By the afternoon, the groups had reconnected and were now heading back to the mansion. Film Reel had brightened up somewhat, but was still sour over the meeting. Only Projector was truly aware as everypony else was chatting and laughing with each other. The family quickly returned home, making dinner and wrapping presents. Exhausted, everypony went to bed a bit earlier than usual. Film, however, had trouble sleeping. He tossed and turned, his mind unable to escape the image of Starry at the jewelry store. That, and, Projector thought she AND him would get along?! To be fair, it wasn't his fault. Projector had no way of knowing of the past he and Starry shared and apparently they were work-partners. Still, Film hadn't expected to see her in years and had hoped to never see her again.
Maybe I should have stayed in Ponyville and not even bother coming back here, he thought sadly.
No! It wasn't a bad idea to come back. I got to see my friend for the first time in years and share a new experience, no way I could have missed this.
Yeah, but you saw the mare who ruined your life, who scared you off from dating ever again!
On and on throughout the night till Film finally fell asleep.
.....
Camera and Melody lay on the bed together, with Camera draping one of his forelegs over Melody's side. Camera was awake, feeling the rise and fall of his coltfriend's chest as he breathed. As he lay there, he thought about the last two months and how much his life changed. He was dating the best stallion he ever met and loved every single moment of it. Camera smiled at the thought of when he and Melody came together as a couple. Suddenly, he heard a strange noise downstairs, his ears standing up and his eyes wide. Curious as to what the noise was, Camera quietly slipped his foreleg from Melody and climbed out of bed. He then went downstairs, following the sound of the noise to the kitchen. There, he saw his father was getting a drink from the fridge.
Huh, I wonder why he's up, Camera thought.
He walked across the living room and smiled when his father noticed him.
"Hey, Camera. Couldn't sleep?" Projector asked.
Camera shook his head.
"No, I heard a sound and wanted to check it out." he replied.
Projector nodded and rubbed his beard.
"Hey, Dad?"Camera asked.
"Yes, Camera?" replied Projector.
"You okay? I know you normally don't come down here unless something's wrong, so did something happen?" asked Camera.
"I'm okay. It's just... been a really long day." Projector replied.
"Well, that is true." Camera said quietly.
Projector nodded in agreement. He then took a sip of some water, offering Camera some. The younger stallion accepted.
"Hey, Dad?"
"Hmm?"
"I love you."
"I love you too, Son."
The two stallions then hugged each other and finally went to bed.