After being abandoned by his brother, Flam finds himself turning to an old friend for help. As he starts to pull his life back together and tries to make amends for his misdeeds towards the Apples, he meets the lovely Lyra Heartstrings.
After being abandoned by his brother, Flam finds himself turning to an old friend for help. As he starts to pull his life back together and tries make amends for his misdeeds towards the Apples, he meets the lovely Lyra Heartstrings. Just as their new bond begins to form, their family issues threaten to end their relationship before it even begins.
Written for the Crack Shipping Inc. August shipping contest.
“Off Beat!” the sandy yellow-coated stallion yelled over the rain. “I know you're in there! Open this Luna forsaken door!” He pounded on the door again. The sound of the door’s lock turning caused the cold, soaking stallion to laugh in relief.
After a cautious look through a crack in the door, and seeing who was outside, Beat flung it open. “Flam, what in Tartarus is going on?!” Beat looked over his friend, and was shocked at his condition. Flam looked like he had been on the road for days.
Water dripping from his mane and coat, Flam apologized through his chattering teeth, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know where else to go.”
“Don’t stand there in the rain, come in!” Beat motioned for the soggy pony to enter. “Where’s that brother of yours?”
“Gone,” Flam almost sobbed. “He left me! My own brother left me in the middle of the road!” Flam’s coat started to steam from the comparative heat of Beat’s home, adding to his miserable appearance. “He just kept going!”
Beat ran towards the back of the house and levitated a couple of towels from his bathroom. By the time he got back to the den, Flam had sunk to his knees. “Let me dry you off. You look like you went through the Everfree Forest with timber wolves after your flank. What happened?”
“I…” Flam toppled over with a soggy flop.
“Oh Celestia, please don’t let him be dead.” Dropping the towels, Beat lifted Flam from the floor with his magic. He put his hooves on Flam’s neck. “Pulse is good and steady, breathing is good, but he’s too cold,” he commented to himself. He checked his friend over for major injuries and found none. Flam’s clothing was ripped in several spots, and he had his fair share of scrapes and bruises, but none of the wounds appeared as if they would require medical attention. “Maybe I should have said you looked like you were flung from a cart, because that’s what it looks like.”
“Beat, what’s going on?” Bon-Bon walked down the stairs. She gasped, as took in the scene, “What happened?!”
“I’m not sure myself. He passed out before he could tell me much of anything.” Beat softly put Flam back on the floor, and started drying him off again.
Bon-Bon put her shoulder against Beat’s, and looked over Flam with concern. “Is he alright?”
Beat nodded. “I think so. I couldn’t find any major wounds on him. He’s just exhausted, cold, and scuffed up.” He levitated Flam to the couch. “He said something about Flim ‘just leaving him,’ but I have no clue what he was talking about. He was almost hysterical.” Beat lifted Flam’s head, and gently tucked a pillow under it. “I’ll be right back, keep an eye on him.”
Bon-Bon looked over the unconscious stallion with an odd mixture of emotions. While she was sad to see any pony hurt, her memories of what Flam and his brother had tried to pull on the Apples made it difficult for her to have any sympathy for him. She wondered if this was not some kind of karma. She chided herself for such a though, and brushed Flam’s disheveled mane from his face. “Rotten to the core or not, no pony deserves a night like the one that you’ve had.”
“He’s really not all that bad of a guy, you just have to get him away from that brother of his to see it,” Beat said as he returned, carrying a couple of blankets. He placed them over Flam, and tucked the edges around him to ensure his friend stayed warm. “Out like a light, but he seems to be fine.”
“Should we look for his brother?” Bon-Bon looked to Beat, with concern.
After thinking about it for a moment, Beat shook his head. “No, we have no clue where to even start to look. Flim can take care of himself. Besides, from what I can gather from what Flam said, they must have had some kind of falling out. It may be good for the both of them to spend some time away from each other.”
Bon-Bon turned towards the door. “I should go. You’re going to have a busy…” She glanced over her shoulder at the magical aura that was holding her tail and keeping her from leaving. She turned her amused expression to Beat. “Excuse me? Just when did you get so grabby?”
Beat stepped in front of her, barring her way to the door, and kissed her cheek softly. “You’re not going out in that storm tonight. It’s not one of the controlled ones from the pegasi. It’s from the Everfree Forest, and could be dangerous. I don’t want you getting hurt.” He kissed her a little more fiercely, on the lips. “Please, stay with me.”
She sighed at his overprotectiveness, but smiled nonetheless. “There wouldn’t be any ulterior motives involved with you wanting me to stay, would there?”
He returned a smile of his own. “I enjoy holding you at night, I’ll admit that.” He hugged her close, and added, “And seeing you in the morning, that’s always an added bonus.”
“I look horrible in the mornings.” She leaned her head against him. “My mane is always a disaster.”
He kissed the tip of her ear, making it flick back, and causing her to giggle at the tickling sensation. “You know I love to help you brush it out, almost as much as I like brushing your tail. Have I ever mentioned how much I like your tail?”
“It’s come up in conversation once or twice,” she responded, as she reluctantly removed herself from his embrace. “Alright, I’ll stay. You’re going to have to behave yourself tonight. There is another guest to consider.” She pointed towards the sleep Flam.
“I’ll keep my hooves to myself. Well, I will hold you. I can’t stop myself from that. But I won’t do anything more.” He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “Though I’m going to be sorely tempted.”
*****
Flam slowly raised his head and took a long, appreciative sniff. The smell of cooking was what had brought him from his sleep. His stomach growled at the proximity of real food. After being on the road with nothing but wild grass to munch on, the aromas were enough to make him salivate.
He sat up and took a moment to get his bearings. He did not recognize the room, especially since it seemed to spin slightly. He muttered to himself, “Well, I know I’m still alive. I’m feeling too miserable to be dead.” He looked towards the kitchen, just as Bon-Bon stuck her head into the room.
“I’m glad to see you’re awake.” Bon-Bon started to walk towards him, but stopped short as Flam frantically tried to leave his spot on the couch.
“Mam, I sincerely apologize. I thought this was the domicile of a friend of mine.” He tried to bow courteously, but had to put a hoof on the couch to steady himself and prevent his complete collapse to the floor. “I thank you for your kindness, and will repay you when I am able. I will not bother you any further.” He started to head towards the door and stumbled. Beat’s magic caught him before he could fall.
“You’re in the right spot Flam.” He gently lifted the weakened stallion and placed him back on the couch. “This is my special somepony, Bon-Bon. She and I were just cooking breakfast. Would you care for some?”
Flam put his chin on the back of the couch, praying the room would stop moving on its own accord. “You have no idea how much that thought appeals to me.” Shortly thereafter, Beat brought him a plate of eggs, hay bacon, and toast. Flam tried to be polite, but he wolfed down his food faster than he had intended, and much faster than manners would dictate.
Bon-Bon watched the spectacle with admiration. “I don’t think anypony has eaten my eggs that quickly.” She took the plate from Flam and set it aside. “You must have been starving.”
“I have to admit, I was a little famished, but the eggs were quite good. I would have enjoyed them even without my demanding stomach.” He smiled appreciatively at her. “Thank you.”
Beat, still eating from his plate, grinned. “Confession time, my traveling salespony friend, how did you end up on my doorstep alone, soaking wet, and nearly in hypothermia?” He put his fork down, as he probed further. “You and Flim get in a tussle over some mare?”
Flam snorted without humor. “Nothing so benign I’m afraid. We were fighting over the scams that we have been running, particularly the one with the Apples.” Having eaten, some of his strength came back and he sat up. He also noticed the room was not trying to throw him anymore. “After getting back on the road for a while and having time to think about it, what nearly happened with the Apples really started to bother me.”
Bon-Bon firmly nodded. “As well it should.”
Beat winced at her tone. “Bon-Bon, give him a break.”
Flam waved his friend’s shielding words off. “I don’t deserve one. My brother and I were supposed to use that contraption of ours to help ponies harvest and process their apple crops, not rob them blind.” He reached up to adjust his hat, only to mutter darkly when he discovered it missing. “Right, my hat’s gone. I should have remembered that, like I should have remembered you opening the door for me last night.”
Beat pointed out, “You still haven’t explained how you ended up here.”
Flam sheepishly grinned. “Sorry, I just feel kind of odd without my hat. Anyway, I’ll get back to my sad story. I suggested to my brother that we should quit trying to pull stunts with ponies we were supposed to be helping and go back to running an honest business. He and I exchanged words, some of them rather sharp.”
Beat could tell that Flam was not telling the whole story. However, since Flam was being genuine with what he was telling he decided not to press for more details. “I wondered when your conscience would overtake your brother’s influence on you.” Beat crossed his forelegs over his chest, as he regarded his friend.
Flam gave him a wounded, small smile. “You don’t have to wonder any more. I said if he wasn’t willing to run an honest business, he could let me off the machine right there and then. Flim’s response was to call me something I will not say in front of the lady, and try to knock some sense into me.” Flam rubbed his cheek with a hoof, remembering the blow. “I did not take that well, and we fought.”
Bon-Bon’s eyes widened. “While you were still on the automation and it was moving?”
Flam nodded. “I ended up falling off, losing my hat, and nearly got run over by one of the back wheels. That lamprey of a brother of mine saw that I wasn’t badly hurt, and kept right on riding down the road. I’ve been walking for two days to get back here. The wild storm from that dark looking forest caught me last night, and this was the only place I could think of to come for help.”
“Flam, I’m sorry.” Beat patted his shoulder in sympathy. “You can crash here, till you can get your hooves back under you.”
“I appreciate it, but you’ve given me more hospitality than I deserve.” Flam slowly got off the couch and paused for a moment to check his equilibrium. He smiled in satisfaction, after he was sure the room was not going to start spinning again. “I will ask one more favor before I go, would you be as so kind as to tell me where I could get another hat?” Flam’s bravado was impressive, but his legs still shook slightly as he stood.
Beat nodded to Bon-Bon knowingly, after she shot him a worried look. “The only place in town I would recommend would be Carousel Boutique.” He knew one thing about Flam that Bon-Bon did not; Flam was stubborn as a mule. They were just going to have to let this play out, for better or worse.
“Thank you.” Flam shook hooves with Beat and tipped an imaginary hat to Bon-Bon. “Thank you, dear lady, for the breakfast. It was the best I have had in quite a while.”
He started to go, and Bon-Bon informed him, “Beat cooked the hay bacon and toast.”
As Flam turned his head to say something in return, his legs betrayed him, and he almost ended up on the floor. He sighed heavily, as Beat lifted him and placed him back on the couch with levitation magic. “Guess I’m still a little road weary.”
Beat smiled; glad his friend was feeling well enough to kid around. “Stay here and rest. You’ve had a rough couple of days, and nearly had a case of hypothermia. After I get off work, I’ll take you to Carousel Boutique, and you can place your order for a hat.”
Flam lay back down. “Sounds like a plan to me.” As soon as he finished speaking, he fell back to sleep.
Bon-Bon and Beat stepped outside, leaving Flam to his rest. Beat pulled the door to, and shook his head. “I knew that brother of his was going to get him into trouble.” He brushed his dark green mane back from his eyes harshly, half in irritation at it and half at Flim’s treatment of Flam.
“I have to get going. Lyra will be wondering where I am, if I don’t get there to open up the shop on time.”
Beat gave her a dirty grin. “Oh, she’d know alright. You wouldn’t hear the end of it from her either.” He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. “Tell her that I said hello, and remind her it’s about time she had that lyre of hers tuned up again.”
Bon-Bon grinned. “I’ll do that.”
He added a quick nuzzle. “We’re still on for tomorrow, right?”
She kissed his nose, and then turned away before Beat got more amorous. “Of course, wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
*****
Bon-Bon looked into the kitchen at Lyra, concerned for her friend. Lyra was bagging the assortment of candies well enough, but it was evident her mind was not on the task. Her typically fast combination of magic and hooves was off pace, and her eyes wandered around the kitchen time to time. She felt compelled to ask, “Lyra, you alright?”
Lyra turned to her and shrugged. “I’m fine. My mind’s just wandering today, I guess.”
“Come here, and sit down.” Bon-Bon patted the floor beside where she was sitting behind the store’s counter. “There are more than enough candies on display or in bags, and there are no deliveries to make, so take a break.”
Lyra shook her head. “You don’t pay me to sit around and gab.”
Bon-Bon mock threatened, “I won’t pay you at all, if you don’t get over here. I swear, most days you do more work that I do.”
Lyra rolled her eyes and grinned. “Alright boss, since you put it that way.” She finished the bag she was working on, and made her way over to sit at the indicated spot.
Bon-Bon nudged her. “Alright, spill it. What’s got you so distracted?”
Lyra huffed, blowing air through her cheeks. “I got a letter from mom yesterday. She was asking the typical stuff, how life was, how my lyre playing was going, how things were here. All the typical stuff moms ask.” Lyra leaned against the countertop and sighed. “She also wanted to know how I was doing on a personal level. Well, really she wanted to know if I had a coltfriend again yet.”
Bon-Bon impishly asked, “Well, do you?”
Lyra put her chin on the counter. “Nope, not that I’ve been particularly looking for one either.” She cut her eyes over to Bon-Bon. “It’s kind of hard to find a coltfriend when half the town is convinced you and I have something going on.”
Bon-Bon laughed. “They have to know about me and Beat.”
Lyra sadly grinned. “Evidently you two have a very open relationship, and include me time to time in your fun.”
Bon-Bon face hooved, knowing that Lyra probably was not exaggerating the stories around town. Ponyville was a small community, and gossip tended to be quick to spread and be wild in its content. “No offense, but I’m really not into mares. Beat may like the idea of you and me and him rolling in the hay, but no thanks.”
“Great, not even mares will take a look at me.”
Bon-Bon was unprepared for the almost lifeless tone with which Lyra had uttered her words. “Your mom hit a sore spot didn’t she?”
“You have no idea.”
“When was the last time you got out and had a good time?” Bon-Bon poked Lyra in the ribs. “And don’t lie to me. I’ll know if you do.”
Lyra almost grunted, “Three months.”
Bon-Bon’s indrawn breath hissed through her teeth. “It’s as bad as I thought.”
The store’s bell chimed, ending their conversation. Lyra quickly sat up and greeted their customer, “Welcome to Sweetie Drop’s Chocolates and Candies. How may we help you?”
Flam looked over to Bon-Bon. “I thought your name was Bon-Bon?”
“My real name is Sweetie Drops, but my friends call me Bon-Bon.”
Flam graciously bowed to her. “Then I am flattered to know that you consider me a friend.”
Bon-Bon could not help but smile at him. “What are you doing here? You should be resting.”
“I do not do well sitting idle for too long. It drives me up the wall, to sit and not do anything.” He patted his newly acquired saddlebags. “After a quick stop at the bank, and getting a couple of things from the market, I learned that you were the owner of this lovely shop.” He looked around, taking the storefront in, and nodding in approval. “I have to say, the ponies that I talked to spoke highly of you and your shop.”
Lyra leaned to Bon-Bon and softly asked, “Who is this guy, and why does he seem to know you?”
Bon-Bon quickly made the introductions between Flam and Lyra. “He’s hit a rough spot in the road, and Beat helped him out last night during the storm, while I was visiting.”
Flam slumped at Bon-Bon’s words. “It’s more like I hit the road and dug a rough spot in it. I even had to get rid of my shirt and vest, they were torn so badly from the fall.”
Lyra blinked. “You’re not kidding are you?” Flam explained his situation, and Lyra pointed at him with a hoof. “I thought I had seen you before. You seem like an alright stallion, what was all that with the Apples then?”
Flam grimaced. “A ghastly mistake is what it was. I take responsibility for my own part in what happened, and I feel terrible for it. I intend to make it up to the Apples, one way or another. I just haven’t figured out how quite yet.”
Lyra cautioned him, “You need to be a little careful in town. Ponies didn’t take kindly to a showmare’s antics while she was in town a while back. They vandalized her traveling wagon and made her life miserable while she was in town, until she left.”
Flam sighed heavily. “Thanks for the warning. Unfortunately, I’m used to such things. However, thanks to my losing my clothes and my hat, most ponies in town don’t seem to recognize me. I hope it stays that way until I can show that I’m a better pony than most would think of me, particularly if I’m going to be staying in town. I would hate for ponies to cross the street after just seeing me.”
Bon-Bon smirked. “I think most ponies’ minds were on the cider, not on you and your brother. You won’t need a disguise to walk around town. We’ve had some strange things happen in this town, and some wild characters come through. If you make things right, I’m sure everything will blow over.”
Flam smiled at the possibility. “I hope so, or life could get interesting.” He reached into his saddlebags, and withdrew an envelope. He slid it across the counter to Bon-Bon. “Just a little something to thank you for this morning’s meal, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your kindness.” Before Bon-Bon could form a proper response, Flam started to head out the door. “Thanks again, and it was nice to meet you Lyra.”
Bon-Bon shook her head. “He’s energetic, I’ll give him that.” She opened the envelope and was shocked to find a gift certificate to The Grazing Meadow café.
Lyra leaned over and saw what Bon-Bon was holding. “You did well, one breakfast for a meal at one of the nicest places in town. Horte Cuisine is cute too. I just wish he’d lighten up. It’s hard to flirt with a stallion when they’re being so proper.”
Bon-Bon started to smile, as a thought came to her. I’ll have to talk to Beat, but I think he’ll agree with my little plan. Bon-Bon patted Lyra on the back. “He’s not the only one that needs to lighten up. You free tomorrow night?”
*****
“Flam, what the hay are you doing?” Beat looked into his kitchen, and looked at the disaster that had once been the top of his table. Flam had dozens of papers and flyers spread out, covering every square inch of the tabletop. Circles and underscores marked a good number of the papers, along with exes over passages on others.
“I’m looking for a job. I’m alright on bits for a while, but if I’m going to stay here long term I will need a way to support myself.” He poked a hoof at a slightly higher stack of papers. “It’s amazing to me how many of these ‘jobs’ are clearly scams.” He laughed self-depreciatively, “I should know, after watching dear brother work his magic.”
Beat pointed toward the couch. “You should be resting! You nearly got yourself into some serious trouble last night.”
“I know, but I can’t rest with something like this over my head.” Flam looked up from the blanket of papers. “By the way, I owe you some stationary. I sent a letter to my dad telling him not to worry about me, and that I would get in touch once I got everything settled down. I also sent one to my brother, though not as nicely worded, saying the same.”
Beat stared at his friend, concerned Flam was treating the matter so trivially. “Don’t you think you need to be going a bit more than just sending letters if you’re to fix things with your family?”
“Quite honestly, I don’t give a flying parasprite and a minotaur’s tail about my brother at this point. My dad has wanted nothing out of me for years beyond new ideas for his business and bits, so he is not high on my list of ponies either. I’m considering never contacting them again, and waiting to see if they are willing to make any effort to contact me.”
Beat could tell that Flam would not budge on the topic, and shifted back to his first concern for his friend. “You need to lie down, you’ve pushed too much as it is.”
Flam barely acknowledged Beat’s concern. “No, what I need to be doing is getting a hat.” As Beat started to say something in rebuttal, Flam smoothly added, “If you indulge me by helping me get a good hat, I promise I’ll rest for the remainder of the evening.”
Beat could not help but chuckle, knowing he was not going to turn Flam from his objective. “Alright then, to Carousel Boutique it is.”
On their way to the boutique, Beat noticed that Flam was still a little wobbly on his hooves. “Flam, you collapse in front of Rarity and you’re on your own. She can fuss over you. I’ve caught you enough here lately.”
“I can live with that.” Flam glanced his way and smirked. “I’ve just overworked my legs a little over the last couple of days, my friend, nothing more. I got use to riding around all over Equestria, not hoofing it. I just need to get back into shape.”
Beat opened the door, and waved Flam past. “Customers first.”
“Why thank you.” Flam stepped in and flinched when he saw who was working the shop. He had not placed Rarity’s name with her face. Now that he saw her, he wondered if coming to the shop had been such a good idea.
Rarity turned to greet the two stallions. “Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is sleek, chic, and ma… Oh, it’s you.” She gave Flam a sneer, which entered her voice as she asked, “How may I help you?”
Flam extended a hoof. “You can help me by accepting my apology for putting you and your friends through as much trouble as I did the other day. It would ease my mind quite a bit.” He looked her right in the eye as he apologized, and readied himself for a possibility bitter response.
His sincere tone and demeanor touched Rarity. “It would quite uncouth for me not to accept such an apology.” She took his hoof and shook it. “I feel just awful for using the tone that I have with you. I didn’t even give you a chance to say anything.”
Flam shook his head. “You shouldn’t feel bad at all. I haven’t been the best of ponies lately. I hope to make up for that soon.” He pointed to the top of his head. “However, before I begin making amends for my transgressions, I have need of a new hat. I feel rather exposed without one. My friend here informs me that you are the best in Ponyville for such articles of clothing.”
Beat added, with a teasing tone to his voice, “Not a great big hat Rarity.”
Rarity gave Beat a look that made him choke back a laugh before it started. “We’ll let this stallion be the judge of what kind of hat he would like.” She smiled at Flam. “If I recall correctly, you were wearing a boater the last time I saw you. Would you like something of that style?”
Flam thought for moment, and then replied, “No, I think I would like something different. I’m starting over. I think a new kind of hat is what is called for. Besides, the rest of the outfit that went with that hat is gone.”
Rarity’s curiosity demanded she ask. “What exactly happened?”
Flam told Rarity the story of how he came to be back in Ponyville. Rarity listened intently, while measuring Flam for his hat, and taking notes of what colors she thought would work with his mane and coat. As the pair discussed various hat types, colors, and styles, Flam finished his tale.
Rarity took and patted one of his hooves in sympathy. “You poor thing, abandoned by your own brother, that’s just horrible.”
“I’d like to think he actually did me a favor. It wasn’t the nicest of breaks, but it was a quick one.” Flam nosed around in his saddlebag for his bits. “How much do you need up front for your work?”
Rarity put on her most charming smile. “I require absolutely nothing.”
“Don’t hoof me that.” He offered a healthy sum of bits to her. “I know you by reputation. You’re far too skilled a designer not to require partial payment upfront. At least let me pay for the materials.”
Rarity fanned herself with a hoof. “Flattery will get you nowhere. I never require a sum up front, no matter what the order.”
Flam glanced over at Beat, who nodded in affirmation of Rarity’s statement. He turned his attention back to Rarity. “Alright, but you should consider starting the practice.”
“You’re such a dear, you think somepony would take advantage of little old me?” Rarity fluttered her eyes at him in jest.
Flam’s face darkened a little, as he contemplated some of the swindles he and his brother had tried to pull. “Due to your generosity, somepony without scruples very well could. Take it from me.”
Rarity smile waned, as she considered his words. “Maybe you’re right, I’ll think about it.”
Beat noted the change in the atmosphere, and quickly stepped in. “What about an outfit too?” he asked Flam. “The clothes make the stallion.”
Flam laughed. “For the jobs I’m thinking of, clothes would just be a problem. No more show boating for me, thank you.” He turned to Rarity. “But if a formal occasion comes up, I’ll know just where to come.”
“You can come by and pick your hat up in the morning. I should have it ready by then.” Rarity glanced over her notes. “Are you sure this is all that you want? I can do more, if you would like.”
“No, thank you, but I appreciate the off.” Flam’s eyes brightened, as he had a thought on another matter. “You can do one thing for me though. I need some guidance on how I could do something for the Apples to make up for the trouble my brother and I caused them.”
Rarity thought for a moment. “Well, right at the end of Cider Season, their cider making machine starting having a bit of trouble. You could see if you could do something about helping them with that.”
Flam’s smile at hearing her suggestion was the healthiest he had had in a long time. “That’s appropriate. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea.” He tipped his, at that point, still non-existent hat at her. “Thank you for your time, and for the idea. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Beat and Flam made their way out of the Boutique, and started to head back to Beat’s place. Flam and ran a hoof over his moustache. “My friend, I think I’ve inadvertently lied to you.”
Beat glanced at Flam, trying to guess his thoughts. “How so?”
“There is one more thing I would like to accomplish, before we head back. I need a shave and a manecut.” He reached up and roughed up his mane so that it stood straight up, then struck a ridiculous, overly proud pose. “I have to look my best for any interviews that may crop up.”
“You’re going to get rid of that marvelous moustache of yours?” Beat joked.
“I despise this coffee strainer. The only reason I grew this thing is so that ponies could tell Flim and me apart.” He put his hooves to his face, and made as if he was going to pull the moustache from his face. “Since I no longer have to worry about that, I want this irritation gone. If I could get a good enough grip, I’d tear it off.”
Beat laughed, and led the way to Sharp Shear’s barbershop.
*****
Bon-Bon knocked on Beat’s door, and waited for him to open it.
It only took a couple of moments for Beat to answer. He smiled when he saw who it was at his door. “What a wonderful surprise. I thought it was one of the Filly Scout girls.” He nuzzled her. “Your coming over to visit is much better than any box of cookies.”
She playfully caught his face in her hooves. “You obviously have not had their chocolate mint cookies.” She lightly bopped his nose. “I can’t compare to those.”
He teasingly thought aloud, “I could put one of the cookies on you, and then take turns nibbling it and you to see which is better.” He kissed her nose, as Bon-Bon blushed. “Unless they are truly magnificent cookies, I know what, or in this case who, I’d rather have as a dessert.”
Flam’s voice advised, from the couch, “Interesting notion, but I don’t think cookies are what you should be reaching for when it comes to topping after dinner treats. I understand ice crème, when used correctly, can provide quite delicious results.”
Bon-Bon’s blush deepened. She leaned past Beat, and scolded Flam, “You hush! And here I thought you were a gentlecolt.”
“You wound me, my dear mare. I was merely discussing desserts.” Flam could not quite keep his determinedly restrained laughter from his voice. “I didn’t suggest he place a cherry in your navel, pour syrup on your belly, and put whipped crème on your… ”
Beat quickly closed the door, with a flash of magic, before Flam could finish. The sound of Flam’s laughter could still be heard through the door. The pair blushed deeply at their own internally worded endings to Flam’s sentence. Beat bit his bottom lip, to prevent himself from saying something.
Bon-bon narrowed her eyes at him. “Go ahead, say it.”
Beat quickly shook his head. “Nope, I like my tail right where it is.”
She poked him in the chest. “You better tell me, or I’ll have your tail for certain.”
He slowly grinned. “I like the idea myself.” He held up both hooves, as if weighing two things against each other. “Now the question is chocolate or butterscotch?”
She rubbed her hooves over her forelegs, as if scrubbing them, at the thought. “Have you any idea how hard it is to get chocolate or butterscotch out of your coat?”
“I think it would be worth it. The more effort means a better reward for a job well done.” His grin became devilish. “Just how would you know how hard it is to get syrup out of your coat? Did you have some kinky coltfriend you haven’t told me about?”
She laughed and hit him on the shoulder. “You doof, think about it, I make candy for a living.”
He folded his ears back in embarrassment at not realizing such a simple fact. “Oh, yeah, that does make sense.”
She leaned in close, and whispered, “I tell you what, you listen to what I have to propose, and I’ll think about the whipped crème and cherry.”
Beat’s ears perked up. “You have my undivided attention.”
“I want to make our night out tomorrow a group thing. Lyra is feeling down, and I want to cheer her up a little. Your friend seems like a nice enough stallion, even if he has a bit of a history, and needs a little pick-me-up too. A night out would do them both some good.”
He raised an eyebrow at her. “Are you trying to hook them up?”
Bon-Bon shrugged. “Not really, but if it happens, it happens.” She looked at the door, as if trying to see Flam through it. “Is there any reason that I shouldn’t invite him?”
Beat snorted, completely confident in his friend. “He’s harmless, and polite as can be, most of the time anyway. I‘ve never heard a bad word said against him when it comes to his treatment of mares. His business practices, on the other hoof, that’s a completely different story. I’ll talk to him about it, but he may not come. He’s wound up tight over looking for a job. You should see what he’s done to my kitchen table.”
Bon-Bon leaned against him. “They both have odd pasts and family troubles. Maybe they would be good for each other, if they can put up with each other’s baggage.”
He turned slightly and put his cheek on the top of her head. “You put up with me, so anything is possible.”
Flam paused, as he reached his hoof out to open the gate to Sweet Apple Acres. Maybe I should just head back into town. This could turn out much rougher than I bargained for. I wouldn’t blame them for throwing me out hooves over tail either, especially after what I’ve pulled. He swallowed, took a deep breath, and then hardened his expression. No, I won’t go back now. I can’t turn away just because this is going to be hard. That’s something Flim would do. He pulled open the gate and stepped through.
As he made his way toward the homestead, he admired the apple trees. The orchard was healthy, well-tended, and producing well. He felt a tug of regret, as he saw one of the trees that the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 had damaged. He also noted the number bare spots left by the trees that had been lost. He felt sick that he had played a part in such meaningless waste. “Some things don’t heal very quickly,” he said to himself.
“Eeyup.”
Flam turned towards the deep voiced speaker. He had not seen the Apple for the apple trees. “Excuse me. I don’t know if you remember me. My name is Flam. My brother and I did your family a disservice during your cider producing season.” Flam extended his hoof. “I’ve come to make amends for my actions, if you would be as so kind as to give me the opportunity.”
Big Mac slowly moved the sprig of wheat he had been chewing from one side of his mouth to the other, as he regarded Flam. His expression did not change, but he extended his own hoof and shook Flam’s hoof. “Mighty big of ya to come back like this, most ponies would just show tail and keep goin’.”
Flam truthfully confessed, “I probably would have too, not too long ago.”
Big Mac motioned for Flam to follow, and the two made their way to the house. Granny Smith was sitting on the front knitting and rocking in her chair.
As they approached, Granny arthritically pointed a hoof at Flam and asked, “Young’un, who’s that with you?”
Flam stepped forward, took of his hat, and introduced himself. “The name’s Flam, we met a couple of weeks ago, mam. My brother and I held a cider-making contest with your family. Not a fair one either, I have to admit.”
Granny’s eyes lit with recognition. She smiled, “Land sakes, it is you. I didn’t recognize you without your mustache, the fancy mane cut, and the hat.” She leaned forward in her chair, causing it to creak, and gave Flam a proud smile and a wink. “We still whooped your fancy, city tail.”
Flam could not keep the grin from his face, as he marveled at the elder mare’s fighting spirit. “True enough mam. I’ve come to see if I could offer my services to make up for the trouble that my brother and I caused.”
“Why that’s mighty fine of ya, I’m sure we can think of somethin’ that you can help us with around here.” She leaned back and started rocking again. Over the resumed clack of her needles, she said, “Just give me minute to come up with an idea, and I’ll put you to work.”
Before Flam could offer his own thought, Applejack announced her presence with a question that sounded much like a snarl, “What’s this varmint doin’ on our farm again?!” She all but stomped towards Flam, as she berated him, “Haven’t you done enough harm?! Our cider season was almost ruined, our trees got mangled by your contraption, and you put me, my family, and my friends through Tartarus, just so you could make a few bits!”
Flam resignedly clutched his hat to his chest, closed his eyes, and waited for the blow he was sure was coming. After a couple of tense seconds, and no impact, he opened his eyes. Big Mac had put his foreleg out to stop Applejack. She still fumed, but she did not push past her brother.
Flam stepped forward, despite her clear distaste for him, and offered his hoof to her. “I’ve come back to try to make up for the grief I have caused you and yours.” He raised his hat slightly, indicating for her to look at it. “I’ve apologized to your friend Rarity. She was kind enough not to throw me out of her shop, and made this for me when I commissioned it. She also gave me an idea for what I can do for you and your family.” He extended his hoof a little more. “Please, let me do something for you to make up for the wrong I did.”
Applejack’s face twisted, as she contemplated her response. She made no move to take Flam’s hoof, and it seemed like she had made up her mind not to.
Granny scolded her granddaughter, “Child, I brought you up better than this. You take this stallion’s hoof right this instant. It took a heap of courage for him to come back here and say he’s sorry. I won’t have you treatin’ him so poorly when he’s offered to make things right by us.”
Applejack’s scowl held, but she shook his hoof briefly. “Just what were you aimin’ to do to help us?”
“Rarity told me that your cider making equipment was in need of repair.” With a flourish, Flam returned his hat to his head. He took a second to adjust his cap to just the right angle, before continuing, “I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but working with farm machines is a specialty of mine. I think it’s only fitting that I should repair your cider press, free of charge, since I am one of the main contributors to its current overused condition.”
“Nnope.” The other ponies turned to Big Mac in varying degrees of disbelief, and he insisted, “You’d put too much out in parts.”
Flam pointed toward the orchard, in the direction of the damaged and missing trees he had just recently passed. “I owe you for more than just being a jackass. I did property damage to your home and livelihood. I may not be the same kind of apple farmer as you and your family, but I know what kind of harm I did to your trees and your income.”
Flam reached back into his saddlebags, and pulled out a heavy pouch. The sound of bits rattling together told that its contents were a considerable sum. “I have the bits for parts. Trust me, I won’t miss them.” He shook the pouch for emphasis, and out of self-loathing. “Having bit’s doesn’t mean anything, if every time you go to spend them ponies spit at your hooves and refuse to do business with you. There are a couple of towns where that sort of thing happens every time I step into a store or walk up to a market stall.”
He turned back to Applejack and put the bag in her hooves. “These are yours to do with as you see fit.” He bowed his head slightly. “Please, take them and let me make the repairs to your equipment. I want to walk a new path, and I can’t think of a better to get started on it than making things right with you and your family.”
Applejack’s shocked expression spoke volumes. She looked over to Granny, and then to Big Mac, who both nodded. She gave Flam an unreadable look, but eventually agreed. “I guess I can’t say no to that.”
*****
Flam was greasy, hot, sweaty, covered in dirt, and he loved it. He hummed as he wrote down the name, size, and manufacturer of another part he would need. To avoid getting the grease from his hooves on the pencil or list, he used his mouth to write. Even the taste of the eraser brought back fond memories of when he used to work on equipment all the time.
The sound of three small sets of hooves entering the barn drew his attention. He looked towards the end of the cider press, just as Apple Bloom and two fillies he did not recognize rounded the machine. “Hello, what brings your three to see me?”
Apple Bloom put down the pitcher she had been carrying, and gave him a curious look. “Have you been hangin’ around Zecora?”
“I can’t say I even know the mare.” He nodded to the pegasus and unicorn fillies. “Just as I can’t say I’ve met you two young ladies.”
Sweetie Belle carefully put the stack of glasses she had been carrying down next to the pitcher. “I’m Sweetie Belle, and this is Scootaloo.”
“Pleasure to meet you both, I would shake your hooves but I don’t you would appreciate it.” He held out his hooves, displaying the grease and grime on them.
Scootaloo shrugged. “Beats tree sap.”
Apple Bloom poured each of them a glass of juice. “Applejack said you might be getting’ thirsty, so we came to give you a drink and watch you work for a spell.”
Applejack had guessed correctly. Flam downed the juice with one go. He wiped his mouth with his foreleg, after sighing contentedly. “Quite good, did you three make this?”
“Nope, Granny Smith all the way,” Scootaloo answered, still working on her own glass.
“Hey Mister, how did you get your cutie mark?” Sweetie asked, curious at his three quarters apple mark.
“No mister, just Flam, please. Mister would be my dad.” He gestured toward the cider press. “Working on farm equipment like this is what got me my cutie mark. One day I was helping my dad tune up one of his machines, and the next thing I knew this apple had shown up on my flank.”
Apple Bloom tilted her head. “Then why don’t you have a wrench or somethin’ like that for a cutie mark?”
“Good question. I think it has as much to do with why I was working with my dad, as it was what I was working on. He was trying to make adjustment to a new apple harvester that would cut down on the number of apples spoiling on the trees.” He patted the partially disassembled treadmill drive of the cider press. “I have knack for finding ways to get the most out of every apple, and I love fiddling with machines to get every possible ounce of production out of them.”
Scootaloo sat up smartly, as she thought she had come to understand what he was saying. “So your cutie mark reflects what your goal was, not what you were doing when you got it?”
Flam smiled at her enthusiasm. “You could look at it that way, I guess.”
With a flutter of wings, she leapt to her hooves. “I’ve got it girls! We just have focus really hard on what we’re trying to accomplish when we try to get our cutie marks. Let’s go figure out something to do, focus real hard on our goal while we do it, and see what happens!”
Sweetie sighed. “That means I might get a cutie mark about trying not to get covered in sap again.”
Apple Bloom laughed, and nudged Sweetie into action. The three fillies ran out the barn, eager to try once again to gain their marks.
Just as they left his sight, Applejack entered it. “That was right nice of ya, to tell them your cutie mark story.”
“I enjoyed it, and I enjoyed the drink, thank you.” He examined the pitcher, and found there was just enough juice left for half a glass. He offered, “Would you like to finish it off?”
“Nah, just had some myself. You go ahead.”
Flam needed no further prompting, and quickly drained what was left. “I don’t think your sister and her friends have the right idea about what a cutie mark actually represents.”
“My friends and I’ve tried explainin’ it to them every which way we can think of, but they won’t listen to what we’re tryin’ to tell them.” She smiled. “Doesn’t bother me much though, it’s kind of fun to see what wild scheme they come up with to try next.” She rubbed her forehead with a hoof, upon reflecting on a couple of their less thought out plans. “At least so long as they ain’t gettin’ hurt, or wreckin’ anything. Sometimes I spend more time fixin’ things they’ve managed to destroy than I get real work done.”
“Speaking of fixing things, I’ve made quite a bit of progress.” He pointed to a couple of reassembled components of the cider press. “I’ve cleaned what needed to be cleaned, and greased what needed grease. There are a couple of parts and some bearings that certainly need to be replaced, but overall the press is in great condition.”
Applejack tilted her hat back in concern, as she looked over the various pieces that Flam had laid out on his canvas work area. “All these need replacing?”
“Not at all, that is something I was going to talk with you about.” He pointed a couple of things out with the current set up for the press, and discussed with her how a couple of changes would make the press more efficient. “I could just fix it, and get it working as good as new. But, if it’s alright with you, I’d like the chance to try a couple of things that I think will make it work better than it ever has.”
“Shoot, give it a shot. I’m all for not lettin’ even one drop of juice go to waste.”
He scratched his chin with a hoof absentmindedly, leaving a greasy smear. “I can’t guarantee that not a drop will be lost, but I can say I think there is good chance I can up your production a bit.”
She smiled at his grease marked face, but chose not to say a word.
*****
Beat looked up from the book he was reading, as Flam entered the house. He laughed at Flam’s disheveled and filthy state. “What happened to you? You look like you got in a fight with a freshly greased cart axel and lost.”
Flam grinned, his teeth and eyes the only features of his face not colored with grease or dirt. “You’re not too far off. I’ve been helping the Apples with their cider press.”
Beat walked over to Flam, took the new hat from his friend’s head, and put it on a hook near the door. “Don’t want you getting grease on this. Go and shower, we’ve only got a few minutes before we’ve got to go.”
“I almost forgot about that, I’ll be right back.” Flam went to the bathroom to wash off, and Beat returned to his book. It was not long before Flam returned to the den, his appearance much more presentable. “Should we leave a little early, so you can get Bon-Bon some flowers?”
Beat placed a bookmark between the pages, and shut the book. “I think this is more a of a friends night out sort of thing. It would be kind of awkward for me and Bon-Bon to be on a date and you two not be together too.”
Flam thought about it for a moment, and voiced, “I wouldn’t be adverse to it. Lyra seems like a nice mare, and you know how I like two toned manes.”
“I have to warn you, my friend. If you really want to go down that route, she has a bit of a history in the romance department.”
Flam’s eyes showed his surprise at the unexpected warning. “She didn’t seem the type for that kind of thing.”
“I’m sorry, that didn’t come out quite right.” Beat got up from the couch. “It’s not really her, but her family has put a lot of pressure on her to marry up in the world in the past.”
Flam flinched. Being from Canterlot, he knew the kind of stress that families could put on mares and stallions both to enter into relationships they would never have sought on their own.
Beat patted him on the shoulder. “If there is anypony that can understand about bad family influences, it’s you.”
He gave Beat a thin smile in return. “You’re right about that.” His smiled gained a little more life, as he added, “It may be worth the risk though, we’ll just have to see.”
*****
Lyra watched as Bon-Bon scurried around the living area of the shop. She thought all of her friend’s fuss was humorous, and sat back on the couch to enjoy the show. Lyra snickered, as Bon-Bon compulsively checked her mane in the entryway mirror for at least the sixth time.
Bon-Bon quit fussing with her mane long enough to chide Lyra, “Would you please not sit like that, it makes my back hurt just looking at you.”
Lyra shifted her sitting position to accommodate her anxious friend. “How can you be so nervous about a night out? You’ve been with Beat for almost a year. He’s not going to dump you if your mane is not perfect tonight, trust me.”
Bon-Bon weakly smiled. “I know that here.” She tapped her forehead. “But there is another part of my brain that doesn’t.” She patted the back of her head. “I’ve got such a wonderful thing with Beat that it scares me. You know my luck with stallions.”
Before Lyra could respond, a knock came at the door.
Bon-Bon took a steadying breath, and then went to greet her guests.
Beat could tell that something had been bothering Bon-Bon, as soon as she opened the door. He gently pulled her into a hug before even asking what was wrong.
Lyra walked up to the pair. “Beat, you need to talk with your marefriend. She thinks you’re going to leave her, or something just as horrible, if her mane’s not perfect.”
Bon-Bon started to glare at Lyra, only to have her head gently turned by Beat’s hoof on her chin. She tried to play down her insecurities as best she could. “She’s exaggerating, I was just a little worked up from how busy it was in the shop today and…”
Beat’s lips on hers stopped Bon-Bon from saying anything more. After a long moment, he pulled away. “You’re lying and I can tell.”
Lyra smiled, knowing her friend was fussing over nothing. “You’re stuck with him Bon-Bon, whether you like it or not. I told you he’d fall for you hard, hopeless romantic that he is. I would be much more worried that you’d leave him and he’d wither away and die, but I know that’s not going to happen.”
Flam leaned around the hugging couple, and asked, “If you don’t mind my asking, how exactly do you know?” He gave Lyra a quick wink.
Lyra got his meaning, and replied, “Oh, she won’t leave him. It’s always, ‘Beat this’ and ‘Beat that.” She made a gagging motion with her hoof, before continuing, “It gets worse. She’s always telling me ‘He’s such a gentlecolt’ and ‘he always says such nice things about me’ and ‘he’s a great lay.’ It’s enough to make you leave the room.”
Bon-Bon’s mouth dropped open in indignant shock. “Lyra, I did not say he’s a great lay! That’s just crass!”
Flam asked teasingly, “You didn’t?”
Ears folded back in dejection, Beat asked, “I’m not?”
Bon-Bon, seeing the hurt in Beat’s eyes, quickly assured him, “That’s not at all what I meant.”
Lyra smugly nodded. “She’s quite satisfied with that aspect of your relationship.” She put a hoof to her chin, and put on an exaggerated thinking expression. “What were her exact words about your prowess?”
Before Lyra could quote her word for word, Bon-Bon covered Lyra’s mouth with a hoof. “That’s enough out of you. There is another pony in the room that does not need to hear what I said.”
Beat, ears still folded back and looking pitiful, asked, “Can I at least know?”
Bon-Bon smiled sympathetically at him. She gently pulled his head down, and whispered in his ear. Beat blushed bright red, and his eyes went wide. “You told her about that? With that much detail?”
Bon-Bon, her own cheeks touched with red, nodded. “You can ask her later to see if I’m telling the truth. She blackmailed me into telling her.”
“It wasn’t blackmail, I just pointed out that I set you two up. It’s my responsibility to know that you’re treating her right.” Lyra said with a grin.
Beat hugged Bon-Bon back to his chest and nuzzled her mane. “I’ve tried to do my best, it’s what she deserves.”
Bon-Bon hugged him tighter.
*****
Flam leaned back from the table. He rolled his head back and lightly groaned. “I will regret eating that much later, I’m sure, but that was good.”
Beat shook his head. “That was impressive.”
“That was almost repulsive,” Bon-Bon teased. “Where did you put it all?”
“I didn’t eat lunch, and I’ve been working and using magic all day. I had a lot of space I needed to fill up.” Flam patted his stomach.
Lyra poked his belly, causing him to jump. “You must have.” She waited for beat to finish taking a pull of his coffee, before asking him, “How do you two know each other?”
“We met while we were in school. The school’s pipe organ broke down and the two of us helped fix it.” Beat gestured towards Flam with his cup. “We became friends after that.”
Bon-Bon leaned on the table. “You studied music?”
Flam shook his head. “I’ve had no formal training or musical studies whatsoever. I was there to help repair one of the pressure regulators on the organ, nothing more. I got some extra credit for a course for the work, and it allowed me to work on something outside the farm equipment realm.”
Flam gave Lyra a mischievous look. “Alright, now you know our rather boring back story. I want to know how you came to be the mare that brought these two lovers together.”
“I’m afraid it’s rather boring too, actually.” Lyra squirmed a little, as if nervous at the rather bland question.
“Humor me.”
“Bon-Bon had a room to rent, when I was moving to Ponyville. I tried just making with just playing my lute at functions like those that in Canterlot.” She shrugged. Ponyville is so much smaller I couldn’t drum up enough business. She offered me a spot in the shop after Caramel changed jobs, again.”
Bon-Bon interjected, “I’m glad I did. She works like an Apple, and when there is not much to do around the shop she plays her lute and draws ponies into the shop.”
Flam gave Lyra an appreciative glance. “Ah, so you play the part of the lovely siren. That’s fitting.”
Beat rolled his eyes. “Smooth as always, Flam.”
Bon-Bon barely kept from laughing, and softly swatted Beat’s shoulder. “I thought it was sweet. Leave him alone.”
Lyra lightly blushed, and continued her story, “My lute needed some work done on it after a while, and I found out Beat’s shop was the only one in town that fit what I needed. I didn’t realize he was the pony that owned the shop. I hadn’t seen him since he used to work on the student’s instruments as part of his training back at school.”
Flam looked back and forth between Lyra and Beat, slightly confused. “I can see why you two would have had some kind of relationship, but how did Bon-Bon get mixed up with this rogue?”
“Just remember, you’re sleeping on this rogue’s couch,” Beat warned, in a friendly tone.
“Beat and I go back to when we were little. His folks worked on my parent’s instruments so our families knew each other, and we went to school together for a good while too. It would have been like dating a brother or cousin. No offense, Beat.”
“None taken, sis.” He mildly snarked, “This coming from the filly that pitched a fit till I gave her first kiss.”
Lyra bristled with embarrassment and indignation. “I was four! We were foals!”
Bon-Bon looked over at Lyra, with a barely suppressed smile. “Were there any other firsts I need to know about between you two?”
Lyra stated, with finality, “Absolutely none whatsoever.”
Flam chuckled. “While interesting to know he was the source of your first kiss, it still does not tell how you pulled these two together.”
“Bon-Bon and I were talking one night, like roommates do, and it came up that she hadn’t had a coltfriend in a while. I knew Beat’s personality and hers would fit together, and with a simple prompt for the two of them, ta-da!” She gestured towards the pair as if she had done a magic trick.
Bon-Bon snorted. “Simple prompt my tail, she convinced me that I needed to learn an instrument so I could drum up sales too. Lyra all but dragged me to Beat’s shop. I ended up buying a hang, and meeting this wonderful stallion.”
Flam looked at Lyra, confused yet again. “Hang, what’s a hang?”
“She’ll have to show it to you. It’s hard to describe, but think of it like a strange bongo. She plays it really well now. She even joins me and Noteworthy some evenings when we play under the gazebo in the park.”
Bon-Bon stirred a little more crème into her coffee, and then pointed the spoon at Flam. “Alright, since you know a little about our love lives, how about yours?”
Flam slumped. “I haven’t had one in a long time, sadly. I used to date this wonderful mare, Quick Fix, but she moved to Fillydelphia to take a job there. We ended it amiably before she left. I’ve lost track of her since then.”
“Flam, that was while we were in college.” Beat looked at his friend in disbelief. “You’re telling me you haven’t had a marefriend in four years?”
“No. Thanks to work, and all the traveling I did, I didn’t have time to find somepony special.” Flam tried to shrug as if it did not bother him.
“Now that you’re planning on staying here in Ponyville, we might have to do something about that.” Bon-Bon met his eyes, smiled, and glanced at Lyra, who was looking at him with a thoughtful expression.
Flam’s eyes went to Lyra automatically, and she glanced away. A cautious smile came to his lips. “We’ll just have to see. There is still a lot up in the air right now. If things work out, I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea.”
Flam looked over the press one last time, checking to make sure everything was ready. Once he was sure everything was set, he called out, “Alright, I think we’re good to go.” He gave the signal to Big Mac. “It’s all yours, big guy.”
Big Mac started running on the treadmill at a conservative pace, and Apple Bloom fed the press buckets of apples. It took very little time for the resulting juice to flow into a waiting barrel.
Flam smiled at the success. “Alright, everything’s good, go at your normal speed now.”
Big Mac nodded, and started into a strong trot. The rate at which the juice started to flow caught Flam and Applejack off guard, they had to work fast to keep empty barrels under the press’ out spout.
Granny yelled, “Young’uns, that’s all the apples, and that’s enough juice for today!”
Big Mac slowed to a stop. He took off his goggles, and grinned ear to ear. “The treadmill’s much smoother now. Makes runnin’ a whole lot easier.”
Applejack pointed to the filled barrels. “That’s not all that’s better, look at how much more we got out of the apples!”
Flam looked at the output, and was pleased at the increase in yield. “Not bad at all. It’s amazing what a couple of tweaks to a machine will get you. Just wait till you set up for cider season next year. You should be able to keep the town in cider with no problem.”
Apple Bloom danced around the press in delight. “Now nopony will have to go home disappointed about not getting their cider!”
They began scrubbing out the machine. As they were scooping the pulp out of the press, Applejack asked, “Now that you’re done here, have you given any though as to what you’re goin’ to do next?”
“Well, I’ve got a little place lined up so I can get off my buddy’s couch.” He looked over the pulp with a discerning eye, making sure that the material was consistent. “Once I get moved in, which won’t take ten minutes since all I have here could be put in a pair of saddle bags; I’ll look for job in earnest.”
Apple Bloom asked, worried for Flam, “Don’t cha have stuff back with your family?”
Apple Bloom’s tone nearly broke Flam’s heart. “Of course I do. Don’t worry about that. I had all my stuff in storage back in Canterlot. It didn’t make sense to me to pay for an apartment or house when I wasn’t going to be there, thanks to my job. I’ve arranged for everything to be shipped here. My stuff should be arriving here in a couple of days. My valuables and sentimental things are with my dad. I’ll have to go see him at some point, and I’ll pick them up then.”
Granny poked Applejack with the handle of a scrubbing brush. “Don’t you go holding back on him, you hear? He’s been as good as his word and done right by us, don’t tease him.”
Flam looked at Applejack, befuddled by Granny’s statement. “Don’t tease me about what?”
Big Mac handed him an empty bucket. “That Berry Punch wants you to have a look at her grape press, and see if you could help her with it like you did ours.”
Flam about fell in the press’ tank, he was so stunned. “You talked to her about what I had been doing?”
Applejack grinned. “We market place ponies talk shop all the time. You also may be gettin’ business from Carrot Top, Goldengrape, and Hugh Jelly too.” She paused, after naming the last pony on her list. “You may want to talk to me before you work with Jelly. He’s kind of odd.”
Flam had to fight to keep his emotions in check. He only partially succeeded. His voice shook as he told them, “I don’t know what to say. I still don’t think I’ve done right by you.”
Big Mac patted Flam’s shoulder. Even using a small portion of his strength, he made Flam bow a little with each pat. “You’ve paid for the damage to our trees, helped us with the press, and have been right friendly. You’re alright by us.”
Apple Bloom hugged him around the neck. “Flam don’t cry! What’s wrong?!”
Flam kindly hugged her back, and did his best not to disappoint her, but tears still made their way down his cheeks.
Granny smiled at the scene. “It’s alright Apple Bloom. Sometimes it’s good to let things out.”
*****
Flam grunted, as he put the last of the boxes in its spot. “There, we’re done. I told you it wouldn’t take too long.”
Lyra looked around the room. “We’re not done. We haven’t helped you unpack.”
“Thanks for offering, but that’s not necessary. I’ll do that over time, room by room.” He laughed, as he thought of something. “I guess we’ll have to unpack a little. If not we’re going to be eating directly off the table and drinking straight from the bottle.”
“We should at least put your bed together, that way you have somewhere to sleep other than the floor.” Bon-Bon tried to determine which of the boxes would contain the bed frame, but none seemed to the right shape or size. “Alright, which box is it?”
“It’s not in a box.” Flam made his way over to a pile of bags, and pulled out one that was markedly bigger. “The bed is of Neighponesse design. It’s called a futon. There’s not a frame to the bed at all.” He unzipped the end of the bag and unrolled the bed. After putting a mat down, turning the futon right side up, and a couple of quick adjustments, he had it completely set up. “I like sleeping on the floor. After being on the road and sleeping under the stars all the time, it just feels right.” He started to look through the pile of bags again. “All I have to do is find my sheets and pillow, and I’ll be set.”
Lyra grinned. “I like it. It’s simple, practical, and it looks comfortable as all get out.”
Beat did not miss the opportunity, and joked. “You can test it out later, but first, pizza!”
Bon-Bon shook her head. “Stallions and food, you could lure them to their doom with a pizza and a cold mug of hard cider.”
“Yes, but we’d die with a full stomach and slightly buzzed. Not a bad way to go.” Beat led them towards the kitchen. “Now we have to decide, who will go get the pizza and who is staying to set things up?”
“I’ll go get the pizza. You guys take it easy for a while.” Flam levitated his saddlebags onto his back. “I’ll be right back. Any toppings anypony particularly wants or is opposed to?”
“Whatever doesn’t try to crawl off, I’ll eat.” Beat added, after a second, “Then again, if the topping doesn’t crawl off fast enough I might eat it anyway.”
Bon-Bon blanched at the imagery. She answered queasily, “Anything but hot peppers is fine by me.”
“I’ll go with you,” Lyra offered.
Flam took off his hat, and made a small bow to her. “It would be a pleasure, to have such lovely company.” He opened the door, and they made their way out into the evening.
Bon-Bon grinned over at Beat. “That worked well enough. I don’t think Flam had a clue.”
“I think he does, but he doesn’t care.” He put his foreleg around Bon-Bon and whispered, “We could go through his stuff, and see if we can find any good blackmail material.”
Bon-Bon laughed. “First, you don’t have to whisper, there’s nopony else here. Second, no, Flam’s got enough to worry about in his life without you tormenting him over his Playcolt magazines.”
“So you saw them in a box somewhere. Which one was it?” Beat took a couple of steps as if he was going to Flam’s bedroom, only to have Bon-Bon grab his tail in her mouth.
Through the mouthful of tail, she told him, “I was being sarcastic. If you want to go through boxes, there are plenty right here to go through. We need to find plates so we can eat.”
“You’re no fun. Then again, this side of you is new and kind of kinky.” He waggled his eyebrows at her suggestively.
She immediately released his tail, a blush starting on her cheeks. Turing back to their initial task, Bon-Bon started going through the boxes, searching for dinnerware. “Do you think that our absent dinner partners are enjoying their little walk?”
“I’m not sure which of the two to be more concerned about, if they do decide to get involved.” Beat muttered, as he opened another box, without finding so much as a spoon. “There are only so many boxes. How could he have hidden the plates so well?”
*****
As they sat and waited, in the parlor of Golden Crust’s Pizzeria, Flam slowly began to grin.
Lyra caught his expression. “What is running through that head of yours?”
“Our friends weren’t exactly subtle when they paired us up for this jaunt. Now, the question is, for me anyway, did you have a part in the planning of this outing or was it completely them setting us up?”
She began to smile as well. “I don’t think I’ll answer right at the moment. I want to know what you think about either possibility.”
His smile diminished slightly. “If it’s just them, I would hate to see them pushing you in a direction that you would rather not go.”
“That’s very considerate.” She adjusted his hat, with a quick use of magic. She coolly asked, “If I was involved, what then?”
He reached up and tilted his hat back to its original position, without even thinking about it. “I would be flattered that you would go through that much trouble.” He looked down, unable to meet her eyes for a moment. “I would also wonder what you saw in a con pony like me that would make you the least bit interested.”
She shocked him by putting a hoof to his nose and capturing his eyes with her steady, golden gaze. Her voice was firm, as she told him. “You may have been a con pony, I don’t know your full story so I can’t judge, but you’re not a bad stallion. A bad stallion does not come into town looking for a way to make things right, while he is sleeping on a friend’s couch because his brother left him on the road over a fight over not taking advantage of others.”
Flam weakly smiled. “You’re being far too kind.”
“No, I’m not. You’re being too harsh on yourself. You didn’t leave your family; your brother abandoned you literarily. I left my family, so I know the difference.”
Flam could not stop himself from brushing a stand of mane from her cheek. “What happened?”
“Your pizzas are ready.” Golden Crust called from the counter.
Lyra promised, “I tell you later, after you tell me your story.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” He gave her a roguish wink, and walked over to the counter to pay for the pizzas.
As two left the pizzeria, Golden rubbed his chin in thought. “The daughter of the Strings is involved with an ex con pony. Upper Crust will get a kick out of that.” He grinned as he thought, That’s certainly going to add a little something to the letter to sis.
*****
The pizza mostly finished, and a couple of mugs of cider later each, the gathered friends unwound, and the conversation drifted from topic to topic aimlessly.
Beat suddenly became serious, and looked to Flam. “I want to know something. It’s been on my mind, and I’m sure these two minds as well.”
Flam raised his mug, as if in salute. “Ah the con business, I take it.”
Beat nodded. The two mares shared expressions of morbid curiosity and worry that Flam would not take the question well.
Flam took a long pull from his mug, and gently set it back on the table. “The whole thing started about two years ago. My father wrote Flim and me, telling us that the investors in his company wanted to see a little more return from the Super Squeezy project. We had been making bits, but they wanted more.”
Bon-Bon guessed, “So you figured out a way to get more.”
“Flam did the planning, I just went along for the ride. We typically offered farmers a one quarter to three quarters split on processing apples into cider, with the larger sum going to the farmers. Flam came up with the notion that we could try one third to two thirds.”
Beat shrugged. “That’s not dishonest, that’s just business.”
Flam regarded his mug for a moment; wishing things had stayed that simple. “That’s the way it started, and how it should have continued. We got good feedback from dad, and then not too long after that another message came telling us to push it a little more.” Flam took another pull from his mug, finishing it. “Flim’s special talent is maneuvering ponies into deals, leaving them with one slice of the apple, while he takes the rest. After we got the message, he began using that talent to the fullest. Soon, we were keeping enough of the profits to make it really hard for farmers to go through with the deals.”
Lyra looked uncomfortable. “I think I see where this is going.”
Flam glumly nodded. “One more letter from the company and Flim was pressing hard enough that if ponies were not careful with the deals they lost bits. Knowing what I did about Flim, I should have stopped him, but by that point, I was up to my neck. After giving farmers a raw deal a time or two, word began to spread about Flim and me. We started hoping from town to town, making sure not to stay in a place too long. Once our reputation caught up with us, there was always trouble.”
Beat took a drink from his own mug, his expression darkening. “So you found yourselves outside of Sweet Apple Acres.”
Flam grimly nodded. “He and I had been grousing back and forth about his tactics well before that. I was tired of making sour deals and having ponies run us out of town after town. I already felt like a sneak thief and sorry excuse of a pony, and wanted him to go back towards the way we had started things.”
“He saw how disappointed the ponies in town were when they didn’t their cider and took advantage of it.” Bon-Bon almost whispered, as the realization hit her.
“You got it in one.” Flam looked down and slowly turned his mug between his hooves. “He saw not only profits for a season, but by getting exclusive rights to sell cider in town we could get profits perpetually. Flam played Granny Smith like a fiddle, and the contest was set. I may not have been the most admirable pony up to that point, but stealing ponies’ homes was not what I signed up for when I took the job. Flim and I had a heated argument about what he was trying to pull. He tried to convince me that he just wanted to show the ponies in town what the Super Cider Squeezy 6000 could do, and then he would propose another deal to the apples. ‘A bit of high drama advertisement,’ is what he called it. I knew he was lying to me, and he fully intended to go through with his bet.”
“And you did nothing. I wasn’t there, but I heard about it.” Beat glowered at Flam. “The Apples are my friends, have been for a while. You should be ashamed. They are the most hardworking, salt of the earth ponies you could ever come across.”
Flam sadly smiled, as he poured himself a little more cider. “I know that now. They’re the ones that helped me get my current job with Berry Punch, even after all that I did to them and their farm.” He raised his mug. “This evening’s cider is from a batch that we ran to test the modifications I made to their cider making equipment. They generously gave me a couple of casks of our results. While I have gained some wonderful friends, it will always bother me knowing how I met them the first time.” He took a quick drink, and then continued, “I know you’re going to think I’m lying, but I did help them, just not overtly.”
Lyra thought back over what happened that day. She tilted her head at some internal thought. “I remember you’re the one that agreed to let Applejack’s friends help.”
“Yes, and I poked them with my added ‘it’s a lost cause’ comment.” Flam grinned. “Seemed to work too, they certainly picked up the pace.”
Bon-Bon looked at him, almost with distrust. “Then why did you help Flim power up the machine?”
“Ah, that was a fortuitous opportunity for me to help. I knew the machine would not operate properly with that much power running through it.” Flam tapped the side of his head. “I helped design the thing. Flim was the main salespony, with me as support. I was the one that kept the machine in working condition. He had no clue what would happen.”
Beat’s expression lightened a little. “You tricked him.”
Flam tilted his hat forward smugly. “I knew the machine would spend too much time sorting through garbage that it sucked up rather than making juice. It slowed down the process quite a bit, and the Apples caught up with the machine’s pace, and surpassed it. I had one more trick.” He rubbed his hoof on his chest in a self-satisfied manner. “I turned off the quality control when Flim panicked.”
With those words from Flam, Beat’s grin was back. “No matter what happened with the number of barrels after that, they wouldn’t count.”
Flam smiled and smacked the top of the table with a hoof. “Exactly, the deal was to count the number of barrels of cider, not barrels of leaf and dirt flavored liquid compost.”
“You already knew you two had lost, why didn’t you do or say something right then?” Lyra looked up at him, waiting response.
“Because Flim, unscrupulous as he can be, is still my brother and I did not want to have a rolling fight with him in front of a crowd. I knew we had lost, and it was just a matter of time before ponies figured out the scam with the ruined cider. He inadvertently helped speed us getting thrown out of town by pulling one of the bad batches and serving it first.”
Lyra smiled, knowing the climatic part of the story was coming. “So the blow up happened later? We know you were on the road when it happened, but what triggered it?”
“Our trip to Appleoosa was the final straw for me. We had to stop on the road for a couple of days so I could repair the Super Squeezy and clean it out. Using that much power had beaten up the machine pretty badly, and we won’t even discuss what came out of the press and the filters.” Flam shuddered for a moment, recalling the ill smelling and slimy mixture. “The whole time we worked, Flim and I argued over his stunt. After I pressured him enough, he promised to not try that again.”
Bon-Bon looked skeptical. “I doubt he could keep himself from trying again.”
“We’ll never know if he would have or not. When we made it to Appleoosa, every pony raced to the orchard and hid behind barricades. I learned from Applejack, while working for the Apples, that she had sent letters to all their family warning them about Flim and me. A pony dressed in a vest and hat told us that we were not welcome in their town. Flim made the mistake of telling him to trust us. The whole town responded by throwing pies at us until we left.” Flam put his head down on the table and covered his face with his hoofs. “I will never eat another apple pie again, as long as I live.”
Beat pounded the table as he laughed. Bon-Bon tried to contain her mirth, to be polite, but failed. Lyra had to gasp for breath she was laughing so hard at the mental image of Flam covered in pie horn to hoof.
Without waiting for them to stop laughing, Flam calmly moved on, “We made a hasty retreat, and found a place to clean ourselves and the Super Squeezy off. Flim and I barely spoke to each other, until we got back on the road for a bit. When we started talking again, it got tense quickly. I had had enough. I told Flim that nothing was worth being greeted in a new town like that, and I was going to turn in my resignation.”
Beat finally got himself under control enough to talk. He wheezed, “Knowing Flim, I’m sure that didn’t sit well.”
“He told me I was not keeping in mind what was best for the family and for the business. I made it plain that I didn’t give a flying parasprite what he thought, and I was out. He called me something I won’t repeat, and then hit me.” Flam reached up and rubbed his cheek, remembering the blow. “Needless to say, I did not take that well. We fought. I ended up losing my hat and falling off the machine. I had to do some fancy dodging to keep from being run over by the back wheels. When that lamprey of a brother of mine saw that I hadn’t been badly hurt, he kept right on going, and left me in the middle of the road.” Flam sighed, “And you know the rest.”
“I knew your brother was a piece of work, but I had no clue he would sink that far.” Beat growled into his mug, as took a swig.
Lyra poked him in the shoulder. “You’re not a con pony. Flim pressuring them or not, those ponies took the deals offered, you should remember that. You didn’t do anything illegal. You were just a little on the gray side, where morals are concerned, when the profits didn’t pan out for the farmers.”
Bon-bon agreed. “You helped when it mattered. You kept a family from losing their home. You can’t beat yourself up over what happened with the business.”
Flam gave them both a nod and a smile. “Thank you. I still intend to do something for the farmers that lost bits on the deals we made.”
Lyra took a swig from her mug large enough to empress both Beat and Flam. Bon-Bon hardly batted an eye, having lived with her for a while and seeing her do something of the sort before. Lyra thunked her mug down on the table. “Alright, I promised that when I heard your story I would tell mine. Well here it is.”
Bon-Bon reached over and shook Lyra. “You don’t have to right now. You’ve had a bit to drink.”
Lyra looked at Bon-Bon in disbelief. “Sweetie, we all know it’s not Apple Acres Hard cider.”
Bon-Bon’s eyes narrowed at Lyra’s use of her real name, but she let it slide.
Lyra put on an empty smile as she began her story. “My family, particularly my mother, wanted me to marry up in the world. They controlled what stallions I dated, who my friends were, they dictated my entire social life down to the smallest detail. I made the mistake of letting my mother talk me into dating Prince Blueblood. He was the most self-centered, narcissistic, misogynistic stallion I have ever come across. After that, I knew I had to get away from their control. If they were willing to offer me up to such an ass for their own benefit, they certainly didn’t have my wellbeing in mind. I moved here, kept up my lute playing, and Bon-Bon let me help in her shop.”
Flam winced in sympathy. “Prince Blueblood was your coltfriend? Ouch. I’ve heard nothing but bad things about him. Well, other than he can guide an airship through a thunderstorm blindfolded.”
“That must be about the only constructive thing he can do, because I certainly didn’t see him do anything else that even came close to being useful.” Lyra fumed.
“Thank you for telling me your story, but I hate that doing so drug up such bad memories. I have something that will make you feel better.” Flam turned his head, and using his magic retrieved a plain white box that he had tucked away in a cabinet, and placed it in the center of the table. He waited for a moment, in order to add a little drama and to let his guest’s minds wonder about its contents. “I present to you one of Pinkie’s own creations.” He lifted the cover off the box with a flourish. Inside the box was a magnificent chocolate cake.
Bon-Bon examined the cake with a professional eye. “She never ceases to amaze me. I may have the corner on chocolates and candies, but she and the Cakes have the upper hoof on confections.” She leaned back, and gave them all a cautionary look. “You realize we’re all going to have sugar rushes, not to mention chocolate overload, from this.”
“It will be worth it.” Flam levitated appropriate serving implements from the kitchen, and a tub of ice crème from his refrigerator. “After I apologized to her for what I put her through at the Apples, I ordered this from her as a surprise for you three for helping me move back in. I promised Pinkie I would share the cake with you three after we finished.”
Beat froze. “You gave her a Pinkie Promise, full motions and all?”
Flam raised an eyebrow, confused by Beat’s serious tone. “Yeah, is there something I need to know about that?”
Lyra vigorously nodded. “Never, ever, break a Pinkie promise. The last pony that did still won’t talk about what happened after he did.”
“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.” Flam began to serve the cake and ice crème, making sure each had a health portion. “I’ve had enough traumatic events here lately. I don’t want to tempt another.”
Bon-Bon hummed, as she tasted the cake. “Delicious as always, speaking of Pinkie, have you apologized to all of the Elements yet?”
“The Elements,” Flam asked, one of his ears folding back quizzically at the use of the unfamiliar term.
Lyra started to laugh, but quickly covered her mouth with a hoof. “He doesn’t know.”
Bon-Bon explained, “Applejack’s friends that helped her that day are the Elements of Harmony.”
Flam’s eyes widened in fear at the revelation. It took him a moment to wrap his mind around the news. “You mean the Elements that defeated Nightmare Moon and Discord?”
Beat said, through a mouthful of cake, “The very same.”
“Oh horse apples, I’m bucked.” Flam blanched as his mind came up with all kinds of horrible scenarios that could unfold from his unintentional mistreatment of Equestria’s national heroes.
Lyra waved his concerns away. “Nah, if you were, the fallout from the contest would have hit you by now. They’re pretty laid back. Well, except for Twilight. She can get a little high strung at times, especially when she thinks she’s going to fail Celestia.”
Flam started to sink to the floor. “Fail princess Celestia?”
Lyra swallowed her bite of cake. “She’s Celestia’s personal student.”
“Flam, you alright,” Beat asked, as he watched his friend collapse to the floor.
Flam’s voice trembled, as he stated with certainty, “I’m going to be banished.”
Lyra could not believe the charming, self-assured stallion that had entertained them all evening had turning into a hyperventilating shell of himself so quickly. She made her way over to him and gave him a comforting hug. “No, you’re not. You’ve apologized to them, right?”
Flam nodded.
Lyra gently asked, “Did they seem upset at you?”
“No. Rainbow Dash even thanked me for allowing her to ‘spend some fun, sweaty time with a hunk of a stallion,’ if I’m quoting her right. I couldn’t tell with Fluttershy whether she was still upset or not. I couldn’t make out what she was saying, she talked so quietly.” His breathing slowed back to an almost a normal rate, as he regained a grasp on himself.
“Then that’s the end of it. I know all of the Elements. If they had a problem with you, you would know it. Since Celestia or the guards haven’t shown up either, you’re safe.” She released him, and shook his shoulders lightly. “You worry too much. You’re going to end up a nervous, twitchy, mental wreck like Bon-Bon if you don’t watch it.”
“Hey! I’m not that bad.” Bon-Bon pointed her fork in Lyra’s direction and poked the air as she spoke. “Just because I take things seriously does not mean I have issues.”
Beat leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I certainly don’t see anything wrong with you.”
Bon-Bon pointed towards Beat. “See, he agrees with me.”
Beat caught her hoof, before she could put it back down, and kissed it as well. “I didn’t say you don’t have issues, I just don’t see anything wrong with them. I like calming you down, after you have one of your fits.”
It took a moment for Bon-Bon to recover from Beat’s bold statement. When she did regain her mental balance, she began lightly pummeling him with her hooves.
Chapter 4: A Letter, A Mother, and An Awkward Dinner
“I’ll see you tomorrow! I think everything should be finished in the afternoon.” Flam waved, as he left Berry Punch’s workshop.
“Flam!” Flam’s head snapped towards the familiar voice. He saw Lyra running down the path towards him. She was being followed by Bon-Bon, who was doing all she could to keep up with the musician. “I've got to talk to you right now!”
Berry stepped out of the workshop, drawn by the yelling. “What is going on?”
“I have no clue, but it doesn’t look good.” Flam called to Lyra, “You alright?”
“No!” Lyra skidded to a stop just in front of him. She took a moment to catch her breath.
“It’s about you and me.”
Berry gave Flam an icy glare. “Lyra, if he did anything to hurt you, just say the word, and I’ll pound him into the dirt.”
Flam raised his hooves in defense. “I’ve done nothing of the sort! I swear!”
Lyra nodded in agreement, preventing Flam from receiving any physical abuse. “He’s not the problem, Berry, it’s my mother.” Lyra levitated a letter from her saddlebags, and turned it over to Flam’s magical grasp.
Berry calmed herself down. “I should have known better. He’s been nothing but nice to me and Piña.” She looked at Flam apologetically. “Sorry about that, Flam, I was just trying to take care of a friend.”
Flam did not take his eyes from the letter, as he told her, “No harm done, so don’t worry about it.” His eyes grew wide as he read on. When he finished the first page, he looked up at Lyra. “You have got to be kidding me.”
Lyra shook her head. “Keep going, it gets better.”
Flam’s eyes rapidly skimmed the next two pages. With each line, the look of disbelief on his face intensified.
Bon-Bon giggled, as Flam’s mouth fell open, “Now you see why Lyra’s upset.”
Lyra rubbed her hooves over each other in worry. “She’s coming to Ponyville in a week. She wants to meet you; evidently she thinks we’ve been an item for months.”
“Where in Equestria did she get these wild ideas?” Flam thought back over the last few days, and came up with only one explanation. “Golden Crust has to be the start of this. He must have eavesdropped when we were picking up the pizza.”
“He’s Upper Crust’s brother, so that would fit. If he told Upper about what he heard, I’m sure that nag wanted to rub it in Mother’s face.” Lyra looked crestfallen. “She’ll never believe me that we aren’t going out.”
“The thought of going out with me is that bad, huh?” Flam asked, only being half-serious. Lyra’s shocked expression at his words made him feel somewhat better.
“No! That’s not it at all. It’s just she’s already planning on coming here to meet you. She’ll make my life miserable if she finds out I’m not going out with somepony.”
Flam shrugged. “I’ve got a simple solution. Let’s meet her expectations.”
Bon-Bon stared at him. “What?”
“If Lyra and I being a couple is what her mother is expecting, let’s give it to her.” He bowed to Lyra in grand style. “I would be delighted to have a lady like you as a marefriend. If you would be willing to live with the fact that the beginning of our relationship would be a bit odd, we could take things slow and see how things turn out.”
Lyra stared at him for a moment, before asking, “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
Flam stood back up. “Of course, I would not make light of something like this.”
Her golden eyes regarded his thoughtfully. “She thinks you’re an con pony. She’s going to be an ursa major to you, I’m sure of it.”
He tilted his hat back, and rubbed his head. “I would hate to see you face your mother alone. Even if we just put up a front for her for a couple of days, I am more than willing to help you through this.”
“I’m not that good an actress, so let’s make it the real thing.” Lyra surprised him, as she hugged him around the neck. “I don’t want to turn you into a real con pony just to avoid trouble with Mother.”
He gave a short laugh and hugged her back. “You flatter me.”
Bon-Bon shook her head. “You two are so weird.”
Lyra reached up and adjusted Flam’s hat to an angle she liked. “How are we going to pull off looking like we’ve been going out for months?”
“We don’t.” He started to reach up to adjust his hat back to its original position, when Lyra’s hoof stopped him. “You can’t stand it can you?”
“Leave it; I like it at that angle. It brings out your inner bad colt.” She smiled, and released his hoof.
“Sorry to shatter your image of me, but this ex-con artist says that we tell the truth.” He froze, as Lyra’s put her hoof to his nose in a strikingly quick motion.
“You were a traveling salespony, not a con artist. There were no tricks involved with the deals you made and nothing illegal done.” She gently pressed down; tilting his head towards the ground and making him meet her eyes. “I don’t want you calling yourself that again. Alright?”
His green eyes flared with a lively spark. “Only because you asked so nicely, I promise.” He put his hoof on her nose, returning her gesture. “I would like you to having dinner with me a couple of times before your mother arrives. That way we can have at least a couple of dates to talk with your mother about.” The pair stood there and giggled at each other, both not moving their hooves from their respective noses.
*****
Lyra leaned in and told Flam, over the sound of the arriving train, “You can still back out. I wouldn’t hold it against you.”
“And leave you on this platform to face the mare that you have described as your mother? I don’t think so.” He looked over at her with a reassuring smile. “What kind of coltfriend would I be if I did that?”
Lyra levelly told him, “A smart one.”
Ponies started to step off the train. The flurry of bodies, mane and coat colors, and moving luggage made it almost impossible to single out a pony in the crowd. It took a couple of minutes for the platform to clear enough to for them to spot Lyra’s mother.
“Is that her?” Flam nodded towards a unicorn mare who resembled Lyra.
Lyra took a shaky breath before replying, “That’s her.”
“I see where you got your coat and mane colors.”
“She does have wonderful coloring, but I’m glad I got my father’s eyes.”
Flam suggested, “Let’s go meet her. At least we should act as if we’re looking forward to seeing her.”
“When faced with an opposing force, a defensive stance offers invincibility while an offense stance offers both the chance of victory and of defeat,” Lyra quoted.
“I didn’t realize you studied Shined Shoe’s strategies.” He withdrew his foreleg from around her shoulders. “We’re not going into battle you know.” He started towards the mare, and Lyra reluctantly followed.
“We might as well be.” She tried to look happy, as she welcomed the white coated mare, “Hello Mother!”
The mare turned, and Flam all but stopped in mid stride. The mare’s eyes were slate gray and held as much warmth as the stone they resembled. Her expression did not help his confidence. She seemed to be weighing him as though she was planning to sell him by the pound.
She greeted Lyra, “Hello, dear, I’m glad to see you.” She gestured to the two small bags that she had brought with her. “I hope that these will not be too much of a problem.”
The hair’s on the back of Flam’s neck stood up. She was using a tone much like Flim did when he was starting a bad deal. He did his best not to let his smile fade, as he offered, “I would be more than happy to carry those for you.”
The mare’s gray eyes turned his way again. “And you are?”
Even in the face of her disapproving tone, Flam took off his hat and offered a hoof. “Flam, the stallion lucky enough to call your daughter his marefriend, pleased to meet you.”
A ghost of a smile appeared on her lips. “At least you appear to have some manners.”
Lyra made a disapproving noise at her mother’s treatment of Flam, but held her tongue.
The mare took his hoof and gave it a cursory shake. “Silver Strings.” She levitated her bags to him without another word.
He took them from her with a slight nod. “I’ve heard your name before; I remember hearing it associated with the Canterlot orchestra.”
Sliver seemed slightly pleased by Flam’s comment. “I still play with them occasionally, when one of the other harpists cannot attend a function.” She waved for the two younger ponies to start moving off the platform. “It’s been a couple of years since I last accompanied them. You must follow the music world in Canterlot then, to know my name.”
“I do to an extent, but my dad does with great enthusiasm.” Flam placed the bags on his back. “Are you familiar with Ponyville at all?” He started to guide the group into town.
“I don’t recall ever being in this rustic little town.” Her words held an aloofness that would have done any Canterlot blueblood proud. “I have never been to a place that did not at least have an inn to stay at.”
Lyra tried to be civil, and offered, “We could show you around the town, if you would like.”
“No thanks dear, I just want to rest and talk a bit before dinner this evening. I’ve been working all week, and the train trip was not the most relaxing thing.” Silver tossed her mint green mane back from her face. “Are you sure that my staying at Sweetie Drop’s will not prove a problem?”
Lyra smiled as warmly as she could. “Of course not Mother, Bon-Bon assured me you were welcome to stay.”
“Then where will you stay tonight, if I take your bed?” Silver looked at Lyra
“Bon-Bon said I could take hers. She’s planning to stay with Beat tonight,” Lyra explained.
“So you won’t be staying with Flam then? That’s good to know.” Silver’s relieved tone made it plain that such an arrangement would have met with her vehement disapproval.
Flam flushed at the implications of Silver’s words. “It she had wanted to stay at my place, I would have offered her my bed and slept on the couch.”
Silver took pleasure in the fact that she had made him uncomfortable. “How generous of you, I would expect no less of my daughter’s coltfriend.”
He countered Silver’s acidic tone, by stating with earnestness, “After all that Lyra has done for me, it’s the least I can do in return.”
“There’s the shop.” Lyra pointed to Bon-Bon’s and took the point position for the group. “Bon-Bon’s been looking forward to meeting you.”
Flam almost snorted at the outright lie, but managed to keep himself in check. He opened the door to the shop for the two mares and gestured for them to enter. With impeccable manners, he told them, “Ladies first.”
Silver entered the shop first. Flam noticed her cutting her eyes at him for a brief moment as she walked past him, as if she were inspecting him once again. I hope I don’t have something in my teeth. That would be my luck.
As Lyra passed through the door, she smiled encouragingly at him. “Bon-Bon, we’re here!”
Bon-Bon stuck her head out of the kitchen door. “I’ll be right there. I’ve got to break this peanut brittle apart while it’s still warm.”
“Why don’t you go help her, Lyra. Flam can help me with my bags and we’ll be right back.” Silver waved Lyra on. “Go on, help your friend.”
Lyra gave Flam a quick, cautioning look, and then went to help Bon-Bon.
“Shall we?” Silver smiled and waited for Flam to lead.
“Follow me.” Flam led her up the stairs and into Lyra’s room. As he placed Silver’s bags on the dresser, Silver levitated Lyra’s lyre to her.
She took a couple of moments to softly strum the strings, turn the tuning pegs, and then she began playing a soft, haunting tune. “I can tell that Lyra has talked with you about me.”
“Certainly, she speaks of you often.” Flam turned towards her and diplomatically stated.
“But not overly fondly when she does, if I had to guess.” She gave Flam a knowing smile, upon seeing him tense at her statement. “She and I have not been on the best of terms for quite a while. Even with the relationship between Lyra and me being rough right now, I still try to look out for her. I had to come check on her after I got a gleefully written letter from an old friend of mine telling me that my daughter is involved with a con pony.” Royal and vibrant chords filled the room from her playing, as she regarded him with barely concealed hostility.
Flam chose to keep silent. He wanted to see where she wanted to go with the conversation before saying much of anything.
“You’re guarded around me, but your politeness is not feigned, that much I can tell.” Abruptly she stopped her playing, and returned the lyre to its stand. “I won’t hide it, I’m here to lay eyes on you and determine what kind of stallion you are. The letter did not paint you in a warm light.”
Flam did not flinch from her harsh gaze. “Lyra has not spoken well of you either, but I made the decision to reserve judgment till I met you myself.”
Silver’s eyebrow rose. She admired his skillful and bold verbal parry. “I take it you wish me to do the same?”
Flam nodded. “I would appreciate it, for both myself and for Lyra.”
Silver allowed a genuine smile to show. “Then we shall agree to take this opportunity to learn about each other, before making our final judgments.” She raised her nose just a little, and a touch of the high Canterlot tone returned to her voice. “There is one other thing that I have been able to see about you.”
Flam invited her to continue, by asking, “That would be?”
“You care for my Lyra, but I can’t tell how much.” Silver’s eyes remained hard, but the intensity of her scrutiny had lessened. “After seeing her with that brute, Blueblood, I have come to appreciate that more with her suitors.” She turned and left the room, leaving Flam standing where he was. He did not immediately follow. He took a few quiet moments and contemplated what the next gambit on her part would be.
*****
The dinner was low key and relaxed, just as planned. The Grazing Meadow’s outdoor café atmosphere and wide variety of entrée choices had the perfect blend of Ponyville and Canterlot that the evening called for.
Their server, Horte Cuisine, added his own little bit of Canterlot flare, with his formal vest, cuffs, and impeccable service. Lyra noticed Cuisine had an uncharacteristic bit of a smile showing when he delivered their drinks, and commented, “You seem happy tonight Cusinie. What’s got you in such a rosy mood?”
Cuisine gave her a rare, uninhibited smile. “We’ve gotten a little unexpected help. She’s been helping us for the last few days, and has proven to be invaluable.”
Lyra grinned at him. “You like her that much?”
Cuisine did not comment and slid back behind his professional demeanor. “Your meals will be ready shortly.”
Silver glanced at her daughter. “Don’t tease the stallion, Lyra. You never know what he could do to your food.”
Lyra laughed at her mother’s concern. “Not Cuisine, he’s far too professional for that. Besides, he’s a fan of our little group and he and I are friends.”
“How is that going, by the way?” Silver asked, before taking a sip of her wine.
“Very well, Bon-Bon’s gotten good enough that she’s not that nervous before a show now.” Lyra stirred her sweet tea idly. “Blues may be leaving us. He and Noteworthy are teaming up to do more jazz gigs. It hasn’t been brought up, but I can tell that’s where things are heading.”
Silver looked over to Flam. “Perhaps you could join them? Do you play an instrument?”
Flam noticed the measuring look had returned to Silver’s eyes. He thought to himself, So, the opening move is made. “No, wouldn’t know what to do with a drum, much less anything more complex.”
Silver noted, “You’re a little too scrawny to be an opera singer too. Therefore, by your own admission, you would have nothing to offer my daughter in her professional life. I certainly hope that doesn’t apply to every aspect of your involvement with my daughter.”
Lyra’s mouth fell open at her mother’s rudeness. “He sings quite well!”
While Lyra defended him, Flam laughed at Silver’s comment. “True. I would not fit the bill of an instrumentalist very well at all, and I certainly couldn’t sing well enough for what she needs.”
Silver smoothly segued into the question she truly wanted answered. “What do you do for a living? Seeing as you are not musically inclined.”
Flam had prepared for this line of questioning, and easily answered. “I’m a business owner, mechanic, and designer of fruit and produce harvesting and processing equipment.”
“What kind of business owner,” Silver asked, regarding him in a slightly better light.
“I own one fifth of Wine Vinegar’s Farming Equipment Incorporated.” Flam said, with a note of pride.
Lyra slowly turned to him in amazement. “You didn’t tell me that.”
Flam winked at her. “It never came up in conversation.”
Silver sat back, and smiled a full, pleased smile. “You must be the son of Wine and Apple Vinegar. Your brother is some hot water with your father, according to the current gossip. Wine was none too pleased when Flim returned to Canterlot without you. From what I’ve heard, it’s caused a little shake up in the company as well.”
Flam took the news stoically. “I hate to hear that. About the company, I mean. My brother deserves whatever he gets and then some.”
“Why in Equestria did your parents name you Flam?” Lyra asked out of uncontained curiosity.
Flam sighed. “Flam and I were a bit of a surprise, in that we were twins. Dad and mom have strange senses of humor, so inspired by the unexpected delivery of two colts; they named us Flam Scam and Flim Skim.”
Silver laughed. The laugh put Flam more at ease, until she asked, “So, with all that wealth, what turned you into a con pony?”
Cuisine, who was just about to place Silver’s meal before her, froze. He slowly looked over to Flam and asked, “Should I come back later?”
Flam dismissed Cuisine’s concern with a wave of his hoof. “Certainly not, keep right on my good stallion. I would hate for our meals to get cold. Mine is a long, odd, and sad tale, but I’m no con pony.”
Cuisine nodded and continued serving their meals.
Flam explained the whole con pony misunderstanding to Silver. As he told her about his and Flam’s business deals, the fiasco with the Apples, his ending up on Beat’s couch, and the start of his new career, Silver ate quietly.
She only asked a couple of questions during his telling. At the end of his story, she looked at him and shook her head in disbelief. “You should write a book. It would sell like hotcakes.”
“They would put in the fiction section, if I did. Nopony would believe it.”
“So you two have only been going out for a week and a half, and you already feel for her?” Silver’s voice held more than a little disbelief.
“Lyra has not judged me, helped me feel welcome in this new town, and has given me a healthier perspective on who I am. We’ve only been on a hooffull of dates, and known each other for a very short time, but I think there might be something between us.” He nodded in deference to Lyra. “I hope I’m not speaking for you when I shouldn’t be.”
“You’re not at all,” Lyra assured.
Silver signaled to Cuisine. “Monsieur, I’d like the rest of this wine, if the bottle is still available.”
Cuisine nodded politely, and went to retrieve the bottle.
Flam took a risk, and asked, “Where is your husband, if you don’t mind me asking?”
Silver gave him a weary smile. “He’s playing as a guest soloist with an orchestra in Fillydelphia. He keeps promising me that this time will be the last.” She thanked Cuisine, as he refilled her glass and placed the bottle on the table. Silver swirled her wine slowly, her mind’s eye seeing her husband. “He loves playing for an audience too much to completely stop. I think this is the seventh ‘last time’ so far. I guess I can’t complain too much, I still teach basic lyre courses.”
“My dad is like that too. He’s supposed to be partially retired but he still manages to sneak back into the workroom every so often.” Flam looked in the direction of Canterlot, as he thought of his father. “I guess once something is such a part of your life for so long, you never can never really leave it behind.”
Silver nodded knowingly. “Like you and tinkering with farm machines.”
“I wasn’t thinking that, but I can’t argue.” Flam smiled, as he came to a realization. “I think I lost sight of what was important to me when I was on the road.”
Lyra keenly pointed out, “You found it again by hitting the road too.”
Flam winced at the memory of falling from the Super Squeezy, but his grin returned quickly. “It certainly sped things along, I’ll give it that.” He put his hoof on top of Lyra’s, where it had been resting on the table. “I might have found my joy for tinkering with machines again eventually, but I would never have met you if I hadn’t fallen from the Super Squeezy.” He kissed Lyra’s nose, not caring her mother was right across the table.
That is certainly something that Blueblood would never have said to Lyra, Silver thought, as she sipped her wine.
*****
Lyra knocked on the shop’s door, warning Bon-Bon they had returned.
“Go on dear. Open it. You live here too.” Silver urged.
“Mother, think about it. Bon-Bon and Beat could be here.” Lyra slightly blushed, as she relived a scene in her mind. “I made the mistake of opening the door a little too quickly one time.”
“Don’t keep us in suspense. What happened?” Flam asked.
“I found out Bon-Bon and Beat are both more flexible and imaginative than I ever gave them credit for.” Lyra opened the door, leaving Flam and Silver to create their mental pictures of the scene she had beheld.
Lyra opened the door and led them into the house. “Bon-Bon? Beat? You guys home?”
Bon-Bon came out of her room, and welcomed them back. Relieved that everypony seemed in a good mood, she asked, “Did you enjoy your meal?”
“It was delicious and the dinner conversation very enlightening. There is a lot more going on than the letter indicated.” She smiled almost savagely. “I cannot wait to write to my dear friend Upper Crust. She will most certainly want to know the gritty details about who Lyra is dating.”
“Mother, don’t stoop to her level. You’re better than that.”
“I just want to make sure that your name is not sullied. Some of the accusations in the letter were quite outrageous.” She looked towards Flam. “There is this stallion’s reputation to consider as well. He does not deserve the demonization that he received.”
Bon-Bon could not believe what she was hearing. “Are you alright? I thought you were going to have Flam’s ears before you guys left.”
Silver wanly smiled. “I was thinking along those lines at the time. Now that I know Flam better, I don’t see such an event transpiring.” She looked in his direction. “Lyra chose her coltfriend well.”
Flam bowed towards in thanks for the compliment.
Lyra smiled at Silver’s approving expression. She realized there was a pony absent from their gathering. “Where’s Beat?”
Bon-Bon sighed. “He’s come down with some kind of crud. I offered to stay and help him, but he didn’t want me to get sick too. To be honest, as sick as he is right now, I was glad he sent me home. Listening to a pony retch is not fun. I doubt there was much I could do for him other than keep him company while he suffered.”
Silver was disappointed. “That’s horrible. I was so looking forward to seeing him after all this time.” She yawned, and shook her head. “I’m afraid the wine is getting to me.”
Lyra offered, “You go on to bed, I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“That’s sweet of you, but you’re not sleeping on a couch on my account.” Silver insisted.
The pair bantered back and forth until Bon-Bon suggested, “Why don’t one of you go with Flam? We could flip a bit to see who stays here.”
Silver gave Bon-Bon a scandalized smile. “Dear, I’ve had a little wine, I’ll admit. However, I’m not near tipsy enough to try to steal my daughter’s coltfriend.”
Bon-Bon laughed as Lyra face hoofed herself. “Mother, I really don’t need that image in my head.”
Trying not to laugh, Flam offered, “I have a spare bed. Either of you are more than welcome to stay tonight.”
Silver started up the stairs. “Lyra, go with him. I would hate to think of the gossip that would go around if somepony were to see me going home with him alone.” Before waiting for a response, she disappeared up the stairs.
Bon-Bon looked over at Lyra and Flam, not believing the transformation in Silver. “Did you two drug her food or something? She’s not the same mare she was earlier.”
“She and I had a discussion earlier, and I told her my story over dinner tonight. I think it greatly improved her outlook. No drugs were involved.”
Lyra smiled. “Turns out that Mother likes the idea that I’m dating a polite, rich stallion.”
Bon-Bon looked at Flam, confused by Lyra’s explanation. “What is she talking about?”
Flam took off his hat, and rubbed the back of his head. “Well…”
*****
Flam shut the door behind them, and turned the key in the lock. “That went better than I thought it would.”
“You kissed me in front of my mother.”
Flam could not tell if he needed to unlock the door and make a run for it or not. “Yes, I did.” He nervously swallowed, before reminding her, “It was just on the nose though.”
“It just caught me off guard. It was a rather bold move from the pony that was telling me that we should take things slowly.”
He looked towards the floor. “It just seemed right.
“You didn’t let mother goad you into a fight.” She hugged him. “It was actually one of the best evenings I’ve spent with her in a long time.”
He hugged her back. “I’ve had more practice avoiding conflicts with dad’s partners than I care to think about. I can’t say for sure, but I think she even might approve of us.”
“I think she likes your personality. Finding out you’re an independently wealthy stallion didn’t hurt her opinion either.” She looked up at him with a smirk. “Just when were you going to clue me in on that little fact? Did you think I could be some sort of gold digger?”
“I never even thought about it being important, to tell you the truth. As for you being a gold digger, the idea doesn’t fit you at all.” He flamboyantly took off his hat, brushed his mane back, and struck a pose. “I never doubted you were interested in me for my handsome looks.”
She poked him in the chest. “You’re full of youself.”
A flash of self-doubt shown in his eyes, he asked her, “Am I really scrawny?”
Lyra laughed. “No, you’re a little on the skinny side, but you’re certainly not scrawny.”
“It’s all the magic I use.” He looked himself over. “I burn off all the calories I eat using my magic to giving power to machines, pulling things apart, or putting things back together.”
“You’re in great shape. Don’t let Mother’s barb get to you. She was looking for a fight. You were the better pony, and didn’t give her one.” Lyra started to yawn, and Flam followed suite.
“It’s late and we both need to get to bed.”
Lyra nodded sleepily. “Point me towards your spare bed.”
“I’ll take the spare. You can have mine.” Flam walked into his office and drafting room and pulled a bedroll from the closet.
Lyra followed him, curious to see what kind of bed he had bought since she had helped move him in. When she realized what he was planning. “You don’t even have a couch to sleep on?!”
Flam began to unroll his bedroll. “I haven’t gotten around to buying one yet. Don’t worry, I slept on the ground all the time not too long ago. I’m used to it.”
Lyra lightly stomped a hoof. “I am not sleeping in your bed.”
“Why not, the sheets are clean,” he asked, bewildered.
“Give me the bed roll. You had to put up with my mother; I’m not going to ask anymore of you tonight. I’m not taking your bed.”
Flam remembered a line from his tabletop playing days in college. “You cannot take what I freely offer.”
She put her hoof to his nose. “Don’t go getting philosophical on me.”
He returned the gesture, by putting his hoof on her nose. “What kind of stallion would allow his marefriend to sleep on the floor?”
“Technically we’ll both be sleeping on the floor, since your bed is a futon,” she pointed out.
“Then there’s not a problem with you taking the bed.”
She started to giggle. “We must look ridiculous, with our hooves on each other’s noses.”
“It’s endearing and uniquely you. Just like the way you sit.” He lowered his hoof. “Don’t try to distract me either. Your mother would have my ears if I let you sleep on the floor.”
Lyra finally conceded. “Alright, but when you wake up with your muscles in knots, remember that I offered.” She went into his room, and softly shut the door.
As he curled up on the bedroll, the events of the day played through his mind. He smiled, as he came to a decision. I’ve got a letter of my own to write.
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.”
