private Rhapsody in Blue

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Almost imperceptibly, Blue Note paused after Sterling's question. His question was innocently asked and would be dangerously answered. She needed to chose her words carefully. "I'm staying in Manehatten." She said it calmly, casually. She did not have a home to go to over the holidays. When applying for university housing, she made sure only to select dormitories that would allow students to stay over during breaks. Holidays were usually more miserable than regular days at home. 

Edited July 5, 2014 by lincolnshirepony

[Inactive01 5,299]

(Wanna chat on Gmail?)

Sterling shook his head with confusion at Blue Note's calm, yet scrappy answer. It was as if Blue Note wanted to hide something from him... but he didn't think too much on it. He merely replied with a chuckle,

 

"Oh... I see... are you perhaps... busy on Hearth's Warming? You see... I was wondering... if you could spend the day with me and my family?" Sterling then realized what he asked... He tried his best to hide the horrified feelings that were swirling through his mind... It was like the question came out of nowhere from his mouth... What if Blue Note thought this was a moment of advance? Sterling's mind was rushing with the many things that could go wrong after asking the question... Hopefully none of them would come to fruition while he waited anxiously for her response

[lincolnshirepony 527]

If Blue Note had been an open pony, a pony comfortable expressing her emotions, she would have started crying. But she was Blue Note, a pony that knew in her heart that the only way to get through the day was to keep it all in. Bury it down and never let him know, because it wasn't enough and it wasn't what she was supposed to be and he was miserable enough without Blue sobbing all the damn time and oh Celestia why was Hearth's Warming Eve even worth celebrating if she wasn't there? 

 

A family to celebrate Hearth's Warming Eve with was all she ever wanted. 

 

"I'd love too," she said, softly. Her voice was without edges. Perhaps she should have smiled brightly, that's what anypony else would do, but she could barely give her lips a sad, upward curve, and hold back the tears. Sterling Crimson had given her hope like no pony else. Sterling Crimson had given her love like no pony ever had. 

Edited July 6, 2014 by lincolnshirepony

[Inactive01 5,299]

(Go to 8:38)

 

Sterling didn't expect this response any day of the week. He made himself vulnerable by asking her to meet his family out of the blue. He wasn't even thinking when he asked her to come over, and yet... he received an answer that no pony would expect... He saw Blue Note's face... ever so delicate it was. She was barely smiling, and Sterling wasn't sure what to make of her reaction to his question... She seemed so sad... yet so happy when he asked her to spend Hearth's Warming with his family.

 

"That's... that's wonderful... Would you like me to come over and escort you there in the morning?" The only thing Sterling could do at the moment was to see when Blue Note could be picked up for escort... He still wasn't sure what to make of her reaction, and he had another problem that was looming large... whether his parents would mind Blue Note coming over... They didn't even know about Blue Note... they were so busy with whatever they were doing that he had little to no time to talk with them about anything... Would they approve... Hopefully they did...      

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Ruby and Cheesy were blessedly finished with their number. Ruby had her work cut out for her; that was for sure. She was just glad that she could go home and escape this train wreck. But first, she had to deal with Cheesy. "Okay, that was terrible. Somewhere, the composer of this musical is weeping because of how terrible that was."

 

"Aren't all composers supposed to be dead?" he asked. 

 

"First of all, I'm a composer," Ruby said. Equestria was in dire need of better music education if ponies like Cheesy were running around. "And second of all, your sheer lack of performance skill caused his ghost to weep." 

 

Ruby's comments stung. Cheesy wasn't the type to admit this, though. He seemed to be struggling in all areas of life. Except for English class. He got good grades in there when he did the assignments. That B+ wasn't enough to pull him up from the abyss of academic probation though. His folks would be so disappointed in him if they found out... 

 

"Well, it's a good thing I've got you too help me," he said. 

 

"You certainly need it," she said.

 

---

 

"Yes," Blue Note said, voice still soft. "I don't know where to find it without you." The prospect was so wondrous, but she wasn't sure how she would handle it. Would it be a painful reminder of everything she never had, or would it be the first time she ever found it? She could not cope with her thoughts. 

 

"Should we get back? I wonder if rehearsal is still going on?"

[Inactive01 5,299]

Once the director had finished going over the scene between Bloody Mary and Cheesy, he was content with the progress that was made during the rehearsal. He called out to everypony, saying how good a rehearsal it went, despite the setback with the mistletoe above Sterling and Blue Note. The director then told everypony, 

 

"Well I hope you all have a wonderful Hearth's Warming! Cause I can't wait to eat the best salads and cakes in town! YUMMY!" The director then proceeded to facilitate the clean up of the area before taking his leave from Manehattan's auditorium...

 

----

Sterling looked at Blue Note with caring and loving eyes, He had never seen Blue Note look this vulnerable and innocent... Heck, he had never seen any mare be in Blue Note's current state in his whole life! It was mean of him to think that Blue Note looked really cute right now, but she was... For him, this was the purest he had seen of Blue Note... She looked so beautiful and attractive... Sterling's heart beat faster and faster, his heart screaming for a confession... But Sterling kept telling his heart no, especially after all that he faced as a colt. He didn't want another heartbreak as a result of another random outburst. Sterling's heart was disappointed, but Sterling's brain was relieved when Blue Note asked about getting back to the rehearsal. A close call it was for Sterling, who felt his heart begin to pour over with affection...

 

"It sounds like it's over... I'm not entirely sure. I can hear the director wishing everypony a Happy Hearth's Warming... so I guess it IS over..." Sterling replied, scratching his head and glad to have controlled himself... albeit with a struggle.

[lincolnshirepony 527]

"Okay," Blue Note said. "I guess I should get my stuff and go back to my dorm." Her words were flat. Her thoughts were whirling, fighting for attention and stirring up old memories. She couldn't bear to be trapped in her head, but she didn't have a choice. She tried to focus on walking back to the auditorium and talking to Sterling. "I'll see you on Hearth's Warming, then?" she asked. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling was relieved when rehearsal was finally over. Now he could get home and get some rest and not having to worry about any more exams or assignments until the next semester which was 3 weeks away. He didn't want to think about the next semester. He just wanted to have a good Hearth's Warming... 

 

"Sure, I'll see you there Blue Note! I'll pick you up the first thing in the morning!" Sterling replied with a wave and a smile as he waved Blue Note off. Now he had to go home and talk to himself all about his feelings towards Blue Note once he got home... And oh yeah, he had to tell his parents about Blue Note for the first time since she was coming over for Hearth's Warming... Hopefully his parents approved. For extra safety measures, Sterling even began to orchestrate the words he would use to his parents, paying careful attention to say that Blue Note was just a friend he met and that she was free for the day. That was it. Nothing more. Hopefully they would say yes as Sterling began to head home for the day...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note ambled back to her dorm room after rehearsal. Her bed was messy and unmade from the morning before. The nights of studying for finals and rehearsing had caught up to her. Combined with the emotional roller coaster of South Pacific Rehearsal, she was done. She crawled under her covers, and was blessed with dark, dreamless sleep.

 

...

 

Blue Note woke up empty. The sky was bleak outside of her room, and she could see snow falling from her window. "How long was I out for?" she asked aloud. No pony was there to answer her. She glanced down at her clock, which read five in the afternoon. "Well, I guess I'll have even more trouble falling asleep tonight." Turning to her desk, she caught a glance of herself in the mirror. She had a serious bedhead. 

 

"Oh wow," she said. "Guess I finally have time fix that." Her mane had go tragically unmaintained for the past few days. With no current responsibility, she sat down in front of her mirror and began to brush. Her mind drifted to Hearth's Warming. She needed to get a present for Sterling. Should she pick something up for his parents too? She wasn't sure about the finer points of etiquette for the holiday. 

 

Several minutes later, Pink Heart burst into the room. Blue Note turned a second, and went back to brushing. She and Pink Heart had operated in silence for the semester. They had nothing to talk about. Soon, she'd be home for the holidays, and Blue Note would have the room to herself. After the spring, Blue Note would never have to worry about her again. 

 

She saw Pink Heart as spineless and desperate for attention, and nothing past that. "Hey, Blue Note?" Pink Heart asked.

 

She stopped brushing and turned around. "What?" Blue Note asked curtly. She probably just wanted her to move for a moment, so she could get something from the sink. 

 

"Um." Pink Heart shrunk back. "I got you a present for Hearth's Warming." 

 

Blue Note didn't say anything at first; she didn't know what to say to that. This day got stranger by the hour. Pink Heart seemed to understand the surprise in the silence, and filled it in.

 

"Why don't you open it?" she asked. "I was thinking, about the way ponies have treated you this semester... and I don't think it's right." 

 

Blue Note looked at her skeptically, but took the package. It was rectangular, and wrapped in cheery green paper with smiling snowponies. It was very Pink Heart-esque. She took the bow off and ripped the paper. 

 

Two boxes of Vanhorsen reeds, size four.

 

"I know my friend crushed one of your boxes earlier this semester, and I should have told her that was mean, but I didn't and I'm sorry." The words tumbled one after the other, nervous and rapid. "I'm so scared of other ponies," she stopped. "Not like you. You're never afraid to be the pony you are. I think this university would be better if more ponies were like that. Like you." 

 

"What do I say to that?" Blue Note wasn't sure if she should forgive Pink Heart, but that was the most genuine thing anypony other than Sterling had said to her in her whole time here. No pony had ever apologized to her.

 

After several moments passed, Pink Heart nodded and turned to the door. "Have a Merry Hearth's Warming," she said softly.

 

"Wait," Blue Note said. "Thanks. And..." She a paused a moment to find words. "And, maybe things can be different next semester." 

 

Pink Heart's eyes lit up. "I hope so," she said. "I'll see you next month." She took her last bag out of the room and trotted off, leaving Blue Note to try and process how so much change could happen in one semester.

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling made his way back to his apartment without much ruckus. He didn't see anypony else after the rehearsal, so it probably meant that all his other friends were probably gone for the holidays earlier than he was. He dreaded coming back to his apartment, especially with his parents around now... They weren't as kind as they used to be, although they tried. It was their job that was the issue... why didn't his parents want to say anything to him about that... And now, he had to see if his parents were happy enough to let Blue Note in for Hearth's Warming... The fact that his parents were actually going to be home for Hearth's Warming was a miracle in itself given how hard they worked every day...

 

Eventually, Sterling opened the door to his apartment to see his parents at home, getting ready for Hearth's Warming... he could see the small Hearth tree up along with its glowing star, he could see the decorations that were all around. Even though they weren't the prettiest, at least it was something... Lastly, he could see that his parents were giving a warm smile... They seemed so happy, it was almost fake... but at the same time, they both waved happily at him and welcomed him home from South Pacific rehearsal...

 

"Oh hello Sterling! Hearth's Warming is almost here! How was rehearsal?!" Front Page asked Sterling with the warmest smile he could give.

 

"Oh Dad... I'm doing just fine! Ummm..." Sterling replied nervously. It was nice to see them so happy, but... he knew they were much sadder than this... what was the sudden change? Also, he had to ask them about Blue Note...

 

"What is it Sterling? It looks like you have something on your mind..." Bubble Gum replied to Sterling's indecisiveness with slight derision. Yep. It was back to normal here. Even after his grades were really high, his mom didn't seem the happiest... 

 

"It's just that... I met a new friend named Blue Note. She's from Canterlot, but is attending music school here! She's staying in Manehattan for the holidays, and she wants to come over for Hearth's Warming for the day. I was wondering if you'd let her come..." Sterling asked nervously, worried that his parents would get angry... His mom didn't give the happiest of looks, especially since he mentioned that Blue Note was a she, but Front Page quickly interjected,

 

"Sure Sterling! She can come over! It's great to have company!"

 

"Honey, don't you realize that we're having trouble feeding ourselves as it is?!" Bubble Gum replied with an angry tone... Sterling was worried something like this would happen...

 

"Honey! This is Heart's Warming... The season for generosity and joy! Please Bubble... let her in just for this holiday..." Front Page tried to reply as calmly as he could... and Bubble Gum, despite her stresses... realized that it was a holiday... Perhaps something good would come out of this... Replying with a grunt, she spoke,

 

"Fine... but don't you blame me if we get closer to bankruptcy!" Bubble Gum then got back to the rest of her shopping list, hoping to save enough, while being able to make room for one more... Sterling sighed with relief that Blue Note could come over, but still wasn't very happy about the situation at home... He trudged upstairs to his bedroom after a long day of rehearsing. Closing the door to his bedroom, he jumped into bed and began to talk to himself....

 

"Heart... I know you wanted to talk about Blue Note... Ok I admit it! I have feelings for her! But at the same time, I can't ruin what we have now! I know she looked pretty... and cute... and loving all at once when I asked her to come over to celebrate Hearth's Warming with us! I could see the genuine look of happiness on her face when I invited... but that doesn't mean she loves me heart! I can't take that risk now! We've only known each other for 4 months! I can't just go out and say I love you like that! It's not right! Even if I want to hug her! Even if I want to kiss her! I can't let myself do that! I went through so much pain being stuck with infatuation! Please heart! Don't throb at me like that! Ugh! Just let me go to bed..." Those were the last of Sterling's words as he began to sleep...

 

----------

 

Hearth's Warming. Was it really that day already? Sterling got up, and noticed the snow that was beginning to fall... It was 8:00 am and it had been a week since the rehearsal, and Hearth's Warming couldn't have come any sooner... it was now time for Sterling to come over to U of Manehattan and pick up his sweetheart, wait no, his best friend to enjoy what hopefully would be a happy day with his family! He wanted to look his very best for the occasion, and made sure to take a good long shower along with combing his mane as nicely as he could! Sure she was his best friend, but he wanted to look nice since this only happened once a year! 

 

Once that was all done, Sterling went downstairs with his parents still asleep... and quietly left the apartment to go and pick his best friend up for a wonderful ride... He had something planned up for her... a nice taxi ride around Manehattan before they headed home for some lunch! He was lucky to know a taxi driver who used to take his dad to the airport every day... they became friends, and he was more than happy to let Sterling and his "marefriend" as he would say enjoy a day in Manehattan for free.

Edited July 7, 2014 by Sterling Crimson

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note woke up early on Hearth's Warming. "Pony was not meant to be awake before eight..." she mumbled as she got out of bed. She had to get ready for the holiday. She had to get a shower, do her makeup, do her hair, get dressed. These routines took time. She decided to go for a sophisticated braid she had seen in Manehatten Magazine. After finishing her hairstyle, she put on violet eye-shadow and black mascara, to complement her violet dress. "Well, hopefully this will work." She surveyed herself in the mirror. "Sky Note would be proud," she sighed. 

 

She grabbed the two wrapped packages, and waited. This was going to be unlike anything she had ever experienced. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

When Sterling got out of the apartment, he saw the red stallion Red Rocket waiting at the front door, beckoning for Sterling to enter.

 

"Well, well... what do we have here?! Yo Sterling! You're looking real fancy there! And I thought youse were only going to invite this marefriend of yours to a family outing. I didn't know youse had to look all nice for dat! Hahahaha!" laughed Red with the thickest Manehattan accent you could imagine.

 

"Well... I still want to look nice and neat in front of her Red! Well, it's off to the University of Manehattan to pick her up! C'mon! And she's not my marefried!" Sterling replied excitedly. He couldn't wait for this to start! The snow was falling gently, and Sterling was all warmed up unlike the last walk in the snow they had after the concert.

 

"Sure she ain't your marefriend... And yeah, yeah I understands! Let's get going! Show me the way!" Red replied with excitement as well as he rushed onto the streets and towards the University...

 

Eventually, the taxi had arrived at the front door to the dorms where Blue Note would be staying. It was there where Sterling waited for the lovely and dazzling Blue Note to come out and begin their memorable day together...

 

--------

Meanwhile, Erlen was awaiting for a friend of his to come over and begin their Hearth's Warming Celebrations at his dorm. While he waited, he could see Sterling down there, dressing all fancy for Hearth's Warming... Well, if you considered just a black bow tie and a combed hair fancy like Erlen did. 

 

"Well, well... what do we have here... Sterling all dressed up... Hehehe... Must be for that Blue Note... Hehehe... he's so cute when he's looking all nice for her... Wouldn't be surprised if it was a date... I'll ask him about it when our next semester starts... Hehehe..." Erlen continued to chuckle, wondering why Sterling looked so nice for her if they were only friends... Well, there wasn't much else for him to see, so he sat back down and waited for his new friend Spectro to come over and begin their fun together...

Edited July 7, 2014 by Sterling Crimson

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note threw on her coat and grabbed the presents. She went down into the dorm lobby and waited for Sterling to come to the door. This was already shaping up to be the best Hearth's Warming she had ever had. She could only remember one occasion when she had enjoyed the holiday. Her dad had taken her to see The Nutcracker on Hearth's Warming Eve. Her mom had missed it, but she came home in time for the next day. She had made a really nice dinner and everything. When it came time to exchange gifts, Blue Note had drawn pictures of their family for both of them. Her parents had gotten her music lessons, just like she had asked for. It had never been the same after that year.

Edited July 7, 2014 by lincolnshirepony

[Inactive01 5,299]

It was a few minutes that Sterling and Red waited together at the dorm. Having some determination now, Sterling walked to the door and knocked on Blue Note's dorm which was located near to the donut shop where they had rested when Sterling accidentally fell into the snow. After seeing the brown wooden door and its doorknob, Sterling knocked on the door, hoping that Blue Note was ready to begin what would hopefully be a magical day together... Sterling remembered many memorable Hearth's Warming Days with his family, but in none of these did he ever spend them with a friend, let alone a mare. Most cases, his friends were busy with their families or the mares had no interest in spending the day with him... This day... was already different and memorable in that sense.

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note heard a knock. She checked through the peephole and saw Sterling outside the dorm. Using her magic, she swung the door open. "You look nice today," she said. He had taken care in dressing up for the holiday. "So, how are we getting to your apartment?" she asked. There was snow falling around them. Blue Note hoped she did not have to spend too much time in it. Snow had not been on her mind when she planned her appearance for the day. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling couldn't help but blush and giggle. Blue Noe was looking so dashing that he could just embrace her and kiss her... The tune "Embraceable You" came to mind, even if it was supposed to be sung by a mare! Sterling shook his head from his affections again before replying shyly to Blue Note,

 

"Ohh... Thanks... Hehe... You're looking very pretty too..." Meanwhile, the taxi driver could only chuckle to himself seeing how shy Sterling was looking. It was so obvious to him that they were a pair, but Sterling just didn't want to admit it...

 

-----

 

At the third floor of the Manehattan dorms, Erlen waited anxiously for Spectro. Hopefully he would come over and play some games with the other stallions he invited as well! At that moment, he could hear a stallion knocking on the door! It must be Spectro! When Erlen opened the door, both ponies exchanged a happy Hearth's Warming to each other! Erlen then quickly motioned for Spectro to come over to his window see something that he would enjoy! Wondering what it was that made Erlen so excited, Spectro quietly opened the window and looked down...

 

"It's Sterling! And is that Blue Note?!" Spectro asked with shock.

 

"Shh!! It is! Sterling's spending the day with his Bluey! Oh Sterling and Bluey, sitting in a tree..." Erlen replied with a chuckle as Spectro too sang along... this was an epic start to their Hearth's Warming... too bad they didn't have a camera with them...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

"Thanks," Blue Note said. Sterling certainly did look handsome... She pushed those thoughts away; they were friends. Just friends. "So, is that our ride?" she asked, pointing to the taxi. The driver had a knowing look on his face. "Oh Celestia, I hope he doesn't think we're a couple too."

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling nodded when Blue Note pointed at Red's taxi service. 

 

"Yep! That's most certainly our ride! Well Blue Note, shall we get going?" Sterling asked with the warmest smile he could give. After all, it was supposed to be the happiest time of year with the light snow and all the cheers of "Merry Hearth's Warming" all around the city. 

[lincolnshirepony 527]

"Yes, let's go!" Blue Note said enthusiastically. "And Merry Hearth's Warming!" she said, feeling the holiday cheer around her. She liked the atmosphere of Manehatten on this holiday. The wreaths and lights and decorations almost enchanted the city. The pegasi certainly knew how to arrange the weather for the holiday. The layer of white snow was ethereal. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling excitedly got on the taxi cab, sitting closely beside Blue Note. He then signaled to Red his first destination.

 

"Hey Red! Let's first head over to Central Park so we can play in the snow! Hearth's Warming is perfect for that!" Red nodded with a chuckle and then headed off as gallantly as he could towards Central Park. All around Sterling he could see Hearth's Warming decorations of all colours like every year. As they rode past the Coffee Emporium, Sterling noticed the lights wrapped all around the signs, signalling to all that Hearth's Warming had finally arrived. He could hear choruses singing the Hearth's Warming song, inspiring Sterling to sing along when he could! The spirit was everywhere and Sterling wanted to be a part of it, beckoning Blue Note and Red to sing along as well...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

Blue Note still did not care much for singing. Yet, it was traditional for the holiday, and she had gotten better at it recently. She joined in with Sterling, hoping she knew all the words. Despite never singing the song before, she knew it well from all the years she had heard it being sung. Her voice complemented Sterling's, and as they made their way to Central Park, she decided they sounded good together. 

[Inactive01 5,299]

Red finally took Sterling and Blue Note to Central Park, which looked very white when the snow came down to the ground. 

 

"Welcome to Central Park Sterling and Blue Note! I'll be back here in about half an hour to take youse guys back to the Coffee Emporium! I heard theyse got a surprise for all Emporium visitors today!" Red exclaimed happily, laughing as he trotted away to perform some taxi riding before coming back to pick them up.

 

"Well, would you like to take a stroll across Central Park before he comes back?" Sterling then asked Blue Note with a smile. Hopefully, this would be the start of a magical day...

[lincolnshirepony 527]

"Of course," Blue Note said. "You know, I probably should have gotten out here before now." Working and majoring in music were two very time consuming things. Others than hanging out with Sterling, she really had not seen everything Manehatten had to offer. 

 

But if there was a day to go to Central Park for the first time, this was it. The blanket of white snow was pure, not yet marred by ponies or nature. There was a stillness to the world that Blue Note had seldom experienced, in Manehatten or Canterlot. No bustling, no worrying, no place to be or thing to do. It was unusual. "I didn't know Manehatten could be beautiful like this."

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling was happy that she delightfully accepted his invitation to a walk around Central Park.

 

As Sterling walked around the park, he remembered his younger days. The days of complete innocence and joy with his family when he went sledding from the hills on Hearth's Warming Day. When he spent one Hearth's Warming making a snowman with his dad, and another Hearth's Warming making snow angels and watching a Broadhay production of "The Sound of Music" in his middle school years. Those were the good days... but they were over so quickly when he got back to school or attended the University of Manehattan... that was... until now...

 

The snow was in full slush, and it was time for Sterling to enjoy himself freely once more, this time with his best friend in Blue Note. Sterling wanted to do so much, but they had a full day ahead and they couldn't afford to get their best clothes dirty... At the very least,  they could do that...

 

"Blue Note, would you like to build a snowman?" Sterling asked with a smile. At least they could that before Red got back.

[lincolnshirepony 527]

"Okay," Blue Note said. "Building a snowponies is fun," she said. "What should we name him? Or her?" She remembered building snow ponies out behind her house during the Canterlot winters. She would always give them names and lives, and often instruments to play. "I remember once I tried to build a snow pony orchestra. I gave up after the flutes, but it was a fun afternoon."