The empty beer bottle was placed back onto the table as the Unicorn gazed around the dining room. The conversation was abuzz with tales and laughter as each recipient enjoyed each others company. To the Stallion's right there was his caring mother, Twilight Velvet, who began passing the mashed potatoes after recovering from her small bout of giggles on the story of Parasprites in Ponyville. Beside her was Father, Nightlight, who held a grin after sharing his version of the marriage proposal with the lovely Princess Cadance who sat beside him. The last two were none other then the two youngest siblings, Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armour. The only pony left was Dusk Breaker, the eldest of the three siblings who had a grey coat that fit his name spectacularly well. His tail and mane held a dark blue like his father and a small white streak like his mother.
“... and then the Dragon came charging at us!” Twilight continued on another one of her stories as the family broke into laughing fits. Even the mostly stoic Shining Armour gave a small chuckle.
Dusk however was mostly mute during the tales. His horn glowed with a transparent dark blue field as another beer floated in from the kitchen. It was almost immediately that he received a look from his Mother. Something he has come to label as 'Stop whatever your doing because your doing something wrong' look. He just rolled his eyes before tilting the bottle back to take another satisfying swig while the dinner conversation continued.
Velvet laughed before covering her mouth with a hoof. Her gaze turned towards the eldest of her sons “So how is everything with you Dusk, dear?” she asked as the Stallion placed his third beer back onto the table.
He could feel every pair of eyes at the table look at him. The sudden silence making the situation all that more embarrassing. Dusk just gave a quick clearing of his throat before simply saying “Fine.” The beer soon found it's way tilted in front of him if only to give a moment of disconnected eye contact.
“Oh come now.” She continued. “There must be something exciting going on with you?”
“Nope. I wake up and go to work, Mom.” Dusk just dead paned her with a barely satisfactory answer.
“Well what about that Mare you're dating?” Nightlight asked with a smug look that made Shining and Cadence chuckle.
Dusk cringed very slightly at the question as he began to chug the rest of his drink.
“Are you dating some pony?” Twilight asked excitedly while beaming a bright smile.
Dusk finished with an exhale before placing another empty bottle on the table. “I was.” His horn began to glow again as another bottle floated in from the kitchen. The table went silent as the group mood soon shifted downward. Luckily dinner was just about done as everyone began helping out.
Twilight began helping her mother with the dishes while everyone else sat in the living room. “Hey Mom?” The lavender Unicorn spoke out as she used her magic to wipe one plate dry.
“Yes dear?”
“How has Dusk Breaker been doing? Is he still playing the piano?” She asked, her tone heavy with worry. Her eyes showing much of the same.
Twilight Velvet took a moment to peek inside the living room only to find her eldest son just looking out the window with half lidded eyes. A small frown crept on the mother's face as she turned back towards the sink to continue washing the dishes. “I'm not sure anymore Twilight. Ever since both Shining and yourself have left to live your lives he's just been,” Velvet scrunched up her nose for a moment in thought. “Transparent.”
“Transparent?” Twilight asked obviously confused about the whole situation.
“I fear he's resentful Twilight.” Velvet said as she stopped scrubbing dishes for a moment.
“Is there somepony who is bringing him down? Is it his ex-marefriend?” Twilight asked as her thirst for answers kept her fuelled.
“I'm not entirely sure but I think he resents both himself, Shining and you equally.” Velvet tried to explain as she turned her head to look at a surprised mare. “You see Twilight, he has watched from the background as you become Princess Celestia's star pupil, Element of Magic and embarking on multiple quests to save Equestria itself.”
Twilight paused for a moment as if she was trying to figure out a problem to a complex equation. “He's jealous?”
“He may not see it that way dear but I suspect there is a fragment there, yes.” Velvet continued as she kept scrubbing the same plate for over two minutes now. Her face saddened with worry, almost a complete turn around from the joyful dinner. “I'm guessing he's feeling inadequate. Shining is married to a Princess as well as being a Captain of the Royal guard and a stalwart protector of the reemerging Crystal Empire. He must feel like he has to compare himself, a grocery store clerk, to you two.” Velvet paused as she finally place the dish down and let her magic stop. “I feel terrible for him.”
“That's silly, Mother.” Twilight said as if to push the whole theory aside. “I remember my brother Dusk being much stronger then that. He's probably just sad about his latest break up.” Twilight tried to reason although the fear of her mother's reason still lingered in her thoughts.
“He was never dating any pony Twilight.” Velvet said with a frown as she faced her only daughter.
Twilight took a step back in confusion as the contradictory stories collided in her mind. “Wait, wait, wait a second. Dad said--”
“Dusk lied to him Twilight. Probably just to make himself look better in your Dad's eyes.” Velvet started to explain. “I called for him one day but only his room mate was home. We got talking and I asked about his marefriend. Apparently she is made up and that he has never even seen Dusk leave the apartment besides work.”
Twilight wanted to say anything that would paint Dusk Breaker in better light but the evidence was starting to to pile on the wrong side. The lavender unicorn opened her mouth to try and find a more light hearted reasoning behind all this but was interrupted by hoof steps in from the door way leading to the living room. Both Mother and Daughter turned to see a tired Dusk Breaker waiting in the door way with his mono tone expression.
“I'm heading home for the night Mother. I have to work in the morning.” With that he about faced and made his way for the front door.
“You're still going to be at the train station tomorrow to see your sister off won't you?” Velvet asked as she placed the last plate on the drying rack.
“Of course Mom. Good night.” Dusk continued towards the door.
“Good night Dusky!” Twilight called out and she frowned as the Stallion twitched for a moment. It was all Twilight needed for the ideal that her own big brother Dusk Breaker may be holding inner turmoil. She had read more then a few books to know that such a life style is unhealthy. It wasn't until later in the living room where silence had over ruled much of any conversation was when Twilight received the final puzzle piece.
“I actually have some bad news everyone.” The Princess spoke up that made everyone turn their head towards her. Her usual loving smile had been replaced with a look of sorrow but she continued none the less. “It's about Dusk. I have received word last week that he has had a little trouble at work.”
Nightlight immediately spoke up as everyone was now paying apt attention. “What do you mean?”
“Since I joined this family, I have sent out for information now and again to keep up with things. Life as a Princess can be hectic at times.” Cadence tried to explain before she let out a long breath. “He got fired last Friday at the end of his shift.”
Everyone instantly slouched as the news washed over their conscious'. Twilight turned her head to her mother and as they locked their gaze she knew it was now confirmed. Something had to be done. Twilight furrowed her brow in concentration. She was not going to let her big brother get dragged through the mud like that even if he thinks so lowly of himself.
“He's coming home with me to Ponyville!”.
The door shut firmly as Dusk relent his magical hold on the door knob. A heavy sigh left his lips as he took a moment to look at the familiar door. Memories of his foalhood flooded his mind as he recalled running home after his first musical recital or when he had been beaten up in high school. Twilight and Shining came running up to him and asked a million questions. Was he alright? What happened? Dusk remembered the overwhelming feeling of love and caring from his younger brother and sister. He lied however and simply said it was an accident involving a misstep and stairs. Anything to bar the truth of his defeat.
His slow hoof steps echoed through the darken night. Canterlot was usually alight with lights and sounds from the night clubs but here in the suburban area close to the castle, he was saved from such intrusion to the ear. The quiet however let his mind wonder about past, present and future as it often did. His face scrunched up when he thought about the family dinner he just shared. One of the most embarrassing and humiliating experiences in his life. He had never felt so miniscule in his life compared to the loving members who remained in the place he once called home.
His apartment approached with unexpected speed as Dusk was almost broken from his inner stupor. He fetched a key from his pouch before placing it in the slot only to have the door push in slightly. It was at that moment Dusk actually focused on the door lock itself, or what remained of it. He let his horn glow for a moment to let light flash on the door to reveal that the lock was busted right out of the frame. An instant flash of worry crossed his face as he could feel the blood drain. He pushed the door open quickly with his magic and bared witness to the horrible sight.
His grand piano, destroyed.
“Well hell, it's about time you showed up little pony.” A low voice made Dusk turn with sudden surprise to see three forms waiting in the corner of the room. A low light of a cigarette and rising smoke seen by the sliver of moon light coming in through the window blinds. “I was starting to think you had the balls to ditch town and try your luck on the road. Guess your lacking a nut.” The same pony spoke without showing any features from the darkness of the corner.
“I needed more time.” Dusk immediately began to plead as he risked one painful look back at the piano.
“More time?” the pony asked before he snorted with derision. “In my books kid, your time was already out. Mr. Fang wants his money by next week, all ten thousand bits.”
Dusk reeled back at the amount as his mouth hang agape for a few moments, something the thugs caught on to.
“Interest. Your five thousand bits just doubled. Be thankful that Mr. Fang didn't also pressure late fees on to your shoulders as well. Have a good evening Mr. Breaker.” The pony finished as he magically flicked the dying cigarette towards Dusk's face. The ponies exited the building leaving a lonely Unicorn to the ruins of the last precious thing in his life.
The poor guy simply fell back on to his rump as he helplessly tried to piece the piano back together.