Donald and Douglas were as good as their word. The materials for the extension’s foundation and frame were soon shipped to them, and they were able to start construction right away. Digging and pouring the concrete foundation only took a couple of days, and the frame of the sunroom was soon complete as well. Sky supervised to ensure that the extension was built to plan, but the twins were experienced builders who knew exactly what they were doing. Orpheus and Spearmint were pleased with the work so far, and Douglas had also taken to giving Spearmint gardening advice. The twins soon met Lyra as well, and agreed that as long as everything worked out, Sky would be a very lucky stallion.

The Axeblades worked hard for five straight days, but they now had the weekend off to relax. As they and Sky rode the train back down to Ponyville, they entertained him with stories from their home city of San Franciscolt.

“I have no idea how that guy could have mistaken me for a mare.” Douglas recounted, trying not to laugh. “I mean, I know I’ve got a long mane and tail, and that’s the way I like it, but since when are mares this big? Anyway, I’m taking a shortcut through the alleyway, and this creepy dude comes up and starts trying to hit on me or something. I ignore him for a while, but then he puts his hoof on my flank. So I turn around and buck him straight into the bricks! It was then that he finally realized I was a stallion, and a very strong one too.”

“Wow… what an idiot!” Sky laughed. “I don’t know how that guy could have made that mistake either. Does that kind of stuff happen a lot in SF?”

“More often than you’d think.” Donald replied. “We used to live in one of the sketchy neighborhoods. Lots of street toughs hanging around there.”

“You’d think stallions of our size wouldn’t be much of a target, but some of those thugs just wanted to show off.” Douglas added.

“I’m sure that always ended well for them.” Sky said sarcastically.

“Yeah, they all learned sooner or later that you don’t mess with the Axeblades!” Donald declared.

“Although now that we live in a more expensive neighborhood, that’s not much of a problem anymore.” said Douglas.

“Well, that’s good.” said Sky. “It must have been hard to feel comfortable at home when there were thugs lurking outside all the time.”

Donald shrugged. “Once you’ve lived there long enough, you get used to them and you know how to fight them off.”

When the train arrived in Ponyville, Sky and the twins got off and began walking through the town center. They exchanged a couple more stories until they arrived at the house that the twins shared. “See you later, Sky!” Douglas said as they parted ways. “Enjoy your weekend!”

“Thanks, you too!” Sky replied. He then began flying the rest of the way back to the lake. Just outside Sugarcube Corner, he ran into another familiar face. “Good evening, Bon Bon!” Sky said.

“Hi, Sky!” Bon Bon replied with a smile. “Good to see you again! How’s the extension project going? Lyra told me it’s starting to get built.”

“It is!” Sky replied. “Everything’s been going great so far. I’ve been supervising construction this week, but now I’ll have the weekend off.”

“Oh, that’s perfect!” Bon Bon giggled. “Because Lyra wants to go to the park with you tomorrow afternoon. Oops, I said too much!”

But Sky didn’t mind. “Lyra wants to go on another date with me?” he asked excitedly.

“I think so!” Bon Bon winked at Sky. “Anyway, I’d best be off now. Have fun tomorrow, and don’t tell Lyra that I told you!” And Bon Bon continued on her way.

When Sky arrived back at his house, he found a letter in his mail basket. Seeing that it was from Lyra, he excitedly opened the envelope and read the letter.

Hi, Sky! Since you have the weekend off, I was wondering if you wanted to take a walk in the park with me tomorrow? We can meet up at the entrance, and we can get slush while we’re there too. Does three o’clock tomorrow afternoon sound good to you?

-Lyra

Sky smiled as he read Lyra’s letter. He had heard the weather was going to be perfect tomorrow, and spending the afternoon with Lyra would be even more perfect. He took the letter inside and sat down at his desk. Below Lyra’s signature, he wrote “Yes! That sounds wonderful. -Sky”. He sealed the letter in a new envelope, addressed it to Lyra, and then flew back outside to mail it back to her. Conveniently for him, there was a mailbox on the footbridge leading into Ponyville. He slipped the letter into the mailbox, feeling excited and ready for tomorrow.

At a quarter to three the next day, Sky flew over the lake and across the town to the park. The sun was shining, there were hardly any clouds in the bright blue sky, and a gentle breeze was blowing across the grass. It was indeed a perfect day for a walk in the park.

Lyra was waiting at the park entrance when Sky arrived. She grinned as Sky descended and landed on the ground next to her. “Good afternoon, Sky!” she said cheerfully. “Perfect weather today, isn’t it?”

“It really is!” Sky agreed. “Thanks so much for inviting me to walk with you!”

“Oh, no problem!” Lyra replied. “I figured it’d be a nice way for us to spend some more time together. The Ponyville park is always a nice retreat. There’s a slush stand in the center now, and the scenery at the far end of the park is beautiful.”

Sky smiled. “That all sounds amazing! We can enjoy a sweet treat together, and you can show me your favorite scenery!”

“Of course! I could spend all afternoon here!” Lyra giggled.

Sky and Lyra walked into the park together. Many other ponies were also enjoying the nice weather, either sitting on the grass or walking along the wide open paths. “I have my lyre in my saddlebag, too.” Lyra said with a smile. “I can play a song for you if you want.”

“If you want to, I’d love to hear it.” Sky replied. “I know I’ve said this before, but your music is so beautiful and relaxing.”

“Thank you again, Sky.” Lyra said, blushing lightly. “I’ll play for you after we get slush.”

Sky and Lyra soon reached the slush stand in the center of the park. Sky ordered blue raspberry slush, while Lyra ordered watermelon slush. They sat down on a bench together to enjoy their nice refreshing treats. “Ah, this stuff always hits the spot.” Sky sighed.

“It always does.” Lyra agreed. “There’s a really good slush place in Canterlot, not too far from where my parents live. My friends and I go there all the time during the summer. What do you think of meeting up with them there sometime next week? Minuette and Twinkleshine really want to meet you.”

“Sure! That sounds great!” said Sky. “We can do that in the morning before I go to your parents’ house, and I can pick up some slush for Donald and Douglas too.”

“Good idea!” said Lyra. “I’m sure they’ll appreciate something to keep them cool while they work. Speaking of the construction project, you and the twins have done a great job with everything so far. Both of my parents have had nothing but good things to say about you.”

“Really? That’s nice!” said Sky. “I’m glad to hear I’m doing well.”

“Yep! My dad’s been impressed with you since day one, and I was right about you winning my mom over once construction began.” Lyra gave Sky a pat on the back. “You’ve got nothing to worry about, Sky. You’re doing great.”

“Thanks, Lyra.” Sky replied modestly. “Glad to hear it.”

Lyra and Sky finished the slush and threw their cups and straws in the trash. Lyra then magically lifted her lyre out of her saddlebag. “Now for a song.” she said, smiling and winking at Sky.

“What song are you going to play for me?” Sky asked.

“This one’s called Pretty Blue Sky.” Lyra replied. “I composed it on a whim just a couple weeks ago.” She winked at Sky again. “You may or may not have inspired the title.”

Sky blushed. “If I did, then I’m very honored.”

Lyra smiled warmly. “I think you’ll really like this song. I haven’t played it for anypony yet, so you’ll be the first one to hear it.”

Lyra levitated her lyre in the air and got ready to play the opening notes of her new song. But before she could even pluck a single string, she was rudely interrupted by an all too familiar voice. “Well, if it isn’t Lyra and Sky, the princess and the vulture!” Noteworthy sneered. “I pity both of you, really. She’s chosen a weak stallion who’s far below her league, and he’s foolish enough to think any of this is going to last.”

“Come on, Note!” Royal Riff begged. “Cut it out! I know you had a crush on Lyra, but do you really think acting like this will make her like you back?”

“Royal’s right!” Lyra said firmly. She stood up from the bench to confront Noteworthy. “I now know exactly why Sky doesn’t like you. I used to consider you a good friend, but the way you’ve acted since the music show is despicable. You pick on Sky when he’s never done anything to you. You act as though you’re automatically entitled to a relationship with me just because you’ve known me for longer than Sky. I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt at first, but now I see who you really are. You’re an arrogant, sleazy scumbag, and I want nothing to do with you!”

“Oh, how lovely!” Noteworthy snorted. “She’s throwing out insults!”

“Which is exactly what you keep on doing to me!” Sky interjected. “On the train, in the cafe, and right now. And let me just say I do NOT appreciate any of it!”

“It doesn’t matter how you feel, Sky!” Noteworthy retorted. “You need to be put in your place!” Noteworthy then made his worst move yet. “If you think you’re a better stallion than me, then I’ll show you who’s boss!” He put his leg around Lyra and pulled her in close to him. Lyra disgustedly pulled herself away, and in that same moment, Sky jumped up from the bench.

“You disgusting son of a bitch!” Sky shouted. He rapidly lifted his front right hoof and punched Noteworthy in the muzzle as hard as he could. Noteworthy jumped back in pain, then glared at Sky.

“Why, you insolent featherbrain!” Noteworthy growled. He swung his rear legs around to buck Sky in the chest. Sky saw it coming and dove out of the way, but one of Noteworthy’s legs still grazed his right wing.

Lyra and Royal watched on in horror as Sky and Noteworthy continued to take swings at each other. Sky blocked or dodged most of Noteworthy’s punches, but then Noteworthy landed a particularly hard one on Sky’s left shoulder. Sky cried out in pain, and Lyra decided to intervene.

“That’s enough!!!” Lyra yelled. Visibly straining, she picked up Noteworthy with her magic, and then threw him as hard as she could. Noteworthy went flying through the air and landed hard on a wooden bench, smashing it to splinters.

Royal Riff was horrified by what he had just seen, but he understood why Lyra had done it. Nevertheless, he ran over to check on Noteworthy. The arrogant saxophone player lay unconscious in a pile of smashed wood, covered in large cuts and bruises. “Someone call the hospital!” Royal cried.

Meanwhile, Lyra sat on the bench with Sky laying in her lap. “Are you okay, Sky?” she asked with deep concern.

“I’m not sure…” Sky groaned. He looked down and saw that he had a large bruise on his left shoulder, and a bleeding cut on his right wing. “Ugh…”

“Come on, Sky.” Lyra said kindly. “I’ll take you to my place. We’ll get that wing bandaged up, and I’ll give you some ice for your shoulder.”

Sky tried to get up and walk on his own, but he stumbled and winced in pain. So Lyra carefully lifted him onto her back, and carried him out of the park. Sky weakly rested his head on the back of Lyra’s, taking in the sweet minty scent of her soft mane. He was in pain, but he knew he was in good hooves.

Luckily, Lyra’s house was only a short walk away from the park. She opened the door, carried Sky into the living room, and gently sat him down on the couch. While Sky looked around the room, doing his best to ignore the pain, Lyra hurried to her closet to get medical supplies. She returned with a bottle of disinfectant and a box of bandages and cotton balls. “Okay, we’ll start with disinfecting that cut.” she said. “Can you turn so that your right wing is facing me?”

Sky did as he was told, and using her magic, Lyra squirted some disinfectant onto a cotton ball. “This might sting a little.” she warned. Sky held his breath and winced a bit as Lyra gently cleaned off the cut. She then pulled a long bandage out of the box, and carefully wrapped it around Sky’s top feather. “Does that feel better?” she asked sweetly.

Sky nodded. Lyra smiled, then leaned down and gently kissed the bruise on his shoulder. Sky blushed and felt his heart skip a beat. His shoulder immediately felt so much better, now that Lyra’s soft lips had touched it. “Thanks, Lyra.” he whispered.

“You’re welcome.” Lyra replied with a cute smile. “I thought that might make your shoulder feel better. Do you still want some ice for it?”

Sky thought for a moment. “I think I’ll be okay. A kiss from the most beautiful mare in Equestria is all I need. I…” He paused, trying to gain the courage to say the words. “I love you, Lyra.”

Lyra blushed and smiled warmly. She sat down on the couch next to Sky. “No stallion has ever said that to me before. I’m not going to lie, Sky… I’ve grown to love you, too.”

Sky and Lyra silently gazed into each other’s eyes. Then, without even thinking, they both closed their eyes, leaned in, and felt their lips meet for the first time. Sky felt his heartbeat soar, and his cheeks burn with excited heat. Any pain he had been feeling was now nonexistent. All he could feel or think about was the wonderful feeling of exploring Lyra’s soft lips with his own. Lyra’s natural sweet minty aroma wafted through his nostrils. It was his favorite scent in the world because it belonged to her. He wrapped his front legs around her, his bruised shoulder no longer bothering him. Lyra did the same, and gently ran her hoof through his mane. Lyra then began to lean in, and Sky felt his fur stand on end with delight as Lyra’s warm, soft, fluffy chest brushed against his own. He could imagine that underneath her closed eyelids, Lyra’s beautiful golden eyes were glistening like two bright suns, full of happiness and warmth. After what felt like a wonderful eternity, their lips eventually separated, and Sky slowly opened his eyes to see Lyra gazing back at him with a warm smile.

“Oh, that was lovely.” Lyra whispered. “I’ve wanted to do that ever since we spent that night at the lake together.”

“That really was an amazing night.” Sky agreed. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time too, but I was always worried that you didn’t feel the same way about me.”

“Well, now you have nothing to worry about.” Lyra winked at Sky and put her rear legs across his lap. “I’m here for you, Sky. Our date in the park may not have gone to plan, but getting to share this moment with you was even better.”

Sky rested his head on Lyra’s shoulder. “The feeling is more than mutual, Lyra. Does… this mean we’re a couple now?”

Lyra smiled and nodded. “Yes. Yes, it does. We’re together now, and I’ve never felt happier.”

“Neither have I, Lyra.” Sky agreed. “Neither have I.”

Lyra lifted her lyre out of her saddlebag again. “Would you like me to play Pretty Blue Sky for you now?” she asked.

“Yes, please.” Sky replied happily. “That would be lovely.”

Lyra smiled and began to magically play her lyre. Once again, Sky found himself completely mesmerized by the sound of the gentle golden strings. The most beautiful mare was playing the most beautiful instrument, and best of all, she was his mare now. The song had a calm but uplifting feeling to it, one that made Sky imagine all of the happy days that he and Lyra would share together, with no interference from outside forces. He laid his head on Lyra’s lap and closed his eyes, simply enjoying every second of the song and every second spent in her company. There was no place he’d rather be than with his sweet, cheerful, amazingly talented and beautiful marefriend.

Lyra came to the end of the song, and set her lyre down on the couch. She then leaned down and kissed Sky’s forehead, causing him to open his eyes. He looked up at her and smiled. “That was such a beautiful song.” Sky said softly.

“Thank you, Sky.” Lyra replied with a warm smile. “I’ll admit it, when I was writing the song, I was thinking of you. It was inspired by our first date.”

“Well then, I guess it was fitting that I would be the first one to hear it.” Sky chuckled.

“That’s right.” Lyra winked at Sky. “I’ll perform it at my next show, but for now this song, and our kiss, is between you and me.”

Sky stayed at Lyra’s house for the rest of the afternoon. They shared a romantic dinner, and a few more kisses. Lyra played some more songs for Sky, and showed him some of her anthropology books. When night came, Sky was ready to head home, but Lyra invited him to spend the night with her. “I think it’d be better if you rested until tomorrow.” she advised. “Besides, my bed has room for two!”

Sky grinned. “Oh, good idea! Thank you so much!”

“No problem!” Lyra giggled. She led Sky upstairs to her bedroom. It was a very pretty room, with mint green walls and silk bed sheets. The moonlight shone in from two large windows, illuminating another bookshelf full of more books about music, magic and anthropology. Lyra also had several framed pictures of herself with Bon Bon, Octavia and her Canterlot friends, as well as her diploma from the School for Gifted Unicorns, hanging on the walls. “This is a really nice room you have.” Sky complimented. “I see you like having lots of pictures with your friends.”

“Well, of course I do!” Lyra giggled. “Don’t you?”

“Well, yes, but I guess I never had that many friends to take pictures with.” Sky said thoughtfully. “Not before I moved to Ponyville, anyway.”

Lyra gave Sky a warm hug. “Don’t worry, Sky. I’m sure we’ll have lots of nice pictures together in the future.” She hopped onto her bed and invited Sky to join her. Sky crawled in and snuggled up next to her, and Lyra pulled the soft silk covers over both of them.

“What a day.” Sky sighed happily, as he nuzzled into Lyra’s chest fluff.

Lyra gently smiled and nodded in agreement. “What a day indeed. Good night, Sky. I love you.”

“Good night, Lyra.” Sky whispered. “I love you, too.”

Lyra magically turned the light off, and she and Sky snuggled close to each other in the darkness. Soon they were both sleeping peacefully, enjoying each other’s warmth. Sky may have gotten hurt earlier that day, but Lyra’s love had healed all of his wounds.

Author's Note

The SS Skyra has sailed!