You sat there with the embers from your forge being the only light source inside the rather gloomy forge hut. A flicker from the large fire pit shined off the bottles that occupied the flat top of the nearby anvil. They were long since empty and you knew, painfully enough, that there was more around in the dark. The rain patter on the roof above you continued much like it has since lunch, your stomach growling a constant reminder how late it was. You had prepared mentally for this moment. For months you knew that this was going to happen.
She was moving away and Celestia herself couldn't stop it from happening.
The mere thought of it was enough for you to lash out with a hoof. The small pain was ignored as the bottles that just recently occupied the Anvil's space were now airborne. Most landed amongst the floor but one managed to roll away from it's assaulter. You wanted to shout and curse her name! To the depths of hell with her! It only took moments for the painful guilt to surface along with a deep sigh. She left to follow her dreams and passion. “I miss you, Cheerilee.” you say as your head hangs low.
A small clink fills your ears as they jet upwards. A bottle lightly rests up against your hoof as your eyes focus on the intruder at the door. Her features only lightly touched by the forge's presence. “What do you want, Ditzy?” you ask as your head sinks back towards the floor. Your patience was thin but you bare with it as you hear the Mare taking a few steps closer.
“Is this all from tonight?” She asked softly as a hoof kicks a bottle away towards the wall.
“No, I keep a collection to show off to customers,” your snide return makes you let loose a hollow chuckle. The very gesture makes you shudder until your hoof searches for another swig of liquid relief. A hoof finally finds one bottle that has at least half of it's contents yet to be sampled. The small smile that graced your face was dashed as the light, smokey coated hoof pushes the bottle out of your reach. “You little bit-.” you mouth in anger before reality comes like a train. Your face spins from the hit as you lose balance on the small barrel that was your seat. Collapsing on the floor you still try to collect what had just happened.
“She's gone, Cast Iron!” Ditzy screamed at you as your head turns to see the Mare. Her wavering voice matched her wobbly stance. Never in all your years of knowing Ditzy have you ever seen her this upset. Not once. “You need to let it go! You never leave this damn shop and when you do, you reek of booze. I know you love her, Cast, I do but you're acting like you just want to give up. You still have family and friends who care deeply about you. Will you please let us help? Will you let me help?” Her voice echoed within you as you stayed still upon the floor. Your mouth agape with shock as Ditzy closed the space between you two. Her hoof extended out as she gave you the most reassuring smile you've ever witnessed. Your heart jumped for a moment although you blamed the alcohol racing through your body.
With her help you stand on all four hooves but before you make your way towards the door you feel the Mare pull you in tightly in a embrace. Her head brushed against yours tightly as you swore she nuzzled your neck for a moment. The initial connection left you speechless until your own hoof wrapped around her to tighten the hug.
“Thank you, Ditz,”
The hammer connected with the glowing hot metal as the familiar pang echoed from the shop door. The forge was bright with hot embers as you strike again at the metal that was held in place. Small sparks flew out as you let out a breath. It had taken you most of the day to fix the hinge for the Apple Family but it seems to pay off as you place the metal into the large tub of water. The steam rising as you chance a look at the clock. You still had thirty minutes before picking up Sea Wind from school, perfect timing if you do say so yourself! Which you do.
Your apron is tossed onto a nearby chair as you exit the forge and head into the adjoined office. A lone, young stallion who suddenly started moving in the chair started to write furiously on paper. You frown knowing full well that this particular dolt of a pony was your apprentice. Catching him goofing off when he should be working was almost a daily thing. If only Steel was still here. You catch that train of thought and quickly push it to the back of your mind. “The Apple Family's order is completed and is cooling off now. Clean it, wrap it and deliver it. After that you're free to go home for the day.” You order as you start to lock the cash register and windows.
The young stallion groaned before getting up from his chair. “Sweet Apple Acre is so far away though.” His complaint entered the office as you growl in response. The quicken pace of the Apprentice was good enough for you as you take one final chug from the bottle in the locked drawer of the desk.
“Colts these days,”
You tap your hoof with irritation as the shade from the oak tree provides welcoming comfort. It wasn't especially hot today but with little to no breeze it made a great difference in the shade. The irritation was still strong however as your lips ached for a drink. The need was almost appalling but all you really did to hide it was simply tap your hoof on the grass or bite your tongue. The countless times you've drawn blood from the urge or get weird looks from passers as they spot you waiting outside a school nervously tapping your hoof.
Having only a swig from the bottle at the shop seemed too small unfortunately fast.
“Daddy!”
Your ears perked up as the sight of Sea Breeze easily made you smile brightly through your irritation. She practically galloped at full speed before trying to tackle you to the ground. Being an Earth pony had it's perks when it came to natural strength and endurance. For this little Filly however, it was no match. You bowl over with a loud groan as if a monster being killed by the mighty Mare Hero, here to save the town.
Sea Breeze simply erupt in a contagious laugh the easily had you chuckling. She embraces you with a wide hug which you could only give back twice fold. Feeling her push against your chest you look down to see her with a rather sad frown. “I'm sorry for not telling you about Miss Cheerilee, Dad!”
How could you be angry at her with such innocence like that? Instead of showing any sort of anger you simply ruffle her mane which makes the Filly scrunch up her face in the most adorable way. Much like Ditzy did... “It's alright, Hunny,” you respond quietly as you eagerly bar a mental door against the vile memories.
“Mr. Iron?” an inquisitive voice brought the two back to Equestria as both Father and Filly gazed up at Cheerilee. She gazed down at the two with a sweet smile which easily gained another smile in return from Breeze. “Did it work, Sea Breeze?”
Sea Breeze jumped to her hooves, still onto top of your chest, and beams brightly towards her radiant Teacher. “It did! You we're right, Miss Cheerilee!” Sea Breeze flapped her wings with joy as she begun to hop in place, a fact that you start to realize as she repeatedly landed on your gut.
Snatching the filly up in mid-hop, you place her in a shady spot beside you before rolling to get on your on hooves. Your gaze falls onto Cheerilee as you remember her as a young Mare eagerly dreaming of a grand future. There was days she refused to shut up about her dreams! You loved it though. It was those long days as an apprentice, working hard beside the flames of your Father's Forge, that you enjoyed the Mare's non-stop vocal barrage. It was those Memories that made it hurt though.
“Cast Iron?”
“Huh?” you mumble as your concentration was brought once more onto Cheerilee who is now giving an easily worried look. “Sorry, I was lost in thought,” you try to ease her off as you noticed that she even took one hoof step closer while you were reminiscing. Feeling a hoof tugging at your foreleg you peer down to see young Sea Breeze pout with innocence. “Dinner time, huh?” you sigh out loud as the small Filly hop in place with excitement at the very idea of dinner.
“Oh! Oh!” Sea began to shout as she raised her voice, indicating she figured out a great idea. “Can we invite Miss Cheerilee over for supper?”
Looking at Cheerilee when Sea Breeze mentioned her rather suburb plan made your eyes open wide in shock. A breath got caught in your throat as a coughing fit suddenly came over you. Hacking for a moment you see that Cheerilee is rather flush with colour in her cheeks, a feat considering her colour of fur.
“Sea Breeze, I'd love too but umm...” you watched as your ex-marefriend fumbled with what you could only assume was an excuse to avoid an embarrassing dilemma. “I have to wash my Flowers! I mean, water my Dishes! Oh boy...”
“Please come and have dinner with us?” Sea Breeze begun to use her large puppy dog eyes which you were really, really, hoping didn't effect Cheerilee.
“Well,” Cheerilee paused for a moment as her gaze fell upon you for some help. What confused, and scared, you however was the gut feeling that suspected that Cheerilee wanted to visit. “If your Father agrees to it, then I'd love to be a guest in your home,”
You narrow your eyes at her only to get a tug feeling on your leg. Before even looking down you prepared yourself for the Pout Tron 3000. Sweet Celestia, how does she have such adorable eyes? “Well, Steel won't be home tonight...” You mumble with some reluctance.
“Yeah!” Sea easily squeal out in triumph, easily unaware the awkward gazes you now shared with Cheerilee. “This is going to be so much fun!”
You could only swallow with regret as you spotted another blush creeping into Cheerilee's cheeks.
Loads of fun...