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 Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 11:32 am
 Well, here he was. Hair combed back, tux donned, cuff links fastened. The champagne was flowing, good-looking phonies were mingling, and factory fund-raisers were traipsing about making small talk, doing their best to seem fascinating and worthwhile.
Fast never cared much for parties like these. He was there to make an appearance, to be friendly to whomever spoke with him, and then to leave. It was his least-favorite part of his high-paid athlete's status.
But there was nothing for it. He slapped on his grin and made his way into the luxe ballroom, saying a pleasant hello to any and everyone he recognized.
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:45 pm
The clinking of expensive glasses, the rumble of phonies chattering, and the overall glitz that dappled the room like stars made Moon River's heart swell. She loved these gatherings. Being surrounded by the rich and famous really suited her. Of course she was there as a performer and not an guest but what did that matter anyways? She was the gift being given to these Sirs and Lady mares. In just a few minutes she'd be up on that stage crooning and they would be receiving an amazing treat. Until then the little lady was content just walking about and nibbling on any hors d'oeuvres that came her way. She sauntered through the room, nodding to those she recognized and smiling ever so slightly at those she did not. No one was actually coming up to speak with her but that was usually the case. Her beauty and fame were just so intimidating to the average phony of course everyone would be too afraid to chat. Yet when she looked up from her latest delight, a lemon tart, she saw someone that made her blood immediately boil. There, standing just a few feet away with a smug grin on his face was...Fourseam Fastball...aka country bumpkin. Augh! What was he doing here?! This was a place for fancy folks not...mud rollers. Quickly Moon ducked behind a sever that was carrying a plate and fixed her hair. She glanced down at her sparkling lace dress to make sure nothing was out of place, took a deep breath, and headed over there. Sure she should just not bother but if she just walked past maybe he'll say something and she could find out exactly what his business was. Perhaps he was sneaking in? Or a server? Goodness he looked....nice.
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:07 pm
Fourseam Fastball said his hellos to a few acquaintances, smiled broadly at a few lovely mares who were giving him the once-over, and just decided that the night might be pleasant after all when he saw...
her.
It took every ounce of self-control in Fast's body to keep his smile from sliding right off his face. Why was he surprised to see her here? She always had a knack for showing up right when it would irritate him the most. He forcibly stopped himself from recalling their last meeting, when she had flown up after him into the clouds just to yell at him for no reason whatsoever.
Oh, that was right -- she had expounded (in great detail) her prowess as a singer and a performer. No wonder she was at a party like this. Her Highness, Miss Snootypants, this place suited her to a T.
Still, Fast kept his smile locked on his face, and nodded a brief hello to her. Maybe if he said nothing, she wouldn't stop.
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:18 pm
She was just going to walk by. The singer held her head up high and focused on maintaining a long graceful stride. She expected him to say something. A quirky remark, a snippy comment, anything for her to pounce but when nothing came she paused in her steps and scowled.
The next thing Moon River knew she was standing before him, mouth open, and saying, "Exactly what are you doing here?"
Her starry eyes narrowed as she looked him over from top to bottom and back again. Her nose wrinkled with distaste and a pretty little frown appeared on her face. "Did you pick up a side job as a waiter? Or did you just feel like crashing an event for some laughs?"
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 1:27 pm
There, excellent. For a moment, it seemed to Fast like he was in the clear. Moon River held up her head haughtily and looked as though she meant to keep walking. Fast lowered his head and let his grin fall as he sighed with relief. Good.
Then, as he looked up, she was still there. And talking.
"What?" A grin made its way back onto Fast's face, although this one was far less cheerful than his previous one had been. There was a certain roughness to his amusement. "Sorry to burst yer bubble, ma'am, but I'm an invitee. Here to rub elbows and make an appearance. You ... do know I'm a ball player, right?"
He paused as a unicorn waiter went by with a tray of drinks, and he motioned for one. He had a feeling he was about to need it.
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 2:19 pm
The smug washed away from Moon River's face as she heard the words 'invitee' tumble from his mouth. How did he get an invite and not her?! That wasn't fair at all! Why would he receive such an honor? Because he could run after and catch a silly ball?
She looked so surprised and hurt for a moment before the raw emotion vanished into a tight smile. "I've seen you play ball but I never thought you of all phonies would be asked to attend such a high class event. Anyone can be a ball player. Children play it all the time and yet I don't see them prancing around here. Were you a pity invite or something?"
Moon River took a drink for herself and quickly downed it. She was just so mad! How? WHY! To see him here at this lovely ball was an outrage! She deserved to be an honored and entitled guest! Not this country bumpkin!
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 2:51 pm
The look of actual emotion -- as nakedly self-serving an emotion as it seemed to be -- that crossed the she-devil's face was something of a shock to Fast. He blinked at it without comprehension, but he had no time to study it for what it was. In a moment, it was gone, replaced by the normal sourness that always made itself present on Moon River's face. Fast answered her tight-lipped smile with one of his own.
"I often ask myself the same thing, ma'am, as to why people value us so highly for playin' a children's game. We're very blessed to be winning games and filling up the PhonyLand ballpark, so I guess that much wins me the cost of admission to such a fancy place." Fast's answer was earnest for all his annoyance. Why was she so annoyed that he was on equal social footing as she was? It was outrageous to get so worked up over it. "I guess you were invited because of your contributions, same as me."
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 3:07 pm
"Contributions?" Why would that be important? She should be able to get in just because of who she is. But she couldn't tell him she was only here as a performer. "Um...yes of course. Just...like...." Her eyes darted over him again, taking in his fancy outfit and slicked back hair, "You." Before anymore jealous mud throws could be made in his direction another unicorn hurried up to the pair.
"Miss Moon River! You're on in five." And then they were off just like that.
The pegasus huffed and threw her head back with gusto. "Well I suppose you're very lucky Mr. mm...country bumpkin was it? You get to listen to me sing. I suggest you prepare yourself to be blown away. Maybe grab a chair or the wall to hold onto."
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 3:13 pm
Country bumpkin. She couldn't bear to remember his damn name, now, could she? Fast's smile slipped, and for a moment, a look of annoyance crossed his features.
Then the unicorn came along, and the look popped like a bubble, replaced by a look of surprise. Without meaning to, the words slipped out: "Oh, you're here to perform? Well, I'm lookin' forward to finally hearing this voice you've been telling me so much about, then."
He hadn't meant it to bother her. Hell, he didn't even realize it was bothering her. But when she came up on stage, he made sure he was in the center of the crowd, right in her eyeline, ready to judge what she kept flaunting in his face for their entire acquaintance.
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 4:04 pm
"Prepare to be amazed." She winked at the white and red stallion and headed off into the crowd just like that.
When the band was set she took center stage and looked into the crowd full of confidence. She flashed the ponies a brilliant smile before starting into the first song, a jazzy number where her voice was low and melodic. She glanced at Fast and smirked after she hit a high note. Over the course of her performance she sang a variety of songs, gliding about the stage like an elegant swan, and when it was over the songstress was met with a round of cheers. What a star!
She bowed to the crowd and headed off but not before casting a glance at the ball player pegasus.
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 4:13 pm
For all his good humor, an angry little part inside of Fast wanted to be unimpressed. He wanted to sit through Moon River's performance with a stony expression on his face, never moving a muscle, and giving her a lukewarm, polite applause at the end of it all. He didn't want to be moved, or transported, or amazed by her singing.
But he was.
Moon River may have taunted him plenty of times about her worth and capability, but, man, did she have a right to it. The same way Fast had to respect a competitor in his sport, Fast respected her talent. She was undeniable. She was moving. And she may have been a git, but in this instance, she wasn't wrong.
Fast applauded, his hooves striking the ground, a motion he felt bound to do despite himself. He turned to his closest companion, a wealthy phony he knew from the luxury suites at the Phonyland ballpark, who was applauding just as loudly. To him, he mouthed a single word: Wow.
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 4:47 pm
Moon River smiled politely to those who came over to say what a lovely voice she had. She thanked them and headed towards Fast. He would have to say something after that performance and she was going to find out what it was. She saw him clopping his hooves. He must realize now just how wonderful she is. As Moon came towards him she saw he was speaking with a very influential phony. One of the many phony's that she had done shows for. Oh...now this should be very good! She smiled widely and pranced over ready to listen to the wonderful things they were saying about her.
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 4:55 pm
Turned as he was, Fast did not see Moon approaching, and his posture inadvertently shielded her from the viewpoint of the other phony and his wife. Fast was shaking his head, and when Moon came into earshot, he was saying:
"She definitely has a helluva voice, though, if y'll pardon my French."
The mare smiled a simpering smile, while her heavyset husband guffawed.
"Yeah," he said. "That and an ego's all she has. I've never met a phony less pleasant."
"Horrid little thing," his wife agreed. "Everything she says is just 'me, me, me'. I think the manufacturers cashed in on her looks and voice, and forgot to give her anything else."
Twenty minutes ago, Fast would have been happy to take part in the sneering conversation -- Moon River had been nothing but horrible to him the few times they had met. She'd gone out of her way to ruin his moods and ruffle his feathers, and even his teammates told him that they could tell by his aggressive game-playing when he'd seen her that day.
But two things had happened since then. He'd seen a look of real hurt on her face. And he'd heard her voice. And those things forced him to hold his tongue. He only made a vague noise, then cleared his throat to change the subject.
"The turnout's amazing tonight, just amazing. You guys have gone above and beyond."
Turning the conversation toward the hosts immediately banished Moon River from their minds. When the time came for them to talk about themselves, there was clearly no conflict of interest. Fast allowed his grin to resettle itself on his face and nodded when nodded was needed.
Out of the corner of his eye, though, he saw a flash of lace and periwinkle blue. He turned slightly, hoping he saw wrong.
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 5:23 pm
As she came upon them Moon smiled and nodded to herself as she heard Fast's praise. By the sound of it he now he realized just how wondrous she was. Good.
But then her ears were set aflame by Mr. and Ms. Wealthybuckets words. Her legs froze as she stared at the trio. She had no idea they thought that of her. Whenever she spoke with them they were pleasant and full of hearty jokes but now...She was unfamiliar with this new feeling that was flooding through her system. Shame? Embarrassment? She felt absolutely humiliated and didn't know what to do.
Normally she'd approach them and give those phonies a piece of her mind. How dare they speak to her like that! But her body was staying put. She must have looked absolutely pitiful with her wide eyes full of shock and mouth agape. Was this why they never made her a guest? Just a part of the show?
Moon River prepared herself for Fast's hurtful remark next. She had been horrible to him since they met so he must have been full of poor comments of her. So much material and so much time she was sure he'd rip her apart and yet...it never came.
He switched the subject and they moved on. Why would he do that? She'd been awful to him? Just as Fast turned around Moon was turning and trying to make an escape before he saw the tears trickling down her cheeks.
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Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 5:42 pm
The sight of Moon, however brief, made the blood drain from Fast's face. Had she heard all of that? Had she thought he was in on it? He only saw it for a moment, but the look of pain on her face seared itself into his memory. He felt like a slimeball, a slug, like the stuff between his cleats at the end of a game.
"Wouldn't y'all excuse me here for a second. Pardon me. Lovely seeing you both again," Fast said to Mr. and Mrs. Wealthybuckets, still smiling his party smile, nodding to them both and trying not to go out of the party in a full gallop. He walked as though he were just going to meet an acquaintance, but as soon as he turned the corner, he began to quicken his pace until he went through a pair of side doors where he thought he saw the mare go.
"Moon?" he hissed, looking around. He kept his voice quiet, just in case someone else was nearby. "Moon River?"
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