> Broken Heartstrings > by Dustchu > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Honesty is a Virtue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lyra sat by her lonesome, inside her room in the house she shared with her best friend Bon Bon, otherwise known as Secret Agent Sweetie Drops. She hugged a little plushie to her furry green chest, sniffling as the events she experienced earlier played back through her mind, events she didn't want to go through with the one she really liked. Earlier "It just wouldn't work Lyra... I'm sorry." A tall bipedal, a human named Jacob sighed in annoyence, looking down at the minty green pony named Lyra Heartstrings. "I mean, back on earth there are people who probably wouldn't mind it but... I just don't find you ponies really attractive... so we can't be together, I'm sorry." Lyra's heart felt like it shattered into a million pieces... the sound of shattering glass could be heard within her mind as she stared up the human she loved with all her heart. "B-but Jacob, I... I can change!" She told him, nodding furiously. "I-I can find a spell or something, that'll change me in-" He shook his head however, raising a hand to stop her. "No Lyra!" He told her firmly, making her ears fold back. "I told you before, I'm telling you again. Even if you did... I stil couldn't become attracted to you, it doesn't work like that... I'm sorry, but you gotta go... if you value our friendship at all... then just... just go." With that said... he closed the door in her face, slamming it and furthering the pain she felt in her chest before she turned and ran away... going home. Present All she wanted was to love him... that six foot tall hunk of human that had all of the virtues of the Elements of Harmony, but tenfold. To her, he was perfect in everyway, nice, kind, generous, honest, loyal and just trustworthy, she was quick to become friends with him. She was friendly and constantly threw hints at him that she was into him, but he never seemed to notice or he didn't care, now she knew why... And that above all, hurt worse then anything. She sighed, hugging her plushie tighter, a little stuffed human that Jacob had made her as a friendship gift. It looked a little bit like him, and she knew this was as close as she could ever get to him. Lyra wanted more then his friendship... she wanted his love, she wanted him to hold her at night and snuggle with her, and keep away the bad dreams she had about losing him as a friend. Why can my life ever go the way I want it? She wondered, before she remembered Bon Bon was downstairs. She wiped her eyes, sniffling as she reached for a tissue to blow her nose on, upon getting one she placed it against her nose. "Pffft!" Went her nose, before she balled it up, throwing it away into a trash bin before grabbing another to wipe her nose with and standing up. Bon Bon always knew how to cheer her up. Maybe if I ask nicely, she'll make me some pancakes. She smiled slightly, she always liked Bon Bon's pancakes whenever she was sad. She liked to call them Feel Better Pancakes. Lyra hugged her plushie to herself as she went over to the door, wiping her eye as she opened it up just in time to see Bon Bon coming down the hallway from her own room. "Uhm, Bonnie?" She asked. Turning to face her roommate, Bon Bon looked over Lyra, tsking. "Lyra, let me guess... Jacob turn you down again?" Lyra nodded with a tiny whimper. "Uh huh." She murmured sadly, another tiny tear escaping. Bonnie sighed gently, going over and hugging the mare tightly who hugged her back tightly. "I'm sorry Lyra... but you should have known he would have reacted this way, he's told you before he wasn't interested..." I know... Lyra thought, she knew Bonnie had a point, this wasn't the first time Jacob has turned down Lyra's verbal advances. But it was the first time he ever went into detail about it, and basically telling her she was ugly. Something that, deep down, tore at her self esteem and made her feel worthless. "Bonnie, c-ca-" She didn't get to finish before Bonnie pulled away and gave her a sad smile. "Special Feel Better Pancakes?" Bonnie asked, getting another nod in reply before the mare started to walk into the kitchen. "Go clean up a little and I'll have some ready for you, I have to get going in a bit, going on another date with my coltfriend in a bit." She said excitedly. "T-tonight?" Lyra asked as Bonnie disappeared around the corner into the kitchen, leaving Lyra alone. With a sad and resignated sigh, Lyra turned and headed for the bathroom. She knew about Bonnie's coltfriend, some strange stallion that popped up a month or so ago and had been dating ever since. Before Jacob, Lyra would have loved a shot at Bonnie, for how sweet she was, caring and just plain beautiful. Sure she was a secret agent of the crown and was sworn to secrecy on certain matters, but she still loved the mare. Heading into the bathroom, Lyra set aside her little plushie on the toilet seat before going about washing her face. She grabbed a rag and turned on the water, making sure it was cool enough before dabbing the rag in the water and bringing it up to her face to gently wash away the dried tears covering her cheeks and mouth. It took a little bit, and she picked off more dried teary flacks then she would have cared to have, but she cleaned up just as the smell of the buttery goodness that was Bonnie's pancakes wafted into the room. Just as she put the rag down, she heard Bonnie's voice. "They're done Lyra, I set them on the table for you!" When she heard that, the sound of the door opening sounded. "I'm off to meet my coltfriend now, bye Lyra!" "Bye Bon-" The door closed before Lyra could finish her reply making her ears fold down in disappointment before she sighed again, picking up her plushie and making her way into the kitchen to eat her pancakes. She wished Bonnie could have stayed, so she could talk with her some before she left... but now she was gone, leaving her all alone in this big house of theirs. But the smell of delicious pancakes made her feel a little better, so she went into the kitchen and spotted said pancakes sitting on the plate on the table. With a tiny smile she took a seat, scooting up before grabbing a fork in her magical grasp and hugging her plushie with an arm as she set about eating. As she ate, she thought about Jacob... that's all she ever thought about over the past few weeks, months, even the whole year he's been here in Equestria. He was a delight to hang around, a wonderful human being, the only one of his kind in a world that barely understood him... Lyra understood him however, he felt so alone and so did she, because of how many ponies saw fit to laugh at her because of her obsession... her passion with Anthropology. Very few, if any at all studied it, because it revolved around Humanity, an ancient species of creatures that ruled alongside the Alicorns eons ago... Only to suddenly vanish into myth and legend... and eventually fairy tales. Lyra read everything she could on the matter, studying it and ending up becoming an outcast of her peers in school. It was a trumatic time for her... with all of the bullying from her friends and fellow students, all because of something she took an interest in, it drove her to quiting collage before she finished... which ended up with her getting kicked out of her parents house for not only failing collage, but proving she was not fit for living in their own home. So she was kicked out into the streets with no bits to her name... And she lived out on the streets, until she met Bonnie who took pity on her and helped her get on her hooves. Later on she would move in with Bonnie, forming a very tight knit friendship with the mare to the point she was more like a sister then a best friend. Lyra loved her, and trusted her, sure she kept a few secrets now and then but who didn't? These taste funny. Lyra thought to herself as she took another bite of the pancakes. They were still as delicious as ever, buttery and fluffy, cooked to perfection as they always were when Bonnie was at the helm. Lyra couldn't cook very good, but she was learning... but these pancakes she was eating had an odd taste to them, something she couldn't pinpoint... But it made her feel slightly sick to her stomach and she wasn't sure why... I might be sick myself. She figured, taking one last bite of the food before putting her fork and knife down, she'd save the rest for later. For now, she just wanted to do somthing to take her mind off of Jacob. After a bit of thinking, she decided on taking a walk. Staying inside all day won't help me any, maybe a walk in the park will make me feel better. WIth a smile, she put her plushie down on the table before standing up and grabbing her pancakes in her magic. Lyra hummed a tiny tune to herself as she trotted over to the fridge and opened it up, before placing the plate inside and closing it up. With a turn of her heel she made her way to the door, intent on seeing the rest of the day in a better light... And moving on. Lyra sighed to herself as she sat outside in the park, sitting under a lush green tree as ponies walked by, some waving to her and others saying hi. Despite the events that transpired earlier today with her human friend, she was determined to make the rest of the day better for herself, sure he was her long time crush and she felt something deep for him... and it still hurt a little bit but... She was going to try and move on from this. He'll still be my friend. She told herself, rubbing her chest as she felt a hint of pain lingering within her heart. That's all that matters... isn't it? She smiled sadly, she just wanted to love him... But his human ways prevented that... Stupid human taboos... preventing true love from happening. She sighed again, shaking her head as her eyes closed in thought. He had told her so much about their human taboos... some of which just seemed silly to her. Polygamy was a no no in his society, which meant he was stuck with one solitary mate for the rest of his life. She couldn't see herself doing that, because it felt like it would be really lonely without some other ponies to love and cherish. There was also the big one... which was the cause of Lyra's heartbreak... humanity's taboo rules against loving a different creature. That hurt the worst out of all of them, and he made it very clear he would never... ever d- *Giggle* Lyra's eyes opened up as she heard the giggle... that sounded suspiciously like a pony she knew... And it was in the thick forest behind her. She stood up before turning around, her curiousity was burning brightly and she wondered what was going on behind her. The minty green mare carefully walked towards the trees, moving stealthily past a few bushes and trees as she followed the sound of a mare's carefree giggles. A part of her figured a pair of teenagers were probably doing something silly in the woods, like kissing or spying, while another part of her felt... suspicious as she continued to hear the familiar laughter. It sounded an awful lot like... "Bonnie?" She whispered to herself, pausing by a thick oak tree before peering out through a thick bush into a small well hidden clearing. She saw her best friend Bonnie sitting down near a few trees, and she looked incredibly happy. She must be with her coltfriend... The mare guessed, about to turn and leave when all of a sudden she heard a voice... "Hey Bonnie, where'd ya go?" Lyra heard, and upon looking around she saw some appear out of the woods... It was Jacob. "I'm right here, slowpoke." Bonnie chuckled, looking up at the tall human as he sat down next to her. J-Jacob? Why is he here? The unicorn felt confusion run through her mind, wondering where Bonnie's coltfriend was at. Is Bonnie introducing Jacob to her coltfriend or something? Furrowing her eyebrows, Lyra continued to watch the two. Jacob just sighed. "Well you're too fast for me." He told her, smiling in a way that made Lyra's heart beat faster. "Well," Bonnie said, turning to face him fully as her til wagged back and forth. "Maybe you should learn to be faster~" She cooed. Lyra's eyes narrowed slightly in more confusion at Bonnie's tone of voice, as she watched the two stare into each other's eyes. Bonnie... why are you talking to him like that? She had so many questions... Where's her stallion at? Why is she here with Jacob? I didn't know they were friends! But then every single one of her questions were answered... When Bonnie suddenly darted forward and locked lips with the human. Lyra's eyes shot open as she witnessed Jacob reciprocating her affectionate kiss with one of his own, his muscular arms slowly wrapping around Bonnie and pulling her closer to deepen the kiss. Lyra heard Bonnie give a tiny moan of happiness, before she pulled away to gaze into Jacob's eyes. B-Bonnie... J-Jacob? Lyra thought, her mind feeling like it was about to snap in two from the utter audacity she just witnessed happen in front of her. Then Jacob spoke. "I wish we didn't have to keep this a secret." He told the mare as Lyra continued to listen, a sudden feeling of nausea overtaking her. "I mean... its been eight months since we started dating..." "I know, but... just a little longer," Bonnie told him, brushing a hoof against his cheek. "I know Lyra's moving back into Canterlot for that new job she got, so when she does we can come out about this." Jacob sighed to himself. "I know... I just wish I didn't have to lie to her like that," He told Bonnie, frowning sadly. "I'm pretty sure I broke her heart with what I said to her." "She's a strong mare... she'll get over it and move onto something else," Bonnie assured him with a sweet tone, before kissing him again. "Now come on, you owe me for last night..." If either one had looked in the bushes... they would have seen Lyra... and her broken gaze. The minty green mare backed away from the scene before her, bile rising up in her throat as she slowly turned and exited the woods and trotted out into the open of the park. B-Bonnie... Jacob... how could you do this to me? She wanted to scream it to them... she wanted to know why... but in the end, all she felt was even more heartbreak then before. Her two best friends... two people she thought she could trust had betrayed her. With nothing else to do... She walked home... Bonnie and Jacob both walked home, Jacon being the gentleman he was and walking his marefriend home. It had been eight months... eight long months he's had to keep his relationship a secret from ponies, including his best friend Lyra, who he felt incredibly bad about breaking her heart and causing her so much pain. But she would get over it, he was certain about that, and in the future when she knew, he had a feeling they would have a laugh or two about it. "I honestly can't wait to move forward and do more stuff with you." Bonnie said to Jacob as they walked home in the night, having spent the entire day in the forest. "Me too, you're such an awesome pony." The human smiled, ruffling her mane as they approached the house, where Bonnie noticed there was smoke coming from the chimney. "Huh... guess Lyra got cold." Bonnie figured as she went over to the door of her house, and opened it up. "Wanna come in?" She asked her human boyfriend, who nodded. "Yeah, I want to at least talk with Lyra... apologize you know?" He told her, who nodded sweetly. With a pair of bright smiles on their faces, they entered the house, which was mysteriously dark... save for the fireplace. "Lyra?" Bonnie called out, going into the living room with Jacob where they found Lyra sitting in an easy chair by herself. She looked downcast, eyes half lidded as she stared down at the human plushie she was given by Jacob. The mare looked incredibly horrible, her eyes were puffy and bloodshot, and dried tears ran down from her eyes still. "Lyra? What's wrong?" Slowly, Lyra's once shiny golden eyes looked into Bonnie's, and the candy maker saw something in those golden irises... Betrayal. With a bit of magic, Jacob and Bonnie watched as Lyra tossed the plushie into the fire, causing shock to appear on the faces of the pony and human. Then Lyra spoke. "I thought you were my friends..." Stepping back out of slight fear, Bonnie looked at her friend. "W-we are, b-but why did you bur-?" "I saw you both in the forest today..." Lyra stopped her, and both human and mare went pale. "Kissing... hugging..." She sniffled, wiping her eyes as the plushie slowly burned away into nothing. Bonnie looked terrified, and quickly said, "L-Lyra, w-we can explain!" Lyra just held up a hoof instead, silencing them both. "Save it... I trusted you both and you broke that trust..." She stood up, and her magic took hold of a suitcase she had with her cutie mark on it. She also put on a pair of saddlebags, which were filled with a few items as she headed towards the door... but then she stopped. "You know..." She started, her voice nothing but sadness and heartbreak. "I'm not even angry... I'm more disappointed then anything else." At Lyra's words, Bonnie felt tears squeeze out from her tear ducts, trailing down her cheeks. "L-Lyra, p-please don't..." Lyra turned around to face both of them, and all they got in return was a cold look. "If... if you had just told me the truth from the beginning... if you had just told me you liked him, or you were with him..." She said softly. "I would have stopped asking him... sure it would have hurt, but I would have gotten over it, and been happy for you two..." Her eyes flashed a golden color as she viciously opened the door. "Instead you lied to me... hurt me, and betrayed my trust in you both..." WIth that, she turned around and walked out. Bonnie continued to cry softly, regret etched into her face as Jacon stood frozen on the spot. Netiher one knew what to say, the burning shame was clear on their faces and in their eyes... Lyra was right... "I hope you two are happy together... I really do..." Lyra said finally, walking away as she slammed the door shut. It didn't take long before Lyra heard Bonnie cry loudly, wailing almost as she continued to walk down the roads in the middle of the starry night above. Her bags rattled at her sides, suitcase trailing behind her as she pulled out her train ticket, which was going to leave in a few minutes. Despite the burning pain, hatred and disgust she felt... She was determined to live a new life in Canterlot... one with ponies she could actually trust. Her family had betrayed her... even her closest friends as well, leaving her truly alone for the first time in a decade. A sigh escaped her as she heard the train and sped up a little. I'm sorry... Was her final thought... before she made it to the train platform... and boarded it... Fin