Bon-Bon and Lyra are both students at Canterlot University. They started dating and really enjoy one another's company. Lyra wants Bon-Bon to meet her parents. What could go wrong?
Bon-Bon considered herself the luckiest pony alive for one reason alone. She had met the best pony she could ever meet: a unicorn named Lyra Heartstrings. Lyra was a quirky turquoise colored unicorn with a lyre for a cutie mark. She was damn good at the lyre too. If it wasn't for Lyra, Bon-Bon would have transferred out of Canterlot University.
Bon-Bon felt out of place in Canterlot University as a middle-class earth pony. However, the university gave her a full scholarship and that was why she decided to go there.
Bon-Bon and Lyra met in a first-year writing class. Bon-Bon noticed right away that Lyra seemed out-of-place as well. Unlike Bon-Bon who felt that way because of her background, Lyra was out-of-place because of her quirks.
Bon-Bon wasn't a big fan of writing essays but the class was required. She picked a Mythical Creatures class because it was in the building next to her dormitory and wasn't too early in the morning. Lyra was an aficionado about one kind of mythical creature: the human. For any topic discussed in class, Lyra was able to connect it to humans. She was convinced that humans had more to do regarding inventing mythical creatures than ponies. She didn't just like to talk about humans but she thought humans actually existed at some point in time.
Bon-Bon could remember the first day she talked to Lyra. It was after Lyra and their professor, Dr. Oats, got into a heated argument about centaurs and their relevance to humans.
"Lyra, the centaurs do absolutely nothing to prove the existence of humans. They are both mythical creatures."
"Professor Oats, can you tell me which came first? The centaur or the human?"
"Based on the records available to us, the centaur was written about first by ponies. So, Lyra.. can you tell me why the human isn't simply a derivation of the centaur?"
"It is because humans have hands!! Centaurs don't have hands!! Look at everything around us. You can use hands to work with these pencils easier. You can use hands to do many things easier than the pony way."
"Very amusing, Ms. Heartstrings. I guess I should love and tolerate your ideas though."
"The same with your views, Professor Oats, even though they are terribly wrong."
Bon-Bon could hear some groans. Her classmates originally found Lyra's interest in humans amusing but now it just annoyed them. It didn't annoy Bon-Bon so much though. She actually had a crush on Lyra. If it was any other pony rambling on about humans, Bon-Bon would have had trouble resisting the urge to punch the pony in the face. Bon-Bon loved Lyra's smile and her voice.
She heard a young mare mumble behind her, "You can tell she only got in to Canterlot University because she's a multi-generation legacy."
Bon-Bon turned around. She could see a male earth pony and a female pegasus giggling. The pegasus had a drawing of Lyra in a strait jacket on her desk and another drawing on the earth pony's desk where a unicorn was saying, "I will pay you ten million bits if you let my nutjob of a daughter out of the looney bin, please!". Bon-Bon was so annoyed at them.
The female pegasus whispered to Bon-Bon, "You don't like my drawing?"
The male earth pony whispered, "Hey, you're Bon-Bon, aren't you? My bros totally dig you by the way. You should stop by my frat party Friday night."
This made Bon-Bon feel uncomfortable but she was getting used to all the creepy guys hitting on her at this point.
"You're a Sigma Tau, aren't you", asked Bon-Bon.
"Sure am."
"After that orientation party you "bros" threw, I am telling you that I will never ever go to anything related to Sigma Tau ever again. Feel free to tell your "bros" that, they might learn something."
"Heh heh, Rough Ranger told me that you were so hot but a total bitch."
Rough Ranger.. ugh.. he was the worst of the bunch.
The pegasus glared at the earth pony.
"Umm, Rocky Boulder, that isn't how you treat a lady", said the pegasus.
"Sorry, Bon-Bon." Rocky did seem legitimately sorry, so Bon-Bon decided to forgive him.
"It's alright. having a brain makes me a bitch then I will take that as a compliment", said Bon-Bon.
Blue Sky looked at Bon-Bon with intent and made an obnoxious humming sound.
"Great! Please stop by the Sigma Tau mixer Friday night! We would love for you to be there."
"Don't worry", said Blue Sky, "I will make sure to keep Rough Ranger in line." Blue Sky winked at Bon-Bon.
"I will think about it."
Bon-Bon wasn't going to go to this mixer.. unless... Lyra wanted to go. What was Bon-Bon thinking, she never even talked to Lyra before.
Bon-Bon did realize some big problems with her feelings towards Lyra. There were three blocks Bon-Bon anticipated. The first was that she was an earth pony and Lyra was a unicorn, but a unicorn who was obsessed with humans probably didn't harbor any prejudice against earth ponies. This wouldn't be a problem. The second was that what if Lyra liked stallions and not mares. Bon-Bon was bisexual and found herself attracted to mares and stallions (but she liked mares a lot more) but Lyra might not be the same way. The third was that Lyra was part of the elite Heartstrings family, one of the most prestigious and wealthiest families in all of Canterlot who had all sorts of famous connections. Would Lyra even be allowed to date a pony like Bon-Bon whose family didn't have any big connections? The second and third blocks seemed like they could be big problems. Bon-Bon felt butterflies in her stomach.
Bon-Bon knew she needed to talk to Lyra.
When class was finally over, Bon-Bon walked over to Lyra. Bon-Bon was going to blow it. Lyra probably had some handsome prince back home who was completely devoted to her anyway. Didn't hurt to try though.
"Oh, I would love to hear you play the lyre sometime."
"Aww.. I'm not that good at it though."
"I'm sure you are. It's your cutie mark after all."
"What does your cutie mark mean?"
"Oh this, those are candies. I don't know why I got this. I guess I'm not a bad baker. I was always afraid that it meant I would have to someday work at my parents' convenience store."
"I love candy."
"I love lyre music."
"Where are you from?"
"Belmont Stakes. It's a suburb of Manehattan. What about you?"
"Canterlot. My family doesn't live to far from here actually."
"So, what is it about humans you love so much?"
"I guess I'm just seeing all of these connections. You probably think I'm nuts though like everypony."
"Yea, you are bonkers."
"Of course. I guess I just can't help myself."
"Hey, I was thinking we could get a cup of coffee sometime."
"Why not now?"
Bon-Bon saw Lyra grin at her. Lyra was absolutely adorable.
"I think we are going to become real pals."
"I hope so."
The two walked out of the classroom together and began to talk about various topics. Bon-Bon and Lyra had very different outlooks on life and different upbringings. Bon-Bon was a cynical, middle-class earth pony. Lyra was a naïve, upper-class unicorn. However, they still shared a special bond. Neither pony was particularly comfortable with the mainstream. Despite Lyra's quirks, she was so down-to-earth that Bon-Bon could forget at times that Lyra was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
Bon-Bon remembered their first kiss. It was at the university's movie theater. They were watching a romantic comedy called "The Love Book". Lyra liked those kinds of movies. Bon-Bon remembered falling asleep at some point, since it was so boring. However, at the end of the movie, the two lead ponies kissed. Lyra grabbed Bon-Bon and the two engaged in a long and passionate kiss. One Bon-Bon would never forget.
This was most definitely the beginning of a beautiful relationship, thought Bon-Bon.
Bon-Bon was relieved that the semester was almost over. College was a lot of hard work. Bon-Bon felt accomplished though since she was probably going to end the semester with a 4.0 or something close to that effect. Bon-Bon just had a final in multivariable calculus tomorrow and she was done.
Bon-Bon just wished the room wasn't so damn cold. Her roommate, Trixie, always liked to make the room too cold. Trixie was a unicorn with a massive ego and had a love of talking about herself in the third person. Bon-Bon didn't know much about Trixie's background except that Trixie was raised on a rock farm in Baltimare.
Bon-Bon was all bundled up in blankets just trying to stay warm. Bon-Bon figured she would make an attempt to get the room to be warmer.
"Umm, Trixie."
"Yes, Bon-Bon?"
"If you don't mind, I was wondering if we could turn the heat up just a little bit."
"Oh, that. Well surely, the Great and Powerful Trixie disagrees. You can always turn up the heat surrounding you with your magic. Oh, that's right. You can't use magic."
Great and Powerful Trixie, my ass, thought Bon-Bon.
"Well. Umm.. in that case, why don't we turn the heat up and you can make your personal space cooler with your magic."
"The question is does Trixie wish to do that. Magic is not infinite and there are perhaps better uses for Trixie. I suppose that is something an earth pony isn't expected to know though. I am sure your marefriend can tell you all about it.. oh wait... she is no where near as great and powerful as Trixie when it comes to magic. Trixie excuses you for your ignorance on magic."
Bon-Bon was glad that she and Lyra already decided they would be roommates next year.
Bon-Bon put her books in her saddlebag. She was going to go to the library.
"Wait!! Trixie has some fantastic news to tell you!"
Bon-Bon turned around.
"The Great and Powerful Trixie shall be taking some time off from university to pursue the finest of ambitions."
Bon-Bon smirked.
"Trixie shall be going around all of Equestria with her magic show. She has learned that she is the best at magic of all ponies and must spread the joy to the world around her."
"Good luck with that."
"Thank you, Bon-Bon. The Great and Powerful Trixie shall do much good for the world with her earnings. Trixie is leaving tonight. Do you think you will be back before then?"
"Probably not. In fact, I am sleeping over Lyra's dorm tonight."
"Trixie shall miss you, Bon-Bon. She considers you her best friend at Canterlot University."
"I'll miss you too, Trixie", Bon-Bon lied.
Trixie gave Bon-Bon a big hug. Bon-Bon headed out. She admittedly felt sorry for the unicorn. Trixie was the kind of pony who had some real deep-set insecurities about herself. She overcompensated to the extreme. Bon-Bon hoped for two things. The first was that Trixie would be successful with her magic shows and the second was that Bon-Bon would never have to see Trixie again.
Bon-Bon was on her way to the library. It was far too cold outside. Did the weather ponies really need to make it so goddamn cold? However, Bon-Bon supposed that was the nature of winter. Bon-Bon made it to the library and heard:
"Bonbonbobnbonbonbon!!!!"
That had to be Lyra and it was.
"Hey there, Lyra." The two nuzzled each other.
"I can't believe our first semester of college is almost over. Times flies fast, doesn't it?"
"Sure does. Right now though, I got to study for my math final."
"You need to study? But Bon-Bon, you are a genius. If I was as smart as you, I wouldn't study."
"That's because you would be so dumbed down that you wouldn't know how to study", said Bon-Bon with a smile.
"You must be excited to head back home, huh."
"Yea, I am. But... I.. you know."
"Oh, me too! It's only going to be three weeks though."
"You know how much I love you, Lyra."
"Me too. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me."
Bon-Bon smiled.
"I live so far away too from the university. You only live about fifteen minutes, right?"
"Yep. You couldn't tell, huh?"
"Well, you told me that you're from Canterlot."
"Not like that. So many ponies here, they are like, "Hey, look at Princess Celestia's castle, it's so cool I've never seen anything like it before.", I am like, LOL I basically live next door to the castle."
"Have you ever been to Manehattan?"
"I haven't."
"I think you'd like it, a lot to do there. So, I have something to tell you."
"What's that?"
"My roommate is taking time off from college."
"Oh, Trixie? I'm going to miss her. She was such a riot."
"Yea.. whatever.. so I just wanted to offer something interesting."
"What's that?"
"You live in a single on the other side of campus and I was wondering..."
Bon-Bon didn't know why she always got so nervous when asking Lyra about something potentially life-changing.
"What were you wondering? You just kind of stopped mid-sentence there, my love."
"Would you want to..um... be my roommate?"
"Oh, Bonnie! I thought that was what you were going to ask, yes and yes!!!" Lyra kissed Bon-Bon on the lips.
"Yes, sounds like a plan then, tee hee."
"Bon-Bon, there is something I have been wanting to ask you. Well, since I don't live that far from Canterlot, I was wondering if you wanted to meet my parents."
"Your parents?". Bon-Bon had the thought in her head, was it too soon.
"I think after such a fun..um.. two months, it would be great for my parents to meet you."
"Wow. That's great. I guess I could stop by for a night."
"That's fantastic. I think you'll love them!" Lyra kissed Bon-Bon again on the lips.
"Sounds like a plan. I should go study for my calc final now, want to do the best I can."
"Ooh, calculus. That sounds hard. Reminds me of why I'm definitely going to be a fluff major."
Bon-Bon and Lyra giggled. Bon-Bon would mock ponies who took on easy majors - majors Bon-Bon considered fluff.
"C'mon now. You're actually passionate about pony history. That makes you different."
"Are you passionate about mathematics, Bon-Bon?"
"Um... well, it gets you somewhere in life."
"So can pony history.. oh.. especially if I make the breakthrough I expect to make."
Humans... Bon-Bon just tuned out human talk these days. However, Bon-Bon knew how to be tactful around Lyra.
"You know what. I know a lot of historians are out there trying to make breakthroughs but if I had to bet on some pony doing that, it would be you, Lyra."
"You're just saying that, Bon-Bon, since you think I won't make love to you otherwise."
"That's not true and you know it. I think we both know what your future should be in anyway."
"Yeah?"
"You know.. the beautiful music you make."
"Oh right! I guess it doesn't really matter what I major in, huh, Bon-Bon. Maybe I will do something with numbers like you or science."
"Science is cool. The world wouldn't work without it."
"What about unicorn magic?"
"Unicorn magic can be explained by biological processes which are rooted in science. You need it. Mathematics exists as the language of science, you could say. It's damn useful."
"And ponies say I'm the one who talks about things over others' heads."
"Stop it, Lyra. You're sounding like a fluff major."
"But fluff is so soft and comfy, I think I like it just fine. So, your final is over tomorrow at noon, right?"
"Yep."
"We should meet with my parents tomorrow night. It will be at my house. I don't know if my dad will like the idea of us sleeping in the same room though, just be warned."
"Its okay. I should probably head back to Belmont Stakes tomorrow night anyway after meeting your parents."
"We got plenty of space. Oh, Bon-Bon. I am sure my parents will let you pick a bedroom to sleep in if you choose to sleep over."
"I'll play it by ear. I told my parents to pick me up at the train station the day after tomorrow. So, I can decide whether to stay over your place or to head back to my dorm."
"Neato! Hey, Bon-Bon. Good luck on your final. Get that perfect score!"
"Thanks Lyra. Otherwise, I'm not sure I would want to go home for winter break."
The two of them giggled.
Bon-Bon went to the library to study. Bon-Bon opened up her book to the "monkey saddle". Hmmm, monkeys did look an awful lot like humans, whoever thought of humans must have been really into monkeys, thought Bon-Bon. Monkeys with pony-like intelligence. The thought would have never crossed Bon-Bon's mind if it wasn't for Lyra. Bon-Bon chuckled. The next time Lyra would bring up humans, Bon-Bon would just shout, "MONKEYS!!".
Bon-Bon really tried to focus but she was worried about tomorrow night. She knew what high society in Canterlot was like. Many of the ponies there were very snooty and elitist. They looked down among ponies who weren't "blessed" with their upbringing. Not all ponies in Canterlot were rich but those who were had a much more elitist attitude than the rich in Manehattan. Rich ponies in Manehattan were largely new money, ponies who made it big on their own. Social mobility was tougher in Canterlot.
Bon-Bon had never met Lyra's parents before but she knew that the Heartstrings were one of Canterlot's premier families. It was a family which had vast amounts of wealth for hundreds of years and many generations. Lyra was Lyra and completely non-judgmental. However, what would Lyra's parents think of Bon-Bon? Would they think she was some low-level scum? Would they tell Lyra that she should not be dating Bon-Bon? Bon-Bon knew Lyra was interested in her but Lyra did have a close relationship with her parents. She would go home sometimes to visit them on weekends.
Bon-Bon was nervous that she only had one day to prepare. She wanted to impress Lyra's parents so badly, but perhaps she was misjudging them. Even though the Heartstrings family was one of the most well-known and wealthiest families in Canterlot, maybe Lyra's parents were like Lyra: easy-going, lovable, and tolerant. Perhaps Bon-Bon should have asked Lyra beforehand about what her parents were like, Bon-Bon couldn't say no now. If she did, maybe Lyra's parents would use that as ammo anyway to get Lyra to break up with Bon-Bon if they had that sort of motivation.
Bon-Bon got out of her calc final and knew she rocked it. It was also officially the end of her first semester in college. Bon-Bon already had packed and was ready for winter break and to meet Lyra's parents. If there was one character trait Bon-Bon was proud of in herself, it was her ability to be prepared for anything.
On her way back to her dorm, Bon-Bon saw Blue Sky and her friend Brilliant Beauty. Bon-Bon walked a little quicker and tried to pretend to not notice them.
"Hi Bon-Bon", shouted Blue Sky. Well, that didn't work.
"Hi Blue Sky and Brilliant Beauty."
"I am so psyched right now that the semester is over! Gamma Alpha Kappa is totally partying it up tonight!"
"Yea", added Brilliant Beauty, "you totally should join us."
"Oh no, I can't. I already have plans."
"Like what, with any cute guys?"
"Hee hee", giggled Blue Sky, "not with a cute guy, I bet. More like with Loony Lyra."
"Lyra makes better company than you", retorted Bon-Bon.
"Oh, I suppose so. Look behind you, it's a human!! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! The humans!!!"
"I'm sorry for Sky's behavior, Bon-Bon."
"It's okay, I guess", said Bon-Bon.
"I just can't believe you're dating Lyra. I thought you were cooler than that", said Blue Sky.
"You can also be cooler than that", added Brilliant Beauty, "if you join our sorority."
"We are having rush when we get back. Bonnie, you should think of joining us", said Blue Sky.
Not in a million years, thought Bon-Bon, but she decided to play ball with them anyway.
"Blue Sky, I will consider rushing your organization on one condition."
"What's that?"
"Lyra must be allowed to rush too."
Blue Sky laughed out loud.
"Hey, Bon-Bon. It's cool you swing that way. Quite a few gals in our sorority are like that. We got mares way hotter than Lyra", said Brilliant Beauty.
"Hmmmm, if I think about that in the only context that makes sense to me, I probably shouldn't rush. I was taught to not touch hot stoves."
"I told you she was a smartass", Blue Sky said to Brilliant Beauty.
"I think we could make a great trio though", said Brilliant Beauty, "you being an earth pony, me being a unicorn, and Blue Sky being a pegasus. We can make GAK the most powerful sorority on campus."
"So, can Lyra rush", asked Bon-Bon.
"Of course", said Blue Sky, "Lyra is a riot!"
"I gotta go", said Bon-Bon, "but I hope you both enjoy your winter break!"
"Same to you, Bon-Bon!"
Bon-Bon was glad to make it back to her dorm. There was Lyra and it looked like she already moved in.
"Hey Bon-Bon, I figured I would get a head start and move on in", said Lyra, "this room is too cold though."
"Courtesy of my former roommate."
"This is a dream come true for me. Bon-Bon, I am absolutely honored to be your roommate. Warning though, I am a snorer."
Bon-Bon shrugged. Trixie didn't snore but Lyra was definitely the better choice.
"So, are we ready to meet your mom and dad?"
"Yes we will be. My butler, Jenkins, shall be picking us up at 5 PM sharp. Jenkins is the best butler a pony could ask for, what about your butler?"
Bon-Bon chuckled, she didn't have a butler. One of those probably cost as much as what Bon-Bon's parents made in a year.
"I'm guessing your butler isn't as awesome as Jenkins", said Lyra.
"Yea, I think so."
"You're so funny, Bonnie. You should join the circus. My parents say that every filly should have loving servants."
"My parents say that a filly should get straight A's or they will disown her."
"That's awful! What kind of parents would even say such a thing for real?"
"Hopefully, I will never find out."
"No worries. If your parents disown you, it's no big deal. You still got me." Lyra kissed Bon-Bon on the cheek.
It was 5 o'clock and there was a knock on the door.
"Ms. Heartstrings, are you ready?"
"Jenkins, I certainly am and so is my friend, Bon-Bon."
"Splendid!"
Lyra opened the door. Bon-Bon saw a white unicorn dressed in a tuxedo.
"How is my favorite silly filly", asked Jenkins.
"You're the silly filly", joked Lyra.
"I hope you are still practicing that lyre even though you're at university."
"I most certainly am. My marefriend, Bon-Bon, loves my music but sometimes I fear she is just saying that to be kind."
"That sounds like nonsense", said Jenkins, "am I right, Ms. Bon-Bon?"
"You most certainly are correct", said Bon-Bon, "it's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine. I have heard so many fantastic things about you from Lyra. She says you're quite the prodigy."
"Funny that Lyra would say such lies about me."
"Funny that Lyra told me that is exactly how you would respond to being called a prodigy."
Lyra giggled.
"Jenkins, didn't I tell you that Bon-Bon is absolutely amazing?"
"Yes, you did. I think that we shan't be late though. Is everypony ready?"
Lyra and Bon-Bon nodded.
Bon-Bon took her luggage as did Lyra. Bon-Bon noticed that Lyra packed a lot heavier than Bon-Bon did. Bon-Bon only had two small suitcases for the trip home. Lyra had six large bags. Thankfully, everything fit on the carriage Jenkins was driving.
"Wow, you got a lot of stuff", Bon-Bon said to Lyra.
"Intriguing. I always thought you just had too little stuff", said Lyra.
Bon-Bon and Lyra kissed on the lips and got into the carriage. Jenkins didn't take the reins at all. Rather, he used his magic to move the carriage.
"Bon-Bon", said Jenkins, "how familiar are you with Canterlot outside the university?"
"Not very familiar admittedly."
"Canterlot is a splendid place. Some ponies call it the most magical place in the world- and I mean that figuratively, not literally."
"I certainly get what you mean. The architecture is absolutely splendid."
"What is most amazing", piped in Lyra, "is the origins of that architecture."
Bon-Bon and Jenkins both groaned. It seemed that Jenkins had his fair share of the human talk too.
"I dare do say", said Jenkins, "Princess Celestia is certainly a jack of all trades. The tale goes that she built the castle brick by brick."
"She probably had a couple hundred earth ponies build the castle for her", said Bon-Bon.
Jenkins laughed and then said, "I suppose that is how the castle is still standing these days. Earth ponies certainly have a knack when it comes to building magnificient things."
"I thought those were humans", said Lyra.
"Oh hush hush, my silly filly", said Jenkins in a quick yet lighthearted tone, "you know, the pony they say conjured up the idea of humans is actualy a unicorn, Star Swirl the Bearded."
Star Swirl, yawn, thought Bon-Bon. Maybe if she was a unicorn, she would have found Star Swirl's tales more interesting.
They arrived at Lyra's house.. more like a mansion. It was enormous and beautiful. It was secured by a massive gate with two marble royal guard statues facing one another. Bon-Bon noticed that a semi-circle with the word "HEARTSTRINGS" was wrapped around the center of the gate.
Jenkins used his horn to open the semi-circle which opened the gate.
It was always one of Bon-Bon's dreams to have a house like that and Lyra was living it.
Bon-Bon saw a unicorn couple walk outside the mansion: a green stallion with thick glasses and a red mare who looked glamorous. They must have been Lyra's parents. They smiled at Bon-Bon but the mare seemed to eye her suspiciously. Bon-Bon was nervous but waved at them.
"Lyra, my most favorite daughter", said Lyra's father.
Lyra ran over to her father and gave him a big hug.
Bon-Bon approached Lyra's parents. She was admittedly nervous.
"It is a honor to meet you", said Bon-Bon.
"Likewise", said Lyra's father, "our daughter, Lyra, has only said fantastic things about you."
"Yes, she has", said Lyra's mother. Bon-Bon noticed that there was a bitterness in her tone.
"So what do our cooks have for us tonight", asked Lyra.
Bon-Bon smiled. It made sense that Lyra's parents didn't cook, Lyra was awful at it herself.
"Only the finest fritters in Canterlot", said Lyra's father.
"Mmmmmm", said Lyra while licking her lips, "that's delicious."
"So come on in", said Lyra's father, "we are glad to have you here, Bon-Bon. Our little princess is very wise when it comes to picking friends."
Lyra's mother did not seem as glad.
Bon-Bon took one last look at the exterior of Lyra's mansion. It was possibly the most fantastic residence Bon-Bon had ever seen. Bon-Bon looked to her right and saw that Princess Celestia's castle could be seen from the distance. The castle was perhaps the only residential building which looked more impressive than the Heartstrings mansion.
Bon-Bon walked inside with Lyra, her family, and Jenkins.
The interior of the mansion was even more gorgeous. Bon-Bon noticed the three enormous chandeliers hanging on the ceiling. There was a gold-plated staircase at the entrance. The one thing that Bon-Bon could think of when it came to Lyra's mansion was large.
"Oh my gosh", cheered Lyra to Bon-Bon, "I am so happy that you are finally coming to my house! It almost feels like the next step, huh."
"Yea, I suppose you could say that."
"This has been the Heartstrings mansion for four centuries now", said Jenkins, "it is quite well known in Canterlot."
"Lyra, this is even better than what I could have imagined", said Bon-Bon.
"It's just home for me", Lyra shrugged, "what's your house like?"
"Probably as big as this foyer", Bon-Bon said with a laugh.
"This does not surprise me", said Mrs. Heartstrings.
"Oh my dear, you and your sense of humor", said Mr. Heartstrings patting his wife on the back, "how are you enjoying Canterlot University, Bon-Bon?"
Bon-Bon felt more comfortable, at least it seemed like that Mr. Heartstrings liked her.
"Canterlot has been great so far, just the typical college experience, I imagine."
"What is your house?"
"I am living in Buckingham."
"Good girl. I lived in Buckingham for all four of my years at Canterlot! Splendid indeed. Go Buckingham Bulls!! Yes, brings back so many pleasant memories."
"Daddy, I am now a Buckingham Bull too as of today!"
"I thought you were put in Wilshire."
"Bon-Bon and I are now roommates", Lyra gave Bon-Bon a tight hug. Bon-Bon could see a smile from Mr. Heartstrings and a scowl from Mrs. Heartstrings.
Bon-Bon noted that Lyra looked like her mother but had a personality more like that of her father.
"I will notify the cooks that Ms. Heartstrings and Ms... Bon-Bon?", said Jenkins.
"Bon-Bon is fine, thank you", said Bon-Bon.
"I must know though. Of which family are you a part?"
Bon-Bon knew that none of them would have heard of her mother's or father's family but Jenkins seemed sincerely curious.
"Well, my father is part of the Drops family and my mother is part of the Vendor family."
"Hmmm, I do not think I met anypony from either of those families", said Mrs. Heartstrings, "I have plenty of earth pony friends but none of them are from those families."
"Well, um... they have.. um.. well, I don't think they have ever visited Canterlot."
Bon-Bon saw Lyra give her mother a glare.
"Thank you, Bon-Bon", said Jenkins, "I am sure your parents are very good people."
"I agree", chirped Lyra, "Bon-Bon is the kindest and most hard working pony I have met at the university."
"Rose-colored glasses, my dear", said Mrs. Heartstrings. Oh, for the love of Celestia, why was she giving Bon-Bon such a hard time?
"What would Princess Lyra like for us to do now", asked Mr. Heartstrings.
"Hmmmmm.... I know", cheered Lyra, "let's find out what Bon-Bon wants to do! Bon-Bon?"
Bon-Bon felt awkward being put on the spot but she had to think of something quick and she did.
"I have an idea", said Bon-Bon, "while waiting for dinner to be ready, why don't we look at old pictures of Lyra? I am sure they are adorable."
"What a splendid idea, Bon-Bon", said Mr. Heartstrings, "er... Jenkins, where is the photo album?"
"In the library and in Slot 7B."
"Thank you Jenkins."
"I should go tell the cooks to start up with dinner, cheerio."
Jenkins headed off. Mrs. Heartstrings went off somewhere. Bon-Bon didn't even see her leave. Lyra, Bon-Bon, and Mr. Heartstrings went to the library.
"Dad, I realized something."
"Yes, my princess."
"Wasn't Buckingham a human place?"
"Oh ho ho. It was a human place alright but it was written by ponies"
Lyra pouted at her father.
Bon-Bon wanted to scream "MONKEYS" at that moment but held back. She didn't want to look like a crazy pony.
The three of them got to the library.
"Oh dear, pardon me, I can be a little scatterbrained, I completely forgot where..", began Mr. Heartstrings.
"Slot 7B", finished Bon-Bon.
"Ah yes. Thank you."
Mr. Heartstrings used his magic to retrieve the photo album. It was dark red and the cover had engraved in silver: "Emerald, Ruby, and their daughter Lyra". Bon-Bon guessed that Mr. Heartstrings was Emerald.
Mr. Heartstrings opened to the first page. There were Lyra's parents at their wedding. Bon-Bon was amazed by how much Lyra looked like her mother, except her mother had a crimson red coat versus Lyra's turquoise coat. The two of them looked so happy.
The next few pages were pictures of Lyra as a baby. Not surprisingly, Lyra was absolutely adorable as a baby. She had appeared to have learned magic at an early age. There was a picture of Lyra at two where she used her magic to make a stuffed animal float above her head. Bon-Bon smiled. Lyra looked like such a happy baby. Despite Mrs. Heartstrings' coldness towards Bon-Bon, she looked like an absolutely devoted mother to Lyra. Bon-Bon's parents took a "tough love" approach, in comparison, even when Bon-Bon was a baby.
"We're going to look at your baby pictures next", said Lyra with a devilish grin.
"Nothing exciting about them. Trust me. I was an ugly baby."
"Stop lying to me, Bon-Bon! The pictures can't be more embarrassing than mine."
"You're kidding, right? You have to be one of the cutest babies ever."
They went through all of Lyra's childhood pictures. A few stood out to Bon-Bon. There were some Nightmare Night pictures where Lyra was dressed as a hand. Lyra's parents took pictures of Lyra scaring the shit out of their neighbors with the hand costume.
"You won't be surprised to know that was my favorite costume", whispered Lyra.
"Oh yes, the hand costume", chuckled Mr. Heartstrings, "she made it herself."
"Before I met Bon-Bon, that was one of the happiest nights of my life", said Lyra wistfully.
Another picture which stood out to Bon-Bon was Lyra at the entrance of "Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns". She looked like she was only about eight at most.
"Lyra, you never told me you attended Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. That's amazing."
"I was never that good with magic though. I was surprised I got in."
"Surprised", said Mr. Heartstrings, "you shouldn't be surprised. Remember that you were in the running to be Princess Celestia's most prized student. If I recall correctly, you had the second highest score."
Mrs. Heartstrings popped in.
"And then they took some unicorn from the poor section of Canterlot instead, I forget her name, Sparkle something", Mrs. Heartstrings laughed.
"Mom, you're talking about Twilight Sparkle. She is a genius. She's like Bon-Bon smart. No unicorn can beat her in magic. That was why Celestia chose her and not me", said Lyra quite annoyed with her mother, "I'm okay at magic, but not great at it. I always thought it was because of the Heartstrings name that I scored as high as I did. I also couldn't see myself spending years and years learning crazy advanced magic."
"Absolute utter nonsense, my dear", said Mr. Heartstrings, "you are excellent at everything you do! Is that right, Ruby?"
"Indeed, Emerald. Our daughter is perfect and only deserves the best."
Bon-Bon chuckled. Her parents were very different from Lyra's parents. In Bon-Bon's family, nothing was ever good enough. In Lyra's family, it seemed that anything was good enough.
Lyra and her parents embraced in a group hug.
"I really loved seeing all of those pictures", said Bon-Bon, "I doubt that I could beat that in awesomeness."
"If you were as adorable as you are now", said Lyra, "I think I will be loving your baby pictures a lot more."
"Meh, I never dressed as a hand for Halloween."
"Boring!! Tee hee."
"Oh, I hope you haven't been boring Bon-Bon with all of that human talk", said Mr. Heartstrings.
Bon-Bon anxiously made her way to the dining room. As was the case with the rest of the house, the dining room was unbelievably gorgeous. Lyra made sure to get next to Bon-Bon.
"My family has hired the best chefs in Canterlot", said Lyra proudly to Bon-Bon.
Bon-Bon saw that there were four plates, each with a perfectly-designed assortment of food. She saw the courgette blossom and tomato frittatas along with fig tarte tatin with shaved manchego cheese. There were also carrot and coriander fritters with haloumi and sweet lemon dressing. Bon-Bon was surprised that she actually knew what all of that food was. None of this food made for a typical dinner at the Drops residence.
"Mmmm, fritters", said Lyra.
Bon-Bon ate a frittata. It certainly was good but Bon-Bon considered her mother to be the more skilled chef.
"I missed Garcon's cooking so much", said Lyra, "it certainly makes me feel glad to be at home."
"Good thing too that we have Garcon", said Mr. Heartstrings, "I don't think anyone in our family can cook to save our lives."
Mrs. Heartstrings shrugged and said, "We do not need to cook for that we have Garcon. Bon-Bon, are your taste buds able to process the sophistication of this meal?"
"Yes, Mrs. Heartstrings. It isn't a problem at all."
"Splendid, when I was your age and met Emerald, I had the utmost love for this sort of meal too. Well, there was that poor Sparkle. After she won the coveted role of Celestia's protégé, we invited her to our house for dinner. The poor plebian, she never had a fancy meal such as we provided her in her life and she wasn't a fan of the taste. Princess Celestia always had a soft spot for the downtrodden."
"Well, kids don't have quite as developed taste buds as adults, so perhaps that played a bigger role."
Lyra grinned and Mr. Heartstrings laughed out loud.
"We just need to find a good protégé for our little princess here", said Mr. Heartstrings.
"I thought that was already me", responded Bon-Bon.
"Nope", said Lyra, "I want a protégé I can feel smart around."
"I can play the fool if you wish me to do so", said Bon-Bon.
"More like a smartass", muttered Mrs. Heartstrings. Bon-Bon didn't think she would understand why every pony would call her that.
"I guess I would rather be a smartass than a dumb not-ass", said Lyra while giggling.
"You're not very good at this, are you", said Bon-Bon.
"No way, I am awesome. Right, daddy?"
"Lyra is the most clever pony I know", responded Mr. Heartstrings.
Lyra did have the daddy card. Bon-Bon's dad would have told her to go study if she pulled something like that and say, "Even though your name starts with B, you must get all As!".
"Of course, she is", said Bon-Bon sheepishly.
"Good. For a second there, I thought you were doubting that in me", said Lyra sticking out her tongue. This elicited chuckles from both of Lyra's parents.
"Daddy, would you like for me to play my lyre for the house after dinner?"
"Of course", said Mr. Heartstrings, "your music always brightens up every pony's day. Bon-Bon, do you play an instrument?"
"I used to play the violin but it just wasn't my special talent, I guess."
"We should jam sometime", said Lyra.
"Define jam", responded Bon-Bon. Bon-Bon could tell that the double entendre wasn't lost on Lyra's parents, jeez.. she needed to stop making comments like that in front of them.
Lyra giggled and whispered in Bon-Bon's ear, "Maybe later tonight."
"Mmmmm", said Bon-Bon trying to break the awkward silence, "these are the best fritters I have ever eaten."
"You're too kind, we hope we have provided you with a good sense of the Heartstrings lifestyle thus far", said Mr. Heartstrings.
"Certainly. You are both lucky to have a daughter like Lyra and vice versa."
"Certainly, our family is perhaps the closest thing to perfection in all of Equestria", said Mrs. Heartstrings.
"Besides the princesses, my dear", added Mr. Heartstrings.
"I suppose then we are the best of the simple folk."
"I don't know", said Lyra, "there are millions of families in Equestria. The odds of us having that title are slim."
"That's very true, my princess. Bon-Bon, where are you from again", asked Mr. Heartstrings.
"Belmont Stakes."
"I have heard of that place before. It's over by Manehattan, correct?"
"Yes it is. A suburb of Manehattan. It isn't quite as fancy as Canterlot but it's a nice place to live."
"No place is as good as Canterlot", interjected Mrs. Heartstrings.
Bon-Bon was getting used to these off-color comments from Mrs. Heartstrings by now.
"Rich ponies do live in Belmont Stakes", said Bon-Bon, "you got a lot of high-level Manehattanties moving there since they want more land and to live in real houses."
"Oh wow", said Mrs. Heartstrings, "my dear, we must move out of our house right now and go to Belmont Stakes. Bon-Bon says it is fantastic! The land and house we have certainly do not compare."
"I wouldn't mind", said Lyra.
"Sounds like a good place to visit, but when you are a Heartstrings, you live in Canterlot", said Mr. Heartstrings.
"Not really an exciting place to visit. That's what Manehattan is for", said Bon-Bon.
"Oh yes. I did study Manehattan greatly in my college years", said Mr. Heartstrings, "in fact, you could say that was basically my major. What is your major?"
"I'm planning to be a Math major."
"Math? I always disliked that subject but more power to you for majoring in it."
"Daddy, what would you say if I became an Anthropology major?"
"Anthro..what?", asked Mr. Heartstrings.
Oh boy. Bon-Bon's sweetheart had a hell of an obsession. It was part of what made Lyra so attractive though. She didn't care what other ponies thought of her.
"Lyra is talking about human studies", said Bon-Bon.
"Dear, so impractical. I don't even think you can get a job studying such obscure creatures", responded Mrs. Heartstrings.
"Does that major even exist", asked Mr. Heartstrings.
"I thought you grew out of that silly habit", added Mrs. Heartstrings.
"No, but consider it an independent study", responded Lyra, "I know they exist. There is nothing any pony can say that would disprove the existence of humans to me."
Bon-Bon couldn't resist. She considered her timing impeccable.
"MONKEYS", shouted Bon-Bon. Lyra and her family looked at her in shock. Bon-Bon thought to herself, "What the hell did I just do?"
Bon-Bon was absolutely terrified. She didn't know what would come of this. Lyra began to laugh hysterically. Lyra's parents were holding back laughter.
"Oh, Bon-Bon", said Lyra with a grin, "you are such a riot!"
"Yes, she seems to be", said Mr. Heartstrings, "what ever led you to shout monkeys like that?"
"Umm.. sorry.. inside joke, I suppose", said Bon-Bon.
"Some inside joke, I barely know what you're talking about", said Lyra patting Bon-Bon on the back.
"Oh, I think I know", said Mrs. Heartstrings quite coolly.
At least it was obvious to some pony, but how would Mrs. Heartstrings put it?
"Please tell us, is it some kind of thing ponies do at Belmont Stakes", asked Mr. Heartstrings.
"Not quite", said Mrs. Heartstrings, "Bon-Bon, why don't you explain it to us?"
Lyra had commented in the past that her mother despised Lyra's obsession with humans. Bon-Bon knew what Mrs. Heartstrings was hoping for, she didn't have a choice it seemed.
"Lyra, you have talked so much about humans that I admittedly got a tad curious. What are humans based on anyway? From the way they look, they certainly weren't fully based on ponies. What animal out there has hands like that, monkeys come awfully close. Human hands were designed by fiction writers to make them useful in using tools for fictional purposes. You are always telling me that humans must exist since they are sentient beings who are so different than ponies. However, there are other animals in the world which closely resemble humans. So basically, from my research, I have determined it's possible that humans are simply a fictional creation of a pony whose favorite animal is likely monkeys. You are so convinced that humans must exist but based on your reasoning, I think monkeys is a good counterargument."
"See, my dear Lyra. Humans do not exist", said Mrs. Heartstrings, "Bon-Bon, you have been a great help tonight."
Bon-Bon could see tears forming in Lyra's eyes. What the hell did Bon-Bon just do? She felt like a weak-willed puppet. Regardless, it was her own damn fault for shouting monkeys in the first place.
"My dear Ruby, may I please speak to you privately", said Mr. Heartstrings quite sternly.
"Certainly, let's talk", said Mrs. Heartstrings.
Lyra's parents left the dining room.
Lyra sniffled.
"Lyra", began Bon-Bon, "I am sorry."
"Why did you say that? In all of the places you could have shouted monkeys, you chose in front of my parents", responded Lyra angrily.
"I don't know. I guess I wasn't thinking clearly and..."
"No, I know what it was. You wanted to look so smart and posh in front of my parents that you knew for certain that humans were never real. My parents both have been trying to get humans out of my system for years."
"Lyra, that makes no sense. Why would I shout "MONKEYS" at the dinner table and not just simply make a comment about humans being made-up."
"I don't know. I suppose you're right, Bon-Bon. You're always right."
"Not true. I mean.. I guess I... was focused on making you laugh and you did so."
"Yea, I know, what you did just came out of nowhere for me."
"Hey Lyra, cheer up."
"I just realized something."
"What's that?"
"My parents... I think I know what they are talking about."
"What about?"
"What if they want me to go back to therapy.. you know... to talk about the humans? I hated that crap. I finally got my dad to tolerate the obsession and my mom couldn't do anything about it after therapy failed, but you.."
"Damn. Lyra, if I knew all of that stuff, I would never have done what I did. I swear though. It's a joke I've been wanting to make for a while. You have to admit, my timing was impeccable. I am just surprised that you never connected humans and monkeys."
Lyra shrugged and said, "Why should I? Sure, I guess they look alike but monkeys aren't sentient like ponies. Your theory is an interesting one which I am sure my parents will treat as gospel but... I suppose all of this will be good for me in the long run."
"It's just one comment on one night, Lyra. I don't think it will affect anything in the long run."
"Yea, but you know what my parents are also probably talking about?"
"What?"
"Whether to give you the Heartstrings stamp of approval."
"I guess I am not getting a stamp of approval, huh."
"I think they will."
"But your mother, she's been so cold to me.. it's like she didn't want me around."
"My mom is a sweet mare. She has just odd ways of testing ponies who come into my life."
"I guess I failed those tests, huh."
"No. To the contrary, you held up quite nicely to my mom."
"Rose-colored glasses, my dear."
Lyra giggled.
"Umm.. Lyra, what would happen if I didn't get the stamp of approval?"
"It wouldn't change too much. Not getting the stamp won't forbid me from dating you, it's just means that my parents won't think you're a good match for me. I don't think it is going to change how I feel about you. I have never met a pony who has made me this happy before."
Bon-Bon felt a little better. Lyra wasn't going to dump her over one little mishap. Bon-Bon still hoped for the stamp of approval though. Things would be a lot tougher if Lyra's parents openly made it clear that they didn't like Bon-Bon. Were they even talking about the stamp of approval? Lyra could have been wrong. What if Bon-Bon did mess things up for Lyra and she would have to go see some therapist again about the humans?
Lyra nuzzled Bon-Bon and said, "Don't worry about me, Bonnie. Whatever happens to me, I can handle it."
"I know, but... I don't think I would be able to handle it."
"Awww.. I love you. You're the best marefriend I could ask for."
"I love you too, Lyra. I don't think I could survive without you."
"No, of course you can, because you're Bon-Bon. You are a lot stronger than you know."
Bon-Bon went in for a kiss. Lyra reciprocated. It was a beautiful and passionate kiss. Bon-Bon never wanted it to stop. If she could keep this kiss going on forever, Bon-Bon would be the happiest pony alive.
Their kiss was interrupted.
"Ms. Bon-Bon, would you please join us for a minute?". It was Mr. Heartstrings.
"Certainly."
"Lyra, are you doing alright?"
"Daddy, I am doing better than alright. With Bon-Bon, I can handle anything!"
Mr. Heartstrings smiled and said, "Come on, Bon-Bon. Lyra, if you like, you could get your lyre to play when we get back."
"Oh certainly", Lyra chirped.
Bon-Bon followed Mr. Heartstrings to the library. She had no clue what things were going to come from this. However, it must have been a good sign if Lyra was told to get her lyre by her father. They joined Mrs. Heartstrings.
"My wife and I have been discussing whether we think you are worthy of our little princess."
"We think you seem to be worthy", said Mrs. Heartstrings, "you clearly are an intelligent and nice young mare. However, we are curious about something. Do you think Lyra is worthy of you?"
What an odd question!
"Of course", replied Bon-Bon without hesitation, "I will admit that I have not known Lyra for very long but I do love spending time with her. I sometimes fear that she is too good for me. She's generous, kind-hearted, inquisitive, and doesn't seem to care about what other ponies think of her."
"You are very mature for your age", commented Mr. Heartstrings, "I would like to thank you for all that you have done for Lyra thus far."
"Huh?"
"It is hard to explain", added Mrs. Heartstrings, "Lyra has more of a glow to her than she's had in years. Lyra never had many friends growing up but now she has you and she's a whole new Lyra."
"We are glad that it seems you are not simply looking to take advantage of our admittedly naïve daughter", said Mr. Heartstrings, "we have admittedly sheltered Lyra more than we probably should."
"She is such an innocent and sweet mare though and the world is a harsh place", said Mrs. Heartstrings. Bon-Bon could swear that it sounded like Lyra's mother was crying.
"Can you be Lyra's protector when we are not there to watch over her ourselves", asked Mr. Heartstrings giving Bon-Bon a warm smile.
Bon-Bon couldn't believe she was hearing all of this from Lyra's parents.
"Thank you.. Mr. and Mrs. Heartstrings. You can count on me as long as Lyra wants me in her life."
"Oh, please. Call me Emerald."
"And you can call me Ruby."
Bon-Bon thought of her own parents: Lemon Drops and Vendor Stable. They would probably never want Lyra to call them by their first names. Lyra's parents were much wealthier but Bon-Bon's parents were much more formal and stuffy by comparison.
"Oh certainly, Emerald and Ruby. Thank you for your kind words. I can't say how honored I am."
"Lyra was right about another thing", said Ruby, "you are going places, big places. She was confident in that regard."
Bon-Bon blushed and said, "Lyra's silly sometimes."
"Our silly little filly", cheered Emerald, "we love and cherish her. So, Bon-Bon. We have decided, if you wish to receive it, to give you the official Heartstrings stamp of approval."
Bon-Bon smiled at them and nodded. She couldn't believe how much she impressed Emerald and Ruby, especially Ruby who started off cold and standoffish.
"Very well, then", said Emerald. Emerald approached Bon-Bon's side. A beam of magic came out of Emerald's horn and the waves bounced onto Bon-Bon's cutie mark on her flank.
"Congratulations, Bon-Bon!", cheered Emerald, "you have received the Heartstrings stamp of approval."
All was good. Bon-Bon hugged Lyra's parents and they went out of the library.
There was Lyra with her lyre talking to Jenkins.
"Lyra, I did it! I got the stamp!"
"I am so happy for you, Bon-Bon!"
The two of them hugged.
"Thank you so much for inviting me over", said Bon-Bon, "I must be the luckiest pony alive."
"Bonnie, I want to meet your parents", chirped Lyra.
"You will meet them one of these days, Lyra."
Whenever that happens. They wouldn't be easy to get to know. But for now, this was definitely the beginning of a beautiful relationship, thought Bon-Bon.
