/emo/ Drama Cut, chp 5

>To say you’re nervous is an understatement, you can hardly focus right now.
>”You’re asking for my help in getting a ticket, for a friend?” Cliff gives you a neutral look.
>He is the only pony you can turn to for this, but that doesn’t stop him from staring into your soul.
>Gulping down your fear, you put on your best poker face.
“Yes, please help me Cliff. It’s very important to her, I promise to repay you.”
>He blinks slowly and leans back in his chair before letting out a small sigh.
>An uncomfortable amount of time pass, you begin to sweat and he finally answers.
>”This friend, you’re doing it for ‘her’?” He says as he stares at you.
>You nod as words are unable to form.
>Cliff sits up straight again. “When you say ‘her’, is she your marefriend?”
“No, she is my best friend. I want to her to see this play, and it-”
>He cuts you off with a wave of his hoof. “Mellow, I’ve been acting for almost my entire life. I can tell she is more than a friend to you.”
>You’re stunned, how does he do that? Can he read your mind?
>Before you can ask, he continues. “While I’m not a mind reader, I’ve learned to read ponies, and you’re no exception.”
>Well crud, guess there is no hiding this.
>You run your hoof through your mane and sigh.
“She means the world to me, she is the only pony that understands me. I think tonight I want to ask her out tonight.” You feel yourself slouch.
>He nods slowly, and seems to take on a regal appearance.
>Fitting, considering his role.
>”Are you certain of her feelings for you though?” He postulates.
>Though you feel uncertain, you answer anyways.
“No, not completely, but I can’t keep hiding this from her. I’ve been hiding it for years, and I can’t hide this anymore...”
>He mulls over it a moment before answering.
>”Very well, I will try to get you a ticket. However, do not count on it. This is at last minute.”
>You feel so relieved, but freeze as Cliff touches your wither.

>His face softens and his age shows. “I wish you the best of luck in your confession.”
>You feel your eyes moisten and you close them to hide it.
“Thank you Cliff, I appreciate the wishes.”
>He gives you a gentle pat before letting go and trotting off.
>You’re still stunned from earlier, he really does surprise you sometimes.
>Then again, that probably comes with age and wisdom.
>Shaking it off, you stand to go prepare for tonight with a flame of hope burning within.
>Shouldn’t take too long either, the rehearsals have been pretty consistent.
>Plus you spent a good chunk of this morning and last night going over your lines again.
>Probably would’ve studied it more if you weren’t spending time with Paper, but she matters more.
>Can’t let yourself get too distracted though, need to focus on making sure everything is ready.
>Several ponies, yourself included, work on the finishing touches for the play.
>Everything seems to be in place, which means you have time to look over the script again.
>Can never be too safe either, you don’t want to blunder this play.
>You were so lucky that Mr. Town was kind enough to look over your past mistakes for this role.
>To be relegated to a background role is miserable, to have no real purpose in the play.
>At least here your character has a good purpose to this, plus you enjoy how it ends.
>As you’re reading, you feel somepony tapping you to get your attention.
>You turn to face and see Cliff standing there with a ticket.
“You did it? That’s awesome Cliff! Thank you so very much. I don’t know how I can repay you.” Your heart soars.
>He nods. “You’re welcome. It wasn’t easy, and that’s putting it mildly. We can worry about you repaying me later, just remember to stay focused for the play though.”
“Yeah of course, I promise I won’t forget.” You beam and get ready to visit Paper.
>After a quick once over in the mirror, you leave the theater with a hastened pace.
>Your heart is beating so fast now, this is it at last.

>You’re going to ask her out tonight after the play, it’s now or never.
“I’ve got to grow up someday, like dad used to say.”
>Talked out loud again, but you don’t care enough at the moment.
>Dad never really understood acting like you did, mom did at least.
>That’s not really fair to say though, he did support you as much as she did.
>Before you can get too deep into thought, you’ve arrived at Paper’s home.
>You stop at the door and make sure your bandanna is on straight.
>With everything in order, you knock and wait.
>The door opens to reveal her smiling face. “I was wondering if that was you, I’m glad to see you.”
>She quickly pulls you into her signature hug, one that you readily return.
“I got the ticket for you, wanted to come by to drop it off and check in with you.”
>As she pulls out of the hug, she beams with an excited look. “Oh Mellow that’s wonderful, I can’t wait to watch it.”
>Paper backs up for you to come inside with her.
“So how was your day?” Figure you can ask her this time around.
>She looks a little surprised. “Pretty well, sold some more crafts and talked to a few ponies. Nothing too special.”
>”But it’s even better now that you’re here.” Her green eyes seemingly sparkle as she says that.
>Yesterday she said things like that, and you’re pretty sure she was trying to tell you her feelings without actually saying it.
>She probably wanted you to confess, but you didn’t have the guts to ask her right then and there.
>You intend to change that tonight, though.
“You make my day better as well, but I’m going to head back to finish getting ready. See you there?”
>She nods with a great smile as her bow bounces. “Of course, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
>With a smile of your own plastered to your face, you nod and start to make your way back.

>As you watch Mellow leave from your window, you feel confused.
>He acted aloof yesterday, and seemingly ignored the signals you sent out.
>Where you not obvious enough or was he just not interested?
>But then why did he get you a ticket to the play, especially on short notice?
>It’s all so confusing...
>Unless you’re misreading this whole thing, but you thought everything was so crystal clear.
“Maybe he doesn’t see me that way...But still...”
>You feel so conflicted, and it hurts deep down.
>The same pain you feel everyday, just stronger now.
>It’s not like Mellow would intentionally hurt you though, that doesn’t stop the pain.
>Can’t let it take too much of a hold though, so you start to prepare.
“I-I need to get ready...I said I would watch the play and that’s what I’ll do.” You shakily say.
>Though as you start to get ready, you find some difficulty in basic tasks.
>Like figuring out which bow to wear or whether you should wear a dress.
>Just focus Paper, all you need to do is wash up and go see the play.
>Easier said than done, you go start a bath.
>An old thought enters your mind...You could cut like you used to.
>But you already do, just with paper instead...Although the razor would be more effective at relieving the stress.
>Shaking your head, you know better.
>You won’t fall back into that routine again.
>You take a quick bath to save on time, and put on one of your usual green bows.
>They’ve always helped keep your long mane in check, and accented well with your eyes.
>Giving yourself a look in the mirror, you see yourself looking like your usual self.
>You give yourself a pep talk before you finish getting ready.
“Alright, just be there for him. He’s counting on you.”
>With that out of the way, you head back into the other room and pause.
>You still have time, why not make some sculptures?
>After all...This pain won’t go away on its own, no.

>Normally you don’t try to cut yourself, but you’re going to make this intentional.
>The only downside is that this tends to ruin the sculpture.
“That just makes it more unique is all...”
>With each cut you make, you let out a small gasp and wince.
>The cuts sting, but at least the deep feeling brooding within is settling.
>Albeit slowly, but it’s still going down.
>You finish up a slightly dented and blood stained paper heart.
“How fitting.” You muse.
>Grabbing another sheet, you start again, though this time you make something more complicated.
>You rapidly fold and press the sculpture into the shape of a star.
>It slowly takes form, though you have added some complexity by adding more points than usual.
>Giving it another press, you lift it and carefully examine your work.
“It’s...Not all that bad actually.”
>Somehow, you’ve made a happy accident here.
>Strange how sometimes pain can lead to such creativity.
>You’d work on another, but you’re certain that time is short.
>A quick glance to the nearby clock confirms it.
“Need to get going, can’t be late.” Setting the paper aside, you stand and stretch.
>With one final check, you head out the door and into the streets of Ponyville.
>The evening air helps ease the pain a bit more.
>As you’re out, you see other ponies out as well, and some even greet you kindly.
>You return the greeting each time with a fake smile or nod.
>Maybe you’ll enjoy the play, you will try at least.
>No matter what happens, you will be there for Mellow.
>Even if it hurts, you will be his rock in this storm, much like he is to you.
>Why does this all have to be so complicated?
>Your mind slowly blanks out, and soon you find yourself at the theater.
“Thank Celestia...” You barely mutter.
>You get into line and try to stay level headed.
>While being ponies didn’t bother you too much, there is quite a few here at the moment.
>Some are clearly couples, and it makes you feel self conscious.
>Focus Paper, you can’t let this get to you.

>Fortunately the line moves a decent pace, and you find yourself next.
>Hoofing over your ticket, you make your way in.
>It’s here that you realize that you have a front row seat.
>Guess Mellow really pulled out all the stops then.
>You take your seat and wait as the theater slowly fills.
>Not a full house from what you can see, but there is quite a few ponies here.
>Minutes pass and finally, a pony emerges from the curtains dressed in robes.
>”Fillies and gentlecolts, welcome to tonight’s show. We have a wonderful, yet tragic tale to share with you...”
>The pony narrates on that this took place during the fall of the Crystal Empire.
>However, you already got some spoilers from the talks Mellow had with you, but you’re excited none the less.
>King Sombra overthrows the princess and quickly begins his stranglehold on the empire.
>But he encounters some resistance from the loyalists, and the old guard.
>It doesn’t take long for Mellow himself to show up as captain Spark, he looks quite handsome in his costume.
>He captures your attention, and you’re thrilled to see he is doing so well.
>The story however, is quite sad, as he is twisted into serving the king.
>It’s pretty screwed up how the scene works as well, but it’s a play after all.
>The saddest part quickly approaches, with Spark having to torture his own wife.
>Now you get what Mellow meant from earlier, it’s really messed up.
>”My king, if I may have a moment of your time?”
>>”What is it captain? Do you not understand your orders?”
>”I do understand them, but I am concerned about my wife.”
>>”What’s there to understand? Do you forget that loyalists brainwash their followers? Of course she will be resistant to reeducation.”
>At the word of reeducation, you feel yourself cringe, it’s so horrible.
>”I haven’t forgotten, but I worry for her. She isn’t eating and looking worse by the day.”
>Sombra gives him a look of pity before smiling.

>>”All will be well, she will saved soon enough. You needn’t worry.”
>You can already see how this will end.
>>”If you don’t have anymore questions, then leave me. There is much I have to do.”
>Spark says nothing and leaves, changing the scene.
>Things continue to go on until Spark visits his wife in the dungeon.
>”How are you feeling my love?”
>As he gentle prods her, she doesn’t move.
>Oh no…
>”Amber? Amber can you hear me? What’s wrong?!”
>He rolls her over to reveal her lifeless body, your heart breaks.
>”This isn’t funny, please open your eyes! Speak to me! Say anything!”
>His face goes through a series of emotions, it all ending in him losing his mind.
>He snaps, finally breaking free of the hold over him. About time too, this was almost unbearable.
>Spark seeks out the loyalists and manages to reach out to Equestria for aid.
>However, the king shows up and leads an assault on them.
>In his final climatic battle, Spark faces Sombra one last time.
>”You will pay for what you did you monster! You took everything from me!” Spark points his sword at the king.
>Sombra grins. “Everything belongs to me, even your life, and now...You will die...”
>Spark snarls and charges him, but unlike last time, it’s clearly one sided in Sombra’s favor.
>As expected, Sparks is disarmed and struck a fatal blow with Sombra standing over him.
>”Such a shame that it had to come to this, now you can join your ‘wife’ in Elysium.” He gloats.
>Sparks gives out a choked laugh. “That is true, but your end is near, of this I am certain...”
>Sombra arches an eyebrow before his face twists into rage. “I AM KING SOMBRA! I! AM! ETERNAL!” Each word he stabs the captain again and again.
>The play winds down with how it ended in history, the princesses coming to the rescue.
>But it reminds everypony of the sacrifices of those who fought against tyranny.
>As it ends, the crowd gives a loud applause.
>The actors all take a bow before going backstage.

>You get up and wait near the stage for Mellow, feeling quite excited.
>Though you don’t have to wait long, as he emerges with several other actors.
>”So how did you enjoy it?” He says with a smile.
“It was a bit sad, but wonderful, you did so well Mellow!” You give a smile in return.
>His own widens, and he closes his eyes for a moment before taking on a serious look.
>”Can we go talk outside? There is something I need to ask you.”
>You feel some fear and anxiety, what does he want to talk about?
“Yeah of course.” You nod.
>He leads you outside and over to some benches.
>Mellow takes a moment, and looks extremely nervous, your anxiety grows.
>”Paper, would you do me the honor of letting me take you out on a date?”
>Oh. My. Celestia.
>He asked? He asked!
“YES!” You accidentally shout. “Ahem. I mean yes, I would love that.” Your cheeks are burning.
>He blinks a few times before your answer settles in and his face turns to joy.
>”T-that’s-I mean-uh-um...” He stumbles for a second before gathering himself. “Wonderful, how about tomorrow around seven? I’ll swing by and pick you up.”
“I don’t have anything going on then, so sure!” You nod and nearly bounce in place.
>”O-okay, it’s a date then. See you tomorrow!” He says as he trots off with a slight hop in his step.
>You stand there for a few moments after he is out of sigh before finally letting a cheer.
“WOOHOO!”