//------------------------------//
// Chapter 8: Time with the in-laws 
// Story: Hearth's Warming in Los Pegasus 
// by Applejack224 
//------------------------------//

Meanwhile...


"Hey, H-Hon, do you need an-any help with that?" Melody asked Camera, concerned over seeing him carry so many shopping bags.

Sure, earth ponies were typically very strong, but even they have their limits.  Camera, for all of his strength, was somewhat struggling to carry the many bags his mother had given him.

"If you want to. Ya sure you can handle it, Babe?" Camera replied.

Melody nodded before replying, "oh yeah, def-definitely. I-I'm worried you'll break your back."

Using his magic, Melody lifted some of the bags in a bright blue aura. Camera was relieved at having some of the weight removed.

"See? Much better, isn't it?" Melody asked, smiling.

"Yeah, yeah it is." replied Camera.

"Aww, you two are just the cutest, I swear." Baker said over her shoulder.

Camera and Melody blushed slightly at this.

"Okay, everypony, I think we can take a break? Who's up for the food court?" Page asked, turning to the ponies behind her.

Camera suddenly felt a rumble and realized that he really was hungry.

"Well, I guess some food would be nice." he said, blushing as his coltfriend giggled.

Camera, Melody, Baker, Page and Photo all took a seat at one of the food court tables.  Page and Photo went to order lunch while the others just sat.  Camera found himself lazily looking at the window of one of the technology shops.

"What you looking at, Hon?" Melody asked, breaking Camera out of the lazy daze he was in.

Camera looked at him and replied, "oh, that tech shop over there. Figure I'd see what kind of cameras they have."

Melody nodded and laid his head on Camera's shoulder, hugging him in the process.

Baker chuckled at this, and Camera did as well.

"Gosh, I do miss the ole reunions. Shame my.... finance couldn't come..." Baker said sadly.

Nothing the emphasis she put on "finance", Camera asked, "finance? Did something happen between you two?"

Baker rubbed her foreleg nervously, biting her lower lip.  "Well, let's just say, he and I had a falling out. I don't really feel like talking about it right now." she replied.

"Well, we're here for you if you want to talk about it." Camera said.

"Yeah, thanks." Baker replied, her ears drooping slightly.

Page and Photo returned and set the food down.

"Alright, everypony, dig in." Page said, grinning.