The Symphony of a Winning Lyrist

Chapters

The Pony Who Makes Sweet Music
The Pony With the Minty Fresh Breath
The Pony Who is a Lazy Bum
The Pony With the Magic Hands
The Pony Who Never Skips a Beat
The Pony Who Will Tug on Your Heartstrings
The Pony Who is a Totally Cool Adult
The Pony Who Has Never Worked a Day in Her Life
The Pony Who Can Heal Any Heart
The Pony Who's Got the Touch
The Pony Who's Not So Conflict Conscious
The Pony Who's Not One Note
The Pony Who Acts First, Thinks Later

The Pony Who Makes Sweet Music

Hearts and Hooves day is so stressful.

But it’s so worth it if you pull it off. And by Celestia, I was going to make this Hearts and Hooves day the best one ever.

I’d been in a relationship with Bon Bon for well over a year now and this would be our second Hearts and Hooves day. Looking back on the first one, I suppose it didn’t really count. Our relationship was new at the time and we were still finding ourselves. We were more like two schoolfillies rather than full grown mares.

This time was going to be different. I was going to pull out all the stops in order to show my fillyfriend how much I loved her.

I could simply take her out on a lovely walk and play my lyre for her, that would have been romantic enough. The problem was that Bon Bon listened to my music almost every single day. I was starting to worry that she was losing interest in it.

So I wanted to surprise her. Well, a good surprise anyway. Every healthy relationship needs those, right?

The problem was that I didn’t really know what to do.

Ponyville’s a lovely town, I really couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. But it was so...humdrum. In such a small settlement, you ran out of exciting things to do fairly quickly. Bon Bon and I knew this town like we knew our own flanks. Anything exciting that did happen was unexpected and could never be planned for. It was often disastrous--damn parasprites...

I couldn’t take her out of town either; I just didn’t have the bits. Bon Bon had been telling me to get a job repeatedly over the past couple of weeks. I tried...then I gave up. If I needed any bits, I’d just busk for them. My parents were fairly loaded too. They lived in Canterlot, although I moved to Ponyville years ago. They bought me my own house--nothing too extravagant--and got me set up on the right hoof. I kinda live in Bon Bon’s house now, although I occasionally go back to my place from time to time.

Basically, when it came to bits, there was always a way around. No biggie. Bon Bon didn’t think so. I couldn't worry about work anyway, not when the more pressing matter of what to do with my fillyfriend hung around in my mind.

So I did what I always did when I was stuck in my thoughts: I played music.

I sat on a wooden bench in the middle of Ponyville park, my trusty lyre at hoof. I had a peculiar way of sitting sometimes and a lot of ponies commented on it. It had its uses though; by sitting on my haunches, my forehooves were free to be able to manipulate whatever they pleased. It would often be the case that Bon Bon would recline next to me while I sat like this, strumming my lyre. Many ponies had tried sitting like me and most of them commented on the fact that it pained them to do so. Which was odd because it never hurt me when I did it.

Cloud Kicker’s claims of my flexibility weren’t so exaggerated after all.

My horn glowed a bright amber as a pair of ethereal hands spread forth from my hooves. They glowed with my magical aura and billowed slightly in the air. This was my hand spell. Levitation was all well and good for lifting up objects but if you wanted to intricately fiddle with something, then this spell was the one for you.

My lyre could only be played with digits, although lyres did exist that could be played by hoof. They were bigger and clunkier though and made an inferior sound, in my opinion. My lyre and I were inseparable. Only Bon Bon had the rights to split us up. I’ve had it since I was a young filly you see, so it’s very special to me.

Today was the perfect day for some lyre playing, actually. The sky was a bright blue and I could feel the sun’s radiance warm my body. I could’ve fallen asleep right there and then, like some of the other ponies who were lying on the grass nearby.

Hardly anyone was around and all was quiet. I loved moments like this. It made my music stand out and all the more powerful. Not that I was looking for an audience.

One of my magical hands gripped the lyre and the other one waited to pluck the strings. The fingers were essentially an extension of myself so I could feel the strings and be able to tell if I had plucked them too hard or not. It’s hard to explain exactly how it works.

I plucked the strings in an orderly succession, playing a relaxing tune that I had known since my youth. It was a simple piece, but it always helped clear my mind. Exactly what I needed right now. The notes were high pitched and almost playful, the sound bringing a smile to my face.

The only issue with playing without an audience is that you can get lost in the music, which happened to me most of the time. I was so into my playing that I failed to notice Bon Bon approach and stand next to me. I was only alerted of her presence when I felt her lips on my cheek. I wasn’t surprised though; she always greeted me like this whenever I got lost in my own music.

“Hey Sweetie,” I greeted her, opening my eyes and putting an end to my tune. ‘Sweetie’ was my nickname for her since she was so talented at making delicious sweets.

“I thought I’d find you here,” she sat next to me on the bench and peered around before leaning against me. We were a considerate couple in that regard; we’d only get touchy-feely when everypony around us was okay with it or if nopony was there.

“Mhm.” As much as I loved seeing her, it only reminded me of the fact that Hearts and Hooves day was coming up. If I went silent on her though, she’d quickly suspect something. “How was business today?”

“Pretty good!” she answered cheerfully. “The sweethearts are selling well.” Sweethearts were a type of candy that Bon Bon only sold around Hearts and Hooves day. Each had a special message on it--romantic mushy stuff like “Be mine” and “True love”. They tasted really good too, obviously.

“Any left for me?” I asked, feeling a bit peckish. Then again, I always felt peckish when Bon Bon’s sweets were brought up.

“All sold out. You know you always get first taste of a fresh batch,” she reminded me with a smirk and my ears lowered at the unfortunate news.. Being Bon Bon’s sweet tester, I sometimes worried I’d gained weight since hooking up with her.

“Yeah I know. Couldn’t hurt to try asking though.”

“Sooo...” Bon Bon moved up the bench, putting more of her body on me. “Looking forward to Hearts and Hooves day?”

Oh no, here it comes. “Yeah!” I grinned, trying to sound as enthusiastic as I could. I wasn’t lying either. The prospect of spending a whole day with my fillyfriend, doing romantic things together, was something I always looked forward to. I was just so nervous about impressing her.

Bon Bon giggled, beginning to stroke my side. “If you’re this excited now, imagine what you’ll be like on the actual day!”

“It’ll be the best day ever, trust me.” I reclined back, not sure of how exactly it was going to be the best day ever. I certainly couldn’t think of any ideas while Bon Bon was around, that’s for sure. I needed her off my back. “I’m sleeping at my place tonight, by the way.”

Bon Bon looked up at me, raising an eyebrow. “Why so?”

I thought that’d get her suspicions aroused. Luckily, I had the perfect excuse. “So I can prepare your surprise for the big day, silly!”

Bon Bon’s mouth formed an ‘o’ shape, then she gave one of her delightful smiles that always made me smile back. “Looking forward to it then!”

Ah. If she wasn’t expecting something before, she certainly was now. Dammit.

“It’ll certainly fulfill your expectations, trust me.” I should’ve stopped talking now. I was only making my problem worse. I had to back out of the situation...which meant ditching Bon Bon. Hopefully she’d understand.

“Therefore, I gotta start preparing!” Before she had time to respond, I planted a soft kiss on her lips. She returned it and wrapped her forelegs around me. I couldn’t help but return the embrace. This was only meant to be a quick kiss and go but I enjoyed moments like these far too much. Judging by her eagerness to return the gesture, she did too.

We finally broke off and I got off the bench, levitating my lyre beside me. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Sweetie.” I stroked her chin with my magic hands and she practically purred. “Love you.”

“If that isn’t obvious by now, then we have a problem.” She snickered and gave me another light peck on the lips. “See you tomorrow afternoon then. I can’t wait for what you have planned!”

I certainly could.

I gave her a wave with a magical hand, before they vanished into thin air. I then turned and headed to...

To be honest, I had no idea where I was going to go.

In hindsight, I should’ve done this way earlier. Hearts and Hooves day was tomorrow.

I better be able to sleep tonight, despite knowing that I’ve probably bucked everything up. I still had some time and that was far better than no time. So I brainstormed. I thought of anything and everything that there was to do in Ponyville.

“Bowling?” I muttered out loud. “No no. No. Bowling is about as far from romantic as you can get. The spa?” That did seem like a good option. On any other day at least. It was going to be full of mares pampering themselves for the big day so we’d get no privacy. I shook my head, getting rid of the thought. “A nice romantic dinner? Maybe--no. We’ve done that far too many times before.”

I kicked a stray pebble as I walked along, looking down at the ground. I couldn’t think of anything worthwhile to do with my fillyfriend. I wanted to do something new and fresh with her but at the same time, I didn’t want to take her out of her comfort zone too much. So fishing was out of the question too.

I was beginning to come to horrifying conclusion that I might have to improvise on the day itself. That definitely wouldn’t work. Bon Bon would easily see through it and...I didn’t want to think about how she’d react.

“Lyra?”

My ears perked up and I turned my head towards the sound of the voice. I saw Carrot Top give me a wave and approach me, concern in her eyes. I guess I wasn’t hiding my anxiety very well.

“Hey,” I said simply, giving her a wave in return.

“Are you alright? You look really down and before Hearts and Hooves day...well...” She trailed off but didn’t continue. She didn’t need to.

“Things with us are good now, Carrot Top, don’t worry,” I reassured her, only to break that seconds later, “but they might not be on Hearts and Hooves day...”

Carrot Top tilted her head slightly. I answered before she could question.

“I have no idea what I’m going to do with Bon Bon.” I stomped a hoof on the ground in mild frustration.

“Aah...” That was all I needed to hear. Great. So Carrot Top thought I was a careless fillyfriend too. “Well you don’t need to do something extreme.”

I went up to Carrot Top so quickly, we almost bashed heads. “But I need to make it special! Unique! A day she’ll remember forever!”

Carrot Top had the nerve to laugh quietly. “Really, Lyra, you’re worrying too much about it.”

“No I’m not! You don’t--” Woah. Thank Celestia I stopped myself there. I didn’t want to say anything stupid to Carrot Top. She didn’t deserve it. I took a deep breath and ran a hoof through my mane. Maybe I was worrying too much...

Carrot Top put a hoof on my shoulder and gave me a reassuring smile. “What is Hearts and Hooves day really about?”

I frowned slightly at that. “Showing how much you love your special somepony. I know that.”

“Exactly. So don’t you think that being so materialistic about it is a bit insulting to both you and Bon Bon?”

I paused, my mouth going agape. She was right. Really right. Celestia, I’d been so stupid...

Showering your partner with gifts upon gifts was the easy way of showing your love for them. It was lazy and expensive. I’d gone about this the completely wrong way. I brought a hoof to my face, sighing. Over a year on and I was still getting things wrong. Yet...

“Yeah, I see what you mean. But...I still want to make it special for her, you know?”

“That’s understandable.” Admittedly I had tuned out by that point because something Carrot Top was carrying caught my attention.

“Flowers! I need flowers!” I pointed frantically at the baskets hanging from Carrot Top’s back, filled with delightful plants. “They’ll be perfect!”

I can’t believe I’d forgotten the basics. Flowers were just a given on Hearts and Hooves day. It was an unofficial law that you had to give them to your special somepony on that day at the very least.

“Of course you can have some--”

“Thank you thank you!” With my magic, a swiped a good hoof full of flowers from one of Carrot Top’s baskets. I don’t think she was too pleased at that, as I saw the faintest traces of a frown on her face.

Anyway, flowers: check. What else did I need? Something sweet of course! I couldn’t not have anything like that for my Sweetie. Sugarcube Corner would be my port of call and my only one. Hopefully it wasn’t too jam-packed.

I gave Carrot Top a quick hug as a thanks before galloping off towards the confectionary. “Thanks again, Carrot Top!” I yelled at her as I sped away. I didn’t hear her response but I did see her wave, which was enough for me. I’d been friends with her for many years so she’d understand.

Flowers and lyre floating alongside me, I made it to the bakery in no time at all. I shouldn’t have rushed there so quickly though. The massive queue that stretched outside the building made it clear that no matter what time I got there, I’d have to wait.

I could deal with that though, as long as I had time to prepare other things. I took my place at the back of the line and prepared to wait. I inspected the ponies in front of me and I could barely recognize any of them. I swear, some ponies from other towns must have come here just for Pinkie Pie’s delicious treats. Understandable I guess, considering they had a legendary status here in Ponyville.

As the queue shifted along at the speed of a slug, I began to recall the many confectionaries I could get Bon Bon. Pinkie and Bon Bon had a friendly rivalry of sorts because they both made sugary things but that didn’t stop neither of them from admitting that the other did make awesome treats. Sometimes they got too carried away though and...well, let’s just say I’m used to getting icing in my mane by now.

Gah. This queue was taking forever. I briefly considered the option of going to Derpy for some muffins, but she’s probably busy enough as it is, what with her two kids and a job. I know her fairly well but we’re not close friends by any means, despite the fact that whenever I do talk to her though, she’s lovely. I couldn’t imagine living her life though. She really turned me off having children. Possibly getting a job too. I never wanted to be as busy as she was.

Don’t get me wrong, Derpy’s kids and nice enough; Dinky’s an especially adorable filly. Though the reason I don’t talk to Derpy too much is because of her fillies; they cut so much into her time. She seems to love looking after them though so I’m happy for that family. Hm...I wonder if Sparkler has a special somepony yet...

After some time--Goddess knows how long--I finally entered the building proper. About five ponies were in front of me and after leaning to the side, I could see Mr and Mrs Cake rushing around behind the counter frantically. I’m not surprised they’re this busy, I just hope that they got their Hearts and Hooves day too.

I couldn’t see Pinkie anywhere so she was probably out of sight, either helping the Cakes or simply being Pinkie.

I saw the pony at the front of the queue turn around and leave the building, taking nothing with him. I bit my lip. Maybe he just didn’t want anything?

Then the pony who was behind him left, then the next and so on until I was at the front of the queue. I approached the counter, the Cakes now absent. My heart sank when I saw the dreaded sign on the surface:

Out of stock. Sorry!

I smacked my face with a hoof and dragged it down, groaning. I dejectedly left the line and headed to the front door. That was when Pinkie rushed past me and knocked me to the ground. Thankfully, my flowers and lyre remained in the air.

“I gotta get more ingrediiiiients!!” she yelled in a panicky tone. I sighed, getting up and dusting myself off. I wasn’t hurt, but I wasn’t prepared to queue again even if Pinkie got more goods. Looking outside, I could see that the day was ending anyway.

I walked past the queue, ignoring the confused looks of onlookers as they stared at Pinkie rushing into the distance as a dust trail formed behind her. I headed for home, hopeful that I had some sort of ace in the hole there.

Going back to my house always made feel a little better. It was just so...homey. It wasn’t too big, consisting of only four rooms: kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom. Five if you counted the small hall you went through after entering the building.

I closed the door behind me and trotted into the kitchen, heading to the sink and pouring a glass of water, which I then put the flowers in so they’d last the night. I also opened a cabinet just above the kitchen counter and brought down one of my most favorite treats. Mints.

Mints tasted amazing. There was nothing in the world quite like them. They made my mouth feel all tingly and I loved that plus, it made my breath smell lovely so it was a win-win situation for everyone involved. My friend Colgate gave me a supply of mints as well as a mint flavoured toothpaste. There was no escaping them now.

I popped one in my mouth, the fresh taste making me feel slightly better. I put my lyre gently onto the wooden table in the middle of the kitchen and then went to my bedroom. If I had remembered correctly, there were things in there that would definitely impress Bon Bon.

I opened the wooden closet in my room and stared at the many dresses inside. I grinned, silently thanking my parents for giving me these. When your family has a history of playing music for nobles in Canterlot, the bits tend to stack up fairly quickly. I was a bit of a deviant though. The last concert I played was in school when I was just a filly.

I levitated the clothes out of the closet and admired them each in turn. These would be perfect. I had quite the collection, although they rarely saw any use.

So which one do I pick?

The long white dress with blue tinges and frills was beautiful but so was the sleek black one. Then you have the elegant purple one and the short but stylish green one...

I dumped the dresses on the floor and collapsed onto my bed, burying my head into the mint green covers. One step forward, then two steps back. It seemed inevitable that tomorrow would be purely improvisation--and while I was good at that in music, in life, it generally doesn’t end well.

I decided to go ahead and get some sleep. Maybe it’d come to me in a dream. Or maybe I’d just get nightmares. Either way, worrying about tomorrow wasn’t doing me any good and the more rested I felt, the better I would look.

I put my head on the white pillow and pulled the covers over me, getting all nice and snug. Whenever I sleep at Bon Bon’s, I always forget how comfy my own bed is. I shut my eyes, anticipating the next day with a pit of dread in my stomach.

Today, I beat my personal best of how fast I could get out of bed.

As soon as I opened my eyes, it just came to me. I instantly knew how to solve the dress situation and scrambled out of bed, throwing the covers off me and diving onto the floor. It was so obvious!

Only one mare could help me now: Rarity.

I skipped breakfast, rushing out of the door and slamming it behind me. I made my way across Ponyville, going as fast as my legs would take me. I didn’t care if I looked like my blood had been replaced by sugar (or if I had been possessed by Pinkie); as long as Bon Bon didn’t see me, all was well.

In only a couple of minutes, I was at Carousel Boutique, banging on the door with a hoof. I desperately needed Rarity’s help and I wasn’t about to take no for an answer. After about twenty seconds of straight knocking though, I finally realized that the shop was closed. Probably would have helped if I looked at the sign first.

Where else would she be then? Sugarcube Corner maybe, I often saw her friends hang around there. It was my best shot at finding her for the moment.

I turned around and found the beast from Tartarus itself staring right at me: Rarity’s dreaded cat. I had heard stories of how bad tempered this moggy was and I didn’t want to mess with it. Unfortunately, I think I already had. My loud knocking must have awoken it because it looked like it had bed hair.

The cat stared at me with a piercing glare and I found myself backing away towards the door. When my flank hit the building, I carefully tried to sidestep away. Any sudden movement would probably provoke it. I didn’t keep my eyes off it until I was at a safe distance and when I was, I slowly turned my head away and briskly trotted off. Big mistake. The demon of an animal seized its chance and leapt at me, sinking its sharp claws right into my flank.

I clenched my teeth together, tearing up due to the sudden pain that emanated from my behind. I tried to shake the cat off but that only made the pain worse. I began pacing in circles, trying to take my mind off the pain. The only thing that would have made this whole ordeal worse was if Bon Bon saw me.

Oh. But Cloud Kicker seeing me is a much better option. Perfect.

I spotted her and Blossomforth flying by above and just knew that they had seen me. My face went as red as my wounded flank was. I wasn’t going to hear the end of this from Cloud Kicker.

She and I met in just as unusual circumstances, I suppose. A few years before I was with Bon Bon, she saw my playing on my lyre with my hand spell. And of course, being Cloud Kicker, she started hitting on me. She commented on my hand spell and said how she’d like to “experiment” with it. Fast forward half an hour later and we were banging. In my defense, only the most frigid of ponies turn down a night with Cloud Kicker.

By this point, I was up to my breaking point with this stupid cat. I bit my lip, preparing for the worst. After taking a deep breath, I did it and using levitation, I ripped the cat away from me. I can only describe the pain I felt as being similar to having a band-aid ripped from you. A band-aid with rusty nails in it.

The cat flailed viciously in the air, no doubt trying to claw my eyes out now. I hobbled to the dustbins outside the Boutique and dumped the beast in one of them, putting the lid on top. That’d teach it a lesson. It wasn’t like the animal could tell Rarity I did it anyway.

I peered at my wounds. They weren’t bleeding as much as I suspected but they still looked painful. So before finding Rarity, I needed to put a bandage on my flank. Great.

I really hoped that this wasn’t an ominous sign of what was to come.

I speedily went back home, got myself patched up and headed back out again so I wouldn’t waste time. The bandage on my flank was embarrassing but I’d live with it for now.

It was still morning so I assumed that if Rarity had a date, she wouldn’t be out with him yet. Knowing that, I traveled to Sugarcube Corner, hoping that she’d be there for me to take all for myself.

Apparently she was there and I had just caught her walking away from Sugarcube Corner, right towards the spa. I had to intercept her now; if she entered that spa, it would be hours before she got out.

I galloped towards her, ignoring the protests from my pained flank and practically leaped in front of her. She almost fell over backwards in shock but I wasn’t about to let her say anything until I had said my say.

“Rarity! Thank goodness I found you! I really really need your help!” I exclaimed, resisting the urge to grab her by the shoulders and take her away for myself.

She regained her standard regal composure and raised an eyebrow at me. “Whatever for?”

“Dresses! I need to pick a dress for my day with Bon Bon!”

“Ah, well...” She gazed wistfully in the direction of the spa so I simply got in the way of her view, trying to look as pleading as possible. “I suppose I can offer you my assistance.”

That was all I needed. I suddenly grabbed Rarity’s foreleg and started to drag her back to my house. “Thank you thank you let’s go!”

Despite the fact that she pretty much confirmed that she was going to help me, I didn’t let go of Rarity the whole way. Chances were high that she hated the invasion of her personal space so I knew I owed her something for her help..and for dumping her cat in a bin.

Yeah, that could have gone more smoothly. Eh, it’ll survive.

I barged into my house and stormed into my bedroom before I finally let go of Rarity. Upon calming down a bit, I immediately felt embarrassed. My room was still in the state I left it in this morning. I could hear Rarity make a quiet ‘tsk’ at it all.

“Hectic morning, hehehe...” Could I not have laughed anymore awkwardly there? I hurriedly enveloped the bed sheets with my magic and made them neat and proper. After that, I lifted up the many clothes I had carelessly scattered on the floor. “So this is what I got.”

Rarity took a moment to inspect each of the items in turn. She must have been entranced by them, as she had this almost silly grin on her face every time she touched the fabrics with her hooves.

“These are simply divine!” Her eyes sparkled along with my dress as she turned it over in front of her. “I never knew you had such an elegant taste, Lyra,” she commented, still focused on the hovering clothes.

“My parents gave them to me, so I didn’t really choose them.” I get along well with my folks, although that’s probably due to the fact that I hate arguing with them so I just nod and smile whenever they gave me something I’d rather not have. Like the time they gave me a flute. I still remember catching that cough from Bon Bon and the suffering I endured just to get out of playing it.

“Are they nobles?” Rarity asked, glancing at me for just a moment.

“Musicians in Canterlot.” My parents were actually quite popular back in the day. My mother was a lyrist like me while my father played the piano. They claimed that they played for the Princesses once, though not as a personal summons, and I believed them. They rarely played together in public. They kept their duets to themselves, which I thought was really romantic. My family has always been like that.

These days they’re not as popular as they were, thanks to the rise of young blood like the cellist Octavia. There was also the relatively newfound popularity of a different style of music with artists such as DJ-PON3. Not that I hated them for this, mind you. In fact, it was one of my dreams to play a duet with Octavia.

“Aah, I see. Well, let’s get down to business then!” Rarity exclaimed, pointing at the purple dress. “That one looks fabulous, darling.”

With her looks and accent, I was surprised that Rarity didn’t live in Canterlot. I assumed that the reason she stayed was because her friends were all here. I hoped that was the reason, because it was a really sweet one.

“Mhm.” I nodded, then paused when a realization struck me. “No! I can’t wear that one!”

Rarity blinked at me, raising an eyebrow. “Why ever not?”

“I wore that one for our anniversary a couple months back.” Good times. With the help of my parents, I managed to get Bon Bon and I in one of the most renowned restaurants in Canterlot: The Silver Saddle. The prices were outrageous considering the size of the portions we received but we had a great time anyway. Bon Bon said she’d arrange our next anniversary so I wouldn’t need to worry about topping the last one.

I put the anniversary dress back in the closet while Rarity peered at the others, pointing at a frilly orange dress. “That would go fantastically with your eyes.”

I bought the dress closer to myself, Rarity looking at me expectantly. I could definitely agree with her statement...but the dress was about as frilly as it could possibly be and I didn’t want to look like some pampered princess. “No no, don’t like it.” I shook my head, putting the dress alongside the purple one.

Rarity huffed a little, frowning at me. “Really, Lyra, you asked for my help and now you’re disagreeing with everything I pick!”

I’d probably be annoyed too if I were in her position. The next one that she picked would be the one. No ‘buts’ allowed. This was Rarity of all ponies, helping me in her area of expertise. I could trust her word.

Rarity rubbed her chin, thoughtful hums escaping from her. After a while, she settled on the sleek black dress. I didn’t have to time to voice my own opinions before she started putting the dress on for me. “Try it before you say anything,” she ordered in a motherly tone.

It was comfortable to wear so that was a good start. I looked down myself, unsure how I looked in it until Rarity got the mirror off my wall and presented it in front of me. The mirror wasn’t quite big enough to fit all of me in but what I did see, I liked. I did a full twirl, a smile appearing on my face. This was definitely the one.

Perhaps best of all was the fact that it covered my flank, thus hiding my bandages. I knew chances were high that Rarity had seen them. It was probably why all the dresses she had picked were long ones. Either she hadn’t noticed or she just didn’t ask about it.

Apparently I wasn’t completely through yet as Rarity put the mirror on the bed and started rumaging through my closet. I didn’t have much in there but regal stuff. It’s not like I wore clothes everyday.

“Hm...you just need a couple of accessories to complete the image.” She went out of the closet, finding nothing. My drawers were her next item of interest and she rigorously searched through them, conveniently putting everything back in place once she was done.

Eventually, she found something. “Aha! I think this shall suffice,” she proclaimed, fitting a black headband on me. I brought the mirror to my face and checked out my new look. Rarity certainly knew what she was doing.

Even after all this, she apparently wasn’t done yet. She eyed me up and down before asking, “Do you have any jewellery?”

“Of course I do!” I replied cheerfully, going down onto the floor and looking under the bed. It took me awhile to find it in the dark but I managed to bring out a small wooden box. I stood up, opening the box and presenting the contents to Rarity.

Her face immediately lit up. “These are simply...simply amazing!” I couldn’t help but smirk at her reaction.

Due to the fact that I wasn’t always here, I hid items of high value around the house (with the exception of the dresses). Inside the box was a collection of fine jewellery, some plain and others encrusted with sparkling jewels. It wasn’t the most valuable set in Equestria but selling them would have made a pony’s life a lot easier.

Rarity levitated them out of the box and slowly spun them around her head. For a moment, I was afraid she was going to take them for her own. This was the bearer of the Element of Generosity I was talking about though, so I quickly dispelled those thoughts from my head.

I thought she had gotten lost in a dream, yet she seemed to snap out of it before I could say anything. With a determined certainty, she nodded to herself and put an aquamarine pendant around my neck. I grinned, letting out a small squeal of excitement. I couldn’t help it; I hadn’t looked this beautiful in a while.

“You look outstanding.” The tone of her voice confirmed how sincere she was. “Bon Bon’s a very lucky mare to have you.”

As egotistical as it sounds, in this outfit I had to agree with her. I was quick to voice my thanks towards her. “Thank you, Rarity. Honestly. I kinda pushed you into this so you didn’t have to help but you did anyway. I owe you so much--”

“Think nothing of it, dear,” Rarity interrupted nonchalantly, heading towards the bedroom door. “Now, I must go. Things to do and ponies to see!”

“Like your special somepony?” I gave her a sly grin.

Oddly enough, she hesitated before answering. “Something like that. Yes.” She put a hoof on the door knob. “Have a lovely day.”

“You too!” I smiled at her brightly, watching her leave the room. I felt a tinge of worry poke at my insides. Something about her as she left was off. Surely she had a special somepony? Who wouldn’t go out with Rarity?

If she didn’t have anypony then I definitely owed her for saying something so careless and I sighed, looking back at myself in the mirror, my reflection strengthening my resolve. I couldn’t worry about her now, not when I had my Sweetie to impress.

I had a light lunch before setting outside. The nerves were really building up within me now and I didn’t want to throw up all over my fillyfriend. Or anywhere else for that matter.

I popped a mint in my mouth, pacing around the kitchen table. Half of me was excited at what lay ahead and the other half was terrified of what could happen. Regardless of my doubts, I knew that turning up would be far better than being a no show. That would break Bon Bon’s heart and I’d rather get attacked by an army of angry cats than let that happen.

After swallowing my mint, I took a deep breath, got the flowers from yesterday and practically marched to the front door. “Okay, Lyra...you can do this. Go out there and give your fillyfriend a real good time!” I told myself, my words actually spurring me on. I swung the door open and stepped outside into the open air.

By now, the day was perfect for my outing with Bon Bon. I stood outside my house for a bit, basking in the afternoon sun. Though the sight of couples in the distance made me move on. Every couple looked serene and happy. Exactly how I wanted Bon Bon to feel.

As I walked, it didn’t take me long to figure out that I may have been slightly overdressed for today. A few other mares were wearing dresses but they were nothing like mine. I merely shrugged. If nothing else, I’d at least made the effort.

On closer inspection of the other mares, I realized that while they weren’t wearing anything very extravagant, all of them had done up their manes and covered their faces in make-up. I hadn’t done anything in that department. I wasn’t going to turn back now, no. I was never one for huge dollops of make-up anyway.

Along the way to Bon Bon’s house, I had failed to notice a single pony who was by themself. Either all the single ponies were hiding in their homes or everypony had somepony to share the day with. The romantic in me hoped it was the latter.

I beamed when I saw my fillyfriend’s home. Bon Bon’s house was bigger than mine, having a second floor. Her bedroom had a open balcony where she and I shared many a kiss during the night. It was a great place to sit back, relax and watch the stars.

I stopped before her front door, checking my breath. Yep. Still minty as ever. This was it; I was ready as I was ever going to be.

I forced myself to knock on the door rhythmically and hid the flowers behind my tail. This was the worst part because I knew she was coming but I didn’t know what she was going to think or say. It felt agonizing, standing there by myself, seconds feeling like drawn out minutes.

The door opened and there she was, the love of my life. She looked beautiful. The simplicity of her outfit really made her beauty stand out; the only things she wore were a few flowers in her mane and a necklace with a red jewel in the middle.

We stood there, both speechless at the sight of one another. I didn’t know what to do or say. I wanted to give her a big hug, but I was afraid that by simply touching her I’d break her lovely image.

Apparently she felt the same way. She raised a hoof and gingerly stroked my cheek, giving me one of those smiles that reminded me of why I loved her. “You look amazing, Lyra.”

“And you look fantastic.” I revealed the flowers to her. “For you, my special somepony.”

Bon Bon gasped quietly and carefully took a yellow petalled flower from the bunch and put it with the others in her mane. “Thank you, Lyra...I’m not sure whether to keep these or eat them.”

I gave her a playful smirk. “Whichever you want. They’re your gift.”

After I said that, she took the plunge and chomped down the flowers. Judging by the satisfied look on her face afterwards, they tasted really good. “I wasn’t expecting a surprise like this. I thought you were going to go a little overboard today.”

I laughed, trying to push the memories of yesterday out of my mind while trying not to look awkward. “I just wanted you to be happy.”

“I’m more than happy,” Bon Bon replied, leaning closer to me and whispering, “I’m in love.” And with that, she gave me a passionate kiss on the lips. Her actions unleashed my full excitement, drowning all my previous anxieties. I closed my eyes and reveled in the moment.

Bon Bon broke away at just the right moment. The kiss was long enough to savour but not too long as to drag on. “Take me to the park?” she asked, outstretching a hoof.

“Gladly.” I took her hoof in my own and led her away from the park, bubbling with joy. I was practically skipping, humming a delightful tune to myself.

Above the park, the skies were completely clear. Everything seemed to be going right now, thank Celestia. Somehow, I think I had pulled it off.

We entered the park, spotting quite a few other couples milling about. The atmosphere was one of calm and--more importantly--romance. Bon Bon started to lean on me, letting out a contented sigh. I nuzzled her mane, taking a whiff of the perfume she had on. She smelt like sweet, sweet candy.

Then I noticed Rarity sitting opposite Applejack, the pair both having cups of tea. I gave a little squee of delight at the sight of them. I knew Rarity wouldn’t be alone today!

Before my date could go on, I felt obliged to thank her again. “Be right back!” I exclaimed, dashing away from Bon Bon and charging towards Rarity.

“Rarity! Rarity!” Rarity turned her head towards me and I managed to stop myself before I crashed into her. All of my success today was because of her and it felt so good knowing that I had made it into the clear. I jumped up and down on the spot, wanting to make this quick and to the point.

"Hey Rarity glad I ran into you thanks again for your help Bon Bon loves the dress oh hey Applejack nice catch Rarity she's cute anyway gotta go Bon Bon's waiting for me just wanted to thank you again bye Rarity bye Applejack!"

Then I zoomed off back to my fillyfriend, leaving the pair behind. I surprised even myself at how I managed to say all of that in only one breath. Hopefully it didn’t look like I was rushing my thanks. I was genuinely thrilled and wanted to leave those two to their date.

I went back to my place besides Bon Bon, who was staring at me with a confused look. “And that was about...?”

“I was just thanking Rarity for something she helped me with earlier!” Keep it vague, Lyra, then it’s not really a lie. I didn’t want Bon Bon to find out that it was Rarity who really did all the hard work. I nudged her in the side, steering the conversation down a slightly different route. “So, Applejack and Rarity, eh?”

We both looked at the couple, giggling when we saw that Rarity had accidentally over filled Applejack’s cup. “First time nerves,” Bon Bon remarked, “Isn’t it so cute?”

“I think it’s really sweet how two mares of such polar lifestyles can find love together.” I smiled nostalgically. Bon Bon and I were that awkward once. “I wish them the best.”

“Me too. They’re both such hard workers and they deserve all the happiness they can get.” We kept walking, leaving the new couple behind us. Perhaps I could give Rarity some advice with romance in order to repay her. Although I had a feeling she’d be offended if I straight up gave it to her.

We came to a fork in the path and Bon Bon took us down the left side. Other couples smiled at us as we went by, which we returned. We may not have been the longest running couple in Ponyville but we were arguably one of the most famous. Sometimes I didn’t know how to feel about that. A lot of ponies were happy for us but at the same time, gossip sometimes spread around far too easily.

It wasn’t long before we bumped into another couple. Well, they weren’t officially a couple. Neither of them were really glammed up for the day so they were probably enjoying the day as friends.

“Hey Colgate, Caramel,” I started, their ears twitching at the sound of my voice. They turned and gave us both a smile with a nod.

“It’s the couple of the hour!” Colgate sang. We didn’t blush at all, far too used to attention like that. “I hope you’re enjoying your day together.”

“Oh we are, believe me,” Bon Bon answered, nuzzling my neck. She wasn’t normally this affectionate in public but Hearts and Hooves day was a free pass for this kind of thing.

“And what about you two?” I asked, smirking suggestively.

Caramel blinked. “Oh no, we’re just going out as friends,” he explained. I didn’t know Caramel that much but he seemed like a nice, dependable stallion. He and Colgate would probably make a nice pairing.

“Mhm. It’s nice having somepony to talk to without it being romantic,” Colgate continued, nudging Caramel slightly. The only problem with Hearts and Hooves Day was that it was a depressing day to be alone on. Thank Celestia I don’t have that problem.

“Yeah, although I couldn’t resist giving Colgate some chocolates.” Whoa, Caramel had managed to do that? Colgate is such a clean teeth freak, it can be hard to get her to eat anything that actually tastes good. If Caramel got her to eat some chocolates, then either they’re very good friends or there was far more going on between them.

Colgate grinned sheepishly, rubbing her foreleg while Caramel kept talking, “We did have to go back to house to clean our teeth though.” Aah, that sounds about right. Now his feat seemed less impressive. Still a nice gesture though.

Colgate had the best teeth in Ponyville and probably in all of Equestria. Not surprising really. She is Ponyville’s dentist after all. I don’t know a single pony who doesn’t like her though. She’s so gentle with her check ups, unlike those awful dentists I had in Canterlot as a filly. I had thought about getting a job with her but some of the operations...eugh. Just no.

Many wondered what being a dentist had to do with an hourglass cutie mark. Simply put, Colgate worked her job very efficiently. Rare was the occasion where a pony would have to wait for an appointment with her. Colgate was one of those ponies that excelled at time management.

“How goes your business, Caramel?” Bon Bon asked. Caramel had his own stand where he sold...caramel treats. It was apparently a family tradition so I’m not surprised at his obvious name. Sometimes he’d join forces with the apple family, selling caramel coated apples, where the profits would be split evenly.

Like Colgate, his cutie mark seemed to have nothing to do with his job. I didn’t know enough about him to tell anyone why though. I’d have to ask some time.

“Well enough. But I think your sweethearts are damaging my sales slightly,” Caramel responded jokingly. It was kind of funny how Colgate was friends with two ponies whose profession was to sell sugary treats.

“We’ll let you two get to it then,” Colgate said, with an awkward laugh, putting an abrupt end to our conversation. She did always get embarrassed whenever someone pointed out her obsession with clean teeth. But who would tell her to change? If anything, everypony should follow in her hoofsteps and there would be bright smiles all around.

On second thoughts, maybe not everypony. Pinkie, Bon Bon and me to name a few.

“Enjoy your day.” Bon Bon stopped nuzzling me and waved a hoof as they passed. I gave them a polite nod as a goodbye and when they were gone, we kept going down the path. “They both need a special somepony.”

“It’d be nice. If we’re going to talk about how many ponies deserve partners though, we’re going to be here for a while.” Ponyville was one of the friendliest towns I knew and that was all there was to it. There were couples--believe me, you had the fillies to prove that much--but so many ponies were still single. Bon Bon and I were one of the few recent success stories.

Off the top of my head, Colgate, Carrot Top, Berry Punch, Derpy, Cheerilee, Pinkie, Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy deserved special someponies of their own. Heck, even Cloud Kicker. I think the reason she got around so much was because she was trying to fill a void in her life. I wasn’t about to ask her about that but if it ever came up, I’d talk to her. On the other hoof, she genuinely seemed to love what she did.

Despite all of the single ponies out there, I wasn’t about to play matchmaker. Love is a delicate thing. You have to let it take its own course. Hah, listen to me prattle on about love. I’m such a Heartstrings.

Bon Bon steered us off the path and up a small grassy hill. I wasn’t about to object, strange as it was. There didn’t seem to be anything here of interest. When we reached the top, Bon Bon stopped and looked at me.

“It’s a shame you’re wearing that special dress.” I blinked. I thought she had liked it? The sly tone of her voice and that smirk she wore betrayed her words, but I wasn’t sure what she was hinting at.

“U-um...why?” I spluttered out. It can’t fall apart now. Not after what happened.

Bon Bon simply pointed up and I looked into the sky. There was a single gray cloud above and flying besides it was Cloud Kicker. She looked at me and gave me a sneaky smirk.

Dammit. Yeah. She knew about the cat fiasco.

Then for no good reason whatsoever, she bucked the cloud and sent rain pouring down on us. Had...had Bon Bon and Cloud Kicker set this up just to prank me?! It was only a few seconds before I was completely wet, my beautiful outfit now ruined. This was not funny. Nopony pranks their special somepony on Hearts and Hooves day! That’s just...horrible!

I can’t believe this! I had made an effort, a really good effort, to impress Bon Bon for this special day. And then she just goes and pulls a stupid prank on me?! She better have a damn good reason for this!

And then I felt her lips on mine.

What?

My mind was all muddled up but I returned the kiss. It was definitely passionate but my confusion prevented me from fully enjoying it. I needed an explanation right now.

When we broke apart, I mumbled trying to ask a question then simply fell back on my haunches. I rubbed my eyes and examined the scene again.

Rain, plus me, plus Bon Bon makes...

Oh. Oh.

I really love you Bon Bon.

She had gone and created probably the most romantic scene ever. I didn’t even care that I was soaking wet anymore. Bon Bon looked slightly worried at my reaction but I was so filled with euphoria that I pounced at her before she could say anything, bringing her to the floor.

Her eyes widened in surprise but soon she was giggling delightfully. “Surprise.”

I held her face with my hooves, bringing her’s closer to mine. “Shut up and enjoy the moment.”

Then I went in for the kill and snogged her. I wasn’t holding back, not for this. Even when my eyes were closed, I could still see the mare that I cherished so dearly in her beautiful glory. My hooves found themselves wrapped against Bon Bon’s body and hers were around mine. We pulled each other closer together and started to caress each other gently. Our wet bodies only made the contact more pleasurable.

We had never been this passionate in public before. I didn’t care. It felt so right. I didn’t even care if Cloud Kicker was watching us or not.

Bon Bon pushed me away but only slightly so our lips parted. My body wanted more but there was something I wanted to know first. “How?”

She looked so good, lying there, wet mane covering her eyes. “I asked Rainbow Dash if she could set it up. But it seems Cloud Kicker did it instead.”

I glanced up for just a moment. Cloud Kicker was gone but I bet if she had been watching us, she enjoyed it. I’d have to thank both her and Rainbow Dash sometime.

“You’re brilliant.” I looked back down at my fillyfriend. There was only one other thing I could say. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Lyra.” With that, she pulled me back to her and we were at it again. All the build up and suffering I endured was totally worth it. This was without a doubt, the best Hearts and Hooves day ever.

Bon Bon had completely surprised me and for that, I was very thankful. Again, in my worry to impress Bon Bon I had forgotten one of the most important rules of dating: the relationship had to be equal. We had both surprised each other today, although I think her surprise for me was the better one. Nevermind. It takes two to kiss after all.

I wanted this moment to last forever. The pitter patter of the rain was the perfect backdrop to our kissing and cuddling and stroking Bon Bon’s wet fur felt so good.

Bon Bon eventually pushed me away again. “As much as I love this, we should really stop.”

I had to agree with her there, no matter how much I disliked it. Had we kept going, it wouldn’t be long before we started to bang and neither of us wanted to bang in public, even if it was Hearts and Hooves day. Unless...

“We don’t have to stop. There’s always home,” I suggested. Bon Bon’s eyes lit up with realization and we both got off each other, standing up.

I stared into Bon Bon’s eyes and she stared into mine. Then we both glanced at Ponyville. We could see Bon Bon’s house from here. Without any prompting, we both sped off together, galloping relentlessly towards the house. My heart was beating so fast at this point, I thought it’d burst out of my chest and do a little dance.

We were caked in a mixture of mud, rain and sweat. My dress was ruined probably beyond repair. If Rarity ever found out, she’d most likely slap me until my cheek was numb. Good thing she was distracted by Applejack.

Ponies stared at us when we rushed past them, so many questions in their heads no doubt. Forget them. We were having fun and nopony had the right to stop that.

The moment we entered the house--making sure to lock the door behind us--the first thing we went for was the bed.

Wow.

Did I ever mention how much I loved Hearts and Hooves day?

The Pony With the Minty Fresh Breath

Judging from how Bon Bon and I spent the night together, I can safely say that Hearts and Hooves day was a success. After a couple of days, life was settling back to the norm for me now: get up, eat, socialize, play music, spend time with Bon Bon, sleep. It sounds mundane, but it also means I live at my own pace.

At the moment, I was in the ‘spend time with Bon Bon’ portion of the day. With Hearts and Hooves day behind us, we were back to following the ‘no passion in public’ rule, so we were just strolling along in Ponyville side by side.

By now my wounds had healed, meaning I didn’t have to wear any embarrassing band-aids in public. Bon Bon did ask about my injuries, but I think I gave her a pretty good excuse. It’s a common mistake to accidentally fall into a bush, isn’t it?

We were strolling past Sugarcube corner--neither of us feeling particularly peckish right now--when I suddenly remembered something important.

“If all goes well, I should get my monthly bits from my parents in a couple of days,” I stated. Mom and Dad were always reliable like that, giving me enough every month to get by, but nothing extra for luxuries.

Bon Bon’s ears twitched and she blinked. “Oh... good.” She smiled, although looking at her I could tell it was incredibly forced. I stopped myself from sighing out loud.

“Yep,” I said as neutrally as I could muster. I couldn’t deal with that talk right now.

“Hm, not many ponies around,” I continued, looking around. “I was hoping we’d bump into Colgate.” My fillyfriend gave me a curious glance. “Yeah, I want to ask her how the rest of Hearts and Hooves day went for her.” I hadn’t seen her since then, mainly because she has a job and I don’t. And trust me, the dentist’s is not a fun place to hang out.

“You’ll see her sometime soon, I’m sure.” Bon Bon stared off into the distance, and a big grin appeared on her face. “Cherry Berry! Over here!” she called out, waving over a pink mare with a golden mane.

Cherry noticed and, of course, trotted our way. “Bon Bon!” She gave her a hug, before turning her head to look at me. “Lyra.”

“Cherry,” I replied, trying to sound civil. Gah. I wanted a distraction, just not this annoying mare for one.

She then ignored me, going back to Bon Bon. “Feels like I haven’t seen you in ages!” There’s a reason for that, Cherry. “How are you?”

“Pretty good! What about you? How did Hearts and Hooves day go?” Bon Bon asked cheerfully. I prepared myself for the ordeal that was about to come.

“Well I had this really romantic date with this hunk of a stallion. And he doesn’t come from Ponyville either. No no, he’s from Manehattan!...”

Manehattan? Give me a break. I’d actually be impressed if he came from Canterlot. And even then, he would have to be a noble. Despite my family being quite well off, I would have trouble finding a stallion noble of my own. But why would I bother, anyway? I got Bons right here.

“...and we went in my hot air balloon and had such a romantic picnic in the skies! Then we watched the sun go down together...”

Yep. Because doing something you do almost everyday is really making an effort.

“...when we landed, he surprised me by taking me out on a evening dinner! Oh, it was perfect!”

Bon Bon just stood there and took everything in, smiling. I found Cherry’s tale a bit hard to believe; names are important, you know.

I went ahead and asked her, “What’s his name?”

“Snow Whip,” Cherry answered, her grin slightly smug as she ran a hoof through her golden mane.

I still wasn’t fully convinced. “So, can we see him?”

“Yes!” Bon Bon exclaimed, excitedly stamping her hooves on the ground. “I want to know what he’s like!”

Cherry glared at me for just a second before answering confidently, “Well it was just a one time thing. You know, for fun! Besides, I’m not looking for a relationship anyway.” Forget it, this is Cherry we’re talking about here.

Obviously, Bon Bon was more worried than I was. “You sure, Cherry?”

Cherry rubbed Bon Bon’s mane affectionately. I tried my best to hide the slight scowl on my face. “Of course I’m sure. No stallion could ever meet my standards anyway! So, how was your day?” Cherry asked my fillyfriend, not even sparing me a look.

“Oh, it was wonderful. Truly wonderful...” Bon Bon sighed happily, leaning onto me and I allowed myself to relax for a moment. It didn’t last long though, and soon we were standing next to each other again.

“I suppose it would’ve been.” There was a hint of sarcasm in Cherry’s voice, but Bon Bon didn’t notice it.

“Yeah...” Bon Bon trailed off, then snapped back to reality. “Lyra and I were just walking around town. Wanna join us?”

Dammit, Bon Bon.

Cherry took no hesitation in accepting the offer, and now our pair had turned into a trio. I just looked forward, trying to block out Cherry’s grating voice, and resigned to my fate as the third wheel.

“Got any new jokes?” Bon Bon asked Cherry.

Cherry nodded swiftly. “Duh! Okay, I got this really good one.” Here we go. “So, a earth pony, a pegasus and a unicorn are--” Oh good grief, not one of these ones. They have the longest build up for the most disappointing pay off.

“...finally, the unicorn looks into the magic mirror and says ‘I work--’ and then was sucked into the mirror for lying!”

Did she just...?

I looked at them both; Bon Bon was giggling madly. Cherry was snickering and gave me a sneaky glance.

Yeah. She totally made that about me.

I could see where this was going. “Heh, that was alright I guess. But as much as your jokes are hilarious, Cherry, I think I’m going to go play my lyre.”

I tried to make a swift exit but Bon Bon pecked me on the cheek before I could get away. “See you later then. Have fun!”

“Yeah, you too, Bons.” I gave her a sweet smile, then waved at both of them before trotting off. I had backed down again, but it’s always better to do that than let the pony you love get caught up in the crossfire.

I walked off, grumbling to myself and started to head back home. I could think of something else to do there. At the very least, my lyre was there.

Playing some music would lift my spirits. Music lets you channel your emotions through it. It’s so easy to just let yourself go on the dancefloor, breaking out all sorts of embarrassing dance moves, and not having a single care in the world.

See, I really did know my music; I had studied music and its history at Canterlot College. I didn’t get anything to show for it, though. Some may call that a wasted opportunity, but I think that was when I found myself.

I peered around Ponyville. Bon Bon and Cherry were gone, and there wasn’t anypony else I could recognize. I shrugged and kept on walking towards home. I had no obligations to fulfill, so I thought I would go ahead and get my lyre.

“Lyra!”

I jerked my head to the side, and sawColgate galloping towards me. “Colgate! Good to see you, I’ve been wondering how your date with Caramel went.”

“That’ll have to wait. Sorry, but I’m only here to remind you that you have an appointment with me tomorrow.” She had her ‘professional’ voice on, which always felt weird hearing. I was her friend--I didn’t mind if she relaxed a little when it came to me and her job.

I tilted my head slightly, raising an eyebrow. “I made an appointment? I don’t remember doing that.”

“Well you did. Unfortunately, I can’t rearrange it either. My schedule is filled to the brim with patients and I can’t switch any appointments around.” I assumed she wasn’t working today because she wasn’t wearing her white coat.

“It must have slipped my mind then. What time?”

“Eleven AM.” I mentally scribbled that down in my head and put it in the recesses of my memory. I’d probably remember it anyway since I had nothing planned for tomorrow.

“I’ll be there. Now with that out of the way...” I leant closer to her. “How did your date go?”

She took a step back from me. “Sorry, Lyra, I don’t have time to talk. I’m on break and I don’t want to be late for my next patient.” She broke her professionalism for just a moment, giving me a sincere smile and dropping the voice. “We’ll talk later, okay?”

“Alright. See you later, then.” I waved at her, giving her permission to gallop off. It’s really boring having friends who work, because you sometimes end up being by yourself and having nothing to do. It was so much easier when I had friends in school, who had a bunch of hours off to mess around. It’s a good thing I have my music to waste away the hours.

When I got home, I found Derpy stuffing some letters into my mailbox in her usual, clumsy manner. She was so busy trying to get them in, she didn’t notice me stride up to her and tap her on the shoulder.

“Oh! What?” She looked around rapidly, her eyes going in different directions. Once she spotted me, they settled back to normal. “Hi, Lyra! Mail call!”

“I can see that,” I teased. A letter that wasn’t properly in the mailbox fell to the ground and I was quick to pick it up with my magic. “Er... looks like one letter really wanted to escape the bag.”

Derpy did a double take as I showed her the intended address. “Oh! Sorry!” She hastily put the letter back in her saddlebag, and smiled sheepishly.

“Don’t worry. It happens.” She probably had to leave like Colgate had, but I couldn’t resist asking her the question. “How did Hearts and Hooves day go?”

“Oh.” For a second, I swore I saw sadness in her eyes. It was quickly replaced by her normal bubbliness. “Nothing eventful. Just stayed at home with my darling muffins.”

“Aaaw. Your children are adorable, so I bet you had a great time together,” I replied.

“Yeah, I don’t think my life would be complete without them,” Derpy replied and I couldn’t stop a warm smile appearing on my face.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t stop to chat. “But I need to deliver more mail! Bye!” The mailmare closed my mailbox, even though I was right there, and took off into the air.

I couldn’t imagine what it must have been like to have two fillies, a taxing job and being a single mother. I don’t know how Derpy manages. What I do know is that she needs somepony of her own. It’d do her wonders, probably.

I re-opened the mailbox and got out the small stack of letters it contained. It was mostly junk, but there was one nice surprise. A letter from Canterlot meant a letter from my parents, and that meant bits. I went inside my home and threw the junk letters in the bin, then tore open the letter from my parents and got out the enclosed bits, putting them in the glass money jar in my kitchen. It was hidden in one of the top cupboards, right behind loads of cooking ingredients like sugar, spice, and everything nice.

Then I turned my attention to my mother’s hoofwriting. I only got letters from my parents two times a month at most, so it was always nice to hear how they’ve been doing.

Lyra,

Your Father and I both hope that you had a lovely Hearts and Hooves day with Bon Bon. When you write next, please tell us how it went!

As for us, we went to the fountain where your father proposed to me. Years on, and he still knows how to make a big splash.

Aaaw. The image of my parents enjoying their company together and feeling young again was adorable. It wouldn't take much for them to feel like young lovers again though; the passage of time had not worn down their love for each other.

A couple of days before that, we went to see a concert. One of the headlines was that Octavia mare. Her talent, especially for her age, never ceases to amaze us. She performs with such elegance and grace. The way she looks when playing, so focused and poised, it just seems to add to the music.

She reminds me of you, dear. I’m sure she’s around your age and she’s doing so well for herself. I suspect she’s very much enjoying it too. Then again, I don’t think she knows what it’s like to be with a mare like Bon Bon.

That’s just like you, Mom: sugarcoating your desires for me so much, that they’re almost like compliments. That said, my parents had taken a liking to Bons, which really helped when I first introduced her to them.

As always, your bits are enclosed. Spend them wisely--perhaps invest in something?

Please write back when you get the chance. You must visit sometime soon. We both miss the music you can make on your lyre.

Lots of love,

Mom & Dad xxxx

Seeing as I had nothing much else to do, I decided to write the letter back now. I got myself some ink, quill and paper and started writing as neatly as I could, a task made far easier with magic.

Mom & Dad

It’s so great to hear that you two had a good time! Bon Bon and I had a lovely time as well and we both managed to surprise each other. In a good way, of course!

Ponyville’s really nice around that time of year. Next year, maybe we could do a location swap? I could show Bon Bon that fountain and you and Dad could soak up the romantic atmosphere Ponyville always has on Hearts and Hooves Day.

I loved my parents dearly, and I cherished the fact that they were still together after so long, but nopony wants to bump into their parents on Hearts and Hooves day when they have their partner with them.

You know I really admire Octavia, but I don’t think I’m like her at all. The world she lives in is different from mine, and I wouldn’t want fame getting in the way of my relationship with Bon Bon. You and Dad understand that, right?

We’d discussed this many times before and we always came to this: it was a topic that no side could agree with the other on. Even so, each side still accepted the other’s views. Whenever the subject came up, I always casually brushed it aside and my parents never pushed it any further. They’re understanding like that.

And, as always, I’ll spend my bits wisely. Thanks for sending me them each month. I know I say this a lot but it’s true every time; I’m truly blessed to have parents like you.

I’ll try to arrange a visit to Canterlot sometime, I promise. It just depends on how life goes here.

Love both of you lots and lots,

Lyra xxxx

I quickly skimmed through my words, checking if they were any glaring errors. I didn’t see any, so it seemed good to envelope.

With family business out of the way, I went over to my bedroom and pulled out the black case from under the bed. I unlocked it, and gently lifted my golden lyre out. I gave it a quick look over, deciding that I’d polish it in a couple of days.

I pulled a song from my memory, closed my eyes and began to make sweet music.

Dentists.

Why are dentists’ offices such hellish places to be in?

The waiting room of Ponyville’s dentistry was white. And so was the entry room. And the toilets. Probably the basement too, if they had one. I know teeth are white, but this was ridiculous. I was starting to think it was all a trick--they’d blind me at the dentists so I’d have to go to the optician’s. Money for medics all around! Then there’s the fact that you’ve got a pony ramming Celestia knows what into your mouth.

I sat on a plain brown chair that wasn’t very comfortable and avoided looking at the beaming walls, instead focusing on the beige carpet. There was a small coffee table in the waiting room, a stack of boring magazines on it about trivial things I didn’t really care about. There were also toys for children, many of which looked like they’d been chewed on.

As I looked around, I began to think that Colgate didn’t have a tight schedule like she claimed; more than half the seats were empty, this place wasn’t busy at all.

Ponyville’s dentristry had multiple dentists, too. Most of them were alright but Colgate was the nicest. She wasn’t in charge around here, though I wish she was--she’d probably spruce the place up a bit.

I gazed up at the ticking clock. A few minutes to go.

I simply sat there, humming a little tune, when an unicorn filly and her father came into the waiting room.

“Into the bathroom, Tootsie.” The stallion ushered his daughter into the toilets and stood outside, waiting for her. I hid a smirk, knowing their game. The last-minute brush before examination. I’d done it myself many times before. Colgatecould always tell when I did, because my breath smelled fresher than normal. It’s kinda obvious when you think about it. The funny thing is that none of the dentists really care, so it has sort of turned into a joke for us.

My ears twitched when I heard the sound of a door opening. “Lyra Heartstrings?” Colgate poked her head out of the doorway, looking around the room.

“Here!” I cheerfully announced, trotting over to her. She let me in and closed the door behind us, that is, after looking into the waiting room again. I had no idea why she did that.

Like the rest of the building, the examination room was terribly bland. A big chair was in the middle, accompanied by a tray that had tools on it. Colgate’s desk sat in the corner, her paperwork all in order. For such a boring job, Colgate really put a lot of effort into it.

I got out my toothbrush and toothpaste from the small saddlebag I had brought with me, giving Colgate a playful grin. A quick brush, then I’d be set for this.

To my surprise, Colgate shook her head. “No Lyra, no brushing this time.”

For a moment, I was worried the rules had changed. Then I grew even more worried when Colgate took off her coat and entered ‘normal mode’.

I tucked my brushing things away, raising an eyebrow at my friend. “Er, what’s this about, Colgate?”

“I just...” She wandered over to the chair, reclining on it. “Wanted to talk.”

“Colgate, we could’ve done that anytime and without you setting me an appointment,” I replied, a hint of annoyance in my voice.

The dentist let out a frustrated groan. “No, I don’t mean that. I mean...” She picked up one of the tooth torture tools from the tray, fiddling with it in her hooves. “I need your advice.”

My curiosity was piqued as I leant on the armrest.“Oh. Fair enough then. Ask away.”

“I... erm... I kinda like ‘like’ Caramel.”

Oooo! So something was going on between them!

I giggled like a school filly, leaning closer to Colgate and turning her head so she faced me. “Before you say anything else, tell me how your date went with him!”

Her cheeks grew red and the cutest of smiles appeared on her face. “Well, after we left you and Bon Bon, we just walked around for a bit. I know it doesn’t sound like much but... we really got close. I think... I think he might be the one, Lyra.” Her voice suddenly went more desperate, her eyes widening slightly. “And I think he ‘likes’ me too, so I can’t let this opportunity slip by!”

My excitement died at that, replaced by seriousness. I backed away from her a bit and put my hooves on her shoulders. I needed to know one thing before I could approve of this. “Colgate, do you love him or do you love the idea of being with him?”

Colgate blinked in confusion. “What?”

“Just answer the question, please.”

“I... love him, yes.”

I took my hooves off her and nodded sharply. If anything was going to happen between Colgate and Caramel, it would have to start off on the right hoof. Colgate needed to really love Caramel, and not just use him to escape loneliness, if that was indeed the case. If that happened, the spark between the pair would quickly die out and they’d drift apart.

So potentially...we could have another new blossoming romance on our hooves! My eagerness built up within me again and I asked Colgate another question: “Did you kiss?”

“He did...but only a little one.” Colgate scratched her left cheek, smiling awkwardly.

“That’s so adorable!” I let out a little squee, jumping on the spot. I then stopped when I remembered what Colgate had really brought me here for. “So, you wanted advice?”

Colgate nodded eagerly. “Yes! I want to know how to...tell him. About me. That I love him.”

“Just be sincere and dive in.” That was really the only answer I could give her. When I asked Bon Bon out, I was a nervous wreck. But the nerves only served to show how much I did love her. “If you go in and tell him without any acts or something, he’ll know that you love him.”

Colgate didn’t look convinced. “Are you sure?”

“Very. Don’t try too hard, because then you look desperate and clingy.”

Colgate looked down, eyebrows furrowed. “So...I literally just go up to him and ask him out?”

“It’s best that you do it in private.” I smirked, waving a hoof around the room. “But don’t do it like this.”

Colgate giggled, getting off the chair and going to one of the cupboards. “Not for him, no. But I’d do it with you becauuuuse...” Her horn glowed and I heard something rattling. I licked my lips in anticipation of what was to come.

“Mints!” I galloped over to Colgate and snatched the mints as soon as her magical aura had left them, a full tin of them no less. I tossed a mint in my mouth and took a moment to relish the taste. “Mmmm...” I swallowed, then let out a satisfied, minty breath. “So, what do you love about him?”

Colgate rubbed the back of her neck, and muttered a few incoherent mumblings. I twitched my ears, letting her know that she was inaudible.

“He’s really...nice?” Colgate finally answered.

I gave her a flat look. “Nice? That’s it? C’mon Colgate, you can do better than that.” To my knowledge, Colgate had never been in a relationship before, so I put this down to first time nerves.

“Well...he’s such a gentlecolt. And he always puts other ponies’ needs before his own, but he’s not a doormat either. Plus...” And she went back to mumbling.

“Plus...?”

“He’s good.” She let out an embarrassed cough. “Good looking and... yeah.” It sounds superficial, but if you want a special somepony for life, you do have to find them attractive. Especially if you wanted to get more intimate with them.

I shrugged half-heartedly. “I guess so.”

Colgate raised her eyebrows at me. “You don’t think so?” She sounded a little offended, but that’s understandable.

“Colgate, I’m not really into stallions.” I was when I was young, but what filly doesn’t have fantasies of living in some grand castle with a beautiful prince for a husband?

Upon glancing around the room, it did occur to me that it was really odd having Colgate bring me here just to talk about Caramel. “Colgate, did we really have to talk about this here?”

“Not really.” She shrugged, magicking over her coat and putting it on. “But I figured you could use a quick check up before the party.”

I blinked rapidly a couple times. “Party? What party?”

“You didn’t get an invite?” Colgate gestured to the chair and I went ahead and sat down, mint tin in my hoof. “No worries. I’m sure Pinkie will give you one.”

“Yeah, she will.” Pinkie always set aside some cupcakes with mint frosting for me at her parties...okay, not specifically for me, but nopony else ever got the chance to have one when I was around.

“So, whose birthday is it? Or is this just a ‘party for the sake of partying’ thing?” I asked, resting my head against the back of the chair.

“It’s a surprise party for Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth. Apparently they got promoted.” She levitated a dentist’s mask near her and put it around her neck.

“Huh. Good for them!” I always thought promotions were a double-edged sword. Sure, you got more pay, but your workload increased too. I think that’s the case for most jobs. “When is it?”

“A couple of days. I wouldn’t worry about remembering the specific time--not even I know--because Pinkie will probably drag you to Sugarcube Corner anyway. That’s where the party’s being held.” Colgate’s mask then went up, covering her mouth.

“Alright.” I left my mouth open, allowing Colgate to poke around my teeth with that tool with the mirror. As in, the only tool in Colgate’s arsenal that didn’t make me squirm. Then she sent a blue beam of magic that covered my teeth. After that, she inclined her horn towards the wall and sent a projection at it. Images of my teeth lined the walls and Colgate started to poke her tool at my teeth, occasionally glancing to the images and muttering some dentist mumbo jumbo.

The medical field was perfect for those unicorns who lacked magical power but had precision. They dominated the profession because only they could operate with a delicate touch. It was rare to see an earth pony doctor and even rarer to see even a pegasus one. But the ones that existed excelled at their craft.

It didn’t take long for Colgate to finish. She took down her mask and went over to the sink, washing her tool. The projection of my teeth disappeared and I looked at her, to see her verdict. She turned around slowly, a serious look on her face. “Lyra, you’re pregnant.”

I would’ve fallen out of the chair, but the armrests blocked me off. So instead I just kinda flailed about. It was obvious in hindsight that she was joking around, but that didn’t make it an excuse for laughs--there’s a reason Bon Bon and I use protection.

“Colgate! That isn’t funny!” I cried, probably a little harsher than intended. I ran a hoof through my mane, sighing.

“Oh,” Colgate looked down, sliding the mask over her lips. “Sorry.”

I got off the chair, walking towards her. “It’s fine, Colgate. Every joker has a misfire.”

“Yeah.” She coughed, adopting her professional voice. “You’re all clear, Lyra, good job.”

“Great. Who’s your next patient?”

The dentist went over to her desk, looking through a stack of papers. “Ah, here we go, a filly called Tootsie.”

A sly smirk formed on my lips. “I saw her in the waiting room. Very naughty--she did the last-minute brush.”

“How dare she!” Colgate cried dramatically, walking to her tools. “Looks like I’ll have to use this then.” She raised one of them before my eyes and I shuddered in horror. It was pretty much a mini drill.

“Well, I’m out of here!” I cantered over to the door, opening it ajar. “See ya later, Colgate!”

“Bye, Lyra,” Colgate replied, putting down her mask and giving me a smile. I closed the door behind me and left the white prison as quickly as I could. Finally, more interesting colors entered my view. Pink, for example.

Actually, pink was all that I could see for a moment, as a blob of it suddenly came out of nowhere, accompanied by a high pitched, “Hi!”

I blinked a couple times, recovering from the ‘Pinkie daze’. “Oh, er, hey, Pinkie.”

She retrieved something from her...coat? I couldn’t tell. At least what I got was clean. It was also what I expected: an invite.

“Hi, Lyra! Here! Here!” She waved the invite in my face, which made it surprisingly hard to get it with my magic. “I’m throwing a super duper party ‘cause Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth got promoted, so they really really deserve it!”

Everypony has a different tactic for dealing with Pinkie. Mine was getting wrapped up in her excitement. “”Oo! That’s great! Good for--”

“Don’t worry! I invited Bon Bon too!”

The only problem with my tactic, was that it was hard to keep up with her and impossible to do so for more than a while. “Yay! Then this party just got more awes--”

“Now I gotta go ‘cause I still gotta hoof out more invites for everypony, so I’ll see you at the party, Lyra, bye!” And before I knew it, she was gone. Looks like I had a party to go to. At some point in the future, anyway.

Since it was a surprise party, Pinkie got us all crammed into Sugarcube Corner and told us to wait for Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth. The lights were off, we were all waiting and I was really bored. We must have been waiting for fifteen minutes or something, it was ridiculous.

I was positioned behind Bon Bon and a few others, which meant that I was kind of obscured. I wasn’t about to settle for that, no no. I wanted to look like I was making an effort! So I did the natural thing and put my forehooves on Bon Bon’s flank, lifting myself up.

“Lyra,” Bons said bluntly, not turning her head to see me. “What are you doing.” Aaaw, I loved it when she put her questions like statements. It’s one of her quirks that makes me giggle.

“Just getting a better view. They’ll be here soon, anyway,” I reassured in a hushed voice. Some other ponies were murmuring between themselves, but on the whole, the room was quiet.

Waiting for the pair to arrive was made much harder by the fact that I could smell all the treats Pinkie had laid out for everyone. I just knew that there would be something minty there. And it would taste amazing...

The door suddenly swung open and the lights immediately switched on, making us all visible to the working duo.

“SURPRISE!”

I wasn’t the loudest (with Pinkie around, that’s impossible) but I was definitely enthusiastic, giving the promoted pegasi an excited wave, a huge smile on my face. Cloud gave Blossomforth a grin, who facehoofed, before they both headed into the party. Didn’t she want a party or something? Ah well, who cares? There was food to be eaten now.

I got off my fillyfriend and rushed to the tables, covered in treats. One was covered in muffins and I knew that it would be launched upon by Derpy. I kept my distance from it, like others were doing.

Anyway, I had things I wanted to eat too. I wandered over to another table, scanning it. If anything was green, it’d probably be mint. Green is the universal color for mint, afterall. It must have been my lucky day, because there was a whole plate full of cupcakes, decked in light green icing.

I let out a squee of delight and brought a cupcake to my mouth, chomping on it. The taste was beyond amazing, so it wasn’t surprising that one led to another, and that led to another...

“You’re going to get fat if you eat too many of them,” Bon Bon said, coming up to me. I blinked, looking down at the plate. There were twelve to start off with and now there were only nine left. I brought a hoof to my mouth, stifling a burp.

“It’s a party, Bons. And these are just so good.” My gaze slowly drifted from her to the cupcakes.

“Just pace yourself. I don’t want you getting sick.” She grimaced, shaking her head a little. “Nopony does.” She was right about that. If I ate them all now, I’d have nothing left for later. I broke free from their hypnotic trance, giving Bon Bon my full attention.

“You want anything?” I asked.

Bon Bon nodded, pointing to a couple of brightly colored sweets on the table. “Those please.” I focused my magic on her treats, then brought them to her face. She soon snatched them out of the air with her mouth, mumbling something that resembled a thanks.

“No problem. Have you seen any drinks around?” There wasn’t any on this table, so I glanced at the others.

“There’s apple cider,” came a familiar voice. Bons and I turned to see Berry Punch, a mug of cider in hoof.

I gave her a short wave. “Oh hey, Berry, whereabouts is it?” She gestured to the tables on the other end of the room, then drank some of her cider.

Bon Bon gave Berry a welcoming smile, then looked at me. “I wouldn't mind some of that. How about you, Lyra?”

“Sounds good,” I simply replied.

“Alright then.” Before I could offer to bring the cider over, Bons was already on her way. “I’ll go get them.”

I nodded at my fillyfriend, then turned back to Berry. “So, how have things been?”

“Pretty decent. Business is good, so I can’t complain.” A lot of ponies assumed that Berry was just some drunk and while she was sometimes, the truth was that she was a winemaker. She made some of the best wines in Equestria, enough to rival those in Canterlot. She was a mare who knew her limit and had the best hangover cures.

“So, up for a drinking night anytime soon?” Berry asked. It was a fun little thing me, Berry and a couple others would do. We would play drinking games, get drunk and just have a little fun. These events were hardly frequent though.

“Yeah, we could arrange something sometime,” I answered. To be honest, I wasn’t really a planner because I have so much free time. There’s really not much need.

“Arrange what?” Bon Bon was back, two mugs of cider in hoof.

I took of one them away from her with my magic. “Thanks, Bons. Berry and I were just talking about the next drinking night.”

“Oh really? Sounds good, I guess.” She shrugged, taking a sip of cider and licking her lips. “Mm, that’s good. But anyways, depending on the date, I’m not sure if I’ll join you girls or not.”

“We’ll let you know as soon as possible, Bon Bon.” Berry said. She then looked at me with a playful grin. “Want to see who can chug their cider down first?”

I locked eyes with her. “Fine. You’re on.”

Bon Bon giggled, then came to an abrupt stop. “Wait a second.” She came closer and peered into our mugs. “Lyra, drink just a little bit of your cider first.”

That’s my Bons, always the rational one. I took a little sip until the amount of cider we had was about equal. Then, when we were both ready, Bon Bon started the countdown.

“Three... two... one... GO!”

I quickly jerked my head back and poured the cider down my mouth. A part of the liquid lost its mark, trailing down the sides of my lips. I think I may have overestimated the amount of cider left because I nearly ran out of breath. Oh, and I almost choked.

I hung my head low, hacking like a sick mule. Bon Bon was quick to come to my side, putting a leg around me. “Lyra, are you okay?!”

Through my repeated coughing, I managed to splutter, “Yeah... just fine... A-OK.” I honestly didn’t want Bon Bon to squeeze me like some filly with a teddy bear. Although that would’ve be nice in another context. She did know CPR and basic first aid--it was something her parents taught her, knowing it would be helpful. Luckily, it hasn’t seen much use.

When my coughs had died down, Bon Bon passed me a napkin and I wiped my wet mouth. “Thanks, sweetie.”

Berry did look concerned but her lips soon formed a victorious smile. “Sorry, Lyra. I won!”

Well of course she did, didn’t she?

For an hour or so, Bon Bon and I had mingled with several others, including Carrot Top and Colgate (who was trying to avoid Caramel, bless her). After a while though, it ended up with just the two of us by ourselves, which I was perfectly fine with. We were sitting at one of the few tables that didn’t have food on it, watching the party go on.

I have to say, I enjoyed the party a lot. It had a nice atmosphere: not too rowdy but happy all the same. Plus, the mints helped a lot too. But I had never expected to talk to the guest of honor herself.

“Hey, you two,” Cloud Kicker greeted us. She then looked at me and I could tell she was just barely holding back a grin. “How’s the flank?”

“Fine! It’s fine,” I blurted out.

Bon Bon ignored that, thank goddess. “I have to say, you must be feeling pretty proud of yourself right now. Oh! And thank you so much for your help on Hearts and Hooves day!”

“No problem. It was pretty good training, flying around everywhere,” Cloud Kicker responded. Bon Bon and I exchanged a curious look.

“What do you mean?” Bons inquired.

The pegasus sighed a little. “It’s a long story.”

I simply shrugged. “Alright, then. Still, it was all worth it. Especially for you.” I pointed a hoof at her. “We know exactly what thank you present we’ll give you.” I grinned devilishly at Cloud Kicker, who soon did the same to me. We were exactly on the same page here.

Bons was a little slower to catch on. “What?” She looked at each of us in turn. “Oh. Oh! Yes, it’ll be something I think you’ll enjoy, Cloud Kicker.”

“Definitely. When were you thinking of ‘thanking me’?”

“Whenever you want. It’s up to you,” I offered.

We all had a little arrangement: basically, we would occasionally get together and, well, bang. It began when Bons and I first started dating. Cloud Kicker offered some really good times together and I didn’t want that to go away, but I wasn’t going to cheat on Bons either. So I persuaded her to go through with this idea. She was a little reluctant at first but now, it feels routine.

These days, there was actually a benefit to our get togethers. My relationship with Bon Bon had gotten to the point where we needed to use protection when we banged, otherwise one of us could’ve ended up pregnant by the way of the magic of love. I didn’t want to be careless, yet at the same time it reduced the fun a little. With Cloud Kicker around though, we didn’t have to worry about unexpected surprises.

“Sounds good--” Cloud Kicker cut herself off, her focus drifting away from us. We followed her gaz and saw Blossomforth waving her friend over. “I’ll let you two know when I’m available. Don’t worry, you shouldn’t have to wait too long.” She winked at us and trotted over to the white pegasus.

Well, now I had something fun to look forward to.

After Cloud Kicker left, Bon Bon and I mingled for a bit more. Eventually though, the party began to die down, as every one does. The stars were out as we left Sugarcube Corner and the both of us were a little tired. Bons led the way home and we fell into a companionable silence.

I always prefer living in her house for two reasons. The first is an obvious one--she lives there. The second is because her house is so much better than mine. Unlike my own, her house has an upstairs and every room is decorated in such a nice way. She has nice furniture, flowers and other things like paintings.

When we got to the front door, Bon Bon put a hoof on it. Strangely, she didn’t open it just yet. Instead, she let out a quiet sigh.

“Tired, sweetie?” I put a leg round her and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “No worries. We can just cuddle up in bed together.”

Bons shook her head. “It’s not that.”

The serious tone of her voice sparked up concern in me. “Then what is it?”

She looked up at me, not sad or angry. She just looked worn out. “Lyra, we need to talk.”

My stomach turned. Those four words never meant anything good. Ever. “Yeah? Uh, what about?” I asked. My voice quivered slightly, but I couldn’t help it.

Bon Bon put a hoof on my chest. “You need to get a job, Lyra.”

Uh-oh. Not this again...

The Pony Who is a Lazy Bum

Bon Bon had brought up this subject time and time again, but each time she told me to get a job, it was little more than a suggestion. This time was different though; I could feel it.

“Maybe...” I began, yet nothing else came out of my mouth.

Bons sighed and opened the door, stepping inside the house. I went in with her, pushing the door shut with my hind hoof. She looked down the hallway that led to the kitchen and living room and gazed up the stairs.

“I’m going to bed, Lyra,” Bon Bon stated, slowly heading upstairs.

“Alright. I’ll, er, join you in a minute.” I only got a grunt in reply.

Entering the kitchen, I paused, staring blankly at the wooden floor. Why did I even come in here? The food at the party had filled me up more than enough. I guess I just needed to mull things over. After picking up a jug of orange juice, I went over to the sink and poured myself a glass of over it.

I couldn’t see what Bons’ problem was. I had enough bits to get by and so did she. A lot of ponies would probably call us very lucky, blessed even.

I drank the orange juice, and put the glass to the side. I let out a little sigh of my own, running a hoof through my mane. I don’t know, maybe she was just tired. I knew I was.

I dragged myself up the stairs, turned at the top and opened the door at the end of the hall. The lights inside the bedroom were dimmed and I could see Bon Bon already lying on the double bed.

I slipped in and shuffled over to Bons, putting my forelegs around her. She let out a little grunt in response. It seemed that I had to confront her head on about this because I was not prepared to sleep with my back to her.

“What’s the problem, sweetie?” I asked softly, giving her a gentle squeeze.

For a moment, I was afraid she wouldn’t say anything. Eventually she spoke up, sounding definitive, “You need to find work, Lyra.”

“Why? We’re both fine as it is, you know that.” I gave her a quick nuzzle on the cheek. She didn’t move away, but she wasn’t exactly inviting either.

“We might be now, but what about in the future?” She turned around, looking at me with pleading eyes. “We can’t go on like this. Not if we want to settle down.” She poked my chest, stroking it gently. “And I really want to.”

I offered her a small smile. “We will settle down, promise. You’re the mare I want to spend the rest of my life with and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I gave her a kiss on the lips and to my relief, she returned it. We both had dreams of tying the knot. These things take time though--marriage is a huge commitment.

“Look, I can just ask my parents for more bits each month,” I offered. I think they would be fine with that, as long as Bons and I were settling down.

Bon Bon suddenly frowned. “No,” she said snapped, making me jump. “That’s not okay.”

“Why? They’re my parents.”

Her frown faded, replaced by a neutral expression. “Exactly. They’re your parents. You can’t leech off of them forever.” I went silent. For a short moment, nothing was said.

Bons sighed. “For Celestia’s sake Lyra, you’re a full grown mare. Don’t you think it’s time to look after yourself?”

I didn’t want to argue with Bon Bon, but that accusation wasn’t fair at all. “I do look after myself! I’m clean, I’m healthy and I look after my things! I’m getting bits, just by a different way!”

“Calm down, Lyra. I didn’t mean it like that,” she replied. Her voice hadn’t raised even once.

“Sorry. It’s just--” I cut myself off, opting to hug Bon Bon instead. “No, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She leant forward, giving me a quick peck on the lips. “Look, we should just get some sleep.” Then she turned around, pulling the covers up.

“Yeah... yeah, you’re right. Goodnight, Bons,” I said. Even I could tell that my voice was wavering slightly.

“Goodnight.”

Then there was silence. My eyes didn’t shut and my stomach felt like a pit of thorns. I hugged Bons more tightly, even though I probably shouldn’t have. I just didn’t want to let her go.

I didn’t know why I felt so bad. I had only raised my voice once and Bon Bon didn’t seem that angry at me. Just... tired. Maybe it was guilt? But if that was the case, then she was right, and I didn’t want to think she was. We were fine. Everything was fine.

Whatever it was, it was preventing me from sleeping. “Bon Bon?”

“Hm?” she responded, her voice sounding drowsy.

“You’re not mad at me, right...?”

Bons rolled around, facing me again with a tired smile on her face. “No... but please, will you at least consider getting a job?”

A part of me felt relieved. The other part... I wasn’t so sure. “Yeah, I’ll think about it.”

“Good. Now, go to sleep,” she whispered softly.

It was only then that my eyes closed. I felt more secure and more comfortable than I had been, but something still felt off. My mind didn’t linger on it though, as sleep took hold over me sooner than I expected.

When I woke up, Bon Bon wasn’t next to me.

This was actually standard stuff; Bons had simply gotten up early to set up her stand. I always slept in, snoozing away in the comfort of the bed. It was pretty common for me to wake up past midday.

Oh, a quick warning: never disturb my sleep. It’s not pretty.

With a big yawn I opened my eyes, my vision a little blurry. I got the sleep out of them and dragged myself out of bed. My stomach cried out for breakfast and I was only too eager to oblige. I stumbled my way down the steps, my body still waking up.

I quickly poured myself some orange juice and made some oats cereal, sitting down at the small table in the center of the kitchen. As I ate, my mind slowly became more alert and I began to dwell on last night.

Was Bons worrying too much, or was I being neglectful? I knew our financial situation was fine and I knew that if we needed a little more, I could always play music for bits in the town square. That isn’t exactly like a job, but it’s still getting money so what’s the difference?

Most of my friends have jobs, heck, even their own small businesses. Even Cherry Berry is the only one who can sell hot air balloon rides here.

Am I... lazy?

I took a large swig of my orange juice and dispelled that thought. Sure, I didn’t have a job, but I definitely wasn’t a slob. It’s not like I can’t do things with dedication--my skills on the lyre are enough to prove that much. Plus, I did tend to do some of the housework while Bons was running her stand.

After swallowing the last bit of cereal, I smiled. I didn’t need to change. Nothing did. Bon and I were fine as we were.

I lifted the bowl and cup and headed over to the sink, preparing to wash things up--Bon Bon would definitely appreciate coming home to a clean home.

Actually, I remembered that in all of last night’s fuss, I had forgotten to brush my teeth. I quickly went upstairs and entered the bathroom, gazing at myself in the mirror above the sink. My mane was a bit scruffy but that was something that could easily be fixed with a brush. Killing two birds with one stone, I brushed my mane as I cleaned my teeth.

Spitting out toothpaste residue, I rinsed my mouth then admired my teeth. White as usual! I went back downstairs, ready to do some housework.

A couple of days had passed and thankfully, the topic of me getting a job hadn’t come up again. When Bons came back home, we had a nice little cuddle on the couch and went to bed like nothing had ever happened. Life was back to normal.

Although that did little to change my current mood. I was just having a lovely walk with Bon Bon when Cherry had to come by and ruin it again. So I had left them to it and was sipping on some soda, watching ponies go from stand to stand in the market.

I was on my own and boredom was beginning to kill me.

Thankfully, my saviour of a fillyfriend broke away from Cherry to walk up to the table where I was sitting. A smile immediately formed on my face.

“Hey again, sweetie,” I greeted her, before drinking more soda.

“Hi, Lyra,” she replied, putting down a leaflet she had held in her forehoof. “Take a look at this.”

I levitated the leaflet and opened it up, quickly skimming it over. It was about some minotaur called Iron Will hosting some assertiveness seminar, or something. On the back of the leaflet were a collection of cheesy rhyming quotes. I wasn’t impressed.

I put it down, then gave my fillyfriend a questioning look. “Really, Bon Bon? You’re actually interested in this?”

“Well, it was Cherry’s actually, but she said it could be good for a laugh. Want to come with?” She gave me a pleading smile but, as much as it pained me to do so, I was having none of it. The seminar looked lame and Cherry was even lamer.

“I’ll pass. You two go ahead--you’ll probably find it a lot of fun.” I hoofed the leaflet back to her and she gave me a slightly disappointed look.

“Alright, I’ll see you later--” She froze, blinking once. “Actually, I might be a while. After this, Cherry and I are going to do some showpony business.” I raised an eyebrow at that. Bon Bon could’ve pulled off that line of work, but Cherry? In your dreams.

“And what does that involve...?” I asked, waving a hoof around.

Bons bit her lip, looking away. “Uh, hauling away... um... garbage.” That last word was barely audible, but I got the gist of it.

So Cherry had managed to get Bons to do garbage duty, huh? That ticked me off royally--she’s better than that! Cherry probably guilted her in it, the manipulative cow. I should’ve given her a piece of my mind right then and there...

But that probably would’ve hurt Bons, and I wasn’t about to risk that, no way.

I exhaled through my nose, trying to keep a smile on my face. “Alright then, Bons. Don’t take too long!”

Bon Bon rolled her eyes. “Believe me, I’ll try not to.” She then gave me a goodbye nuzzle and wandered back over to Cherry.

I sighed, finishing off my soda. Maybe the sugar it had would give me a bit of a buzz to lighten up my mood, although I doubted that. I have suffered from sugar rushes before, but it took me a lot to get to that state.

I got up, threw the cup into a bin, and began my quest to find something to do. I discovered pretty quickly that most ponies were going to this seminar thing, which left me with nothing to do.

And then... the weirdest thing happened.

I was simply minding my own business when I accidently bumped into somepony. Only it wasn’t a pony at all.

It was a goat.

I swear that out of all the creatures that live in Equestria, goats are both the strangest and creepiest.

“Oh, um, sorry about that. I guess I should be more careful! Heh...” It’s really hard to apologize to somepony when they freak you out. Seriously, the goat was staring at me but its eyes were going in two completely different directions. And it wasn’t like Derpy where it was endearing, no, this was... unsettling.

“Baaah!” Did I mention that the goat had a tie? Who gives a goat a tie?

I shuffled about uncomfortably. The goat just stayed still, like a piece of iron or something. “Er...can I help you?”

“Baaah!”

An awkward laugh escaped from me. “Haha... I’m sorry but... I don’t speak goat.”

“Baaah!” Ack. Goats sound so horrible. It’s no wonder no goat singers exist.

At this point, I decided to draw back, slowly stepping away. “Well... er... nice talking to you?”

It didn’t get the message. Sweet Celestia, it did not get the message. Instead, it got closer to me. My skin was practically crawling at this point. Wait... did it give me fleas? It better not have.

Eugh... now I could smell it. It smelled like wet Diamond Dog. Actually, probably worse than that. I backed off a little to avoid the foul scent. “I kinda gotta go do... something...” Yeah, my brain was just not working with me at that point.

I circled around the goat, not taking my eyes off it. He (I think it was a he--it wasn’t wearing any lipstick or a bow) turned, gazing at my every step. I slowly backed away, but it kept watching. In the end, I decided to hide behind some trash cans until it went away.

Goats--they may look stupid, but they’re evil masterminds, I swear it.

The goat left within a couple of minutes and I was back to wandering around. Hours must have passed and boredom grew on me like mould on a piece of bread (now that’s a lovely image). I found myself wandering back to the market after what must have been a couple of hours. Maybe more. I saw Carrot Top at her stand, selling all her carroty goods.

“Hey, Carrot Top,” I called out, approaching the mare. “Have you been here for a while?” If she had been, then I would feel like such an idiot.

“Nope. Only got set up a few minutes ago--a lot of ponies weren’t around because of this... Iron Will thing?” She bent down behind the stand and brought out a carrot cake, displaying it for all to see.

“Oh, yeah, that,” I replied, shrugging. “I didn’t go--sounded lame--but Bons did.”

Carrot Top was going to retrieve something else but suddenly paused, blinking once. “Speaking of, you better find her right away.” I looked at her suspiciously. “Apparently somepony dumped a whole load of garbage on her and Cherry Berry.”

Half of me wanted to laugh and the other wanted me to grind my teeth in anger. So I kept up a neutral appearance. “Okay... where were they heading?”

Carrot Top pointed past me. “Over by the bridge. They’re probably gone by now, but it’s as good a start as any.”

I nodded at her and began to trot off. “Right. Thanks, Carrot Top, I’ll see you later.” She waved me off and I left, hunting for my fillyfriend.

Covered in garbage... eugh. That would make anypony smell ten times worse than a goat. Bons was probably really upset too... nothing a cuddle and a kiss can’t fix. … after a good wash, of course. Hm... we hadn’t shared the bath for a while...

Along the way, I happened to bump into Cloud Kicker and Blossomforth. Cloudy looked fine but Blossom... ohohoho, Blossom. It seemed like they had finally did it and from the looks of it, they had released a lot of tension.

I grinned, approaching Kicky and the bruised Blossom. “So you two finally went and did it, huh? And with gusto! You shoulda gone easy on her, Cloud Kicker. She’s a delicate Blossom,” I said, with a giggle. I swear, being around Cloud Kicker increased my wit.

“You don’t understand, Lyra,” Cloudy replied. For a moment, I thought I had made a pretty awkward mistake. But she continued, “I wanted to, but she wouldn’t let me. Every time I started slowing down a bit, she screamed at me to go faster and harder.”

The images that entered my head were disturbed by the sound of a smack. It seemed that Blossom wasn’t having any of it. “Ow! That hurt. I think I need a kiss to make it all better,” Kicky pleaded, obviously hamming it up.

“Do you want me to hit you for real?” Geeze, Blossom, calm the hay down. Cloud Kicker’s only being herself.

“Not until we work out a safe-word.” Case in point.

I couldn’t help but laugh at the pair’s antics. I was pretty sure that nothing had actually gone on between them but... who knows? Regardless, I had my own fun to get to.

“Well, I’ll let you two go back to whatever the hay it is you’re doing; Bon Bon’s waiting for me,” I announced, then frowned. “She was getting rid of some garbage when somepony went and dumped the whole cart right on top of her! Can you believe it?” I shook my head in disbelief, gave them a wave and set off on my way.

It wasn’t long before I found Cherry and Bons--bless her, she looked so distraught. Both of them were covered in garbage, reluctantly trying to get scraps off of them. To make it even worse, they had attracted flies.

“What the hay happened?!” I called out as I trotted towards them.

Bon Bon gave me a relieved smile. “Hi, Lyra. The strangest thing happen--”

“Fluttershy just came marching along and decided that it would be a great idea to dump the garbage we were hauling all over us!” Cherry cried, letting out a frustrated groan. I held back a laugh, but something she said didn’t seem to fit.

“Fluttershy? No, you must have mistaken her for someone else, Cherry.” She gave me a glare and opened her mouth to come back with some retort--probably the guilt trip card.

“No no, it was her!” Bon Bon exclaimed, looking as shocked and surprised as I was right now. “She didn’t seem like herself--”

“She could’ve flown, the mule!” Another scream from Cherry. “And now my mane is ruined!” I should’ve given Cherry a slap right there and then and told her to mare up, but I held back my hooves.

“Well, looks like you need a wash, Bons,” I said, grinning slyly at my fillyfriend. I’d make sure she’d get something out of this.

“But what about me?!” Cherry wailed.

Wait. What.

“I don’t think it would be fair to leave poor Cherry like this, Lyra.” Bon Bon. Stop. Stop this madness right now.

“You two can’t share a bath, sillies!” I giggled, but inside I was screaming obscenities. Like feathering. And bucks. Lots of bucks.

“Well, duh, you silly filly!” Cherry said. Might I add that she was very patronising? “We can just grab some wash tubs and do it outside!”

Bon Bon nodded in agreement. Damnation. “That sounds like a great idea! We’ll both get clean and it’ll be quick with Lyra’s help.”

The two of them turned and looked expectantly at me.

Celestia strike me now.

There I was, scrubbing two mares in Bon Bon’s backyard. Oh such joy.

I had managed to acquire separate tubs for the two, but that didn’t stop them from splashing each other like fillies. Seriously? They were really doing this? I sighed quietly, scrubbing Bons’ back with a brush.

This was meant to be a fun little time with my fillyfriend where we would do the splashing, not Cherry the stupid little, bucking bitc--

“Ow, Lyra! Be gentle!” cried Bons. I blinked, looking at the floating brush. I was pressing it a bit hard.

“Sorry, hun. Just trying to get every little bit out,” I replied, continuing to scrub her. Just focus on your fillyfriend, Lyra. Nothing else. Only her.

“Maybe I would do a better job.”

Oh yeah. Cherry never shuts the hay up.

“Look, you asked me to do this so I’m doing it,” I affirmed, sending a stern glance towards Cherry.

“Fine, fine.” Cherry rolled her eyes. “But you better be careful when you wash me.”

Hm... maybe if I told Bon Bon to get dry inside the house, then I could mess around with Cherry for a bit (not in that sense, ack). Yes... I was liking this idea. A lot.

Let’s do it.

I scrubbed Bon Bon with increased vigor, cleaning her up in no time. Once I gave her the all clear, she stepped out of the tub, covered in bubbles from the soapy mixture.

“Bons, what do you say you get dry inside, then wait for Cherry and I? We can all have some tea and biscuits!” I suggested. That excuse was foolproof--some biscuits sounded really good right now, too.

“Sure, sounds good!” Bon Bon agreed, beginning to go inside.

And then the heavens opened up as Celestia came flying down, proclaiming that I, Lyra Heartstrings, had permission to prank Cherry Berry!

That’s what it felt like, anyway.

Cherry barely had time to protest before Bons was inside. I grinned mischievously as Berry turned to glare at me.

“It seems that the tables have turned,” I said, a few laughs escaping from me.

Cherry raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Oh, really? What can you possibly do to me?”

I could’ve done many things, Cherry--like put food in your mane and get parasprites to come--but I don’t think the town would agree with such ideas. Instead, I let out a triumphant laugh as I levitated the other tub and poured its contents all over her. “That!”

A torrent of water fell all over Cherry and better yet, it was dirty from Bons’ bath. My enemy fell silent. Haha! I did it! Rainbow Dash, eat your heart out--Lyra Heartstrings is the master pranker here.

“Oh no, you got me wet when I was already soaking. Oh noooo. Spare meeeee,” Cherry said, no effort put into her voice. She lazily shrugged. I looked at her and realized that I hadn’t achieved anything at all...

Well buck.

“You, on the other hoof, are not.” She locked eyes with me, looking very smug. Oh no. Nononononononono!

“Don’t you dare--” I cut myself off; words weren’t gonna do anything. I closed my eyes and focused magic into the tip of my horn, picturing Bons’ kitchen. I grinned, feeling the magical energy build up...

“Well, I’m out of here!” I proclaimed, opening my eyes to give Cherry a cocky wink.

And then I didn’t move.

Yeah... turns out I don’t know any teleportation spells. I’m not really the most magically adept unicorn out there.

My magic wasn’t going anywhere either, so I ended up with a huge migraine. Cherry took advantage of my momentary weakness, grabbing me. Before I could even yell, I was drenched in water, dazed and confused. I was cold, my head felt like it had been split open and my eyes were stinging. Cherry’s mocking laughter only made things worse.

I accepted my fate, staying put uselessly in the tub. The laughter began to die down as Bon Bon rushed outside.

“Lyra, what happened?!” she asked. I simply groaned.

“The silly filly had a little accident and fell in!” Cherry answered for me. Sure, it was demeaning, but my brain was all over the place, so I was willing to go with the excuse Cherry was giving.

“Oh dear, let’s get you inside then,” Bons said soothingly. The two helped me onto her back and I wasn’t about to complain. “Will you be alright by yourself, Cherry?”

“Yeah, I’m good,” Cherry replied, beginning to scrub herself.

My fillyfriend nodded and began to take me inside. I gladly welcomed the rush of warmth that hit me as we got in, although my head was still killing me. Bons got a towel and put it on the sofa. She then gently put me down, wrapping the towel around me so I felt all snug. She sat down beside me, beginning to get me dry.

“So what happened?”

My ears twitched. I had honestly expected her to believe Cherry’s excuse one hundred percent. Although, in hindsight, an ‘accident’ can mean many things.

“I, uh, slipped and managed to hit my head on the side of the tub...” I guilty for lying to her. It didn’t feel as bad as my feathering headache, though.

Bons immediately took to searching through my mane. “Let’s check that you don’t have any trauma then...” I smiled and slowly became relaxed. It felt nice; she was very gentle, like usual. Even my headache was starting to go away.

“Nope, you’re fine.” Bons gave me a quick peck on the cheek. “Goodie.”

“How about you? Did you enjoy your wash?”

“Yeah, I feel all fresh now. Thanks, dear.” She gave me another kiss, this time on the lips. “Maybe you should get some rest--you seem pretty tired.”

“After a day of being nothing but bored and hiding from goats, you wouldn’t be. But yeah... a nap does sounds nice.” I rubbed my eyes, still stinging slightly.

Bons tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. “Hiding from goats...?”

“Yep,” I replied, sighing.

“Hm, I didn’t think any were in town.” Bons shrugged. “I thought they were all with that Iron Will guy.”

I rolled my eyes, grumbling, “Maybe one got lost...” I suddenly perked up, asking, “How was that thing, anyway?”

“Silly. Very silly.” Bon Bon giggled delightfully. “He made all these rhymes, like this.” She cleared her throat, and boomed in a very rough voice, “When somepony tries to block, show them you rock!” Her impersonation was probably very accurate--Bons was great at doing voices.

I felt a pang of regret for missing the whole thing. “It was a good laugh, then?”

“Yeah. You’re an idiot for not coming,” Bons joked, grinning mischievously. She then brought the towel over my head, covering my eyes, and proceeded to ruffle my mane furiously, laughing all the way.

“Stop! Stop it!” I cried, but it was no use--I was laughing too hard to put up a good resistance. “Right, that’s it: when somepony messes your mane, give them some pain!”

I was blinded, but I knew where my lovely assailant was. I outstretched my forelegs forward and tickled Bons’ chest. Good thing my head was still aching slightly; my hand spell would have been overkill here. She fell onto her back on the floor, giggling madly.

Now I had the upper hoof. I pounced upon her and unleashed the full might of tickling. Bon Bon was laughing far too hard to resist.

“No, Lyra--hahaha--mercy! Mercy!” she pleaded.

“Hehe, okay then.” I stopped and brought my face closer to hers so that our muzzles touched. We locked eyes. “Love you,” I whispered. And then we kissed passionately. We caressed our bodies, running our hooves down each other. The fact that I was still wet only made it more appealing...

“And the crowd cheers--Lyra Heartstrings has hit first base!!”

Damn you, Cherry. Damn you to Tartarus.

No, actually, buck you and your stupid fat balloon! I mean, who the hay would use that when we have carriages and pegasi?! Wait, I get why you have a hot air balloon; you’re perfect for eachother, being full of hot air!

Geeze... if I actually said those things to her face, she would need to be treated for third degree burns.

Bon Bon’s face went red and I rolled off her, crawling back onto the couch. She got up, smiling sheepishly and went towards Cherry.

“Right, um, tea?” Bons asked, her voice a little shaky.

Cherry let out a little laugh, patting my fillyfriend on the back. “If you don’t mind.”

“It’s fine, Cherry. I could use some myself.” Bon Bon turned around to look at me. “How about you, sweetie?”

I laid my head on the sofa, giving Bons a tired smile. “I think I’ll have a nap.” And no, it wasn’t just to avoid Cherry...

Okay, it was the main reason, but I was kind of tired anyway.

Bons nodded at me. “Alright then, dear. Have a nice rest.” I closed my eyes and heard the two walk away. It was a little hard getting to sleep with Cherry’s constant chattering in the background, but I managed.

I have to say, naps are a pretty good thing. Once I woke up again, I felt a little groggy, but on the whole better than I did prior. And Cherry had finally gone away; Icouldn’t hear her.

I stretched my limbs and let out a content sigh. Bons must have heard me wake up because she was in the room a couple of seconds later.

“Sleep well?” she asked, sitting down next to me.

“Yep.” I snuggled up next to her, nuzzling her neck. “Did Cherry leave?”

“Yeah,” she replied in a neutral tone. For a couple of minutes, we sat together in companionable silence. It was pretty nice.

“Lyra,” Bons finally spoke up.

My ears twitched. “Yeah, sweetie?”

She let out a little sigh before answering. “I’m going to have to put my hoof down.”

My heart skipped a beat, and not in a good way. “Concerning...?” I waved a hoof in the air.

“The Iron Will thing was funny and I don’t think I’ll be taking advice from that minotaur anytime soon but... it made me realize something.” She looked down at me, not looking angry at all. In fact, I think she was a little scared. “I’ve been too soft on you, dear.” She paused briefly. “You’re getting a job.” That last sentence sounded particularly final.

I shook my head. “But I don’t need--”

“Yes you do, Lyra!” Bon Bon snapped. I flinched back and so did she, looking a little regretful. I guess she was unsure of how to go about this, yet for a brief second she became terrifying--I didn’t want her mad, I wanted her happy.

Bons sighed, running a hoof through her mane. “Sorry, it’s just that... are you thinking about the future--our future--at all?”

“Of course I am!” I replied, trying to keep my cool. “How can you even think that I’m not?”

“Because your ‘system’ isn’t going to work in the long run.” She gently took hold of my hoof, caressing it gently. “I want to settle down with you and make something for ourselves together.”

I looked from our hooves, back to my fillyfriend. “Like what?”

“Anything! Maybe save up for some expensive vacation, or buy something that we’ve both wanted for so long, or maybe even setting up a shop together.” That last part made me feel a little guilty. Bons worked so hard at her stand, but at the end of the day, she was always in the shadow of Sugarcube corner.

“We can still do that, sweetie. But I don’t need a job to do that, really.” If I sounded a little unsure, it was because I was. Bon Bon had made good points, but I had mine--I still didn’t see a major need for change.

And... I don’t know... I guess I was a little nervous about entering the world of work.

Bon Bon drew back her hooves, throwing her forelegs up in the air and letting out a frustrated groan. “You don’t get it, do you?! To do those things, we need bits and the only way you’re getting them is by finding work!”

My ears flattened and I fell back a little. Bons’ anger was very unsettling--she’s normally so calm. “But--”

“No ‘buts’ anymore! You need to wake up and face facts! You’re too old to still have your parents provide for you--they’re not going to support you forever!” Bons shouted, effectively silencing me. I didn’t want to speak after that. I looked down at the floor.

Sure, still getting bits from my parents might seem weird, but that’s because most ponies work for themselves. I’m totally fine with that since it’s how most of the world works--but I don’t fit into the grand scheme of things like that. Furthermore, Bons didn’t know if they would keep supplying me or not, but I knew them better than she ever would.

Still... she seemed to get really passionate over this. Maybe she did have a point?

“Bons, I... it’s just that... I...” The words kept dying in my mouth and my mind was a blur. I ran a hoof through my mane, exhaling deeply. I could’ve sworn I was shaking, just a little.

I could hear Bon Bon let out a little sigh. “I’m sorry, dear... it’s just that... do you really want us to be a couple that breaks up over money troubles?”

That sent a shock through my system the likes that I haven’t experienced before in a long time. I quickly looked back at my fillyfriend, shuffling closer. “No! No, I don’t want that! I want us to be happy together!”

Bon Bon was silent for a few seconds, looking into my eyes. I held my breath.

“Then you know what to do.”

Then she left me. No kisses, no hugs... not even a goodbye. I watched her go and with each step she took, the more guilt, dread and fear I felt well up inside me.

She had given me an ultimatum, and I had no choice other than to accept it.

The Pony With the Magic Hands

The Pony with the Magic Hands

I slept alone that night. It was the first time I had ever done that since Bons and I had become a couple, at least, on such tense terms. I didn’t sleep well; I felt too lonely.

I wasn’t surprised that when I woke up, Bon Bon was gone. I knew that she would be working at her stand but... for some reason, I felt like a part of me had been torn away. I didn’t waste any time in getting ready and meeting Colgate at Berry’s house--I needed a drink in me. And no, I wasn’t going to drink my problems away; Berry wouldn’t allow it. It’s just that a little bit of drink in the system helps you to relax.

The three of us were reclining around Berry’s small coffee table in the center of her living room. A single bottle of pinot noir was being shared between us.

“Looks like you have to actually get off your flank and do something,” Berry remarked after I had the told the pair about my dilemma.

I snorted in annoyance. “Yeah, I think I’ve figured that out by now.” I took a swig from my glass, almost drinking every drop of wine.

Berry gave me a warning look. “Slow down, Lyra. That’s your second glass nearly down and it’s only the middle of the day.”

“Stop worrying about it. I said I wasn’t going to drink myself to death today,” I replied, putting the glass on the table. I wasn’t going to touch it for a while now. Nope.

My vintner friend rolled her eyes. “Whatever. That’s what they all say.”

“Then maybe you shouldn’t have gotten out the bottle in the first place?” Colgate interjected.

Berry just leant back and shrugged. “If I didn’t, Lyra would find another source anyway.”

“Can you stop assuming I’m going to become an alcoholic? It’s not the end of the world for me, just a little hiccup.” I nodded at the pair, confirming my statement. As soon as Bons sees that I’m looking for work, she’ll lighten up and everything will be fine.

“Yeah, but it could turn into something more,” Colgate said, a hint of worry in her face.

I felt my hooves reach for the glass. “Maybe...”

“Colgate’s right and you know she is,” Berry said decisively, drinking the rest of the wine in her glass and licking her lips afterwards.

“I don’t know... Bon Bon isn’t petty enough to break up over one thing,” I reasoned She was a pretty reasonable mare, which was why her assertiveness last night was so unsettling.

“Doesn’t matter if it’s just one thing, Lyra. If it’s important to her, then you should go ahead and find a job,” Colgate replied, taking a careful sip of her wine. I suppose she had a point...

A small smirk formed on Berry’s face. “Yeah. Committing adultery is just one thing too, but it’s probably the worst thing you could do in a relationship.”

Colgate ignored Berry’s ‘joke’. “You could easily work as a cleaner at the Dentist’s.”

Bless her. She was trying, but that was the worst idea ever. I’d probably have to wear sunglasses all the time I worked there. “I don’t think so, Colgate. No offense, but I really don’t like that place.”

“Yeah, seriously, how can you even work there?” Berry questioned. “It’s whiter than Rarity’s plot.” Both Colgate and I snickered at that.

The dentist shook her head. “You get used to it. Besides, it was only a suggestion.”

I gave her a little smile. “Thanks for the offer Colgate, but I can’t see myself working there, sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Colgate took a quick sip of her wine. “So that’s one job off the list. Hmm... how about--”

A high pitched voice then came out of nowhere. “Berry’s got the adult drinks again!” exclaimed Berry. Not Punch. Pinch.

The pink filly trotted excitedly into the room, seemingly having come from the stairs in the hallway. She ignored me and Colgate, opting to hug Berry.

“Wait up, Pinchy!” came another adorable voice, followed by another little filly running into the room at a pretty fast speed and joining her older sister. This filly, Piña Colada, was a lighter pink than her other siblings.

So you’ve got three sisters: Berry Punch, Berry Pinch and Piña Colada. The reason for their similar names (at least in the Berrys’ case) was obvious. Hm. Now that I think of it, why does Piña have such a different name? Either she was adopted or it was something else--Berry never discussed it with me at length.

Berry gestured at the bottle and Colgate quickly performed a spell to make it disappear, either by invisibility or teleportation. Berry--forget it, I’m calling her Punchy for now--mouthed her a thanks and attended to her sisters.

“Hey girls. What are ya doing down here?” Punchy asked them, putting a foreleg around the two and hugging them. The bond between these three was very strong, and it would be, given that Pinchy and Piña pretty much saved their older sister from a life of alcoholism. Punchy wasn’t that close to her parents (for reasons she’d never tell me), but she was very attached to her siblings and never drank around them.

“Pinchy can do something with her tongue and it’s really yucky!” Piña pointed a hoof at Pinchy, who sat there grinning.

“Yeah, watch this!” The darker filly then stuck her tongue her and reached it upwards right into her nose. I can’t lie--I was impressed.

“Wow, that’s pretty cool, Pinchy. But watch this.” Punchy put a hoof on her stomach and pressed it lightly. A few seconds later, she let out a powerful burp that could give most stallions a run for their money. The fillies were both giggling, but had different opinions on Punchy’s feat. Colgate and I exchanged amused glances.

Pinchy looked up at her older sister, beaming. “That was so awesome!”

Piña on the other hoof, wasn’t looking up at Punchy, but was snuggling into her. “Ew! Gross! You’re so silly, Punchy!”

“Yeah, I am, but that’s what big sisters are like.” The three shared a warm embrace, Punchy stroking her little sisters’ manes. “But I’m kinda chilling with my friends here, so you think you two can play in the garden for a little while?”

The two fillies nodded and chirped in unison, “Okay, Punchy!” before galloping out of the room. The bottle reappeared a couple of seconds later.

“How long do you have them for?” Colgate asked, refilling her glass only slightly.

“A couple of days. So no drinking nights in that time, sorry.” Colgate and I nodded in response, myself hiding my disappointment. Getting drunk with Berry was always great, even if, being a unicorn, I wasn’t allowed to get utterly smashed. Kind of. Look, it depends on the unicorn, okay?

“Some time after they’re gone, then?” I asked.

Punchy shrugged. “Yeah, sure.” She then pointed a hoof accusingly at me. “But only if you bring Bon Bon.”

“Well, obvious--” The gears in my head clicked. “Hey! I’m not going to become a stupid drunk, okay?!”

I was beginning to regret my decision in coming here. Luckily, Colgate was level-headed as usual. “She’s just worried about you... in her own way.” Berry scoffed at that. “Calm down, Lyra.”

She was right, I did need to calm down. Good thing I had my drink at the ready. I took a big swig, wiping my mouth afterwards. “Yeah, sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Berry said. Then she took my glass from me, much to my annoyance.“But that’s all you’re having today.”

“Berry!” I protested. Honestly, I could’ve handled one or maybe even two more.

“Lyra, she is right, you know,” Colgate said calmly. “If you want to get drunk, the middle of the day is not the time to do it.”

I crossed my forelegs over my chest, pouting. “Fine. But that doesn’t mean I was planning to get drunk now!”

“Moving on... you should do something to do with music. You’re brilliant at it,” Colgate offered. I gestured for her to continue, a little unsure. “You could teach kids how to play the lyre.”

I weighed my options. Or, rather, option. It’s not like I had any other ideas myself. For the time being, that is. “That idea does have potential. How would I start?”

“You’ve got the lyre part down,” Berry stated.

I snorted, then gave her a fake grin, tilting my head a little. “You don’t say?” Berry just laughed.

“Why not do a talk at the school?” Colgate suggested. Punchy gave a grunt of approval, pouring herself another drink.

I grinned at the blue unicorn. “You’re making up for that terrible dentist idea, Colly. So, I’ll just ask Cheerilee then?”

“Nah, don’t do a talk there,” Berry groaned. “A tiny building packed full of excitable, young kids? You’ll go mad.”

“Aren’t your sisters excitable, young kids?” I questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“They’re my sisters. There’s a difference,” Berry told me firmly, sipping some of her wine afterwards.

Not really, Berry. Granted, I was an only child, so maybe her argument had some weight to it. “Right...” I turned to Colgate. “So, where were you suggesting? I’m not going to Canterlot.”

“The high school, you dumb flank,” Colgate replied, bonking me lightly on the head.

“Oh yeah... Ponyville has one of those.” I’ve never really had to go there before or talk about it, so why the hay would I know it exists?

“Yep. She’s drunk too much.” Was Berry intentionally trying to annoy me? She was really good at it.

“The hay is your problem?!” I may have slammed a hoof on the table in my annoyance.

“Whoa, calm down, Minty. I’m only teasing.” Berry offered me a small smile. “So you’re going to do this talk? That’s cool. Maybe you could become a private tutor.”

“Private tutor, eh?” I stroked my chin, thinking it over. It did seem like a pretty good job to have. I mean, you pretty much set your own hours, right? And you work for yourself! “Girls, I think you may have just given me a career path.” I reached for my glass... but Berry had taken it already. “Right, so, how do I start?”

“Send a letter to the headmaster or somepony else, then work from there. It really shouldn’t take long,” Colgate answered.

I shrugged. “Doesn’t sound too hard.”

“Yeah, but you have to make sure your talk is actually good. What were you thinking of presenting?” Berry raised a good point. Music is a broad subject and I needed to narrow down what I would talk about.

Hm... maybe my college days weren’t a complete waste after all. Not that they were to begin with, of course, but... you know.

“Music history! There we go. I’ll decide on the era later.” So that was that sorted. I have to admit, it felt kind of good knowing that I had something to work towards now. Still, I knew that it might not turn out quite like I suspected.

Colgate gave me a proud smile. “Well, now you’ve got something to tell Bon Bon.”

“Mhm-hm! I’ll tell her after work! She’ll come home after a long, tiring day and I’ll be like: ‘Hey, Bons, guess what I’m doing?’ And then I’ll tell her, she’ll be thrilled and then we might bang to celebrate!” The awkward cough from Colgate and Berry’s snickering told me that I might have gone a little too far with that. “Sorry, heh,” I apologised, smiling sheepishly.

Berry shrugged lazily. “I’d say you’ve drunk too much, but you tend to be that tactless anyway.” I flared my nostrils, but I kept quiet. Berry was a great friend, but sometimes her snarkiness was too much. “Before you ask--no, we’re not having another round to celebrate.”

Oh come on! “Shut up, you,” I told her, somewhat halfway between actually joking and being serious.

“Love you too, Lyra.” She blew me a cheeky kiss, winking at me. Sometimes, you couldn’t win with Berry. For me, that was most of the time.

I simply rolled my eyes. “Whatever.” With a sudden burst of energy, I slammed my forehooves on the table and stood up. Colgate jumped and Berry tried not to, but she definitely did, I swear it. “Right! Time to get a move on! C’mon, Colgate.” Colgate could be trusted to help me with this; she was always reliable and a much better worker than myself.

Berry raised a hoof, looking at me skeptically. “Hold on a second. Why should she help you with your problem?”

“Because she’s my friend?” Good friends do help each other with their problems. That’s why they’re good.

Berry gestured to Colgate with a frown. For her part, Colgate just sat there, looking a little awkward. “You haven’t even asked her.”

She had a point there. My ears flattened as guilt seeped into me. I slumped back down and looked at Colgate apologetically. “Sorry... I just got a little carried away.” I mean, there it was: a solution to my current dilemma. Of course I wanted it done with as soon as possible!

Colgate held my hoof, smiling. “No need to apologize, Lyra. You’re new at this and I--we,” She glanced over at Berry, “wouldn’t be very good friends if we didn’t help you along.”

I smiled at the two of them. They were both right, really. I could get along, with some help, but for now, it was time to just relax with two good friends of mine.

“One more round?” I asked, giving Berry a pleading look.

She frowned, looking slightly disappointed of me. “Lyra...”

I laughed awkwardly and hastily added, “Of orange juice? Please?”

Once I had narrowed down what I would even talk about at the school, and sent a letter there, Colgate and I ventured to the library and got a stack of books, as well as some spare ink, quills and parchment. Now came the taxing part.

We were both at my house, sitting on my bed. I was lying on my back, forehooves propping my head up and one of my hindlegs hanging over the other. Above me was a book, floating above me in a magical aura. To my side were other books and papers, all messily strewn about.

Colgate was the polar opposite. She was on her front, forehooves resting on a book in front of her, and research materials stacked neatly beside her. She really had a knack for detail, which was just as well, seeing as she is a dentist and all.

“This is all coming back to me now,” I muttered, turning a page.

Colgate made a curious noise. “It is?”

“Yeah. I covered all this at college. Completed most of it before I dropped out...” I thought I was pretty qualified to do this. I was only talking at a high school and all the stuff they do is dumbed down a bit anyway.

“Uh-huh,” Colgate replied. I took my eyes off the book and glanced at her. She was looking at her book, but her eyes weren’t focused on the words. I know that look. It’s a thinking one.

If this research was beyond her scope, then I wasn’t going to let her fry her own brain for nothing. “Is this too complicated for you?”

“No... not that.” Colgate kept a hoof on her book and looked to me. “Why did you drop out?”

My book fluttered in the air a little and, as if almost instinctively, I curled up a little. “It was one of those crazy, thoughtless decisions you make when you’re young.” I never gave anypony a straight answer to that question. But did it even matter? What’s done is done.

Colgate wiggled her lips a little. “Why didn’t you go back?”

“You don’t just go back after having a fresh start, Colgate. What’s the point?” Seriously, if anypony did that, then they would have wasted two chances instead of just one.

“Well... nevermind.” Colgate went back to reading.

I didn’t though. Something was nagging me. “Colgate? Why are you even helping me?”

She looked at me, confused and a little offended. “Because I want to?”

I shrugged. That was all well and good, but... “You’re not gaining anything from this, though. Don’t you find this boring?”

It was Colgate’s turn to shrug now. “Not really. It’s kind of interesting to be honest. And besides, wouldn’t you rather have company?”

That was some logic that I couldn’t argue with. “Yeah... thanks, Colgate.” I offered her a smile, a gesture which she returned. “So, how’s Caramel?”

“He’s... good, I guess.” She rubbed her foreleg. “I haven’t seen him much lately. Haven’t asked him the question either.”

I rolled over on the bed, getting a bit closer to her. “I think you should spend more time with him. As friends, of course. You need to know whether this is actual love, or just some silly filly crush.” There is a difference, and trust me, you need to know it. Crushes can turn into true love, yes, but more often than not they fall to pieces.

Love’s thorns are something you don’t want to get pricked by.

“Makes sense, I guess.” Colgate sighed, looking up. “Sometimes I just wonder...”

“Wonder what?”

She stuttered a few times before coming out with something coherent. “It’s just--there is somepony out there for me, right? I’m not... ugly or anything bad, am I?”

“You? Bad?” I put a foreleg around her, laughing quietly. “With your clean teeth and fresh breath, you’re probably the best kisser in all of Ponyville!”

She smiled slightly, but it quickly disappeared. “You never hear of dentists getting the pony of their dreams in stories, do you?”

I snorted, frowning slightly. “Hold up. A: Most love stories are complete rubbish.” Fifty Shades of Neigh? Give me a break. “B: I’ll be honest with you: you’ll never get the pony of your dreams.” Colgate let out a gasp, looking at me with a genuinely hurt expression. I ran a hoof through her mane slowly. “Not because you’re terrible, no, you’re wonderful, but you’ll have your expectations set far too high. They won’t meet reality. Ever. But you know what? That’s okay, since that means when you do fall for somepony, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

That nice, gentle smile returned to Colgate’s face. “So... it’s just a matter of waiting?”

“Kind of. You’re a great pony and all, but you have to put in the effort. Ponies won’t come to you, you’ll have to go to them. Socialise and stuff like that. Which is why you should spend some time with Caramel more and see what happens, okay?” To be honest, I wasn’t thinking about what I was saying. It’s... almost like instinct, I guess...? My cutie mark should have been a heart, but I suppose that’s already been taken.

Colgate nodded. “Thanks, Lyra.” She smirked playfully. “You might be lazy, but if ‘love doctor’ was an actual profession, you’d have your own office.”

I nudged her shoulder. “Yeah, and the reason dentists aren’t in love stories is because pulling out somepony’s teeth isn’t most ponies’ idea of a good time.”

“Don’t make me strap you to a chair and put tools down your... mouth...” Much blushing occurred on her part. If it wasn’t obvious already, Colgate was still a virgin.

“Only two ponies have permission to do anything remotely like that: Bons and Kicky,” I retorted, grinning mischievously.

She raised an eyebrow. “Kicky?”

“Cloud Kicker,” I elaborated.

“Oh, yeah... you two got the whole... thing going on,” she mumbled, fiddling with her hooves. “I don’t really get that, to be honest. You’ve never explained it to me.”

“Well, it’s simple: Kicky and I are good friends, more than that in my opinion, and we bang because that’s how we show our love for each other. Get it?” I explained with a smile. I didn’t blame her for thinking it was weird, since I thought it was too, at first.

Colgate scratched her head. “I guess... but it still seems really odd. When my parents had the whole sex talk with me, they said only romantic couples did it.”

“I thought that as a filly too, but Kicky helped me open up a little more.” I snickered and lightly nudged Colgate’s side. “She could help you too, if you wanted.”

Judging from the redness in her cheeks, I could tell I had successfully flustered my friend. “No! We barely know each other and I wouldn’t feel right with it!”

I really didn’t expect quite a defensive response from her. “Banging isn’t bad, y’know. It’s one of the best things ever!”

“That may be, but with somepony I don’t know well? No thanks,” Colgate asserted, waving her hoof at me dismissively. I could see her point; banging was a trust thing, essentially. Unless you just had a quickie for the pleasure of it.

I grinned and leant closer to her, so she could smell my minty breath. “How about me, then?” I joked. I wasn’t planning to bang Colgate anytime soon and she knew it. Not that she was bad, far from it, but I already had two ponies I could bang while being in a relationship. Adding one more could have made things complicated.

Colgate snorted, then her horn glowed. I suddenly found myself levitating in the air, then being dropped right in front of my books. Papers flew everywhere as I landed, while Colgate giggled like a schoolfilly.

As I gathered up the books and papers, Colgate managed to calm herself down to say something. “Okay, back to research, you.” In all fairness... okay, I guess she was right. I wanted to make sure that I did this talk right and to do that I needed the research.

I shot her a playful smirk. “Yes, Doctor Colgate.” I then opened up a book and began to read once more. Both of us fell silent again. Then the boredom settled in.

Good Goddess, this was going to be a long night... but I knew it was going to be worth it.

So there I was, in the school, wearing a saddlebag full of my things. Colgate and I had researched all the... research that I needed over the past few days and with her help, I managed to fall asleep only three times! Now, I was prepared, I was ready.

And I was lost.

I was standing in the middle of a hallway, students weaving past me, as I peered at the school map I levitated in front of me. It had a mind bogglingly confusing design.

“Geeze... seriously? How the hay am I meant to find the classroom? How do any of the students find anything?!” I let out a frustrated groan. Honestly, life is too cruel sometimes--there I was, raring to go, and what happens? I can’t find where I’m supposed to go.

One of the students trotted by, a unicorn, her saddlebags weighted down by books. “You a new professor or something?” I was so focused on trying to figure out the map, that I failed to notice her coming.

“Oh! Nono! Just a visitor doing a talk... but I can't find the classroom... eugh.” I shook the map in a vain attempt to somehow make it clearer.

The student took one look at my map and simply turned it ninety degrees to the left. Suddenly, everything was clear. I blinked in amazement, color rushing to my cheeks. “Oh... yeah, that'd make a lot of sense...” I said with a laugh. It was very awkward.

The unicorn snorted. “We live in a society that's half-pictographic in nature. Happens to Mom all the time.”

“Heh heh... yeah ... “ I glanced at my helper, then back the map. “Wait a second. “ I took a double take at the teenager. “You're Derpy's kid, aren't you?”

“One of 'em, yeah. I'm Sparkler.” She took a quick look at the clock, probably to make sure she had time to kill.

Out of all the students in this school, I was lucky enough to bump into the one who I knew. Kind of. I gave her a bright smile. “I’m Lyra! Anyway... “ I looked back at the map and finally found where the hay I was meant to go. “That's the classroom I got to get to,” I stated, pointing at a small classroom a short distance from our current position. At least, I thought it was.

This time, it was Sparkler’s turn to double take at me. “You're the guest speaker?” She sighed in relief, then looked up, tallking to herself. “Thank Luna, I thought it was that crazy minotaur...”

I let out an annoyed huff. “ Iron Will? Yeah, what a jerk. With his creepy goat minions... “ I began mumbling to myself, and a few words may have slipped out that Sparkler didn’t need to hear. Thankfully, she didn’t seem to notice.

I cleared my throat and stopped before I had an outburst. “Enough about that though.” I snorted, replacing my annoyed expression with something warmer. “We better get going then...uh...you can lead the way if you want, heh heh...”

“Yeeeeeah... c'mon, we've got another few minutes. This place isn't big, but it's still pretty crazy on Monday.” True to her word, a fellow student accidentally bumped into her, receiving a bit of a glare from Sparkler.

I gave her a grateful smile. “Thanks for this, heh.” Sparkler nodded at me and began to lead the way, myself following close behind. “So, uh, is this a good school?”

Sparkler shrugged, then sidestepped out of the way of another pony. “I don't really have a lot to compare it to, but I like it.”

I quickly got out of the way of the incoming student that Sparkler had just bypassed. “Well, as long as you enjoy going--makes school life tolerable.” I laughed quietly.

“It's a balancing act. Homework, but cool professors, and stuff like that. Couple of jerks, but …” Sparkler trailed off, watching a dark green earth pony colt with a toolbox cutie mark, trotting along ahead of us.

“But a couple of good guys too, eh?” I asked with a sly grin. I knew that look she had.

When I called her out on her ‘inspection’, her cheeks went a definite shade of red. “Totally, yeah.”

She followed the colt into a classroom and at first, I thought she was just trying to spark up a quick conversation with him. But she didn’t leave my side, nor did any other students entering look at her funny. My grin vanished.

I let out a deep sigh. “Well... this is it, I guess...”

“It's not so bad. Silver Platter's out sick, so you get to skip the worst of the bunch.” I looked over at some of her classmates. They seemed like an alright bunch, I guess...

I was slightly relieved, but still a little nervous. “Ah, good...here goes nothing then. Thanks again!” I looked to the front desk and my stomach turned.

There was no teacher.

Was I meant to do this on my own? Was I just a scapegoat so that the teacher could trot along to the spa? Whatever the case, I had a classroom of twenty something teenagers, all staring at me. Judging me. That’s what teenagers are best at: judging.

I turned away from them, getting my stuff together. And my nerves. The more I thought about it, the more this seemed like a performance. My first formal performance in years...

Oh sweet Celestia, why was I doing this?!

I considered my options. I could dismiss the class, or tell them to goof off for an hour... or I could run away.

I nearly slapped myself in the face for thinking that. No. No running away from my problems. Not this time.

But why was I so ill-equipped to deal with them?

I ran a hoof through my mane, collecting my composure. I turned around and--oh Goddess, was I really doing this?! “Hello... class!”

I got a few mumbles out of them. Well, they certainly had their breakfast, didn’t they? I snorted and took a course of action to wake them up.

Wham!

That was the sound of my hoof hitting the front desk. I regretted it immediately, wincing holding my now red hoof. Seriously, that table was tough.

“That’s mahogany for you,” said one of the students. “Mahogany.” I’m not sure what unsettled me more: the fact that all the students were staring me as I clutched my hoof, or the fact that that student seemed to take a weird pleasure in saying mahogany.

I had to say something. Anything--no! Not anything! “Um... yes... I am Lyra Heartstrings and today, I shall be talking to you about music during the time of the Lunar Rebellion.”

The reaction to that was mixed. Some students sat looking eager, their backs straight, while others slumped onto their desks. Sparkler was somewhere in between.

“So, let’s start with some context! Have you learnt about the Lunar Rebellion yet?” I got a few lazy shrugs and murmurs as an answer. Thanks for the enthusiasm, guys. “Well, Equestria was united, but not to the extent that it is today. There were still a lot of tensions between the three ‘tribes’,” I used that word lightly; they were hardly primitive, “and their different cultures hadn’t really meshed yet. Which meant that the tribes each had distinct differences in their expression of music.”

I froze, hearing some really loud chewing at the front of the class. Some young mare at the front of the class was chewing gum. You could tell--what else makes your jaw move like your grinding rock with your teeth?

I moved towards her. She kinda looked a little zoned out. “Er, are you allowed to chew gum in class?” I knew I wasn’t. When I chewed gum in class, I always got caught. Not because of the chewing, no, because I stuck it on other ponies.

I was a little prankster back then, sue me. I still am now.

The student looked up at me and shrugged. “Nah.”

“I don’t think you should be doing it then...” This was awkward. Was I allowed to discipline this lot?

Snorting, the mare spat out her gum and stuck it on the underside of the table. I grimaced and backed off. I used to put that stuff on other ponies? What the hay was wrong with me?

“Anyway... music back then was commonly used as a... sort of like a propaganda device. This was done through patronage, which was ponies paying musicians to write music about them, and then perform it. All three ‘tribes’ did this, but all did it differently,” I explained, trying hard not to stumble over my words.

“First: the pegasi. They were quite a militaristic society, and although a lot has changed, some elements of their ways are still around today. For example, the Guard in Canterlot.” I actually knew this from experience. Cloud Kicker had taken me around West Hoof and her clan hold a few times while I was in college. “Most pegasi would get musicians to write songs glorifying their clan, or their personal achievements on the battlefield. War songs, basically.”

“The odd thing was that pegasi lived in a society without any form of money at the time. So in return for their services, musicians were freed from any obligations of the state, essentially allowing them to pursue a full time career in music.” To be honest, that did sound awesome to me. No money to worry about, but all your time for music? Count me in. “ A lot of musicians stuck with their patrons in this manner, and often became associated with the patron’s clan.”

“As for unicorns... well, their kind of patronage still happens today, at least in Canterlot. It was mostly a noble thing--if you had your own music, it was another step on the path to power. Their music was very different from the pegasi’s. While pegasi loved strong, loud instruments such as trumpets or drums, unicorns preferred instruments that were more refined and quieter, such as violins, cellos, or lyres.”

“Wait,” said one student, raising his foreleg, “what’s a lyre?”

I smiled, glad for this opportunity to arise. I glanced back at the front desk, my lyre resting on it alongside other stuff, and levitated it for all the class to see. I got ‘oooo’s and ‘aaaaaah’s, which was pretty encouraging.

“This is a lyre. An instrument that can be beautiful and invigorating at the same time. Depends on how you play it.” I shrugged, putting my lyre back down. “Perhaps I may play it later for you lot.”

“Regardless, earth ponies used patronage too. Mostly, if they could afford it, to advertise their goods or services. Some even used it in political campaigns to become Chancellor.” I snorted with laughter. “Like they ever had a chance.”

Yeah... nopony got what I was laughing at. Damn it.

“Um... ‘cause Celestia always won,” I explained. Awkwardly. I got a few nods from the class, but most of them just stared at me like I was a freak.

“Earth ponies generally weren’t as picky as others when it came to preference in instruments, by the way.” Why, oh why did I say those last three words. This was an educational talk, not a meet up with some mates. “They were also fans of songs. Most of the earth pony population back then weren’t very literate, so stories were told through songs and music. Which leads me onto my next point.”

I levitated a scroll and unfolded it in front of the class, showing a map of Equestria at the time. Most of the towns were a lot smaller than they were today, although some places, particularly Canterlot, were still huge.

“Bards were very common at the time. These were ponies who would travel from town to town, playing music in the hopes of earning some bits. They were essentially free ponies, bound by only the laws of the land.” I grinned, scuffing a hoof over my chest. “I consider myself a bit of a bard, even if I don’t travel. I just play around town.”

I saw a pink young mare raise her hoof. “Yes?” I asked, giving her permission to speak. She seemed to be quite attentive at the time, and at least she was polite--

“Are you homeless, then?”

I resisted the urge to facehoof. “No. I am not homeless,” I answered bluntly, before trying to lighten up a little. “And while most bards were, they were hardly lazy, and knew the lay of the land well enough to gather food for themselves. So, if you wanted a travelling companion, there’s no better pony out there than a bard.”

I went and got one of my books that I had taken with me and flipped through it. “Accounts about or from bards are rare, considering the fact that most were homeless. However, I managed to find some sources.” I stopped at a page, clearing my throat. “Right, here we go: ‘I always looked forward to bards coming to town. Of course, we never knew when that might happen, so it was always a pleasant surprise. The town certainly felt more cheery when one was around.’”

A blue colt with glasses raised a hoof. “How do we know that source is reliable?”

Really. Feathering seriously? Okay, there’s not paying attention in class and then there’s trying too hard. Deep breaths, Lyra. “It’s a diary entry from a simple villager--it won’t be intended to persuade anypony. Of course, some ponies weren’t so appreciative of bards...”

I flipped through the pages, finding the right source. “Here’s one from a blacksmith: ‘That infuriating bard came into town again. So, of course, the effort my apprentices put into their work has decreased dramatically. All they wish to do is to listen to that stallion’s music while getting drunk.’ So, as you can tell, bards could really shake up a town.” I smiled sweetly. “Such is the power of music.”

I put the book back on the desk. “My ancestors were bards, actually. The Heartstrings began as them, but they rose to prominence in the musical world after the Lunar Rebellion. It’s why we’re nobles now.”

A stallion decked in black sunglasses rose his hoof. I nodded at him and he spoke. “So, like, why was music so boring back then?”

What.

My eye twitched very slightly, but I laughed it off. “Ohohoho, it wasn’t boring at all!”

“But it is and, like, some still is today, dude.” Question: do I look like a dude? I mean, seriously? I know I cut my mane shorter after college, but come on! “That Octavia mare puts me to sleep.”

Oh no he didn’t. You do not deserve the right to insult Octavia like that! “Well, I rather enjoy her music--”

One of the mares turned around to talk to that ‘dude’. “Oh my Goddess, did you listen to DJ PON3’s new album? It is so wubbin’!”

The young stallion replied to her and before I knew it, the whole class was yammering on about something or other. I wasn’t going to bother shouting or anything, since I had already committed the most offensive crime a performer could ever do: I had bored my audience.

I know they were still kids, but... it really hurt. They obviously didn’t respect me enough or enjoyed my talk. All that hard work...

As I looked over the class, dismayed and defeated, I caught a glance of Sparkler. She was looking at me, and despite her friend nearby trying to get her attention, she gave me a smile and rolled her eyes, gesturing to everypony else.

I nodded at her, smiling thankfully. At least she seemed to be invested, but even if she wasn’t, she was at least being polite. That meant a lot, really. I wasn’t going to carry on though, so I gestured at her friend. She got the message and entered a typical teenger conversation.

Myself, on the other hoof, just leant against the desk and started reading one of my books. I glanced up at the clock. At least I had cut into the lesson considerably--only twenty minutes left until the end.

I could hardly call this a success, though. A good performer has their audience’s attention from start to finish. I had to face facts: I wasn’t good with teenagers.

After awhile of me burying myself in my books, trying to distract myself from my failure, the bell suddenly rang, making me jump, and the students shuffled out of the class like I wasn’t even there. I groaned and brought my face to the front desk. “I'm not doing that again... Nope. No. Never,” I told myself, sighing.

“That was .... nice,” said Sparkler, coming up next to me. So she didn’t like it too. Great.

“A nice piece of grade A bucking up...” I replied, rolling my eyes.

“Nothing caught fire. You're fine.” I didn’t have anything that could make flames anyway... so that statement was just random.

I blinked at her, a little confused. “Wait, what? How could anything catch fire?”

Sparkler raised an eyebrow at me. “I did explain who my Mom is, right?”

Damn it. Silly me. I bonked my own head with a hoof. “Yes, yes. Derpy's your mom, right.” How could I forget that? “My mind is all flustered now, eugh. I could use some food or something...”

“Heh.” She looked to her saddlebags, rummaged through them, and got out a fresh muffin, holding it in her hoof. “I always have a few spares on hoof. It's one of the few foods she gets right. They're almost like bits around here.”

I stared at the muffin and did the only logical thing. I grabbed that muffin-y goodness and snapped it right up. “Mmm... mmm,” I mumbled while chewing. It was heavenly--been too long since I had Derpy’s muffins. “Okay... Okay I'm good now,” I said after swallowing. Much like Derpy herself, they really brightened up your day. “I think. Thanks... for what, the third time?”

Sparkler snorted, grinning. “No prob, I--”

Something whooshed past her in the air and slammed into my mane, hitting my head. “What the hay?!” I looked around, trying to find the source, but I came up with nothing. I deflated a little, letting out a defeated sigh. “Just when I thought my day was getting better... I hate school.”

Sparkler was giving the doorway a piercing glare, looking at a few students who were giggling and making their escape. “Aaand you've met Velvet Cushion. The local stuck up, twice-feathered, brown-nosing nag.”

Aah. One of those girls, huh? “Every school... every school always has its sons of mules. Eugh... mind getting this out?” I pointed at my mane. I didn’t need to say what was in it--the warm spit trailing down my head was enough. “ I can't see it.”

Sparkler’s horn glowed, and after a little painful tussle, the spitball was out. “Thanks,” I said, with a small smile. Somehow, this scenario got a little chuckle out of me. “Again. I owe you, definitely.”

“Careful, I might start keeping count.” Oo, she’s witty for her age. That’s a very good quality.

“At this rate you'll get to at least twenty,” I retorted, smirking.

That made her laugh, shaking her head. Unfortunately, she began to wander to the door. “I gotta get to my next class. See you around?”

“Sure! I got...” Uh... what did I have to do after this? “...nothing to do. I'm sure I'll find something, though.” Sparkler nodded and gave me a hoof bump on the shoulder, before going on. That was nice. Great, actually--we were on good terms.

I grinned happily, watching her leave. “See you,” I called out, then started to pack my things up.

Now, what could I do? I felt like getting revenge on that little spitball brat... but my conscious told me that pranking a teenager in their own school wasn’t a smart idea... I guess all I could do was tells Bons what had happened.

I smacked a hoof on the front desk (not as hard as last time) and let out a frustrated groan. This was meant to be a nice surprise for her, but now it was just a bitter failure and disappointment. Worse still, I had no back up plans. I had to go back to the drawing board, but my chalk was crumbling apart.

I grabbed my things and left the classroom, shuffling between students hurrying to their classes. I felt inferior around them. I was like them once: young, hopeful and fairly hard working. I had dreams that I was going to pursue. But I got careless, I made too many mistakes, and soon my dreams fell apart at the seams before me. Then I wound up here.

I wouldn’t leave Bon Bon for the world. The mere thought alone disgusted me.

But... she might leave me if I don’t succeed at this...

I slipped through the double doors of the school’s entrance and wandered back through Ponyville. I was thankful for the quiet, but now I had to face the music.

I stumbled through the front door of Bons’ house, feeling kind of tired. It was only afternoon, but for whatever reason, those kids had drained me of all my strength. Geeze, thank Goddess I didn’t go to the younger fillies’ school.

Was Bon Bon home? I didn’t know, but I was too tired to call out for her. Couch. I needed the couch. I shuffled over and collapsed upon it. That’s better--sweet comfort.

I probably would have fallen asleep right there and then were it not for the sound of shuffling hooves. I turned my head to see Bon Bon standing in the entryway to the living room, a mug of coffee in her hoof.

“You look exhausted, sweetie,” she said, tilting her head slightly. I could smell that coffee from here... mmm...

“I am,” I replied simply, resting my head on a cushion.

Bons came over and started stroking my mane gently. I couldn’t help but smile at the contact. She was pretty strong, being an earth pony, but she could be really delicate when she wanted to be. “Want some coffee?”

“Please.” I grabbed her forehoof and started nuzzling it. I wanted to sleep in all honesty, but I had to tell her what happened. Couples don’t keep secrets.

“I can’t make it if you’re here nuzzling me, dear,” Bons said, with one of her delightful little giggles. Music to my ears.

“True, true,” I agreed and let her go. “Just don’t take long, yeah?”

Bon Bon leant down to peck me on the lips. Mm. I definitely needed that because I immediately felt a little more refreshed. “I won’t.”

She went to the kitchen and within minutes, a cup of fresh coffee was levitating beside me and I was nestled up next to the most beautiful mare in the world. We sat there in companionable silence, just drinking our beverages, yet despite the plainness, I couldn’t imagine anywhere else in the world where I would rather have been right then.

Love is funny like that. It makes you cherish and hold simple moments like these close to your heart. Maybe that was because we were both doing what we set out to do when we first became a couple--living together.

Bons nuzzled my neck and broke the silence. “So, what happened today?”

Aah, hay. Here we go. Time to ruin the moment. I fiddled with my hooves, trying to come up with the best answer I could. “I did a little talk at the high school, about music and stuff... y’know, as I way to start my career.”

I got the response I expected, which made what I had to say next even worse. Bon Bon hugged me in a vice, planting big kisses on my face. “That’s fantastic! How did it go?!”

I closed my eyes. Just say it, Lyra. Speak the damn truth. “Horribly. The kids lost interest halfway through so I... I...” I swallowed harshly, before saying the real truth. “I gave up again, okay?”

In our current position, I couldn’t see Bon Bon’s face, and that really unsettled me since there was a silence after I had spoken my piece. I bit my lip, trying to keep under control. I could have apologised, repeatedly, but I didn’t think that would have looked right.

One thing did slip out, though. “I failed you.”

Suddenly, I felt Bons grab my face and turn me around so that our eyes met. She wasn’t angry at all, in fact, she was smiling! “You really think going out there, by yourself, and trying something that you’ve never done before is a failure? That’s a massive success, in my book.”

My ears twitched, as if they couldn’t believe what they hearing. I know I couldn’t. “What? No, no you don’t get it. I tried, yeah, but it didn’t work out!”

Then Bon Bon lunged forward and her lips touched mine. She wrapped her hooves around me as she passionately kissed me. I was only too happy to reply. I didn’t know why, but she wasn’t mad at me, and that’s all I cared about. We stayed together like that for a while, our eyes closed and bodies close to each other.

Then, after awhile, she broke off and grinned at me. “All that happened is that you found out you weren’t good at something. There’s still plenty of areas of work to try out.” She put her forehooves on my cheeks, bringing me close. “I’m not disappointed in you, Lyra. I’m proud of you. So proud that you’d go out of your comfort zone...” Her eyes then started watering. Was she really this happy at my apparent failure? Whatever the case, I didn’t feel tired and downcast anymore. I had brought my love to tears of joy and that filled me up with joy. “Just to make me happy.”

Then the tears fell down her face. I kissed her cheeks, wiping away the tears. “I love you, Bon Bon.” I might have been a unicorn, but Bons was the magical one here.

“And I love you too, Lyra.” Then we shared another fiery, loving kiss. We both knew where this was leading up to, so we broke off and got off the coach, going upstairs together.

Even with protection, that was one of the best nights of loving I ever had.

My reward for braving the school was Cloud Kicker herself, only the next day. Apparently, she had run into Bons during the day and had set up one of our ‘get-togethers’ for the evening. When I heard, I couldn’t wait.

Bons and I sat on the couch, cuddling each other. Thanks to my efforts yesterday, Bon Bon had completely warmed up to me. I felt safe and secure once again as she covered me in kisses.

Then I heard a knocking at the door and was rushing towards in less than ten seconds flat. “Coming!” I yelled, grinning as I reached the door and swung it open, Cloud Kicker standing right in front of me. “Hi, Cloud Kicker! All set for some fun?” I snickered, eagerly anticipating the fun we’d all share.

Our guest banger held up a baguette, looking from it to me. “Oh right, I'm banging you two tonight, not Raindrops.” She frowned at the food. “Well, I guess we can use this as a post-banging snack.”

I blinked, staring at the baguette. “What the hay do you use a baguette for...?”

“It's long and thin. Think about it, Harpflank.” She had me there. She trotted in, meeting with Bons, who had just joined me. “Hey, Bon Bon. How's life?”

“Hey, Cloud Kicker. Pretty good. How about--”She glanced at the baguette, “not going to ask--yourself?”

“Doing good. Loving the new job,” Cloudy replied.

“I bet you are,” Bons replied, with a sweet smile. “Do you want anything?”

I closed the door, thinking that it wouldn’t hurt to freshen my breath a bit. “I could use a mint myself. Hold on.” I entered the kitchen and opened a cupboard, getting out a box of mints. I mulled it over, thinking that two should have suffice.

I heard Cloud Kicker from the hallway. “You,” she said in a sultry tone, then dropped it, “But for now, some lemonade if you have any.”

“You can have her when I'm done with her!” I shouted, laughing as I popped the mints into my mouth.

I heard a small giggle escape from Bons. “Never a dull moment with you two. Anyway, I'll get right on that lemonade.” She then went into the kitchen, Kicky following her.

She popped her baguette onto the table. “Guess we might as well do something with this bread too.”

I ate one more mint, just because they’re so damn good. “For eating or banging? 'Cause I'm fine with either.”

Bon Bon poured a glass of lemonade for Kicker, sliding it over to her. “I think she meant eating, Lyra.”

Cloudy nodded a thanks at Bons and sipped some lemonade before tearing off a chunk of bread. “Yeah, eating. Bread really doesn't hold up too well to banging.”

“Sounds like Raindrops would say otherwise. Is she into the...'eccentric' side of banging?” I asked, ripping off some of the baguette. Raindrops didn’t strike me at that sort of pony, but I couldn’t say I knew her very well.

“Sorry, I don't kiss and tell,” Cloudy answered, beginning to eat her chunk.

Bon Bon poured herself a glass. “That's good to know,” she said, nodding at Cloud Kicker and taking a sip.

“I guess... doesn't take a genius to figure out what we get up to though.” I cast my magic hands, waving one lazily in the air.

Kicky let out a chuckle. “Well, some ponies have more obvious interests than others.”

I nodded in agreement. “That's true. I like mints, Bons loves her sweets,” I grinned slyly at my fillyfriend, “and her sweetie, Pinkie is all about cupcakes and Derpy loves her muffins. So yeah, some of us are kind of easy to figure out.”

“Yup. Speaking of, how's the candy stand doing, Bon bon?” Cloudy asked, before eating another piece of bread.

“Business as usual, really,” Bons replied with a shrug. “It's not really an eventful job--pretty good for socialising though.”

I began to cut off a slice of bread for myself, looking at Cloud Kicker. “Well, as long as you're making a solid profit,” she said.

“The profit lets us get by. For now,” Bon Bon replied, stealing a quick glance at me.

Cloudy frowned slightly. “Hmm. What about you, Lyra?”

I blinked. She knew my work position. Or, she should’ve done. “What about me?”

Our bang buddy smirked. “Still being a lazy bum,” she teased, playfully nudging me with her wing.

“Hey! I'm not lazy! I'll have you know that the other day, I went to Sparkler's school and did a talk on music.” I nodded at her, stuffing some bread into my mouth.

Bon Bon shook her head. “ It didn't go well... but!” She raised a hoof in my defence. “She did try, and that’s a start.”

I swallowed my mouthful. “You didn't have to provide more material for Kicky here, Bons...” I rolled my eyes. Kicky was great, but sometimes I wasn’t in the mood for her teasing.

Instead of leaping at the chance to joke at me some more, she wrapped a wing around me. “Wanna talk about it?”

“Now? Pfft. Not when we got some fun to get to!” I paused, mulling it over. I guess I could’ve used more ponies to talk to about it. I leant closer to her, whispering, “Later, okay?”

“Sure,” she whispered back, before speaking normally. “Sounds like you've got your priorities straight, Lyra. So, what did you and Bon Bon have in mind?”

“Well, we can start nice and relaxed by preening those wings of yours, if you wanted us to,” Bon Bon offered, sneaking a bit of bread into her mouth.

“Ooooh. Sounds lovely,” Cloud Kicker responded, withdrawing her wing from me.

“In that case, my lovely mares, we shall move to the bedroom!” I took the initiative, beginning to leave the room.

“Sounds like a plan.” She downed the last of her lemonade, then looked at my fillyfriend. “Shall we, Bon Bon?”

Bons quickly put the glasses near the sink, then started to follow me and Cloudy. “Right away, Cloud Kicker.”

We made our way up the stairs and into my and Bons’ bedroom. I stood by the bed, inviting Cloud Kicker onto it. “Make yourself comfy, Kicky.”

She took her usual place in the middle of the bed, making herself comfortable and spreading her wings out, grinning. “So ... you two gonna give me anything to play with while I'm getting preened?”

I saw the chance for a quick tease and I seized it. “Like what? A chew toy?” I snickered at my own joke.

“Oh, I was hoping for a little something sweet,” Kicky retorted, eyeing up my fillyfriend. I didn’t mind--I trusted her.

“Hm. I thought we could still have a nice chat before we -really- get going. How are things with you, anyway?” Bons asked as I began preening.

“Life is good,” she answered, grinning. “Oh, speaking of Lyra's whole music talk at Sparkler's school, I kinda have a thing going with Derpy now.”

I stopped, looking at Cloud Kicker, beaming. “Oh, that's wonderful!” Honestly, I had been waiting for this day for a while.

“Aww, go on,” Bon Bon added, gesturing for Cloudy to keep talking.

“Not much to say, really. We just kinda hooked up and banged on whim, and liked it enough that we decided to stick with it.” Huh. That didn’t sound very romantic, and I knew that Kicky was perfectly capable of romance.

“So you're more friends with benefits...?” I asked, dreading the answer.

Cloudy nodded. “Yeah, pretty much.”

I held back a sigh. “Aah. That works too.” I shrugged and went back to preening in order to hide my disappointment. One day, Kicky, one day...

“What about her kids...? Isn't that a bit awkward?” Trust Bons to ask the important questions.

“A little, yeah. Dinky's too young to know what's going on, but Sparkler...” Cloudy trailed off, frowning a little bit.

“I can talk to her about it, you know,” I offered. After the whole school fiasco, I did want to see her again.

“If you want to, sure,” Kicky replied. To be honest, I would have anyway even if she said no.

“Right then, I'll make sure to track her down.” I looked at Bons, a beautiful idea forming in my head. “Hey Bons, want to go grab the chocolate or shall I?”

Bons grinned suggestively at me. “Well you suggested the idea.” That I did. I guess it was up to me then.

“Now that brings back some memories,” Cloud Kicker said, nipping at my fillyfriend’s flank. Again, I didn’t mind, especially since she let out an adorable squeak in surprise.

Some good memories indeed. It wasn’t a fact I told many ponies but... Cloud Kicker and I had more history than most ponies would suspect. It was true that we banged relatively quickly, though... geeze, that was more than a couple years ago now, wasn’t it?

“Just getting things ready. I won't be long!” I snickered, then rushed downstairs to execute my plan. Straight up banging with those two was all well and good, but I wanted to maximize the fun factor as much as possible. And you know what’s really fun?

Chocolate. Chocolate is fantastic fun.

I looked through the kitchen cupboards and found a bottle of chocolate sauce soon enough. I levitated alongside me and went back to the banging center.

There was a brief pause when I returned. Cloud Kicker licked her lips. “So... what are you up to? Lots of fun things a pony can do with chocolate sauce...”

“Mmmmmm...” I winked at Kicky, then licked the tip of the bottle free from chocolate.

“Oh. I know exactly what she's thinking,” Bon Bon said. From the tone of her voice, I just knew that she looking forward to this.

Cloudy looked between me and Bons. “So... who's getting sauced up?”

I gave her sly grin. “Everyone.”

Bon Bon blinked. “That'll make cleaning up... awkward.”

“It'll be worth it,” I assured her, settling on the bed next to Cloud Kicker.

“Definitely,” Kicky agreed, reaching over to the bottle and stealing it from me. She then squeezed, squirting chocolate all over my chest. She licked her lips. “Yum.” The moment she started cleaning up was the moment I definitely knew that this was a brilliant idea. Good times, here I come!

“Oi. I'm the squirter here!” I teased, stealing the bottle back and squirting sauce all over the other two.

“Stop whining,” Kicky retorted, then licked more chocolate off of me. “Don't worry about the premature squirting. It's a common issue. Though usually more of a stallion thing.”

“Oh shush, you,” I replied. I nodded at Bons, she nodded back, and we both started licking chocolate off the mare in the middle.

“As much as Cloud Kicker probably enjoys this, we all know the real reason why she's here,” Bon Bon said, grinning at me. Yep, it was really no secret that Cloudy really enjoyed my magic touch.

“Hey, don't forget the foreplay, Bonsy.” Cloud Kicker switched off, licking my fillyfriend free of sauce. “Always nice to get in the mood for a bit before jumping into into the main event.”

“Didn't your parents teach you anything about sharing sweets, Kicky?” I shuffled over so I could lick Bon Bon too. She just sat there and took it, enjoying every lick.

“Oh, there's plenty of Bon Bon left, Lyra. I'm only using a bit of her,” Cloudy pointed out, before rubbing her hooves over Bons’ flanks.

Bon Bon giggled delightedly at the contact. “Lyra, you missed a spot on Cloudy.” She leant over and began to lick Cloudy’s neck.

“Oh, is Lyra slacking on us. Well, that won't do.” Cloud Kicker gave me a playful spank on my flank with a wing. An individual feather is nothing, yet a whole wing is... something else.

“Well for that, I'll give you a thumbs up.” I cast my magic hands and pointed a thumb up in the air. Apparently it was a gesture creatures with digits, mainly Minotaurs, used that meant ‘good job’, or something like that.

I ran a finger down Kicky’s back and she shuddered. “Ooohoho. Well if we're going into tit for tat, I think I'll make out with your fillyfriend.” And then she did. Going by her grunts of pleasure, Bons was having a great time.

“Come on, don't make me the third wheel now,” I joked, planting kisses on both of their necks.

Cloud Kicker broke away from Bons. “Perish the thought. Biggest threesome foul out there is turning a threesome into a twosome.” Then she moved a hoof to the base of my tail. I couldn’t help but shudder slightly.

“Really, Cloud Kicker, you spoil us,” Bon Bon said, with a grin.

“And you spoil me right back, Sweets.” Kicky paused for a second. “Y'know, maybe we should do more interesting things with our mouths than using them for talking.”

“Is that our cue, then?” I asked. Here we go...

“Yup.”

And then there was a big bang.

I woke up, feeling very groggy, my ears twitching slightly. I couldn’t tell how far into the morning it was, since the curtains were drawn. Grumbling, I rolled over in bed, only to find myself with Cloud Kicker, who was very much awake.

She grinned at me and kissed the top of my horn. “Good morning, sunshine,” she said, then gave me a smirk. “Though if you don't wake up soon, I might have to change that to 'Good afternoon, Sunshine.'”

I yawned and rubbed my eyes. “Whatever... works for me. We don't have to get up yet...” I could’ve stayed there forever, really; it was cosy.

“Well, I do kinda have to go to work at some point.” Eugh. The dreaded work. I mean, it was good that Kicky was concerned about her job, but I placed a higher priority on our time together.

I cuddled up to Cloud Kicker, yawning again. She was really soft, like a pillow. And for the time being, she was mine. “Screw work... Rainbow Dash won't mind...”

“I've got a while yet, I'm on the late afternoon shift.” She nuzzled my head affectionately and I happily returned the gesture. “So, there’s still a lot of ‘us time’ available.”

“Mmm. Good...” I closed my eyes and let out a content sigh, perfectly fine with lying there by Kicky’s side.

“So…” Kicky began idly running a hoof through my mane. I sighed contently, enjoying the contact. “What do you wanna talk about?”

I gave her a half hearted shrug. “I don't know... what about you?”

“What about me?” Cloud Kicker asked, kissing the base of my neck.

“You seem to have it all under control... you got promoted and your sex life is great--especially now with your thing with Derpy...” I didn’t envy her for it, but in comparison to myself, Cloud Kicker left Canterlot in a better position than I had.

“Not to mention you and Bons, which is kinda what’s on my mind right now.” She nibbled my neck for a bit, licking her lips. “Minty...”

That got a little laugh from me. “I know I am.” I fell silent, thinking. “It's great that you still come around... I mean, it probably sounds shallow, but what with Bons there,” I gestured to my sleeping fillyfriend, “it kind of sucks to use protection all the time... I'd rather be careful though.” There was also the fact that I loved spending time with Kicky, which was something we both knew.

“Yeah, a pregnancy would kinda complicate things. Though really, you two have been together for how long now?” she asked musingly.

I smiled, thinking back over happy memories past. “Over a year now... The last Hearts and Hooves day? Our second.”

Cloud Kicker nodded. “And you've been living together for a while now.”

“Sometimes I go back to my place but... mostly, yeah.” I yawned, burying my face in Kicky’s chest. Moments like this--moments of peaceful snuggling--I always cherished.

Kicky gave me another nip, this time at my ear. “Sounds to me like you two are pretty close to hitched already.”

I returned the gesture, attacking her neck. “Yeah... yeah, I guess we are...” I glanced over to Bons. She looked so calm, lying there.

“Might be something to think on. I mean, I love you both to bits, but you two clearly have something.” Cloud Kicker and I were more than just banging partners, but what we had was nothing in comparison to what Bons and I shared.

“You're such a sweetheart, Kicky.” I gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “And yeah... I know we have something special. And I want to hold onto it forever... I know it's probably cliché but I'll say it anyway because it's true: she completes me.”

“Aww.” She smiled... but it gradually faded. “So ... what's wrong in paradise?”

I sighed quietly, realising that she really wanted to talk. Not just talk, but talk talk. “This is probably going to sound really pathetic but... Bons wants me to finally get a job... I think we're fine but she doesn't...”

“Money trouble?” I shook my head in response.

“Not now... but if we want to settle down then yeah... probably... Bon Bon is just planning ahead...” I traced a little circle on the mattress.

“Yeah. Plus ... look, don't take this the wrong way Lyra, but you're a little old to still have your parents paying the bills.” Great, now Cloud Kicker was getting on my case too?

“But it's a system and it works!” I defended, yet quickly calmed down. I didn’t want wake Bon Bon, after all.

Cloud Kicker sighed. “Lyra, are you really okay with being well into adulthood but still living like a filly?”

What was the issue here? Parents help their children. That’s why they’re parents! “I... I'm sorry but... I don't see the problem.”

“I know you don't It's just ... look, the baby bird has to leave the nest eventually.” Hmph. I wasn’t a baby at all.

“I have though... I'm here, aren't I? It's only bits, Kicky...” If you took the bits factor out of the equation, I was living without support from anypony. I was definitely a normal adult.

“Bits are a pretty big deal. Kinda hard to live without them.” Well of course I knew that. It’s probably lesson number two in life 101. “I just—what do you wanna do with your life, Lyra?”

I nuzzled her, mentally pleading for a return to the cuddling. “I want to spend the rest of my days with Bon Bon... and I want us to be happy.”

There was a little pause before she answered. “Is that it? Nothing else you want out of life?”

I smiled, although it was a tired one. “It's all I need.”

“So ... you got nothing of value in your life except Bon Bon?” I didn’t expect that question--it had far too many implications for my liking.

“Well... no. You're important to me, Kicky.” I kissed her neck a few times, just to prove my point. “And so are my other friends...”

My kisses were returned, Cloud Kicker covering my face in them. “Thanks, sweetie. It's just ... a pony needs something in their lives besides romance. You ever thought about picking the whole music thing back up? More than just playing in the park for a couple bits, I mean.”

“What... you mean, go back to college?” I shook my head. I left there once and I wasn’t going back. “No... no, I can’t do that.”

“Why not?” That made me fall silent.

It was only a nudge from Kicky that prompted me to start speaking again. “I... I-I just... I didn't like it there and...” I let out a shuddered sigh. “I wasn't... motivated enough...”

“Hmm. Maybe you need to get motivated,” Cloud Kicker mused.

“But... that isn't me! I live in the moment! I-I...” I don’t know why... maybe because it was the truth or it was bringing back bad memories, but for some reason, I found myself crying into Kicky’s chest. “I just can't! And I know that's awful but... I'm so useless! I can't do anything other than play my l-lyre and even I botched that chance up...” I wiped my eyes, trying to calm down. “I'm sorry...”

I felt Cloud Kicker tighten her hold over me. “Lyra, sweetheart, you are not useless.” Then she leant me down and gave me a deep kiss on the lips, one which I happily returned.

We kissed for a short while, before breaking off. I sniffled, the tears beginning to stop. “Then why haven't I accomplished anything...?”

“Lyra, sweetie, if you wanna make something of yourself, then go out there and do it.” I had told myself that quite a few times in my life... except there was always one issue...

“I wouldn't know where to start...” I laughed weakly, a curious idea coming to mind. “Maybe I can sprout wings and join your team?”

Kicky smiled back at me. “I wouldn't mind that. But ... Well, you've got your music, right?”

“Yeah but... there's the thing...” I fiddled with my hooves.

“Yes?” My anxiety died down, for one peck on the lips was all that was needed to calm me down again.

“I don't want to become famous because... that'll change everything... and I might lose sight of what's important: the music. This right here? I don't want to change it, Kicky. I really don't...” That’s how the music industry works; either you’re famous and have a very extravagant lifestyle, or you’re pretty much a nopony and need a second job to support yourself. “See? I don't even know what I want with myself...”

“So, what? You're worried that if you really try to make something of your music, you'll mess it up?” Oh, I knew what that was like.

“No no... the opposite. You've heard of Octavia, right? I love her work but... her life isn't one I want to live. I'd probably have to leave all this behind...” I looked right into Kicky’s eyes, giving her a determined glare. “I've started something here... and I'm not leaving it.”

“So, you'd have to leave Ponyville to really pursue your music,” Cloud Kicker said.

“Ponyville isn't big enough to support a career like that... I do play in the streets sometimes... only get a couple of bits for it though.” I enjoyed playing in Ponyville, but only because myself and others enjoyed the music I made.

“So you'd have to go do a couple concerts and tours and stuff.” Hah... if only...

“P-pretty much... that, or move to somewhere like Manehattan and only perform in small clubs...” I looked away, pondering things. “Music might be my passion but... I don't think it's my job. You love banging, but look at you!” I prodded Kicky’s chest. “Promoted and almost calling the shots...”

“So you love music, but it's a hobby.”

“Yep...” I nodded and squeezed her gently.

Kicky ran a hoof through my mane comfortingly. “So then ... what do you want for a job?”

“I don't know! Like I said, I'm pretty much useless... I don't know where to begin... I'd need so much training to get anything good...” I could feel the floodgates opening again, but Kicky was there to stop any of that from happening.

“You are not useless,” she said in that firm, military like tone she rarely uses. She then followed that up with a slightly forceful kiss.

After returning, I pulled back and slowly nodded. “Yes... you're right. Sorry... this is all new to me and it's kind of daunting...”

“Yeah, but you'll figure it out.” She gently took my hoof in her own. “Besides, Bon Bon will be there to help. You just need to let her.”

“Yeah... I have to try at least. Thank you, Kicky.” This is what I needed; a pep talk after I had get knocked down (and knocked up, heh heh). “Even if Bons and I get married, you'll always have your special place here.” Grinning, it was my turn to make the first move and kiss Cloudy.

“Glad to hear it.” Kicky glanced over Bons, thinking. “Say... think she'd mind if we had a quick little...” She looked back at me, waggling her eyebrows. “Think you could use a bit of a pick-me-up.”

“I don't think she would...” I grinned, liking the idea. Bon Bon knew Kicky and I had banged a ton of times before anyway.

“Well then...” She slid a hoof under the covers. “Let's forget about all this job stuff for a bit.” She kept moving her hoof, then hesitated a bit. “Y'know, Lyra, I love you and Bons to bits. Not love love, but still... y'know.”

“Do you love love anyone, Kicky...?” I had asked this question before, but the answer was always the same.

She hesitated before answering this time.“Nah, it's not really my thing.” Normally she was a lot more definite. One thing I knew though, was not to press her on the issue.

At least, not too much. “ I've always believed that there's a special somepony for all of us... you're a wonderful mare, Cloud Kicker. I think you'd make somepony feel very special, you know?”

She fell conspicuously silent and my suspicions were raised. I looked at her with concern, asking softly, “What's wrong?”

“Nothing. Just... old history.” Another answer I had gotten before.

“Oh... I'm sorry, Kicky.” I kissed her forehead, regretting that I couldn’t do more. Sometimes, I really wished she’d open up more and actually let me help her like she had to me. “But that stuff I said about you is still true. Remember that. And if you ever need a talk, or a song, I'm here,” I said, giving her a reassuring smile.

“Thanks.” She resumed sliding her hoof right down to my... yeah. “So... how about we go from sappy talking time to me showing you how important you are to me?”

I giggled in anticipation. “Show me.”

“Gladly... but one thing first.” She smirked at me and I raised an eyebrow in reply. “So far I haven't gotten any reciprocation on the whole love-as-a-friend thing...”

I moved a hoof slowly down her chest. “You really need me to tell you that?” I questioned, with a teasing grin.

She grinned right back at me. “It's nice to hear it, sometimes.”

I cleared my throat before speaking. “Allow me to show you why they call me 'Heartstrings'.” It didn’t take me long to think of what to say. It was the truth, after all. “Cloud Kicker. You are perhaps the most trustworthy friend a pony could ask for. Also the most radiant, like the cutie mark on Celestia's plot itself. I think I am truly blessed to know you as I do today. And although my love for you burns brightly, it is not the same as the flame that burns for Bon Bon.” I laughed lightly--some of that stuff was a bit corny. “Good enough?”

Kicky enjoyed it though, laughing joyfully and beaming right at me. I saw a bit of her younger self, right there. “I guess it'll do. And now... we'll bang,okay?”

“My flank is ready.” I gave her a challenging grin. Bring. It. On. “Let's do it.”

What happened next was easy to guess. And wonderful, all the same.

The Pony Who Never Skips a Beat