Chapters Friendship is Failure #21: Is it Love?
INTRO
It was a few days before Hearts and Hooves Day, and Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends were all visiting the Crystal Empire, having been invited by Princess Cadance to personally attend and assist with the annual Hearts and Hooves set up.
Pinkie Pie couldn’t stop squealing as she helped with all the decorations. “EEE-HEE-HEE… I love Hearts and Hooves Day. It’s my favorite holiday!”
Rainbow Dash pointed out “They’re ALL you’re favorite.”
Pinkie could only smile with glee.
Applejack was making plans for a baked good stands, including Heart-Shaped apple pies, Heart-Shaped apple tarts, even apple crumble in heart-shaped pans.
Fluttershy and Rarity were setting up pretty souvenirs-- bird nests with pink ribbons with hearts decorated around them, flowers and valentines they had written and published for ponies and creatures to buy for their sweeties…
Angel was even in charge of writing cute little messages on candied hearts like…
“I Luv U”
“Sweet Baby”
“Be Mine.”
As for Spike, he was with Twilight and Cadance at an outdoor café.
He was feeling rather nervous. He had saved up for months upon months, and even traded away some of his own personal jewels, to buy a special gift-- A heart-shaped fire ruby on a silver necklace, which he intended for Rarity, to match the one with the gold necklace he had given her on his birthday.
He could just picture it now…
There he was in a flashy and blurry scape, down on his knee and passing her the gift. She was flattered with it, and he would ask, “Rarity, would you be my special some-pony on this wonder Hearts and Hooves day?”
And she would respond, “Oh, Spikey-Wikey… of course I shall.”
They would gaze into each other’s eyes and their faces would slowly move closer, and their lips were about to touch…
…When Twilight called to him, “Spike!” snapped him out of his trance. “Are you going to order or what?”
The waitress was waiting patiently with her pen and pad. Her nametag read “Sun Rae” she was a bright yellow Unicorn mare. She had a long and curly brown mane, and her Cutie Mark was that of a daisy with a shining sun above it. Her pastimes and hobbies included gardening and flower arranging, but this job as a waitress was just to make extra cash.
Spike placed his order and Sun excused herself.
Cadance giggled and Spike felt embarrassed.
For a change of subject he thanked Cadance for inviting him to lunch with her and Twilight.
“No problem.” said Cadance, “I needed a break from my royal duties, Shining Armor insisted.” She gave one of those looks where he practically begged her to take time off. Twilight and spike snickered.
“Besides, this place is the best in the entire Crystal Empire. It’s strictly V.I.P, reserved only for royalty or famous ponies, where they can gather without being disturbed by hyperactive crowds.”
Twilight knew the feeling too well. Ever since she became Princess of Friendship, ponies would ask for her autograph, children would send her pictures they had drawn as gifts, and she got loads of fan-mail, as well as requests to help with friendship problems.
She still wished her other friends had come with them, but they all were fine with it, insisting she and Cadance spend sisterly-time with one another, despite Spike’s presence.
Just then, there was a small trumpet fanfare playing to get everyone’s attention.
“What’s happening now?” asked Twilight.
Cadance smirked and answered “It’s time for the entertainment.”
“That explains what the stage and piano is for back there.” said Spike.
A pony greeter stepped onto the stage and spoke into the microphone, but in a civil and calm voice, rather than extreme excitement. “Good Afternoon…
Ladies and Stallions, I proudly present our guest, that great musician and songwriter, Strings.”
The crowd seemed excited, and Sun turned back towards the stage in shock and surprise, but it was Cadance and Twilight who seemed the most excited. They were barely able to contain the urge to scream like giddy groupies.
“Who…?” Spike asked which made the ladies gasp in shock!
“Don’t tell you’ve never heard of Strings?” Twilight asked. “He’s one of the greatest music artists in all of Equestria. I had forgotten he lived here in the empire.”
That’s when Strings came out onto the stage. He was a light red Pegasus with a short yellow mane, wearing a green sweater, a white scarf, even his Cutie Mark was that of multi-colored musical notes on chord.
The crowds applauded to him, and he gave a bow, but Twilight seemed to note his rather forced looking smile, with hints of sadness behind it.
Strings looked up from his bow, and he looked over at Twilight’s table, preferably near Sun as she stood by Cadance, and his eyes widened softly.
Sun blushed and hid her face behind her writing pad, but smiled lovingly, which didn’t go unnoticed by the other three at the table.
As for Sun she peeked up over her pad, and rolled her eyes to something in her apron pocket.
Friendship is Failure #21: Is it Love?
ACT ONE
Strings played a rather beautiful song, and even though he was only playing the piano, the restaurant sound system provided him with all the rest of the music in his song.
(4:55)
Well it feels so nice to have you, Our love burns forth so bright I need your light and warmth because It’s spooky out at night. And I know the feeling’s mutual, I can feel the love so true And I won’t shake what I enunciate My heart I give to you.
His voice sounded soothing, but slightly down toned as well, like he was depressed. Nevertheless, the crowd applauded for him, and Spike was starting to see why he was so celebrated.
“Wow! He is good. Almost like I could feel the words hit me in the chest.”
Twilight and Cadance sighed, feeling lost in the music, and especially Sun from the kitchen as the orders were being ready to take with her to serve.
She saw Strings take a bow, and then stepped off the stage to retreat to a reserved table for himself, far in the back away from the crowds.
Sun smiled in a loving daze, and then quickly got back to her work. She was preparing a special milkshake for Strings. She had served him many times when he came to the joint, and she knew how hungry and thirsty he would get after performance.
So she prepared his favorite chocolate milkshake for him…
…But while no one was watching, and she looked around to make sure. She levitated, out from her apron pocket, a small vial of pink liquid-- a potion. When she added to the milkshake, a few heart-shaped bubbles came out of it, and then nothing.
Sun looked up through the kitchen window, way over at Strings sitting alone at his table. “I’m doing this for you, Strings.” she thought “This love potion-- I spent months looking for its recipe in the magical library, and then it took me a whole year to find the ingredients and mix it just right.
One sip of this potion will make Strings fall in love with the first mare he sees, and that’s going to be me.
I’m doing it for the both of us.”
She was so lost in her daydreams, that she was snapped out of her trance when the chef slammed a tray of food down in front of her.
“Come on, Sun. Shake a leg. These customers aren’t going to feed themselves.”
Sun felt embarrassed but pulled herself together, and placed Strings tainted milkshake onto the tray next to an identical milkshake, which was going to Cadance’s royal table.
When she arrived at the table to serve the food, she heard Cadance giving the news to Twilight and Spike.
“I asked if Strings would perform at the Hearts and Hooves gala, and he said he’d be delighted too.”
“Oh, his music will be so romantic and delightful.” said Twilight.
“Maybe I’ll ask Rarity for a dance.” Spike murmured, and he examined his gift for her again.
As Sun served the food to her customers, she looked over far off at Strings again, becoming lost in her daydreams, and by mistake she had spilled some soup on the table, which splashed a little bit on Cadance as well.
“Whoa!” cried Cadance.
The crowds turned and gasped at the obvious accident, and Sun felt most embarrassed. She got down on her knees, bowing and begging, “Oh, Princess, please forgive me! I didn’t mean to do it! I’m ever so sorry.”
“It’s okay… really…” said Cadance “We all make mistakes.”
Sun offered to clean up the table, but Twilight offered to do it herself while Cadance went off to clean up in the washroom.
The mess wasn’t that hard to clean out; just a little wipe down.
“At least you didn’t spill my milkshake.” said Spike, and that put Sun in mind of her duties again, and she reached for the tray only to realize Spike had ordered the same milkshake as Strings did, and in all the chaos and bumbling about, Sun had forgotten which one was tainted with the potion intended for Strings.
“Um… can I have my milkshake?” Spike asked, sounded a little impatient.
Not wanting to get into any more trouble with the delay, Sun just handed him a milkshake anyway.
“Thank you.” Spike said politely with a smile, but Sun quickly ran off with the lone milkshake she had left.
“Gee, what’s with her?” wondered Spike.
Twilight watched as Sun made her way slowly over to Strings at his table.
Strings looked pretty glum the way he just sat in the corner and in dimmed lights as if he was hiding in the shadows.
He sighed miserably, but softly sang under his breath a verse from a song most ponies knew, “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”
Sun finally approached him and slowly placed the milkshake in front of him. He was surprised at first but looked up at her, “Oh, hi Sun.”
Trying to hide her nerves, Sun answered softly and gently, “Hello Strings. It was a good performance you gave and I prepared your favorite milkshake.”
Strings gave her a weak smile, “Thank you, but I’m starting to feel at a loss of appetite. My heart just doesn’t feel at it.”
Sun looked sad for him, and she knew why, but seeing as he didn’t want to waste her hard work, Strings took a little sip of his milkshake, and at the same time Spike was sipping his own.
Sun felt and thought, “This is it. All he has to do is look at me.”
She leaned in forward a little, batting her eyelids softly.
Strings drowsed as the soft coolness of the shake slowly went down his throat, and he looked up at Sun.
“Thank you,” he said deeply but kindly “…I feel really glad to have a friend like you, Sun.”
Sun was confused. “Oh, um… sure, it’s my pleasure.” while her thoughts were going crazy, “Friend?!” I don’t understand! He should be head-over-heels for me.”
Suddenly, the chef called her back to the kitchen. “Come on, Sun, quit holding up the joint.”
Not wanting to get into any more trouble, Sun was forced to leave Strings and get back to work.
“She didn’t even take my order.” Strings said to himself. “Ah, well… she’s known me a long time. She knows I’ll just take my usual.”
Now he felt worse, “How can I possibly break it to her?”
Spike made funny faces and licked his lips softly. “This milkshake tastes a little strange.”
“Spike!” snapped Twilight “You should wait for Cadance to come back before you start eating or drinking.”
Spike would have protested, but he suddenly began to feel very stranger; sort of warm and soft inside as he gazed at Twilight, and he even chuckled while gawking at her with a goofy expression. “Anything you say… Twilight.” he said in a soft and almost cooing voice.
Twilight was most confused, “Um… ooooookay...”
Cadance was coming back after cleaning up, but she stopped on route back to the table to see Strings.
“Hello, Strings…” she said kindly.
Strings looked up and saw Cadance, and he swallowed hard. “Y… Your Highness.” he said in a shaky voice.
“I really wanted to thank you for agreeing to help out at the gala. I just love your music, and I’m very proud that you’ve come so far in your life.”
Strings couldn’t help but blush. “Thank you… um… It’s a pleasure… for you… Princess...”
Cadance excused herself to go back to her friends, and Strings bit his hoof hard, and cringed deeply, trying supress the burning feelings inside of him.
“She can’t know…” he said in thought “She must never find out how I feel. I just wish it didn’t hurt so much. Maybe I shouldn’t have agreed to work for her.”
As Cadance and Twilight at their lunch, Spike never stopped gazing at Twilight with that same dopey expression.
“Aren’t you going to eat, Spike?” Twilight asked.
“Oh, don’t mind me.” he cooed “I’m not hungry for food, I’m hungry for love.”
Cadance blinked her eyes in confusion, but Twilight chuckled and took it as a joke. “I get it. You’re getting into the spirit for Hearts and Hooves.”
“Oh, more than that...” Spike said with hearts in his eyes.
Soon they finished their lunch, and paid for it, but Spike insisted on paying for Twilight’s share, as well as his own.
“That’s very thoughtful, Spike, but really I can pay for my own meal, and besides, you hardly have any money after buying your gift.”
“No amount of money is worth how I feel for you.” replied Spike.
Both Cadance and Twilight gawked at him in confusion. “Are you feeling alright, Spike?” asked Cadance.
“I feel fine.” he answered in a slow and deep voice while gazing into Twilight’s confused eyes.
“Right…” said Twilight. “Well, come on, Spike. We’ve got work to do in the village.”
Cadance and Twilight hugged as they promised to meet up later at the Crystal Palace, and Spike followed Twilight… literally floating on air. “Wherever she goes… I go.”
Cadance was starting to feel concerned about Spike, but she also noticed a little of his milkshake left. She hated to see waste like that, especially on the restaurants best milkshake too. So she levitated the glass to her lips, rather than drinking from the straw and gulped the last of it down.
“Ugh…!!” she groaned, as she tasted something odd yet familiar. “That taste…! Oh, no, it’s--”
Just like Spike, the potion began to make her feel warm and soft inside, especially when she looked to where Strings was sitting in the corner.
Their eyes met, and Cadance felt like birds were flying around her head, and she smiled and giggled softly.
Strings blushed hard at her gazing at him, and he decided to just leave money for his food and leave through a back exit before he felt anymore sad or crushing feelings.
“Okay, why was she looking at me like that?” he wondered.
As for Sun, she had seen everyone from Spike to Cadance’s reactions and realized her mistake. “What have I done?!”
Friendship is Failure #21: Is it Love?
ACT TWO
The rest of the gang had spotted a poster in town depicting Strings’ Performance at the upcoming Hearts and Hooves Gala on the big day.
“Oh, my…!!” swooned Rarity “I’ve always admired Strings and his sense of classical yet playful musical artistry.”
“Are you kidding me?” asked Rainbow “That guy is jammin’, and rockin’, that’s what he’s known best for.”
Rarity grunted and looked away preferring her own view of the singer.
Pinkie was bouncing giddily and squealing “EEEE… this is so exciting!”
“Whoa, someone’s a big Strings fan.” said Applejack.
Pinkie kept bouncing and replied, “Oh, no… I’ve never heard his music before. I’m just excited about everything that’s going on, and I like music too.”
The others all rolled their eyes for Pinkie being so “Pinkie.”
Fluttershy then noted, “Shouldn’t Twilight and Spike be back by now? There’s still a lot that needs to be done.”
The ladies all noted this too and wondered where they were.
Twilight was delayed on her way back to work because of Spike…
He was holding a bunch of beautiful flowers before her, and cooing, “Flowers for my poopsy-woopsy Pony Pie.”
Twilight was starting to feel creeped out by his behaviour. “Um… that’s very sweet of you, Spike, but really… I… um…” she began to walk in the opposite direction, but as if like magic, there was Spike with a big heart shaped box.
“Candy?” he asked to her “It’s your favorite… chocolate-covered oat-balls.”
Twilight was starting to quiver nervously. “Spike, I mean it… what’s wrong with--” she stopped when Spike actually shoved one of the sweet candies in her open mouth, and Twilight couldn’t help but sigh at the wonderful taste, but she was still feeling uneasy…
…Especially when Spike threw the box away, and showing tremendous amounts of strength, he dipped her back, and with a rose in his teeth he seductively hissed at her, “Care to dance…?”
“What…?” cried Twilight, and before she knew it, Spike was leading her in a tango. He spun her, dipped her down back again…
“Um… Spike… I really think there’s something wrong with you. Now what is it?”
Spike replied, “Nothing’s wrong with me. I’m just driven by passion, romance… LO-O-O-O-VE!!” and he proceeded to plant multiple smooches up Twilight’s limb, getting closer and closer towards her face.
Twilight finally snapped, and teleported away.
“Oh, ho, you’re playing hard to get, huh?” Spike teased “I love a game of hide and seek. The power of my love will lead me straight to you.”
He began to hop along, like some crazed animal chasing his runaway love.
Meanwhile, Strings was by himself, in a clearing by a pond. This was one of his favorite places to be, away from the cheering crowds and think to himself, to gain inspiration for songs, and yet his mind was still tied in knots, some around Princess Cadance, some were around Sun.
“I’m all a mess.” he thought to himself “I can’t stop putting Sun through this, but I can’t help how I feel either, and it’s doing me no good either.
How can I continue my career when I’m so depressed all the time?”
Suddenly, someone cleared her throat softly at him, making him jump in shock.
He looked up, and became even more shocked, “…Princess Cadance?”
She looked down at him with a rather warm looking gaze, and spoke with a rather seductive tone, “Hello, Strings. May I sit with you?”
Strings’ blood seemed to be going a-hundred miles per-hour. He could barely find his voice to speak. “Um… I… don’t mind, but shouldn’t you be getting back to the Crystal Palace?”
Cadance chuckled, “Maybe… but I’d much rather be here.” she fluttered her eyes at him, which made him blush like crazy, but his thoughts were going berserk. “What is she doing? Is she actually flirting with me?”
Cadance sat down softly next him, and she gave her tail a flick letting it land behind Strings on his tail, softly brushing his back along the way, making him shiver softly.
“What’s going on here?” thought Strings.
Cadance looked at him, and their eyes met, she giggled at him, making him turn away.
“I wanted to thank you again for agreeing to sing at the gala.” said Cadance.
“Um… yes, you’re welcome.”
Cadance leaned in slightly closer and her hoof touched his, “I wanted to thank you more than just that.”
Strings blinked, “Excuse me?”
Not trying to make any fast moves, Cadance asked “…I wouldn’t mind hearing one of your songs.”
Strings insides were twisting in knots, and yet he couldn’t refuse and asked, “Which song would you like to hear?”
Cadance acted sly, and responded “Something romantic, really romantic.”
Strings swallowed hard, now he was telling himself, “This is wrong! Why is she acting so romantic towards me?”
And yet, despite all that, through the magic of Equestria, he began to sing a very soft and gentle song about love. “When Love is all there is”
As he sang, both he and Cadance seemed to have the same kind of fantasies; all of it romantic.
They were walking through the flower fields, and he would hand her a bouquet he had picked, which flattered her.
Then there was going to the theater, and then leaving, walking side-by-side.
Then came the romantic dinner, and clinking their drink glasses together.
Of course after that came a wedding scene, living together in peace and love, and having foals, and raising a loving family.
…and the song ended, with the two ponies snuggled into their bed happily and cozily.
Suddenly, Strings snapped into reality. “What am I doing?!” he thought. “This is way out of line here. This is Princess Cadance. She’s already married to Shining Armor.
No! I’m NOT going to do this! I WON’T do this!”
He turned to face Cadance, ready to call her out on this unusual behaviour of hers, only to find she tackled him to the ground, pinning him down hard, and looked at him with rather frightening, hungry eyes.
“Princess… what are you doing?!”
Cadance winked at him, “I’ve decided to make you mine and mine alone.”
Strings shuddered in fear, and Cadance slowly began to lower her face towards his, intent of touching lips, but, though she was bigger and stronger than he was, in a freak of miracles, Strings actually managed to find the strength, and broke free, causing Cadance to fall flat on the ground.
“What in the name of Celestia’s going on here?!” wailed Strings, and while he wasn’t sure why Cadance was acting this way and trying to force herself on him, he didn’t dare stick around to find out and took off into the skies.
Cadance only pulled herself up in time to see him take off, and she snickered rather wickedly. “I love it when it’s “Hard-to-Get.” and she took off after him.
Friendship is Failure #21: Is it Love?
ACT THREE
The other ponies were all finished setting up their displays, and Applejack finished baking her goods.
Customers were flocking around purchasing all kinds of flowers, teddy bears, cards, candies, and the baked goods in the spirit of Hearts and Hooves week, and yet they big day was only a few days away.
“This is so cute.” chirped Pinkie. “Look at all the happy couples.”
Seeing all the romance and joy spreading around-- men giving their lady friends their gifts or flattering them-- it brought tears to her eyes.
“Eh… I guess it’s kind of neat.” said Rainbow.
Suddenly, a candied heart was handed to her from angel, and inscribed on it was a cute message saying “U R Great.”
Rainbow felt a little flattered.
Angel had given special hearts to all the ponies, and in his haste he accidently gave Rarity one that said “Forget it, kid!”
Rarity looked insulted, and Angel quickly replaced it with a better one which read “I’m Mad about you.”
“Oh…!” Rarity sighed “So beautiful.”
Fluttershy was given a very special candied heart that wasn’t like any of the others. She had to squint to read it.
“What’s it say?” asked Applejack.
Still squinting, Fluttershy made it out what appeared to be a rather long, and deep poem. "How do I Love Thee"
As she continued to read, Angel stood behind her, holding his paw to his heart in a strong and prideful pose.
The others all gawked in extreme awe, some wondering how in the world all that fit onto such a tiny candy, but Fluttershy… she felt lighter than air, and looked down lovingly at her pet…
Angel tenderly kissed her hoof, making her blush.
Rarity could hardly conceal her emotions and wiped her eyes, but the moment was suddenly interrupted when Twilight came galloping by screaming, “SPIKE….!!”
Then along came Spike, bounding merrily and calling, “Come back here, my darling sweet-roll.”
The others were most confused. “What was all that?” asked Applejack.
“Did Spike just call Twilight “Darling sweet-roll?” added Rarity. She almost sounded rather cold, jealous even.
Before any of them could question anything else, Shining Armor came along.
“You girls haven’t seen Cadance anywhere, have you?” he asked. “She never came back from lunch with Twilight. That’s not like her.”
The girls all looked back and forth at one another, and then Twilight came by again, totally out of breath, and running straight into her brother knocking him over.
“Sorry… Bro…” she panted.
As the two ponies got back up onto their feet, along came Spike. He called to Twilight, “Here I come, my darling, ready or not!” and he leapt clear over to her, and finally Twilight couldn’t take it and used her magic to freeze him suspended in midair.
Twilight nearly passed out in relief.
Her brother picked her up, and he and the others treated Twilight to a cool drink at Applejack’s stand, leaving Spike frozen in midair.
“What is up with Spike?” asked Applejack. “He’s lighter than a plastic bag in an updraft.”
“I don’t know,” replied Twilight “He’s been acting like this ever since we left the restaurant.”
Even Pinkie couldn’t deny, from what Twilight had said, “…I’ve never heard of some-creature being that obsessed with some-pony.”
Rarity agreed, “I’ll admit, I’ve been overly obsessed before… in ways I regret to remember… but what would possessed Spike to be so infatuated with Twilight?”
None of the friends had the slightest clue, until Sun Rae approached them and confessed, “…It was my fault.”
Everyone looked her way.
“Sun Rae?” said Twilight in confusion.
Sun had been feeling so ashamed with what happened earlier, and so guilt-ridden, she had been looking for Twilight and her friends to confess to everything, but first she had to warn them about Cadance.
“Cadance…? You know where she is?” asked Shining Armor
“I have a pretty good idea.” replied Sun.
Strings had finally made it back to his house within the village, and he was panicking like crazy, as well as out of breath as he stumbled inside and locked the door with chains, keys, and even boarded it up with a huge table.
Cadance had been chasing him all through the empire, claiming she was “driven by her love.” She just wouldn’t quit.
“Please say I’ve lost her…!” he begged to no one in particular, but no such luck as he heard a knock at the door, followed by the same voice, “…I know you’re in there, darling.”
Panicking most desperately, Strings backed away from the door, and bumped into a shelf causing small boxes and things to fall on him and knocking him to the floor.
Naturally, Cadance couldn’t push through the barricaded door, and she didn’t have to. She just used her magic to make the wall transparent and waltzed right in just as Strings was brushing all the clutter off of him. He looked up, and saw he was totally trapped, and Cadance was looking at him, growling like a hungry, yet seductive tiger, making Strings go numb with fear.
“Your princess has come for you…” she hissed softly, and then she dashed over and scooped him up in her limbs, finally having him at her mercy.
Strings was far too tired and weak from the chase to break free this time, and even still he had no place to go.
“Princess, please,” wailed Strings “You mustn’t do this-- it’s wrong!!”
“Nonsense.” said Cadance “I do this for you, for me… FOR LOVE…!!”
Strings felt as if he had totally lost all feeling in his body, and was still unable to free himself.
Cadance slowly began to lower her face towards his. “Don’t fight it, dear, just take me now…”
Tears of fright and worry streaked down Strings face, and he couldn’t find strength to scream for help because he felt himself fading away…!
Cadance’s lips just barely brushed up against his when Twilight and the gang busted through the barricaded door.
“Cadance…!!” shouted Shining Armor.
Cadance looked up in shock, and together, her husband and Twilight combined their magic to lift her up into the air, and she dropped Strings on the floor.
“No!! Let me down!!” wailed Cadance “I want my Strings! Give me my love!”
Twilight could see her sister-in-law needed a cure for the potion and fast, but it was Strings who needed even more help than ever.
He was lying on the floor, with his eyes wide open and he was twitching like crazy, and barely breathing.
“He’s in shock!” cried Sun. “He needs a doctor and fast!”
Rainbow scooped him up and strapped him to her back, and actually placed a dome-light and siren on her head. “Stand back! We’re heading out!” and she took off for the hospital.
“No!! Come back with my love!” shouted Cadance.
Twilight and her brother couldn’t bear this much longer.
“I’ll see if I can find a cure for that potion.” said Twilight.
Sun felt most ashamed of herself. “What have I done?”
Author's Note
This was the poem Fluttershy read...
"How do I love thee" (Elizabeth Barrett Browning)
I didn't think I could post it in text, because it's also copyrighted as a song.
Friendship is Failure #21: Is it Love?
Act 4: Tales of Unrequited Love
ACT FOUR
Strings was soon resting in a hospital room, hooked up to life-support and everything. He was stable now, but he was unconscious after what he had been through.
Rainbow explained, “The doctor said he had cardiogenic shock-- pretty much a heart attack. He’ll be fine, but the doc recommended he stay in the hospital for a few days, so he won’t be able to perform at the gala.”
Everyone stared at him, so silent and still in his bed.
“Poor Strings…” wept Fluttershy.
“The poor dear,” added Rarity “I never thought it was possible to go into such shock.”
“I don’t think I can blame him.” said Applejack. She said nothing more. The entire gang was sworn to secrecy about what happened between Strings and Cadance, and the only other ponies who knew were the hospital staff, and they promised to keep it confidential, especially when they learned of the conditions that led to things.
Sun didn’t know it was possible to feel this ashamed. “Princess Cadance and Spike… are they okay?” she asked.
Twilight nodded, “Luckily, that potion you gave them had a special effect. If they stopped paying attention to their so-called “Sweet-hearts” it wears off.”
At that moment, Cadance and Spike both came groping and groaning into the room.
“Talk about headache.” said Spike.
Cadance rubbed her eyes and asked “What happened? What are we all doing here in the hospital?”
Then she saw Strings lying unconscious in bed. “Was there an accident?”
Everyone felt awkward and knew they would have to explain things, but almost all of them fell too embarrassed to say.
“Well, you see…” Pinkie said, and then she took a huge breath and went off on one of her fast forwarded descriptions.
“Sun told us that she mixed up a love potion she had intended to give to Strings to make Strings fall in love with her, but the milkshakes at the restaurant got mixed up and so you and Spike ended up taking the potion instead, and you each fell in love with the first pony you saw which so happened ot be Twilight and Strings, and so you both acted like obsessed love zombies, and now you’re all better.”
Cadance and Spike were both wide-eyed in shock.
“Love Potion?!” they both exclaimed, and they both had remembered Spike’s milkshake had tasted funny. “I remember…!” cried Cadance. “I recognized it was a love potion, but too late.”
Spike felt a mix of shame, upset, and horribly embarassed. “…I fell in love with Twilight?!”
“Oh, sure, you were head-over-heels.” said Pinkie, but that only earn her scornful looks from the others, and Spike only felt so embarassed he froze on the spot.
Twilight tried to comfort him, but Spike still could barely bring himself to move or make a sound, and as for Cadance, much as she was disturbed by the thngs she had done, she had to ask. “Sun, why… why were you trying to give Strings the love potion?”
Sun was nervously and shamfully looking at the floor, but it was Twilight who could tell the answer instantly.
“You’re in love with Strings, aren’t you?”
Sun nodded softly, “He and I were friends, and we grew up together at Canterlot Palace-- Both our parents worked in the staff.
He was so kind and sweet, and the way he would be facinated in music and try to write songs. I knew he would be the only colt I would ever love.”
The gang felt moved by her story, but then Sun looked nearly tearful.
“But Strings… he was in love too, with some-pony else.”
“Who was it?” asked Cadance.
Sun shook her head, “I can’t tell you. I mustn’t.”
“Why not?” asked Applejack “We’re all trying to help you here, and Strings, and honesty is the best thing you can do at a time like this.”
“No, you don’t understand.” cried Sun.
“Try us…” said Shining Armor.
By this time, Sun was trembling nervously, and she looked over at Strings, not feeling she could bring herself to say it. It wasn’t until Twilight and Cadance approached her.
“We’re all friends here,” said Twilight “And friends help, they understand.”
Cadance agreed, “Sometimes secrets must be revealed, but don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone if it’s that much to you.”
Unable to contain the pressure, Sun came clean “…It’s you, Princess Cadance.”
Cadance gasped softly, so did Twilight and the others.
“What?” snapped Shining Armor. “Strings is in love with my wife?”
Twilight then remembered back at the restaurant, she thought Strings was looking over at Sun, but realized Cadance was sitting right where Sun stood, and when Cadance went over to thank Strings personally, he looked sad and rather nervous.
Cadance suddenly remembered, way back when she was younger, and an older student in the schools, there would be times when Celestia would pair up her class of older students with buddies from the minor classes, as ways of developing friendship and social understanding.
They would do arts and crafts, reports, or just hangout on play dates.
Cadance remembered Strings was always her favorite student. “I remember, he was always so full of light, love, and he was very talented at the piano and with a guitar. I loved hearing him sing.”
She recalled him one Hearts and Hooves day, when he had written a song for their project on how to demonstrate love, and asked if she’d like to hear it first… and she did: “Moonlight Becomes You.”
(0:14)
“That was beautiful, Strings.” she would compliment.
Strings blushed and said, “You sort of inspired me to write it. I wanted to give it to you as a hearts and hooves gift.”
Overly-flattered, she kissed him on the cheek, but of course, she only assumed he was just being nice with her like a friend.
“Wow!” said Rainbow “Sounds like he really had it for you.”
Rarity was half in a lovey daze. “That sounds so beautiful.”
Even Shining Armor had to admit, “…I guess that is pretty deep.”
Sun sighed miserably, “I was probably the only pony in class who could see it, and worse, Strings only ever saw me as a friend-- a good friend-- but try as I would, I couldn’t get him to notice my feelings.
It became even harder when Strings was asked to become a singer by the palace staff, and that’s how his career was launched, and he was busier than ever, writing more songs, coming up with melodies, and I could tell… he was madly in love with Princess Cadance, as his songs were all romantic and passionate. He was trying to drop her signals. Naturally, she never got the message, either Strings wasn’t clear enough or she just couldn’t see.
Of course, it was revealed that’s had been dating Shining Armor for a while, and they became engaged.
…Strings was crushed! So crushed, he had run away from Canterlot, unable to be so close to his inspiration, the pony of his eye and yet face the reality that it wasn’t meant to be between them.”
Cadance and Shining Armor remembered that. They had both hoped Strings would come to their wedding and maybe play one of his songs for them to dance to at the reception.
Everyone else knew the rest of the story. Word came sometime after the royal wedding that Strings became a well renowned singer and song artist throughout Equestria, Cadance and Shining Armor were so porud of him, and yet niehter of them had a clue of his feelings for Cadance, they asked if he would move to the Crystal Empire, and offered him a place of his own.
Strings accepted, but he seemed rather gloomy at times, and he often kept to himself, yet he would accept Cadance’s offers of performing at galas, events she organized, even provide his music at theatrical productions.
“Why would he do all this?” Cadance wondered aloud “Why would he never even tell me about his feelings?”
“…I’ll tell you why.”
Everyone turned and saw Strings sitting upright in his bed, having awoken, and having heard a few things.
“Strings?” cried Sun.
“Are you alright?” asked Twilight.
“Never mind that,” said Strings, and he explained.
“I was trying to protect both the Princess, and you, Sun.”
The ladies were both confused.
“Sun, I knew you were in love with me from the start.”
Sun gasped softly, and blushed madly.
“How could I not know? You were always gazing at me, and blushing. You would send me secret notes, and I would recognize the writing style, and you were very kind to me, trying to drop me signals.
But, I knew my heart belonged to the princess. She was my inspiration, the one pony I wished to express my feelings to and dedicate my life. My mind was made up, and my heart was set. I could never go against it.
How could I tell you flat out it would never happen between us? I didn’t want to hurt you, so I tried to be subtle by telling you that I valued you as a friend.”
As expected, Sun had a crushing, tearful look on her face, and Strings felt ever so regretful.
Strings pressed on his bed with his hooves tightly, much like clenching a fist.
“When Princess Cadance planned to marry Shining Armor, I knew it was hopeless. Everything I dreamed and worked for would never be.
I wished no harm on the Princess, or those affiliated with her who supported the marriage, and so I ran away, to help myself recover and hopefully fund my strength again, but it never happened. I could never forget my love for Princess Cadance.
If I could not be with her, well… then I resigned myself to always be alone. I never wished to ever fall in love again, or let any mare enter my heart. How could I love any mare when my heart would always belong to Princess Cadance, even if there could never be a thing between us.
When I received her request to come to the Crystal Empire, in-spite of the over-bearing heartbreak, I couldn’t just turn it down flat, not for… an old friend. I was a music artist because of her, and I still wanted to sing, and I thought maybe it would help me.
…it didn’t.
I found myself always in love, and a hopeless romantic.”
Cadance felt sorry for him, so did her husband. Then Shining Armor expressed concern, “Well, why did you never tell us, we would have understood.”
“I think I know why…” said Cadance, and she looked deeply at the depressed singer “You kept your feelings secret because you didn’t want me to find out... Right?”
Strings nodded, “I felt that if you knew it would cause you concern, stress, and perhaps embarrassment. If the news leaked out, I feared you and I would subjected to tabloid propaganda, rumors, and that would cause you more trouble.
I didn’t want that for you. I knew you were happy with your husband, and I wanted nothing to upset that.”
He strongly backed up what he said by stating how he didn’t even try to take advantage of Cadance while she was cursed with the potion and wooing him. He knew it was wrong, and he did all he could to stop her.
Ever since her and Shining Armor’s engagement, and long after their marriage, he did nothing to upset them. When they invited him back to the Empire, he showed no hostility, he held no grudge and remained as loyal as ever, with no vengeful plots or even thoughts of it.
He just let them be the way they were.
Cadance and Shining Armor couldn’t begin to imagine how much strength and courage that took-- keeping it all locked up inside of him for years-- It was no wonder he had a heart attack.
He then looked over at Twilight, “Also, it meant I wouldn’t have to hear from you, Princess Twilight.”
Twilight knew what he was getting at, and she didn’t know whether to feel concerned or insulted. “I would have helped you. We all would have.”
Her friends all agreed, and Sun stepped forth. “Strings, that’s why I tried the love potion.
When you moved here to the empire, I thought maybe you had changed, and maybe we could try and see if we could build a romance, but I could tell your heart was still closed. I couldn’t bear to see you doing this to yourself, and I thought if I could help you forget Cadance… maybe you would…” she paused “…Learn to forget and… even… love me?”
Strings knew he would regret what he was about to say to her. “Sun… I understand this must hurt you, I know the feeling too well, but… I can’t change my feelings simply because you want me to.”
“How would you know?” asked Rainbow “You weren’t even willing to try.”
Rarity cleared her throat, “I am inclined to agree with Rainbow Dash. I’ve made many good attempts to show my feelings to those I have… crushed on.”
Strings only shook his head. “Love isn’t something that can magically happen. It’s not something two beings can simply try. They either have something special, or they don’t. If they don’t have it, there is no magic here, or in all of Equestria that can make them get it.”
Many of the others would have protested, by Cadance said, “I’m sorry to say this, but he’s right.”
Twilight agreed with her, and she said to Sun, “Even if you had succeeded in giving him the potion, it wouldn’t be his true feelings.”
“That, and he’d turn into a love monster.” Spike pointed out. The others couldn’t deny, he was right.
Sun was looking ready to burst out sobbing like no tomorrow. All this time she had been making a fool of herself, and she put others in danger with her carelessness.
…But it was Strings who finally broke down, sobbing ever so silently into his curled up legs.
“Strings…” said Cadance. She felt a little like crying herself.
String softly asked everyone nicely, “Please leave… I need to be alone right now.”
He wasn’t kidding. He felt so hurt with his broken heart, and very upset with himself for hurting Sun.
“Come on, we better go. He needs to rest.” said Shining Armor.
Twilight agreed it was best not to put him through anymore pain, and Sun really needed some comfort too.
Everyone quietly waltzed out of the room, some were sniffling, and some didn’t know to be livid, shocked, or understanding towards what happened-- so many double standards!
Cadance took one last look over at Strings as if she wanted to apologize to him, but that would only make things worse, so she said nothing, and just left him to quietly weep in shame and heartache.
Friendship is Failure #21: Is it Love?
Closing Act: Is There Hope?
CLOSING ACT
Cadance decided to treat everyone to a dinner at the V.I.P restaurant, and invited Sun to sit with them.
She and the others solemnly promised not to let slip out what Sun did, slipping the potion in a drink, or it would cost her her job.
Sun didn’t feel too much like eating. Her heart wasn’t in the right place, and none of the others could blame her.
“You know, despite your weariness, you should still eat.” said Rarity.
Sun only shook her head, “I’m just not hungry… Too upset. I made a real fool myself, and I put others in danger.”
No one could argue with her, especially not Spike or Cadance.
Rainbow still had a hard time trying to make up what she thought of Strings. “The guy sounds like a jerk for not wanting to give you a chance.”
“Don’t go writing him off so easily, Rainbow.” said Twilight. “It can’t be ignored, he tried to be subtle about things, but I can’t get over that he’s living a life of such self-destruction, and he’s refusing all chances to pull himself up.”
Shining Armor sighed. “Well, one thing’s for sure, we’ll have to cancel Strings’ appearance at the gala. Like the doc said: he’s in no condition to be performing.”
Fluttershy felt miserable in so many ways, especially for Strings. “It’s incredible he managed to hang in and hold his feelings so long, but the fact he doesn’t want our help makes me worry about him.”
Applejack felt the same way. “We can’t just force it on him. We already sort of did, and it only made things worse for him. Besides, he’s stubborn as a burro with a cold in its head-- he’s made up his mind he won’t give up on Cadance or move on.”
Rarity cleared her throat. “Aren’t we all forgetting of poor Sun here? Her heart has been horribly shattered. What do we do for her?”
It was surprisingly Sun who answered, “…Nothing.”
Everyone turned her way.
“What do you mean “Nothing?” asked Pinkie.
“There’s nothing we can do. I’m just going to have to reconcile myself that I can never win Strings’ heart. He and I are friends, and that’s all it ever will be.”
Twilight was shocked by what she was saying. “Are you sure you want to just give up like this?”
Sun felt her heart aching, but she felt she was doing the right thing. “Strings is in the hospital because of my carelessness with the potion, and trying to convince him to change will only bring him more suffering, more pain, and more misery.
…I can’t do that to him, and I can’t do it to myself anymore either. The more I keep trying, the more heartbreak I cause myself.”
She shut her eyes tightly as two tears fell.
Cadance felt really sorry for her. She of all ponies knew that sometimes loved expressed itself in sacrifice, and having to let go if it wasn't to be, or if it was unwanted to be.
Shining Armor felt crushed for Sun. “If that’s what you really want.”
Sun wasn’t really sure if it was, but she felt it was the right thing to do.
No one said a thing after that.
By the time it came to leave and head home for the night.
Spike wanted to give something to Sun-- the fire ruby he intended to give to Rarity.
Rarity gawked at the sight of of. “That… that gem must have cost nothing-less of a fortune.”
Spike cringed, feeling upset about no longer giving it to her, but he felt this was right.
“Why are you giving me this?” asked Sun.
Spike hesitated and rocked back and forth softly trying to find his words. “I… I wanted to give this to some-pony else.”
He tried his hardest not to even make a slight motion or look towards Rarity, but everyone was able to read him like a book, especially Rarity, whom felt touched, which slowly faded into realization she wouldn’t be getting the gem now.
“I think need it more…” said Spike “You’ve been hurt, and even though you made me and Cadance act like fools, I;m still sorry all this is happening to you, and I think you should have it. Just my way of saying “I forgive you” and I’m sorry for what happened between you and Strings.
…But just know: You are loved by many, and whether you believe it or not… you are still be special. That goes for all of us.”
By this time, his speech was so profound and lovely, Twilight smiled proudly. Cadance and Shining Armor embraced softly with loving smiles, and some of the others, especially Rarity, had tears in their eyes.
Easily Sun felt ever so touched and heartfelt by this lovely sentiment, she cried softly.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” said Spike.
Sun assured him, “These are thankful tears.” She partially lied, as part of it was sadness, but she was very thankful with the gift and she hugged him softly, letting her tears fall softly onto his back.
Spike almost felt like crying himself, while all the others could just gawk happily.
Then, when everyone finally managed to get Sun home, assured she wouldn’t do anything hurtful or crazy…
On the way back to the palace, Rarity spoke to Spike. “That was the most beautiful gesture I ever have seen, Spike.”
Spike could tell that she guessed the gem was for her, and he blushed. “Sorry I can’t ever give it to you now.”
“Never you mind. What you did for Sun was just heart-warming. I consider that the best Hearts and Hooves gift ever… at least… to an extent.”
She leaned down and gave him a huge smooch to the cheek, causing him to melt-- fall-- onto the ground giggle goofily.
Everyone else could only smile.
Over the next two days every just kept to their own, still setting up for Hearts and Hooves, but nobody said a thing about anything that happened the other day, wanting to keep the embarrassments low.
Cadance made it official that Strings’ appearance was canceled due to him being hospitalized, which badly disturbed the citizens of the empire. They were really looking forward to hearing Strings’ music, but they all felt very sorry that he wasn’t well.
“These things happen” they all brushed it off.
Unfortunately, no one was permitted to visit Strings in the hospital, via Cadance and the Hospital’s orders. Strings needed plenty of rest to get back into shape, and they all feared visitors wouldn’t be good in his condition.
Strings didn’t feel up to seeing anyone in any case-- too ashamed and too hurt to do much, still reflecting on all that had happened, and the feelings that were hurt and confused.
However, since his heart-attack was non-too serious, as it was only a shock attack, and he spent the past couple of days resting quietly, in-spite of his emotions, he was released from the hospital, but under the doctor’s orders he was to at least try and receive psychiatric help, and also recommended to take a break from his music career, which still included no performing at Hearts and Hooves day.
To make it even more helpful, they had him relocated to Mare-isota, where he would get the finest treatment available and so his home in the Crystal Empire was locked down for a short while, and all his mail and messages were canceled.
Cadance knew about this as she was first informed of Strings’ transfer, and Cadance was sure to tell everyone else about it.
“I’m so glad he’s getting help.” said Fluttershy “He’ll be okay, won’t he?”
“Of course he will.” said Pinkie “Mariesota has the best doctors in all of Equestria. Strings will be okay soon.”
But Twilight shook her head and informed her, “No, Pinkie. It won’t be soon, and it may not be ever.”
She knew what she was talking about, combining Strings’ sad tale with her study of psychology of emotions. “Some ponies can get better from this kind of trauma… but some ponies can’t.”
Her brother agreed with her. “Whatever does happen, it’s up to Strings. I hope he makes it.”
“So do I.” said Cadance.
There was no way of knowing how long it would be until any of them ever heard from Strings again, and they all could imagine hearing one of his songs describing how he felt: “Haunt You Everyday!”
Only time would tell if he would make it.
Author's Note
The subject was found "guilty" for violating Statute 14.2-- "Having to give up on his Dream Girl, and attempting to move on with his life in a pleasant manner"
Violation of this statute is punishable by either Death, or subjection to a life of un-fulfillment, hardship, pointlessness, and with no possibility of hope."
STRINGS is now serving his sentence.