Dinner with the Folks

Chapters

1
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six

1

Every Sunday, Berry Punch's bar would close early for her to work on bookkeeping, ordering, inventory checks and general maintenance. This Sunday was no different, but activity inside the saloon was a lot more hectic than usual for Berry Punch this time of night and week.

Most of the tables had been shoved to the side, their chairs placed upside down on top. One table and a pair of chairs were in the middle of the room, lit candlesticks at the center of the table.

Berry Punch popped up from behind the bar, a tray of mugs balanced perfectly on her head. She tilted her head forward and slid them onto the bar, the mugs barely rattling. “I don't do as much catering as the Cakes' and Bonbon, but some conventions like using my place.” There was a mild thud from out back in the kitchen. “You two all right in there?” she shouted, turning her head around.

Carrot Top's head pushed open a set of double doors. The earth pony let out a small sigh. “Pinkie and I are fine. I think.” There was another thud, causing Carrot Top to wince. “Well, maybe...”

Trixie let out an overly melodramatic sigh and held a foreleg to her forehead. “It seems only the Great and Powerful Trixie can deal with the Pink Menace from beyond the kitchen!” She trotted around the bar, opened the door a bit wider with her telekinesis and looked into the kitchen. “Pinkie Pie, this is very important for a very good friend and pony. Do you remember what we talked about earlier?”

There was a pause before the pink party pony responded. “Do you remember what my uncle's name is?” she responded.

Trixie let out a sigh. “He's Uncle Marrow, the town plumber.” She leaned back and looked askance at Berry Punch. “How the hay that works is anypony's guess,” she muttered, shrugging.

Pinkie's voice called out. “I'm sorry, Carrot Top. I'll listen better to you.” There was the sounds of pots, pans and other implements of cooking. “Trixie, we're still on for lunch with Ditzy tomorrow, right? I got some super-duper fun stories to share!”

Trixie bowed and flourished. “But of course! The Great and Powerful Trixie never denies an audience!” She backed up, letting the door swing shut. She looked to Carrot Top. “What?”

Carrot Top merely giggled. “Nothing, nothing at all.”

Trixie paused. “Thanks,” she said. “You didn't have to help with this, you know. I know how busy you've been lately.”

Carrot Top shrugged. “It's for Lyra and Bonbon. I didn't mind one bit.” She backed up, letting the door swing shut again.

Trixie nodded, backing up and swinging around. She looked up at a clock mounted on the wall. “Urgh, where is Lyra?” she groused. “She and Bonbon were supposed to be here five minutes from now!”

Berry Punch blinked. “You're kidding, right?”

Trixie shrugged. “It sounded good to me.” She walked over to the bar and poured herself a glass of bourbon, downing it rather quickly. She shuddered slightly. “Ooh, that hit the spot.” The eventual opening of the front door drew her attention to the sight of Lyra and Bonbon walking in. “Ah!” she cried out, throwing her forelegs into the air. “Welcome to the Punch Bowl!” She trotted over to the lone table and gestured to it. “If madam and madam would sit, please?” she said, the chairs glowing and sliding out.

Bonbon rolled her eyes, but there was a sincere smile on her lips. She turned to Lyra and gave her a quick kiss. “Is this all for me?” she asked, staying by her marefriend's side as they walked to the table.

Lyra shrugged. “I just... wanted to do something nice for you, you know?” She turned away, her cheeks reddening. She pawed slightly at the floor.

Bonbon reached out and turned Lyra's head back to hers. She half-closed her eyes and drew in for a longer kiss, but a mild grunt from Trixie killed the mood. She looked to the unicorn, her expression not as pleasant as before. “Yes...”

Trixie waved a foreleg. Her horn sparked and shimmered. “The night is young,” she said. The entire rooftop wavered, disappearing to be replaced by a perfect illusion of the night sky overhead. The kitchen doors telekinetically opened, allowing Carrot Top and Pinkie Pie to walk over, each one with a tray balanced on their heads laden with food and drink. “And the food is warm.”

Bonbon let out a sigh. “Good point.” She slowly broke from Lyra's side and slid onto the chair, Lyra sitting opposite of her. She inhaled the aromas of the food as the two earth ponies slid the trays onto the table. She swallowed as she eyed the food. “Wow,” she uttered. “This looks and smells great.”

Pinkie Pie opened her mouth, but stopped when Carrot Top tapped her on the shoulder. She instead merely bowed her head. “Thank you,” she said, backing off.

Carrot Top nodded to Bonbon. “You're welcome, Bonbon.” She glanced to Lyra. “Hope you two enjoy,” she said before turning and walking back to the kitchen, Pinkie Pie bouncing along behind her.

Trixie walked up to the table. “Okay, in all seriousness, if you two need anything, we'll be out back in the kitchen cleaning up.”

Lyra smirked as she eyed her old friend. “You mean they'll be cleaning up while you and Mister Whiskey get to know each other better, right?”

Trixie tossed her head back. “Somepony has to supervise!” She leaned forward close to Lyra. “Actually, no. Berry Punch threatened me with ratting me out to Cheerilee if I didn't clean up.” She shuddered. “That was enough.” She backed up, bowing. “If anything else is needed, please don't hesitate to ask.”

Bonbon watched her go before looking back to Lyra. She leaned forward, resting her forelegs on the table. “She's a grade-A ham, but she's a nice grade-A ham.” She tilted her head down and ate some braised carrots and took a sip of barley soup. “Oh, this is good...”

The two ate for a few minutes in comfortable silence, the only sounds the munching of food and slight slurping of liquids. Bonbon eventually looked back up to Lyra, her eyes shining. “I love you,” she said, reaching a foreleg across the table.

Lyra returned the gaze and reached out, touching her hoof to Bonbon's. “I love you, too.”

Trixie stepped back from the door, letting out a sigh. “Okay, things are going well.” She trotted over to a three-basin sink and levitated a pan and scrub brush up. “You gotta do this every night?” she asked Berry Punch.

Berry Punch, sitting at a desk with several order forms arrayed in front of it, glanced over. “Well, the kitchen hooves do most of it.” She looked back at the forms, picked up a pen with her mouth and began filling in various columns.

Carrot Top walked over and placed a few dishes into the first basin. “This was really nice of you to hoof the bill, Trixie.” She walked over to the front of the middl sink and began assisting in the washing.

Trixie shrugged, glancing at Carrot Top but not quite making eye contact. “Sometimes... okay, a lot of times, I've gotten a bit on Bonbon's bad side or messed something up with Lyra. I can be a jerk, but I'm a consciously-aware jerk. I just wanted to do something nice for them and help Lyra with doing something nice for Bonbon.” She looked around the kitchen at Berry Punch and Pinkie. “Just don't tell Bonbon I paid for the manticore's share, all right?”

Pinkie drew a hoof across her muzzle, her mouth closing with the motion. Berry Punch simply nodded to her before going back to her ordering.

Carrot Top slowly shook her head as she continued washing. “Well, all right. Just seems a bit... contrary,“ she finished, her voice trailing off as she scrunched down into the washing.

Trixie chuckled. She floated up a large pot and began scrubbing it. “Yeah, yeah. Well, I have a certain reputation to maintain!” She threw her forelegs into the air, her cape fluttering behind her. The unicorn dropped back to all fours, letting out a breath. “Besides, things would get... awkward between Bonbon and I. So for once, no crowing about it or letting it out.”

Carrot Top shrugged. “Well, all right, but even paying me for doing the cooking with Pinkie Pie?” She cast a glare at Trixie. “You know I would've done this for free. You practically shoved the money into my saddlebags.”

Trixie grunted as she finished with the pot and dipped it into the rinse sink. “I know, I know. But even with that prize money you won and the Union, I can afford this little indulgence a bit more. And Lyra chipped some bits in, too. So it's not all on my head.” She glanced to the door and smiled as the light sound of laughter drifted in. “Besides, it feels good to do this for them,” she said, a smile on her lips. Trixie's head shot back to Carrot Top. “So no telling!” she said, jabbing a foreleg for emphasis.

Carrot Top swiped a hoof across her mouth. “My lips are sealed.”

“She did what?!”

Lyra's forelegs shot into the air. “Not so loud!” she said to her marefriend. “I don't want her to hear!” she whispered through clenched teeth.

Bonbon turned around and looked over her shoulder to the doors behind the bar. The cream-colored earth pony let out a breath. “That's a... lot of money she put down for this.” She looked back to Lyra. “It's just so...” She waved a hoof in the air as her face took on a blank expression.

“Unlike her?” Lyra finished, smirking slightly. “She can be a royal pain in the flank, but not all the time.” The smirk dropped away and her expression took on a more serious mien. “She's trying to be a better pony, you know. It's just taking some time.”

Bonbon glanced away for a moment, her cheeks turning red. “I know, and this was really nice of her.” She looked back to Lyra as she took a bite from a salad. “You're visiting your fathers tomorrow, right?” At the mint-green unicorn's nod she cocked her head to the side and looked to the illusory night sky. “Maybe I should at least thank her for arranging this.”

Lyra finished taking a sip of soup. “Just don't let her know that you know about her paying for most of it, all right? She wanted to keep that bit a secret.”

Bonbon shook her head. “That’s not like her,” she said. At Lyra’s look she shrugged. “Well, it’s true!” She waved a hoof from side to side. “Yes, it’s very nice of her and I appreciate it but it’s just... not something I’d expect her to keep quiet about.”

A small smile crossed Lyra’s face. “Which is why she wants it kept quiet. Trixie thinks things would get awkward between you two over the money spent on this. So please, don’t let her know you know?” Lyra reached a hoof across the table.

Bonbon's mouth opened, but hesitated for a bit before nodding and touching her own hoof to Lyra’s. “All right. If that’s how she feels. I’ll keep the secret” I’ll just make it right some other way.

Author's Note

Notes? okay...

Thank you for reading my next insane endeavor. As noted this is a Lunaverse story. A few things...

This will probably be Pinkie's only appearance here. In a review by InsertAuthorHere and on another forum, I got praise for what I did with her in 'Ill Communication'. So I continued it a bit here.
Honeydew shows up next chapter.
The cover is by Emeral Bookwise. Shower him with praise. SHOWER!

Chapter Two

My little pony, My little pony

Ahh ahh ahh ahhh...

My little pony

Friendship never meant that much to me

My little pony

But you're all here and now I can see

Stormy weather; Lots to share

A musical bond; With love and care

Teaching laughter; It's an easy feat,

And magic makes it all complete!

You have my little ponies

How'd I ever make so many true friends?

Consciousness slowly returned to Lyra. She let out a groan and turned to Bonbon's side of the bed, only to find it empty. Her bleary eyes focused on a note on Bonbon's pillow.

Had to open up the Confectionarium. Had a wonderful time last night and this morning. Love, Bonbon.

A smile formed on her lips even as a sigh escaped them. She slowly rose and trotted to the bathroom. After a few minutes of freshening up, Lyra emerged, ready to face the new day. Her horn glowed and a set of saddlebags and her favorite lyre floated to her side, the saddlebags settling over her back and loin. She paused before a full-length mirror and crossed one foreleg in front of the other. “Not bad, not bad at all.” And with that, she trotted out of the bedroom, down the hall to a staircase that led downstairs.

Lyra trotted down and entered the back kitchen of the Confectionarium. She barely paused before emerging into the front of the shop, right behind the display counter. Bonbon was to her right, a clipboard on the counter and a pencil in her mouth. Carrot Cake from Sugarcube Corner was on the other side, a clipboard in front of him. “Hi!” she said, grinning.

Carrot Cake glanced over from his clipboard and smiled at the unicorn. “Well, hi there, Lyra. Lovely day today.” He looked over his shoulder. “Well, at least for now. Storm's coming in about 11 o'clock.” He looked back. “Might not get much sales today, Bonbon.”

Bonbon shrugged and moved the pencil to the side of her mouth. “It'll give me more time to get your orders finished.” She wrote down some numbers onto the clipboard. She glanced to Lyra and smiled, the tip of the pencil hitting the counter and breaking off. “Oh, horse apples!” Her cheeks suddenly reddened. “Sorry about that.”

Carrot Cake chuckled. He spat his own pencil up and over at Bonbon, who caught it and twirled it around. “Not a problem, Bonbon.” He looked down at what she was writing. “Do you think you can get some more of that taffy you sent us last week? Customers are asking for more!”

Bonbon let out a nervous chuckle and scrapped a hoof along the hardwood floor. “Well... I don't know how to make it.” She glanced to the side. “Twist, Bebop and Sweetie Belle got into the kitchen that day and did something to the taffy machine. I got there after they had cleaned it out.” She rubbed her chin. “Twist will be in later today. I suppose I could ask her.”

Carrot Cake nodded. “I'd appreciate that.” He collected his pencil and clipboard. “I'll be in Wednesday. You two have a good day.” And with that, he turned and trotted out.

Bonbon turned to Lyra, leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. “You have fun at the park, and say hi to your fathers for me, please.”

Lyra nodded. “Sure thing,” she said before walking around to the front door. She paused before cantering to the side as a half-dozen fillies filed in, coins jangling in their saddlebags. “Have fun with the pre-school rush,” she said, winking before dashing out.

Bonbon let out a mild groan before staring down at Bebop, Applebloom, Scootaloo and a few others whose names escaped her. “All right, colts and fillies. Single file, like every time you come in here...”

The Confectionarium's front door closed and locked behind Bonbon, a sign reading 'closed for lunch' rattling slightly against the glass. She glanced from side to side before galloping down the street towards the Residency. She made a sharp left before coming upon the two-story building. The gate swung open and she trotted up the porch. Bonbon paused for a moment before gently knocking on the door. “Hello?” she called out.

The door swung open and Bonbon entered. She glanced around, quickly spotting Pokey Pierce sitting at his desk. Two quills floated before him, scribbling on scrolls. “Ah, Bonbon!” he said, grinning and waving a foreleg at her. “Do come in.”

Bonbon trotted up to his desk. She looked around, quickly spotting Trixie's empty desk. “I see Trixie's out.” She looked back to Pokey and noticed Trixie's hat floating next to his chair. It was upside down and the interior was glowing softly. She cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes. “Trixie actually lets others use her hat when she's not around?”

Pokey let out a snort as a few papers floated into the hat, disappearing into the magical vortex. “If she didn't, we'd be backlogged even more,” he deadpanned. He looked up from his writing. “Anything I can do for you, Bonbon?”

Bonbon's muzzle twitched. “Well... “ Her gaze drifted to the hat. Gears turned in her head for a moment before she spoke. “I don't suppose there's any way I could maybe possibly send a note to Princess Luna, is there? I swear it's not anything bad!”

Pokey stared at her for a moment. His lips curled up slightly. “Oh, what the hay.” A piece of parchment and quill floated over from a stack and landed on the desk in front of Bonbon. He shuffled around, looking at a bookcase. “Oh, gee! Look at all these wonderful books! It's a good thing nopony else is here to, say, write down something and shove it into the magic hat.”

Bonbon quickly grabbed the quill with her lips, scribbled down a brief note, then slid the note over to the hat. It fell in, disappearing with a brief burst of white light. “All done,” she said. “You can stop pretending not to see me.” She waited for him to turn back before speaking again. “And thanks. I'm actually pretty surprised you went along with this.”

Pokey shrugged. “I figure you've got good intentions, or at least not bad intentions, considering how you're carrying yourself. And I don't think Trixie's bucked up anything too badly in the past week or so to warrant going to Princess Luna directly.” He suddenly paused and rubbed his chin. “Wait, she hasn't done anything too badly, has she? I'm usually able to keep up with her usual shenanigans well enough.”

The earth pony waved him off. “Nothing of the sort, Pokey.” She stepped away from the desk. “Thank you again.” And with that, she trotted to the door and out of the residency. Bonbon took a left – only to spot Trixie coming down the street.

Trixie had her head down with a scroll floating in front of her, a quill scratching over it. “No, no, no...” She glanced up, her eyes focusing on Bonbon. “Bonbon?” She increased her gait, quickly catching up to the pony. “What brings you around?” She stopped. “Wait, I didn't do it!”

Bonbon blinked. “Do what?”

Trixie's eyes shifted from left to right. “Exactly!” she exclaimed. She telekinetically rolled up the scroll and shoved it into a saddlebag. “Okay, so all joking aside, need anything? The residency's a little out of your way at this time of day.”

Bonbon's eyes shifted back and forth. “Oh, no worries,” she finally said, a half-smile on her face. “I can truthfully say Pokey was able to help me out with my task.” Her jaw shifted slightly. “So, what are you up to?”

Trixie froze for a moment. “Well, just getting some shopping done before heading to Ditzy's for lunch.” Her expression darkened slightly. “Just having a bit of trouble finding something in my price range and that I think they'll like.” She glanced up at the increasingly-cloudy sky. Pegasi moved clouds around, blocking out the clear blue. “And I'm on a time limit as is. I've got to get something for the lunch I'm having with Ditzy and Dinky, but having a bit of trouble with my budget.” She shrugged. “Just gotta figure this out. No problem at all,” she said, waving a foreleg at Bonbon.

Bonbon clicked her tongue and shifted her eyes a bit. “Well, if you're interested, I could probably get you a good discount at Curry's Comestibles.” At Trixie's questioning expression she shrugged. “He's my dad. I think I can convince him to skim a few bits off the top,” she said, winking.

Trixie slowly nodded. “Ah, all right.” She stepped aside and gestured down the street. “Lead on, then, Bonbon.” She reared up on her hind legs. “For the Great and Powerful Trixie-” A rather loud gurgling from her stomach sent her back down to all fours. “ – needs some food,” she finished, blushing.

Trixie and Bonbon walked up to a building. Like most in this part of Ponyville, it was two stories, the first story dedicated to a business and the second story was living space. Rows of flower bouquets were set up outside, with price tags dangling from them. An awning was set up over the door, with a sign reading 'Curry's Comestibles' above that.

Trixie paused at one of the flower stands and sniffed a bouquet of begonias. She opened her mouth and moved her head forward, but a grunt from Bonbon stopped her forward momentum. “What?” she said, looking back to the cream-colored earth pony. “I wasn't going to eat it!”

Bonbon snorted. “Right.” She walked through the front door, Trixie following. “Hi, Dad!”

A brown-coated earth pony with a pinkish mane and tail glanced over at Bonbon. “Hi, Bonbon,” Curry, the owner of the shop, said, waving back. He wore a pair of thick, square glasses that looked thick enough to block a spear thrust, and a large mustache adorned the tip of his muzzle, completely obscuring his mouth. On his flank was a cutie mark of a vase of flowers. “Nice timing,” Curry remarked. “Looks like the sky's gonna open up any second.”

Trixie glanced over her shoulder at the darkened sky. “A storm is coming,” she intoned. Her cape rippled slightly as she stomped the floor. “And the floor is hardwood!”

Bonbon facehoofed and Curry blinked. “Well, yes. Easier to clean,” Curry replied. “And yup, a storm's coming. It'll be nice to not have to water the outdoor displays.” He turned from his work and trotted over to Trixie and Bonbon. “So, what can I do for you, Bonbon?”

“Well, Trixie is a bit short on bits this week-”

“Thanks, Bonbon...”

“-And we were wondering if there was any chance for a discount?” Bonbon finished, glancing to Trixie out of the corner of her eye.

Curry chuckled. “Well, that's no problem for a friend of Bonbon.” He slowly turned and trotted off to the sales counter. “I'll be around here if you need any help,” he said, pulling open a drawer.

Trixie looked to Bonbon. “Thanks,” she said, looking everywhere but Bonbon's face.

Bonbon shrugged, also glancing away. “No problem. You did a good job with last night”

Trixie's head bobbed up and down. “Oh, of course. Yes, last night. Organizing it. Very difficult, that.” She barked a laugh and scratched the back of her head, right behind a twitching ear. “So...” She looked around, stepping up to a shelf with three vases of flowers. “So, what's the best thing-”

The entire building suddenly shook, rattling the windowpanes and sending more than one vase crashing to the floor. Smoke slowly curled up from cracks in the floor, coalescing near the ceiling. Trixie's head whipped around, her eyes wide. “What the hay was that?”

Curry barely looked up from his work while Bonbon rolled her eyes. “Oh, darn. Dad, is Mom in the basement lab?”

A door near the back of the room slammed open and a white-coated unicorn mare with a frazzled, aquamarine mane stumbled out. Honeydew, Bonbon's mother and Curry's wife, wore thick glasses over wide eyes, with even thicker goggles covering them. A pair of vials floated behind her. “I have DONE IT!” she bellowed. Her entire body shook from giggling as the vials shot around. “I have made sweet, sweet LOVE to these, resulting in a messy menage a' trois of science, magic and... more science!!!” She stood up on her hind legs and threw up her forelegs, her laboratory jacket flaring out. As lightning flashed and thunder boomed.

The shop's front door suddenly opened and Raindrops stuck her head in, her mane dripping. “Hey, just to let you know, the storm's gonna be a bit more intense than we thought. No worries, though. We've got it under control.” And with that, she withdrew her head and flew off.

Curry let out a sigh. “That's nice, dear.”

Trixie, meanwhile, backed up against one of the shelves. She kept her eyes on Honeydew and her horn lit up. “T-that's y-your m-m-m-mother?!” she stammered out, horn instinctively lighting up.

Bonbon let out a sigh. “Mom, you're scaring my friend. Stop it, all right?”

Honeydew turned to Bonbon and Trixie, her head twitching. “I can't, my dear Bonnie. For I know it ALL!” She advanced upon the pair. “I know the secrets of the Valley of Dreams, the ones who walked before us! I know their lost technology, and with it, I have made the ultimate discovery!” The vials flew forward, stopping mere inches from a terrified Trixie's muzzle. “I know how to combine asparagus and chocolate!!!” She threw her head back and laughed. “And with this, I shall rule them ALL!”

“That's nice, dear.”

Trixie's jaw worked, but little more than a squeak came out.

Honeydew sucked in a breath. “And you, Trixie Lulamoon...” The vials floated off and Honeydew's voice dropped to an almost normal tone. “Thank you for saving my dear Bonnie from Corona.” She extended a hoof to her fellow unicorn.

Trixie's eyes narrowed. She looked to Bonbon before focusing on Honeydew. “N-no problem,” she said, reaching out and touching Honeydew's hoof with her own.

Honeydew smiled and withdrew her hoof. Her head suddenly shook and the wild-eyed expression returned. “Now... NOW!” she exclaimed. “For my latest creation! I have mixed that which should not be mixed, I have made something new and... and...”

“Revolutionary?”

Honeydew turned to Curry and smiled. “Yes, thank you, dear.” She turned and focused on Trixie and Bonbon. “It has the nutritional value of chocolate, with the taste of asparagus!”

Bonbon groaned and rolled her eyes. “Mom, you got it backwards. Again.”

Honeydew's eyes shifted back and forth. “I did?”

“Yeah.”

Honeydew let out a sigh. “I'll be back.” With that, she turned and trotted for the door. She walked through, slamming it behind her.

Trixie blinked twice. She began silently walking around the flower shop, picking out several bouquets and floating them over to the sales counter. Curry stepped to the cash register and rang her up, accepting a few bits from her and bagging up the flowers. Trixie trotted over to Bonbon, a fine sheen of sweat on her brow and the shopping bag floating behind her. “Bonbon... thank you for the discount, and thank you for introducing me to your parents. Your father is a good stallion, and your mother is... enthusiastic.” She bowed her head slightly. “Gotta go bye!” And with that, she turned and trotted out, her gait increasing to a full-blown gallop as soon as she cleared the doorjamb.

Bonbon let out a sigh. “Well... that went better than expected.” She sniffed the air and her eyes widened. “Oh, no. Not the burner.” She turned and galloped for the back door. “Mom, remember what happened last time!”

Author's Note

Honeydew is named after Doctor Bunsen Honeydew from the Muppets. She is basically almost all mad scientist tropes/cliches/stereotypes rolled up into one insane unicorn. I am trying to figure out how to do her lab.
Curry is named somewhat after Marie Curie.
The spell used on Trixie's hat is a simple teleport spell. In the Lunaverse forums, we decided that it's a spell any unicorn can learn. Lyra knows it, too.

Chapter Three

Lyra leaned back on her favorite bench, her favorite lyre hovering a foot away from her, her telekinesis strumming the strings in an almost lazy fashion. Ponies wandered by, some of them tossing bits or jangles into her saddlebags set at her hooves. She occasionally waved a foreleg to wave at some of the ponies, but her mind kept wandering back to the Confectionarium and the pony there. A happy sigh escaped her lips. For a moment, she debated whether or not to stay in the park, go back home or go see her fathers for lunch.

The darkening skies quickly removed the first option, and her rumbling stomach convinced her that the final option was best. She slid off the bench, placed her saddlebags back on and waved to Raindrops in the sky before trotting off, lyre floating behind.

She quickly arrived at a two-story building with a green roof, a pair of bay windows and an advertising sign hanging right above the door. The sign was simple, the vertical arrangement of a quill, a plus sign and a sofa underneath it. She smiled before walking through the door, a bell hanging right above the doorjamb jingling as she entered.

Inside was a large room taking up almost the entirety of the first floor. Furniture was all about, sectioned off into couches, sofas, beds, dressers, tables and other pieces, all on a carpeted floor. Lining the wall was a wide selection of quills, inkwells, stacks of parchment and scrolls. Several ponies were scattered about, a couple of foals even bouncing up and down on a mattress. Four of the ponies in the main showroom wore identical white shirts, blue jackets and name tags, each one attending to customers or doing other work. And behind the register stood a middle-aged earth pony stallion named Davenport, with a slicked-back brown mane, matching tail and the cutie mark of a quill above a sofa. His green eyes glanced over to Lyra and his mouth turned up in a smile.

Lyra returned the smile and waved as he finished up with his current customer. She walked over to a chair, looking it over and rubbing her chin as she looked over the design pattern. Her eyes lifted as Davenport walked over. “Hey, Dad,” she said, grinning widely.

Davenport canted his head to the right, looking at the chair. “You know, one of these days I'm gonna sell this piece,” he remarked, returning his daughter's grin. “Then where are we gonna meet when you walk in?”

Lyra eyed him. “Dad, you've had this chair since you opened the store. I don't think they even make this pattern anymore.” A low chuckle escaped her. “Besides, if you did, where would we meet when I visit?”

Davenport rolled his eyes, but quickly drew his daughter into a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. “Glad you're here.” He glanced over at one of his assistants. “Bottom Dollar, I'll be taking an hour lunch this time.” At the assistant's nod, he moved off, but a peal of thunder from outside stopped him in his gait. He looked to one of the bay windows and the gathering storm outside. His ears flattened against his skull. “I hope Tinny's all right in this,” he murmured.

Lyra patted him on the shoulder. “Don't worry. I'm sure Pop's already on his way here.” Another rumble stopped her in her tracks. “Hopefully, probably, definitely.”

The pair made their way to the back of the showroom and through a door in the wall, emerging into a small stairway landing with steps leading down into storage and up into the main living area. Along the back wall was a door leading to the outside.

Lyra and Davenport waited at the landing for a few minutes, glancing to the door. Soon enough the door's lock clicked and the door opened, allowing a gray-coated stallion named Tin Taylor to walk through, a key shakily floating in front of him. He wore an orange jacket, a yellow hardhat over his violet-covered mane and a pair of saddlebags slung over his back and loin with several tools sticking out of them. His hat floated off, revealing a short horn wreathed in magical energy.

Davenport's face brightened and he trotted forward, wrapping his forelegs around Tin's neck in a hug. “Tinny!” he exclaimed, grinning madly.

Tin raised his own forelegs, returning the hug. “Hi, Davey!” He broke from the hug and gave Davenport a brief kiss. “Had to gallop the last length here.” He glanced back to the door as the rain began pouring down. “Had to make sure everything was set at the site before coming back for lunch.” He looked to Lyra and smiled. “Hey, kid.”

Lyra grunted, but her eyes shone. “Don't call me 'kid', Pop.”

Tin returned the grunt. “Don't call me 'Pop', kid.” And with that, he wrapped his arms around Lyra. “Great to see you!” He reached up, ruffling Lyra's mane slightly with a hoof.

Davenport let out a sigh and shook his head. “Now that your little ritual is done, shall we adjourn to upstairs?” He stepped back and motioned to the stairs leading up. “I've got lunch all ready upstairs.” He looked to his hsuband and daughter. “Hungry?”

Tin opened his mouth, but a low growling from his midsection spoke for him. He chuckled, his cheeks reddening. “I guess that answers that question.”

“So we've got several requests from the Farmer's Union for contracts on upgrades to their irrigation systems, silos and whatnot. Meanwhile Sweet Apple Acres has another list of contracts drawn up for us.” Tin rolled his eyes to the ceiling. “Big Boss is either gonna have a panic attack or perpetual bit signs in his eyes. My money's on the latter, followed by the former. Then a nice long vacation for all of us.”

Both Lyra and Davenport chuckled. The three were sitting in the upstairs apartment around a table, plates of food and a glass of lemonade in front of them. Lyra floated a fork to her plate and speared a cucumber slice with it before levitating it up to her mouth. She ate it in one gulp and let out a small gasp. “Sliced to perfection, Dad,” she said, glancing to Davenport.

Davenport let out a snort. “Yes, my ability to wield a knife is second to a lot of ponies out there.” He flashed a smile. “Thanks, Lyra. So what are you and Bonbon up to?” He rubbed his chin between bites. “I haven't seen her much since the Longest Night Celebration...” His body shuddered slightly at the memory of that day, causing Tin to reach out with a hoof and pat him on a foreleg. “Thanks, Tinny,” he said, looking across to his husband and smiling.

Tin returned the smile before focusing on a pitcher of lemonade. His eyes narrowed, his horn glowed and the pitcher wobbled slightly as it lifted off the table, tilting slightly to pour the lemonade into Tin's glass. Lyra leaned forward, but remained silent as her father concentrated, finally settling the pitcher down onto the table with a thunk as he slumped down into his chair.

Lyra reached over and patted Tin on the shoulder. “Nice job, Pop!” she exclaimed.

Tin let out a sigh. “Thanks, Kid.” His eyes crossed slightly as he glanced at his stubby horn. “The exercises have helped a lot.” His gaze drifted back to Lyra. “So, back to Davey's question about you and Bonbon?” he said, smirking slightly.

Lyra's eyes darted back and forth between Davenport and Tin. A nervous chuckle escaped her. “B-Bonbon and I? Well... things are great!” she exclaimed, throwing both forelegs into the air. “We had a nice, romantic dinner last night at Berry Punch's bar,” she said, her forelegs dropping and a dreamy look forming on her face. “And then after...” Her voice trailed off and she coughed into a hoof.

Davenport chuckled. “We get the drift, Lyra.” he leaned to his right, close to Lyra. “So when are you popping the question, precisely?”

Tin nodded. “You two sure as hay seem like you're headed in that direction.” He looked to Davenport and smiled before looking back to Lyra.

Lyra slid down in her seat under her fathers' stares. “Well...” She let out a groan and rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Popping the question is a bit off. In the future. As in not at the moment.”

Davenport shifted a bit in his chair. “So... in the future you're planning to ask for Bonbon's hoof in marriage?”

“Yes... no... I don't know!” Lyra leaned forward, rubbing her forehead right below her horn. “I don't know,” she half-whispered. “What I've got with Bonbon is great, just about perfect for me. And it's going so great, with life and my busking and us together above the Confectionarium and being an Element of Harmony and having the two best dads in the world. And I just... why change it? Why screw around when I've got it so good?” A wan smile crossed her lips. “I know, I know. Things change. They can't stay the same all the time, even if I want them too.”

There was silence for a minute before Tin spoke. “Well, you're right. Things change, but it doesn't have to be for the worse.” His eyes locked onto Davenport. “Davey and I had it great for a while... but things began to change. We grew even closer. He opened Quills and Sofas and I was promoted. And then thanks to Skyla, you came into our lives,” he said, his voice hitching slightly at the end. “I'd have to say those were some good changes.”

Lyra glanced down at her plate. “Yeah, I guess you're right.” She reached out to both Davenport and Tin. “I love you.”

Both Davenport and Tin reached out to their daughter, wrapping their forelegs around her shoulders in a hug. “We love you, too,” they both said.

The two fathers eventually broke the embrace, settling back into their chairs. “You might wanna talk to Bonbon about this,” Davenport said between bites. “I'd bet my entire stock she'd feel about the same as you.”

Lyra shrugged. “Well, maybe. Although I shudder to think what advice Honeydew or Curry would give her.”

Davenport opened his mouth, but hesitated for a moment. “Well, it would be a good idea to get those two in on any discussions about marriage, at least before you're related to them.”

Lyra's lips twitched, but her right eyebrow cocked slightly. “Well...” Her eyes glanced from Davenport to Tin and finally to the table in front of her. “What would you two say to meeting up with Bonbon and her parents for dinner?”

Tin leaned back slightly. “I'd say... it has been a while since we've actually had any conversation with Honeydew or Curry beyond the barest of greetings.” He looked to Davenport. “What do you think?”

Davenport nodded. “I think my social calendar's free,” he said, nodding.

Lyra let out a sigh and floated her unfinished daisy sandwich up to her snout, finishing it off with a few bites and downing her glass of lemonade. “This should be fine,” she said, her eyes suddenly widening. “Or a total disaster.” She looked to her fathers as they finished their own lunches.

Davenport tilted his head to the side, his eyes twitching. “I think both. Either way, should be a night we won't soon forget.”

After a few minutes Davenport slid off his chair, collecting the now empty plates, stacking each one on his back and bringing them to the sink for later. He looked to a clock on the wall. “Business calls.” His head turned as Tin walked over. “Heading back to the site? It's pouring buckets out there!”

Tin's eyes glanced to the ceiling as the rattle of rain could be heard on the roof. His horn glowed and an umbrella wobbled over. “I've still got paperwork to go through,” he said, leaning over and nuzzling Davenport. “I didn't know you cared,” he joked.

Davenport nuzzled back, smiling, but his expression darkened as he looked to the table and Lyra still sitting there. “Lyra, you all right?”

Lyra looked up at the two stallions. “I'm fine, Dad,” she said, nodding to him. “You two get back to work. I'll clean up here for you before heading back home.”

The two fathers exchanged a glance before walking over to Lyra, Davenport on her right and Tin on her left. They both rose up on their hind legs and wrapped their forelegs around her in a hug, holding it for a minute before letting go and walking out.

Lyra sat there for a few minutes, staring up at the ceiling. “Hey, Bonbon, free Saturday?” she muttered. “Only a few life-altering things to talk about with our parents that will affect the rest of our lives. Nothing too big. Nothing too big at all.”

Author's Note

Sorry about the wait.
Tin Tailor is a background pony from the construction scene in 'Mare Do Well' episode. Davenport is of course the Quills and Sofas guy. I rather like to think he sells more than two items in his store, and it's a full-fledged furniture store with a small stationary section. Multitasking for the winning profit quarter!
Skyla is based on a background pegasus in Lyra's colors. She's Lyra's surrogate mother, and an old friend of Davenport and Tin's.
The 'don't call me kid, pop' routine is from one of the Star Trek: Corp of Engineers novels. It's undoubtedly shown up in other spots, but that's where I got the reference from.
I... think that's about it.

Chapter Four

It was some time before Lyra found herself trotting back to the Confectionarium. The rain had stopped and a natural rainbow had formed, bringing a smile to her face. Her saddlebags jingled with bits and jangles she had earned from her busking. She approached the front of the candy store, sweat beginning to form on her brow. “Hi, Bonbon. Want your parents to get together with my parents to discuss our future together in something that will surely blow up?” She let out a sigh. “This isn't gonna go well.”

She walked up to the front door, leaning to her left and peering in the front window. She spied her beloved Bonnie waiting on a few customers and breathed a sigh of relief. That breath was short-lived, however, as Bonbon spied her and waved a hoof. Lyra returned the wave, chuckling slightly. “Oh, what am I thinking? This'll work out fine for all of us!”

She marched through the front door, head held high. Lyra waved a hoof at the customers, her smile somehow stretching even farther as they waved back. Within seconds she rounded the corner of the Confectionarium's main sales counter and sidled up to Bonbon. “Hello,” she purred out, batting her eyes at her love.

Bonbon glanced at her out of the corner of her eyes. “Hello.” She looked back at her customers and passed over some bits and jangles. “Here's your change.”

The two ponies took the change, blushing slightly before saying their goodbyes, turning tail and trotting out. Bonbon turned to Lyra, sighing. “You could rein it back a bit while I've got customers,” she remarked.

Lyra shrugged and rolled her eyes. “Expressions of affection and love should never be hidden!” she proclaimed, throwing out a foreleg.

Bonbon stared at her and quirked an eyebrow. “Okay, out with it. What did you talk about with Davenport and/or Tin during lunch?”

The mint-green unicorn gasped and held a foreleg to her chest. “Why Bonbon, whatever do you... alright. Dad and Pop asked about us.”

“'Us'?”

Lyra nodded, glancing to the door to confirm no one would enter at the moment. She looked back to her Bonnie. “Well they asked about our relationship, how things were going, progress on how things were going. Pop even asked how your mom and dad were doing and... whether they'd be available to get together for dinner,” she said, the last part coming out in a single breath.

Bonbon blinked. “Dinner together? The six of us?” She cocked her head to the side, glancing away in thought. “And our relationship...” Her voice trailed off and she turned to look at the back wall. “What about it?”

Lyra nickered slightly. “Like I said, how it's going, progress on how it's going.” She cocked her head to the side. “I mean it's not exactly a big deal, you know? Just a little sit-down dinner, talking about us and them.”

Bonbon slowly turned back to face Lyra, her right eyebrow quirking up slightly. “You have met my mother, right?”

Lyra's eyes slowly widened...

Giant carrots marched through Ponyville, spewing caramel all over the streets. Stalks of broccoli flew through the air, shadowing the town below. And on a throne made of rock candy, Honeydew sat, hooves pressed together in front of her bespectacled eyes.

Luna stood on the edge of Ponyville, the Royal Guard around her being overrun by the candy/vegetable hybridized abominations. She turned around, spotting Celestia behind her. “Sister, I'll give you the throne if you help me!”

Celestia's eyes shifted from Luna to the Honeydew's army. She shook her head and waved her younger sister off. “I say thee neigh, Luna. Your subjects are crazy!” And with that she turned and flew off into the sky...

Bonbon waved a hoof in front of Lyra's face. “Lyra? Lyra!” She leaned in, pushed up on Lyra's right ear and shouted, “LYRA!” into it.

The unicorn hopped a half-foot into the air, mane flying out in all directions. “YEARGH!” she shouted, landing heavily on her hooves. “Bonbon, don't DO that!” she shouted, turning and glaring at her marefriend.

Bonbon returned the glare. “Well, don't space out on me like that!” She let out a sigh. “No, I'm sorry for snapping like that.”

Lyra waved her off. “I'm sorry for spacing out like a foal.”

Bonbon smiled, leaned over and kissed Lyra on the cheek. “Apology accepted. And you know what? I think having our folks sit down for dinner with us really is a great idea. Honestly, besides when you and Trixie came back from Canterlot I can't really remember the last time they had any real conversation.”

Lyra's jaw canted slightly and she crossed one foreleg in front of the other. “Yeah. Pop did some renovations for Roseluck and got a big lifetime discount on their product. So they just don't go to Curry's shop all that often, if at all. As for your mother...”

Bonbon attempted a glare, but it quickly fell away and she shrugged. “Point taken,” she admitted. She let out a small bark of laughter. “I ran into Trixie and we both went into Dad's shop.” She glanced around the Confectionarium before leaning in close. “I didn't let her know I knew about last night, but I did make sure Dad gave her a discount for her groceries.”

Lyra grinned. “Sounds like you two might just hit it off after all,” she said, winking.

Bonbon shrugged. “Possibly. Although Mom actually managed to freak Trixie out a bit. Can you believe it?! I thought with how dramatic Trixie acts they'd get along like two peas in a pod. Admittedly Mom was acting a bit weird even for her.” She rolled her eyes, but suddenly turned as the shop's door opened and a pair of ponies walked in. “May I help you?”

Lyra's right eye twitched slightly as Bonbon turned away from her. 'Bit weird for her',” she muttered under her breath. Her gaze turned slightly glassy...

Honeydew sat upon her throne throne, giggles shaking her body. She suddenly hopped off and a candy cane-striped cane floated over to her. She twirled it about and began dancing and singing:

“Who can make caramel, pour it into jars?

“Who can use taffy to pull down the stars? The CANDY MARE CAN!”

“Lyra? LYRA!”

Lyra started, blinking rapidly. She turned to find Bonbon approximately a half-inch from her face, causing her to canter back. “Yes!” she blurted out, stopping just short of ramming shoulder-first into the back wall.

Bonbon's eyes narrowed. “And just what are you saying 'yes' to?” she asked.

There was a pause before Lyra finally lowered her head, her horn almost parallel to the floor. “I have no idea,” she confessed. Her head suddenly rose. “Wait. How long was I daydreaming? You had two customers who just walked in.”

“I took care of them, then turned back to you, told you I'd go see Mom and Dad tomorrow then and asked if you could go see your fathers tomorrow and ask them when it'd be good for them to have dinner with my parents and us. And you were standing there staring off into space. Again.”

Lyra slowly nodded. “Oh... sure!” She nodded rapidly, her head bobbing up and down. “Not a problem, my dear Bonnie!” She tapped her chest with a hoof. “I'll go see them early in the morning before my busking in the park. Quills and Sofas shouldn't be busy and Pop should still be home.”

Bonbon nodded, smiling. “And I'll see Mom and Dad at lunchtime.” Her brow wrinkled slightly and her muzzle scrunched up. “You know... always did wonder why Davenport named that shop 'Quills and Sofas'. He's got an entire furniture and stationary store crammed in there, after all.”

“It's a lot shorter than 'Furniture and Stationary Store in one Location', at least.”

The Next Day
Lyra kept a steady gait up as she trotted to her fathers' store and house. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon and she bit down, stifling a yawn. She slowed down as she approached the front door and peeked in, spying both Davenport and Tin Taylor there in the main showroom. She waved at them, tempo increasing as they failed to notice them. “Hey, hey!” she shouted, finally gaining their attention. The door opened and she walked in. “Hi!”

Davenport snorted as he and Davenport walked over to the chair. He waited for her to walk over before speaking. “It's a little early for a visit,” he observed.

Lyra paused for a moment. “I told Bonbon about your idea for dinner with her parents, and she's all for it. I just wanted to come over real quick and see what's best for you.”

Davenport and Tin exchanged a glance. “I've got a doctor's appointment this Saturday,” Tin said. He tapped his horn. “The doc thinks with two or three more sessions I should be past my head injury and back to normal.”

Lyra grinned. “That's great, Pop! So, not Saturday... Sunday?”

Tin glanced to the ceiling. “I've got nothing going on then.” He looked to Davenport. “Anything with you, Davey?”

Davenport shook his head. “Not a thing, Tinny.” He looked to Lyra. “Sunday would be fine for us, although really any evening would be fine for us.”

"Although we should write Skyla and let her know about this," Tin said, referring to Lyra's surrogate mother. "It wouldn't be right to leave the old gal out."

Both Lyra and Davenport nodded. "I'll write her a letter tonight and send it to Cloudsdale," Davenport said. A smile drifted across his face. "Been too long since we've seen her, anyway."

Lyra let out a breath. “Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Pop. I know you got work to do, so I'll head off.” She hugged the two before leaving the store.

Davenport and Tin watched her go, waving after her. “Did she seem a bit nervous?” Davenport asked his husband.

Tin shook his head after a minute. “A little, but it's understandable. Big decisions coming up in her future, after all. But she should be fine. She's our daughter, after all.”

Bonbon walked into Curry's Comestibles, spying Curry at the counter and cashing out Mayor Ivory Scroll. She nodded to the mayor as she left before looking to her father. “Dad, is Mom around? I've got something I'd like to ask you two.”

Curry's mustache twitched. “Downstairs, dear.” His eyes narrowed slightly behind the thick lenses of his glasses. “What about?”

“Lyra's parents want to have dinner with all of us together, and Lyra and I think it's a good idea,” Bonbon replied. “So I was wondering when a good time would be for–“

The back door slammed open and Honeydew emerged, frowning. “Not right, not right,” she muttered, shaking her head and tossing her mane back and forth. “It's not right at all.”

Bonbon walked over to her. Curry turned a sign hanging on the door to 'closed' before walking over to his wife. Honeydew glanced from side to side at the two. “It's just not right. I don't know where I went wrong. But I always do.”

Curry leaned in and nuzzled his wife. “You will, dear. You always get it in the end.”

Honeydew returned the nuzzle. “Thank you. I just... I had it. I could see my vision coming true. And then it slipped through my hooves, like it always does.”

Bonbon leaned in close to her mother. “Taffy fell apart?”

Honeydew shook her head. “The caramel disintegrated and the alfalfa turned to goo.” She blinked and regarded Bonbon. “And what brings you here?”

Bonbon cleared her throat. “Well, Lyra and I were wondering when a good time would be for you two to have dinner with us and Lyra's parents. You four don't really know each other that well, despite being lifelong Ponyville residents. And with us renewing our relationship we thought it'd be a good idea for everypony to get together for a little dinner, you know? So I was wondering what a good date for you would be.”

Honeydew slowly nodded. She looked to Curry. “We're free this weekend, right? My big experiment isn't quite ready yet, after all. And you usually close the shop on Sunday's for housekeeping.”

Curry nodded, then looked to Bonbon. “Tell them the weekend would be fine, Bonbon. Details can come later.”

Bonbon smiled. She hugged Honeydew, then Curry. “Thanks. You're the best.”

All three turned at a gentle rapping coming from the door. They turned and saw a half-dozen ponies standing there. Bonbon glanced to the clock. “Oh, right. Lunchtime.” She trotted to the door, flipped the sign to 'open' and opened the door. “Talk to you later!”

Curry and Honeydew waved after her. “Did she seem a bit nervous to you?” Honeydew asked, twitching slightly.

Curry shook his head as he moved back to his counter. “It's understandable. Big changes, after all. But she'll be fine. She's our daughter, after all.”

Chapter Five

Two days later

Lyra sat with her fathers in their second-story apartment, eating lunch. A sudden rapping at the window caught their attention. All three looked over and spotted a mint-green pegasus floating right outside.

Tin let out a shout and waved his forelegs in the air. He hopped off his chair and opened the window, letting Skyla, Lyra's surrogate mother, into the kitchen. She kicked the air a bit before settling onto the floor as Davenport and Lyra walked over. “Dang, it's great to see you three again!” She extended her wings and pulled the other three into a hug.

Tin, Davenport and Lyra all wrapped their forelegs around Skyla's neck and squeezed tightly. “Great to see you, too,” Tin said, grinning.

Davenport chuckled. “Been too long since you've been around, Skyla. Way too long. What's up?”

Skyla rolled her eyes. “Ha, ha. That joke's older than the Three Tribes, Davey.” She folded her wings back against her body as the others let go. She stepped back and looked Lyra over. “So what have you been eating? You've sprouted about half a foot since I've seen you last!”

Lyra rolled her eyes. “It hasn't been that long since you've seen me and I haven't grown that much. Still, thanks. And thanks for coming.”

Skyla's smile fell away. “No way I wouldn't. From the letter I got, sounds like things are getting a bit more serious between you and Bonbon. Thinking about taking that long walk to the altar and making it notarized?”

Lyra swallowed. “W-well... closer to that, at least. We figure the families might wanna get to know one another a little better, and it turns out our parents don't know each other as well as they should.” She glanced to Davenport, then to Tin, tilting her head with an exaggerated motion.

Skyla arched an eyebrow. “Wait, how? Ponyville's tiny. Wouldn't you run into each other going down the street?”

“They actually live two streets down from us,” Davenport responded. “Although, yeah. We maybe could've taken a side-alley to go to Curry's store instead of Roseluck's. But the discounts Roseluck gives us is a powerful incentive to keep going there.”

Skyla snorted. “Yes, great incentive. Might wanna consider helping out future family. In-laws can be a bit... prickly on that. I mean you two shop at Bonbon's shop and not Sugarcube Corner, right?”

“Right,” Davenport admitted. “Curry's a nice guy, from what I remember. A little laid back. Almost too laid back, considering his wife.”

Tin waved him off. “Oh, Honeydew's not that bad. We've all got our little quirks and foibles, right?”

Lyra stared at him. “Wow, Pop. It really has been a while since you talked with Bonbon's parents. We gotta get you four together soon as possible!” She thrust a foreleg into the air. “To the restaurant!”

Skyla, Tin and Davenport all exchanged glances. “We will, eventually,” Skyla said, smiling lightly. She motioned to a clock on the wall with a wing. “Now, unless I miss my guess, Tinny and Davey's lunch is almost over. Am I right?” At their nods she looked to Lyra. “Care to take me on a walk about Ponyville?”

Lyra stepped back and tilted her head towards the door. “Sure thing. I've still got some music in my heart and bits to make!” She hugged Tin and Davenport before leading Skyla out of the upstairs apartment, down to the first floor, out the back door and through the alley. They emerged into Ponyville proper and walked down the street, no real destination in mind.

Skyla looked around at the various ponies and buildings. “That one's new,” she said, pointing to a two-story building down the street. “Did Tinny's company build that one?”

Lyra nodded. “Yeah, that and two more. There's been a small boom of business lately. Even Windowpane's gotten in on the act. Although less the buildings and more one building in particular.” At Skyla's confused look, Lyra shrugged. “The Residency attracts a lot of heavy, blunt objects that just happen to crash through the main window.” She leaned in close to Skyla and held a hoof up to her mouth. “Between you and me, I think she's about ready to put up solid-steel bars and armored shutters over the danged thing.”

Skyla bit back a laugh, but her wings flapped a bit, drawing a bit of attentions from passersby. She let out a quiet nicker and sigh. “Things have changed a bit since I was here last. New buildings, new relationships, new heroes, even.” She brought a wing over Lyra's neck in a hug. “I read all about you and the others kicking Corona's flank during the Longest Night Celebration. My surrogate daughter, graduate of Luna's School for Gifted Unicorns and the Element of Loyalty!”

Lyra snorted. “Raindrops did the majority of flank-kicking then. It was an epic journey, worthy of song and story... that someday I hope to write up properly.”

Skyla unwrapped her wing from Lyra and pointed her primaries at her. “And you battled those sirens in an epic battle of music. Oh, to have been there and seen something like that!”

“Most of us were under their spell at the time, but the aftermath of the battle told the tale quite well.”

Both Lyra and Skyla turned around. Lyra swept a foreleg out to Trixie as she approached. “Skyla, I believe you briefly glanced at Trixie a few times when you visited me at Luna’s School for Magic. So allow me to introduce to you the Representative of Ponyville, the Element of Magic and a friend of mine, Trixie – “

Trixie held up a hoof and waved it in front of Lyra's muzzle. “And a wonderful introduction, Lyra! Short and to the point.” She swept a foreleg out and bowed to Skyla. “A pleasure to formally meet Lyra's surrogate mother.” She looked her over and arched an eyebrow. “Take away the wings, add a horn...”

Skyla and Lyra exchanged a glance. “Not sure I see it,” Skyla commented. “Maybe the eyes?”

Lyra shrugged. “I always felt I took after Pop more.” She waved a hoof around the tip of her horn.

Trixie rolled her eyes. “Ah, but of course! How foalish of me when you're both mint-green mares with identical manes, tails and even cutie marks.” She tilted her head to the side and her eyes shifted down. “Seriously, how did you manage to pull that off?”

Skyla and Lyra looked each other over. “Still don't know what you're talking about,” Skyla commented, shrugging. She paused and bit her lower lip, but the corners of her mouth quavered and muffled chuckles were audible.

Lyra shrugged at Trixie. “Don't worry, we see it. Sometimes for Nightmare Night I'd strap some wings to my withers and wear a hat while Skyla would put on a horn hat and wear a coat. We went as younger and older versions of each other.”

“I'm sure you did.” Trixie glanced up at the sun really quickly, making sure her hat was tugged down close to her forehead. “Hmm, time to head back to the Residency. Pokey's been on my case to get several incident reports filed correctly.” She rolled her eyes. “Serious Audit is on my flank about getting these filed properly, just in case we ever need emergency funds or something and there's a problem with getting it.” A whinny and snort escaped her. “Considering what we've gone through, getting the bill hoofed would be the least of our problems.”

Skyla arched an eyebrow. “I don't know, Trixie. Considering what Lyra's told me about problems with the Night Court? Be best to straighten that out for a smooth flight and steady sailing.”

Trixie chuckled, but it quickly died. “Hmm, perhaps, but with I still think Serious is overreacting a bit. We do have Princess Luna on our side.” She suddenly backed up and bowed to the pair. “Have a good time with... whatever it is you're doing.” She suddenly turned and galloped off, cape fluttering in her wake.

Skyla opened her mouth, but leaned forward and narrowed her eyes at the receding Trixie. “Okay, she's... different.”

Lyra shrugged. “You get used to her.” She furrowed her eyebrows. “I think.”

The pair walked down the street, turning a few times. Lyra played her lyre as they walked along and floated a hat about, collecting tips as they went. They eventually ended up in front of Curry's store.

Skyla patted her stomach as it rumbled. “Dang, forgot to eat back with Tinny and Davey.” She looked into the storefront window and spotted Curry at the register. “Sweet Luna, he hasn't changed a bit.”

Lyra nodded. “Gotta be a rock when married to Honeydew. Or she'll sweep you away.” She suddenly gasped and floated out a quill and sheet of paper from her saddlebags. “I think I've just got the greatest idea for a new song!”

Skyla rolled her eyes as she entered. She strode up to the counter as Curry rang out his latest customer and put a hoof on the counter. “Hey, Curry!”

Curry glanced up at her and his mustache bristled. “Hi, Skyla.” He looked down at the till, but his head rose once more. “Skyla?” He arched an eyebrow. “What are you doing back in Ponyville?”

Skyla shrugged and leaned against the counter as Lyra walked in. “Oh, nothing big. Corona's out of her cage. The bearers of the Elements of Harmony have been found. Things are moving forward, but most importantly, my surrogate daughter's getting really serious with your daughter. So I got a letter from her fathers and here I am.” She leaned to her left and looked past Curry. “So, where's Honeydew? Is she – “ The store suddenly shook and a bit of plaster fell from the ceiling. “Ah, right where we left her last!”

The door leading to the basement opened and Honeydew stumbled out, smoke wafting up. Her mane stood on end and her goggles were covered in soot. “Drat and darnation! I thought I had the balance right between taffy and cauliflower!”

Skyla dropped down to all fours and walked over to the stumbling Honeydew. She extended a wing and helped to steady her. “Whoa, whoa! Keep vertical, Honeydew. If you fall back, something you created might get you!”

Honeydew's head tilted to the side. She reached up and slid her goggles off of her eyes and squinted at Skyla. “Eh, what the hay?” She gasped. “Did my pea pod pairs open up prematurely?” She looked to Curry. “Did you know about this? Why doesn't anyone tell me anything?”

Skyla's eyes narrowed. “Oh, so amusing, Honeydew. Not like the dozen or so times you used that same joke on me.”

Honeydew spread her forelegs out. “So glad to bring a smile to your face, Skyla. So what brings you down from the clouds? Beating the rush before my taffy towers take over the heavens?”

Skyla's mouth opened slightly. “No...” she finally said. “Okay, I got a letter from Davey and Tinny about that dinner you were all planning to have to get to know each other better, so here I am.” She glanced away. “'Taffy towers'?”

Honeydew rubbed her chin. “I believe we agreed on Sunday, correct? Yes, Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY!” She tossed her forelegs into the air and cackled.

Skyla cantered back slightly. “Yes. Sunday. Glad we're agreed, then.” She looked to Curry, who simply stood behind the counter. She waved a hoof in front of his muzzle. “You awake?”

Lyra's head shot up. “Skyla!”

Skyla let out a sigh. “Okay, sorry, sorry. That was rude of me.” She dropped to all fours and turned for the door. “We'll see you Sunday, then. Have a nice day... and try not to flood the town with caramel, Honeydew. It clashes with my mane.”

Honeydew leaned forward as the pair left. “Bah, what does she know of caramel color? My caramel shall cover all the lands in darkness, and everyone shall eat from it and have a balanced breakfast!” She suddenly looked around at the customers staring at her. “What, you don't want a balanced breakfast? Bah, fine!” She turned and marched back down into the basement, nose held high.

Curry looked up as he rang out a pair of ponies. “Come back soon, folks. Shows every hour, on the hour.”

Lyra sighed as she and Skyla trotted away from Curry's Comestibles. “Okay, I know Bonbon's parents can be a bit... weird.”

Skyla stopped in mid-stride and looked to Lyra. “Actually, Honeydew's calmed down a bit since I saw her last.” She held up a hoof. “And no, I'm not joking.”

Lyra blinked. “Well, last I knew she's on medication. I think I missed that bit with her. I'm glad I missed that.” She sighed as they resumed walking along. “So, chances of my fathers getting along with them for any appreciable amount of time?”

Skyla tilted her head back and forth. “I have no idea. It's like mixing water and... something else. Any possible metaphor is lost on me. And the dinner might follow right along with it.”

Lyra shook her head. “I don't think it'll be that bad. Dad and pop can get along with almost anyone.” She stomped the ground. “We'll make it work!”

Skyla grinned and patted Lyra on the back with the tip of her wing. “That's a good attitude to have, Lyra. Keep your chin up and we'll all get through this. Probably. Maybe. Hopefully. Maybe.”

Lyra arched an eyebrow, but remained silent. She glanced down at the dirt and furrowed her eyebrows as they walked on. I faced down Corona. I helped save Jackelope Valley. If I got through those and other horse apples, Bonbon and I can get through this little dinner, no sweat! She thrust a hoof into the air. “Our love will shine through!”

Skyla glanced to her and arched an eyebrow. “I thought you grew out of that.” She grinned slightly. “Glad to see I was wrong.”

Sunday evening

Alan Cart, maitre'd of A'la Cart, the most prestigious restaurant in Ponyville, stood at the lectern right outside the main entrance. On it was a list of the night's reservations and available staff. His mustached muzzle twitched slightly as he read one particular group's listing. “Must remember to have the wait staff not recommend the salad.” He glanced up as four ponies walked over. “May I help you?” he asked, four menus floating up.

The Heartstrings family approached the entrance of A'la Cart, all four wearing semi-formal clothes. The two mares had on identical forest-green dresses, the only real difference being a flower slid into Skyla's mane. Both Davenport and Tin wore ties, dress shirts and jackets.

Lyra walked right up to the lectern and flashed a wide grin at Alan. “Heartstrings, party of seven.” She looked around, the grin quickly fading. “I... guess we're a bit early. Hmm, would've expected Bonbon to be here by now.” Her head suddenly stopped and the grin returned.

Bonbon, Honeydew and Curry approached A'la Cart from the opposite direction of the Heartstring's. Bonbon, clad in a yellow dress a shade darker than her coat, suddenly galloped forward, right into Lyra's outstretched forelegs. Honeydew wore a dress and glasses in place of her lab coat and goggles, while Curry wore a sports jacket and matching pants. The pair hugged and kissed briefly before separating. “Sorry we're a bit late,” Bonbon said, blushing slightly,” but it took a little doing to convince Mom that her lab coat and goggles weren't appropriate attire for dinner.”

Honeydew thrust her muzzle into the air. “Bah! How can I unlock the secrets of this restaurant's food without protection from those who would stop me? Even now, I hear the cries of the salad and dressing, as they want me to unlock their true potential and combine them with chocolate and caramel!” She shook a hoof in the air, her eyes gleaming behind her glasses.

Alan stared at her before levitating three more menus up. He spun about and motioned to the front door. “If you'll follow me, your table should be ready.” He led them inside A'la Cart and up to a square table. He placed a menu in front of each chair and backed off. “Your server will be along shortly.”

Tin slid out a chair for Davenport next to him on one side, and one for Skyla at the head of the table, while Lyra seated Bonbon at the opposite end. Curry pulled one a chair for Honeydew and sat down.

Skyla took a sip of water, then spoke up. “Well, it's nice to see us all finally meeting like this. It's been a long time coming. Too long, probably.”

Curry nodded, then looked to Tin. “So... how's the construction business? I hear you've had a lot of... growth in it.” He leaned back, chuckling slightly.

Tin snorted. “Yeah, put up a number of new buildings and a lot of renovations on older ones. Thanks for noticing, Curry.” He rubbed his chin. “Say... you wouldn't happen to be in the market for some improvements to your own shop, would you? I could probably get you a family discount in a few months.”

Curry's muzzle twitched. “I don't think so, Tin.”

Tin's ears flattened slightly and he leaned forward. “You sure?”

Curry sat up straight and locked eyes with Tin. “Quite sure.” His eyes shone behind his glasses, narrowing slightly.

Tin held up his fore hooves in a placating gesture. “Okay, okay, just checking.”

A pegasus mare in a uniform walked up. “Hi, I'm Hot Plate and I'll be your server tonight.” She readied a small notepad. “Can I get you folks something to drink? An appetizer, perhaps?”

Honeydew looked the menu over. “Hmm, your salads seem a bit plain.”

Curry's ears suddenly straightened. He placed a hoof on Honeydew's foreleg. “Now, now, dear. You can work on that later, okay?”

Honeydew's eyes narrowed. “Very well.” She tossed the menu onto the table. “I shall have... the onion rings!”

Hot Plate slowly looked up as she wrote down Honeydew's order. “All right. Any dipping – “

“NO!” Curry and Bonbon cried out, startling several nearby ponies. Curry swallowed. “What we mean is, you've never liked dipping sauces, dear. Remember?”

Honeydew groaned. “Oh, very well.” She rubbed her hooves together. “I can make my own dipping sauce, anyway!” Her eyes shone as she chuckled.

Hot Plate let out a breath as she took drink orders. “Right, sure thing. I'll be back with your drinks in a moment and appetizers after.”

Bonbon chuckled nervously. “Y-yeah, sure thing, Mom.” She looked around the table, finally locking eyes with Davenport. She waved her right foreleg at him, jerked her head in Honeydew's direction.

Davenport slowly nodded. “Yes... so, Curry, how's business going for you? My own shop's hopping like a foal on a princess-size.” He leaned back and chuckled slightly.

Curry shifted in his chair. “Oh, you know, same old. Well, you'd know if you or Tin shopped there instead of Roseluck's store.” He paused. “Maybe her histrionics provide a great free show?”

Davenport's and Tin's jaws opened and their eyes widened. Skyla rubbed her temple and leaned heavily on the table. Bonbon and Lyra exchanged a look before both downed their drinks and slammed their glasses on the table.

Tin grunted. “I did some work for her and she gave us a discount on her stock. That's why we go there. It wasn't meant as some... some insult to you, honest.”

Davenport extended a foreleg across the table. “Okay, as a fellow small-business owner, I get that every bit and jangle counts. I get being a bit miffed about lost business. But it wasn't anything intentionally malicious on our part, Curry.”

Honeydew shifted in her seat. “I'll bet. You don't want us to have the proper funds for my research, do you!” She jabbed a hoof at the pair. “You're in on it. I can tell!”

Skyla rolled her eyes. She leaned forward and extended a wing between Honeydew and Lyra's parents. “Okay, let's simmer down a bit. This isn't the time or place for any sort of – ”

“It's always the same with me!” Honeydew continued, “and those who don't see the proper applications of what I'm trying to do with my work! They think I'm mad for trying to combine peanut brittle and plants, to create soybeans infused with sugar! They don't ask why I do it, they simply call me mad!” She thumped a hoof on the table, clattering the glasses.

Lyra's jaw worked for a bit as Hot Plate approached with the appetizers. “I think we'll need a bit more time,” She said, holding up a hoof.

Tin let out a sigh. “Okay, Honeydew, what's your plan with whatever it is you're trying to do?”

Honeydew spread her forelegs out and grinned. “Ah, finally! I'm glad you asked, Tin. By combining sweets with plants, I shall be able to gain a modicum of control over flora. With this hoof in the door, I can expand and gain even more ground. Soon, the secrets of the universe itself will be at my beck and call! The old order of magic will be brought down, and the new order of SCIENCE and MAGIC will reign supreme!” She tossed her head back and cackled, drawing the attention of other patrons.

Skyla slowly nodded. “I... right...”

Bonbon shrank down in her chair and covered her eyes with a foreleg. Lyra kneaded her forehead and groaned softly.

Tin stared at her for a moment. His eyes eyes darted back and forth before he slowly raised a glass and downed the liquor in it in one shot.

Silence permeated the table before Davenport finally spoke up. “And how much progress have you made in... conquering Equestria with candy?” He bit his lower lip, but a snort of laughter still came through, puffing out his cheeks.

Honeydew scoffed and waved him off. “Bah, you simpleminded foals have no concept of what my plans will entail! Do you really think I won't have contingencies in place? Besides, Luna will probably welcome a vacation from having to deal with the Night Court.”

Lyra hesitated for a moment. “Okay... that's actually not all that bad a point.” She shrugged as Davenport and Tin glanced her way. “What? It is!”

Honeydew chuckled. “Ah, yes! Lyra gets it. She knows. But you two don't know. No, all safe and snug in your little store. There are things in Equestria that go bump in the night, and it's not Luna! There are secrets, dark secrets of dark darkness. Someone must uncover them!”

Davenport snorted. “And you're the one to do that?”

Honeydew's eyes glittered behind her glasses. “Oh, but I already have, dear Davenport! Admittedly the applications of my knowledge have proven to be a bit more elusive than I thought they'd be. But I shall persevere!” She suddenly turned as Hot Plate walked back up. “I'll have barley soup, extra hot!” She suddenly leaned forward, her muzzle a few inches from Hot Plate. “And I mean EXTRA hot!”

Hot Plate blinked and slowly took down her order, followed by everyone else's. She backed away, keeping an eye on Honeydew before spinning and trotting for the back.

Lyra floated a purse up and opened it. “Extra-large tip for Hot Plate?”

Bonbon groaned. “Extra-large tip for Hot Plate, right.”

Davenport shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Honeydew, I'm sure you believe everything you're saying, but come on, really? That's crazy talk.”

Curry ground his teeth together and thumped the table. “'Crazy talk'? That's big, coming from someone who sells stationery and furniture together! At least I have a consistent theme!”

Bonbon waved at Curry. “Dad, Dad, calm down a bit!”

Skyla held up her forelegs. “Okay, maybe we should take a step back and – ”

“And it's overpriced as Tartarus!” Tin said. “You wonder why we don't shop there? Even with a discount Roseluck's got the better prices and selection!”

Honeydew shook and her horn lit up. “You do NOT insult Curry's shop, or him!” She floated up a roll and tossed it at Tin. “Take that!”

The roll sailed overhead, seemingly in slow-motion. It arced over, impaling itself on the tip of Tin's horn.

Tin stared cross-eyed at the roll. He then looked back at Honeydew and whinnied. “Okay, it's on!”

Skyla spread her wings out. “Wait a minute, Tinny!”

Tin scrunched his face in concentration. Several pats of butter suddenly shot up and smacked against Honeydew's thick glasses.

Honeydew screamed and pitched back out of her chair. She stood up on her hind legs and waved her forelegs in the air. “Get them off get them off GET THEM OFF!” She dropped down and suddenly galloped about the restaurant, knocking over several tables and sending food and ponies flying into the air.

Curry dove across the table and into Tin. The two rolled around on the floor, upending chairs. Skyla flew over and attempted to separate the two, but debris flying about kept her from getting too close. Tin, meanwhile, tried to run Honeydew down with the assistance of several members of the staff, but she kept on slipping away from them while vegetables flew at their heads and legs.

Lyra and Bonbon sat in their chairs, watching the ensuing carnage. Lyra started to get off of the chair, but stopped and slumped back down. She and Bonbon slowly raised a foreleg and waved Hot Plate over. “Check, please!”

Author's Note

Thanks to Talon and Thorn for editing help

Chapter Six

Lyra’s mind swam with the events of last night, playing and replaying the disaster as it unfolded. She tossed and turned in bed, sleep eluding her save for the briefest of moments. Was there anything we could’ve done differently? At all? She left bed and the Confectionarium before Bonbon was awake and wandered about Ponyville for a bit, straying close to Quills and Sofas or Curry's Comestibles, but never quite going up to the front door. Her long travels eventually brought her to the Residency. With a moment's hesitation, she opened the gates and walked inside.

Pokey was at the front desk, a stack of paperwork in the 'in' box. He looked up at Lyra, then jerked his head in the direction of Trixie's office. His horn glowed and the door opened. “Trixie, she's here!” he shouted.

Lyra half-smiled at Pokey, then continued into Trixie's office. She walked in to find Trixie at her desk, reading Don Rocinante of Equestria.

Trixie's eyes were glued to the book, but her horn glowed and the liquor cabinet opened. A bottle of bourbon and glass floated out, but both suddenly stopped in midair. “No, no,” Trixie muttered. The glass suddenly floated back into the cabinet, while the bottle continued on its way to Lyra. “That's better.”

Lyra took the bottle with her own magic, opened it up and took a swig of the amber-colored liquor. The bottle spasmed in her grip and she herself shuddered, her head twitching. “Oh, wow!”

Trixie finally looked up from her reading and smirked. “That is why Monsieur Bourbon and I are so intimately acquainted.” She took the bottle and put it away. “I heard a bit about last night. And I expect to be hearing more about it this afternoon. Since A'la Cart is still standing, the night didn't go nearly as bad as the rumors made it out to be?”

Lyra rolled her eyes and waved Trixie off. “The building still standing is one of the better things to happen. We're looking about about fifteen-hundred bit's worth of fines, probably more. Pop has a black eye and his horn hurts even worse than before. Skyla's primaries were damaged and Dad got a nasty kick to the ribs. I'm not sure the condition of Bonbon's parents, but at least Curry's glasses were broken and Honeydew was a wreck.”

Trixie finally closed the book and put it away. She slid off her chair and walked around to Lyra. “Better than the rumors, then. I have no idea if there's anything I can do, even as the Official Representative of The Night Court and Princess Luna. But if there is, I offer my services to you and Bonbon in this hour of need!”

Lyra sighed and slumped. “I don't suppose you could have Luna issue a decree that our parents have to get along, or else?”

Trixie glanced to her hat, currently on the desk. She rubbed her chin, but waved Lyra off. “Tempting, but I'm not sure that'd fly. Besides, it is really necessary for them to get along?”

Lyra stared down at Trixie from the couch. “Well, yeah? I mean, okay, absolutely strictly speaking it's not legally necessary for them to get along, but it would make things a hay of a lot smoother and easier!”

Trixie shrugged. “I'll take your word for it. Not exactly my area of expertise.” She rubbed her chin. “How's Bonbon handling the fallout?”

Lyra opened her mouth, but stopped short of speaking. Her cheeks turned a slight shade of red as she suddenly began studying the ceiling. “We basically went to bed with barely an exchange, and then I... kinda sorta left the Confectionarium before she woke up. Wasn't entirely sure what to say to her, or do.” She looked back down at Trixie and scratched the back of her head. “Whoops?”

Trixie stared at Lyra. She slapped her forehead, slowly dragged hoof down her face, then pointed to the door.

Lyra slid off the couch and sighed. “Yeah, you're right.” She started walking, then stopped and looked to Trixie. “Think she's gonna be angry with me for leaving before she even woke up?”

Trixie eyed her. “I'll have one of the guest rooms ready, in case the worst happens.” She suddenly held up a hoof. “Not that it's gonna happen!” She slowly walked out of her office, Lyra following along. “You two will be fine. I'm sure of it!” She opened the front door and the pair walked to the gate. “Now go back to Bonbon and make up. Then talk to your families and get this entire thing sorted out!”

Lyra grinned and kicked the air. “True love shall triumph!” she called out as she galloped off.

Trixie waved her off. “Yes, go do that... true love thing you do with her.”

Pokey walked out and followed Lyra's departure. He leaned in close to Trixie. “Shall I get one of the guest rooms ready?'

“Make sure we're stocked up on ice cream, too. Lots and lots of ice cream!”

Tin, Davenport and Skyla sat down at the kitchen table, each one groaning slightly and shifting in their chair. Skyla slowly extended her wings, wincing with each movement. Davenport's right foreleg was wrapped around his barrel and his breath came in short, pained gasps. Tin, meanwhile, had a bandage around his horn and his right eye was almost swelled shut.

Skyla retracted her wings back to her body. She looked to the two. “I seriously hope neither of you are even going to try to go to work today. You both look like you went ten rounds with Tirek himself.”

Davenport looked down at a cup of coffee in front of him. “Quills and Sofas can do without me for one day. I'll leave a note for them. As soon as I can move from this chair.” He tried to slide off the chair, but stopped and turned back to his coffee. “They'll understand when I'm not there.”

Tin nodded. “I've got a lot of sick-time accrued. I'll talk to my boss tomorrow.” His horn glowed, then dimmed and his eyes crossed. “Next week, next week!”

Skyla nickered and waved the pair off. “Sure, just do that after we make amends with Curry and Honeydew.” She gasped and curled her wings back in. “Maybe I can send a letter to the weather factory and let them know I'll be in Ponyville for a week, too.”

Davenport narrowed his eyes. “Wait, 'make amends'? What the Tartarus do we have to make amends for? They were the ones acting like immature foals! Curry blew everything out of proportion and assaulted poor Tinny.”

Skyla canted her jaw to the left. “Well, yes, that's actually true, but you two still should reach out to them and try to fix things, if only for Lyra.” She sighed. “Come on you, two. Be the bigger stallions, all right? I know you got it in you.”

The two stewed for a minute, but finally dropped their heads. “Okay, we'll go,” Tin muttered. “We'll do it for Lyra.” He rubbed his horn. “I'll head to Curry's shop after I stop off at Ponyville General, okay?”

Skyla smiled. “I'll walk you there, Tinny.” She looked to Davenport. “Well?”

Davenport nodded. “I'll head over right away.” He shifted in his chair. “A little help?”

Skyla extended a wing and brushed it against Davenport's shoulder, but winced and pulled it back. “You, first.”

“It's just your wings, Skyla, not your entire body!”

Lyra galloped down Main Street, slowing down slightly as she approached the Confectionarium. She swallowed and sweat formed on her brow as she noticed the 'open' sign in the front window. She canted to the side and craned her neck to the right, trying to look in while keeping as small a profile as possible.

Bonbon was inside, waiting on Thunderlane and Rumble. Her head suddenly shot up and locked eyes with Lyra. Her grin turned brittle and she jabbed her foreleg at the floor.

Lyra swallowed, but squared her shoulders and marched through the front door. She passed by Thunderlane and Rumble, past the main counter and over to Bonbon's side. “Hi, dear,” she said, grinning from ear to ear.

Bonbon kept her eyes locked ahead. “Thank you, come again,” she said to Thunderlane and Rumble. She waited for them to speedily depart before turning and glaring at Lyra, eyes lit with an inner flame. “Where the Tartarus have you been?! I've been worried sick about you. I was about to close up shop to go round up a search party!”

Lyra shrank down with each word, finally ending up on her belly with her forelegs over her head. She peeked out at Bonbon from behind a lock of her mane. “Bonbon, I am so sorry I made you worry. I didn't mean to. I just got a bit nervous about what we'd talk about and kinda bolted. I was a foalish idiot and didn't think things through.”

Bonbon's expression gradually softened. She let out a breath and stepped back. “Okay, you're forgiven. It's all right, Lyra.” She reached out and helped Lyra to her hooves. The two embraced briefly. “You're still sleeping on the couch tonight.”

Lyra sighed. “Yeah, figured that. I wandered Ponyville, had a talk with Trixie, and she sent me back here after some actually good advice. Not exactly the stuff of ballads, but a decent quest for enlightenment.”

Bonbon blinked. “I'll have to buy her a fruit basket for Hearth's Warming at this point.” She leaned in. “What'd she tell you?”

“Well, she reminded me that, legally speaking, there's nothing our parents can do to us. We're both adults and neither of us live with them. They can't forbid us from seeing each other, being marefriends or going further in our relationship.”

Bonbon's jaw moved to the right with an audible crack. “Well... I suppose that's good news in the legal sense. Although it's gonna play merry Tartarus with any wedding we have.”

Lyra snorted. “We'll have to make sure the aisle is lined with guardsponies to make sure they don't try anything.” She straightened up and her face turned mock-serious. “Make sure to dispose of all weaponized plants, tools and couch cushions before attending the ceremony.”

Bonbon bit her lip, but soon began giggling. Lyra soon joined in, and the two spent the next few minutes laughing. Bonbon eventually sucked in a breath and steadied herself. “As much as I'd like to sweep it all into the stable, our parents trying to kill each other is still gonna make our lives a living Tartarus, no matter what they legally can or can't do. Yeah, sure, they can't stop us from being together, but they're still gonna make it difficult no matter what.” She shook her head. “It'll play merry havoc with our lives and the lives of our friends.”

Lyra draped a foreleg over Bonbon and pulled her in for a hug, nuzzling her. “I know, I know.”

Tin and Skyla slowly made their way to Ponyville General, located on the outskirts of town. Skyla flanked him, a wing gingerly draped over his body as the two slowly made their way there. They briefly stopped off at an unfinished building that construction company Tin worked for was building to let them know of his condition, before continuing on their way.

Ponyville General quickly came into view. However, Honeydew also came into view, approaching from the opposite end of the road. The three slowed down as they reached Ponyville General's main gate. “Well, this is awkward,” Skyla said, chuckling lightly.

Honeydew adjusted her glasses and sneered. “Ah, Tin Taylor, my arch-nemesis!” She suddenly paused and looked to the side. “No, wait. I already have an arch-nemesis. Sorry, the position is filled. You can be part of my rogue's gallery, though.” Her horn glowed and a clipboard floated out of a saddlebag. “I'll just have to take a few notes and it will be all set!”

Tin rolled his eyes and slapped his forehead. “Sure, fine, whatever.” He grimaced and his legs wobbled as his hoof brushed against his horn.

Skyla gasped and wrapped a wing around him, keeping the tips away from his body. “Steady, Tinny! Steady!” She gasped as he leaned into her wing, but kept it firm against him.

Honeydew stared at the two for a moment. She walked up to Tin and craned her neck up and around his head. “Hmm, appears to be physical trauma caused by blunt force. What are your symptoms?”

Tin and Skyla both stared at Honeydew for a moment. “Well... it's hard for me to perform telekinesis, even small items,” Tin began. “After a few minutes I can get lightheaded and have to stop.”

Honeydew nodded. “Shall I assume you're getting the usual exercises and therapy for it?” She clicked her tongue at his mute nod. “It's a step in the right direction, but I think your internal channels are partially obstructed. You have to funnel far too much magic for even the simplest tasks.”

Skyla glanced between the two unicorns. “You seem to know quite a bit about this. Not that I'm ungrateful or anything for you helping him.”

Honeydew threw her head back and cackled. “My dear, dear Skyla! I'm a unicorn myself. More importantly, I am a SCIENTIST! And I have had more than my fair share of accidents in the lab.” She tapped her horn and blushed. “I've had more blows to the head and horn than I can count, and I own an abacus!”

Both Skyla and Tin barked a laugh. “Good point,” Skyla said.

Tin looked down at the ground and kicked up a small clod of dirt. “Listen, Honeydew. I wanna – “

“No, don't,” Honeydew said, waving him off. “We parents came off as immature foals, posturing and preening like at a rodeo. Curry and I are as at fault as you and Davenport.” Her eyes shifted to Skyla. “And you were caught in the middle, trying to wrangle some semblance of order from a hurricane of chaos. I'm sorry you were hurt, my dear. Can you forgive me?”

There was silence for a solid minute from Skyla and Tin. Their jaws hung open and their eyes were the approximate size of saucers. Skyla closed her mouth, swallowed, and then spoke. “Apology more than accepted, Honeydew. Thank you. That was remarkably... coherent from you. And no talking about weaponized vegetables, even,” she said, winking.

Honeydew grinned, but it quickly fell away. She slowly tapped her right temple. “I am broken, here. In my mind. It wasn't an accident, or something deliberate. I was born like this.” She waved at Ponyville General. “Here, they help me. I get a bit better, but it never lasts. And the worst is, I know.” She smiled at their looks of confusion. “I know when I'm not well. I know when I get better. The worst is, I know the difference between the two, and that I'll never be fully better.”

Tin swallowed and wiped his eyes, now suddenly wet. “Sorry,” he said, his voice rough.

Honeydew shrugged. “I've dealt with it all my life. My bad times are not nearly as bad as they could, and the medicine helps.” She leaned in close and grinned. “Besides, I have a reputation to maintain as the town's 'mad scientist', yes?”

Tin half-smiled. “That's one way to look at it.”

Honeydew slid back and her grin fell away. “I want what is best for my darling Bonnie. That's Lyra.” She turned her head to the side and stifled a giggle before continuing. “I'm not sure how well we can get along for extended periods of time, but I'm willing to try, at least, to keep any arguments or fights to a minimum.”

Skyla nodded at her. “Darned good to hear, Honeydew.” She looked to Tin and gently prodded him with a hoof. “Come on, Tinny.”

Tin playfully batted her away. “Okay, okay! I'll do my best, Honeydew.”

Skyla blew out a breath and wiped her forehead. “Well, nice to see you're both doing your best for the sake of your kids and keeping collateral damage to a minimum, both important goals. I'm certain your bank accounts are thanking you already.”

Davenport stopped in front of Curry's Comestibles. His ribs hurt less, but there was still a dull ache in his midsection. He squared himself and, with barely a moment's hesitation, strode inside. He spotted Curry standing next to a display of canned vegetables, talking with a customer. He walked over to the pair, but stopped short of saying anything.

Curry glanced at him out of the corner of his eye and his mustache, still disheveled from last night's altercation, twitched. The handles for his glasses were bent and taped up, and he sported a large bruise on his cheek. “Hello, may I help you?” he asked, his voice somewhat flat.

Davenport backed up slightly. “I'm sorry for interrupting. I'll wait until you're done.”

Curry's brow furrowed for a moment, but he quickly turned back and talked to the customer for a moment, sharing a laugh with her before breaking off and turning to Davenport. “Thanks,” he said, looking around his shop.

Davenport followed his gaze, noting a few other ponies milling about. He turned back to Curry. “Are you... by yourself here?”

Curry hurried over to a customer waiting at the register, Davenport following. “Yes.” He rang her up and bagged her wares, waving her off. “Thank you!” he called out, smiling. He looked to Davenport, the smile gone. “Here to try and make some sort of amends? I've kind of got my hooves full.”

Davenport nodded as he looked around again. “Yeah, I can tell. Where's your help?”

Curry stopped short and turned to Davenport. “My 'help'? I don't have any. It's just me.” He held up a hoof even as Davenport opened his mouth. “Honeydew helps out, but mostly behind the scenes. Her out on the sales floor can lead to... accidents.”

Davenport's mouth opened wide. “Just you? Running your shop? How? I've got eight employees under me and it's still a bit hectic.”

Curry leaned back slightly at Davenport's words. “Eight other employees? What does a furniture/stationery store need that many hooves for?”

Davenport chuckled. “Trust me. I sell a lot of furniture. The residency has a bulk-buying discount with me, and I still make bank! And between them and city hall, my stationery puts me in the black almost by itself.” He looked around at the various customers around. “Need a hoof?”

Before Curry could say anything, Davenport sidled up to Coconut, who was examining heads of lettuce. After a few minutes, Coconut scooped up a half-dozen heads into his basket, trotted over to Curry and placed the basket on the counter. Curry looked over at Davenport. “Okay, you talked me into it.”

The pair tended to customers as they walked in, Davenport chatting them up while Curry rang them out and helped with details about the product that Davenport didn't know. After the mid-noon rush, Curry pulled out a small basket and set it on the counter. He motioned to the somewhat-emptied shelves. “Whatever you want, it's on the house. You more than earned it.”

Davenport grabbed the last bushel of carrots and a pair of radishes, then walked over to the counter. “Thanks,” he said, sighing and slumping his shoulders. “Either I'm getting old, or I rely a bit too much on my employees.” He looked up at Curry, a look of respect on his face. “How do you do it?”

Curry munched on a sandwich before speaking up. “A lot of running back and forth, a lot of terseness and clipped answers.” He held up a hoof and looked at the underside of it. “And investments in extra-strength horseshoes.”

They both laughed for a moment. Davenport looked around again. “Still impressive, Curry.” He swallowed and looked down at the floor. “Listen... I'm sorry about last night. I got carried away and egged Honeydew on. And I was pretty harsh to you, too. I'm a medium-business owner and should know how hard it can be.”

Curry shook his head. “I think we four of us acted quite badly and ruined the night for Bonbon, Lyra and Skyla. They wanted a nice family dinner and we trashed the place.” He looked down at the register. “And we'll be paying for that in more ways than one.”

Davenport nickered. “Yeah, Tinny and I aren't looking forward to that hit either. A shame we couldn't do this last night, Curry. You're a pretty good stallion.”

Curry nodded to him. “So are you, Davenport.” He looked up as the front door opened and Tin, Honeydew and Skyla walked in. Skyla looked at the two, then around the shop. “I'm really hoping business was good?” she asked, a nervous smile on her muzzle.

Davenport and Curry exchanged a glance, then Curry's mustache shifted as he smiled. “Yeah, I'd say business is doing just fine between us.”

Bonbon and Lyra made their way straight for Curry's Comestibles. “Okay, we'll start with your parents, then mine,” Lyra said, keeping her head high. “If they can't get along, then it's like what Trixie said. It's not our fault and they can deal with it.”

Bonbon narrowed her eyes. “And if they can't deal with it, then tough on them!” She thrust a hoof into the air. “We're not foals and they can't forbid us to see each other or live together or anything!”

They slowed down as they approached the storefront. Their ears waggled a bit as voices could be heard inside. Bonbon slowly walked up to the front window and peered inside. “No, way!” She dashed for the door and want inside, Lyra following.

Inside, Tin, Davenport, Skyla, Honeydew and Curry all stood in a loose semicircle, smiling and listening as Davenport continued speaking. “So I asked Blueblood, 'If that's the couch, then where's the conch?'!”

The other four laughed. Honeydew cackled and patted Davenport on the arm. “Ah, my dear Davenport. When I rule Equestria from my candy-encrusted castle, I shall give you Manehattan!”

Davenport slowly nodded. “Thanks, I think.” He looked over at Lyra and Bonbon. “Hey, you two! Great to see you, here. We've all got something to say to you.” He sucked in a breath. “We're sorry about last night. We acted like morons last night. Can you forgive us?”

Bonbon's mouth quavered. “Well, I... am glad to hear that, Davenport,” she finally said.

Curry spoke up. “And don't worry about the money for the damages from last night. We four will take care of it.” He pointed at Skyla. “We mean it, too. No money from you, Skyla.”

Skyla shrugged. “Okay, fine.”

Lyra's eyes darted among the five. “Okay, I'm not gonna complain about you getting along, but how'd you manage it?”

“Yeah. You four were about to go to war last night,” Bonbon said. “Not that I'm complaining either.”

Davenport looked down at Curry's hooves. “I guess we just had to get to know each other a little better, walk a mile in each other's horseshoes for a bit. I can't promise we won't always get along, but last night was the worst of it.”

Lyra waved him off. “We'll take it, Dad.”

Skyla frowned and rubbed her chin. “Hey, were you two looking for us?”

Lyra and Bonbon looked to each other before dissolving into fits of giggles. Honeydew frowned at them and adjusted her glasses. “I'll just never understand these young fillies. They can act so weird sometimes!”

Author's Note

Thanks to Talon and Thorn for looking it over.
Thanks for your patience. And thanks for reading.