The Power of Love: Sweetheart and Minty

by ColossalParadox

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Lyra, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Bon-Bon, Romance
Length: 12674

First installment of my "The Power of Love" series. An epic that details how all our favorite background ponies met each other and fell in love. Starting with Lyra and Bon Bon!!

This is the tale of how Lyra Heartstrings and Bon Bon fell head over hooves in love with each other ~ :heart:! (As told by the CRAZY duo themselves)

This is the first story in my "The Power of Love" series that will span across 4 stories. 3 one-shots and then a big conglomeration, all meeting in one GIANT story!!

Published 2016-02-14 22:00:02 UTC
Last updated 2016-02-14 22:00:02 UTC

The Tale of Sweetheart and Minty

Hello! I'm Lyra!

And I'm Bon Bon!

And we absolutely LOVE each other:heart::heart:!!

And we absolutely LOVE each other:heart::heart:!!

Now, I know what you're thinkin'. "Where's all the description?" "How do I know where we're at?" "How can I tell what's going on?" Well, I'll let Lyra explain

Thanks Sweetums!

No problem!

Well, to start off, this is mostly going to be us talking, as it will be with everypony else when it comes their turn, until we FLASHBACK!! So, just imagine us as standing in a BIG BLACK void or something like that as we speak and making the appropriate gestures to what we're saying. Or whatever you want really. It's your imagination, do with it what you will. But nothing nasty!! Keep it PG! And trust me, I know that's a lot of work using your imagination like that. I absolutely HATE work, just ask Bonnie. But we'll get through it together as a team. So suck it up, Buttercup!!

It's true, Lyra absolutely despises work. She WILL do it though if I ask her to because she loves me too much to say no. -KISS- Don't worry though, there will be description when we flashback. We're just here to narrate and tell the story. And I just kissed Lyra there if you were wondering what that was

-SMOOCH- Kissed ya' back!! ............ Oh? What's that? Do I hear you asking "flashback to what?" Back to the time we met and fell in love of course. You silly goose! But I'll let Bon Bon do the storytelling. She's better at it than I am

Pffft, yeah....

What?

You forgot how we met, didn't you?

Le GASP!! I can't believe you would say such a thing!!

Am I wrong?

YES!!

Well then, whisper it to me

Huh?

For the sake of spoilers, whisper to me when we met and prove me wrong

Fine! ....................................................................................

Huh.... I guess you didn't forget............. Eh heh.............. Please don't stare at me like that...

I'm just a little hurt that you think I would forget such an important part of my life

Can you really blame me? You forgot your own birthday one year, Lyra

Yeah, but those happen every year. You're a once in a lifetime opportunity, Bon Bon. The moment we met is permanently engraved on my heart! ~ :heart:

Awwwww, Ly Ly -KIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSS-. Somepony just earned a special treat after we finish telling our story!

^-^!!

Ooooookaaaayyyy?? Anyways, let's go ahead and begin the story. We've spent enough time on exposition

K

It all started a long time ago when a certain beautiful, mint-green unicorn had just moved to Ponyville

Awwww, stop it, you're gonna make me blush!!

Lyra Heartstrings stepped off the train that had come from San Franciscolt. She is a freshly graduated mare with nothing to her name except the suitcase that contains her lyre and some starting money her parents gave her to help the musical unicorn get the gears of her career turning.

She glanced around, searching for any friendly faces that could help give her directions to the nearest Philharmonic looking for new members. She had moved here to Ponyville in the hopes of getting the best start possible. While the town was small, it was known for its friendly inhabitants, and their friendliness would be just what she needed to help get her hoof in the door of the music industry with positive reviews and wonderful crowds.

Lyra walked from the platform, through the train station, and out into the town. The green unicorn gasped at the beauty of the town. Ponies of all different colors commuted with each other as they went about their day to day lives. She spotted a cream-colored mare with a pink and blue hair combination (her cutie mark covered by her saddlebags) standing at a tomato stall examining today's produce who seemed fairly nice, in her opinion. Lyra put on her best non-threatening smile and trotted over to her.

"Hello Miss! Could you help me for one moment?" Lyra asked. The mare looked up from the produce she was purchasing and turned her attention towards this strange mare that had come up to her. She squinted her eyes suspiciously and looked the green unicorn over as she packed away her tomatoes in her saddlebags. She didn't like what she saw.

"GET LOST MINTY!!" The mare yelled at her. She shoved Lyra out of the way and stomped off. The unicorn felt like she may have miscalculated the "friendliness" of this town.

Don't worry, it wasn't me. She wishes she was me though...

Yeah, she was so RUDE!! I almost wish I could meet her again anD TOTALLY-

Ah Ah! Lyra! Keep it PG...

Right....Besides, she's moved away now and your mane is WAY prettier than her's

Awwwww -SMOOOOOCH-

Now, back to the story!

Lyra laid there, on the ground, still awestruck at the rudeness of the mare she had just encountered. The thing that confused Lyra was that the mare did not follow the social norm, which was meet nice, treat nice. Lyra met her in the nicest way possible, and by the laws of meet nice, treat nice, the mare should have treated her nicely. But instead, Lyra was yelled at and pushed to the ground in a rather hostile fashion. What the mare didn't know was that Lyra was sensitive, tenderhearted one would say. That mare's actions hurt Lyra more emotionally than physically. The unicorn sniffled as she felt the onset of tears coming.

"You must be new to town if you don't know to NOT talk to Bitter Sweet," another mare's voice spoke to Lyra from her right side. The unicorn looked up and saw the same mare who had just pushed her down standing before her. Lyra's pupils turned to pinpricks as she cowered in fear and curled into a fetal position.

"I'm sorry! Whatever I did to make you upset, I'M SORRY!! Here, take the money my parent's gave me to get started with my life and don't hurt me! PLEASE!!" Lyra was absolutely petrified. This look-alike mare felt a pang in her chest and felt sorry for this new Ponyviller. She was all alone in the world, as far as this new mare could tell. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces and even more unfamiliar territory. Now, thanks to the mare who has been identified as Bitter Sweet, she got a bad first impression of the town and its occupants. Well, this new mare was about to set things right.

"Hey now, I'm hurt somewhat that you would compare me to... her," the mare spat the last word with a drip of venom. "Come on, I'll show you around," she said happily, holding out her hoof to the shaking unicorn. Lyra looked up from her pathetic position to the hoof being offered to her. She continued further up the leg and was finally able to get a better look at this new mare.

Her hair was swirly, to put simply the style it was in, and her face was gentler looking than the other one's. It had a look that said "I just want to be your friend" and was all around more.... pretty. Lyra blushed at her thoughts and accepted the hoof gratefully.

"I'm Bon Bon by the way, and you've already met Bitter Sweet," Bon Bon said, shooting a dirty look in the general direction of Bitter Sweet as Lyra dusted herself off. Afterwards she did an entire shake down of her body, kind of like how a dog does after it gets out of the water, and gave her full attention to Bon Bon.

"What's up with that mare anyway? Why is she so mean?" Lyra asked. Bon Bon chuckled softly and looked back to her.

"She, for whatever reason, despises me the most out of everypony in town. It might be because I am referred to as the town "sweetheart", since I love to help others any way that I can. She goes around as my look-alike, trying to discredit me in any way she possibly can. Unfortunately for her, anypony with a brain cell could spot the difference between me and her from miles away," Bon Bon answered

"How so?" Lyra questioned further, which she immediately wish she hadn't after Bon Bon's face morphed from total happiness to complete seriousness. Lyra didn't know why, but Bon Bon's serious face was surprisingly.... sexy. The unicorn shook those thoughts away and listened intently.

"Well, because I am all natural to start off with," Bon Bon responded.

"Huh?"

"I naturally look like this. She goes to great lengths to make herself look like me. Hair stylists, dyeing her hair, even wearing colored contacts to get my eye color," Bon Bon said, pointing at her eyes, "But there is one thing you can't recreate."

"What's that?" The unicorn inquired.

"Did you notice her saddlebags?" Bon Bon asked. Lyra nodded her head. "She uses those to cover up her cutie marks because, no matter how hard you try, your mark cannot be changed or altered in any way. So, ergo, she uses the saddlebags as a cover," Bon Bon finished, catching her breath from the long winded explanation. Lyra stood with an amazed expression.

"Wow... That's a lot to go through to discredit just one pony," Lyra said, amazed.

"I know, right?" Bon Bon agreed.

"But then wait, what does she actually look like?"

"Well, her coat is actually pretty close to mine so she leaves it be, but her mane and tail are actually a dark gray. Also, her cutie mark is, funnily enough, sour candies."

Bon Bon took a deep breath and smiled at Lyra. There was still one thing that the green unicorn didn't get though.

"Hold on, if she knows nopony is going to fall for it now, then why does she still do it?" It was a good question, and one Bon Bon could not answer.

Bon Bon shook her head. "I don't know, that's the one question I just can't answer. We all have our theories though. A lot of the townsponies have actually made a wager. They all put in their different reasons as to why she still does it, then once she finally grows up and stops with this charade, we'll ask her why she continued to do it even though none of us were falling for it. Whoever it is that guesses her reason correctly wins! A lot have said because she thinks it is fun and/or funny, some have said that she has nothing better to do, and some have even said the she is mental and believes herself to actually be me!! Or at least my evil twin slash double..." Bon Bon chuckled slightly. "We all live in our own crazy little worlds while we survive in an even crazier one. But I love this town and all the ponies in it. Yes, even Bitter Sweet."

Lyra couldn't believe how forgiving this pony is. She was willing to forgive a pony that has dedicated her entire being in trying to discredit and besmirch her name. Lyra admired that about this mare. She felt like she was making a real connection. Lyra allowed a little smile as she continued their conversation.

"So what's your money on?" She asked, and was surprised to see Bon Bon shake her head.

"I haven't taken part in it, although I do still have my own personal theory..."

"Which is?"

"I believe she had her heart surgically removed so she couldn't feel the pain she caused others," Bon Bon replied flatly. Lyra burst into a fit of giggles at her response. Bon Bon looked at the display of happiness and allowed a few snorts herself. Lyra noticed the little snorts Bon Bon made and thought they were absolutely adorable. When everything calmed down, Lyra picked her briefcase up off the ground with her magic and turned back towards Bon Bon.

"Well, I don't suppose you could show me around a bit could you? I am new here after all, and it would be an absolute honor to get a tour from the town sweetheart! OH! And I'm Lyra by the way. Lyra Heartstrings!" Bon Bon blushed at her statement and looked away to hide her smile. After composing herself, she turned back and nodded.

"Of course, and well met Ms. Heartstrings. Might I ask what you have come to Ponyville for?"

Lyra nodded her head and followed after Bon Bon, explaining her situation to the very kind, cream-colored earth pony as she was given a tour of this new town that she was quickly coming to love, despite the mild inconvenience of that "first impression."

Bon Bon showed Lyra the many different landmarks and buildings the town had to offer. She showed Lyra the Everfree Forest and warned her that it was extremely dangerous to go in there. They explored the market place, went to the Town Hall building, the schoolhouse, the clock tower, visited Bon Bon's competition Sugar Cube Corner where Bon Bon purchased Lyra a cupcake, which she graciously accepted and gobbled down. They then continued onward, ending the tour at Bon Bon's place of business, The Confectionery, better known as Bon Bon's Sweet Treats.

"Welp, here we are. My very own shop slash home. This is where the tour ends unfortunately," Bon Bon said sadly.

Lyra rubbed her left front leg nervously, not knowing what to do next. She was having such a wonderful time with her new friend and didn't want it to end just yet. And concerning one of her even bigger issues that she worried about, was a place to stay. The sun was setting and the prices that she saw for even the cheapest motels that Bon Bon showed her was WAY out of her price range. Lyra was no stranger to sleeping outside. She loved nature and the many wonderful things it had to offer. But this wasn't San Franciscolt, with its many abundance of parks from which to choose from. This was Ponyville with only the one big park that Bon Bon showed her and warned that, despite the town's friendly reputation, could be just as dangerous as the Everfree at night. Lyra's ears drooped as she sighed a deep breath.

Little did Lyra know, Bon Bon felt the same way. She felt that she had made some special connection with this green unicorn from San Franciscolt with her mint-colored mane, amazing skills with the lyre, cute little lyre cutie mark, her beautiful golden eyes....

Bon Bon shook her head at the strange thoughts to clear them away, but not before they could leave behind side effects. Her pulse was slightly increased, she was breathing somewhat quickly, had an ever so noticeable shiver, felt like she had enough energy to run three marathons in a row, and a constant smile on her face. She couldn't quite place what it was that caused these symptoms. Bon Bon shrugged it off however as she was struck with a moment worthy of eureka.

"Eureka! I've got it!" Bon Bon said, on the verge of shouting. She startled Lyra back to reality.

"What? What is it? What happened?" She asked frantically, looking about.

Lyra squealed as she was picked up in a crushing hug and spun in circles. The hug may be halting her breath, but it wasn't necessarily unwanted. She was soon set back on the ground and released from her affectionate prison.

"I've thought of the perfect solution Lyra!" Bon Bon said excitedly, getting nose to nose in her face. "Why don't you stay here?"

"Huh?" Was all Lyra could ask.

"I mean... um...," Bon Bon said sheepishly, backing up from Lyra and putting on a professional tone. "I mean, think of this as a business proposition. I'll allow you to stay here at my shop with me, rent free of course with all the general necessities, including meals. The apartment complex is up those stairs to the left, right above the shop, and I believe you will find it to be quite cozy. All I ask in return is that you help me in the kitchen with my candies, help me clean up afterwards, and, if it is a particularly busy day, provide some atmosphere with your lyre for the customers as they enjoy their treats. So, what do you say? Partners?" Bon Bon asked, holding out her hoof to the unicorn, completely oblivious to the double meaning of her previous question. Bon Bon hoped that this green unicorn mare would accept since this would be killing two birds with one stone. She would finally get an extra set of hooves to help her in the kitchen that she didn't have to pay a salary to, and she would get what she always wanted. A roommate of her very own.

Lyra couldn't believe what she was hearing. This mare, who she had not met more than five hours ago, was willing to trust her enough to lodge her under her OWN roof, rent free, with everything in between thrown into the mix. It was almost highway robbery, Lyra thought, for Bon Bon, except she was willingly doing it to herself. It was too good an offer to pass up. Even though the prospect of work didn't sound too appealing, she had already made her decision, but Lyra still made the gestures as to if she was thinking the proposal over. These included but were not limited to: Scratching under the chin, suspicious eyeballing of Bon Bon and her hoof, and a few "Hmm's" thrown in there for good measure. Finally, after her farce was over, Lyra smiled.

"Well, I don't particularly like work, but since you make such a hard bargain..." Lyra said, bumping her hoof against Bon Bon's, "I accept!"

Bon Bon smiled outwardly at her new companion, but screamed and jumped for joy internally. This seemed like the start to a beautiful relationship. Which it was.

-SMOOCH SMOOCH SMOOCH SMOOCH-

Lyraaa, stooopp, you're driving me crazyyyyy

Come on, Bonnie. I think we passed crazy a LOOOOONNNGGG time ago. Plus, I can't help it! Whatever "she" says, goes!

We have a story to tell, Lyra

Ooohh, Fine! But I'm still gonna sneak in a few kisses and maybe some hugs as you tell the story!

Alright. Do as you please then

You know you love it

Jumping ahead one month, Lyra has finally been accepted into the Ponyville Philharmonic and became 1st Chair Lyrist. Was there ever any doubt?

-SMOOCH- -KISS-

Hee Hee Hee........ Anyway, through the Philharmonic was how we met Octavia, and in turn, Vinyl, but I'll leave those two to their story once we get to them. My feelings for Lyra had only developed more over that time and I felt it was the right moment for me to come clean on what I thought about her. I decided to take Lyra out for a celebratory dinner as congratulations and for being such a nice housemate slash employee. It was a... ahem... STRICTLY professional, job well done dinner. At least, that's what I told Lyra at first...

Lyra and Bon Bon were seated by the friendliest stewardess the mint-green unicorn had ever seen. Bon Bon had made reservations for the duo one week in advance prior to Lyra's induction to the Philharmonic. It was the fanciest and most spoken about restaurant around town, called The Stable, and Lyra could see why.

As she glanced around the restaurant, she saw nothing but happy faces, the nicest staff any place of business could hope to have, and the most couth kind of decorations for a restaurant of its stature. Fancy red table cloths draped over mahogany wood tables with three-pronged candle holders and vases with a bushel of white roses were what decorated each table in the establishment. The chairs were made from a sturdy black wood and had plush backs and seats that were colored white with black swirl patterns. The ceilings only added to the atmosphere with the biggest chandeliers Lyra had ever seen, giving off the perfect mood lighting for a "date night" that was bright enough to still read the menus, but dark enough so you could only focus on the pony in front of you. The waiters and waitresses all wore the generic black and white button up penguin uniforms; the only difference being the stallions who had to wear a bow tie with their outfit.

Lyra looked back to Bon Bon after finishing her scoping of the restaurant and found that it was a-okay for her liking. The candy mare locked eyes with the unicorn and got trapped in her gaze. She swallowed hard as she felt her pulse begin to quicken, sweat dripped down the side of her face, and soon found she was unable to look away. Lyra smiled warmly at Bon Bon, which only made it worse. Thankfully she was saved as the waiter approached them with their menus.

Lyra turned her attention to him, freeing Bon Bon from her trance. Unfortunately, the cream colored mare wasn't aware that she had been holding her breath the entire time she gazed into Lyra's beautiful golden eyes, and was forced to take a deep gasping breath to refill her lungs. The harsh, deep intake of breath was too fast for poor Bon Bon's lungs to keep up with and caused her to begin coughing and hacking. Lyra looked back to her with concern in her eyes, as well as the waiter.

"Bonnie? Are you alright?" Lyra asked the still wheezing earth pony.

"Would you like me to get you a glass of water, miss?" Their waiter chimed in. Bon Bon simply waved both of them off with one hoof as she pounded her chest with the other, finding some reprieve in the action.

"N- No *cough* I'm- I'm f- *cough* f-fine, just a bit of spittle went down the wrong pipe is all... *cough*!" Bon Bon technically wasn't lying. Spit had gone down the wrong pipe, it was the cause that made the spit go down the wrong way she left out. The mare was finally able to recompose herself and plaster on a sheepish smile for the two. "Thank you for the concern though," she continued, looking to the waiter, "I won't be needing a menu, my good stallion. I am well rehearsed with this restaurant's menu, my companion here is still new to the parts, so I will wait patiently for her to make a selection."

Bon Bon folded one hoof over the other on top of the table and looked to Lyra, smiling her town famous smile. Lyra frowned, however. She didn't want Bon Bon to have to wait on her. She didn't like being "that Pony". Lyra opened her mouth to speak her concern, but not before the waiter could say something that made her shut it back up.

"So I assume this will all be on one check for you and your marefriend, miss Bon Bon?" He asked.

It went dead silent at the duo's table. Cheeks of green and cream burned crimson red and pupils of two pairs of eyes dilated. Neither was able to talk, or even look, at each other after the waiter's comment. Lyra cleared her throat in nervousness, not actually planning to say anything. She didn't know what to say. It was a bizarre notion for the waiter to just jump to a conclusion like that. Although, the prospect of being Bon Bon's marefriend somehow didn't sound all that bad. Lyra perked up when she heard Bon Bon chuckle awkwardly an turn her head to speak with the waiter.

"Um, actually my good sir, this is just, um... a professional dinner for my friend here to congratulate her on being inducted into the Philharmonic. I can see how you would make that error though in light of my reputation. So no harm is done," Bon Bon said as politely as equinely possible. The waiter only perked his ears up, looked at Lyra, who was still processing what she was hearing, then looked back to Bon Bon. Smiling.

"My mistake, miss," He replied, then turned to Lyra. "So will you need a few minutes to look over the menu?"

Lyra sat, unmoving, still stunned by the waiter's nonchalant remark. She shook her head though as she realized they were still waiting on a response. She looked between the two rapidly, finally settling on the waiter.

"I'll have what she's having," she said, pointing at Bon Bon. The waiter smiled a content smile and pulled out his notepad to jot down their order.

"Very good. So, what will you be having, miss?" He asked Bon Bon. The mare in question smiled back, quickly forgetting the awkward situation that they were just in moments ago.

"I'll have the usual, Brahms," Bon Bon replied, calling the waiter by name. His smile only grew when she called him by his name as he wrote down their order.

"The steamed okra glazed in daisy oil with a glass of fancy red. Excellent choice! I'll have your orders out shortly," he said, beginning to turn away.

"Wait!" Lyra nearly shouted, catching herself at the last second. Brahms stopped and looked to her with a raised eyebrow. "Do you have soda here?" Bon Bon facehoofed, the first of many to come. She lowered her hoof and glared at her companion.

"Lyra, why do you want soda?" She asked, a little agitated.

"Because I'm too young to drink alcohol. I'm only eighteen, you know!" Lyra returned. Bon Bon facehoofed for the second time, dragging this one out down along her face and letting go with a snap!

"Lyra, the drinking age in Ponyville IS eighteen!" Lyra stared in disbelief.

"W-... What?"

"The legal age to drink alcohol in Ponyville is eighteen," Bon Bon said again, flatly.

"I thought it was twenty one!" Lyra said, amazed.

"How old do you think I am, Lyra? What on Earth made you think it was twenty one?" Bon Bon asked, genuinely curious. Lyra twiddled her hooves sheepishly.

"Because that's the age in San Franciscolt," she said meekly, shying away a bit from the gazes of the two ponies. Lyra chanced a peek at Bon Bon, who gave her nothing but a reassuring smile. Lyra didn't know what it was about Bon Bon's smile, but it always filled her with confidence. She sat up straight and smiled back. Bon Bon nodded, her work being done, then looked to Brahms.

"Two glasses of fancy red, please," she said, then looked back at Lyra mischievously, "And make it snappy!" Brahms grinned and hurried off to get their drinks, but stopped and turned back one last time as, remembering something important.

"Oh! And congratulations on your induction into the Philharmonic, Ms. Lyra! I look forward to hearing you play!" And with that, he was off to fetch their beverages, leaving the two mares to themselves. They gazed at each other, smiling happily. Then something piqued Bon Bon's interest.

"Lyra, I'm curious. What were you going to order if the drinking age was twenty one?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. Lyra shrugged.

"Probably just a Mr. Pepper, or maybe a Para-Sprite!" She responded. Bon Bon shrugged and continued on their conversation with different topics such as the weather, town gossip, recent events that occurred, and a bunch of other small talk..... until their drinks arrived.

..........................................................................I don't really want to tell this next part.........................

Two giggling, slightly "under-the-influence" mares stumbled back into the apartment complex that resided above Bon Bon's candy shop. The candy mare placed the keys on the coffee table that sat in the middle of the living room as the duo struggled to the couch; their forelegs draped over each other for support as they slipped and tumbled, but somehow managed to stay (not so) firmly on their hooves. They plopped down on the couch, where their giggling fits continued for several more minutes until finally resolving itself. Lyra looked over at Bon Bon as she flicked on a couch-side lamp and froze in place, staring at the amazing sight before her. Lyra never noticed, well, she DID notice, how beautiful Bon Bon looked in the light before, she just never had the courage to admit to herself before. Bon Bon tilted her head slightly as she rested it against the soft cushiony goodness that was the couch and noticed Lyra's persistent gaze. The cream colored mare smirked a bit, flattered at the ogling.

"Lose something over here, Lyra?" She asked in a teasing manner. The aforementioned unicorn brought herself back to reality at the sound of Bon Bon's sweet, silky, beautiful voice.

"Nope, I think I found something," Lyra replied, teasing back.

"And what would that be?" The candy mare asked in a knowing tone. Lyra smiled.

The love of my life, she thought. Or, at least she thinks she thought that, even though it didn't feel like it was a voluntary thought. The unicorn mentally shrugged, however, since it wasn't far from the truth and just blamed it on the wine. "Nothing," she eventually responded. The two then lapsed back into another few minutes of silence, neither knowing what to say next.

After getting bored of just sitting in the noiseless, semi-dark room, Bon Bon decided to finally speak up. She had come to the conclusion that if she was going to reveal her true feelings for Lyra now, it might as well be when she still has all this liquid courage in her system. She sidled a bit closer to the unicorn, immediately catching her attention. Lyra turned and saw that Bon Bon's face was only a mere few inches away from her own. The gulp she made was audible in the semi-dark silence.

"Lyra, I.... I don't think I ever properly thanked you..." She whispered, just barely loud enough for the green unicorn to hear, but was confused by her statement.

"Thank me for what?" She asked back in a normal tone of voice, "The dinner? I should be the one thanking you. That dinner cost at least seventy bits, not to mention the twenty you left for a tip. You could have at least let me pitch in for tha-"

"I'm not talking about the dinner," Bon Bon cut in. Now Lyra was even more confused.

"Then what ARE you talking about?" Bon Bon leaned in even closer.

"I want to thank you for being here with me," she whispered, "I was so lonely, just living here in this empty apartment by myself. Pardon the redundancy. Before you came along, my everyday tasks were so difficult to perform all by my lonesome. Do you know how hard it is to make taffy when you are an earth pony?" Lyra shook her head. "Hmph, pray you never have to... Anyways, it was just so boring. Nopony to talk to. Nopony to play a little board game with. Nopony to make any music to brighten the mood in the room.... and then you came along..." Lyra felt her pulse increase from the gaze Bon Bon gave her. It was firm, but gentle. "You make any situation better with your witty remarks, your amazing skills with the lyre which I imagine must be VERY difficult to play with your hooves, extremely impressive I must add, and all around being there for me in my time of need. Like when I awoke from those nightmares before and you were there to comfort me..."

Lyra thought back to those times that she was woken up by the sound of screaming emanating from Bon Bon's room. She rushed from the couch and to her roommates bedroom to find she was curled up on her mattress, bawling her eyes out. Some outside (or inside) force drove Lyra to comfort her friend. Immediately rushing to her friend's side, Lyra wrapped the crying mare up in a tight embrace and stroked her mane to assuage her as quickly as possible. Bon Bon would bury her head in the crook of Lyra's neck, smiling all the while, thankful for her company.

Lyra was brought back to reality as she noticed Bon Bon scooting her body ever closer to her own. "You fill me with so much joy, Lyra Heartstrings," Bon Bon continued, "I don't know how I ever survived without you. You're the reason why I look forward to waking up in the morning now. Before it was just a regular routine of shutting off my alarm clock, laying in bed for another five minutes, then finally forcing myself to get up and make my candies before I have to open my store. Now I wake up earlier than usual since you have to get up ridiculously early in the morning for practice at the Philharmonic, but that's become my most favorite time of day..." Lyra swallowed again, dreading where Bon Bon was taking this next. "I hear you sing in the shower, Lyra." Yep, she was right. She drooped her ears as she braced herself for Bon Bon's next words. "I can hear you singing in the shower as you are preparing to go in for practice.... and it's absolutely beautiful." Lyra perked up at this and stared incredulously at Bon Bon, her heart fluttering a bit.

"W-... What did you say?" The unicorn asked.

"I said your singing is absolutely beautiful," Bon Bon confirmed. "It is like a thousand angels are speaking at once and are condensed down into one single, solitary sound that comes out of your throat as you sing. I also appreciate your song of choice. 'The Candy Mare' is quite a lovely selection," Bon Bon told Lyra, batting her eyes at the speechless unicorn. The aforementioned unicorn tensed up as Bon Bon placed a hoof on top of her own, stroking it gently. "Will you sing for me?"

Lyra flabbergasted a bit at that. "Huh- Uh, I... fbbt.... What?"

"Please? Won't you sing for me? I want to hear your beautiful voice again..."

Lyra looked up into Bon Bon's eyes.... which she immediately wished she hadn't. Her baby blue orbs were the size of dinner plates and constantly shouted "Please!!" directly into Lyra's heart. She tried to fight it, but soon found that it was a fruitless endeavor.

Under the spell of Bon Bon's beautiful sapphire eyes, Lyra sat up straight, cleared her throat, slowly shut her eyes.... and began to sing.

"Who can make the sun riiiiiiisse"

"And sprinkle it with dew?"

"Cover it with chocolate"

"And a miracle or two?"

"The Candy Mare"

"The Candy Mare can"

"Oooohh the Candy Mare can because she mixes it with love until the world tastes goooood"

"Who can take the sunshiiiiinnee"

"And clear the clouds away?"

"To make another delicious"

"And sunny summer day?"

"The Candy Mare"

"Ooooohh the Candy Mare can"

"The Candy Mare can because she uses her heart"

"To sweeten everything until the world tastes goooood"

"Like she thinks it shooouuuulllddd...."

Lyra huffed and blew out a breath after finishing her ballad, keeping her eyes firmly shut all throughout the performance as she was too afraid to see Bon Bon's reaction. Everything seemed fine and dandy... until she heard a sniffle. Lyra ever so agonizingly slowly opened her eyes to a painful, yet ever so lovely sight.

Bon Bon, whom of which had listened very intently to Lyra's performance, had her hooves clasped together in front of her heart with tears streaming freely down the sides of her cheeks, the biggest smile she had ever made adorning her lips. She sniffled once more and wiped away the tears in her eyes.

"That was beautiful," she whispered.

"You're beautiful," Lyra said without thinking, immediately clamping her hooves over her mouth.

Bon Bon felt a ping in her chest.

"W-... What... did you just say?" Bon Bon was on the verge of breaking down into a pitiful puddle of tears of joy. Lyra mentally kicked herself for involuntarily saying that out loud since this could have potentially ruined the relationship they had going. Oh well, it was too late to take it back now. Lyra steeled her resolve with a deep inhale, looked Bon Bon straight in the eyes, and let everything out.

"I said that you, Bon Bon..." Lyra confessed, taking the candy mare's hooves in her own. "Are beautiful..." Bon Bon nearly passed out from the sweetness her words had in them, but somehow stayed conscious as Lyra went on. "I... I was confused about my feelings at first. Ever since we met that day a month and a half ago, I felt we made a connection, you know?" Bon Bon nodded in agreement. "I thought it was the effect your kindness was having on me, but then over time, I felt it becoming more and more than just 'she's just a good friend'. I now realize that it's because.... because...." Bon Bon inched closer to the mare on the verge of weeping, making the mint-green unicorn look away.

"Because what?" Bon Bon had a good feeling she already knew the answer, she just needed to hear it from her. Bon Bon put a hoof on the unicorn's cheek and made her look back into her eyes. Looking into those alluring blue eyes, Lyra was filled with a confidence she never knew she had as Bon Bon waited patiently for her to finish what she had to say.

"Because I....... I........ I... love... you...."

Lyra had no time to react as Bon Bon pulled her into a spine-crushing hug and firmly planted her lips on her own. Lyra's breath froze in place inside her lungs. She couldn't move. She couldn't think. The only thing she could focus on was this mare that was kissing her with the most intense passion she had ever seen in any pony; she allowed her eyes to flutter shut as Bon Bon continued the kiss, feeling the candy mare's heart beat in time with her own.

Lyra didn't care about anything anymore. Not the pain in her spine. Not the reaction her parent's were going to have once she confessed to them that she was attracted to other mares. Nothing. None of it was important. The only thing that mattered was the two of them. Right there. Right now.

A minute or two passed before Bon Bon finally pulled away from the kiss, but continued to hug the unicorn, resting her chin on her shoulder.

"I love you too, Lyra..." Bon Bon whispered as gently as a summer breeze. "From the day I met you I knew you were the one. Something pulled me towards you, Lyra. I wasn't even supposed to be out in the market that day, but some force pushed me to leave the apartment, convincing me that I needed to pick up something from town... and I just figured out what it was..." Bon Bon pulled away and stared into Lyra's gorgeous golden eyes. Lyra smiled at her, making her smile back in turn. Bon Bon gave her another peck on the lips and pulled her back into the embrace.

"Oh Bon Bon..." Lyra whispered into her ear.

"Mmm," was Bon Bon's only response as she snuggled in more to the crook of Lyra's neck. The unicorn allowed a tear to roll down her eye as she brought her own hooves up and wrapped them around Bon Bon's barrel, squeezing her as gently, but firmly, as possible.

"Bon Bon?" Lyra asked with a bit of hesitation.

"Yeah?"

"Are we, like, together now?" Bon Bon knew she wanted them to be, but the decision ultimately came down to Lyra.

"Only if you want to be..." She said somewhat sadly, dreading the worst case scenario-

"Yes..."

-that was never going to happen.

"Really?" Bon Bon asked, still the tiniest bit uncertain.

"Absolutely. One hundred percent. Yes, with all my heart!" Lyra's shouting nearly deafened poor Bon Bon. The cream-colored mare's breath was cut short as Lyra tightened her grip. "I love you! :heart: I love you! :heart: I LOVE YOU!!! :heart::heart::heart:" Lyra screamed to the heavens, kissing Bon Bon in between proclamations. "But..."

Oh no. It was just what Bon Bon feared. The dreaded "But..." The two pulled away and locked eyes again. Bon Bon was a little terrified this time around. The reason being that Lyra had a stern, serious gaze, and Lyra was never serious. Seeing Bon Bon's face, Lyra softened her expression and allowed a neutral gaze.

"If we are going to be together," the unicorn continued, "then there is something you need to know about me." Bon Bon simply nodded, signaling the unicorn to continue. She took a deep breath and gave Bon Bon another quick peck, making the candy mare's heart flutter before saying, "I have mild depression. It's nothing serious, or at least, nothing that requires medication. I am happy most days, but there are some where I just can't seem to find it in me to smile. That's why I like making others happy, because it makes me happy. It's also why I love to play the lyre and perform on stage. Because I feel that music is an equal medium for everypony. Something that allows one to express who and what they are, and reveal their heart and soul to the ones watching." Lyra paused to take a breath. "So, that's pretty much it. If you can put up with a ten-percent-of-the-time sad, mopey Lyra, then Bon Bon, I offer you my heart to take. Do you think you can handle me?"

For a short while, Bon Bon didn't move. Or blink. Or say anything, which worried Lyra to a certain degree. Thankfully, Lyra's discomfort was vanquished when Bon Bon put her hooves on the unicorn's cheeks, smiled at her with that sweet smile she was known for, and pulled her in for a barrage of soft, velvety kisses. Not one was ever in the same place. She kissed Lyra's lips, nose, cheeks, neck (causing Lyra to giggle slightly), and trailed the kisses all the way up to Lyra's warm, fluffy ear.

"Yes I can." And with that said, Lyra was tackled onto her back, cushioned by the softness of the couch, and was given the affection she had always been searching for but could never find.

And that's our story. The End!!

Oh no it's not Lyra! We still have some story left to tell

Oh I know, "she" just told me to say that to throw off the audience

And what if "she" told you jump off a cliff to see if you could fly? Would you do it?

Possibly. Depends on how high the cliff is

Lyra, love, I'm being told right now to say that I love you, but my goodness! You are ridiculous!

Oh well, too bad! You signed the contract! Now I'm yours..... FOREVER!!

Let's just get back to the story...

Several more months passed since we became a couple. Days came and went. Lyra's first performance with the Philharmonic occurred in that time frame, which I attended and she did absolutely OUTSTANDING in!

.............................-KISS-................................

HeHe, anyways, it was just a normal day like any other in the shop. Lyra didn't have to be back at practice for another week, so she GRACIOUSLY volunteered to help me make candies in the kitchen in the mean time. That's when the strange things began...

I involuntarily volunteered

(Lyra's POV)

Lyra was busy mixing a bowl of ingredients for Bon Bon with her magic on one side of the kitchen, a task she was set upon by the candy mare to get more done at once before the patrons began filing in. It wasn't too difficult of a job, but work was still work. And Lyra of Heartstrings does NOT like to work. However, if it was work for Bon Bon, it was an exception. During the time they have been a couple, Lyra had the unpleasant surprise of discovering that, even though Bon Bon is the town "sweetheart", she could still have a 'bad side'. And a nasty one at that. One was all it took for Lyra to decide that it was better if she stayed in Bon Bon's good graces. To quickly summarize what happened, Lyra messed something up, Bon Bon got upset, and punished Lyra by not kissing her for a WHOLE day. She was still given hugs though. Bon Bon wasn't THAT evil...

Anyway, moving on, the unicorn found that her gaze kept drifting back over to her cream-colored marefriend. She just couldn't help herself. Bon Bon was perfect in every way. She was absolutely astonishing. Her coat was finely groomed, her mane and tail were stunning and (kind of) hypnotic to look at, her hooves were properly washed and pedicured to perfection, her eyes always had an air of mystery about them and were always fun to look into and make Bon Bon blush by complimenting them, and in return receive a smooch or two.

But none of those compared (alright, maybe they did a little) to how beautiful she was on the inside. Lyra loved the feeling of Bon Bon's heart beat. It was so gentle, and yet so strong at the same time! Lyra loved sneaking up on Bon Bon and wrapping her in a hug and kissing along the back of her neck then feel how much her heart rate increased. There was just something so majestic about the way it beat, like it somehow knew Lyra loved Bon Bon immensely, and could sense her own heart beat as well.

Lyra's eyes lidded a little as she grinned and stared at Bon Bon, watching her work on the brownie batter. Lyra could feel her pulse increasing more and more the longer she stared. Eventually she fell into a trance, unable to look away from the pony she loved, and unaware of the weird shape her pupils were forming as she continued staring.

Oh come on! Just go kiss her already! You're driving me insane!

Lyra was shaken back to reality by that voice in her head. She definitely did not think that. Something else thought it for her. Lyra gulped a little, fear beginning to take over her as she realized that somepony was inside her head.

"H-... He- Hel- Hello?" Lyra managed to croak out.

"Did you say something, Ly Ly?" Bon Bon asked sweetly over her shoulder as she poured the brownies into the pan.

"Uhhh... Um, no. Nope. Nothing! Not a thing, sweetie buns!" Lyra replied in a nervous chuckle. Bon Bon raised an eyebrow at her reaction, but didn't press any further into the matter. She turned around to continue pouring; Lyra let out a little breather when she did.

Nice save... the voice said in a deadpan.

Lyra perked back up again, still on alert as to the pony inside her head. Lyra fired up her horn to try and track down the cranial invader, but was unable to pick up a signal on anything. Lyra looked around for anything that could possibly be transmitting radio signals into her head without the use of magic. Slowly she turned around, and tried to take control of the situation.

"Alright, who are you and what are you doing inside my head?" Lyra demanded in a whisper, making sure Bon Bon couldn't overhear. The voice sighed.

Seriously? You don't know who I am? I am little hurt actually. After all, I've been with you ever since you were born. Even BEFORE you were born, I was with you. I've been with you through the best times of your life and the worst times of your life. I've been with you through your more *ahem* PRIVATE moments. I've been with you for every decision you made, always trying to steer you in the right direction. It would work most of the time, but I guess on the other times my signals weren't strong enough. Oh! And for future reference, you can just think to speak with me. I can hear all your thoughts. And stop shaking, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to help you. Your fear hurts me

Lyra stopped shaking as the voice commanded her to, but still couldn't help feeling a bit anxious. She wasn't able to quite place who this pony was that talked to her in her head, but felt like she knew them her whole life. Their voice sounded just like hers, except it was softer, lighter. And what was even weirder was that Lyra noticed that the syllables of the voice's words spoke in tandem with the beats of her heart.

Lyra took a sharp intake of breath, her eyes shrinking to pinpricks as the answer hit her like a runaway freight train.

"You're.... You're my...."

Lyra could hear the voice's smile inside her head.

Bingo!

o.0.o

(Bon Bon's POV)

"I just don't get it... you SAID it would be any day now..." Bon Bon thought to herself as she tended to her brownies. A sigh resonated within her head.

It will happen, Bon. Don't you worry your pretty little head. I have a good feeling about today! A voice responded. Bon Bon slumped her shoulders a little in defeat.

"I know you are right. It's just that... I feel that the longer it takes, the more I think she doesn't love me enou-" Bon Bon was cut off when she heard whispering, that wasn't in her head, behind her. She quickly whipped around and saw Lyra, who had shirked her duties for whatever reason. The mare became suspicious.

"Did you say something, Ly Ly?" Bon Bon asked in a fake innocent voice. She had clearly heard something. Lyra immediately shot her head towards her marefriend and grinned a sheepish smile.

"Uhhh... Um, no. Nope. Nothing! Not a thing, sweetie buns!" She heard Lyra reply, clearly lying. Bon Bon pretended to believe her however, but still raised an eyebrow so as not to get caught in the fact that she knew Lyra was lying. She turned back around to her pan of brownies, a wide smile on her face and sparkles shimmering in her eyes.

You were saying? The voice asked.

o.0.o

(Lyra's POV)

After a few minutes of accepting the fact that her heart was speaking with her, Lyra was able to relax and get back to her duties while maintaining a quiet conversation inside her own mind.

"Soooo.... how have you been?" Lyra asked with her thoughts, breaking the ice.

Almost nineteen years now and she FINALLY asks, her heart responded with obvious sarcasm. Lyra now knew this sudden manifestation was a part of her. It had her personality. Or maybe she had its personality? I have been really well, actually. Nice and healthy because of your lifestyle choices. It wouldn't hurt for you to get out and walk or maybe jog some more every now and then, but other than that I'm absolutely dandy!

Lyra dropped her ears as she donned a face of unamusement. The lyricist wasn't sure if this was the most amazing day of her life, after becoming Bon Bon's marefriend of course, or the first step into her downwards spiral of insanity. She still wasn't sure if the voice she was hearing was who it made itself out to be, but with no further evidence to prove that it was some thought transmission magic or schizophrenia, she had no choice but to trust it.

"Okay, then how are you speaking to me? Why now, out of all these years, have you started speaking to me now?"

Do you want the long version, the short version, or the short-short version?

"I'm good with the short version."

Well basically, it works like this. Everypony in existence has 'one of us' within their heart. A conscience, if you will. And in order for us to be, to put it simply, awakened, our owner must become a being of love and compassion, giving and receiving love without a second thought or ulterior motive and disregarding any feelings of hate, and your love for Bon Bon is so pure and untainted that it was enough to push me over the threshold of complete consciousness. Ever since that day you two became a couple, the process of my full awakening began Her heart allowed a little pause for Lyra to process everything before continuing. Lyra, I have always been there with you, as I said earlier. Just because I wasn't speaking doesn't mean I didn't live those moments with you. Here's another thing that helped in waking me. You remember that time with the hot sauce and your little sister?

Lyra nodded. She did remember that time when she was still a little filly and made her little sister eat an entire spoonful of Fireball Hot Sauce because she thought it would be funny. And it was.... at first. But then her sister started crying, her tears staining her chubby little cheeks as she complained that she would never be able to taste anything ever again. It was such a pitiful sight, and Lyra felt guilty immediately afterwards, and still did to this day. She tried comforting her sister, but before she could her sister had jumped down from her chair, ran out of the kitchen and into her room, shouting an "I hate you!" before slamming the door. That remark did more damage than her sister could have ever imagined. Lyra began crying too, burying her eyes in her hooves and muttering "I'm sorry!" to herself over and over again. She lifted her head, eyed the bottle of hot sauce, and knew what she had to do.

Picking the hot sauce up in her magic, she carried it down to her sister's room where she, thankfully, found that the door was unlocked. She went over to her weeping sister, who was lying face down on the bed, and sat down beside her. The sobbing sibling raised her head up and, without saying a word, Lyra put the hot sauce to her lips and downed half of its contents in three chugs. At once her mouth became an inferno that spread all the way down her chest and deposited into her stomach. She gripped her mouth and tummy, flopping down on a pillow and wreathing in pain at the burning sensation. Tears freely flowed down her cheeks as her mouth melted away, at least it seemed like it did. She was about to get up and leave to find relief until she felt a tiny pair of arms wrapping around her neck and an even smaller muzzle nuzzling her.

Her sister was smiling, tears streaming down her cheeks as well, but not from the hot sauce this time. Lyra smiled through the pain, glad that her plan had done what it was supposed to do. Lyra wrapped her sibling up in a tight hug as well, constantly whispering a muffled "I'm sorry" into her ear which was replied to with an "I forgive you." After sharing a moment of affection with each other, they quickly made their way to the kitchen to share a glass of milk, soothing both of their burns.

Lyra came back down from the unintentional flashback and refocused her mind on their conversation. "I still feel guilty about that..." Lyra looked down to the floor in shame.

As would be expected. That is what's known as a "pleasure through pain" memory. That was the day you subconsciously decided that you never wanted to see your little sister hurt ever again. Honestly, despite the searing pain that came from it, that is one of my most favorite memories. It is a form of non-verbal apology that everypony does. You knew the consequences of drinking that hot sauce, but you did it anyway so you could share the pain with your sister, plus some, because you couldn't stand the thought of your sister being hurt by your actions and the possibility that she would hate you forever. You cared for her too much to allow that love to slip away. So you fought through the pain.... for the pleasure that was your sister's love

Lyra sat down on her haunches, incredulous as to what she was hearing as a tear leaked out of her right eye. She sniffled softly and wiped it away.

"Wait... I thought memories were stored in the brain?"

Most are, but the most special and ones dearest to you are stored within, well, me!

Lyra nodded her head, understanding the explanation. The unicorn sniffled once more and wiped away another tear.

"You never did answer my other question..."

What? About HOW I am talking to you? Lyra nodded. Oh that's simple. My beats travel up a special ventricle to a long-forgotten part of the equine brain where they are translated into words and echoed throughout your head as my speech. This is not limited to speaking though. I can also flash memories. Lyra doubled back as pictures of her kissing Bon Bon flashed through her mind, making her smile involuntarily. And, if I can gain enough strength, even move body parts! Here, let me try. Make your leg go limp

Lyra was skeptical and a little afraid of this idea, but followed through with the request anyway and allowed her left leg to go limp. She heard some grunting echo around in her mind, but didn't feel anything other than her heart rate increasing. Then, she felt a slight stirring that traveled down and throughout her leg. What she saw next left her speechless.. Her left leg was raising up of its own accord, still as limp as she left it. The process was slow going and took a good two minutes, but her hoof eventually found its way to her chest and stopped there, directly in front of where her heart is.

The green unicorn did not know what to say. There was nothing she could say. Her moment of astonishment didn't last long, however, when a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her and took everything she had to stop from following over.

Phew! That took a LOT out of me! Could you do me a favor and go to Bon Bon? I need a bit of a love recharge to get my energy back, and I'm sure you have a lot to tell her... and I'm pretty sure she has a lot to tell you too

Lyra only nodded her head and struggled to stand on wobbly hooves. She looked over to Bon Bon and watched her work for a second, just looking at her seemed to give Lyra the strength she needed to walk. She smiled lovingly towards her marefriend and cantered over to the busy candy maker.

So Lyra came up behind me, kissed the back of my neck and made a trail of tiny pecks all the way to my lips. When she made it to my face, she proceeded to tell me what had just occurred. I told her that I knew and I had the some affliction

Maybe 'affliction' isn't the best word to describe it...

Blessing?

Sounds good to me!

Anyways, jumping ahead a couple of days, we make a sudden realization that we should have been aware of sooner. Almost there everyone! Our story is nearly over!

Awwww...

-KISS- Don't worry Lyra, my love. It won't be the last they hear of us, wink!

Yay!! Bon Bon, I'm gonna tell this last part, K?

Be my guest

(Lyra's POV)

It was just another work day. Bon Bon and Lyra had made the candies, served many satisfied customers with a smile, and were now back in their apartment complex above the shop. Bon Bon cooked dinner in the kitchen while Lyra read a book on the couch. However, she kept getting distracted and having to reread the page she was on because a certain beautiful candy making mare kept drawing her attention away. Lyra eventually gave up, bookmarked her page, and resigned to just watching Bon Bon. She soon fell into a loving, half-lidded trance as she watched her amazing marefriend move about the kitchen. Lyra's pulse increased by the minute as she continued staring.

She's beautiful, isn't she?

Lyra nodded her head.

I don't get why you torture yourself like this. If you want to be affectionate, then get up and go kiss that mare! I'm sure she won't mind, wink wink nudge nudge!

"I don't want to interrupt her. I'd just get in the way." Lyra said aloud, sounding as if she had been hypnotized, which she very well may have. Bon Bon added some carrot slices and seasoning into the big pot on the kitchen stove and stirred them with a wooden spoon.

That's one of the many amazing things about you, Lyra. Always caring. Putting others before yourself. Quick to forgive and love those that have wronged you. Why are you so.... wonderful? Lyra blushed as she kept her gaze firmly on Bon Bon. D'awww!

"That's so sweet of you to say, but I'm far from perfect. Trust me, I would know what perfection looks like. I'm staring at it right now..." Bon Bon turned away from the stove to pick out another ingredient from the cupboard on her left, humming a happy tune as she did. "Can you see her? Please say that you can. I'd hate to deprive you of such a sight." Lyra breathed a shuddering breath and felt her pulse quicken even more.

Her heart chuckled. I have plenty of memories of you and her that I can look at and feel absolutely overzealous about. And yes, I can see her, right now, adding those parsley snips into the dinner pot

Lyra was shaken out of her trance like state at her heart's words. She refocused on Bon Bon and, sure enough, the mare was adding some parsley snips into the pot. Lyra was amazed, to say the least.

"Wow, so you can see what I see?" Lyra asked curiously, forming a little experiment in her mind.

Yep

"What about when I close my eyes?" She said, closing her eyes.

Same as you. Black. Darkness. But I can just look at a memory of you and Bon Bon if I want to watch something, so it's no big deal

Lyra smiled and opened her eyes back up. She thought for a little bit afterwards, scratching her chin for concentration. Then one of those, ya know, thinky things you get in your head popped into her mind, making her feel slightly self-conscious.

You mean an 'Idea'?

Yeah!

"Hey, umm... this might sound a bit narcissistic, but..." Lyra took a deep breath then slowly let it out. "Do... D-Do you think I am... pretty?" Lyra mentally kicked herself for saying it, but she couldn't help asking it. She heard a sigh.

Lyra, Sweet. I could sit here all day, literally, listing off reasons on why or how you're beautiful, but in the end, it isn't up for me to decide. The only one who's opinion matters on that subject is yourself. Personally, I think you are above average on whatever scale it is you use to determine outside beauty, but it is what's inside that counts. So, what do you think Lyra? Are you beautiful on the inside?

Lyra sniffled and wiped her nose with a foreleg. She smiled through her tears of happiness, grateful for the kind words.

"Wow, that means a lot. Thank you. I'll consider that and get back to you on that h-.... um..... hmm..."

What's the matter?

"I'm sorry," Lyra said, chuckling sheepishly, "I've known you for a good couple of days now and didn't even THINK to ask your name. Please forgive my ignorance."

Her heart laughed a good bit at that, making Lyra smile a tiny bit as well. It didn't make the embarrassment any easier though.

Lyra, no need to get so defensive. I'm not upset. If I was, that would effect you as well, and I don't want you to be hurt because of me. I don't have a name, Lyra. This sort of thing happens pretty rarely nowadays. It would be a great honor though if you named me! Make it something clever, if you could. OH! What about Heartstrings? Eh! Eh!

It was Lyra's turn to chuckle and shake her head at her heart's over-enthusiasm.

"No, I'm not going to name you," Lyra could literally feel her heart sink at that. She felt bad, but put on an encouraging smile and glanced towards Bon Bon. "She is."

Lyra smiled when she felt her heart pick up pace again, thumping right against her rib cage. Almost like she was trying to jump out and wrap Lyra up in a nice, warm hug. The unicorn set her book down on the coffee table and made her way over to Bon Bon, who was busy setting the table for their dinner. She snuck up behind the candy maker mare and gently laid a hoof over her backside.

o.0.o

(Bon Bon's POV)

Bon Bon yelped a little, but did not jolt or shake. She knew who it was. Bon Bon had become accustomed to Lyra's jokes and pranks. While her impracticality could be annoying sometimes, it was one of the many things she loved about her mint green unicorn. Bon Bon shivered slightly as she felt Lyra begin to stroke her back. The earth pony mare always enjoyed that. Her unicorn would start at the back of her neck and make smooth, clean strokes down her spine to the base of her tail. However, Lyra did something unexpected this time around.

As Lyra petted her, the unicorn began trailing kisses up her side. That was another one of the amazing things Bon Bon loved about Lyra. She always kept the mare on the tips of her hooves. Bon Bon's heart was going crazy inside her chest. Lyra reached her neck and kissed all around there for a second or two before she continued on to Bon Bon's cheek. The candy mare met her love halfway. Turning her head, she caught Lyra's lips with her own. The unicorn's breath hitched, but did not cease her stroking motions on her lover's back. After a while of intense lip-locking, the two mares pulled away. A string of saliva hung attached between their mouths, evidence of their physical and spiritual connection. Bon Bon smiled and began brushing Lyra's mane.

"Dinner is ready, love," Bon Bon started, kissing Lyra again. The unicorn smiled when they broke away and dove back in for a second round. "Oh Lyra, you drive my heart wild! I love you so much!" Bon Bon rested her head on Lyra's shoulder and nestled into it, breathing a content sigh. Lyra snapped back to attention as she was suddenly reminded of what she had to do.

"Oh, um, speaking of heart. Ehh... What, um... What do you... CALL... her?" Lyra was hesitant, to say the least. Bon Bon pulled back and stared at Lyra with a look of befuddlement, as was expected.

"Call who?" It was impossible for Bon Bon's eyebrow to raise any higher without lifting off her face. Lyra responded by simply tapping a hoof to Bon Bon's chest. The message seemed to click right away when she did so. "Oooohh.... um, I've just been calling her heart. She seemed to be fine with it..." The realization donned on her, smacking her with the force of a thousand hooves. The guilt was immediately apparent. "How could I be so... so.... THOUGHTLESS!?! It has been several days since we first began talking and I just now realized I never asked for her name!!" Bon Bon's haunches hit the ground as she sulked. "I don't deserve the title of town sweetheart..." She began sobbing.

"Hey, hey," Lyra said gently, comforting her distraught marefriend. She put a hoof under her chin and made Bon Bon look her in the eyes. "Trust me, it's alright." Then Lyra planted her lips on Bon Bon's. It surprised her at first, but the mare soon let her eyelids flutter shut and savored the moment. Her heart picked up pace again.

She's right, Bonnie. It's okay, I'm not upset or anything. It just didn't cross your mind is all. It's not too late to give me a name, if you catch my drift! Bon Bon's eyes shot open and (regretfully) pulled away from the kiss. Lyra raised an eyebrow, but soon lowered when she saw the "I just had a stroke of genius" look on Bon Bon's face. It was now or never.

Both spoke at the same time, "Will you name my heart?"

They both shut their mouths at the same time as well, not knowing who should go first. Bon Bon eventually allowed Lyra to speak first.

"Bonnie, ever since the day we met, the time I've spent with you have been the happiest moments of my life so far, and hopefully many more to come. You are charming." Bon Bon's heart thumped. "Charismatic." Another thump. "And the most beautiful mare to ever exist. The sun can't even hold a candle to your shining beauty." One more hard thump and Bon Bon was trapped. She could no longer look away from Lyra. The mare was now under her spell. "You have stolen my heart Bon Bon. The first one actually," she leaned in closer and whispered, "and the last. I want you to be the one that names my heart." The dams finally broke in Bon Bon's eyes. The tears flowed of their own fruition, almost like they had a mind of their own. They streamed down her face, to the end of her cheeks, and dripped off, pooling on the floor. Lyra giggled and kissed her nose, releasing Bon Bon from her trance.

"Lyra, I feel the same way. Oohh I know that is such a cop-out answer, but the words that were going to come from my heart already came from yours. All I can really say is... I love you. I love you, Lyra Heartstrings! You fill my heart with joy every single day and can't imagine my life without you now! I want to be the one who is there for you when you're sick to take care of you. I want to be the one who will stick with you through good and bad, thick and thin. I don't care about your social status, or your money, or ANY of that!! I love you for your mind..." Bon Bon placed a hoof on Lyra's chest, "And this beautiful amazing thing beating furiously inside your rib cage. I want to keep it safe. I want to keep it happy. I protect what is mine. And in return," Bon Bon took Lyra's hoof and placed it on her own chest, "I offer you my heart as well, and the opportunity to name her."

It was Lyra's turn to shed tears now. They dripped down her muzzle like a waterfall and pooled on the floor along with Bon Bon's, forming together to make what looks like a love heart. They both pulled each other in for a crushing embrace, their love muscles beating right against each other. They were off beat with each other for only a few seconds before they synced up with one another. The two mares shared a quick Eskimo kiss and real kiss, then went back into the hug.

"I've already thought of name for yours, what about you?" Bon Bon asked. Lyra nodded.

"Mm hm, I've got one," she responded.

"Alright then, we'll say them at the same time. On the count of three. Ready?"

"Yeah."

"Okay then. 1..."

"2..."

"3!"

"3!"

"Minty!"

"Sweetheart!"

There was a moment of awkward silence shared between the two mares. Slowly, though, they pulled away from each other, leaving the safety and comfort of the hug. Bon Bon's face was pure happiness. Happy about the name Lyra had chosen for her heart because it just seemed to fit so well. Lyra, however, had a quizzical look on her face. She did not seem amused one bit.

"Alright, explain," Lyra said in a deadpan.

"Huh?" Was all Bon Bon could ask.

"Why Minty? You are aware of the last mare who used that nickname on me, right?" Lyra lifted an eyebrow slightly when she saw Bon Bon nod her head enthusiastically.

"Yes I know. That's why I chose it." Lyra relaxed a little from Bon Bon's soft voice. "I mean, be honest. If it weren't for Bitter Sweet shouting at you that day in the market, we never would have met. Complain about me being a traitor all you want, but that day was the day my life would change forever, and I haven't looked back. Admit it, if it weren't for Bitter Sweet, we would not be here right now talking to each other and naming each other's hearts. So say what you will, but I love that day... and I love you."

Lyra couldn't stay upset at that face, and she had to admit that Bon Bon was absolutely right. If it weren't for Bitter Sweet shouting at her and knocking her down that day, Bon Bon wouldn't have acted on her heart's instincts and lent her a helping hoof. It must have been fate. They were destined to be together. Or maybe their hearts were the ones pulling the two mares to each other. Over the course of Lyra getting to know her heart, the newly named "Minty" said that pony's hearts have some kind of mysterious sixth sense. They have a certain pull that brings two together to become one.

Lyra turned back at the dejected looking Bon Bon, smiled, and scratched behind the mare's ear.

"It's perfect..." The two came together for one more long smooch, then crushed each other in another hug. They rubbed their cheeks against one another, showing their affection. Lyra kissed Bon Bon's cheek and whispered, "Oh, and Bonnie?"

"Hm?" She asked, curious. Lyra got right next to her ear.

"Happy Anniversary..."

Welp! That's all folks! See ya later!

Hold on Lyra, we have to give them a PROPER goodbye

But that's the end of our story?

You silly filly, that was just the story on how we met. Our REAL story has yet to begin!

Oooooo! Cliff hanger! I like it!

Really? I think it might have been a little too cliche...

Yeah, but people love overused stuff like that!

Well, if you say so...

Oh I know so, Bonnie Bon Bon Bon!

Farewell then, everypony! I'm sure we won't meet again, not like this any way...

Bye everyone! We'll miss you! Kisses!!

Thank you for reading and/or listening

See you in the next story!

But Lyra, we don't appear in the next story...

That's what you think.... wink!

Author's Note

Hello everyone! I hope you enjoyed the first installment of my "The Power of Love" series! I have had these in my mind for a good while now, perhaps a year or so, but just now got around to writing them! Over 13,000 words, holy jeez man...

This took me over a week to write, that's not including the painstakingly long time it took me to color code everything, make sure all the bolds and italics are in the right place. Even then there still might be some errors I missed when editing and proofreading. Please point out any mistakes and I will fix them pronto!

Well anyways, expect more love and fluff in future stories!! Thank you to anyone who likes, favorites, comments, and all that good jazz. Feedback and constructive criticism is always welcome! There are still 2 more one-shots to come, then there will be the one BIG story!

So long for now, and remember to Stay Beautiful! :pinkiehappy::heart: