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Organised by
RogerDodger
Word limit
400–750
You Decide Not To
You gaze upon the object of your affections, beautifully poised in her seat, lips pursed against her teacup.
Your wings tremble.
She notices, of course. Her eyes widen slightly— not the slightest social cue ever escaped her notice. If only she were able to piece these ones together.
"Is something wrong, darling?"
Is it wrong to love you, you think. You've harbored this crush for so long, and you’ve started to wonder yourself. She’s wonderful and compassionate and oh-so-pretty, and you want nothing more to tell her all that, and how much she truly means to you.
But she doesn’t like mares like that. She lives such a different life from you. You’re only a friend, and trying to be anything more would only cause needless complication and stress.
You decide not to.
"N-no. Just... a little cold," you lie. Your eyes drift down to the cup between your hooves. Chai. "I'm sure the tea will warm me right up. It really is delicious. Thank you." You give a smile, an earnest one.
She blushes a bit at the compliment, and it fills you with more warmth than the drink ever could.
"It is quite magnificent, isn't it? The authentic spices have a flavour altogether different from the store-brand. I can scarcely believe I used to drink that at all!" Her airy laughter rings out, filling both the boutique and your soul. "Though, I suppose it's just as unbelievable as how often I'm visiting Saddle Arabia now. I never would have expected my designs to be so in-demand there."
You couldn't believe that either. No, that's wrong – the times Ponyville felt so empty and dull, the missing spa visits – they were all concrete reminders. You didn't want to believe it.
You want to tell her about that, about how much pain and melancholy it's caused.
But she doesn't need to know. This is a good step in her life, and she should be happy about it. Worrying about your feelings would only taint her success.
"I'm glad to hear how many creatures are appreciating your work. I’m sure you’ve made so many ponies happy.” That’s more important than making you happy, isn’t it?
“True, true.” She nods and sighs wistfully. “I must admit it, as much as I enjoy the fame and glamour, it can get awfully draining sometimes. There’s moments where I envy you, staying here in Ponyville all the time.”
Your heart skips a beat. You want to tell her to give it all up, to stay here forever.
But you know that would be terrible. She’s the stronger pony, for pursuing her dreams. You can’t hold her back, because of your own weakness and fears.
You want to tell her so many things, but you decide not to.
Your wings tremble.
She notices, of course. Her eyes widen slightly— not the slightest social cue ever escaped her notice. If only she were able to piece these ones together.
"Is something wrong, darling?"
Is it wrong to love you, you think. You've harbored this crush for so long, and you’ve started to wonder yourself. She’s wonderful and compassionate and oh-so-pretty, and you want nothing more to tell her all that, and how much she truly means to you.
But she doesn’t like mares like that. She lives such a different life from you. You’re only a friend, and trying to be anything more would only cause needless complication and stress.
You decide not to.
"N-no. Just... a little cold," you lie. Your eyes drift down to the cup between your hooves. Chai. "I'm sure the tea will warm me right up. It really is delicious. Thank you." You give a smile, an earnest one.
She blushes a bit at the compliment, and it fills you with more warmth than the drink ever could.
"It is quite magnificent, isn't it? The authentic spices have a flavour altogether different from the store-brand. I can scarcely believe I used to drink that at all!" Her airy laughter rings out, filling both the boutique and your soul. "Though, I suppose it's just as unbelievable as how often I'm visiting Saddle Arabia now. I never would have expected my designs to be so in-demand there."
You couldn't believe that either. No, that's wrong – the times Ponyville felt so empty and dull, the missing spa visits – they were all concrete reminders. You didn't want to believe it.
You want to tell her about that, about how much pain and melancholy it's caused.
But she doesn't need to know. This is a good step in her life, and she should be happy about it. Worrying about your feelings would only taint her success.
"I'm glad to hear how many creatures are appreciating your work. I’m sure you’ve made so many ponies happy.” That’s more important than making you happy, isn’t it?
“True, true.” She nods and sighs wistfully. “I must admit it, as much as I enjoy the fame and glamour, it can get awfully draining sometimes. There’s moments where I envy you, staying here in Ponyville all the time.”
Your heart skips a beat. You want to tell her to give it all up, to stay here forever.
But you know that would be terrible. She’s the stronger pony, for pursuing her dreams. You can’t hold her back, because of your own weakness and fears.
You want to tell her so many things, but you decide not to.