Chapter 6: The Collapse Part 1

A rustle could be heard from the couch as Lyra lifted herself up into an upright sitting position. She rubbed her eye's knocking out the mornings sand; clearing her vision.

The mornings first light was just now protruding into the living room of their apartment through the blinds.

Looking over her shoulder she saw Octavia still lying there, sound asleep. She had already replaced Lyra's missing presence with a nearby pillow and began to lightly squeeze it. A small trail of drool was slipping down the side of Octavia's mouth as delicate snores emanated from her. Giving a low chuckle, Lyra leaned over and wiped the drool away from Octavia's mouth before giving her marefriend a quick peck on the forehead.

With a stretch followed by a yawn, Lyra got up from the couch and headed down the hallway of the apartment to the bathroom. She closed the door before turning around to start up her shower. After checking the temperature, the mint mare got in to wash up and begin her day.

After cleaning herself up for the day ahead, she exited out of the shower, closely being followed by a cloud of steam. Wiping the condensation that had gathered on the mirror, she started to style her hair into its natural, or rather her typical style. With a few puffs of perfume, she made her way out of the bathroom; still drying herself off. She walked into the kitchen and tossed a few scoops of grounded coffee beans into the machine as to brew a fresh pot.

After the machine was set to auto-brew, Lyra made her way back to the bathroom and tossed the towel back on the rack before heading to her room.

Once inside, Lyra began rummaging through the concentrated mess that had formed in her room. After a few minutes of searching, she finally found her saddlebags laced with a white floral design on the side. Lyra tossed the bags over her back and strapped it on tightly. After her bags were securely fastened to her sides, she walked over to her bed and placed her hoof underneath it. She slid her hoof back and forth until her ears perked up and she lifted her hoof from underneath, holding a white apron in it. She stuffed the apron in her bag as she made her exit out of her room, heading back towards the kitchen.

Reaching for one of the top cupboards, Lyra pulled out two porcelain mugs and set them on the counter top, pouring the fresh brew into both of the mugs. Plopping a few sugarcube's into each one, along with some cream into just one of them. Octavia would always take her coffee with lots of cream and lots of sugar, she felt it tasted too bitter otherwise. Levitating the two mugs, Lyra walked into the living room and placed both of them on the coasters that laid on top of their coffee table.

Lyra sat back onto the couch and bent over, brushing the hair out of Octavia's face and giving her a light peck once more. " It's time to wake up Tavi." Lyra said in a very soft and delicate voice as she nudged the unconscious mares shoulder.

The only response Lyra received was a disgruntled moan from Octavia as she tightened the squeeze she had on the makeshift Lyra pillow. Her eyes clenched tightly and her nose scrunched up a bit, she clearly did not want to be woken up. Leaning back up to an upright position Lyra gave a pouted face at Octavia's stubborn behavior.

With a sly smile, Lyra leaned back down to Octavia's level. Clearing her throat, and taking a large inhale she positioned herself at the base of the grey mare's ear. "Holy crap, Octavia wake up! We're late for tonight's performance!" Lyra belted out.

Octavia instantly jumped up from her prone position, flailing her hooves all around trying to gain some form of balance from her sudden jump. Not being able to save herself, Octavia fell off the edge of the bed onto the floor below with a loud thud. She hissed at the pain coming from her head as she rubbed the still tender area. Looking up she could see Lyra practically busting a gut as she continued to laugh at Octavia who was now putting the pieces together of what had just occurred.

"What the hell was that for Lyra?" Octavia said in annoyed tone.

Halting her laughing fit, Lyra wiped a tear forming at one of her eyes to look at her friend sprawled out on the floor. She paused for a moment, she could tell her the truth and the simple answer. That she made coffee for the two of them and she was being stubborn again and not waking up, but instead Lyra decided to see how far she could go to mess with Tavi.

Slowly slinking downwards, Lyra slid off of the couch and started to crawl towards Octavia. Her eyes half lidded.

"Well, I've been feeling a little frisky this morning, so I'd thought I would give you a little morning surprise." Lyra said in the most seductive voice she could muster, trying all the while not to show a smile. Octavia's cheeks instantly turned a bright hue of pink as she shifted her eyes away.

Still on her knees, Lyra inched ever closer to Octavia. Slowly trailing up her body, brushing her chest against Tavi's fur until her face was an inch or so away from the blushing mares face. " So I was naughty this morning..." Lyra paused her sentence to glide a hoof up Octavia's side and place it under her chin. She turned Octavia's face to face her and gave her a passionate kiss.

Still trying to keep up the charade, Lyra let loose a moan and in turn, so did Octavia. Breaking the kiss, Lyra leaned her head over Octavia's shoulder and cooed into her ear. "So naughty in fact... That I made us coffee." Lyra jerked her head back and got off of Octavia and proceeded to make her way back up to the couch. " So wake your lazy butt up already."

"W-What?" Octavia had a look on her face that resembled that of an infants when they're told that they cant have a new toy. Lyra now began to snicker at Octavia, her devious prank worked flawlessly.

"You really need to see your face right now. Ha!"

Plopping her head back onto the floor, Octavia let out a pouted sigh. "That wasn't nice Lyra! God..." Blowing her bangs out from her eyes, Octavia muttered "Freaking tease..."

"Oh don't be like that, you know very well I got work every Monday through Thursday. I wouldn't have time for something like that." Lyra leaned back down to Octavia and gave her marefriend another passionate kiss. This time lasting a bit longer than the previous one. "Not that I wouldn't mind it."

"But you won't..." Octavia gave another sigh.

"Nope, not today at least." Lyra said with a sly tone. Getting up the mint mare started to walk to their front door. "I gotta head on over to work." Lyra said as she took a quick glance at the clock on the wall. "Wake your lazy behind up and get to band practice on time today. I'll see you later tonight after work okay?"

"Alright. I'll be there."

"See to it that you are. Anyways, I made some coffee for ya, it's on the table right there." Lyra opened the door and stepped outside the door. Poking her head back into the apartment just before it closed. "Maybe we'll continue where we left off later tonight..."

Octavia's perked up a bit as she raised herself onto her haunches. She gave a warm smile to her. "That sounds like a plan. Oh, and say hello to Roseluck for me will you?"

"Gotcha. Oh, and Octavia?"

"Hmm?"

"Love you." Lyra said bashfully.

Octavia blinked a few times in response. A tad bit shocked to hear Lyra say those words. Not that she hadn't heard them before, but this time they just seemed... Genuine. "Love you too."

~~~~

Lyra walked down the streets of Canterlot at a steady, even pace. The sun was just now starting to seep through the alleyways of the tall buildings that stood on both sides of any and all streets in the city. The early commuters were beginning to exit their houses and apartments to make their way to work to begin another daily grind to bring home the bread. She took a heavy, relaxing sigh as she basked in the cool crisp air of the morning. This was the time of day that she enjoyed, 'the magic hour' she would call it. That tiny moment of time that wasn't quite day and yet not quite night.

As she continued down the now bustling streets of Canterlot, Lyra made a left turn at the intersection of Main Street to Market Blvd. Now on Market, she reached into her bags and pulled out the white apron and begun to wrap it around the front of her. The apron had stitching's that read "Roselucks A Dozen Bouquet Flower Shop." in white and red lacing.

A few months back Lyra had fallen on tough times. Even though she had a roommate that shared half the rent with her, and a great paying job, she was still having a difficult time making ends meet. Canterlot, although the place she had always wanted to and dreamed about living in, was no cheap town to make your life in.

If she didn't find a way to increase her income soon, Lyra would have to do the unthinkable and leave Canterlot, her dreams, and Octavia. The very thought weighed very heavily on mares mind. So much so that she begun to sleep less and less. Some nights she wouldn't even go to bed, she would just lay there staring at the ceiling. That was the case up until during one of the celebrations after a successful and stupendous performance at that, with the orchestra.

Everyone had chosen to go to some hole in the wall bar just down the street from the performance hall, the atmosphere there stunk right out loud, but they were there for the booze not the atmosphere. Everyone but Gibbons was having a grand old time, laughing, drinking and telling stories or jokes with one another. Lyra was talking with Clef, another string player when Octavia nudged her to get her attention.

"Hmm?" Lyra asked, turning her attention away from Clef.

"Hey Lyra, correct me if I'm wrong. But isn't that Roseluck sitting over there at the bar?"

"Huh? Where?" Lyra asked as she squinted her eyes, scanning for the mare.

"Right there." Octavia extended her hoof pointing in a general direction. "Between that red stallion and yellow mare."

"Oh my Luna, you're right!" Lyra placed her hooves on the table and pushed herself from her seat. "Imma go say hi, you wanna come along?" She asked as she paced by Octavia.

"No, I'm good. Thanks though." Octavia replied before beginning to nurse her drink some more.

"Alright then, I'll tell her you said hi anyways."

Lyra made her way past the crowd of various patrons, along with a few waiters and bust-boy's to the bar. When she finally arrived she gave a light shoulder tap on her old friends shoulder before speaking.

"Excuse me ma'am, but I'm going to need to see a photo I.D." Lyra said in the most masculine tone she could imitate.

Giving a sigh and head roll, Roseluck slowly turned around. "Look, I've already been carded by the bartender. I don't think you have to see it ag- Holy crap! Lyra!" Her expression changed from being annoyed to one of shock and joy.

"Rosie!" Lyra matched her volume and extended her hooves for a friendly hug. Her gesture was received instantly as Rose hugged her right back in a tight squeeze.

"What the hell are you doing here!?" Rose leaned back away from the hug and asked.

"Ahh, I'm just celebrating a good performance tonight with the band." Lyra stated as she took the now empty seat next to Rose. "Oh, Octavia says hi by the way."

"Octavia? Where is she?"

"Oh she's over there... Hiding."

"She's not still mad at me for that sneezing powder gag I pulled on her is she?" Rose asked in concern.

"Well, she's not mad... But you know Octavia, she's gonna hold a grudge until she gets even." Lyra chuckled some.

"I'm not looking forward to that..." Rose said in a bit of playful worry.

"Eh, don't worry too much about it. But what am I talking about? What the hell are you doing here!?"

"Oh I'm living here now."

"Nu uh."

"Yeah, just moved in this week actually. Been doing a hell of a lot of unpacking and I decided to have a few to relax for a little bit."

"So why the sudden change in scenery? I thought you loved living in Ponyville."

"Oh I did and I still do. But my flower shop has been doing really, really well ever since you two left. I've actually been able to keep my old shop open and open up a new one here in Canterlot."

"That's great!"

"Eh, when I talk about it, it sounds great. But lately I've been having some serious problems."

"Like what?"

"Well, the landlord that's letting me rent the place to open my shop at is a total ass. He mislead me on everything about the property and now I've basically been swindled out of my down payment... And with moving I haven't even been able to open up the shop with consistent hours. And then hiring people has been a major pain in the neck just to make matters worse." Roseluck stated her woes to Lyra as she started into her drink.

"Oh wow, that does sound bad. But I would had thought with the economy these days, there would be a line breaking your door down for a job."

"That's just it though, not a single application has come my way. I don't know if I'm just not advertising myself well enough or what. So when I'm at my apartment unpacking my stuff the shops closed. So I'm loosing a ton right now."

"How much?"

"About 300 bits a week... I mean, when I am open the customers are a constant flow. But obviously I can't serve them when I'm closed."

"Damn, that's a lot."

"Tell me about it." Roselucks ears and head hung low as she relayed all of her problems to Lyra. But then Roses ears perked up as she raised her head to look at Lyra. "Say... Lyra, I got something to ask you."

"What's that?" Lyra tilted her head to the side a bit.

"Well, I'm wondering something. Would you mind helping me out and working for me at the shop?"

"What? I don't knowing anything about being a florist."

"Yeah you do. You and Octavia would practically lived at my shop back in Ponyville after practice was over. Hell I remember how people would come in just to see you two do recitals. I'm certain you picked up a thing or two from watching me work." Rose leaned a bit, looking at Lyra with almost pleading eyes.

"I dunno Rose. I mean, I do need the money, but I don't think I'd be very good at it."

"I'll train you!" Rose leaned a bit more causing to Lyra to lean back in her seat a bit.

"I still don't kn-"

"I'll double minimum wage."

"W-What?"

"You heard me. The minimum wage here is what, 10 bits? I'll do 20 for you if you'll help me out."

"But why me?"

"I don't have the time right now to go through any applications and actually have an interview with a potential hire... Not like anyone's trying to apply anyways. I just need your help until things get settled down and then you can feel free to leave."

"Well I got my career with the Orchestra that I need to think about Rose..."

"I'll work around your hours. You won't have to skip a beat with them, no pun intended."

Lyra looked at Rose as the pondered the possibility of working with her. She did need the money and an extra twenty bits per hour did sound good. It would definitely be more than enough money in order to continue her life in Canterlot. Lyra brought her attention back to Rose who was practically on the edge of her seat.

"Just until you get back on your feet right?"

"And not a day more, if that's what you want." Rose said as she crossed her heart.

Shaking her head a few times before speaking. "Alright Rose, looks like you got a new hire."

The bell that hung in front of the shops door rung as Lyra entered the fragrant shop. There was no sign of Rose as she made her way to the front counter, dropping her saddlebags behind it. Looking around, Lyra still saw no sign of Rose on the front floor and decided to go into the back to look for her.

"Rose you back here?" Lyra asked as she could hear a muffled noise coming from the bathroom in the back. As she got closer to inspect what the noise was, she could make out that it was somepony crying. Pressing her ear against the door Lyra called out again. "Rose you in there? Is everything alright?"

The crying instantly stopped and some shuffling could be heard from the other side of the door. Lyra was about to call out again when the handle of the door shifted. The door slowly creaked open revealing a distraught Rose with stains beneath her eyes.

"Rose what the hell happened? Are you alright? Come here, sit down." Lyra said as she guided her friend to a nearby chair. Taking the seat, Rose buried her face into her hooves and began hiccups of sobs. Lyra just watched, concerned for what had gotten Rose so upset.

"I'm doomed..." Roseluck managed to squeak out. "All I've worked for these past months... Gone."

"What are you talking about?"

"The fucking city! They're taking away my shop." Roseluck cried out as she flailed one hoof outward while keeping the other one on her cheek.

"Come on Rose, they can't just take away your shop Rose."

"Oh yes they can. Some bull called 'imminent domain'. They can take whatever property they like... I found a slip on the door this morning." Roseluck reached for the pocket in her apron and pulled out a beige slip. Lyra grabbed it from her and began to skim through it.

"Dear Ms. Roseluck.... The city of Canterlot.... to claim imminent domain? You have 48 hours to vacate the premises!? They can't do that!" Lyra cried in outrage.

"They can and they are... I already called my lawyer after I read that... Once he told me that there was nothing I could do to fight the city, I locked myself in the bathroom and started crying." Roseluck smeared her make up across her face as she tried to fight away the tears that trickled down her face.

Lyra stood there, the pink slip in her hoof. She looked down at Rose with great agony, it always pained to see one of her friends cry.

"So what's going to happen?" Lyra broke the silence between the two,

Roseluck let out a strained sigh. "I don't know Lyra. Without the shop, I can't make rent. And Celestia know's I don't have enough bits to just reopen another shop at a different location. I fear I might have to move back to Ponyville and just live off of my old shop." Roseluck got up from her chair and headed towards the counter in the front of the shop. Reaching underneath the counter, she reeled back a drawer and pulled out a sealed envelope. She turned back to Lyra and gave her a weak smile.

"I guess making it with my business just wasn't in the cards for me." Rose chuckled as Lyra walked up to her.

"It's not your fault Rose. You got dealt a shit hand... Gah! I can't believe this city sometimes. I mean, how can they just ruin someones life like this?!" Lyra slammed a hoof against the counter, crumpling the pink slip.

"I suppose I did." Rose looked down at the envelope that was on the countertop. She placed a hoof on it and slid it over to Lyra. Taking her thoughts away from the matter at hand, Lyra looked at the object Rose had just slid over to her.

"What's this?" Lyra asked as she took it off of the countertop.

"It's your paycheck, your last one that is." Rose choked up a bit at the end of her sentence. "I wish I could give you more, I really do. After all you've done for me and the shop, I wish I could give you a fortune... Sad truth is I need the money to go back home."

"It's no problem Rose." Lyra looked down at the envelope then back at Roseluck. She extended her hoof to her. "Gimme your hoof."

"What?" Rose asked confused.

"Just gimme it." Roseluck extended hers to Lyra. Taking the envelope, Lyra slapped it into Roses hoof. "Take it. You need it a hell of a lot more than I do." Lyra said with a smile.

"No, Lyra I couldn't. It wouldn't be fair to you."

"To hell with fair. Do I look like I'm desperate for money? Do I look like a mare that just got her whole world turned upside down? No, so take it."

"Please, I really couldn't."

"Your going to take this money Rose, rather you like it or not." Lyra said in a firm demanding tone.

"Well at least make me feel like I earned it. Tell ya what, seeing as how I won't be seeing you or Octavia for that matter, how's about I treat you both to dinner? For old times sake and to show you how much I really appreciated all the work and effort you put into my little shop." Rose gave Lyra a weak grin. It was hard for her to put on a friendly face at such a time like this.

"That sounds like a great idea, maybe have a few drinks even? That'll take your mind off of this whole mess for a bit."

"Maybe... Why don't you head on home, I don't think I'm even going to keep shop open today... Not with this looming over my head."

"You sure? I'll stay if you want me to."

"Yeah, you go have fun. I'll swing by your place around eight o'clock. Sound good?"

"Yeah that sounds fine, I'll let Octavia know." Lyra took off her work apron and wadded it up as she walked over to her saddlebags.

"Uhh, would you mind not telling Octavia?"

"Huh? Why not?" Lyra asked as she stuffed her apron into her bags.

"I rather she not know is all. Not to say anything bad about her, but if she knew she would pester me for all the details and I just don't think I would wanna discuss this during tonight. That's all."

"Oh well yeah, that's my Tavi for ya." The two shared an uncomfortable chuckle. "Well I won't tell her."

"Thanks Lyra" Rose said as Lyra opened up the front door of the shop. She stood there, halfway out the door, she paused.

"You gonna be alright?" Lyra asked

"I'll manage I suppose. I'll see you later."

"Alright then, remember though eight o'clock sharp." Lyra tried to lighten the mood by giving a playful tone in her voice.

"Eight o'clock sharp."

Author's Note

So again, sorry for the delay. And no there is no new link for the fic I've been working on, sorry. I just wanted to say for this story I wasn't able to continue it in any way shape or form unless I came up with a new aspect. So more or less this is another filler chapter, will the next one contain clop? You betcha. So just a heads up that this one will give the story some breathing room to progress but does not withhold a lot of the story up to the point, it just gives you a little bit of history and some events that will lead up to some serious stuff.