//------------------------------// // Sharing All He Has // Story: Oddly in Tune // by Random_User //------------------------------// Chapter 5: Sharing All He Has Flam woke up and, after a wide yawn, slowly sat up. His internal clock still woke him up just before dawn. He addressed his inner workings, “You really don’t have to do that anymore. We don’t have to get the Super Squeezy ready to go now.” He decided to make the best of the morning. He quietly started a pot of coffee and pulled a few things together. After fixing a cup, he made his way back to his office and began to compose a letter. He had just returned his quill to its stand and sealed the envelope, when Lyra walked in. “What are you working on so early,” she asked. Her voice still fuzzy with sleep and her mane and tail suffered from the effects of sleep. He grinned at Lyra’s untidy state. “Just a business letter I’ve been meaning to write. I hope I didn’t wake you.” She shook her head. “You didn’t, the smell of coffee did. Bon-Bon always fixes a pot in the morning. It’s much better than any alarm clock.” She looked towards his bedroom. “That bed of yours is really nice.” “I like it. It’s comfortable and simple.” He finished the last of his coffee, before adding, “It’s also easy to fold up and move. I’m thinking about getting another one.” He looked down into his empty cup. “That didn’t last long. Would you like me to fix you a cup?” “Please, two lumps of sugar and hold the crème.” She stepped out of the room. “You’ll have to excuse me for a moment.” “No problem.” He returned to the kitchen and got the coffee ready. “I can’t believe my mane looks like this, and you didn’t say a word.” Lyra walked into the kitchen, sat down, and put her head on the table. “It looks like Bon-Bon’s in the morning.” “My mane is not exactly tamed either. Don’t worry about it.” He placed her mug of coffee in front of her. “It means we’re good friends, if we don’t say anything to each about looking a little rough in the morning.” She rolled her head to the side and regarded him. “Are we just friends?” He took a moment to choose his words before answering, “We can be whatever you would like.” She snorted at his politeness. “Horse apples; don’t give me that kind of answer.” She sat back up, and fixed him with her stare. “You offered to go out with me till my mother was gone and then we could make a longer term plan, if we wanted. Well, we’re almost there. I want to know what you’re thinking.” Unprepared for Lyra’s sudden interest in his thoughts, Flam froze. “Take another drag of coffee,” she ordered in a firm voice. He did as she instructed. “Alright, let’s try this again. Are we just friends?” Flam could tell that how he answered was pivotal for any future he would have with her. He framed his response as best he could. “I confess I have feelings for you beyond friendship, and I hope that you will consider keeping me as your coltfriend.” Lyra gave him a disbelieving look. “That’s the kind of answer Fluttershy would give. Let me show you what kind of answer I’m looking for.” She quickly drained about half of her coffee in one pull, echoing her feat with the cider. “Any stallion that has the wherewithal to face my mother to help me is rare. You came into town with nothing but troubles and yet within a couple of weeks you got your hooves back under you.” He pointed out, “You, Bon-Bon, and Beat helped.” “Not much.” She mischievously pointed and shook her hoof at him. “Don’t interrupt; I’m trying to set an example here.” He grinned. “Sorry.” “You’re a polite, intelligent, hardworking stallion that I would like to see more of.” She put her hoof back down on the floor. “There, that’s the kind of answer I’m looking for.” He pulled himself up straight, with a smirk. “Alright, then you shall have one.” He looked her in the eye, and told her, “You’ve not judged me, despite seeing me at my worst. You’ve been kind, when you had nothing to gain from it. You’re a strong hearted, talented, independent mare who is not afraid of setting out on her own.” A slight blush came to his cheeks, as he told her, “And you’re quite lovely. I would like, very much, to remain your coltfriend and see just how far our relationship can grow.” “Much better,” she praised. She leaned over and softly bopped his nose. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?” “Not at all.” He glanced over at the clock on the wall. “Should we start heading over to Bon-Bon’s?” Lyra looked at the time and shrugged. “Mother won’t get up for a little while. The sun is just rising. We at least have enough time to pull ourselves together before we head over there.” She had a thought, and headed towards the bathroom. “Do you mind if I borrow your brush?” “Be my guest.” “I already am,” she playfully replied. She returned with the brush in her magical grip. “Hold still.” “What are you doing?” He did not move, and watched as the brush descended towards his mane. “I can do that.” “I know.” She halted the brush’s downward movement and took it in her hoof. She began to tame his morning mane with controlled strokes of the brush. “Just a bit more and I’ll be through.” “You’re quite skilled at that,” he told her, appreciatively. “Father would let me practice on him. Mother wasn’t nearly so fun.” She used her magic, and removed the strands of his mane from the brush. She offered the handle to him. “You’re turn.” He looked at her with disbelief. “Oh no, I would hurt you. I’ve never brushed another pony’s mane before.” “Then it’s time you learned how.” She sat still and waited. “I’m not going to break if you do something wrong.” He tentatively began. “I don’t want to hurt you.” “If you do, I won’t hold it against you.” Even with his inexperience, and a couple of slight pulls early on, the brushing felt quite good to her. Lyra sighed, leaned back against him, and relaxed. “Now I see why Bon-Bon has Beat do this so much. It’s wonderful.” “I can see why Beat would enjoy doing it too.” She risked a glance over her shoulder, as he brushed. “Do tell.” He gently ran his hoof over her mane. “It’s rather intimate.” “How so,” she asked, turning more towards him. “I can smell your shampoo, feel your mane, see the curve of your neck with each stroke, and feel you against me.” He came to a realization. “You had this planned didn’t you?” “I always wanted somepony to do this for me, after hearing Bon-bon talk about it.” She gave him a wicked smile. “Teasing you makes it even more fun.” She gently touched her horn to his. “We’ll have to do this more often.” He blushed as he told her, “As much as I enjoy it, there is a downside for me.” “I take I’m testing your control a little?” He shifted slightly. “You’re tormenting me.” She turned to face him. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. It’s funny; I didn’t have the same reaction when I brushed your mane.” “You’re not a stallion, and I’m not a gorgeous mare with my back against you.” He levitated the brush to the kitchen table. “I think it has a different effect on us of the baser sex.” She tried to picture him as a mare, and failed. She brought her mind back to the conversation at hoof. “I can’t be all that hard to resist.” As he started to answer her, a knock on the door interrupted him. He groaned in exasperation. “Five bits says it’s your mother.” Lyra looked at the door in shock. “There is no way she is up right now. Not with all the wine she had.” Flam made his way over and opened the door. I was close. It’s Silver and Bon-Bon. “Good morning ladies.” Silver responded in a chipper tone, “Good morning to you too. I’m glad to see you’re already up. I didn’t want to wake you.” He waved the two in. “Welcome, come on in. There is a little coffee left, if you would like some.” “No thanks, Bon-bon was kind enough to offer some to me this morning.” They made their way to the kitchen. Bon-Bon noticed the brush. She thought it was odd that it was on the kitchen table, and examined it closer. When she looked it over, she noticed a few hairs from Lyra’s mane. When she put things together, she slowly looked up at Lyra. Lyra subtly, but frantically, waved for her friend to keep quiet. Silver’s eyes immediately went to the brush. “I didn’t realize you brought a brush with you, dear.” Lyra tried to keep her voice controlled. “I didn’t, I borrowed one of Flam’s.” “That was sweet of him.” She looked to towards Flam, who was doing his solid best not to blush. “You didn’t share a toothbrush with her too did you?” Lyra gasped and blushed crimson. “Mother!” Lyra’s reaction seemed a little excessive to Bon-Bon. “I take it there’s a story here I don’t know.” Silver casually enlightened her, “The first time my husband and I spent the night together, there was quite a bit of passion. He didn’t have a spare toothbrush, so we shared one the next morning.” Flam’s blush almost surpassed Lyra’s. “I promise there were no toothbrushes involved.” Silver did not let him off that easily. “You’re a little too flushed for there not to have been something going on.” Lyra cut in, before he could say anything. “He brushed my mane for me.” “It felt good didn’t it,” Bon-Bon asked, a knowing lilt in her voice. Lyra nodded. Silver glanced between the two younger mares, and then got the whole picture. She looked back at Flam. “I take it she got you a little flustered?” “A little,” he answered, uncomfortably rubbing one foreleg over the other. “Dear.” Lyra looked towards Silver. “Yes, Mother?” “Play nice, and don’t tease.” Lyra ducked her head like a filly. “I will.” Silver moved on, as if nothing questionable had been discussed. “Who’s up for breakfast? Bon-Bon was telling me about this wonderful place called the Breakfast Nook.” ***** Flam levitated Silver’s bags to the bagcolt. He noticed the colt’s eyes lingering on Silver, and informed him, “She’s married, and she’s old enough to be your grandmother. Don’t look at the mares with her either. One’s my best friend’s marefriend, and the other is off limits.” Silver flicked an ear in their direction. “Having trouble with the bags?” “Not at all mam,” The colt quickly answered. He hurriedly went to help another passenger. Silver grinned at him as he left. “It’s nice to know I can still turn head’s occasionally. You didn’t have to run him off.” “I would have left him alone, but he was all but drooling.” Flam shook his head. “Maybe he’ll learn to be a little less obvious, if nothing else.” Lyra hugged Silver farewell. “I wish you could come back to see us play. It’s going to be an open air event, and I know how much you love those.” Silver returned the hug, and patted Lyra on the back. “So do I, but I’ve got classes to teach. I was lucky to be able to swing this little trip.” She released Lyra and shook hooves with Flam. “It was nice to meet you. Take care of my daughter.” “As best I can, I promise.” As she stepped onto the train, she added to Bon-Bon, “Tell Beat I hope he gets to feeling better and I’ll see him next time.” Bon-Bon nodded. “I will.” As the train pulled away, the trio waved their goodbyes. “That turned out rather well all considered.” Flam voiced, in a pleased tone. Bon-Bon agreed. “I thought she was going to be a much bigger pain the in flank. I’m almost sad that she only stayed for one day.” Lyra hugged them both around the shoulders. “Thanks you two. That would have been miserable without your help.” “That’s what friends are for.” Bon-Bon gently ducked out of Lyra’s grasp. “I need to go check on Beat. He does not handle being sick well. He’s probably let himself get dehydrated.” She turned and headed down the platform. “I’ll see you at the shop, Lyra.” “That reminds me, I’ve got to get over to Carrot Top’s farm. I told her I’d swing by this afternoon.” Flam started to follow Bon-Bon, but Lyra stepped in front of him, blocking his path. “Wait a second.” Before he could ask why she stopped him, she kissed him on the nose. He blushed at the unexpected display of affection. “What was that for?” “For not letting my mother get under your skin.” She leaned in and softly kissed him on the lips. When she pulled back, she explained, “That was for me teasing you this morning, and you taking it so well.” She turned and headed back to the shop, leaving him dumbstruck. ***** As the applause played itself out, Flam made his way toward the gazebo. The music had been wonderful. The duke’s mixture of a lyre, saxophone, and the hang Bon-Bon had been playing turned out to be an amazing combination of sounds. He told the trio of musicians, “That was fantastic. I’ve never heard anything like you guys.” Lyra gave him a tired but happy grin. “We certainly have a sound all of our own. I hate that Mother missed it. She’s into avant-garde music.” Flam examined the hang, before Bon-Bon could put it back in its case. “It looks and sounds like somepony took a steel drum and turned it inside out.” Bon-Bon laughed at the imaginative description. “That’s not too far from what it is.” She struck it just so, and a chiming note softly rang out. “I’ve really enjoyed playing it. It’s relaxing and makes the most beautiful music.” Flam extended his hoof to Noteworthy. “I’m Flam, nice to finally meet you. I always seem to manage to miss you.” Noteworthy grinned, and took Flam’s hoof. “I get that from a lot of ponies. I keep odd hours with my jazz playing.” He tilted his head, as if recognizing Flam. “You weren’t on the train this evening, were you?” Flam shook his head. “No, I’ve been helping Carrot Top on her farm all day.” Noteworthy joked, “Then you must have a twin.” The three ponies around him suddenly went quiet. Noteworthy nervously asked, “What did I say?” “I do have a twin.” Beat’s voice came from the bottom of the steps. “He’s here too. I just saw him.” Beat raced up the steps. “I suggest you go someplace a little less public. There could be fireworks when he gets here.” Flam caught a glimpse of Flim making his way towards them through the thinning crowd. “It looks like this is going to play out right here.” Lyra patted his shoulder. “Remember, we’re right here for you if you need us.” “Thanks,” Flam appreciatively replied. She leaned in and whispered in his ear, “If he’s too big of a jerk, I’ll throw him off this gazebo myself.” “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” Flim made his way up the stairs. “I should have known you would be at some long maned event. You and Dad always loved this kind of stuff.” “Hello to you too, Flim, it’s nice to see you’re doing well,” Flam tonelessly replied. Film sighed and nodded apologetically. “You’re right, that was not the best way to open this conversation.” Much to everyponies’ surprise, Flim hugged Flam. “I’m sorry for leaving you on that road.” Flam returned the hug. “It turned out well for me, so don’t worry about it.” “You have no idea how horrible I felt about it. I turned around for you, after I cooled off, and couldn’t find you. I thought I had left you to a hydra or dragon or Celestia knows what else. The only thing that kept me from losing it is when Dad got the letter from you saying you were alright and needed some time to yourself.” “It’s alright. I’m fine. I can’t say that I’m not still sore about it.” “I can’t blame you.” Flim released Flam. He used his magic, and pulled Flam’s old hat out of one of the sections of his saddlebags. “This was on the Super Squeezy. I know how much you love your hat, so I brought it for you.” Flam reached up and took off his new hat. He paused and quietly regarded it. He smiled, and promptly put it back on his head. “I think I’ll stick with this one. You can have that one as a spare.” He realized his brother’s decision was about far more than a mere hat. “So you do mean to go through with your plan?” Flim asked, as he tucked the boater back into his bags. The thought of what Flam was planning to do began to gall him. Flam nodded. “I have something wonderful started here.” “You have something good at home too.” Irritation found its way into Flim’s voice, as he told Flam, “You’re throwing away all that you worked for.” “I’m not throwing away anything. I worked my tail off, and all I got was bits. Here I have friends, I’m not on the road all the time, and I’m happy with what I do for a living. There is absolutely no reason for me to return to Canterlot and that nest of vipers. They want the profits, they can have them.” Flim regarded Flam with scorn. “I can tell that I won’t be able to talk sense into you.” He pulled out a large envelope, and gave it over to Flam. “You wanted these, take them. I think you’re making the biggest mistake of your life.” Lyra stepped closer to Flam. “What is that?” “Some account information and forms that I needed from Dad,” Flam told her with a smile. “With this, I hope I can start to make things right for the ponies that lost bits.” “It’s just business, brother.” Flam disagreed, “To you it is.” Flim looked over Lyra, as if seeing her for the first time. “Who are you?” “Lyra Heartstrings,” she informed him. Her icy tone caused Film to narrow her eyes at her. “And how does this concern you?” Flam answered, in a warning growl, “She’s my marefriend.” Flim snorted with clear distain. “She’s another reason you want to stay here, I take it.” Flam nodded, “She is, probably the most important reason now.” Lyra blushed at the complement. “Did she flick her tail at you when she first saw you, or did she wait until she found out you were rich,” Flim nastily asked. Flam flushed with fury. Before he could let loose his heated response, a calmer voice intervened. “It’s alright. I’ll handle this ass.” With a deft use of her telekinesis, Lyra grabbed hold of all four of Flim’s hooves and flipped him. She enjoyed the shocked look on his face, as he fell to floor with a satisfying impact. She leaned over his fallen and windless form, making sure that he made eye contact with her. “I didn’t know your brother was rich until just a few days ago, and I have never once flicked my tail at him.” Beat enjoyed the spectacle. “You deserved that. Never mess with a unicorn musician. Their control with their magic is quite impressive. Wouldn’t you agree?” Film weakly nodded in response, unable to speak due to the lack of air in his lungs. “Go home Flam. I know you’re upset about me leaving the company, but I’m not going to change my mind.” He put his foreleg around Lyra’s shoulders. “Tell Dad he’s welcome to visit any time he’d like.” He hesitated for a moment, and then extended an olive branch to Flim. “You can visit too, if you will behave yourself.” Flim got up and dusted himself off. He didn’t say a word, and made his way to the bottom of the stairs. He stopped and looked back at Flam. “For what it’s worth, I really am glad to see you’re okay. I don’t agree with what you’re doing, but I hope it makes you happy.” “It will. Thanks Flim.” Flim waved him off, and made his way back into town. Beat announced, “I don’t know where he’s staying, but it’s not going to be on my couch.” Flam laughed. “Knowing him, he’s probably going to head back tonight on a late train.” He turned to Lyra. “That was impressive, by the way.” “I enjoyed it. He had it coming on a couple of levels.” Flam slid his foreleg from around her shoulders. “I have a case of wine ready at my place. Everypony care for a little after performance party?” All but Noteworthy gave positive responses. The blue stallion declined. “I’ve been going all day. I would love to, but I would end up on your couch before the night was through.” Lyra made it known, with a bit of a laugh, “He doesn’t have a couch for you to crash on. He’s got a bed roll though.” “Never been one for camping. Thanks for the offer, Flam, but I’m going home.” Flam grinned. “I have a couch now. Davenport was kind enough to make me a deal on one when I was at his shop to pick up some quills. You’re more than welcome to it.” “As tempting as that sounds, I’m going to crash in my own bed.” He picked up his saxophone case, and led the group away from the gazebo. ***** Flam poured himself another glass. The evening had been relaxing, down tempo, and warm, except for the scene with Flam. He smiled as he watched Lyra and Bon-Bon talking on the couch. Everything seemed right. “You’re in a good mood tonight. I would have thought dealing with your brother would have put a damper on things.” Beat refilled his own glass. “It would have, but with the stuff he brought I can put everything from the business to rest. The envelope had the records of every pony that lost bit due to our deals. I plan to pay back enough to each farm to make it as if they broke even on the deals, with a little interest added for causing them so much trouble. Knowing I’ll be able to do that has taken a load off my mind.” Beat looked at Flam with concern. “You have enough to do that?” Flam nodded strongly. “I’ve resigned and sold my share of the business. Ironically, Flim picked up most of my portion. Don’t worry; I won’t have to worry about bits ever again even with making things right.” Beat was glad to hear that. “I’m disappointed your dad didn’t come with Flim. It would have been nice to see him again.” Flam shook his head. “Dad’s not much for traveling. I’ll have to go see him soon. I think I might take Lyra too, if she would be willing to go.” Beat glanced in Lyra’s direction. “Getting that serious?” “Serious enough I need mane brushing tips from you.” Flam told him, before taking a long sip of wine. Beat laughed, and began telling Flam the finer points of mane brushing. Later in the evening, Lyra, sitting in her odd way, had fallen asleep on the couch. Bon-Bon whispered. “Out like a light. Using that much magic during the performance after a long day in the shop must have worn her out.” She started to wake her, but Flam shook his head. “It’s alright; I’ll put her to bed. I’ll sleep on the couch tonight.” He gently lifted Lyra with his magic, moved her to his room, and tucked her into his bed. When he returned to the den, Beat told him, “We better heading to bed ourselves. It’s been a wonderful evening, thanks Flam.” “You’re more than welcome. You two have a safe walk home.” Bon-Bon nodded. “We will.” With that, they were gone. Flam found a blanket and a spare pillow. He nestled down on the couch. He was about asleep, when a hoof poked his shoulder. “Go to bed, I’m calling the couch.” He turned over to face Lyra. “I got here first.” “I flipped your brother without any trouble, what you do think I can do to you?” He laughed. “I’d rather not find out.” He sat up. “You’re exhausted; you need to get a good night’s sleep in a bed.” “Alright, we’ll compromise.” She grabbed one of his hooves and dragged him off the couch. “Bring your pillow.” He staggered behind her, clutching his pillow. “Is this going where I think this is going?” “If you thinking to your bed, you’d be right,” she pulled him down onto the bed. “I trust you, we can share.” Lyra fell asleep first. Flam watched her sleep for a minute or two, and then followed her into slumber. ***** Once again, Flam was prodded back to consciousness. “Wake up. You’re alarm went off.” He slowly opened his eyes. The sight of Lyra leaning over him greeted him. Lyra grinned down at him. “Good morning.” “You’re way too cheery for this early in the morning.” “I guess I take after my mother.” Flam grunted. “That’s a scary thought.” She poked him again. “Be nice. Hopefully I’ll age as well as she has too.” “Alright, I’m up.” He sat up, stretched, and yawned. After a moment of thought, he flopped back down. “I forgot. I don’t have to work today.” “Neither do I. Bon-Bon’s is closed for today. But if I’m up, you’re up.” She peeled the covers off him. “Come on, I’ll make breakfast.” He knew then, he was not going back to sleep. He smiled, “Alright, then I’ll do the coffee.” Lyra all but bounced out of the room. Flam made a slight detour, before following her into the kitchen. “Lyra, I have something for you. I was planning on giving this to you last night but that didn’t quite happen.” She turned and looked over the sleek, black box he offered her. “Flam, what did you do?” He gently urged her, “Open it.” She took the box from him, and slowly opened it. She smiled, as she beheld a beautiful brush made of carved wood and decorated with delicate carvings. “I think it’s more appropriate that I give it to you now that we spent the night together again.” She put the brush down and hugged him tightly. “Thank you.” He returned the hug and gently nuzzled her cheek. “I’m glad you liked it. It’s my odd way of saying I love you.” She leaned back a little, and looked into his eyes. “I love you too.” He hugged her just a little more tightly. “You have no idea how good it is to hear you say that.” “After breakfast, you’re brushing my mane.” He smiled. “I’d be glad to.” She gave him a slow, tender kiss. As she broke the kiss, she told him, “No teasing this time.” He blushed at the hidden promise of her words. “But, that would mess your mane up.” “Only if we do it right.” She leaned against his shoulder. “Then you’d just have to brush it out again.” He kissed the top of her head. “I would be more than happy to.”