Oh look a human being! Well hey there anyway well here we are again at the precipice of a new chapter exciting isn't it? Anywho I have had this chapter pretty much finished but I wanted to wait for certain reasons that will be explained later. But on another note I want to apologize, if you have either suggested a song or something else and I haven't done it I'm sorry. I try and do my best with songs but some story suggestions just don't go with the tone I don't want to sound mean or anything I just am saying but if you did suggest a song I'll do my best to get to it. Well then on to other business um…. Well can't think of anything else to say really so let's skip the rant and get on with the good stuff =3. I still and never will own MLP but eh whatever I'm in it for the story maaaaannnnnn.
Nocturne
Chapter 25: Alive
Dusk grinned as he continued to play his two friends following along with their own instruments as the merry song continued. It had been an average day not much had been happening and Dusk had simply done a few shows at the Skylight, and yet it felt as if he was forgetting something but he pushed aside for now determined to finish along with the others. And finish they did, both Azure and Poppy played masterfully matching Dusk's speed and vice versa finally hitting the end of their number. The café resounded with applause that Dusk had gotten a little more comfortable with but he was still unable to hide a hint of a flustered expression on his face as he took a slight bow.
With their part over the three musicians stepped off of the stage taking a few moments to speak to one another. Poppy and Azure's relationship had blossomed over the last week and the two were quite open about it at this point. Dusk was happy to see his two friends like this and it filled him with a sense of accomplishment that he helped them out even slightly. "So got any plans for today?" Poppy asked Dusk a look of gleaming curiosity in her eyes.
Dusk thought about for a moment before shaking his head "No not really just going to hang around here for a bit Fluttershy has some business in Cloudsdale but since I can't go with her I guess I won't be doing much." He said with a sigh still feeling a bit down about it.
Suddenly Azure's ears perked "Actually you seem to be wrong." He said before giving an indicating nod to the door. Dusk looked over to see Fluttershy at the doorway and making her way over to him quickly. At first a look of surprise made its way onto Dusk's face but it was washed away as Fluttershy gave him soft smile that Dusk couldn't help but return.
Fluttershy nuzzled Dusk although with a light blush on her face but smiling even more once Dusk returned the gesture. Once they separated Dusk looked at Fluttershy with confusion "Didn't you say you would be in Cloudsdale?" he asked.
Fluttershy smiled albeit a bit reluctantly "Oh yes I finished up there and I wanted to see if we could spend some time together outside? I mean I don't want to pull you away if you don't want to go." She said in a whisper.
Dusk shook his head "No of course not I'd love to go with you." He said insistently. However Dusk turned to look at Azure and Poppy with pleading expression "Do you two mind if I go with Fluttershy, didn't you two want to do another song?" he asked with a hint of guilt.
Poppy merely laughed "Do you really have to ask? Of course you two can go I don't know why you're asking us. Besides me and Azure can spend some time together ourselves." she said her grin fading to a softer smile as she sidled up next to the taller blue unicorn. Azure nuzzled his marefriend softly before giving the separate couple a simple nod and grin.
Dusk thanked them before he looked at Fluttershy with a gleam in his eyes hers reflecting that same gleam before they left the cafe together. Azure sighed "Honestly that guy is so nice I almost feel bad for lying to him." he said with a sigh.
Poppy matched his expression "Yeah me too but hey in the end it works out for him and think of it as a surprise." she said with a smile. Azure chuckled with a nod while Poppy went on "Well let's go we have stuff to prepare honestly as happy as I was to find out about this that filly had way to much energy. For such a quiet colt Dusk sure has loud friends." she said reflecting back to earlier.
Azure laughed "Yeah I know what you mean." he said with mirth. The couple soon made their way over to Bistro the older stallion at the time brewing a well-deserved cup of coffee, Azure and Poppy waved at him "Hey Bistro everything set up for tonight?" Azure asked.
Bistro looked up from his drink and smiled "Yeah everything is ready we just need her to get the rest of the materials but with all of them and Ditzy working on it I think we'll be okay.." he said reassuringly.
Poppy grinned "Awesome we'll get to work on our end." she said with cheer before beckoning Azure to follow her.
Azure looked on while Poppy walked a bounce in her step, Azure smiled softly "You really are adorable when you're excited you know that?" he said jokingly. Poppy just blushed before giving him a quick peck on the cheek making even Azure's usually calm face become tinged with pink. Poppy continued to blush "L-let's get g-going okay?" she said with embarrassment Azure simply nodded and walked along sharing his marefriend's feelings.
Fluttershy and Dusk chatted pleasantly as they walked down the street and as usual their walk was unplanned and had no destination in mind. However the two were interrupted by a grey figure rushing by only to crash into a nearby wall. Dusk and Fluttershy rushed over to see Ditzy rubbing her head with a groan but soon noticed the couple looking at her with concern. Ditzy blanched "oh... um hi guys how's it going?" she asked reluctantly.
Dusk walked up to her and held out a hoof "You alright?" the pianist asked aloud the worry in his eyes evident.
Ditzy nodded rapidly one of her crossed eyes focusing on Dusk "Oh yeah I'm just fine but uh... I got to go!" she said rapidly before zipping off her wobbly flying still a bit off.
Dusk looked over to Fluttershy questioningly but the pegasus merely shrugged her eyes wandering as if searching for something. So the couple went onward settling at a small diner to spend some quality time together. As they sat down at a table Dusk had a habit of drifting into thought throughout their conversation, Fluttershy finally cleared her throat snapping Dusk out of it "Huh?" he muttered looking up at Fluttershy to see a look of curiosity and slight worry. Dusk's features softened "No need to worry about me I'm just thinking." he said reassuringly.
Fluttershy cocked her head to the side "About what?" she asked.
Dusk stroked his chin thoughtfully "Well have you ever gotten the feeling you're forgetting something but you just don't know what?" he asked.
Fluttershy's eyes widened but returned to normal quickly as they could "Oh yes sometimes I do, but how about we eat before thinking too much about it okay?" she asked with the slightest hint of nervousness about her voice.
Dusk for a moment picked up on the undertone but decided to push it aside laying his hoof on Fluttershy's looking her in the eye. "Whatever you want." he said giving her a smile, Fluttershy shared the smile giving Dusk a loving nuzzle. It was a simple order really nothing special just some hayfries and some glasses of lemonade it might have been average to another pony but Fluttershy and Dusk always found time spent together enchanting in its own special way.
As time wore on Fluttershy's eyes lit up once she looked down the street and began to wave. Dusk turned to where Fluttershy was indicating to see Twilight walking down the road. Soon the lavender unicorn made her way over to the couple's table "Hello you two." she said in a friendly manner. The group had struck up a good conversation about the days event and some other things as well. After the incident with Dusk's home and since he was a bit of a reader himself he had been going to the library a little more often and he and Twilight had become much better friends. Once the subject had worn into a familiar book series the two had read an idea had hit Dusk's mind.
"Hey Twilight is there like some kind of big event going on or something?" Dusk asked. "I'm feeling as if I'm forgetting something." he said with a frown as a little part of him kept telling him this.
Twilight's eyes adopted a peculiar light but she just gave a large smile and shook her head "Er not that I know of but maybe later when you have some time you should retrace your steps. Well sorry to leave so soon but I have some urgent business to attend to." she said quickly before gathering her things and giving farewells to her friends giving a small nod towards Fluttershy as she left.
Dusk frowned "What is it? What am I forgetting it's like I can't think of anything else but that one little bit missing." he said with exasperation. Fluttershy had grown quiet her face a bit downcast, Dusk stopped immediately and kicked himself for not noticing earlier and proceeded to then wrap his arms around Fluttershy "I'm sorry, that shouldn't matter right now. After all of this I'm still pretty oblivious but I'll stop stressing over that right now it's you and me okay?" he said with a well-meaning look. Fluttershy was surprised at first but then realizing she shouldn't have doubted him she giggled a bit before hugging Dusk back gleefully. The two renewed their conversation with vigor and enjoying it all the while. As they ate Dusk noticed a familiar orange coat out of the corner of his vision and turned to see Applejack rushing down the road. He waved at the farm pony but she merely gave a brisk nod and rushed onward not slowing down. Dusk was perplexed by the fact and turned to Fluttershy "Is it just me or are a lot of our friends busy today?" he wondered aloud.
"Well I guess they have been a bit busy today." Fluttershy said quietly.
Dusk facehoofed "Ugh and there I go again starting to get distracted again, I'm really sorry." he said with a sigh. Fluttershy frowned before nuzzling Dusk telling her coltfriend that he didn't have to be sorry and this managed to cheer him up quite quickly. Once they had finished their meal the waitress came by for the bill and as this was happening Dusk turned pale "That was it!" he said standing up quickly.
Fluttershy's eyes widened "What is it is everything alright?" she asked in a bit of a panic.
Dusk sighed "No you don't have to worry so much I forgot my saddlebag that's what I've been forgetting and here I was thinking it was something important." he said laughing a little. However his laughter soon dimmed "All my bits were in there though do you mind paying?" he asked guiltily.
Fluttershy noticed the sadness in Dusk's eyes and gave him a quick peck on the cheek "You don't have to worry it'll be fine." she said smiling softly before setting down the amount of buts to pay for their modest meal. The two ponies were soon weaving their way through town heading to where he last remembered having his saddlebag. Fluttershy looked to her coltfriend with curiosity "Do you know where it is?"
"Yeah I'm pretty sure it's at the cafe." Dusk said at first unsure but gaining confidence in his answer as they walked. Fluttershy's expression froze on the outside she was trying to keep a reassuring face on the inside though she was panicking; it wasn't supposed to go this way. The couple continued onward Fluttershy growing more and more distressed as time went on. In time they had arrived outside The Skylight but the windows had darkened and it seemed to be closed. "Huh that's weird it should be open it's not that late." Dusk said looking up at the sky to see the sun setting it's orange light bathing the town, usually the cafe would stay open well into the night. Fluttershy was unsure what to say but suddenly as Dusk was scrutinizing the door Fluttershy looked up and saw a familiar cyan shape flitting above the clouds. Rainbow Dash touched down on the roof and giving her friend a grin and nod before she flew off once more going around the back of the eatery.
Fluttershy tried her best to suppress a smile as she turned towards Dusk once again "Try opening the door maybe they're starting a show and wanted to turn off the lights." she said trying her best to sound convincing. Dusk was doubtful but he didn't want to leave his saddlebag so he slowly pushed at the door, to his surprise the door was open and he took a small step inside the dark cafe.
There was not a sound as Dusk went inside with Fluttershy close behind "Hello?" the pianist called out his voice echoing through the building. Dusk sighed and tried again "He-"
"SURPRISE!"
Dusk shot backwards as a flash illuminated the cafe shedding it's light on a multitude of party decorations dotting the room. Dusk just looked around in shock still a bit jittery from the surprise he saw his friends come out of hiding all of them wearing happy expressions. Dusk stammered "What's going on?" he asked with confusion.
Dusk felt somepony behind him and looked to see Fluttershy sidle up next to him giving the black-coated pony a nuzzle "Happy birthday." she said simply giving him a quick kiss.
Dusk looked at her blankly "It is?" he said in a questioning manner. Fluttershy was confused wondering how Dusk wouldn't know "Usually I would've gotten a letter from my parents by now." he said wondering why he didn't but soon his question would be answered.
The town mailmare Ditzy Doo walked up to Dusk her crossed eyes conveying a feeling of guilt "Um hi I was the one who found out. While I was sorting through mail it said happy birthday Dusk on one of the letters. Oh I didn't read it though I was just looking at the envelope! Pinkie Pie appeared out of nowhere I don't know how I didn't notice her but she got really excited and wanted to plan a party. After I delivered the letter to your house and you weren't there I wanted to tell Fluttershy and soon a lot of us were involved in the party. I just wanted to say thanks for playing here and you're a really nice pony sorry if I was nosy." she said in a downcast voice taking her duty as mailmare seriously and still feeling guilty about the letter.
Dusk was about to say something but suddenly Pinkie Pie hopped next to Dusk pulling him into a tight hug "Happy birthday! Ohmigosh it's really awesome we have presents and cake and balloons and streamers it's gonna be so much fun!" she said twirling around still not letting go of Dusk.
"Pinkie Pie you're kind of crushing me." Dusk said with strain. Pinkie Pie let go of him on cue as he gasped for air, he took this time to scan the room. All of his friends were there and he couldn't help but grin at the fact "You guys would really go to all this trouble even if that letter might have been late or something?" he said curiously. He was answered by a chorus of agreement not one of them saying otherwise, Dusk was a bit shocked but soon he felt warmth and happiness his grin growing even wider "That means a lot you guys." he said touched by the friends that surrounded him.
Pinkie Pie beamed before bouncing upwards "Alright guys let's PARRTAY!" she said with enthusiasm. The ponies mingled and spoke to one another some ponies previously unacquainted with one another had quickly become friends. Dusk had finally understood why some of the others had been so quick to avoid him today it was all in preparation for this, it had been years since he had a proper birthday part it was actually kind of refreshing after all this time. The cafe had been rented out courtesy of Bistro for the party and Dusk had thanked the older stallion very much for such kindness. Bistro told Dusk it was no trouble and he said that the pianist deserved something nice for his hard work and it's always nice to celebrate with friends.
As the party went on Azure and Poppy looked at one another knowingly before proceeding to make their way onto the stage "How about some music!" Poppy said loudly into the microphone. The small group nodded in approval at the idea and Azure and Poppy both gathered their instruments. At this point Dusk had decided to take a seat next to Fluttershy and listen to the music wanting to take a bit of a break from the festivities.
Once Azure had acquired his double bass and Poppy her guitar Azure was the one to step up the microphone "This piece is a little different then most but I think it fits tonight perfectly this is Uncommon Ritual." he said quietly before stepping back and beginning to play along with his marefriend. It was a folk song of sorts starting off slowly but increasing in tempo and soon the others had started to clap along with the beat. Eventually everypony danced around twirling among one another laughing all the while. Dusk looked at Fluttershy gracefully swaying on along to the music, he couldn't hold back his smile and thought one of these days they should dance just the two of them. But that would be for another day for now he was more than happy to enjoy the festivities exchanging happy glances with Fluttershy who beamed back at him. Soon enough the music came to an end and the group clapped joyously congratulating the couple who bowed and hopped down from the stage receiving the praise gratefully.
After the song the group sat down for some cake prepared by none other than Pinkie Pie all of them enjoying the delicious pastry. However as it went on Rarity spoke up "Darling you spoke as if you didn't know it was your birthday. Why didn't you know it?" she wondered. The others spoke up as well wondering the same thing.
Dusk sighed as he leaned back in his chair "Well you see I never had many friends so my parties were never that big and it was only my family. That's not to say I didn't appreciate them I love them but after I moved out there was never really a reason for me to celebrate it I guess. They send me a letter telling me happy birthday and it does cheer me up though. For a while though I didn't see the point of celebrating it after I left home I just lived in solitude hopping between shows. but now I'm here and this is the first party I've had in years thank you guys for making this time of year special for me again." he said with a grin. Soon Dusk felt arms around him soon more joining in his friends hugging him getting pats on the back a kiss from Fluttershy making him blush from all the attention he was getting.
"Alright how about ya open yer presents?" exclaimed Applejack with a grin. Soon Dusk set to work opening the presents assembled by his friends, it made him giddy as he tore open the wrapping paper it had been a while since he had gotten so many presents. He had gotten some classic pieces of sheet music some even he had never been able to come across. Dusk asked Twilight where she had gotten these but she told him that the Ponyville library had been around a while before she was here so there were some leftovers from time gone by. Dusk was a little confused by Rarity's present a slick black suit tailor made for him.
When she was asked Rarity told Dusk "You may never know when you need to dress for a formal occasion." Dusk still felt grateful knowing that Rarity meant well.
Surprisingly enough Rainbow Dash had gotten Dusk a book from the Daring Doo series he had never pegged the cyan mare for a reader. However rainbow Dash surprised him summing up the series pretty well and despite the fact that Dusk was more of a fantasy fan himself Rainbow Dash had persuaded him to take up the series.
So gift after gift was sorted through Dusk grateful for each and every one of them, and so after the moon had risen above the horizon taking its dominion over the sky the party had come to a close. Despite Dusk's objections his friends made a point of helping him take the gifts to the cottage where he and Fluttershy resided. They parted with their friends and waved goodbye all of them wishing Dusk a happy birthday.
Once both Fluttershy and Dusk walked inside they flopped down on the couch since the festivities wore on through the night both were already drowsy. For a while the two just sidled up next to each other not saying a word because they weren't needed. However Fluttershy soon realized something and reached over to a nearby table by the couch and grabbed a letter before handing it to Dusk "This is the letter Ditzy brought." she said happily handing the paper over. Dusk thanked her and smiled before he began to scan the page, Dusk's smile grew as he continued to read. Like every year his family all added notes to the letter and for the first time in quite a few years Dusk saw Noon's writing as well. There were as usual the wish for an even better year that Dusk should visit sometime but this letter was different than most. All spoke of how he had gained friends and how hopefully been able to open up to them and have a proper birthday this time around. In the end they all wished him a happy birthday and to come see them some time around.
Dusk felt warmth within before folding the letter and setting it down gently on the table reminding himself to write back soon. But Dusk noticed Fluttershy looking down bash fully "What is it?" Dusk asked.
Fluttershy looked up at Dusk "Well I was saving your present for when we got here..." she trailed off while Dusk only looked on curiously. Fluttershy locked eyes with Dusk "I want to give you a birthday wish so I'll do anything you ask." she said with determination.
Dusk blinked in surprise "Anything?" he asked in mild surprise. Fluttershy continued to blush knowing what it sounded like but nodding nonetheless. Dusk face didn't register anything at first but soon a smile grew on his face "Well then I want to spend some time with you tonight let's stay here and talk." he said in a good-natured voice.
"What? But we do that all the time you don't want a special meal or anything like that?" Fluttershy asked feeling a bit bad she would be doing so little for her coltfriend's birthday.
Dusk merely chuckled before sitting up and pulling Fluttershy into an embrace "I don't need any big meal or fancy present I want to spend time with you because you're more to me then all of that." he said nuzzling the pegasus. Fluttershy couldn't help herself and hugged Dusk back loving every minute of it.
The couple spoke to one another for a time but as Dusk spoke of the new musical pieces from Twilight he felt something warm on his side. Dusk turned to see that Fluttershy had fallen asleep her eyes closed and her quiet rhythmic breaths were steady. Dusk lay a soft kiss on her forehead and started to pick her up but she stirred and looked up at him with large eyes "Can.. can w-we stay d-down here tonight? I mean i-if that's okay." she said her face tinged pink.
Dusk was blushing himself but nodded before setting Fluttershy down gently sitting down next to her. Fluttershy snuggled up next to Dusk as he grabbed a blanket to set on the two of them. As Dusk began to fall asleep one last thought came to mind "This is what it's like to really feel alive." he thought to himself as he fell asleep smilling while he shared a beautiful bond with the mare next to him.
And there's chapter 25 for you! Yeah I know I disappeared for a while and as much as i hate excuses there were reasons. Well you see I store my chapters in a pendrive it's a habit of mine... well it was. Let's just say my pendrive had a friendly meeting with a large stack of textbooks and a tile floor not pretty. So I had to redo the chapter and about halfway i started writing a large portion of it in FF's editing feature not sure why I did it now I kinda regret it but oh well. The error on Sunday stopped me from saving and lost me a ton of progress and with my booked schedule this week it's been annoying to say the least. Not the point though right now *ahem* IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TIME! Alright guys guess what came out saturday? Chapter 1 of the read-aloud HOORAY! A big thanks to Nate Collins for all his hard work! If you want to see the video just plug this in at the end of YouTube (/watch?v=s2NKLHIu-C0) Hope you love it as much as I did! The song I used this chapter was uncommon ritual by Edgar Meyer if you wanted to know. Sorry about being so late this week hasn't been kind I've had to see my friend at the hospital multiple times and I'm spending a lot of time with her and I'm worried so i hope you can bear with me. Well like I said sorry for being late and review if you want to wouldn't blame you if your mad at me. Well as always I wish you all luck in whatever endeavors you participate in! And now I take my leave a big thank you to you all!