Playing in Mezzo Piano

Chapters

Chapter 1- A night on the town (Improved)
Chapter 2- A debt to pay
Chapter 3- On Popular Demand
Chapter 4- The Ballad of Pinkimena Diane Pie
Chapter 5- A Road Trip Home
Chapter 6 - You Scratch My back...

Chapter 1- A night on the town (Improved)

Mezzo Piano woke up in a daze; the room was spinning and blurry. Where was he? Was he dead? No, but it was just as bad, he was still in math class.

He grumbled in despair, how much longer does he have to bear this? He looked at his wrist and let out an unpleasant sigh, he was only 15 minutes into the lesson.

‘Hey, Sleepyhead, Come back to reality!’ A high pitched voice screamed down Mezzo’s ear, he flinched in response and turned around. There she was, a radiant smile on her face, Pinkie Pie, Mezzo’s closest friend, looked into his groggy eyes. ‘C’mon, liven up a bit, gosh!’

‘Sorry, Pinkie, but this class is so fucking boring.’ Mezzo responded in his rather quiet tone.

‘I second that, but at least it’s the last lesson of the day,’ Pinkie made a cheering gesture with her hands, she chanted ‘plus, we’re going out on the town with the buddies tonight!’ Pinkie shook Mezzo uncontrollably.

The buddies Pinkie was referring to were Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Sunset Shimmer. Mezzo transferred to Canterlot high after running away from home (let’s just say that his family couldn’t stand the constant Piano playing and singing.) He remembered that his childhood friend, Pinkie Pie, moved to Canterlot high with her family, so he decided to follow the same route as her. He’s only been to the school a week, and is finally meeting Pinkie’s friends for the first time.

Finally, the school bell rang out, and Mezzo was out of the classroom like a speeding bullet. Pinkie followed behind swiftly. She could barely contain her excitement.

‘OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD! I’M SO EXCITED!’ She burst out, skidding down the hallway.

‘Wanna meet at mine, in about an hour?’ Pinkie asked Mezzo as he finally caught up with her at the school entrance.

‘Sure thing, see you then.’ Mezzo gave Pinkie a quick little hug as they walked in the opposite direction.

Fortunately, Mezzo Piano’s apartment was only a 5 minute walk from the school. As he got in, he sprayed deodorant to temporarily block out the permanent smell of shit, sweat, and some kind of fish like smell that lingered in the apartment. It was rancid, to say the least.

Mezzo stripped naked and took a long shower. It felt nice, considering how much of a strain it was to get through today. He washed all over thoroughly, and stepped out of the shower, slipping a few times on the grimy floor. ‘Note to self, Mezzo,’ he said to himself. ‘If you convince a girl for sex, don’t invite her here.’

He looked at his clock, 4:00pm on the dot; he had to be at Pinkie’s in half an hour. So he got changed into a navy blue top, a black pair of jeans, and his signature greeny-grey trench coat, which fell to his ankles. He added a scarf to go with the look, sprayed some deodorant and cologne, and grabbed his keys, wallet and phone. Finally, at 4:15pm, Mezzo had left his unhygienic apartment. He sent a text to Pinkie.

‘On my way now, see you in a minute.’

Pinkie quickly responded.

‘Okee dokee lokee.’

I presume you want to know who Mezzo Piano is by now, I mean, you’re 546 words into the story, and we don’t know a lot about our main character. Well, he’s a singer, performer and pianist, soft spoken, but can really impress crowds of thousands with his unique voice. Of course, he’s rather introverted when not on a stage, and so he has very few friends. Pinkie were the best of friends back when they were in Kindergarten, because of this, they grew up together in the same elementary and middle school together. She left to go to Canterlot high, he went to go to the Manehatten Academy. Well, I don’t think he liked that much as he dropped out. This made his parents pretty pissed off, so they kicked him out the house and forced him to stay with his Uncle until he sorted out his act. Mezzo had that ‘stereotypically creepy uncle’ so he passed on the offer, and so he caught a train to Canterlot. He joined the school last week after gaining the keys to his apartment from that same ‘stereotypically creepy uncle’.

Mezzo gave 4 short knocks on the door to Pinkie Pie’s house, a lot of crashing noises were made, and a few yelps from Pinkie herself. However, Pinkie didn’t answer the door; it was her sister, Maud.

‘Oh, hi, Mezzo Piano,’ She said in her signature monotonous way. ‘Pinkie will be with you in a minute.’

‘Alright, sweet.’ Mezzo waited at the foot of Pinkie’s home, it was rather big, but then again, she does have 3 sisters.

Finally, after about 5 minutes, Pinkie appeared in front of Mezzo, she wore skin tight pink jeans, and a baggy black T-shirt, she looked quite beautiful, at least to Mezzo.

‘How’s it going, MP?’ A classic nickname she’d usually him.

‘I’m doing alright,’ the 2 of them started walking down the street. ‘Where are we meeting your friends again?’

‘Oh, Sugar Cube Corner!’ Pinkie replied hastily. Pinkie was being rather calm, but he knew that would change quickly after she was reunited with her friends.

‘So, what should I know about these friends we’re meeting up with, Pinkie?’

‘Let’s see,’ Pinkie started to think for about 10 seconds before answering. ‘Well, you've got Applejack, she’s a redneck.’

‘Is that it?’

‘Yeah, duh! Rainbow Dash is a bit cocky, but very good at sports. Fluttershy is really shy, like, shes worse than you, but she’s lovely. Rarity is quite a Prima Donna, but she always is a generous person. Lastly we have Sunset Shimmer, who… well… she used to be the school bully.’

‘How did you become friends then?’

‘She’s reformed since then! She’s really quite a nice girl now.’

‘Oh cool.’

They walked in silence, until they turned into Canterlot city centre. Pinkie started chuckling to herself.

‘What is it now, Pinkie?’ Mezzo pretty much knew it was something to do with him, or something sexual, or both.

‘I was just thinking about if you hooked up with one of us.’ Pinkie sniggered. ‘I’m placing bets on either Fluttershy or Sunset. I mean, Fluttershy is like a female version of you, Sunset is really hot though, get the pun?!’

‘Pinkie, I haven’t even met them yet, so hold your stinkin’ horses.’ Mezzo said jokingly.

‘Ok, but fates are tied. REMEMBER WHEN YOU AND I DATED IN THE 6TH GRADE?!’ Pinkie was laughing so hard that she stumbled on her own 2 feet, and pedestrians started to give weird looks from across the street. Mezzo took back the whole ‘Pinkie being calm’ thing he thought earlier.

‘How could I forget, Pinkie…’

‘Ew, we kissed, didn’t we? How gross!’

Mezzo was going to say something about how Pinkie lost her virginity by the time she was 15, being the ‘party animal’ she was, and still is. He held back, he knew it would totally kill the mood.

‘Yep.’ That was all that came out of Mezzo’s mouth instead.

It took Pinkie about 2 minutes to stop laughing; she wiped the tears of joy off her face. She looked at the time on her phone and gave a face of horror.

‘Oh, shit, we’re five minutes late.’ She started to pick up the pace.

‘No thanks to you splitting your sides about 6th grade.’ Mezzo tittered.

Pinkie and Mezzo finally got to Sugar Cube Corner, and sure enough, the rest of the gang were there.

‘Guys… this… is… my friend… Mezzo…Piano…’ Pinkie was panting quite a lot.

‘Ah, so this is Mezzo,’ A girl with red and yellow curled hair approached him and looked him dead in the eye, applying a little smirk at the same time. After a moment of eye contact (which felt like a century to Mezzo) she added: ‘I’m Sunset Shimmer, pleased to meet you. We've heard a lot about you from Pinkie.’

The rest of the girls, bar Pinkie, nodded in unison.

‘Oh, right, well, Pinkie’s told me about you girls as well.’ Mezzo responded.

‘Oh, they weren’t bad things, were they?’ Fluttershy muttered, looking at the ground, then to Mezzo.

‘Oh, no, of course it was all positive!’

Pinkie had finally collected herself. ‘Alright girls, (and boy) tonight is going to be amazing!’

There was a cheer that came from the 6 of them. Mezzo wasn't sure how to react. Surely, this night could go amazingly, or terribly.

‘We’d like 4 chocolate milkshakes, and 2 vanilla milkshakes, and a strawberry one for the gentleman over there please.’ Rainbow Dash took the order from Mr Cake.

‘Coming right up!’ He responded cheerfully.

She walked back towards the round circular table, were the rest of the group sat. Mezzo seemed to be getting on with Sunset and Fluttershy, coincidentally what Pinkie had said.

‘So, Mezzo, what about you?’ Sunset laid back on her chair, giving a small smile to him.

‘Well… I sing and I play piano.’ He responded, rather shyly.

There was a chorus of ‘Ooohs’ from the girls.

‘That’s mighty impressive, ah like that.’ Applejack beamed to him as well. Mezzo felt quite happy being the centre of attention here.

‘I must say, a pianist is quite amazing in my books. Being a pianist myself of course, it’s nice to meet someone who’s on the same page as you.’ Rarity seemed to be interested in the conversation.

‘Thanks, it’s always something I've enjoyed to do.’ Mezzo started to explain, suddenly he felt a vibration in his pocket. He looked at his phone; it was a text from Pinkie Pie, (the girl who was sitting directly across from him, mind you.) It read:

‘Pulling it off well, I see.’

Mezzo looked at Pinkie, pulling a shit-eating grin right at him. He responded with the same smile.

‘Who was that from?’ Fluttershy asked curiously, moving the giant fringe of hers out of her eyes.

‘Oh, probably his girlfriend, or something.’ Sunset giggled at him.

‘Me? A girlfriend? Nonononono… I couldn’t.’ Mezzo shook his hands towards her.

‘Oh, why not, darling?’ Rarity gave a sympathetic look and asked politely.

‘Dunno, never had the confidence to ask anyone out before.’

Pinkie finally piped up: ‘OH, MEZZO, REMEMBER BACK IN 6TH GRADE WHEN—’

‘Leave it, Pinkimena.’ Mezzo raised a single eyebrow which caused Pinkie to reply with a similar face, surprisingly, nobody seemed to take notice.

‘Wow,’ Rainbow Dash chimed in ‘you have the confidence to perform in front of audiences by singing, yet you can’t ask out a girl. I know those feels.’ She bumped her chest and made a peace sign.

There was a small gap of silence, not long enough to be awkward, but not short enough to go unnoticed.

‘So, anyway,’ Applejack broke the silence. ‘How have the Rainbooms been doin’?’

‘Oh, it’s been going great!’ Rarity didn't even hesitate. ‘The other day, my mother and father moved to Baltimare. They've let me have their old house until I graduate!’

‘Wow, Rarity.’ Fluttershy got a little excited. ‘How much convincing did that take?’

‘Oh, none, they knew I was old enough to look after myself, I still need to look after Sweetie Belle though.’

‘That sounds like a hell of a lot of work.’ Pinkie admitted.

‘It probably will be, but its fine, I’ll get used to it.’

Mezzo seemed very distant from the whole conversation. Fluttershy got his attention however.

‘Are you ok?’ She whispered to him.

‘Of course, why wouldn't I be?’ He replied.

‘I’m sorry if I haven’t been speaking to you a lot tonight like everyone else,’ Fluttershy cowered a little whilst speaking. ‘I get a little nervous whilst speaking to new people.’

‘I know that feeling, Fluttershy. I’m not exactly the best speaker either; I've just been nodding most of the time.’

They both chuckled a little.

‘Order up!’ The group turned their heads to see Mr. Cake carry a tray full of milkshakes. He passed them around to the girls. He gave Mezzo the strawberry flavour, just as Rainbow asked.

The group spent the night wandering around the streets of Canterlot, looking in clothes shops and fashion shops, which Mezzo Piano had to tolerate, but he wasn't too fussed. The girls seemed to be going on rather well with him, Fluttershy always stayed within his vicinity, Rarity seemed to speak to him in 5 minute chunks about performance. Sunset Shimmer liked to check up on him from time to time.

Finally, there was a time were the six girls started speaking about girly stuff (as a guy I wouldn't have a fucking clue). Pinkie Pie stepped back from the rest of the group to speak to Mezzo.

‘So, how do you feel like to be a pimp?’ She said, arms folded, raising an eyebrow.

‘If by “to be a pimp” you mean “meeting new friends”, well it feels pretty good.’ Mezzo had a warm grin on his face.

‘Oh, good, I’m glad you can get along with them!’ She pulled a happy face, which quickly turned into a seductive one. ‘Now, which one of them do you want to FUCK?!’

‘Shut it, Pinkamena. I don’t like any of them in that way…’

‘Oh that’s a lie, you’ve got 5 attractive girls here, of course you’ll want to plow one of them!’

Mezzo facepalmed for a solid 10 seconds before muttering: ‘I’m honestly questioning your sexuality.’

‘Oh, yeah, isn’t this the street where your apartment is?’ Pinkie looked at the crumbling apartment building.

‘Huh, so it is. I might as well leave now, before we end up on the other side of town.’

Pinkie wolf whistled to get the rest of the girl’s attentions.

‘Guys, Mezzo’s leaving!’ She yelled.

‘Well, we might as well walk you to your apartment.’ Rainbow stated.

‘Oh, you don’t need –’

‘It’s ok, darling, unless you've got a weird S&M sex dungeon thing going on.’ Rarity said jokingly, the rest of the girls giggled in unison.

‘Fine, but don’t say I warned you…’ Mezzo uttered under his breath.

The elevator just about fit the seven of them in. But the giant metal box moved at the equivalent of a snail’s pace. When they got to the 5th floor, Mezzo walked slowly to his apartment, unlocked the door, inhaled heavily, and halfheartedly opened the door.

The girls were overwhelmed that Mezzo lived in such a shit-hole. They inspected the small room. There was only a bed and some kind of rat family inhabiting the corner of the room. The smell was as prominent as ever. There was a variety of faces coming from the girls, some tried to conceal the horribleness, such as Sunset, Pinkie and Fluttershy, some were obviously showing their hated towards it, such as Applejack and Rainbow. Rarity, however, burst out into tears.

‘How, could you live in SUCH FILTH?’ Rarity had mascara running down her eyes, and she looked like a Panda bear. ‘No offense, Darling.’

‘None taken.’ Mezzo hid his head in his hands, embarrassed. Pinkie went to comfort Rarity, whilst Fluttershy went to confront him.

‘Right,’ Rarity stopped crying all of a sudden, but her voice was still cracking slightly. ‘There is only one solution to this. You’re moving to my house!’

The girls, and Mezzo, gasped in genuine shock.

‘Really, Rarity, that’s too much! We've only just met, and I’m fine—’

Rarity placed a single finger over his lip, it smelled of some kind of hand sanitizer. ‘Darling, you are really not fine in this hell hole. Plus, my parents are not living with me. It would be nice for some company as well.’

Mezzo was quite flattered that a girl he had just met was offering him to live with her. ‘Will we be like… roommates?’

Rarity nodded her head. ‘Oh, and I own a piano, so you can go wild on that. Have I convinced you now?’

Mezzo’s face lit up, it’s been weeks since he’s played the piano! ‘Fine, I’ll stay with you.’

So Mezzo, with help from the other girls, packed all his stuff into a duffel bag, and they started a collaborative walk to Rarity’s house.

‘I’m sorry dear, but you’ll have to sleep on the sofa. I have my parent’s bedroom, my sister Sweetie Belle has mine, and I've turned her bedroom into a workplace of sorts.’ Rarity brushed back her hair as she talked.

‘Eh, that’s ok. I was expecting to sleep on the floor.’ There was a wave of laughter from the girls.

‘No, I’m not THAT mean.’

Finally, they arrived at Rarity’s house, it was compact, but it looked beautiful from the outside.

‘We should do this again sometime.’ Rainbow Dash smugly said as Rarity was unlocking her front door.

‘Oh, definitely.’ Fluttershy chirped.

‘Guys, you do remember we have that rehearsal tomorrow?’ Sunset brought up.

‘Oh shit, yeah!’ Pinkie put her hands into her hair and somehow pulled out a pair of drum sticks.

‘We still meetin’ at the stadium for 12 noon?’ Applejack asked.

‘Of course, see you girls there,’ Sunset smiled. ‘Oh, I think Mezzo should come along for the ride, don’t you?’

‘Depends if he hasn't trashed up my house or not.’ Rarity said, followed by a few more giggles.

The girls said their goodbyes, Pinkie made a gesture of her texting on an invisible phone to Mezzo, obviously signifying him to text her. He nodded as he and Rarity walked into the house.

Author's Note

I kinda had to do some revising on this chapter, it definitely needed to be improved upon before I could work on any other chapters. Slight modifications were made, such as spelling errors and improvements to some descriptions that originally didn't even make sense.
I would love to hear your opinion on the story (as long as its constructive criticism and not a slew of insults), so please comment on what you enjoyed and didn't enjoy, it will help me not only on this story, but as a writer in general.
See you in Chapter 2!
-TheOldRedHills

Chapter 2- A debt to pay

Mezzo Piano stepped into Rarity’s house, and he was impressed at how pristine she had the place. Obviously her parents must be well off, thought Mezzo. The living room had a baby blue colour scheme, with a sofa, an armchair, and quite a large TV.

Mezzo noticed a young girl, looking like she was in freshman year, she slumped in the armchair, flicking through channels and looking bored.

‘Hi?’ Mezzo waved at the girl, she didn’t respond.

‘Oh, just ignore her. That’s my sister, Sweetie Belle.’ Rarity said in a soft tone.

‘I can hear you, you know.’ Sweetie Belle spoke up at last.

‘Why don’t you say “hi” to the guest?’ Rarity was getting annoyed, you could tell in her voice.

‘What? Are you having sex with this one, too?’

‘Shut the fuck up…’ It was rather funny how Rarity acts like a completely different person around her sister.

Rarity showed Mezzo all the rooms in the house, leaving for last her ‘workplace’. The place was a complete and utter mess. Different styles and hues
of fabric were strewn all over, on the desk in the centre, a worn out sewing machine was placed, covered in half-made dresses and the like, several mannequins loomed in a semi-circle around this desk. A laptop was placed next to the sewing machine, as was a notepad and an appointment book.

‘Well…,’ Mezzo finally said something after observing for a solid minute. ‘It is a bit, well, dirty.’

‘What?!’ Rarity yelled aggressively, she looked prepared to smash Mezzo’s face into the wall. ‘This isn’t dirty, or even messy for that matter. This is organised chaos.’

What is she even on about?

‘Care to elaborate?’ Mezzo decided to choose his words carefully, in fear of getting kicked out.

‘I can’t really, but darling, whatever you think it is, it’s not mess.’

‘Fine, I think I understand.’

I really do NOT understand!

Despite not knowing what the term ‘organised chaos’ meant, Mezzo was intrigued by the dresses.

‘I presume you’re a dressmaker of sorts?’ Mezzo asked rather shyly.

‘Well, it’s more of a hobby than anything, but it’s what gets the bills paid.’ Rarity looked into Mezzo’s confused face.

‘Wait, how much money do you make?’

‘Well that’s a secret, is it not?’ Rarity chuckled, which Mezzo echoed.

‘It’s getting rather late, I’d suggest getting some beauty sleep,’ Rarity yawned and stretched. ‘Let’s just say you’re going to be having a busy day tomorrow, Mezzo.’

‘It’ll be fun nonetheless.’ Mezzo said as he took off his long coat hanging it on a peg by the entrance. Rarity shooed Sweetie Belle out of the living room, which took longer than it should have. Mezzo moved to his new bed and found a comfortable position on it. Rarity shut off all the lights and darkness absorbed the house.

‘Goodnight Mezzo.’

‘Goodnight Rarity.’

Mezzo heard a door shut, which would be the queue to get some shuteye. His eyes felt heavy, and simply allowed them to cover his pupils, so then he could fall into slumber.

Well, he would’ve, if he didn’t hear his phone vibrate in his pocket. Mezzo checked his phone.

Pinkie Pie- 03:42
‘Hey, sleepy-head, I hope that you’re enjoying your new place. Don’t get up into any bad things now ;-) speak to you tomorrow.’

Mezzo woke to the sound of Rarity on the phone, she was talking about him, and from the sounds of it she was probably speaking to her parents.
She seemed rather nervous and praying to get off the phone.

‘Yes, Mother, I will turn off the lights when I leave the house…’

Mezzo watched in awe as Rarity turned more and more jittery with her movements and speaking patterns. As she hung up she made a melodramatic sigh and slouched in her chair, her eyes locked onto Mezzo’s.

‘You… didn’t just see that… did you?’ Rarity’s left eyelid twitched from time to time, making her look like a madman.

‘I might have, for the last 5 or so minutes.’ Mezzo checked his phone clock. It had indeed been 5 minutes since he had woken up to Rarity’s nattering. She got up and put on an off-white coat that swept to the top of her thighs, and a purple scarf which matched her hair colour.

‘Come on, I know a lovely place in which we could get brunch together before the rehearsal.’ Rarity jerked Mezzo by the hand, since he had his clothes on, he grabbed his wallet and coat and the two of them dashed out through the door.

The January winter air was cool on Mezzo Piano’s skin, it made him want to just turn around and walk back into the warm house. However, he was intrigued at the thought of brunch and food in general pushed him on. Rarity pulled out her phone and checked her hair in the reflection.

‘Do you think I look alright?’ She asked Mezzo.

‘Um… you look fine.’ Mezzo hesitated, simply because he didn’t want to sound like some kind of freak.

‘You hesitated… that only means… I LOOK AWFUL!!’ Rarity squealed as she grabbed hold of Mezzo’s shoulder and started crying on it. Mezzo
continued to walk, asking if Rarity was alright every 5 minutes or so, she grunted mostly, but soon enough she started to say yes.

Rarity wasn’t holding his arm to cry on it, she was holding it for comfort, this was fine for Mezzo, but it made them look awkwardly like a couple. If Pinkie saw the two of them, the questions would never stop, and he would have a lot of explaining to do.

The little bistro that Mezzo Piano and Rarity rested at for Brunch was small yet classy. The two of them ordered their meals and sat across from each other, Rarity cleaning her face, Mezzo texting Pinkie about ‘What should Pinkie get with her Steam vouchers’ or something along those lines.

‘Mezzo?’ Rarity asked.

‘Yeah?’ The Pianist answered.

‘I’m sorry about all that mess that happened before. It was unbecoming of me.’

‘It’s alright, you look, well, beautiful today, I guess.’

‘You guess, well its either it is or it isn’t.’

‘Listen, I’m not very good at complimenting people, take it or leave it.’

The two of them chuckled as finally their orders arrived. Rarity ordered Crepes and Mezzo ordered a bacon sandwich. As the two of them ate, Rarity was inspecting Mezzo, scanning the way he sat, the way he ate his food, she couldn’t react, it was either adorable, gross, or attention seeking, or all 3.

A vibration was heard, and Mezzo reached into his pocket, not surprisingly, it was Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie Pie- 12:01
‘OMG HURRY UP YOUR LATE!’

Mezzo ignored the incorrect spelling of ‘you’re’ and quickly tapped onto his screen.

Mezzo Piano- 12:02
‘We’re on our way now’

‘It may seem that destiny is calling, and destiny now goes under the name of Pinkie Pie.’ Mezzo put down 20 bits onto the table and put on his coat.

‘That was strangely poetic,’ Rarity grabbed her purse and looked at the table in shock. ‘Oh don’t be ridiculous, I’ll insist on paying for this one.’

‘Seriously, you’ve done enough for me already.’

‘That may be true, but who has the job around here?’ Rarity asked rather smugly as she gave Mezzo back his 20 bits, and in turn placed down 11 bits 87 cents of her own, the exact change for the meal.

As Rarity and Mezzo walked out of the bistro, there was a large commotion from across the street, not only that, but the sound of two girls arguing was heard, one was obviously bettering the other with harsher comments, but the other voice seemed to be biting back just as hard.

‘I’m intrigued.’ Rarity said casually, motivating her to walk across the street, as she did, she started to recognise one of the voices.
It was Sunset Shimmer!

Rarity called over to Mezzo, as the two of them dashed over to the respectably large crowd. Sunset Shimmer stood, embarrassed, humiliated, and somewhat hung-over, in front of a pale white girl with an electric blue spiked hairstyle.

‘Listen to me, you freak of nature, how’s about you don’t bring my girlfriend into this.’

‘Oh what, you’re little prim, posh, cellist? Who gives a shit about her?'

‘It seems that you like to break my fucking 15,000 bit record table, and then spout insults to me and my partner! I could easily get you arrested, Sunset.’

‘Oh sorry, Vinyl, how’s about you don’t insult me in front of a packed club, you deserved it, you stupid bitch!’

‘ENOOOOOOOOOOOOOUGH!’ Rarity yelled at the top of her lungs, bringing a hush silence over the crowd.

‘Listen, the two of you need to stop. Can’t we just sort this out like women?’ Rarity walked up to Vinyl ‘How much does Sunset owe you.’

The DJ scratched her head and took off her glasses, beginning to polish them with her T-Shirt. ‘Listen, I’ll cut you a deal, if Sunset pays me back the 15,000 bits in order to pay for the record table by the end of the month, I won’t press charges.’

‘See Sunset, you only have to pay- wait- FIFTEEN THOUSAND BITS?’ Rarity was disgusted, startled and worried all in one facial expression.

‘Yeah, sorry, she can’t be doing that to any of my equipment.’ Vinyl Scratch put her glasses back on, and walked off into the distance.

Pinkie Pie- 12:34
‘WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS? YOU’RE A HALF HOUR LATE!’

Mezzo Piano- 12:36
‘There’s been a few complications, be there ASAP.’

Rarity and Mezzo Piano dragged an exhausted Sunset Shimmer down the streets of Canterlot, the stadium was in sight.

‘What the hell did you get up to last night, Sunset?’ Rarity demanded.

‘Well, when you guys went in, me and Rainbow Dash stayed out for a while and had a few drinks at the Grand Galloping Gala Club,’ Sunset was
rather slow in her speech, but still managed to get the story out. ‘When Vinyl’s set was on, she decided to call me out in front of all the members. I was annoyed to say the least. Since I’d had a few drinks, I went way overboard and just smashed up her record table and well… you know the rest.’

‘Sounded like an eventful night, you alright?’ Mezzo asked in a concerned manner.

‘Yeah, I am, I’m just pissed off about paying it off, where am I going to get that kind of money?!’

‘I wouldn’t dwell on it today, it has to be paid off by the end of the month, so that’s 3 weeks off.’ Mezzo tried to lighten up the situation.

‘3 weeks still isn’t enough time, Mezzo,’ Rarity, however, planned to dull the situation ‘We’ll all have to chip in if we want Sunset Shimmer to remain a free woman.’

‘Trust me,’ Sunset started to trail off. ‘You needn’t worry about me, I’ll be fine…’

Finally, the trio arrived at Canterlot stadium, the rest of the Rainbooms were waiting, and annoyed.

‘Where the FUCK have you two been?!’ Rainbow Dash looked prepared to fly kick someone’s teeth in.

‘Well…’ Mezzo Piano explained the previous events of the day as Rarity lay Sunset Shimmer down on one of the front row seats, where she fell asleep.

‘FIFTEEN THOUSAND BITS?!’ The girls encored after Mezzo finished explaining.

‘…yep.’ Mezzo hid behind Rarity for her to defend his corner.

‘We’re going to have to contribute to pay this deed off.’ The fashionista told the group

‘But why should we pay it off, it’s her problem.’ Rainbow grunted.

Mezzo was surprised that Rainbow would say such a thing as that.

‘A true true friend helps a FRIEND IN NEED, Rainbow Dash.’

‘I’m sure I’ve heard that somewhere…’ Pinkie Pie pondered.

‘Ah know this may be more of a last resort kinda thing,’ Applejack started to ask ‘but don’t we have connections to a Princess? She could lend us the money.’

‘Wait… a princess?’ Mezzo creeped from behind Rarity’s back for tat statement had startled him.

‘It’s a long story, MP.’ Pinkie told the pianist.

‘But asking for money from a princess would make us greedy, wouldn’t it?’ Fluttershy hid behind her fringe as she spoke softly.

‘I guess it would be, but the situation is dire.’ Rarity was rather annoyed at the predicament by this point.

‘Listen, girls. We have about a week to think of a solution; don’t you lot have a concert in a few weeks?’ Mezzo said

‘You’re right, Mezzo.’ Fluttershy placed a delicate hand on his shoulder ‘can’t we put the payment on hiatus for today? I mean if you want to anyways…’

The girls all agreed and got up onto the stage, Mezzo sat next to an unconscious Sunset Shimmer as Pinkie Pie called in the band.

‘One, two, three, four!’

‘Um, hey, Mezzo?’

‘Yeah, Fluttershy?’

‘Tomorrow, I’d like you to come around to my place, I need to show you something, if that’s ok with you…’

‘Of course it would be, here’s my number if you want to text me about anything.’

Mezzo told his number to Fluttershy as she tapped it into her phone awkwardly.

‘Um, ok, thanks.’

Fluttershy gave a naïve grin as she walked off in the opposite direction as Mezzo.

‘So why are you going around Fluttershy’s tomorrow?’ Rarity asked, interested in why she had invited him.

‘I don’t know, she wanted to show me something, I guess.’ Mezzo replied.

‘Hmmm, you never know with that girl, she’s always quiet.’

‘Yeah, I guess she is.’

Author's Note

Hope you enjoyed this chapter, make sure to give a rating and comment on what you liked or didn't like, I'm always looking for new ways to improve! :pinkiehappy:

Chapter 3- On Popular Demand

Mezzo truly loved to play the piano (hell, it’s in his name), so when he and Rarity returned from a complicated and stressful day, it only seemed fitting for him to let off steam by playing Rarity’s piano.

Despite him not playing for the past few weeks, Mezzo picked up quickly and was playing as good as he had ever been. Rarity practically squealed in delight at his playing.

‘Darling, you are truly wonderful behind a set of keys!’ She spoke in a joyous tone as Mezzo stood.

‘Well, thanks, it’s been a while.’ He replied, slightly blushing in the process.
Rarity made food for the 3 of them to eat, as Sweetie Belle went into her room texting somebody, Mezzo looked around and then finally asked
Rarity:

‘Sooooooo… who is this Vinyl Scratch?’

‘Well, where do I start, she’s in senior year at Canterlot high, like us. She’s one of the most popular DJ’s in Canterlot, too. In a relationship with a one
“Octavia” a cellist of Manehattan origin.’

‘Wait,’ Mezzo interrupted Rarity. ‘So a DJ and a Cellist together, that’s a bit weird, don’t you think, seeing as they have different tastes in music and all?’

Rarity nodded her head slightly. ‘Vinyl also has helped us out a few times in the past, it’s complicated.’

Rarity took a few moments to recollect her thoughts, then started up talking again.

‘Although lately she’s seemed to have taken her job too seriously, she’s gotten a lot of money, yet she still asks Sunset to pay out a shit-ton of
money for a record table she broke out of anger, I find it unfair because, well… she has no money and no parents.’

‘Wait, so she’s an orphan?’ Mezzo was morbidly curious to delve into Sunset Shimmers dark past.

‘Well, not necessarily…’ Rarity awkwardly explained about Sunset Shimmer being a pony from Equestria, and also about her becoming a she-demon, and then her becoming friends. It took Rarity almost an hour to get through the back-story, and Mezzo was left with a face of shock, confusion and disbelief.

‘Well… Whatever she is, we are going to save Sunset Shimmer!’ Mezzo Piano stook up triumphantly.

‘Darling, you’re willing to raise 15,000 bits for a girl you’ve met twice?’ Rarity was surprised, yet interested.

‘Well we had only met for a few hours and you’ve let me live here for the rest of the year.’

‘Yeah, well… thatwasoutofmygenerousheartwhatareyoutalkingabout?’ Rarity put on a smile and walked over to the couch, of which she turned on the TV. Mezzo sat beside her, and before they knew it, the time was 3 o’clock. Rarity was lay asleep on Mezzo’s shoulder, she was rather snuggled up towards him. Mezzo chuckled to himself at how adorable she looked, then he too fell asleep.

Mezzo woke up the way he fell asleep, with Rarity’s head lay on his shoulder, the pianist looked up to see an annoyed and slightly suspicious Sweetie Belle stood there, arms crossed, lips pouted, face screwed up.

‘Mezzo Piano?’ she said in a rather harsh tone of voice.

‘Yes, Sweetie Belle?’ Mezzo yawned as he replied.

‘What did you do with Rarity last night?’

‘Nothing, why do you ask?’

‘You two obviously look like an item!!’

‘Yeah well you’re mistaken. All we did was watch TV then went to bed.’

At this point, Rarity started coming to. Sweetie Belle stopped the argument before it had even begun and ran back into her room with a slam on the door.

‘Huh…’ Rarity looked into Mezzo’s eyes. ‘…do I look a mess?’

‘Well, I don’t think you do, but what does my opinion matter anyway?’

Rarity giggled a little bit and clung onto Mezzo’s arm like a monkey would. Was Sweetie Belle right? Does Rarity really think they’re an item?
Nah, its 9.35, too early for thinking.

‘So, what are you going to do whilst I’m at Fluttershy’s, Rarity?’ Mezzo slung his scarf around his neck as he interrogated her.

‘Well, I have a few errands to run, and I have to start making a dress for an important client. I won’t be bored, to say the least.’ Rarity replied, sparking of laughter between the two of them.

‘Listen, I’ll see you later, ok?’ Rarity said, giving Mezzo a tight, yet inviting hug.

‘Yeah, of course you will.’ Mezzo waved her goodbye and shut the door behind him.

The walk to Fluttershy’s house was a thought-filled one, as Mezzo was finally alone for the first time in 2 days and could actually let things sink in. Why did Fluttershy want to speak to him and him alone? He barely knows a thing about the girl, she speaks so rarely and really keeps herself secluded from the rest of the group, so she could be anything. Maybe she’s a serial killer who leaves her victims in a shed. Too far? Probably.

Fluttershy didn’t essentially live in a house, more like a cottage, rightly so considering that she lived on the outskirts of Canterlot. Mezzo gave 3 solid knocks on the door. After about a 30 second wait, Fluttershy’s pale hand opened the door a crack and looked towards Mezzo with her striking blue eyes, then finally opened the door fully with an excited smile on her face.

‘Oh Mezzo, I’m so glad you could come!’ Fluttershy hugged Mezzo, whilst it was a rather weak hug, it still surprised him.

‘Well, I’m a bit confused, why did you want me come around, Fluttershy.’ The pianist asked.

‘Well…’ Fluttershy played with her hair for a bit, her eyes darting in all directions, then finally spoke up. ‘I don’t know really, I think I just want to get to know you more.’

‘Sure, what do you want to do?’

‘Ummm, I’m not very sure. I could make you a drink or something if you want.’

‘Yeah, sure, why not?’

The two of them sat for a couple of hours, some moments awkwardly quiet, some moments speaking whatever came to their heads. The afternoon really had some ups and downs for that reason. Mezzo didn’t question where Fluttershy’d parents were, but he was too invested in the surprisingly weird stories she had from her childhood, he really didn’t care. All of a sudden, it was dusk. Fluttershy yawned and looked at the time.

‘Oh goodness, it’s 7 o’clock!’ She alerted Mezzo. To which he responded in a panicked fashion.

‘Oh, shit, Rarity will be worried sick!’ He slung his coat on and headed for the door. ‘Listen, Fluttershy, I’ve got to dash.’

‘Oh it’s alright,’ Fluttershy gave Mezzo a hug, similar to the one he received before. Then she remembered something. ‘Wait, Mezzo.’

‘Yeah, Fluttershy.’

‘Well, you know how Hearths Warming Eve is coming up?’

‘Yeah?’

‘Well…’ Fluttershy froze in position and her pupils shrank, she was obviously terrified. ‘Oh, nevermind.’ She bent back and played with her hair again.

‘Oh, ok. I’ll see you tomorrow at school, right?’

She perked up for that small moment. ‘Right.’

Mezzo started the dark walk back to Rarity’s house. The streets were usually very hard to see through at this time in winter. Mezzo Piano was scared
in case he found a pickpocket in the streets.

He bumped into someone, fortunately it wasn’t a pickpocket, but instead it was Vinyl Scatch, eyes covered with shades (still able to see through the darkness), also a beanie on her head which still left her electric blue hair peek out underneath from.

‘Wait, aren’t you Sunset Shimmer’s friend?’ she asked rather rudely.

‘Why yes I am.’ Mezzo replied nonchalantly.

‘Listen, she still owes me that 15 large, you hear?’

‘We’ll get it sorted out, just you wait.’

Vinyl gave a small, yet friendly smirk. ‘We? Saying that makes you two sound like a couple, I thought you were gay…’

‘Well that would be a wrong assumption, Miss Scratch.’ Mezzo got a tad too defensive over her statement.

Vinyl backed off slightly. ‘Listen, I’m attracted to my own gender myself, so I was just making a passing remark, ‘tis all.’

‘Right.’

‘Also, a bit of a problem, with the whole money situation…’

‘Why, what is it?’ Mezzo got suspicious.

‘Well… I kinda need it in a week.’

Mezzo was devastated.

‘A FUCKING WEEK?! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!’

‘Well I can’t perform at the Heath’s Warming Eve concert with the shitty old table I have now, you’ll need to cough up, sorry, dude.’

‘Bu—We—gah, fine… we’ll sort it out.’ Mezzo felt like hiding in a whole and pulling it in behind him.

‘So, Darling, how was your day with Fluttershy.’ Rarity squealed as Mezzo Piano dragged his bones through the door before slumping on the couch.

‘It was alright, I guess.’ Mezzo sighed as he looked right away from the fashionista.

‘You, guess? Mezzo, what’s wrong?’

‘Well, on the way home I bumped into Vinyl.’

‘Aaaaaand?’

‘She wants us to pay up in a week.’

Rarity tried to scream, but she hit the ground and passed out instead. When she came to, Mezzo had her lay on the couch, with a hot water bottle placed over her forehead. Then she sat up and screamed.

‘Jesus, Rarity, calm down!’ Mezzo covered his ears as he shouted.

‘Sorry darling, but WHERE THE FUCK ARE WE GOING TO GET THE MONEY?!’

‘Listen, you know the concert that the Rainbooms are perfoming in, when is it?’

Rarity managed to collect herself before speaking again. ‘That would be this Friday.’

‘Couldn’t we just make all the money we earn go to Vinyl?’

‘Hmmm, possibly, but the school gets half the earnings, so we would need to raise 30 thousand bits…’

‘Gosh, that’ll be hard, I don’t think major league football games earn that much.’ The two of them should be in a panicked state, but instead they were just utterly hopeless. Rarity pulled a pocket calculator from her shirt pocket and put on her glasses.

‘Well, let’s think of it this way, theres the 6 of us, 15000 into 7 is about 2143 each, that’s not so hard, now. Is it?’

‘But who could make that kind of money in a week each?’

‘True, but the money could still be found from somewhere. I still make money from the dresses, AJ makes money from the farm, and Fluttershy earns expenses from voluntary vet work.’

‘But what about me, Pinkie, Rainbow, and most importantly, Sunset?’

The two of them sat, the gears turning in their heads. Finally, a lightbulb flickered in Rarity’s brain.

‘Mezzo, I’ve got it!!’ Rarity yelled and grabbed Mezzo’s shoulders. ‘Right, so how about we combine both ideas. We get as much as we can from the concert and then me, Applejack and Fluttershy mop up whatever money we need left!’

‘Rarity, that’s a great idea!’ Yelled Mezzo, and they pranced about in Rarity’s front room.

‘We’ll tell the others in school tomorrow. But for now, Mezzo, care for some Chinese, my treat!’ Rarity flashed her credit card from her purse.

‘Oh go on then.’ He laughed as Rarity walked into the kitchen.

Sweetie Belle walked out of her room and slowly approached Mezzo.

‘What do you think you’re doing with my sister?!’ She yelled.

Sheeh, overprotective much?

‘Nothing that concerns you.’ Mezzo said in a joking fashion, but it seemed that Sweetie Belle didn’t find the joke very funny at all.

‘Yeah, if I catch you two doing the same thing you did this morning, don’t expect me to treat you so kindly.’ She turned at sat on the couch, where
she proceeded to watch TV for pretty much the rest of the night.

Finally, at 9 o’clock, the Chinese food had arrived. Rarity gave Mezzo a box of noodles and they tucked in.

‘Oh my god, I’m so hungry.’ Mezzo slurped the noodles and gulped them down rather quickly.

‘I can tell you’re enjoying it.’ Rarity smiled, her eye twitching slightly at the uncivilised manner of eating. She put it to one side.

‘So, it’s the Hearths Warming Eve ball coming up.’ Rarity started making conversation as she drank from her soda can.

‘I know, Fluttershy told me about it.’ Mezzo gulped a mouthful of noodles down his throat.

‘Why, did she ask you to be her date?’ Rarity raised an eyebrow and looked dead into Mezzo Piano’s green eyes.

‘No. She was about to mention something about it, but she didn’t have the guts to say so, doesn’t surprise me…’

Rarity was confused as to why Mezzo was being so oblivious.

‘You do realise she was going to ask you to the ball, right?’ Rarity was close to slapping the guy across the face.

‘Well… I… uh… I don’t really want to talk about it.’

‘Why not, Darling?’

‘Well, I always had a massive fear of rejections; I guess I’m just not very good at those kinds of things. I’ve never had a girlfriend since I was a freshman, and even then it wasn’t serious. So I just don’t ask anyone anymore, for the sake of embarrassment.’

Rarity gave a small ‘aww’ to show sorrow for the pianist. She then blurted out. ‘How could you not go with Fluttershy, have you seen the tit’s on her, they even make ME jealous!’

Both Mezzo and Sweetie Belle gave faces of disgust towards Rarity. She looked at the two of them.

‘What, was it something I said? I mean it, it doesn’t help she wears those skimpy vest tops of hers.’ Rarity spent the rest of the evening staring at her
own breasts from time to time.

Even though Mezzo didn’t care to admit it, he did lock his eyes onto Fluttershy’s chest every now and again.

‘Mezzo?’

‘Yeah?’

‘I would like to help you find a date for the Hearths Warming Eve ball.’

‘Fine, I’d like to see you try.’

‘Oh don’t be so down hearted darling, I always can play Cupid.’

She sat in silence as she thought for Mezzo Piano’s sake.

‘Well put it this way. Since Applejack and Rainbow Dash are going together-’

‘Wait, they are together?’

‘Um, yeah! Did you not see it over this weekend?’

Now that I think about it, they were a little too close to each other on Friday.

Rarity carried on her sentence ‘As I was saying, if you remove me from the equation too, for the sake of being fair and since I have this huge crush on this guy, you are left with Fluttershy, Sunset Shimmer and “your best friend” Pinkie Pie.’

‘Well me and Pinkie did go out in 6th grade…’

‘Who knows, you could give it another shot.’

‘Huh, maybe I could, but I’m not romantically invested in her.’

‘Well are you with into of them, or are you gay?’

‘No I’m not gay. Shut up.’

‘Calm down Mezzo, that’s all I’m saying.’ Rarity chuckled, as to which Mezzo started to laugh too. Soon enough they were in an uncontrollable state of laughter. Sweetie Belle looked onto them with apathetic eyes and continued to watch TV.

After she had gone to bed, Mezzo got ready for bed, Rarity did too, she walked out of her room wearing nothing but a T-Shirt and her panties.

‘Jesus Christ, it’s freezing in this house.’

‘I can tell…’ Mezzo muttered under his breath.

‘What was that?’

‘Oh nothing, I was speaking to myself.’

Once again, the two of them watched TV, yet Rarity tried to keep her distance from Mezzo, which surprised him a considerable amount.
‘You know what, fuck it,’ Rarity switched off the TV and turned to the confused Mezzo.

‘Um, yeah, what is it?’

‘I… don’t know how to say this… but you know that guy I said I liked?’

‘Yeah, I would say I do.’

‘I’m sorry darling, but that person is you.’

Mezzo was gobsmacked. Rarity, the elegant, beautiful Rarity was into him? Another thing was the surprising kiss on the lips from the girl. It was short, it was sweet, but most of all, it was pleasant.

‘I’m going to bed, think things over for me, just about the money, and the ball, will you?’

‘Uh, yeah, sure thing!’ Mezzo just needed her to go to bed, that’s all.

‘Also, don’t tell a soul about what has just happened. I love you, Mezzo.’ Rarity said in an embarrassed, yet heartfelt state. She walked into her bedroom and shut the door. Mezzo sat awkwardly and unable to move, the previous minute had left the guy in shellshock.

Throughout the night, he heard crying from Rarity’s room; Mezzo couldn’t catch a wink of sleep, so he just heard the sobbing emanate from the bedroom door, which was a sign of both sadness and torment wrapped up in one.

How was Mezzo supposed to react to this? She liked him, did he like her too? Did she be so nice to Mezzo, not out of friendship, but out of love?
A buzz came from Mezzo’s phone, who else could it be other than Pinkie Pie?

Pinkie Pie- 01:34
‘We need to talk tomorrow, meet me outside the school for 8.’

Mezzo Piano- 01:34
‘Why? What’s happened now?’

Pinkie Pie- 01:35
‘I can’t really say, it’s about Rarity.’

Mezzo Piano- 01:35
‘Should I be worried?’

Pinkie Pie- 01:35
‘Nah XP’

That usually meant he should worry…

Author's Note

In this chapter, I have 2 secret little references, one is an easy 'PONY.MOV ' one, the other is a much harder 'Sunset Boulevard' reference. If you figured them both out, well done, have a muffin. :derpytongue2:

Make sure you give a rating and some constructive criticism for this. Thanks and have a fantabulous day! :pinkiehappy:

-TheOldRedHills

Chapter 4- The Ballad of Pinkimena Diane Pie

It was 8 o’clock, Mezzo stood by the Canterlot high school gates, as he promised to his best friend, Pinkie Pie. This morning was a stressful one.

Rarity had said very little, from her getting up to when they were walking to school. The bags under her eyes were prominent, and she hadn’t even bothered to style up her hair. Rarity looked like a homeless heroin addict in comparison to the prim and proper look she was accustomed to. She purposely stayed a few paces behind and refused to keep eye contact with Mezzo. Sweetie Belle looked prepared to kick Mezzo’s ass all the way back to Manehattan. Mezzo felt like a fool, so he looked at the ground and rubbed his arm constantly.

‘Hey, Piano man!’ Mezzo looked up to see the happy-go-lucky Pinkie Pie, buzzing with excitement as was the norm.

‘Good morning, Pinkie.’ Mezzo uttered under his breath. ‘Now what was it you were going to talk to me about?’

‘Well, how was your weekend?’ Pinkie bounced around Mezzo, before he immediately grabbed her by the front of her shirt.

‘Please, Pinkie, don’t beat around the bush. I need to know about Rarity.’

‘If you insist,’ Pinkie pulled out her phone. ‘The girl’s gone mad about you.’

‘I can see…’

‘Wait, did she say about—’

‘Her "falling in love with me?" Yes, I don’t know how to react to it to be perfectly honest.’

‘Take a look at these texts she sent to me on Sunday.’ Pinkie shoved her phone into Mezzo’s face, he started to read the texts.

Rarity- 20:15
‘PINKIE! HELP!!’

Pinkie Pie- 20:17
‘What is it?!’

Rarity- 20:17
Mezzo Piano has been asked to the ball by Fluttershy!!!’

‘Well, that’s a lie,’ Mezzo butted in. ‘Fluttershy didn’t technically ask me to the Hearths Warming Eve ball, she hesitated so much that she told me to forget about it.’

‘Whatever, just keep reading.’ Pinkie rolled her eyes and alerted Mezzo back to the screen.

Pinkie Pie- 20:17
‘What’s so bad about that?’

Rarity- 20:18
‘The one guy I meet that I feel true love for can’t just slip away like this!!!’

Pinkie Pie- 20:18
‘Rare, you need to calm down, some things like that have to run its course, you can’t just manipulate someone to love you even if they don’t.’

Mezzo was surprised; you’d really expect that in a situation like this, Rarity would be the voice of reason. But of all people, Pinkie was.

Rarity- 20:18
‘I’ve got to tell him. I don’t want him to be taken by anyone :’( ’
Pinkie Pie- 20:19
‘Fine, but you do need to calm down before you do it.’

And that was where the messages ended.

‘Have you seen the state she was in today?’ Mezzo said. ‘I feel so bad…’

‘Heyheyheyhey,’ Pinkie stopped Mezzo. ‘You’ve got to realise that this isn’t your fault. Ya just gotta smile!’ Pinkie gave a grin that caught onto Mezzo as well.

‘I gotta say, Pinkie, how do you stay happy all the time?’ He said as they walked into the campus.

‘Oh, just the Crack Cocaine!’

‘Uh, what?!’

‘Just kidding! I’ll speak to Rarity today, don’t worry about it!’ Pinkie ran into the school building, grabbing onto her coat as she ran.

‘I’ve got to speak to her, for Mezzo’s sake…’ Pinkie said to herself.

Mezzo was on the basketball court, he was not sure why. Sport was never his forte, so doing any kind of physical activities with the Jocks just seemed out of place. Sort of like drinking orange juice after brushing your teeth, it just didn’t feel right.

Suddenly, there was a break for the team to switch sides. Mezzo bumped into a tanned guy around the same height as him. He had blue hair that was stuck up in a messy fashion. He looked like a ‘ladies’ man’ sort of person.

‘Oh, sorry about that.’ He replied in a cool manner.

‘Sorry to you too. I feel awkward on this court anyways.’ Mezzo was scared he would be beat up by this smug jock.

‘Same, I’m not into all of the sport stuff, I’m a music guy myself.’

Mezzo was surprised, but then again, all the girls go after the attractive musicians (he didn’t really count himself as an ‘attractive’ musician).

‘R-Really, so am I, what instruments do you play?’

‘I play guitar, you?’

Mezzo gulped. ‘I’m more of a piano man myself, the names Mezzo Piano.’ He stuck out his hand feebly to shake.

‘The names Sentry, Flash Sentry.’ The guitarist slapped his hand instead of shaking it.

They spoke for the entirety of the break, Flash even spoke of his girlfriend, who lived “out of town” apparently, Mezzo unfortunately remembered
that he had to participate, so he joined in for the sake of it.

As Mezzo walked into his changing room, he heard the footsteps and grunts of a certain purple-haired fashionista walk past. Has Pinkie spoken to her yet?

It had just been a strenuous hour of gym class, and Rarity was looking forward to a relaxing hot shower. She waited until no one was in her view, then she stripped off and turned on the shower. Hot water landed onto her naked body and she felt tension relieving off of her.

She turned around and Pinkie stood behind her. Rarity yelped and complained to her.

‘C-c-can’t you see I have my private time, Pinkie?’ The fasionista sounds a lot more exhausted than she usually does.

‘Aw, c’mon, I’ve done it to everyone, well, girls anyway.’ Pinkie got uncomfortably close to Rarity, who just pushed her away.

‘Listen, Pinkie, if you’re here to talk some sense into me about the actions I did last night, you needn’t too. I regret it all, every bit of it.’ Rarity’s eyes
started to well up with tears, Pinkie couldn’t see it through the shower water splashing down, however.

‘Listen, Rare, you’ve got to listen to me,’ Pinkie put a hand on her shoulder. ‘You’ve got to realise that Mezzo was put on the spot last night and he feels like a complete ass himself, so you’re not alone.’

‘Do you think I need to apologise?’

‘No, what’s important now is that we have a week to not get Sunset Shimmer arrested.’

‘I know—wait, how do you know?’

‘Pinkie sense, of course.’ Just as she gave her reason, Pinkie was out of the showers. She got changed and just like that, she was off, next was math class, and she needed to update Mezzo Piano on what had just happened.

‘So, yeah, that’s all you need to know, Mezzo!’ Pinkie sat in a position that made her look like she had ran the Equestrian 500, panting and slouched.

‘Well, god almighty, that was insightful.’ Mezzo replied, writing down algebraic equations as he spoke.

‘Listen, I think that the two of you should have a talk at lunch. I feel like I’ve exhausted myself for the day.’ Pinkie pulled a pen out of her hair and
started to jot down equations.

‘How do you even do that?’ Mezzo said whilst looking at the cotton candy that is Pinkies hair.

‘I dunno, I just do?’ Pinkie shrugged and continued to write.

The bell rang and the two of them packed away their things. Mezzo was worried to speak to Rarity, but if it was to save their friendship, he may as well do a little talk, not only for him, but for her.

The lunch tables at Canterlot high were packed, on one table in the far left corner of the room sat the Rainbooms, Fluttershy was quivering and looking at the floor (even more secluded than she usually is (somehow)), Sunset Shimmer was counting and recounting all the bits she could find, coming up to about 10 or so bits in total.

Rarity had her hair straight and flat, due to the shower water still not gone from her hair. Her face was pale and makeup-less. She always looked on the verge of crying. Of all the people on that table, Rarity was acting the most different today.

The only two people who had not attended to the lunch table were Pinkie Pie and Mezzo Piano. Pinkie was calming down the hyperventilating pianist.

‘Listen, you just need to tell Rarity how you truly feel, she will respect you for it.’

‘But will she?’

‘Uh, yeah, of course, that’s how shit like this works.’

‘Wait, really?’

‘Trust me, I’ve been in a similar situation to this before, this “Cheddar Sandwich” or whatever he was called.’

‘I’m sure you told me that he was called “Cheese Sandwich”.’

‘Cheese, Cheddar, Tomato, Tomahto!’ Pinkie explained. ‘Listen, you have one shot. Just play it off cool and she won’t flip out.’

Mezzo exhaled through his mouth, walked right up to the table, and looked at Rarity, straight in the eyes.

‘Hm?’ Rarity didn’t look at Mezzo, but she felt his presence.

‘Can we have a talk?’ Mezzo asked.

‘No, it’s quite alright, I’m not in the mood for talking right now.’ Rarity edged further away by the second.

‘Please…’ Mezzo held out his hand. After a few moments of hesitating, Rarity reluctantly took it. He dragged her out of the cafeteria and into the
locker halls, where he finally let go.

‘So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?’ Rarity wasn’t annoyed or angry, she sounded rather tired and a bit concerned.

‘Well, I must apologise for the way I acted last night, I was a real ass.’

‘…really?’

‘Yes, of course, but the fact still stands, I don’t like you in THAT way. You’ve done a lot for me these past few days; you’ve treated me better than anybody I’ve ever met. You’re one of my closest friends and I’ve only known you for 4 days. That’s an accomplishment in my books. You’ll find the right guy someday, I just know that guy won’t be me.’

Rarity had a single tear fall from her eye, not one of despair, but one of genuine happiness. The girl grabbed Mezzo and hugged him so tightly he was struggling to breathe.

‘Thank you. I didn’t want to treat this whole situation so grimly, and I may have overreacted. In all honesty, Mezzo, I see you more as just a friend than a boyfriend.’

‘Good, because I feel the same.’ Mezzo replied in an eager fashion.

‘Can we pretend this never happened?’

‘I don’t really want this to ruin the thing we had going.’

‘I’ll take this as a yes, come, come Darling, we have lunch to eat.’

‘Sounds good to me.’ They merrily strolled back to the lunch table, to which Mezzo remembered. ‘Explain the money plan to the girls.’

‘Gotchya!’

‘So, you wanna go to Sugar Cube Corner right now?’ Pinkie stopped Mezzo as he and Rarity were walking out of the school gate.

‘Right now, as in right right now?’ Mezzo asked.

‘Uh, yeah, duh, when you want to get a milkshake you just go!’ Pinkie grabbed Mezzo’s arm. ‘Wanna come with, Rare?’

Rarity hid behind her school books. ‘Oh I’d love to, but I need to make THIS look presentable.’ She apologised whilst pointing at her frizzy purple hair.

‘Oh, that’s fine.’ Pinkie said as she dragged Mezzo alongside her.

‘BE BACK BY FIVE, MEZZO!!’ Rarity yelled as she disappeared around the corner, out of the pianist’s sight.

‘Oh my god I could so go for super chocolate sundae with extra sprinkles right now!!’

And so she did, with her getting as she had asked for and Mezzo getting rocky road flavour. They sat on the edge of a bridge above the Canterlot highway, watching the sun drift into the horizon. Pinkie drank her milkshake in an awkward fashion, taking long sips from the straw, yet not feeling any sort of brain freeze side effect.

‘That’s weird.’ Mezzo brought up, looking at the cars passing by below.

‘What’s weird?’ Pinkie stopped chugging down at that point.

‘I dunno, these past 4 days have been weird, with the introduction of your new friends, they’ve seemed to have changed my life.’

‘No kidding,’ Pinkie leaned against the railing of the bridge. ‘Especially Rarity, you know she’s never like that, right?’

‘Right?’

Mezzo remembered a name ringing in his head.

‘Hey, Pinkie?’ He turned to her, she was now chewing on the plastic straw that she had used to drink the milkshake with.

‘Yeah?’

‘Do you know anybody named Flash Sentry?’

Pinkie chuckled to herself. ‘Yeah, I know him.’

‘Why, what?’

‘Well, did Rarity ever tell you of Twilight Sparkle and the whole “Pony Princess” thing?’

Mezzo rubbed his forehead in stress and annoyance. ‘Yes I have.’

‘Well, she’s dating Flash, at least I think she is.’

‘Wow, must be a lucky guy to be dating a Princess.’

‘For fucks sake, Mezzo, she’s a horse. Are you promoting some kind of bestiality thing?’

‘Well, no, but… forget about it.’ The two of them giggled at that whole convocation. They just stood there in silence for about 5 minutes, by this time, Pinkie has ripped her straw to shreds.

‘Also, I’m sorry about the whole thing about the “intercourse with the girls” thing on Friday, I was just joking.’

‘Well, now that you talk about it…’

‘Wait, really?’ Pinkies face lit up, both excitedly and mischievously. ‘Who is it? It’s a girl, right?’

‘Yes, Pinkie, it’s a girl.’

‘Go on, tell me who it is!’

‘Do I really have to?’

‘We are over the top of a highway, if you don’t tell me I could push you off the bridge.’

‘Well what would the point of that be? You still wouldn’t find out and you would get a few years behind bars.’

‘Gah, fine. You win!’ Pinkie started to walk off, then ran right back to Mezzo. ‘OH, PLEASE TELL MEEEEEE!!!’

‘Fine, but don’t tell a soul.’ Mezzo embraced himself, and whispered into Pinkie Pie’s ears. She squealed in both laughter and surprise.

‘Wait, I’m surprised.’ She smirked and raised an eyebrow.

‘Really?’ Mezzo crossed his arms.

‘I mean, have you spoken to the girl, like, at all?’

‘Not as much as I would’ve liked to, but I have a lot in common with her.’

‘What do you have in common with Sunset Shimmer?’

Author's Note

Once again, give a rating and a comment down below, it would be much appreciated :pinkiehappy:

-TheOldRedHills

Chapter 5- A Road Trip Home

Mezzo reminisced of one of the worst moments of his life, back when he was a freshman at Manehattan academy. He got asked here and there to do some small gigs around the city. Soon enough it landed him a performance at the Sisterhooves social club, whilst it wasn’t particularly the most civilised of places, it usually was packed, and Mezzo could make a name for himself.

As was like any performance he had done, Mezzo was prepared. Formal shirt, Blazer, and jeans completed a nice look for him. He didn’t exactly want to look TOO smart, after all.

He walked onto the stage to find a beautiful pristine white grand piano lay there (with what appeared to be a wobbly leg but the guy didn’t take much notice of it), glimmering in the spotlight. Mezzo sat down at the untouched black and white keys. He began to play a soft melody which mesmerised the audience almost instantly.

All of a sudden one of the grand legs snapped, and the piano came crashing down onto Mezzo’s feet, crushing his toes. He let out a yelp and tears rushed down his face. Of course, the snobby upper class folk of Manehattan could not help but to burst out laughing. This awful case of schadenfreude made Mezzo feel even worse. Not only did he have to travel in a cast and crutches for 2 months, but his whole concept of performance and confidence was knocked off entirely. He rarely performed from that point forward, and if he did it was usually in front of a small audience.

‘So yeah,’ the Pianist began wrapping up his story. ‘I know all too well about being humiliated by people. It’s awful, and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone else to be perfectly honest.’

Pinkie Pie, the usually ecstatic girl that Mezzo Piano was speaking to, had her big smile wiped off of her face. Instead she had a small smile of reassurance instead.

‘Well, I’m sorry that I had to get that out of your system.’ She muttered, placing her hand on his arm.

‘Oh no, it’s quite alright.’ He said, laughing awkwardly.

‘I’m glad that you’ve come back home, you know.’ She said quietly, which is unlike Pinkie in any way. She went and hugged Mezzo tightly. It was bittersweet. Then she checked her phone to notice it was 16:51.

‘Looks like it’s time to take someone home to his Mom.’ She giggled, whilst Mezzo gave her a deadpan look.

‘You mean Roommate who has a crush on me.’ He replied monotonously.

‘You’re saying it like you don’t like her.’ Pinkie said sarcastically. They skipped right towards Rarity’s house, just as it hit 17:00.

‘Yenno Pinkie,’ Mezzo turned to her. ‘This was fun. We should do it more often.’

‘You got it MP!’ She nodded, hugged and said farewell. Mezzo waltz into Rarity’s house to singing and piano playing, coming from the girl herself.

‘Quite a talented set of pipes you’ve got there.’ Mezzo hung up his coat as he spoke.

‘Why thank you, Darling,’ It was noted by Mezzo that Rarity had styled her hair to her usual décor. The pale girl climbed out of her seat, got her coat and scarf on and picked up a massive suitcase. ‘Get your coat on, we’re going on a road trip.’

‘Erm, what?’ Mezzo replied in a confused manner.

‘I have a dress delivery in Manehattan. So I thought you’d want to come with in case you want to, yenno, visit home or something.’

‘But Manehattan is miles away. It’ll take at least 2 hours to get up there by bus.’

‘Yeah, I know, that’s why we’re going now, so I can get home for school tomorrow.’

‘Ugh, fine.’ Mezzo dragged his massive coat back on as they both walked out of the house. The sun was creeping off into the horizon, causing the sky to gain a light purple hue. Mezzo loved the look of the evening sky, causing him to slow down to embrace it. Rarity had to drag him along for him to focus again.

‘Wait, where is Sweetie Belle?’ Mezzo noticed as they walked past the now silent Canterlot High.

‘Oh I don’t know, off out with her “Boyfriend” or something,’ Rarity placed her hand on the giant horse statue that stood proud outside of the grand building. ‘Goodness, I wish Twilight would return sometime soon.’

‘Will she?’ Mezzo replied, looking at the equine with confusion.

‘Well of course Darling. She will have to meet you, won’t she?’

‘To be honest, I wouldn’t mind meeting a princess, even if she is a horse.’ They both chuckled as the two of them walked onwards to the bus station. As they got there a few people stood there waiting bored. One girl wore a dress and bomber jacket, a beanie covered her golden-red hair. Some kind of rock music was blasting loudly through her earphones.

‘Sunset Shimmer!’ Rarity beckoned over. The girl looked over at Rarity wildly waving and Mezzo trying to conceal his blushing with his scarf.

‘Rarity! Mezzo!’ Sunset moved over to the two of them. ‘Why are you catching the half past 5 bus to Manehattan?’

‘Oh, I have a few dresses to get to Coco Pommel for a fashion show she’s doing,’ she said whilst pointing to the giant suitcase she had in her hands. ‘And what about yourself?’

‘Well, Canterlot High has given me a bursary in Manehattan National Bank. So I’m going to see if there is anything in there that can pay off the debt.’

‘Oh that’s convenient.’ Mezzo muttered, as the bus pulled into the station. The three hopped on right away, one stop, Manehattan.

The thing about Manehattan is that unlike many cities where it is usually very active during the day and quiet during the night, this ideal is reversed. At night, all the shows from Bridleway are blaring, even more people pack the streets, and all the shunning lights practically make the sky look like midday. Hell, they would even have school and work on at midnight if so many people didn’t hit the clubs at the time.

The noise, the people, the lights, all made Mezzo Piano nauseous. Whilst true, he had lived there for the past 3 years, the transition and bad memories did not settle well with him at all. He dragged Rarity and Sunset Shimmer out of the constantly moving heard of people and vomited in a trash can by the sidewalk.

‘Oh shit, Mezzo, are you alright?’ Sunset shouted to get herself heard over the deafening sounds that surrounded the trio.

‘I must ask the same, darling,’ Rarity placed her hand onto Mezzo’s shoulder, who was wiping puke off of his face. ‘You look a little, errrrm, unwell.’

‘I’ll be fine. Does this “Coco Pommel” live in the main city?’ Mezzo said before throwing up once more.

‘Well, she lives in one of the smaller neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the city. It should take about 10 minutes to get there if we move quickly.’ Rarity yelled, before dragging Mezzo Piano up and moving back into the rotational crowd, with Sunset Shimmer following behind.

It was 20:24 by the time they had reached Coco Pommels house. The houses in this area were significantly smaller, but this did not stop what almost seemed like infinite amount of civilians to crowd the streets. Mezzo Piano, Rarity and Sunset Shimmer aptly stood outside the young fashionista’s house. Rarity, after regaining her composure from being surrounded by the unhygienic people of Manehattan, knocked 3 times on the stylised oak door.

After about 15 seconds. A blue bob with a face attached to it peeked around the door, which inspected all 3 people and then got rather excited.

‘Rarity! So glad you could make it! Please, won’t you all come in?’ Said the girl, who looked in her teens, but younger than Rarity.

‘Sunset, Mezzo, this is Coco Pommel, Coco, Sunset Shimmer and Mezzo Piano.’ Rarity said in a rather professional manner.

‘Oh, it’s a pleasure to meet you both.’ Coco said, shaking the hands of them both.

‘Listen guys, Coco and I have to sort out these fashion items. Will you two be okay to hang fire for about 20 minutes?’ Rarity asked Sunset and Mezzo.

‘If you’re going to take a while, why don’t Mezzo and I go to the bank?’ Sunset Shimmer asked ‘Surely we won’t be too long.’

Sunset looked at Mezzo with her striking blue eyes, freezing the man right on the spot.

‘Wanna tag along, Piano Man?’

Mezzo said ‘Sure.’ hoping that he didn’t stumble over his words. The two of them walked out of Coco’s majestic house and into the social streets of the city.

The Manehattan National Bank is a spectacle all in itself. The sweeping blood red curtains that covered the stained glass windows left both Sunset Shimmer and Mezzo Piano in awe.

‘If only the bank at Canterlot were as epic as this. I’d become an accountant.’ Mezzo muttered.

‘You’re not wrong.’ Sunset replied.

As they looked at the amazing imagery that even a royal castle would not get treatment towards, a snooty woman behind a desk caught their attention.

‘How may I help you?’

‘Ooh, erm,’ Sunset stalled for a few seconds to recollect her thoughts. ‘A believe a bursary has been opened in this bank for me by my school.’

‘Right, name?’

‘Sunset Shimmer.’

‘Hold on a second.’ The woman strutted behind a set of grand doors, and then came back out to ask one of the male managers for help. They both disappeared behind the giant metal entry gates, leaving Sunset and Mezzo stood around waiting.

10 minutes passed, 20 minutes passed. The queue behind them started to get bigger and bigger. More people started to get angry.

‘What the FUCK is going on up there?!’ One angry man decided to yell.

‘We’re waiting.’ Mezzo spoke back in a raised voice, not a shout.

‘COME ON,’ Sunset screamed ‘SURELY IT DOESN’T TAKE THIS LONG TO FIND A FRIGGING ACCOUNT!!!’

Suddenly the woman burst back through the door, frantically buttoning up her shirt and fixing her hair. The man followed shortly after, pulling up his pants.

‘Sorry for the wait,’ she said in a rather embarrassed way. ‘We’ve looked through our servers and couldn’t be able to find any “Sunset
Shimmer’s”. We apologise for any inconveniences.’

‘Are you shitting me?’ Sunset said through gritted teeth.

‘No, ma’am, we aren’t doing as such. You can always sign up for one if you-’

‘NO! I WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE AN ACCOUNT HERE, WHY WOULD I BE LIED TO?’ Sunset got more disgruntled as Mezzo got more secluded.

Shit, we’re going to be put in prison Mezzo thought. He zoned out to watch his angry crush have an argument with a bank manager (something he wasn’t expected to see today).

He blocked out any sound that was going on, which consisted of loud noises, curse words and security guards grabbing Sunset by the wrist and dragging her outside.

Wait.

Mezzo chased the poor girl out as she was flung onto the floor, the epic doors slamming behind them both.

‘Fuck, fuck, fuck, are you okay, Sunset?’ Mezzo cried, helping her get onto her feet.

‘Ugh, yeah, I’ll be fine.’ Sunset said in return, a hint of anger in her voice to go along with it. She stuck up her middle finger towards the bank,
spat onto the ground and stormed off back towards Coco Pommel’s house.

‘You need to calm down.’ Mezzo ran in front of her, stopping the angry teen in her tracks.

‘I can’t Mezzo, I have a week to collect 15 grand, or else my ass is going to court,’ Sunset’s eyes started to well up. ‘Yenno, I’ve been an outcast for most of my life, and just when things seem to be getting better…’ She fell to the ground and collapsed into a pool of tears.

‘Sunset, don’t worry,’ Mezzo hugged her and spoke softly. ‘We’re all working together to keep you safe.’

‘Why? I deserve to be put away to be perfectly honest.’

‘What? No! You don’t, not at your age and what you’ve been through.’

‘You really think so?’ Sunset looked deep into Mezzo’s eyes, which caused him to blush. He struggled to get his words out.

‘…yeah.’

She hugged him rather tightly, fireworks burst off in Mezzo’s head, hoping it would never stop. But they did as he noticed that more and more people looked at the two bodies kneeling on the floor in the middle of the street. So they got up and walked swiftly to Rarity’s house.

The fashionista was waiting on the doorstep of the house, she looked cold and frustrated.

‘Where the shit have you two been? I’ve been sat outside of here for ten minutes!’ she grunted, teeth chattering all the while.

‘Well that’s the thing,’ Sunset said, wiping away her tears. ‘The bank doesn’t seem to have an account for me. They lied, and kept us waiting whilst two of the managers fucked in the back room.’

Rarity ran and clung onto her. ‘Oh no, I’m so sorry for you.’ Rarity’s voice was cracking, like she too was holding back tears. Mezzo put his hands into his pockets, being the anti-social man he is, he could only sit back and hope for the best.

‘Mezzo,’ Sunset Shimmer turned around and looked at him though watery eyes. ‘Wanna make a stop by your house?’

He gave the two girls a nod.

‘Lead the way, maestro.’ Rarity said gleefully. So Mezzo Piano lead the way, trying to navigate the bustling late night streets.

The trio stopped at what was a grand house, but even saying that would be an understatement. The 3 story building overpowered the teenagers. The many windows, neatly arranged bricks and beautiful statues that graced from the walls just left them all, except Mezzo Piano, in shock.

‘Mezzo,’ Sunset Shimmer asked ‘Why the fuck did you move to Canterlot when you used to live in a place like this?’

‘Because,’ Mezzo walked slowly forward. ‘They were both pricks.’

‘But look at this place! Even royals don’t get this kind of treatment, what are their jobs?’ Rarity curiously stated.

‘Well, my mother is an accountant in the main city,’ Mezzo Piano started ‘and my dad, well… let’s not talk about him…’

‘Why not, he can’t be that bad?’ Sunset Simmer started ‘unless he’s some kind of-’

‘Drug dealer?’ Mezzo cut her off. ‘Yes, he is. Cocaine, Heroin and Methamphetamine if you’re curious.’

‘Wow, so your dad must be pretty well off then.’ Rarity said, looking once again at the mansion.

‘I don’t think anyone’s up though.’ Mezzo slowly said, cursing under his breath. ‘Rarity, can I have a piece of your notebook paper and a pen?’

‘Of course, Darling.’ She responded, tearing off a piece of the blue bubble-gum-scented paper and handing it, along with a black glitter pen, to Mezzo. The pianist began to scrawl out a note.

Dear Mom and Dad,

It’s me, Mezzo Piano, you know, the son that ran away from home a while back? Yeah, sorry about that, I think I could’ve handled the situation a little better than what I had done. But the past is in the past, and I really should be telling you what has happened to my life over the past few weeks, this week in particular.

It was fortunate that Uncle Aux Cord allowed me to stay in his spare apartment. Despite this, the state of the house was revolting to say the least, but at least I had a bed to sleep in and the sort. Secondly, I transferred to Canterlot High. Now I know that you don’t really approve of that school, but I’m having a ball! I’m back friends with Pinkie Pie, my old friend from before we moved to Manehattan. She’s introduced me to her friends, who have helped me out so much. One of them allowed me to move into her house for the rest of the school year. And many have just been committed to helping me out a lot.

Actually speaking of helping, one of my friends is in a predicament at the moment. Her name is Sunset Shimmer and she needs to pay off a debt on 15,000 bits by the end of this week, or else she’s going to end up in prison (it’s a long story). I know it may seem greedy, but can you please send some money to help us out with this situation? It would mean the world to me if you did.

Lastly, I know I’ve made myself out to be a bad son to you guys, and for that I’m sorry. Please could you allow me to stay at Canterlot high, I promise I will move back home once I graduate. It would mean the world to me, plus I know you wouldn’t mind it if I were out of your hair for a while.

Please find attached my New Address and cell number if you wish to contact me.

Miss you guys lots, and don’t forget to write back (or text, I don’t care).

Mezzo Piano

He folded it up neatly and pushed it through the letterbox. He began to walk off and said to Rarity and Sunset ‘Come on, let’s go home.’

The two girls caught up with him as they strolled to the bus station home.

Author's Note

Sorry I haven't written in so long, trust me I will try and get more chapters out more regularly. :twilightsheepish:
Make sure you leave nice comments and shizz and tune in next time! Adios!
-TheOldRedHills :pinkiesmile:

Chapter 6 - You Scratch My back...

It was late, very late.

Mezzo Piano the Pianist, Rarity the fashionista and Sunset Shimmer the reformed she-demon were on a bus in the dead of night, returning from Manehattan. The three young adults were beyond exhausted, Rarity was asleep on one of the seats, but Mezzo and Sunset were still up (somehow).

They were sat next to each other, Sunset listening to Music, and Mezzo browsing on his phone, noticing how dead society is at quarter past 2 in the morning. Mezzo looked at Sunset and realised how beautiful she was, even if she was groggy as fuck and was, like I said, a reformed she-demon.

‘So are you feeling any better?’ Mezzo said to his crush. Sunset looked up but hardly moved. She was too tired to speak, so she just shook her head in reply.

‘Oh, well…’ Mezzo felt disheartened that she was upset. ‘I think we can do it yenno.’

‘Hah, don’t be so hopeful,’ Sunset opened her mouth at last. ‘As much as I appreciate the support, Piano Man, I highly doubt we can raise so much money in so little time.’

‘You never know, Sunset. I mean it’s not the most impossible thing to happen in this situation.’

‘I just hope that we can raise enough money at that concert we’re doing in a few days.’

‘Yeahhhh, same.’ Mezzo’s eyes began to flutter, and he wasn’t sure if that’s because he was looking at Sunset or because it was well and truly past his bedtime.

‘Canterlot, end of the line!’ The Bus Driver yelled down the bus isle to the only three passengers on it. Rarity woke up in a daze, so she fixed herself up and got off as fast as she could, Sunset and Mezzo following close behind.

‘Gosh, I didn’t realise how much I had slept.’ Rarity muttered.

‘At least you slept,’ Mezzo chuckled. ‘I could use with some shuteye.’

‘So do I, kiddo,’ Sunset agreed. ‘I best be scooting off. I’ll see you both in like 6 hours.’

All three of them chuckled. Rarity gave sunset a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

‘Au Revoir, Dear.’ She said afterwards.

Sunset Shimmer then gave Mezzo a tight hug. It made the pianist think more feelings than he could imagine.

‘G-g-g-goodbye, Sunset.’

‘Goodbye, stammer-pants!’ Sunset gave a good laugh to herself and walked off whistling.

‘Erm… Mezzo?’ Rarity said as they were walking back to her house.

‘Yeah?’ He replied in a soft demeanour.

‘Do you like Sunset Shimmer?’

‘What makes you think that?’

‘Well, no offense, but you’ve been, how do I put this…?’ The pale lady looked down. ‘…you’re showing yourself off a little.’

Mezzo cursed out loud and covered his crotch. He felt radically embarrassed.

‘Sorry, Rarity.’

‘No no no, it’s quite alright. So I’m guessing you do?’ She said in an upset tone.

Mezzo sighed. ‘Yeah I do. Don’t tell her.’

‘I won’t.’ Rarity looked away from Mezzo.

‘I’m really sorry, I feel awful.’

‘Listen, if this is because of what happened the other night. I don’t want any of it!’ Rarity’s voice begins to creep up more and more as the conversation continued.

‘Well, it is. I didn’t want to tell you…’

‘What? So then you couldn’t hurt my feelings? I don’t want you to block me out!’

‘How am I blocking you out?’

‘Ugh. I am not starting this now, it’s too late.’

The two of them walked in silence, Mezzo still covering up his manhood.

As they got in Rarity walked into her room and didn’t emerge from it. So Mezzo got onto his couch and before he could even get out of his clothes, he was asleep.

Six hours later, Mezzo Piano got up, feeling even more tired than before. It was almost eight, meaning he had time to get ready for another day at school. He looked at his surroundings and noticed a note lying on the coffee table. It was a page from Rarity’s blue notebook. Written in elegant cursive, it said:

‘Dear Mezzo Piano,
Words could not express how sorry I am for how I behaved last night. I feel absolutely ridiculous for it. My feelings and emotions as of late are affecting my very way of life, this hasn’t anything to do with you as a person, but I can’t bring myself to spend all my time with you, for personal reasons. I have gone on a journey to “find myself” as it were, so I may not be coming into school these next few days. I will be back for Friday to play with you all, still. Don’t worry, I will also be looking for some money to help out with Sunset’s predicament, and I suggest you do too, as should all of us. Don’t bother ringing or texting me, as my cell phone is turned off.
I am really sorry Mezzo for this and myself in general. Look after Sweetie Belle and make sure that she is fed.
Until we meet again,
Rarity X’

Mezzo was in a complete state of shock, what has he done to cause this? There is only one person who could help him out in a situation like this.

‘PINKIMENA DIANE PIE!!’ Mezzo screamed as he sat down in math class next to his best friend.

‘I know that Rarity’s ditched us because she likes you and you like Sunset.’ She answered nonchalantly.

‘Pinkie Sense?’

‘Pinkie Sense.’

‘Well what are we supposed to do? Look for her?’ Mezzo said in a tone that was a mix of anger and fear.

‘No Mezzo. She’s an adult, and you have no idea where she’s gone. If Rarity says she’ll be back for Friday, she’ll be back for Friday. If you go and look for her you’ll be wasting your time.’ Pinkie seemed deadly serious and assertive about this, unlike the pink haired, fun-loving self she usually is.

‘You can’t be serious can you? She’s your friend, aren’t you worried about her?’ Mezzo’s voice started to quiver in angst.

Pinkie Pie looked into the eyes of Mezzo Piano with a hint of sadness and worry, her voice complimented this.

‘As much as this is not your fault, Mezzo, she’s hurt and not able to carry on in the state she is, and that means we have to band together to save Sunset from the situation she’s in.’

Mezzo felt awful, worse than awful. He felt like he had been hit with a baseball bat a hundred times over, but he knew that Pinkie was right.

‘What should we do then?’ He asked with a slither of hope.

‘The Rainbooms are going to have a meeting after school, 6 o’clock, at Sugar Cube Corner. We’ll talk then.’

‘I’ll be there.’

‘Now,’ Pinkie’s voice and face sprung up to its usual, chipper demeanour ‘Cheer up, don’t be such a frowny pants!’

Mezzo forced a side-smile in remark to his Best Friends advice.

At 4:06 pm, just after school had ended in Canterlot High, Pinkie Pie, Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Mezzo Piano sat at a giant circular table in that order. They were sat having their own conversations with each other:

‘Man, it just felt like yesterday when we got Milkshakes from this place.’ Pinkie said nostalgically.

‘Erm, that’s because we did.’ Mezzo replied.

‘Really? It didn’t even feel like two chapters ago…’

‘What are you on about?’

‘Nothing,’ Pinkie gave a smile then spoke up. ‘Can I speak for a minute?!’

There was a silence across the table. All eyes were on the pink haired girl in the baggy blue hoodie and purple beanie hat.

‘As you all know, Rarity has taken… erm… a departure from us for the next few days.’

‘Can I ask why?’ Rainbow Dash spoke in such a sharp tone Mezzo could almost feel it cut him when she looked straight at him.

‘It’s personal. She’ll be back before the performance, and that’s what matters.’

‘Yeah, but how do you know that, Pinkie?’ Rainbow’s cockiness was beginning to shine through.

‘Well she said in the letter she left this mo-’

‘Yeah, but how do YOU know? For all WE know, she could’ve fucked off back to Baltimare with her parents, and she ain’t coming back.’

Sunset slammed her fists on the table. ‘Listen, Dash, you’re not helping. What’s happened has happened and we need to adjust to it.’

Rainbow Dash gave a look of spite to Sunset. Things were beginning to get very heated and Mezzo could sense it.

‘What? Like how you broke Vinyl’s table and how WE have to adjust to it by paying it off for you?!’

‘That’s not a very nice thing to say.’ Fluttershy chirped up in the corner.

‘Oh shut up Fluttershy, like you make a contribution to anything.’ Something must’ve really have been shoved up Rainbow Dash’s Ass to make her act like this.

Suddenly all of the girls were yelling at each other and arguing at once, Rainbow Dash and Applejack using an onslaught of words against Sunset Shimmer and Fluttershy, with only Pinkie Pie trying to keep the peace. People in the other seats in Sugar Cube Corner were starting to stare and it made Mezzo paranoid. Something had to be done.

‘QUIET!’ The Pianist shouted at the quarrelling girls. ‘Is this REALLY the way to go about things? I thought you were all friends.’

Mezzo stood up and took a deep breath.

‘You guys probably know that Rarity has gone because of me. It’s entirely my fault. So if you really wanted to start an argument with anyone, here’s your target.’ He said mournfully whilst pointing at himself.

‘Now now, sugarcube,’ Applejack tenderly replied. ‘It’s not your fault, you may be well the “cause” of this but that doesn’t make it your fault. D’ya get me, y’all?’

There was a chorus of ‘yeah’s and ‘I do’s from the girls, which made Mezzo smile genuinely, which was a first for today.

‘Now, my fellow bitches, we’re gonna do our best to avenge Rarity this Friday!’ Pinkie gave a look of a lunatic as she spoke.
‘You’re saying it like she’s dead…’ Sunset muttered.

‘Ooops, sorry.’ She apologised, following with a little squee.

‘Pinkie’s right guys,’ Rainbow Dash looked up and around the table. ‘Our biggest problem is getting a hold of that money.’

‘That plan you and Rarity said yesterday wasn’t bad.’ Applejack added. ‘It’s just that it needs something else, you can’t just hope that A: That stadium will be packed out on Friday, and B: Our jobs are going to add onto anything considering we don’t work a whole lot.’

‘Pinkie has a suggestion!’ Pinkie shot her hand up into the air as she referred to herself in the third person. ‘Can we rob a bank?’

‘HELL YEAH!’ Rainbow Dash cheered.

‘Really?’ Sunset looked at Pinkie as if she wasn’t even taking the matter at hand seriously.

‘What?! It’s a lot better than anything you guys suggested!’ Pinkie stuck out her bottom lip like an annoyed toddler.

‘What if we did a fundraiser on the Friday before the concert?’ Fluttershy whispered, despite this, all of the other five people could hear what she said.

‘Oooooh, not bad,’ Mezzo said, ‘But what about?’

Sunset felt a spark come into her head. ‘What about we do what we can do best?’

‘Ponying up and defeating creatures sent from another world?’ Rainbow asked with an edge of excitement in her delivery. To which Sunset stared at her blankly.

‘Well I was going to suggest our talents,’ Sunset motivationally spoke up. ‘So Rainbow, you organise a sporting event that people can come and watch.’

‘Time for the Rainbow to shine.’ She said with a cocky smile.

‘Applejack, you and your family prepare some snacks to sell.’

‘Aye aye, captain!’ AJ saluted to Sunset.

‘Fluttershy, bring down some of your animals from the shelter and have a petting corner.’

‘Yay.’

‘Pinkie-’ Sunset turned to see that the pink haired girl and Mezzo had taken off. Pinkie had written on a napkin very scruffily:

‘Don’t ya worry! I’ll make the location look nice and Mezzo will provide live music! Gone to the craft store brb ;)’

‘Oooooh I’m gonna get so much bunting! Did you know that bunting makes everything stand out?’ Pinkie said to Mezzo, walking down the almost barren early evening streets of Canterlot.

‘Really, I did not know that.’ The Pianist replied back monotonously.

‘Well now you did!’ Pinkie squealed.

Mezzo didn’t reply.

‘C’mon, Grumpy Pants, we’re having some best friend bonding time. And when you have best friend bonding time with Pinkie, it’s only the second best kind of bondage!’

Mezzo couldn’t help but laugh at that.

‘Fucks sake, Pinkie.’ He said, still chuckling.

‘Well you know me. OOOH here we are!’ She stopped Mezzo dead in his tracks as they pointed at the sign.

‘Glitz and Glamour Arts and crafts are the best in Canterlot, recommended by the best party planner!’ Pinkie gave a big toothed smile.

‘Well let’s go in.’ Mezzo suggested.

The small shop was overstocked on many different craft items, from fabrics to card and confetti, this place had it all. Pinkie grabbed a basket and began to fill it to the brim with many different colours of paper and party items.

‘I’ve gotta get some confetti, to restock my party cannon!’ Pinkie skipped down the aisle to where they stocked the confetti in giant tubs, she grabbed about three of those tubs and placed it in her already overfilled basket.

‘Pinkie, do you actually have the money for all of this?’ Mezzo asked in a surprised manner.

‘Pfffft, yeah! My parents, whilst against my “partying lifestyle”,’ She said using her two fingers to exaggerate. ‘They still give me an allowance.’

‘Ah right, and how much is that?’ Mezzo was now interested in what money Pinkie could offer to the group.

‘It’s a secret, silly!’ Pinkie laughed, Mezzo’s attempts were always futile when it came to Pinkie Pie.

The Pink-haired girl skipped down the aisle until she bumped into a recognisable face.

‘Oh sorry, Vinyl.’ Pinkie was ready to back away from the girl.

‘It’s alright Pinkie,’ She replied, giving a small grin. ‘C’mon ‘Tavi, which one of these fabrics did you want again?’

Appearing to the side of her was Vinyl’s girlfriend, Octavia. Her face of disgust did not rub off well on Mezzo and Pinkie.

‘One of the tartan colours will do just fine, dear,’ She spoke in a proper manner, indicating some kind of upper-class upbringing compared to most in Canterlot.

‘Hang on a second,’ Octavia paced further towards Mezzo, causing him to cower ever so slightly. ‘Mezzo Piano, is that you?’
Then the moment of realisation hit Mezzo like a freight train.

He knew this girl all too well. Rarity had mentioned her name before in conversation, but it only took a glimpse of her ash-grey hair and suit to distinguish who this girl actually was.

‘Octaviaaaaaa,’ He forced a fake laugh through gritted teeth. ‘Fancy seeing you here!’

‘Well, I knew I had seen a familiar face walking through the corridors of Canterlot High, but I didn’t think it was you.’ Octavia replied rather smugly.

‘Wait, you know Mezzo?’ Vinyl took off her glasses as she asked in shock.

‘We were in the same classical orchestra as part of the Manehattan Music Festival a couple of years ago,’ Octavia told her girlfriend. ‘The little guy was so nervous but he actually played like a pro on the stage. The audience loved him.’

‘Oh yeah, I remember that,’ Mezzo turned to Pinkie, whose jaw was dropping so low it almost looked disconnected. ‘I still don’t exactly like performing to crowds, but you know.’

‘Well you should keep at it, you know, building up courage and all that, you’re definitely a lot better than you realise,’ Octavia let out a small chuckle before starting to walk away. ‘I’m going to pay for this fabric, it was nice seeing you again, Mezzo Piano.’

‘And it was nice seeing you too.’ Mezzo nodded in agreement.

‘Vinyl, are you coming?’

‘I’ll catch up in a minute, babe,’ The Disc Jockey replied rather casually, waiting for her to walk off before starting up again.

‘Look, guys, I have a little errand for you to run.’ Vinyl spoke in a hush voice, removing her glasses and placing them on her head.

‘Why would we be helping you out? You big meanie!’ Pinkie Pie crossed her arms and gave a look of scorn.

‘It can cut about 5 large from what Sunset has to pay me, but only if she helps you out.’ Vinyl crossed her arms and gave a slightly too smug grin.

Mezzo and Pinkie were shocked. Five thousand bits paid off practically by Vinyl herself! How couldn’t they pass this up?

‘What is this “errand” then?’ Mezzo raised an eyebrow as he asked meticulously.

‘I don’t want to come across as “that girl”,’ Vinyl awkwardly moved as she struggled to speak. ‘But I promised a few guys a couple of bags of the green stuff.’

‘What? Celery?’ Pinkie asked in confusion. Mezzo looked at her in a patronising demeanour.

‘No, cotton head! Weed!’ Vinyl said in a hushed voice, but gave a look of discomfort and annoyance.

‘Ohhhhhhhhhhh,’ Pinkie realised. ‘I get you now. You want us to-’

‘Yeah, deliver it for me. It’s a pretty big shipment since it’s coming from Las Pegasus. You’re gonna need a driver to transport it and maybe something you can attack someone with if it gets messy.’

‘Jeez,’ Mezzo was startled. ‘I didn’t think it would be that manic.’

‘Well I’d do it myself, but Octavia would kill me if she knew and she’s staying my place for a couple of days,’ Vinyl Scratch slipped her glasses back on as she talked. ‘They’re usually pretty sound people, but if you spark them off it won’t be pretty for anyone,’

‘All three of you meet me at my place for 5 o’clock tomorrow night, we can discuss this further.’

Suddenly, Octavia appeared behind Vinyl, with a small grin on her face.

‘Are we ready to go?’ She asked politely.

‘Yeah of course,’ Vinyl held her lover's hand as she started to walk out.

‘See you again, Mezzo, Pinkie.’ She nodded to them both, and they nodded back.
As the small bell rang when the door opened, Pinkie Pie went into hysterics.

‘What the FUCK are we supposed to do Mezzo?!’ She screamed, her hair drooped ever so slightly, and she almost began to foam at the mouth out of desperation.

‘Well I say we do it,’ Mezzo replied reluctantly. ‘Anything that helps us get Sunset out of this rut is good, wouldn’t you say?’

‘You’re only saying that because you want to bone her!’ Pinkie yelped, causing many of the customers in the Craft shop to stare at the argument that was beginning to brew.

‘That is besides the point!’ Mezzo matched his volume with his best friend, to which Pinkie grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him outside of the store, leaving whatever craft items they intended on purchasing in there.

Pinkie stopped dragging him after she had dragged him halfway down the street, with a scowl crossing her face, which is unlike her.

‘Look, Mezzo,’ Pinkie rolled her eyes, and pushed her droopy hair out of her eyes. ‘I get that you want to be the “White Knight” here, but this is too risky. And that’s coming from me, the one who snorts some weird shit into her system once a month out of sheer boredom in the middle of a club!’

‘You’re seriously turning down an offer to help pay off 5 thousand of this stupid debt,’ Mezzo said in disbelief. ‘Chances are this will be considerably simple. Yeah it’s illegal, but I highly doubt we’re gonna go down for it.’

‘Hmmm, I guess you’re right. But we don’t tell anyone else we’re doing this,’ Pinkie help out her little finger, indicating she wanted to make a promise. ‘We say that your parents paid you the money or something, they’re rich enough as it is.’

After sighing, Mezzo agreed to the promise.

‘We need to tell Sunset though, because we can’t do this without her, Vinyl said so.’ Mezzo Piano added on, tugging on the collar of his trenchcoat as the cool evening air began to creep in.

‘Yeah,’ Pinkie Pie pulled out her phone and dialled up Sunset’s number.

‘Hiiiii Sunset… It’s me, Pinkie… Look, can you meet us outside the Crafts shop, like now? Okay cool, see you in a minute, love you too, bye.’

‘Ay well, at least this will be something to cross off the best friend bucket list.’ Mezzo chuckled, trying to alleviate some of the uncomfortable air.

Pinkie Pie gave a light-hearted giggle at that statement.

‘You’re funny, you know that, MP?’

‘Good one, Pinkie.’

‘No no, I mean it,’ The pink haired girl looked to her best friend with admiration. ‘As much as all this weird shit has gone down whilst you’ve been here, I’m glad you’ve come back home.’

‘It’s good to be home,’ Mezzo replied, looking back her and placing an arm around her shoulder. ‘Even if I caused one of your friends to run away, which, yenno, I am sorry about.’

‘She’s gonna be fine, MP, you know she needs it, anyway,’ Pinkie Pie sighed. ‘Rarity’s prone to being like that sometimes, and you just need to give her space.’

‘Yeah, I understand.’ Mezzo said with a hint of reassurance.

It wasn’t much longer until Sunset arrived, her teeth chattering due to the now low temperatures settling into the atmosphere.

‘What do you want? It’s freezing out here and my apartment is a half hour walk away so this better be important.’ Sunset said through small stammers of her teeth clanging together.

‘Yeah, thing is,’ Mezzo began rather awkwardly. ‘We have good news and bad news. The good news is that Vinyl will settle the debt down to about 10 thousand bits for us.’

‘Wait, seriously?!’ Sunset said in a shock of both surprise and relief.

‘Yeah, that’s what I thought!’ Pinkie said in a similar tone of voice.

‘Bad news however,’ Mezzo Piano cringed as he muttered. ‘Us three have to deal a package of drugs for her tomorrow evening…’

‘Oh for fucks sake, I knew there was a stupid catch!’ Sunset’s expression dropped to a face of frustration in a single instant.

‘Yeah I know, it’s a pain in the ass, but we gotta do it.’ Pinkie said in a dissapointed fashion.

‘What do you mean? What a hypocritical thing to do, press charges against someone for breaking some DJ equipment when she owns a fucking drug ring,’ Sunset spat her words of hate. ‘I get it, and I’m gonna do it so that it’s easier for the rest of us and I kind of deserve it, but it’s just lousy, you know.’

‘We get you, Sunset, it is shitty,’ Mezzo comforted his crush. ‘We need a driver too to transport the weed.’

‘Flash Sentry is the only guy I know who drives and would probably be willing to do it,’ Pinkie stroked her chin as she thought out loud. ‘Do you think he would do it though?’

‘Well, I could always ask him tomorrow, I’m sure he won’t mind, at least I don’t think.’ Sunset Shimmer said with reluctance.

‘Meet me at Rarity’s house tomorrow after school, and bring Flash if you can.’ Mezzo Piano told the two girls, who nodded in agreement.

‘I’m gonna feel sick after doing this.’ Sunset held onto her stomach.

‘Come on, Sunset,’ Pinkie said in a somewhat chipper mood. ‘We’ve all done things that we’re not proud of.’

‘Good one.’ Sunset’s response dripped in sarcasm.

It had been a long day for Mezzo, and things were about to get a whole lot worse.

He walked in, took off his coat and shoes, and stepped into the kitchen, where he saw the furious frown of none other than Sweetie Belle.

Fuck, I knew I’d forgotten to do something, he thought.

‘I made myself my own food, considering you weren’t here.’ The young girl scolded, as she took a bite of a hastily made ham and cheese sandwich she had attempted to make.

‘I’m sorry, Sweetie Belle, I should’ve made you something.’ Mezzo sighed out of sympathy and sheer exhaust.

‘I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU!’ Sweetie Belle screamed at the top of her lungs. ‘You’ve ruined my life! Rarity’s ran away because of you, and you don’t even care!’

‘Of course I care!’ Mezzo said in defense, but still kept up the sympathetic side. ‘I hate myself because what I’ve done to her, what I’ve done to both of you. I’m sorry I truly am.’

‘No!! You don’t get it! I HATE YOU!!’ The icy, shrill words that Sweetie spoke were enough to pierce Mezzo. She ran away into her room and slammed the door as hard as she could.

Sweetie Belle’s horrific cries filled the otherwise empty house.

But all Mezzo could do was stand there, taken aback by the harsh words that were screamed to him.

At that moment, a single tear dropped from his eye, and he watched as it hit the carpet in front of his feet, leaving a small dark spot in front of him.

For a solid few hours, that was it. Just the sounds of violent cries from upstairs, that didn’t die down until much later on, when it seemed that Sweetie Belle had fallen asleep.

Mezzo lay, curled up onto his couch, unable to sleep.

It was only at this moment that he’d realised the true calibre of what had happened.

He was the one who made Rarity run away, and whilst Applejack had said it wasn’t his fault, he couldn’t help but admit that it entirely was his fault. She ran away because of him, he broke her heart. All the things she had done for him and he ended up crippling her so much that she had to leave everything and just go for a walk to who knows where.

Maybe, Mezzo thought, that’s the right thing to do.

Mezzo got up, put on his coat and shoes, and picked up his duffel bag, before exiting through the front door, locking it, and posting the key.

From then, he began to walk, he didn’t know where he was going to end up.

But he just needed a walk, that was all.

Author's Note

Yikes, it's been a while. :twilightsheepish:

Looking through an old draft of this chapter I wrote up about a year ago, I couldn't help but complete it and post it.
I may return to this series if I have the proper time, but seeing as I'm off to university in a couple of weeks, I'm not sure when I will start consistently uploading chapters again.

However, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, it helped me through a mental block I was having with this story, and I do like the direction I'm beginning to take with it.

Who knows, I may return to this story and complete it once and for all.

Until we meet again,
TheOldRedHills :twilightsmile: