never have experienced true joy under the depressing university that was UoM." 

 

The two ponies continued to walk until they reached Sterling's apartment. Their walk home flew by so quickly... Sterling didn't want it to end so soon, but he knew that it had to... maybe... just maybe... he could see Blue Note again after the weekend... He did have homework to do from his labs that would take up much of his weekend, leaving him saddened...

 

"Well Blue Note. Here's my humble apartment. I guess... I guess... this is goodnight. I really did have a wonderful time showing you around Manehattan. I'll see you this Monday I guess? I have lots of lab work to deal with and I have to get it all done well. I wish I could go around with you some more. It's been so amazing being with you..." spoke a saddened Sterling. He could clearly feel himself wooing for the mare that was Blue Note. He couldn't help it; she cared for him. Even if just a friend, Sterling felt the love from her... no pony had ever given this love before...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

(OOC: My best friend is coming over for a sleepover, so I'll probably have to get off earlier than usual. She and I have quite the knack for making last minute plans. =P)

 

Blue Note could not help but feel like this scenario was like a date. A mare and stallion eat dinner, go do something, walk home together, say goodnight. Except it hadn't been a date, at least she didn't think it was. If it was a date, this would probably be the part where they would kiss, or something like that. "Stop thinking about dating." Blue Note could not clear the thought from her mind. 

 

"Yes, tonight was the quite the wonderful time," Blue Note said. "We will have to do something like it again in the near future." She smiled at him. "Yes, we'll see each other on Monday, for some lovely music theory with Professor Adagio. And hopefully something better." She could have said goodbye and left everything there, but she found herself still in standing next to Sterling, waiting for the conversation to continue. Once she moved, she would have to face the dark streets alone and go back to her room at the university. The reality of her life would set in once more, and she would feel trapped within her circumstances. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

(OOC: Oh ok! I'll be off for an hour or two so I can practice for my violin exam. Once that's done, I'm free for tonight!)

 

Sterling really felt this inner drive in his. He couldn't help but think that Blue Note wanted something else... What did she want? He couldn't understand. They did so much already, and they never insinuated this as a date. Still, Sterling wanted to give one last thing before he said goodbye to her for the weekend. It was just building in him, like a volcano getting ready to erupt. Deep inside, he just wanted to give a kiss... He didn't know why, but he just did... Blue Note did so much for him... he couldn't just say goodbye... not when the moonlight shone above as if it were saying, "Kiss the mare..."

 

 

 

Sterling could hear it banging in his head... kiss the mare... or are you too shy? C'mon! His conscience spoke! Sterling tried to fight it, but he just couldn't... the desire was simply too great... it was his sign of gratitude to her... he then spoke with a bright blush on his face and a giggle,

 

"Blue Note... There's... there's... there's something I've been wanting to give ever since you... comforted me today. Here."

And with that, Sterling crept quickly to Blue Note's cheeks and gave her a kiss. It was over quickly, but the moment left Sterling reeling... He... he just kissed... a mare...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

@Sterling Crimson

 

(OOC: Okay, I may or may not be on, depending on how late she arrives. =P)

 

Blue Note was surprised at the soft pleasant sensation on her cheek. She could barely process what happened until it was over. "Oh... wow, Sterling." She was oddly incoherent. Nopony had ever kissed her like that before. It seemed like Sterling did have feelings for her. Her own feelings swirled through her mind at full force. The way he looked and acted were just so attractive to her. But what did this mean for their current relationship? She knew all too well that romances fell apart at the change of a whim. Was it worth it? 

 

"Well, I had a great time tonight! I'll see you on Monday," Blue Note said, starting to walk away. "Have a good night!"

[Inactive01 5,299]

@lincolnshirepony

(Alrighty. That's fine then. The violin music's sounding SO MUCH MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW... OMG!!!         )

Sterling could barely believe himself. He just... kissed... a mare... Why... why did he do that... for... for all he knew... it... was a terrible idea... He could only look on dreamily as Blue Note pranced away all the happier... 

----------------------

After that whole charade... two ponies lurked under the bushes... They were sneaking on dear little Sterling for more juicy rumours... Whether it was just for fun of revenge, only time will tell...

"Oh this is JUICY STUFF!!! Oh dear Celestia, this will be perfect!"

"I know right?! Everypony will feast on this come Monday!! This is just too good to pass up!"

---------------------

 

Sterling now headed into his apartment room. He went up the elevator to the 11th floor and walked dreamily towards his room. He took out his door key and opened it slowly. He dreamily walked towards his bedside at the 2nd floor of his condo... and instantly went into bed... he was all pooped out, but his growing feelings towards Blue Note remained ablaze into the night...