Author's Note

First off, I hope you all are enjoying this story so far. I know I’m enjoying writing it.

Secondly, I’m going to warn you that Reader Discretion is Advised. There will be some topics in this Chapter that will be triggering for some people. So, fair warning before you give a read.

Anyway, if you enjoy this chapter, hit that like button, leave a comment, and favorite and follow for future updates. Thanks, and have a nice day every pony.

Chapter 4: Pizza & Conversations

“Well, another day goes by.” Sprout Cloverleaf muttered to himself, walking down the streets of Maretime Bay toward his home. Which, technically wasn’t his, it was his mother, Phyllis’. He was lucky his mother still allowed him to live with her. Especially after his little incident when he became the dictator he became.

Due to all the stuff he did as “Emperor”, her being involved with him in ANY way would’ve ruined her reputation at work. She COULD have kicked him out of her house. She COULD have told him to find a job himself. Hell, his favorite pizza place, The Firepit Pizza, would’ve hired him in an instant, seeing as how he was one of the top regulars there. At least they still liked him.

However, Phyllis wasn’t as cold hearted as a lot of ponies made her out to be. Yes, she was angry AND disappointed in her son’s actions, no doubt. And she ABSOLUTELY gave him an earful about it.

But, after the yelling and the grounding, she ACTUALLY sat him down and TALKED with him about his actions and WHY what he did was wrong, she gave him an offer. Well, not so much an offer, as it was this is all I can give you and if you don’t take it, I won’t be able to help you. So, really, what choice did he have?

She gave him a job at her factory. Manual labor. And she made him apologize to the ponies of Maretime Bay(Yes, Unicorn and Pegasi included) that he terrorized with his giant machine of doom, help clean up the mess he made with Sunny’s lighthouse home, and pay for the damages of some of the other parts of town as well.

Above all, she did this because she LOVED her son. She LOVED the hell out of him. And, sometimes, you NEEDED to show a little tough love on your child. Make them see the consequences of their actions. Make them know WHY what they did was wrong.

Sprout knew this now. After all the things he did, he knew what he did was wrong. His mother made that very clear to him. He knew he was stupid.

He knew now it was stupid of him to ACTUALLY think he was as good as Hitch. He knew he would NEVER be as good a Sheriff as Hitch. He would NEVER be as likeable as Hitch. Whether it be with the mares or just ponies in general, it didn’t matter. Every pony HATES him, and every pony LOVES Hitch. That’s how it is. That’s how it always will be.

Hell, he knew Hitch hated him now. After he was terminated from his deputy job, he knew he cost himself his two only friends he ever had. The only two ponies that ever accepted him for who he was. The only ponies, besides his mother, who gave his life some damn meaning.

Now, they were gone from his life. And he knew his mother would ask him a few times if he ever tried talking to them, but why bother? All there would be was them screaming at him and asking him what the hell was he thinking. But, most of all, why? Why did he do it?

And, honestly, even he didn’t know. He was SO desperate to prove himself that he, pretty much, wasn’t thinking rationally at that time. All he wanted was to make ponies see him as just as great as Hitch, if not better. To see him as a more worthy pony to be Sheriff.

But, what would be worse of all, was if he heard Hitch and Sunny say they hated him.

After all the years of them growing up together, all the sleepovers, the hangouts, the days in school, everything else, only for them to tell him they hated him now, and had NEW friends to replace him?

That would be the moment that Sprout knew he would do it.

He OBVIOUSLY never talked with his mother about this, but recently he HAD been thinking about it. He HAD thought about what they would think if he did it. Would they feel happy? Sad? Angry? Confused?

He HONESTLY didn’t know how ANYPONY would feel if he decided to take his own life.

As scary as it sounds, and even HE was scared thinking about it too, he had been contemplating suicide recently. And, really, was it surprising to think that?

He lost his job, he lost his friends, he was working a job where mostly every pony HATED him and treated him like shit, he lost his self esteem, his confidence, his approval of his mother, he lost, at least that’s what he felt, pretty much everything.

Really, the only ponies who still liked him and still treated him decently, were the Firepit Pizza employees. Especially the owner and his family. They LOVED when Sprout came in and ordered a pizza. They knew the kind he liked on memory alone.

Speaking of pizza, he decided to stop in, sit down and have one. After all, he had another shitty day at work, his mother wasn’t home right now, so why not? And at least there would be some conversation.

So, he turned in that direction he knew very well, and headed to The Firepit Pizza.

“Sprout! My boy, how you been?!” The owner named Vinny exclaimed, happy to see one of his best regulars, if not his absolute best. He was currently behind the cash register, counting the money he and his family made today. The stallion was old, around his early to mid 60’s, and had a pizza cutie mark. His black mane was thinning now, and on the verge of going completely bald. His tail was the same color. His coat color was powder white, which looked to be kinda of fading a little bit. Just showed that Father Time does eventually catch up with ponies.

Sprout put on a smile when he saw him. He felt like these guys were a second family to him. He’d come to this place for damn near a decade and a half now. Every since he was a foal, he loved coming here. Everything about this place just screamed nostalgia to him.

The décor, the smell, the service, the familiar faces, the drinks, everything. It’s what made Sprout love this place.

“I’m okay, Vinny. How about you?” He said in a friendly manner. Or as friendly as he tried to make it out to be.

“Eh, well minus the arthritis being a pain in my ass, I guess I’m alright. So, you here for the usual?” He asked.

Sprout nodded. “Yep. And, since I’ve still got time, I’m gonna dine in.”

“HA!” Vinny happily replied. “You usually get your pizza to go. This is a first. Any occasion I outta know about, boy?”

Sprout knew what he wanted. But, he didn’t know if he should tell them all the things he was feeling the past long while. He didn’t want to worry them.

Before he could answer, however, he heard a feminine voice he knew very well coming from the kitchen. The voice belonged to a mare who was about Vinny’s age, maybe a year or two younger. She had a pine green coat color with a turquoise colored tail and mane, which was about shoulder length and had a widow’s peak to it. Her cutie mark was a pizza cutter.

“Well, hello Sprout, sweetie pie. How’ve you been, lately?” She asked in a super sweet, and almost motherly tone, enveloping him into a hug. She was wearing a red apron, which now had flour all over it, which got onto Sprout a little bit(but he didn’t mind). Seemed she had just gotten done with an order.

Sprout hugged her back with a smile. “Hi Bella. I’m doing okay, I guess. How bout you?” He asked her.

She gave an exaggerated eye roll. “Ugh, today was just aggravating as ever, sweetheart. Where do I even start?” She asked, looking dramatic in a funny way.

“Well, before you do, honey, Sprout here wants to order.” Vinny told his wife of 45 years.

“The usual, correct?” Bella asked, not needing to write it down on a notepad.

Sprout gave a nod. “Yep. Only this time, I’m gonna dine in.” He said.

Bella looked surprised. “No kidding, eh? What’s the occasion? You usually get it to go.”

“That’s what I said just now.” Vinny said, clarifying his statement.

Sprout only told his mother this one time, but he felt that Bella and Vinny were like a second family to him. He remembered when he first started coming here when he was 10 years old. After his mother convinced him on how good the pizza here was, he decided to give it a shot.

Truth be told, he was a little shy meeting them the first time. Phyllis knew them, and she introduced her little boy to them. However, after a little conversation, he open up to them a little bit. Then, after months and months, years and years of service, he felt he could trust them with any problems he had.

One of the biggest problems he ever had, when he was 12, was when he got in trouble at school one day for shoving a filly to the ground. And very hard. Causing her to cry and go to the principal.

His reason was for her constantly making fun of his blonde mane. She said it looked like an ugly fashion model’s mane. That was enough for him on that.

After his mother scolded him heavily for hurting that filly(and grounding him for a week), he bumped into both of them while him and his mother were in town, doing some grocery shopping. Noticing him looking as bummed as ever, they both asked what was wrong.

And when he told them, Vinny(kind of in a way where an Uncle would give advice to his nephew or niece), he put his arm on his shoulder and told him what was up.

“Look, kiddo, I get it. It’s not nice to make fun of somepony’s features. Unless, you know it’s being done in a friendly way, like with that little friend of yours. Hitch.” He said.

Sprout, even if he didn’t want to admit it, did feel kind of guilty for what he did. He didn’t mean to hurt the filly. He just got mad and was tired of her hurtful comments.

“But, it ain’t right for a colt to put his hooves on a filly. Even if they do deserve it, and I’ll admit, sometimes I feel some stallions are a little justified in it. However, it’s still wrong. Colts are physically stronger than fillies. If you actually hit her, ponies would think you was weak. You aren’t weak, are you little dude?” Vinny asked him.

Sprout shook his head no. Though, nowadays, even if he’s never laid his hooves on a filly or a mare, he felt weak on his courage levels. He felt like a coward sometimes.

“Good. Then, when you go back to school tomorrow, even if it hurts to do it, you apologize to her. Cause that’s what’s called being a man. Owning up to a mistake. And trust me kiddo, I’ve made plenty.” He said, patting him on his back.

Sprout agreed to apologize to the filly tomorrow. He did, and Vinny was right. It felt shitty to it. But, at least his grounding was over early. Little did Sprout know that that very filly only made fun of him, because she had a crush on him. Though, that probably went away after he shoved her hard to the ground.

So, Sprout decided, he was gonna be honest with them about why he was gonna dine in tonight, instead of getting it to go like he usually does.

He gave a sad sigh while rubbing his foreleg. This didn’t go unnoticed by Bella and Vinny.

“Hey, what’s wrong? Why so glum, sweetheart?” Bella asked, looking worried for her friend.

“Well” Sprout struggled to say. “I guess I just need somepony to talk to. And since my Mom is away in Bridlewood right now, I figured I’d go to the two ponies who actually still talk to me. Who still like me.” He said in kind of a depressing way.

That made Bella and Vinny look really sad. They knew about Sprout’s new job at his mother’s factory. From the look on his face, it appears that he hates everything about it. They would’ve offered him a job in an instant. But, Sprout wanted to prove to other ponies that he was a changed stallion. And, if it meant working at a job he hated, so be it. Even so, it hurt them to see somepony they’ve known since he was a little colt look so down in the dumps.

“Say no more, honey. I’ll get started on it. You just sit down with Vinny over here and tell us ALL about what’s bugging you.” Bella said in a very sweet tone before heading back into the kitchen.

Sprout looked over at Vinny, who offered him a seat next to him. He accepted the offer and sat next to his longtime friend. Admittedly, he felt nervous, and a bit uncomfortable as well. But, he already made his choice. He had to do it.

“So, Sprout, tell your Uncle Vinny what’s got you all sad and stuff?” Vinny said, while taking out a prescription bottle. It was for his arthritis. He dry swallowed it right there, kinda making Sprout cringe a little bit. He should have taken it with water.

Sprout then took a breath before telling all.

“Well, Vinny, first off, before I say anything, I just wanna thank you for sticking by me. Every pony in town probably hates me. But, you and Bella are still here for me, even when my Mom is away. So, thank you.” Sprout said with an appreciative smile.

Vinny returned that very smile, while putting a hoof on Sprout’s shoulder. “Hey, come on kid. You’re like another son to me. You’re like family to me. Sometimes, family members screws up. Depending on the nature of said screw up, I will always stand by my family. And I will always stand by you, kid.” He wisely told him.

Sprout almost choked up right there. He was lucky to have a great stallion on his side like Vinny here. And even calling him family no less.

That made Sprout remember something. “Hey, speaking of sons, how’re your kids doing?” He excitingly asked.

“Oh, they’re great. My eldest boy, Leo, is gonna have his second child in a few months. Me and Bella look very forward to our future grand baby.” Vinny said very proudly.

“And Tony is looking forward to meeting his baby sister.” Bella said from the kitchen very loudly.

Sprout gave a warm smile. “That’s great you guys. Tell him I said congratulations, okay?”

Vinny nodded happily. “I will. Now, what was it you wanted to talk about, Sprout?” He asked, now getting down to business.

”Well, here I go.” Sprout said internally.

“It’s about Hitch. And Sunny. And their new friends. And, pretty much, every pony I terrorized during my little reign of terror.” He admitted ashamedly.

Vinny was silent for a minute. He did have a feeling THAT would be on his mind for a long time now. And after everything he heard Sprout had went through afterwards, whether it be from townsfolk or Phyllis herself, he knew that Sprout must be living in some type of hell.

“Go on.” He said.

Sprout sighed. “The only time I’ve spoken with them was during the whole giant berry fiasco not too long ago. But, that was just a quick statement. Other than that though, ever since I destroyed Sunny’s lighthouse, I haven’t had a single conversation with them.” He said, looking regretful of what he did.

“Mhmm. What else?” Vinny prodded him to move on.

“A couple weeks ago, one of Sunny’s new friends, her name is Izzy I think, she ACTUALLY said Hi to me. And I’m starting to now think it was genuine.” Sprout said, his mind taking him back to that day.

“What happened on that day?” Vinny asked him like how a therapist would.

“I told her if she was gonna shit talk me like every pony else, then do it behind my back for all I care. At the time, I thought she was just trying to screw with me. But, she really looked hurt when I said that. And right before I clocked into work, I heard her say something to me. It’s been on my mind ever since.” Sprout confessed.

“What did she say?” Vinny asked. At this point, he heard the oven door open. He knew now that Bella had just put Sprout’s pizza in.

As Bella came out of the kitchen and put her apron on the hook next to it’s entrance, Sprout told Vinny what Izzy said to him.

“She said I just wanna be your friend. Then she walked off, looking sad.” He said, looking as guilty as ever. He never thought he’d feel like this before. And it felt uncomfortable, but worthy to vent it.

“Did she?” Vinny asked.

“Yeah. I don’t know why I’m feeling this now. But, after that, it’s made me think about Sunny and Hitch too.” Sprout said, as Bella took a seat next to her husband.

“How so?” Vinny asked, taking Bella’s hoof in his own, and kissing it. Bella smiled warmly at the love of her life.

Sprout sniffled a little bit, not letting any tears out of his eyes. Bella rubbed his shoulder for comfort.

“I’m so ashamed of myself. I was so determined and, frankly obsessed, with trying to be better than Hitch, that I didn’t think rationally. Or with basic logic. I mean, I built a war machine of doom for Celestia’s sake. That’s not something I’d call normal.” He said.

“I know, honey.” Bella said very soothingly.

“But, worst of all, I feel like I cost myself my only two friends. It’s one thing if I lost my job and made townsfolk not like me, but losing Hitch and Sunny would’ve…” Sprout trailed off. He didn’t know if he should tell them this. He hasn’t even told Phyllis about it even.

“Would’ve what, Sprout?” Vinny asked. Bella looked a little concerned.

Sprout knew Vinny wouldn’t let him leave until he finished that sentence. So, with whatever would happen next, he told them.

“…would’ve made me contemplate suicide.” Sprout said, now allowing the tears in his eyes to fall.

He hated himself. He hated who he was. He hates who he is now. He so DESPERATELY wished he was somepony else. He WANTED to be a new pony altogether. He wished he could leave Sprout Cloverleaf behind entirely.

But he couldn’t. It was impossible.

Bella and Vinny were silent for about a minute, which felt like an hour to Sprout, before Vinny uttered this statement to him.

“How Dare You.” He told him in a disappointing tone of voice.

Sprout couldn’t look Vinny in the eye. He felt too ashamed to do so.

“How Dare You feel like that. Do you have any idea what kind of pain you’d cause your Mama? Us?” Vinny angrily asked, though not raising his voice at all.

Sprout continued to have his head down in shame. More tears started to fall down his face.

“I never thought somepony I considered a son would think something very fucking selfish.”

Sprout looked back up at Vinny and saw the cross, unhappy look on his face. He knew that he wasn’t bullshitting him. Bella though, she just looked hurt. Hurt that somepony she’s known all her life would ever even consider something as terrible as that.

“Have you even TRIED to talk with Hitch and Sunny? Or their new friends? Have you?” Vinny asked, his voice raising a little bit.

Sprout remained silent for a little bit before he answered, “No.”

“Why? Why haven’t you at least tried?” Vinny asked him with a frown on his face.

“I’m, well…I’m…” Sprout struggled to get out. He didn’t want to admit it. He was so desperate to NOT admit it to himself. He wanted to be strong. He wanted to never let others see that it got to him.

“What, Sprout?” Vinny asked, almost shouting at him now. Though, his voice reminded low.

“I’m afraid, alright?” Sprout admitted.

He felt two things happen at once. One was like a stab to his soul. He always had this way of never letting ponies see that they got to him. He always had a way of just bottling up his emotions. Never letting anypony in.

However, he also felt a new emotion as well: Relief. He had been holding in all these thoughts and emotions for so long, it was eating him alive from the inside. Like maggots eating away at a decaying corpse.

It was here that Sprout realized it was almost impossible to constantly never let ponies see that they get to you. Because the truth is, it DID get to him. His past actions, Sunny & Hitch, his job, everything. It DID get to him. It DID make him feel things.

Again, Bella and Vinny were silent for a minute before Bella spoke up.

“What exactly are you afraid of?” She asked him.

Sprout knew this felt difficult, but he HAD to continue.

“I’m afraid they’ll tell me they hate me and never wanna see me again. That they have new friends who are better then me. That they don’t need me or want me anymore. I’m afraid to..” Sprout choked up again. Though, this time, there was a clear son in that choke. He couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“I’m afraid I’ll lose even more then I’ve already lost.” He said, now breaking down crying.

Bella looked on with sympathy at her friend, while Vinny just stared. No emotion or reaction. Just a stare as Sprout continued to cry his eyes out.

“Listen to me, Sprout.” Vinny said in a slightly intimidating voice. That caused Sprout to look at him, with the tears still fresh in his eyes.

“I can understand if you’re feeling down in the dumps. I can also get why you feel the way you feel about your two old friends. I know you’re remorseful about all that happened. I can get why you’re feeling scared about the possibility of rejection.” He said, causing Sprout to feel more bad about himself.

Then, Vinny put his hoof back on Sprout’s shoulder, who quickly wiped away the tears on his face.

“But let me remind you of something: Do you remember back when you were a little colt? And you got in trouble at school for knocking that filly on her ass?” He asked him.

Sprout nodded his head yes. He certainly did. It was a memory he’d rather forget, if he was being honest.

“And do you remember when I told you that apologizing for your mistake, even if it hurts to do so, is the right thing to do? And how that’s how you be a man, right?” Vinny asked, making Sprout remember again, making him nod.

“Well, there’s something else about being a real man as well. You wanna know it is?” He asked, again making Sprout nod his head.

“It’s not about proving yourself in a fight. It’s not about being macho and tough, because let’s face it, most tough guys can be little snowflakes when somepony insults them and they make a big deal about it.” Vinny ranted at those types of stallions. And he was right about it. He’d certain seen different types before.

“What makes a real man, is putting yourself in an uncomfortable situation that you KNOW you don’t want to be in, but you do it anyway for the greater good. Meaning, facing your fears. You KNOW you’re scared, but you know that if you don’t face them, you’ll never get over it. And they’ll control you for the rest of your life. What makes a real man, and this is the biggest thing no pony ever wants to do, is admit when he’s wrong. THAT is what makes a real man.” Vinny told his longtime friend.

Sprout listened to every word Vinny said. He never thought about it that way. He, admittedly, thought that physical toughness was what ponies thought of when the term “real man” came up. Whether it be doing “manly” activities or beating ponies up in a fight, that’s what he always thought was what made a “real man.”

Boy, how stupid and wrong did he feel now.

“Sprout, if you wanna be a real man, then tomorrow, if you happen to bump into this Izzy, then apologize to her. Tell her the truth. Tell her, you were frustrated, you thought she was trying to fuck with you, and you now realize she was being sincere. And that it wasn’t right for you to act that way. THAT is called being the bigger man.” Vinny explained to him.

Sprout knew at that moment that Vinny was right. He needed to apologize to Izzy. What he said to her was just rude and uncalled for.

In fact, he didn’t just NEED to. He WANTED to. He WANTED to make things right with Izzy.

However…what about……

“What about Sunny and Hitch though? And their friends?” He asked Vinny.

“Same thing. Just dig down deep and whenever you bump into them again, just apologize like a real man. Hell, you may wanna talk it over with a drink or something. After your whole giant machine of doom fiasco, it’ll take more than just an apology. It’ll take an explanation as to WHY you feel you were wrong. And that you’d do anything to make it up to them.” Vinny said.

Bella just smiled in admiration at her husband’s wisdom. He was such a wise and humble stallion. It was no wonder she fell in love with him 48 years ago.

“I love you.” She said to him. He smiled, nuzzled her and returned an “I love you” to her as well.

Sprout looked happy for the couple. 45 years of marriage was quite an accomplishment.

However, Sprout still had one more question for Vinny and Bella.

“What if they all DO hate me though?” He asked, sounding worried.

“Honestly, I seriously doubt they would. I don’t see Hitch or Sunny throwing away all those years of friendship down the drain for a mistake that you feel terrible for. But, if it IS that way, then maybe they never really WERE friends with you to begin with. And I know that’ll be a tough pill to swallow, but that’s another thing about being a real man too: accepting his fate. Even if it’s one he doesn’t like. And we’re here for you, Sprout. No matter what. So, whatever happens, please come to us. Okay?” Vinny said, finishing his words of wisdom.

Sprout felt tears of happiness, in a sense, after hearing Vinny’s words. He was happy that these two truly cared about him. Even after his fuck up, they still treated him like family. Like another son. He was truly greatful for them.

His sniffles could be heard from them. “Thanks you guys. I really needed that. And I’m sorry if I scared you about the whole suicide thing. This has just been eating me up inside all this time. I’m glad to have you guys as a family.” He said emotionally.

Bella smiled with tears in her eyes. “Blood or not, you’re family no matter what, sweetie.” She said, wrapping her hooves around him. Sprout hugged her back. And even Vinny joined as well, forming a big group hug.

Then, they all heard the timer in the kitchen go off with a DING.

“Oh, your pizza is ready, Sprout.” Bella raced into the kitchen to get it out of the oven.

Sprout felt his mouth watering at the smell of the delicious food coming out. Just like when he was a colt. He couldn’t wait to dig in.

Then, on a nice sized pizza pan, hot, fresh, and ready to eat, came the pizza that Sprout eagerly awaited.

Just like he usually gets: Pepperoni and Mushrooms. Just the way he loves it.

“Oh, yes. Thank you. This looks so good.” Sprout said to Bella.

She chuckled at the compliment. “No problem at all, sweetie. Now, you go ahead and dig in.” She said very sweetly.

As Sprout was about to do just that, he thought of an idea.

“Actually, why don’t I share it with you guys?”

Bella and Vinny looked surprised. They didn’t expect that from him.

“B-But Sprout, that’s YOUR pizza.” Vinny said.

Sprout embarrassingly rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah, but since you guys have heard me out and everything, I figured maybe I could do the same to you guys.” He said.

Bella’s eyebrow raised. “What do you mean, sweetie?” She asked.

Sprout looked at Bella. “You did say earlier that you had an aggravating day, and where to start, right?” He asked her.

Bella started to get interested in where Sprout was going with this.

“So, why don’t you tell me about it, while we eat? I mean, even if it’s my pizza, YOU still cooked it, right?” Sprout asked.

Bella looked so appreciative, while Vinny had a cringey look on his face as he looked at Sprout.

“Uh, kid, are you sure? I mean, once she gets going, she may never stop. I mean, you know my little nickname I gave her, right?” He asked, causing Bella to give him an unamused look.

Sprout giggled. “Yeah. The Chatty One.”

“Exactly!” Vinny hilariously exclaimed.

Bella scoffed. “Well, excuse me, for being social, darling.” She said, pretending to look offended, even though she knew they were right. She was a motormouth indeed.

“Yeah, sure, sweetheart. Now sit down and tell Sprout here all about your day.” He said, inviting her to sit down again.

She smiled and did just that.

“Oh, jeepers. Where DO I start?” She asked herself out loud, causing Sprout to giggle again, while he ate a slice.

So, Bella then went on to talk about her day. First, the fryer for the fried clam shells mysteriously broke, so they couldn’t use for today. They’d need a repair guy to fix it and soon.

Second, there was a scare where Vinny almost fell over. Apparently, as he was walking, a little colt had accidentally knocked his drink onto the floor, causing Vinny to slip a little bit. Thankfully, another customer saw this and was very quick to catch him from falling and hurting himself even worse, because of his arthritis. The colt was very apologetic for it, but Vinny didn’t yell at him. He knew it was an accident.

Third, there was a drunk customer who came in and demanded a free mostaccioli meal. Bella would never serve customers who were under the influence of any substance, so she asked nicely for him to leave, but that customer wasn’t having any of it. So, he tried to lunge over the counter to get at her. Thankfully, Vinny had his cane that he sometimes uses to beat the shit out of the stallion and kick him out of the restaurant. They called Sheriff Hitch, and he quickly arrested him for domestic disturbance.

Fourth and last, at least for now, there was a customer that dined in, who unfortunately realized, after her meal, she didn’t bring enough bits. This could’ve ended badly, until a polite mare came up to her and paid for the rest of her meal. She thanked the mare for that. But what REALLY stood out to Bella, was when they left together. It kind of looked like a little spark was there between them. Could a possible romance between the two mares happen? Possibly.

“So, yes, it was aggravating, but at least it all worked out in the end.” Bella said, eating a slice. There were only about 3 small square slices left. Sprout didn’t even know if he needed a to go box or not.

“I’ll bet it was.” Sprout said, taking one of the last slices and popping it in his mouth.

As he chewed his piece, he heard Vinny say something that caught him off guard.

“Not to mention what happened at the beach today.” He said, followed by a sigh through his nostrils.

Sprout stopped chewing for a moment and looked straight up at them. He swallowed down his food before he asked them.

“What do you mean? What happened at the beach?” He asked.

Bella and Vinny looked shocked at this question.

“You mean, you don’t know?” Vinny asked.

“No pony said anything to you?” Bella asked.

Sprout was now starting to get nervous. “No. What’s going on?” He asked them.

They both were silent before Vinny let out the horrifying news.

“Kid…there was a dead body found there, buried in the sand this afternoon.” Vinny said.

Sprout felt a lightning bolt of shock run through his system. “WHAT?!” He loudly asked.

Bella and Vinny then told Sprout everything they heard about from the news today. From the discovery of the body by three little fillies, to the town following Hitch and Zipp to the beach, to Zipp sobbing into her little sisters hooves. It was ugly to say the least.

Sprout looked as shook as ever. Now he knew what was going on with every pony in Maretime Bay. Especially with the three crying little fillies who ran past his break spot.

“This is crazy. I just don’t believe it.” Sprout said in disbelief. He’d seen a few small time crimes before, but never MURDER. This was something else entirely.

“Well, you better believe it now, kid. And, if I were you, I’d watch myself.” Vinny said.

“What do you mean?” Sprout asked.

“You, technically, are in the criminal database now. You’ve got a record. Some ponies MIGHT point the hoof at you because of that.”

Sprout’s eyes widened. “But why? I didn’t even know about this until now.” He said dramatically.

“I know. And if ANYTHING happens to you, come to us. Okay? We’ll help out as best we can.” Vinny said.

“You can count on it.” Bella said.

Sprout didn’t know what to think. This is the first he’s heard about a mare being found dead on the beach. Could ponies REALLY think he would be capable of something like this? Could Vinny be correct?

Sprout gulped. “I’ll keep that in mind. But, I doubt anything’s gonna happen. Because I didn’t do anything. I’ll be okay guys. Don’t worry to much.” He reassured them.

Bella and Vinny still looked a little worried. It could be possible that ponies would automatically think Sprout did it, simply because of his criminal record. Would the townsfolk REALLY do anything truly reprehensible?

Vinny nodded his head. “Yeah. Maybe you’re right.” He said.

Sprout smiled. “Thanks again for everything guys. I’m glad I got all this stuff off my chest. I can always count on you.” He said, getting up from his seat.

“No problem, kid.” Vinny smiled. “Have a good rest of your night.” He waved to his friend.

“And tell your Mama we said hello, okay?” Bella said.

“Will do. See ya later.” Sprout said, now leaving The Firepit Pizza.

He felt a lot of relief now. A good meal, a good conversation, and good advice from a wide stallion. A good night to finish off a bit so good day.

Although, Sprout still did feel a little shook after hearing the news about the murder. And the fact that ponies might think he had something to do with it, all because of his criminal record.

But, that wouldn’t happen, right? Especially, Hitch and Sunny. Even if they didn’t like him anymore, even they knew he wouldn’t be capable of something like this, right? He sure hoped so.

As he walked closer to home, he knew what he was gonna do tomorrow, if he saw her. He knew what he had to do.

He was gonna apologize to Izzy Moonbow. He would tell her the Celestia-Honest truth. Hopefully, she would listen to him.

Hopefully, she would forgive him.

Hopefully…maybe…possibly…she’d be his friend.

Hopefully.