The Musical

by SolongStarbird

Rating: everyone
Tags: Trenderhoof, Other, Romance, Coco Pommel, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 6056

Trenderhoof's next article is about Manehattan's latest musical. When he meets the musical's costume designer, what he had hoped would not happen for a while does.

After the events of Simple Ways, Trenderhoof tries to shrug of the embarrassing events of the Ponyville Days Festival by going to Manehattan to write an article on the latest musical. However, when he meets the musical's costume designer, what he hopes would not happen again does.

Trenderhoof just can't stop falling in love, can he?
And who better to bring the two together than the grumpy cat pony?

READING done by The Living Library Player Society

Published 2014-02-28 02:40:03 UTC
Last updated 2014-06-04 23:43:41 UTC

Neigh Miserables

The train's brakes skidded to a halt, alerting Trenderhoof to the fact that he had arrived in Manehattan. He grabbed his bags and set hoof onto the platform, his mind still swimming with thoughts of Applejack. Over the past week, when not writing his review on the Ponyville Days Festival, searching for his next topic, or traveling, he had been thinking about what had caused him to act the way he had. What had he loved about Applejack? One might think that it had been his sudden fascination with farming, but Trend had decided that it was more than that. It was something involving what Applejack had stood for, a sort of "hometown pride." It was the way she supported and represented her home. This is what Trend had decided over the past week. He was slowly getting over it, but it still bothered him that he had tried to change himself so much, just to impress someone who hadn't even cared for him. He could feel the warmth of embarrassment creeping across his cheeks just thinking about it.

He was jolted from his thoughts by somepony running into him, obviously in a hurry to get wherever they needed to be. Trend looked around and found that he was in the middle of an ocean of ponies, all either trying to hurriedly exit the station or get on the train. Trend weaved through the crowd, making his way to the exit as so many others were. As he made his way towards the center of the city, he was reminded of how much he loved the city. He had been in Manehattan many times before, writing about the cuisine, the culture, and the arts. This city always seemed to be turning out something interesting for him to write about. This time around, Trenderhoof would be writing about the new musical that had become highly successful and popular for it's unmatched quality and message. The musical, Neigh Miserables, had become a big thing right about when Trend had left Ponyville. It was the most obvious choice for his next column, so he caught a train to Canterlot and then boarded the train from there to Manehattan.

Trend walked past window after window of exquisite crafted goods. One of the things that stood out to him was a strange fashion line by the name of "Hotel Chic." However, he could think about things like that later. Now, he had to interview the crew that had made Neigh Miserables the spectacular show that it was. Trend counted off each of the technical supporters: the lighting designer, the set designer, the stage manager, the director, the...

Trend pulled one of the members of the stage crew aside and hastily asked him, "Who is that?"

"Oh, her? That's Coco Pommel, the head costume designer. Why do you ask?"

Trend panicked for a moment, then composed himself and quickly came up with an excuse.

"I, uh, seem to have forgotten her on my interview list."

"I wonder how you managed to forget her. Her designs were one of the main reasons this got so big."

"My bad. Thank you for telling me," Trend replied as he motioned the crew member towards the group. "Okay then, lets begin..."

<<<<(+)>>>>

Trend sat outside the theatre, examining his interview notes. His eyes blankly scanned the words and attempted to deliver their message to his wandering mind. Inside was a maelstrom of anxieties and recent memories. Oh no... It's happening again... I'd think that after the events of the Ponyville Days Ceremony, this wouldn't happen again so soon... I hope she didn't think I looked stupid... Stop thinking like that. It isn't worth it... Or is it?.. No, it isn't. You are a journalist. You will be somewhere else in a few weeks... Does it have to be that way?

Trend willed himself to get over it and focus, but he consistently failed to do so. Eventually, he returned the papers to his saddlebag and decided to go for a walk to clear his head. The walk almost serendipitously brought him to the city park, one of the few places in the city where things were relatively quiet. It was here that his thoughts became more calm and rational. Okay... This happened before, with Applejack... What did I do wrong that time?.. I already realize that I conformed way too much... So, don't conform... What else? Did I make my affection too apparent?.. Perhaps... I have to find a way to make it more subtle...

Trend had come to terms with the fact that he had once again fallen in love, for the most part. Coco, much like Applejack, just radiated hometown spirit, just in a different way. Unlike Applejack, Coco was a patron of fine arts. Trenderhoof, being a journalist, could relate to her much better. Trend had already begun to devise a plan to find out more about the costume designer.

Trend checked into the hotel, found his room, and begin to work on the questions he would be asking everypony in the private interviews the next day, especially those that he would be asking the costume designer.

<<<<(+)>>>>

Meanwhile, Coco Pommel sat in her apartment, writing about the things she had experienced that day. She had started the journal about a month before as a way to release her thoughts. She had found that it improved her daily mood, not to mention she rather enjoyed it.

Today was quite an interesting day. The famous journalist Trenderhoof conducted a group interview with all of the technical contributors to Neigh Miserables, which of course, included me. The director did most of the talking. Trenderhoof didn't seem terribly focused on the interview. I wonder if there is something wrong going on in his life, or something like that. Listen to myself! I am in no position to make assumptions. He will be returning for private interviews tomorrow. I hope he thinks my workplace is interesting. I think it is.<

Coco returned the notebook to her nightstand and turned the lights out. The next day promised to be interesting.

Author's Note

I am so proud of myself! I have created a ship so new that there isn't even any fanart or trace of it through google. (Anyone who wants to make some fanart of the ship so I can have a better cover is welcome to.)

To Woo a Fashion Designer

At 10:00 am the next morning, the private interviews were in full swing. Trend had already gotten through the director, set designers, lighting designers, and most of the stage crew. He was now interviewing the crew member whom he had asked the day prior for Coco's name. Trend could feel the skepticism emanating from him, and he was beginning to get uncomfortable. He quickly asked the last question and began to usher the crew member out the door.

"Hold on, Mr. Trenderhoof," the crew member began, "Why did you have the costume makers and designers go last?"

Trenderhoof was caught off guard, but then remembered the excuse that he had prepared in case this happened. To sound as convincing as possible, he decided on a formal approach. He quickly looked at his list. >Mr. Kato Grump- Animal Trainer, Stage Crew<

"The reason, Mr. Grump, is that I recognized the importance of the costume designers and makers and their key role in the play's success, so I saved them for last because I didn't want their longer interviews to keep everypony else waiting. I was trying to be considerate."

"Hmm," came Mr. Grump's reply, the skeptical look remaining on his face. Trenderhoof decided that he would have to keep an eye on him.

<<<<(+)>>>>

Kato exited the room quietly and headed toward the exit. Trenderhoof had organized the interviews so that whoever had been interviewed could leave immediately after. He, on the other hand, had different plans. Kato turned away from the exit and headed towards the backstage door. Mr. Trenderhoof was up to something, and he had a good idea what. Just to make sure, he would sit and wait. All good things to those who wait...

<<<<(+)>>>>

At 11:15, Trenderhoof finally had the chance to look down at his list and see the one remaining uncrossed name. >Ms. Coco Pommel- Fashion Designer, Head Costume Designer<

He ushered her in and began the private interview. He began with the normal questions, like, "Further explain your involvement in the production," and, "From your point of view, which portion of the performance was the best." He slowly crept up on more personal questions and eventually asked to see the costume studio. His subtle cajoling seemed to have paid off, as she eagerly agreed. Trenderhoof loved the pride for her work that he shared for his.

The studio seemed to almost be a cave of fabric bolts. Coco could not stop apologizing for the mess, and Trend kept politely insisting that she need not apologize. He made a joke about the severe messiness of his saddlebag, and Coco giggled. Sweet Celestia, it's working! Coco showed him the design boards, and Trend was quite amazed at not only the ability to make high end clothing, but also design the rugged cloth outfits that adorned many of the actors and actresses. She was adept on both ends of the spectrum! Trend proceeded to comment on her amazing skill and talent and then ask her, "Where did your love of fashion come from?"

"When I was little, my father would always walk me to school. The route took us through a street lined with shops whose windows contained the most exquisite goods. The ones that always stood out to me were the clothing shops. My love grew from those moments," she replied.

"I think that I walked down that street yesterday when I got here yesterday. I can see how it sparked a passion within you."

"What about you, Mr. Trenderhoof? Where did your love of journalism come from?"

"Umm, oh yes. When I was a colt, I was very nosy. I was everyone's annoyance, but I couldn't help it. I just wanted to know what was going on. One day, someone sarcastically suggested that I become a journalist and bother somepony else. I guess you could say that that is exactly what I did."

Coco once again giggled, bringing a smile to Trend's face.

"Oh, and I was just wondering, why did you leave me last?" Coco inquired.

This time, Trend was ready. "Yesterday, before the group interviews I was told of the costume divisions' importance by one of the members of the stage crew. He made a comment about how pivotal your designs were to the success of the play, so I knew I would be interviewing you longer. I didn't want to keep everypony waiting, so I made sure your interview was the final one. In other words, I saved the best for last."

Coco blushed, and Trend just about exploded with triumph. Mother of Celestia! I got her to blush! Trend, you can do this!

"Why, thank you," Coco thanked him.

"And thank you for your time, Ms. Pommel."

"Please, just call me Coco"

Trend smiled. "Likewise, just call me Trend."

"I have to clean this place up, I am sure I will see you at the next performance tomorrow. Goodbye Trend."

"Goodbye Coco."

Trend exited the studio a neutrally as possible. As soon as he felt that he was outside of hearing range, he began to dance and skip down the hall, happily mumbling a tune.

"Hey."

Trend was taken completely off guard. Startled, he tripped and awkwardly stumbled over to the wall, turning to see Kato standing in the backstage doorway.

"You seem awfully happy," he observed with amused and almost devious smile on his face. The clock, as if on cue, produced twelve rings from it's spot in the corner. "You also seem to have spent 45 minutes with Coco, twice as long as even the director."

"I had a lot of questions for her," Trend stammered.

"I know that look. You fancy her," Kato stated.

Trend went pale, and turned to desperation. "She can't know! You can't tell her! It can't end like last time..." Trend almost whimpered the last statement.

"You have nothing to worry about, I promise you. I just care about Coco and was watching out for her. She is my friend, after all. Calm down and tell me about this last time."

Trend sat and told Kato about the festival, Rarity, Applejack, and how he had made a fool of himself. Kato sat and thoughtfully nodded. When Trend had finished, Kato stood up and said, "You have quite a predicament looming over you, don't you? I think you might need a little help. I personally think that you would be good for Coco. She has been quite lonely as of late. I can't be there for her all the time, and I don't know if she has any other friends... I will help you in your ordeal, Trenderhoof. Be sure of it."

"Thank you Mr. Grump."

"Call me Kato, or Kat for short."

"Thank you. Trend for short."

<<<<(+)>>>>

Trend lay on the bed in his hotel room, contemplating the day's whirlwind of events. He had made a new friend, two new friends, one of which he wanted to become more than a friend. He thought about how much he had changed in the past week. His ego was no longer as massive as it once was. The pursuit of romance had burned it all away, perhaps too much. Kat had pointed out how he seemed to lack confidence in himself. Trenderhoof wanted to be confident, but he worried that any ego at all would ruin the situation as it had last time. He would let these thoughts wear him out internally and lull him to sleep.

<<<<(+)>>>>

Coco, much like Trenderhoof, had spent the evening combatting thoughts. However, she was better equipped; she had her journal.

I don't know exactly what to think of today. Trenderhoof held the private interviews today. He is quite a character, and funny too. He asked to see the studio too, just like I had hoped. I forgot to clean it, but he insisted that everything was fine. Such a gentlecolt! I realize that since my interview, I haven't been able to stop thinking about him. Okay, I admit it. He is rather charming. I think that it would be a good idea to talk with Kat tomorrow about the whole thing. He always seems to know what to do.<

Author's Note

In case you didn't get the references, Kato Grump is the "grumpy cat pony" from Rarity Takes Manehattan.

The Intermediary

"Kat, you don't mind if talk to you for a second, do you?"

"Not at all Coco. What's on your mind?" Kat asked as he finished moving the rack of costumes into the studio for quick repairs.

"Well, I, umm," Coco began.

"Is something the matter?"

"No, not really. I just don't want to say it out loud."

"Come here and whisper it then."

Coco walked over to Kat and whispered in his ear, "I think I like Trend."

Kat didn't know why he was surprised. His mind began reeling. Coco likes Trend! This is perfect! I have to proceed with caution, though...

"Really? You only spent 45 minutes with him yesterday."

Coco pulled him into the studio and shut the door.

"I know," she admitted, "but he is so charming. He's funny, and considerate, and... I hope he feels the same way. What if he doesn't?"

"Don't worry," Kat assured her, "I will help you with this. I promise."

I already know how to...

<<<<(+)>>>>

Kat climbed the crimson carpeted stairs to the balcony seats. Normally, these seats cost a fair amount, especially for such a popular showing. But with a little help from Trend, he had managed to get three seats next to each other in the balcony most preferable for viewing. Oh, Coco was going to love this! He placed the reservation signs he had been given over the three seats. The only reason he had gotten off of stage crew duty for that night's show was that Trend had insisted on having him in the audience to explain the backstage events in real time, and the director had agreed. Kat knew that the real reason was because Trend was nervous, and wanted him there. Coco was not needed during the show. The wardrobe manager and costume assistants did anything related to her work during showings. Both he and Trend could not wait for the evening to come, and Kat was sure that as soon as Coco found out, she wouldn't be able to wait either.

<<<<(+)>>>>

"Coco, I have some great news! Trend came and talked to me. He wanted two people to sit with him during the performance to enlighten him as to what was going on backstage. He chose me and you!"

Coco was flabbergasted. "Wh- Why us?"

"He decided after interviews that I would do the best job explaining backstage procedures, and you are the obvious choice for explaining the costumes as they are in action."

Coco nodded, and then spontaneously burst into a fit of anxiety and hysteria. "This is big! I'm going to be sitting with Trend!!! What if I mess up? What if he doesn't like me? What if everything gets ruined!?!?!"

"Coco! Calm down! I promise that that won't happen," Kat replied in attempts to soothe her.

">sigh< Okay. Promise me?"

"I promise. Don't you worry."

<<<<(+)>>>>

Trend ran the magically hovered comb through his mane one last time. He had put on his favorite argyle sweater and had showered thoroughly, twice. He wondered if he was overdoing it. Nah, he wasn't. He had decided on the subtle approach, and for that reason, took precautions as to not go over the top, such as not wear any special cologne or use things like hairspray. He was going to make sure that if Coco liked him, it would be for who he truly was and what he truly looked like.

Coco was trying the same approach. She asked herself, When I go to a performance, what do I normally go in? The answer was that she didn't really dress up. She kept on flip-flopping. I will look better in a dress, but will it be me? She finally reached an internal compromise. She took her simple sky blue sundress out of the wardrobe, and put it on. She then proceeded to examine herself in the mirror. It was pretty, but nowhere near showy. It was perfect. Trend would notice the wonderful appearance, but there would be no gaudiness to possibly disturb him. Coco took a step back and told herself to stop worrying. If Kat was confident that she could do it, then why wasn't she?

Kat could almost feel Coco's anxiety from the apartment on the other side of the hall. He wondered if Trend was going nuts in his hotel room. Deep down he absolutely knew that he was the only one who was not drowning in a sea of anxiety. Still, he wondered if he should maybe dress up, not so much as to look nice himself, but to make the tension at the performance less severe. If he also did something to look nice, it would create the appearance that they all dressed nice because of the event. If he didn't dress up, Trend and Coco would probably both feel sheepish for dressing to impress, and the performance would be spent in awkward silence. He put on his grey fedora and coat. There was no way he was going to mess this up.

<<<<(+)>>>>

The entrance to the theatre was abuzz with chatter the night's patrons, who were waiting to purchase tickets. Trend, Coco, and Kat already had reserved seats, so the line was promptly bypassed. Trend tried his best to conceal the expression of astonishment his face bore as he gawked at Coco's simple yet stunning apparel. Coco turned to look at Trend, and her expressions followed suit. Kat smiled. The night was still young, and anything could happen.

"I think it would be best if Trend sat in the middle. That way we can both talk to him about the performance," Kat suggested. He had gone so far as to even be concerned with who sat where. He had quickly concluded that him sitting in the middle seat would be the worst thing possible, as it would cause a disconnect between Trend and Coco during the performance. The one thing that had been troubling him was who would be in the middle, whom he would be able to help in the romantically tense situations to come. He reminded himself that this was also meant to be a showing for the purpose of Trend's article, so the arrangement had to make sense from a business standpoint as well. For this reason Trend sat in the middle, Kat on his right and Coco on his left.

As the curtain parted and the orchestra began to play, Trend made a comment on the set design, to which Kat replied. Trend pulled out his notebook and took a quick note about what Kat had just told him. Attempting to make the night about the two of them, Kat also added in something about the costumes, ending with, "Right, Coco?"

"Umm, oh yes. The costumes were made to emphasize the-"

Kat smiled. He had successfully put Coco in the spotlight, and now she was nervously, but excitedly talking about how the theme was supported by the costumes, while Trend drank in every single word. As the play progressed, he tried to talk as little as possible, and when he did, he would find a way to turn it into a prompt for either Trend or Coco. He would also make subtle comments during musical numbers like "How lovely..." It seemed to be having the desired effect because as the performance progressed, the conversation between Trend and Coco grew less tense and more friendly, and to Kat's delight, they seemed to be inching closer at about the same intervals. By the time the curtains closed on the final scene, Coco had her head on Trend's shoulder and he had his arm around her.

As the three exited the theatre, Trend and Coco began to talk about seeing each other again, and to Kat's astonishment, Coco invited Trend to come her apartment in two days. After overcoming his being flabbergasted by Coco's newfound boldness, Kat felt an accomplishing warmth flow over him. His job as the intermediary was as good as done.

Author's Note

There you have it, let the TrenderPommel begin!
Did I do okay with the climax?
I had a bit of trouble and writer's block involving it.
Tell me what you think about it.

TrenderPommel

The hours could not lurch by any slower. Both Trend and Coco could not believe how insolent the clock was deciding to be as seconds became minutes became hours. Trend turned to his article to break his mind's warped sense of time.

Normally, when you read this article, you are hoping to follow my trendsetting guidance on what is about to become the fad of the hour, coming from someplace or something seldom heard of. However, this article will be focusing on the aspects of a venue that is already trending, and has been for awhile. I am referring to Manehattan's theatrical scene.

I came to Manehatten to look into Neigh Miserables as directed by Standing Ovation, one of Manehattan's most prestigious in the trade. You may be wondering why in Equestria I chose to go to the epicenter of popular culture in search of the soon-to-be in. My personal niche is finding premature trends, and most readers do not doubt my ability and sense. This is why I know you will believe me when I say I could just feel something special going on behind the scenes. I was right.

The highlight of the performance was the costumes. Further investigation revealed that the performance's costume designer, Coco Pommel, had just recently began working there, and was not well established in the community. It also turns out that she was the previous assistant to Suri Polomare, the prominent designer. Private interviews lead me to believe that her work will have a tremendous effect on the city, and perhaps even all of Equestria.

If you wish to see what I have marked as the next big thing, you can either come to Manehattan, or wait for it to come to you, riding the wave of trend. I will be writing a follow up on Coco and her works if this topic intrigues you, and if you are anything like me, it definitely will.
Until the next article, my readers.
-Trenderhoof<

Though the clock was merciless, today writer's block wasn't. Trend was actually suprised that he had been able to finish his article, with Coco swimming about up in the attic. The moment the final letter was put upon the page, the cloud of depression that came with waiting returned. It returned, that is, until his vision met the once insolent clock, which now marked the hour he would meet with Coco, on what was to be considered their first date.

<<<<(+)>>>>

Coco had found a way to banish the tediousness of waiting as well, by compulsively cleaning anything and everything in her apartment. She had even called Kat over from across the hall to help her. Kat had quickly come to see that she was anxious and paranoid. Eventually he had given up trying to arrange things exactly as she wanted them, and had starting counting the number of times she had repositioned a particular vase.
5...
...
6...

As soon as Coco was remotely satisfied with the way the place looked, she languidly plunked herself onto the sofa. It was at that moment that there was a rapping on the door that seemed to breathe new energy into her as she practically rocketed from the couch to the door, a huge smile on her face. Kat was surprised at how much she had fallen in love in such a short time. It had been what, a week? Less?

Sure enough, the hinged partition was swung open, and an equally rapture-filled Trenderhoof was revealed.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"You made it."

"Yep."

"How is it going?"

"Good. I just couldn't wait to come. Your place looks nice."

"Thanks! Kat helped me clean up."

"He came all the way here to help you?"

"Oh, he only lives across the hall."

"Really?"

"Yeah. In fact, this building is still trying to fill its rooms. We are the only two up on this floor."

"Wow. It must get lonely up here."

"Just a little."

"Well, it's a good thing that i'm here."

Coco giggled, and Kat smiled. Coco had someone new to care for her and make her feel less lonely. Kat realized that their date had begun, and quietly slipped out of Coco's apartment as she and Trend conversed. As he closed the door behind him, a sigh, fringed with melancholiness, escaped his mouth. Coco may be less lonely now, but this may not bode all too well for me... Dang it! Am I just too altruistic?.. Yes, I know I am being selfish, but just like all Coco had was me, all I had was Coco... It's not like I have romantic feelings for her, but she is my only friend... Now is it 'was' my only friend?.. Only time will tell... Stay strong Kato, even if it ends up being as lonely as before, stay strong...

<<<<(+)>>>>

"So... What do you want to do?"

Trend's question threw Coco for a loop. In anticipation of being together, she had completely forgotten the concept of doing something while together, and apparently, so had Trend. Perhaps he had an idea, but was just being courteous?

"I don't know. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Hmmm... We could always just sit on your sofa and talk. Most of what I know about you is from a business standpoint."

"You know what? You are absolutely right. The most personal thing I know about you is that you were once a nosy little colt."

Trend laughed. She was right; that was about all she knew, wasn't it? Well, he was about to change that.

<<<<(+)>>>>

Two hours. It had been two hours since they started talking, and neither of them ever wanted to stop. Who knew Coco was scared of deep water? Who knew Trend had once been interested in woodshop?

Coco was the first to yawn, the time now past 8 pm.Trend wrapped his arm around Coco and asked her if she was getting tired.

"No, no. I can keep going," Coco replied as she scooted in and nestled into Trend, "I don't want this to end."

"Neither do I..."

It was another good few minutes of silent and languid cuddling before Coco thought of a wonderful treat that she was sure Trend would love. At the end of the hall was a bare metal door, the kind that looked as if it would open into a maintenance closet. This was not the case, Trend would find, as Coco produced a key and opened the door. Trend grasped what she was doing as she led him up the stairs that had been behind the door.

The roof of the apartment building was flat, and housed a few potted plants, as well as two or three crates.

"One of the advantages of living on the top floor," Coco said, giving a sweeping gesture with her hoof towards all that could be seen on the rooftop. Trend was breathing it all in, how wonderful it must be to have this at one's disposal and use. As Trend looked first at the rooftop, and then the night time city skyline, Coco went and removed an old wool blanket from one of the crates. As Trend turned away from the spectacle he had been viewing, he saw the blanket, and smiled.

After laying the blanket out, the two proceeded to lie down and watch as the darkening night revealed more and more stars. As Trend looked at the nearly full moon, he thought about how it had been full at the Ponyville Days Festival, but had been shrinking slowly in the past week. He could barely believe how much he had changed in just a week. The moon hadn't even had time to disappear and become new, and here he lay, new himself. The Trenderhoof at the festival and the Trenderhoof on this rooftop were two different stallions, the latter a great improvement upon the prior.

"I must apologize that the city lights are polluting the clarity of the stars," Coco told Trend, bringing him out of his self reflection.

"It isn't your fault," Trend replied. After a small pause, he added, "I once climbed a mountain to reach a place called the Astronomer's Point. The night sky there, it was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen, but this, this sky I would much rather watch, because I get to watch it with you."

Coco was at a loss for words. As Trend turned to her after talking, she just embraced him in the biggest hug, and kissed him.

Now Trend had been to many places, and a huge ego is not repulsive to all mares. He had kissed quite a few before Coco, but this... was different. Those other times weren't kisses. This kiss...there was an overwhelming... passion, a true love, that made Trend almost want to weep tears of joy. This time, he hadn't merely been kissed for who or how he was. He had worked for this, humbled himself, wanted someone to actually love him so much that now, as he realized that he had done it, he was on the edge of euphoric shock. The passion was radiating off that kiss, and Trend held on to it, they both did. In that embrace, they failed to notice that much of Manehattan's power had suddenly failed. As they opened their eyes, they noticed that almost everything was dark.

"The power went out. That doesn't usually happen," Coco stated bewilderedly.

"But look at the sky," Trend breathed in amazement.

The sky was shimmering with exponentially more stars than before. The two lovebirds just lay there, wrapped in a warm hug, as the waning moon and countless stars faintly traced the outline of the darkened city.

<<<<(+)>>>>

The moment the power had gone out, Kat had decided that he would check on Trend and Coco. He used his memory of what the top floor looked like to walk, and occasionally stumble, to Coco's apartment. Early into the blind journey, he had worried, even if a little bit, as to what he might walk in on. He had quickly banished any assumptions, and questioned why he would ever doubt Coco.

They weren't in the apartment. Kat quickly guessed where else they might be, and as soon as he came to the realization, he grumbled. Now where did I put that key again?

It took him a few minutes to remember which drawer it was in, and another 5 to rummage through that drawer and find it in the dark. He made it to the rooftop door, climbed the stairs, and entered onto the balcony. The door shut behind him, and Coco and Trend became aware of the fact that someone was on the balcony.

"Kat? Is that you?" Coco called out.

At that moment, the power came back on, removing the need for Kat to answer.

"I just came to make sure you were alright," Kat explained, "I'll just be going now."

Coco could sense that something was upsetting Kat, and suddenly came to understand what it was.

"Come lie down with us."

"Oh," a weak smile could be seen on Kat's face, as if he had been freed of a burden. Together, they watched as the gradually returning lights of the city once again fuzzed up the clarity of the sky and stars.

<<<<(+)>>>>

The article was written. That was it. He had to go to Canterlot, deliver his article to the press, and then hunt for more material, and his senses told him that it wouldn't be in Manehattan. As he packed his saddlebags the next morning, he recalled his thoughts from back when he had first arrived and met Coco. You are a journalist. You will be somewhere else in a few weeks... Does it have to be that way?

No, he was going to stick with what really mattered...

<<<<(+)>>>>

Kat had had to remind Coco. It hurt him just as much it hurt her. No, he had to admit to himself that she probably hurt more. Trend was a traveling business-stallion, so he couldn't stay. Kat accompanied her to the station so that she could say goodbye. In all reality, Kat was going to miss Trenderhoof as well. Through his lonely eyes, Trend was seen as welcome company, a friend second only to Coco. It was indeed amazing how quickly the columnist had made himself a big part of both of their lives. As Coco hugged Trend goodbye, a tear fell past her cheek and onto his shoulder.

"I really wish this wasn't happening," she sniffed.

"It's okay," Trend assured her, "I will be back soon, I promise."

Kat then saw a grin appear on the corner of Trend's mouth. As Coco let go of him and he began to turn, he smiled and added, "Oh, and when I come back, I will make sure that the top floor stays one apartment less empty."

Author's Note

Well, it's done.
Sorta.
Expect a prequel and sequel.

Oh, and if you haven't heard, I have started a TrenderPommel group.
It should be the only one that shows up if you search TrenderPommel.

This is what I consider to be my most prominent and influential work yet, and I can't wait to continue it through the previously mentioned -quels. Thanks to all who have supported this story.

-SolongStarbird