Author's Note

Previously called "Miasmata: CH", now called "Gayquestria."

(Partially) Pre-read by: RainbowRick
Edited by: Leapingriver

A Bigot in the Schoolhouse

Reilly gave a ghastly, blood-curdling scream as an attack hurdled him out of his sleep. He desperately gasped for air and was covered in a cold sweat. When he opened his eyes he saw that it was still night time; everything was covered in shadow save for a sliver of moonlight passing through a gap in the drapes.

“Dear, are you alright?” A voice whispered in concern, barely audible over his heavy breathing. He felt someone touch his shoulder and through the dim light, he was barely able to discern that a pony was in bed with him.

“Lyra? What are you doing here?” He asked through the searing pain, recognizing the voice as hers.

“Shhh.” Her hoof lightly pressed against his lips, Reilly was stupefied into silence. He watched as she moved with practiced ease in the dark room and placed something warm over his left eye. Instinct told him that it was a teabag pressed against his eye and he immediately held it with his hand, alongside Lyra’s hoof.

“Feeling better?” She asked as though it was a rote question. The sincerity in her voice belied the fatigue this common occurrence created. The moonlight peeking in between the curtains cast a faint glow to highlight the soft yet brilliant gold of her eyes. Reilly felt too self conscious and worried about fumbling his words so he simply nodded his head in reply. She smiled and gave a sigh. Reilly then felt the smooth frog of Lyra’s hoof against his knuckles as the pain of his headache gradually eased away.

“Thanks.”

She smiled and scanned his face as best she could in the darkness. “Alright. Let’s get back to sleep, then. You need your rest, since Melody’s first day of school is tomorrow.”

“...who’s Melody?”

“Our daughter,” she quickly said, a hint of surprise in her voice. As he remained in stunned silence by her statement, Lyra adjusted how she was positioned to look him close in the eye. She removed her hoof from atop his hand and rested it gently onto his arm, caressing it softly. “Reilly, do we need to see a doctor?”

“No, I don’t need to see a doctor.” He removed the teabag from his eye and watched it be taken out of his grasp and placed on what was probably a nightstand by Lyra’s magic. “Daughter? What are you talking about?” She frowned and shifted even closer to him.

She pressed her forehead against his, careful about her horn. “Hmmm...it doesn't feel like a fever…and it’s not like you've bumped your head recently...”

The soft hairs of her face was like a smooth velvet. She was warm and Reilly smelled a hint of toothpaste when she spoke out her observations. He felt another part of him stir and he pulled away, much to her surprise.

“Y’know...I think that last cluster attack really took it out of me, Lyra,” he said to ease her concerns. Reilly placed his head onto his pillow, feeling the cool fabric touch against his cheek. “I think I’m just really tired.”

“Oh,” he heard her say. She then turned to face away from him before lying down as well and he thought that was that. But then she surprised Reilly by pressing up against him, then used her magic to drape his arm over her.

“If that’s the case,” she began to say, “we should just...get back to sleep like I said.”

Reilly became hyper aware of the pony he had previously held disdain for. Every breath that she took, the slightest move that her body made; he felt every curve of her backside pressing against him. Almost as if they were made to fit like this, together. The relative coolness of the room around them contrasted nicely with the body heat they shared from being so close.

It was quite an experience, lying in bed with someone else. Hearing every breath. Becoming self-conscious about moving lest he bother her. Reilly had no idea what to do with his hand as it rested on top of Lyra’s body. The temptation to begin rubbing up and down to feel more of her soft, warm coat was nearly too much to bear. So he shifted his arm so that his hand was on the mattress.

In turn the immediate response was for Lyra to press herself even more against him. Almost curling, really, so that Reilly was made to hold himself in a protective manner like a dragon would its hoard. A soft, pleased sigh escaped her lips and drifted into his ear like a sweet-sounding music note. His hand returned to her form and he was rewarded with another happy, saccharine-filled sigh of bliss.

His heart was racing in excitement, yet was so exhausted from his cluster attack that he still managed to go to sleep and didn't pay her curious movements no mind. Of course, he didn't notice the sigh of disappointment that escaped the pony’s lips.

Reilly stirred and found himself alone on the bed. The spot in front of him was no longer taken up by Lyra. As sunlight poured into the room, he sat up and looked around. Nothing of particular interest caught his eye about the bedroom he found himself in. The furnishings and such were all very homely and very welcoming. The pillow covers, blanket and bed sheets matched and were a soft blue color. Standing up, touching his bare feet to the carpeted floor, Reilly wandered over to the window and peered out to get his bearings. He quickly realized that the house was in the exact same spot as the other one, judging by the scenery; the neighboring houses and the street were just as he remembered.

Not sure if he should be unnerved Reilly turned away from the windows and approached the bedside tables. There were a number of picture frames of varying sizes and shapes, showing scenes and faces he couldn't recall.

Him and the Mane 6.

Him and the Cutie Mark Crusaders

Him and the Mayor cutting a ribbon.

Himself and Lyra.

There was one picture that was prominently placed on a nearby dresser. It was of him in a white tuxedo and Lyra clothed in a beautiful white lace and silk dress with accompanying veil. Right next to that were also a few sets of him, Lyra, and a filly. The filly had the same appearance as Lyra’s—coat, mane, etc.—but a pair of crystal blue eyes.

In every kind of picture, everyone looked happy, even him. It warmed his heart to see such normal, acceptable depictions of friendship and family. Reilly felt his worries ease and nodded in better understanding of what was going on. “I must have just been dreaming before,” he said to himself while idly rubbing his head. “The book actually worked. Thank goodness.”

He stepped out of the bedroom and headed downstairs, noticing how the wooden steps were a stained glossy brown. Pictures lined the walls, showing more scenes of outings and set family photos: A summertime picnic, Hearts and Hooves Day, Nightmare Night, Hearth's Warming Eve; of the holiday photos, Reilly recognized each and every one.

When he reached the bottom landing and glanced down the hall to his left he saw a home office with dark oak furniture. His dad’s office looked just like this one. In fact, much of the setup was reminiscent of how his old man had arranged everything. How the set of books on the nearby shelf sat, the mid-sized globe, the waist-high cabinets; if there was a computer monitor on the right corner of the desk set toward the back of the room, it would be the spitting image of his dad’s office. Practically a replica.

Curious if that would also be the same, Reilly looked to the door frame but felt some disappointment. It lacked the scratches he made while growing up—little ticks into the grain of wood to measure how much he grew year by year when he was a kid. Reilly’s gaze turned toward the floor, where he spotted something below knee height. He squatted down to see a number of scratches that cut into the wood and smiled. The tallest scratch was about half the size of a pony’s.

A light clanging—a metallic tap, suddenly caught his attention. ‘It came from down the hall, I think.’ Standing up, he padded softly against the wooden floorboards when he heard the metallic tap again. All signs of where the sound was coming from pointed to the kitchen, and so Reilly headed there. Nothing was amiss from how he remembered. The tiles, counter tops and pantry were all the same. The breakfast area, however, was completely remodeled and unfamiliar. Back in the other Equestria, Reilly had no need to entertain guests anywhere other than the living room. But there she was before his very eyes: the filly in the photographs. Looking every bit like a smaller Lyra, except the filly’s mane seemed much more wavy, the pony looked up and spotted him.

He froze midway between the island counter in the middle of the kitchen proper and a few feet away from the breakfast area.

“Mornin’ Dad,” the filly casually said mid-chew. In a show of dexterity she lifted the spoon she held in the crux of her ankle and scooped up some oats, making a bit of a metallic clang when the spoon tapped against the interior side of the bowl.

His heart was nearly caught in his throat, but regardless of how surreal it felt, Lyra said last night that this filly was his daughter. He’d have preferred that his daughter went to attention when he entered the room, but he could always change that. “Hey...Melody…” Reilly said as he remained in place. She paid his awkward tone no mind while ravenously finishing her breakfast oats with a couple of spoon-sized shovels.

“Is mom almost ready? She always takes a mondo-long time to get ready even though she’s already pretty!”

He wondered if he had any more kids. While he felt blessed to already have a beautiful little foal, Reilly didn't know if he could ever tell his family back in the real world. Did he already tell them in this version?

“Dad? I asked about mom…?”

“Hmm?” He blinked when her question finally registered in his mind. “Your...your mom?” Reilly stuttered out. “I’ll check.”

“Nah,” Melody said before grasping the bowl with her mouth and carried it over to the sink. With the assistance of a step stool the filly rinsed her breakfast wares then trotted past him to the hallway. “I've got it covered, dad.”

He watched in silent curiosity as the pony’s little hooves echoed against the wood floor. And then… “Mom! Hurry up!” she shouted in a squeaky manner.

Reilly flinched in surprise from the set of lungs that the little filly displayed.

“Will just be a moment, sweetie!” Lyra’s voice called out from upstairs in much the same manner. He wondered where Lyra was since he was upstairs not too long ago.

“Whatever,” Melody sighed in mock impatience and began nudging Reilly toward the door. “We’re gonna leave you behind, mom!”

“Hey, settle down, Melody,” Reilly said as he was pushed forward. He was now surprised by her sheer strength and tried not to stumble as they made it outside. The door was opened in a light touch of golden-orange magic.

“C'mon mom, I wanna go, already!” Melody called out again as they made it to the front of the house.

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” Reilly heard Lyra’s voice amid a chuckle followed by the door closing. “You’re so excited, aren't you?”

“Duh, mom! It’s the first day? I gotta make a good impression, right?” Melody’s focus seemed to change when she bumped against her dad. “Right, dad? You always say that first impressions are important! Tell mom that we have to go or else I’ll be tardy!”

The sheer amount of energy that the filly had was admirable, he had to admit. Reilly turned to face his supposed wife just as his supposed daughter asked. However his voice caught in his throat even more so than last night from the appearance of the demure pony before him. A white wide-brimmed sun hat fluttered slightly in the warm late-summer breeze. The faintest touch of makeup highlighted her features. A soft gaze of affection in her eyes cast toward him.

“Uh…” was all he managed to say, his mouth agape.

“Equestria to Dad! We still need to get me to school!” Melody playfully chastised, bumping her flank against his side.

Reilly broke out of his stupor and mumbled in surprise. Lyra laughed, hiding her smile behind her hoof.

“Sorry, your mom’s just so beautiful.” He thought that even more so when the mare’s face blushed and she flashed the cutest little grin.

“Dad, you’re such a weirdo!” Melody giggled and smiled. “Of course mom’s beautiful! Now quick gawking and let’s get me to school!” She had been trotting in a circle around him at this point, her impatience completely worn thin. Melody also began to use her tail as a makeshift whip, swinging it harmlessly at Reilly’s legs.

“Gentle Melody, that’s not how a lady acts!” Lyra suddenly chastised the filly in a stern voice, making the little pony’s ears pin low and her eyes aim toward the ground. Melody’s tail even curled somewhat from the thought of upsetting her mom.

“Now, now, Lyra, it’s alright,” Reilly said with a chuckle. “I’ll make sure she acts appropriately from now on.” He extended his hand to caress the mare’s cheek, making her blush.

“You spoil her too much, dear,” was her reply.

“Why are you so dead set on going to school?” He asked, turning toward Melody.

Without needing to think about it, Melody answered, less wary from the kind tone in his voice, “It’s because I finally get to make new friends!” Her helium-rich cheer made him smile and laugh, something that she seemed to take a lot of enjoyment from hearing.

They entered the town proper, where the morning traffic of ponies walking about was starting to increase. As the family of three continued down the sidewalk, more and more ponies began to take notice of them. He expected more of the same - seeing them hurry away, or to sneer angrily in his direction. Instead, they greeted him with smiles and waves, as well as Lyra and Melody.

This simple act made him realize just how ostracized he was in that other Ponyville. Here, no one went out of their way to attack him with venomous words, such as calling him a homophobe.

They next walked by the library tree that a certain unicorn lived and worked in. Reilly wrote that the library was frequented much more often that the show would have everyone believe. It just so happened that at that point Twilight stepped out of the library and noticed the him walking by. “Hey, good morning, Reilly! How are you, today?”

“Hi, Twilight,” he replied. “I’m good, thanks. Yourself?”

“Couldn't be better!”

Reilly couldn't help but feel both strange and off kilter about having such a civil conversation with her. It was just like when they first met; the time before he let her know his personal opinion. Before she and most of the ponies around him decided that what he believed and thought was wrong without even understanding what they were talking about.

“Do you have some time to talk? I’d love to learn more about your world,” Twilight said with a giggle.

“I’m a bit busy taking Melo-...uh, my daughter to school”

Twilight looked past where Reilly was and spotted both Lyra and Melody. “Oh! Of course,” she said in reply after waving to the two of them. “Whenever you’re free, then. Just stop by Golden Oaks, ok? Can’t wait for another intellectually stimulating discussion with you!”

“Sure thing,” he said and continued on. Soon enough schoolhouse was in sight on a hill just a few blocks away.

“Good morning!” a stallion standing with a group of plain-looking ponies further up the road, said. Reilly didn't recall seeing them on the show, even as background characters. But whatever details weren't specified would be filled in by the book itself, so he thought nothing of it.

“Good morning,” Reilly returned the greeting.

Another stallion stepped forward, looking a bit eager as if he was about to meet Santa Claus. “How do you do, Apostle Haightsgaze?” He called to him with a smile.

“Apostle?” Reilly asked, pointing to himself. “Me?”

“Why of course! You’re the one that single-handedly showed us the light, aren't you? By the way, I really appreciated your homily last Sunday about love and tolerance. Really powerful stuff. I’m looking forward to this week’s service!”

“Of...of course! Always a pleasure!” Feeling elated now, like the next step he took would cause him to walk on air, Reilly smiled nearly ear to ear and proudly puffed his chest out. It was a short walk from there when they arrived at the playground in front of the Ponyville schoolhouse, where a number of other foals and who Reilly assumed to be their parents, had gathered. The foals were busy playing and screaming as kids were wont to do, while a small group of four or five curious fillies and foals gathered to watch the family that arrived.

Cheerilee, who Reilly considered Ponyville’s only teacher, caught his attention by waving in his direction with a wide smile on her face. He returned a polite but small wave back.

“Lyra, Reilly!” She called out to them. “It’s so great to see you!”

He couldn't recall when if ever he really met Cheerilee, but then again there was a lot he wasn't recalling as of late.

“I’m here, too!” Melody charged forward with feigned irritation in her tone. Her short legs quite a distance as she galloped over to the mare.

Cheerilee looked at her approach with a wide-eyed smile and made an exaggerated gasp of surprise. “Whoa! You’re so big, Melody! What have your parents been feeding you, huh? You’re going to be as tall as the princess, before we know it!”

Melody giggled and shook her head before saying what was on her mind. “We haven’t been able to play in so long, Aunt Cheerilee! I missed you!”

“And I missed you too,” Cheerilee cooed and nuzzled the little filly. When she righted herself she added in a careful way, “While at school you have to call me ‘Ms. Cheerilee,’ you understand?”

Melody nodded her head but never seemed to lose that excitement in her eyes. “Okay, Ms. Cheerilee!”

“Now you go and run along now until class starts, ok? I’m going to talk to your parents for a bit.”

“Sure!” Melody scampered off to meet with the patiently waiting group of foals and they all began to run around and play.

With that all said and done, Lyra and Cheerilee quickly exchanged a friendly nuzzle and began to chat. After saying his own pleasantries Reilly’s attention drifted off to observe the happy innocence of the children playing around until the school bell rang. The mares didn't seem to mind as they were caught up in conversation until Cheerilee had to usher everyone into the building.

When they filtered inside, the children were made to sit in no particular order at the desks. The parents stood at the walls at the back and around the room and watched with fondness at their kids’ first day of school. One parent even seemed to have what looked like a tintype camera and took a snapped a shot much to his wife’s chagrin.

“Welcome to the Ponyville Schoolhouse. My name is Ms. Cheerilee, and for the next few years I hope to bestow upon you the same love for learning that brings a smile on my face everyday. Parents too, I look forward to having your cooperation as your colts and fillies grow into fine young stallions and mares.”

The adults gave a polite stomping of their hooves against the floor save for a lone set of hands clapping. No one seemed to be confused or weirded out by such a thing. And Reilly couldn't stop his smile during the rest of Cheerilee’s class.

“Alright, time for recess,” Cheerilee announced. The children eagerly rushed out to the front yard and the playground, barely needing to wait for their new teacher to finish her sentence.

Several parents tried to chastise their energetic foals while following them outside. Reilly and Lyra headed outside as well and remained close to the schoolhouse building while the children played and introduced themselves to each other. Aside from the occasional greeting and casual discussion about dogma, most of the adult’s attentions were split between keeping surveillance on their children and speaking with Lyra.

Holding multiple conversations at once without missing a beat, the mare managed to switch to different topics on a dime without ever mixing up who she was speaking with. Her grace was something that he definitely admired. Lyra was the daughter of a noble, at least that’s what Reilly had written in the OHBTCCAEU to explain why she was in the Canterlot Wedding episodes.

It was quite surprising that he forgot about that, considering just how the other Lyra acted. The one beside him now seemed much more in-character in his mind than that sinful, lust driven OOC. It would also explain how she was able to get a royal meeting approved so quickly, even if it did end up being with Blueblood of all ponies.

Reilly’s attention once more turned to his daughter. He barely knew her and wanted to immediately step into his role as a parent. The way Melody skipped and laughed in such a carefree manner tugged at his heartstrings. ‘Even I think that’s corny,’ he chuckled despite himself.

“Hmmm? Is something funny?” Lyra asked with a glowing smile on her face. The crowd of parents had apparently dispersed, leaving only him and his wife on the bench.

“No,” Reilly quickly replied. “It’s nothing. Sorry, Lyra.” She took that at face value, not pushing any further. It was quite heartening for Reilly that she was so considerate, but at the same time it niggled him enough to blurt out, “Say, Lyra…”

“Yes, dearest?” She looked at him in expectation, waiting patiently for what he had to say.

“Are you...happy?” He lightly grit his jaw, feeling his throat tense a bit. “With all of this? With me?” Reilly was apprehensive of hearing her answer. Of pinning his hopes on this not being some nightmare instead of his perfect dream finally realized.

“Being the wife of the Equestrian Church’s President couldn't make me any more happy, dear!” Lyra said with a loving smile. “And as the mother of our child I can say without regret that I’m very fulfilled.”

Some doubt still remained and he needed her to make him feel better about himself. “Am I a good husband? A good father?”

Her eyebrows furrowed slightly when he asked that, but a large rumbling from the schoolhouse grabbed both her and Reilly’s attentions. Reilly and Lyra went to investigate the source of the rumbling inside the schoolhouse and saw a giant pile of boxes near a collapsed shelf. A pinkish striped tail stuck out from the pile as a soft voice cried out, “Help!

They both sought out the mare trapped under the pile of books before unearthing a very embarrassed pony’s face. “Cheerilee, are you alright?” Lyra asked first, continuing to remove enough of the pile for the teacher to sit up.

“Um...yes…” Cheerilee nickered while trying to hide the fierce blush on her face. “Th-thank you, both of you, for helping me...I don’t know what would have happened if any of the kids saw me in such an embarrassing situation. Not to mention that i just have so much to do before the end of recess, like picking up some copies of the first homework assignment I ordered in town...oh, what am I going to do”

“We can help you clean up, Cheerilee,” Reilly said without hesitation.

“And that way you can get your orders and be back in time for class!” Lyra added.

“Oh, thank you so much, Reilly. Lyra.” She nodded and explained what she had in mind for the second half of class before making her way to the door. “You’re lifesavers. I’ll try to make it up to you as soon as I can!”

“Looking forward to it,” Lyra said and Cheerilee went on her way. Soon enough Reilly and Lyra were moving the desks around how Cheerilee instructed, and together made short work of cleaning up the classroom. There was still some time before class was due to start again and the couple had perched themselves on the teacher’s desk to observe the fruits of their labor.

This sort of everyday moment was exactly what Reilly wanted, among other things.

“So, Reilly…” he heard Lyra call to him on his right. When he turned to respond, she pressed her soft lips against his, letting him melt under the warmth of the touch before pulling away. “Y’know, Reilly,” she continued, a wily smile on her face. “I was thinking lately…” She leaned close and whispered into his ear, “how about we give Melody a little brother or sister?”

Reilly gasped at the suggestion, quickly becoming aware of the pony sitting next to him.

It was all too surreal, now.

He was still a virgin...or technically, he was. Biology notwithstanding, the fact that he had a daughter with a pony was evidence enough that he wasn't a virgin in a sense. And drawing from that conclusion, it would have meant that he and Lyra had wed. After all, since they were married, it was perfectly fine. But his concern was on what sort of temple the marriage was consecrated. Was it even a sanctioned, recognized marriage in the eyes of the priesthood?

It was said, after all, “For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world.”

Reilly wanted to know. He needed to know.

While casting a sultry gaze his way, Lyra happened to glance at the clock. “Oh no. You’re almost due for an attack. I’ll get the Capsaicin, dear.”

He blinked upon hearing that. “Wait, before that, Lyra, I have something to ask you.”

She gently stroked her hoof along his cheek, cutting him off. “It’ll have to wait, Reilly. I don’t want you to feel any more pain than you have to.”

“No, this is something that I really need…” He stood up only to gasp and stumble forward onto the student’s desk in front of him. He braced himself for the cluster attack. Gulped and grasped the left side of his face. “Agh! Please, Lyra...don’t go. Don’t leave me…” The all-too familiar pain rushed through the left side of his head.

She nodded and sidled up to him, placing a comforting hoof on his cheek. “Reilly, stay strong. I’m right beside you, ok?”

“Th-thanks,” he exhaled with a smile on his face despite the pain. He groaned and desperately wanted something to relieve the anguish coursing through him. He couldn't remember the last time a cluster attack was ever this bad. So much so that Reilly sobbed and haggardly gasped. Yet he didn't want her to leave him. He needed her. He didn't want to be left alone.

Sensing this, Lyra felt conflicted about what to do. She didn't leave like he asked her to, but felt pangs of guilt and her own anguish for not being able to do anything more. “Oh no...Cheerilee!” Lyra called out with desperation in her voice. “Cheerilee, help!”

“I’m coming!” Cheerilee’s voice carried over from outside.

“Please, he really looks hurt!” Lyra cried out.

“Agh...it hurts!” Reilly growled.

“I’m coming…” Cheerilee’s voice said again, as though making some sort of plea. “I’m coming…Ahn! I’m cumming!”

When he snapped opened his eyes, Reilly saw that he was still in the schoolhouse. An orange glow of sunset filtered in through the winds. His brain then registered the now-familiar musk of pony release, and he cringed in disgust. He looked toward the front of the room to see Lyra curled up with Cheerilee on the teacher’s desk, both of them panting and covered in sweat.

“I’m...sorry, Reilly…” Lyra despondently groaned out. “It happened again…”

“Whatever,” he replied out of habit. He rubbed his temple with his eyes closed and sighed in exhaustion. “Let’s just get Melody and go back home.”

“...who’s Melody?”

“What are you talking about?” His eyes snapped open and he looked at the ponies untangling themselves from one another. Cheerilee and Lyra exchanged glances and a mutual look of confusion. The expression on their faces was clear to him that they didn't know what he meant. This made Reilly gulp. “Melody. You don’t remember Melody?”

“The...only pony I can think of is Octavia Melody. Is that who you mean?” Lyra asked. Her eyes widened in alarm and she whined, “Oh no...have you been meeting her even though you already have me, Reilly?!”

Her exclamation ignored, Reilly Haightsgaze remained silent and gulped bitterly in realization. He just wanted to be left alone. He didn't want to remember what could have been and left for home.