Handyman in Equestria Finale

>You are Anonymous, and it's been a year since you started your relationship with this mare.
>A mare who was going to make you both late... Again....
“Luna! We're going to be late!”
>”I said I'd be done in a minute.  Please, Anon.  Show some patience.”
“It was a minute 10 minutes ago.  The show is going to start soon.”
>”I'm sorry Anonymous, but royalty can hardly afford to be seen so casually.  You know this.”
“All too well, puddin'...  Just pleeeeease try and hurry up.  I don't want to be late.”
>You take a seat on the lounge.  Hardest part of dating this mare was her taking half the fucking night getting ready.
You take a second to put your hand in your pocket.  No chance you were going to forget that tonight.
>And this was something you definitely didn't want to miss.
>What you wouldn't give for a cigarette right now...
>Back when you lived on your own, you could go nuts with them, but after Luna insisted you move into the castle a few months after you started dating, she forced you to quit.
>She insisted that it was because it made no sense for the two of you to continue living apart.  The castle had facilities for you to continue your work, after all.
>It wasn't until the toothbrush was in the bathroom that you learned of her deception.
>You paid for throwing that rock.  Oh, you paid.
>Not that Barley wasn't willing to keep a personal stash for you at the tavern as thanks for those stools you made him.
>That fucking guy...
>Eventually, Luna emerges from the bathroom, and you're reminded why it is you gave up your workshop in the first place.
>She stands in the doorway, looking as radiant as ever.  Her mane is done up in a sort of ponytail.
>Her usual jewelry replaced with ebony versions.
>Seems she's decided to wear that cloak you got her for Hearth's Warming Eve from the proceeds of selling the shop, serving to allow her eyes to glow a little brighter than they usually did in contrast.
>Fuck, this mare new which buttons to push...
>She smiles wryly at you, her face full of playful excitement.
>”Come, Anon.  We'll be late.”
“Right...”
>You pick yourself up from the lounge, grabbing a handful of bits and making for the door.
>That's the other thing you've learned from dating this mare.
>Shit's expensive.
>Still.  A smile comes across your face as you join her side.
>She was worth it.
>The two of you make your way through the halls of the castle.  They were still a maze, but you found yourself getting lost less and less.
>Eventually, you make your way to a large door, the sun's visage emblazoned on it's surface.
>You try and pick up the pace out of instinct, Luna giggling at the display.
>”Seriously, Anon?”
“What?”
>”You have no reason to be afraid of my sister.  She's grown fond of you, you know.”
“Hedging my bets, sweety.”
>She rolls her eyes as she rejoins her side, nudging you lightl.
>”I would appreciate it if you didn't act so skittish around her.”
“And I'd appreciate fewer promises of 'solar vacations' every time we go out for the night.”
>She giggles.
>”She's only joking, Anon.  Honestly.”
>Probably not a good idea to tell her why it was she really made you nervous.  Not yet anyway.
>You shrug off the comment.  Grabbing the contents of your pocket.
>She stilled scared the shit out of you.
>The two of you continue through the halls until you reach the main gate of the castle.
>Guards greet you as you exit, opening the door for you.
>It was an adjustment, getting the royal treatment, but the perks were nice.
“You got the time, pal?”
>”10:15, sir.”
“Thanks.
>Good.  Still time before things got started.
“Looks like we'll be right on time.”
>”Was there a doubt?”
“With you, sugar, constantly.”
>Another nudge comes to your hip, a little more forceful this time.
>You chuckle as the two of you make for the tavern.
>It's been years since you've come to Equestria, but that glow the city took on at night never got old.
>If anything, spending as much time as you have with Luna has only made it better.
>You place a hand on Luna's neck, burying the other in your pocket as the two of you continue to your destination.
>She accepts it immediately, brushing her neck against your torso.
>Public displays were something to get used to, put everyone in Canterlot had gotten accustomed to it pretty quickly.
>The two of you continued together, making it back to the familiarity of the city circle.
>Seems there was a crowd at the tavern this time around.
>Not a surprise, considering the event.
>The two of you make you way to the entrance, bypassing the line and meeting a familiar bundle of overcompensation wearing a black t-shirt.
“Evening, Roy.  The moonlight gig going well?
>Hey, Anon!  You bet!  Good evening, Princess.
>She nods silently but smiles all the same.
“We should be on the list for tonight.
>”Well, of course you are!  Head on in, Pal!”
“Thanks.”
>Roy opens the door to a loud roar.
>The tavern is filled to the rafters.
>You do your best to create a path for Luna to the bar, shuffling in between the crowd.
>With a little effort, you finally come to the counter, you favorite bartender manning his battle station, as always.
“Hey Barley!”
>He looks up, taking notice of you and Luna, smiling wide at your appearance.
>”Hey, you two!  Glad you could make it.  Gimme a minute.”
>Barley turns his attention a pair of younger stallions.
>”Hey, you two, kick rocks!  I need these seats.”
>The two stallions look to Barley, noticeably aggravated.
>”What's the deal?
>Barley points a hoof at your direction, Luna close next to you.
>”Oh.  Sorry.”
>One of the perks of dating royalty.
>They sheepishly vacate their seats as you and Luna take their places.
>As you settle in, you shovel out the entirety of the bits you brought onto the bar.
“Their tab is on me.  You know what to do with the rest.”
>”You got it kid.”
>Barley heads back to duty, leaving you to Luna.
“I figured the place would be pretty packed, but this is nuts.”
>”Indeed, but considering the circumstances, one could hardly be surprised.
>Barley returns shortly, producing a mug of hard cider for you and a glass of wine for Luna.
>Before you're able to initiate a toast, however, Luna chimes in.
>”Excuse me, Anon.  I'll be right back.”
>Luna hops from the seat, making her way to the restroom.
>Barley takes notice, ducking under the counter.
>You watch her intently, waiting for the right moment to strike...
>The bathroom door closes.
“NOW!”
>Barley deftly produces a small wooden box, made by you of course.
>In a flash, you open it and grab a cigarette, lighting it on the nearest lamp, sucking every bit of it's sweet reward into your lungs.
>Oh yeah... That's the good stuff...
>You make haste to finish your shame, huffing and puffing with everything you had.
>You start to get close.  You figured you had a few puffs left.
>But then, something catches your ear that instantly sets your mood sour.
>”This seat taken?”
>Bon Bon...
“Yes it is, as a matter of fact.”
>You ash the cigarette under the counter, brushing the evidence off the counter.
>”Yeah, I figured.  It's good you could make it.  She was looking forward to seeing you again.”
>You turn around in the stool to face your old nemesis.
“I got the letter.  Wouldn't miss it.”
>She has her usual shit eating grin on.  She seemed to save it especially for you.
>If it wasn't for the verbal tongue lashing she gave you after Lyra decided to leave Canterlot as well as the months of death glares that followed, it would look a little more welcoming.
>It took a while to get her to warm back up to you, but old habits died hard with her.
>Bon Bon looks around the tavern briefly.
>”So...”
“Restroom.”
>”Right.  Well, have a good night.  I just wanted to stop over and say 'hi'.”
“You to, Bonny.”
>She turns to return to her table.  You notice Berry Punch is there as well, being...  Well, she's being Berry Punch.
>You turn back to the bar.  Luna returns not too long afterwards.
>Jumping back up to her seat, she returns to her wine.
>”I apologize for the-”
>
>She begins sniffing.
“It's not me.”
>She looks at you deadpan as her horn begins to glow, grabbing a hold of the chest of your shirt and pulling it towards her.
>She breathes in deeply, before looking back at you, her eyes more stern.
“Have I ever told you I love you?”
>”We'll discuss this later.”
>Fuck.
>You notice Barley, gazing at you out of the corner of his eyes as he serves a group of other ponies.
>He's trying not to laugh.  He's not trying very hard.
>Dick...
>The two of you return to your drinks.  Normally, you'd be in the dog house for that last stunt, but you figure you had an ace in your pocket.
>You bring an arm to her shoulder as she continues to sip her wine.
>She snaps her head away dismissively, but makes no effort to avert your hand.
>She knew how to put on a show, but you had her pegged for the softy she was.
>Eventually, the lights begin to dim as the the attention is drawn to the stage.
>Took you weeks to get that thing back up to par for tonight.  Still, it was well worth the effort.
>It's been a year since she's been to Canterlot, after all.
>The tavern erupts into intense clopping as she takes the stage.
>Her golden eyes seemed to sparkle a little brighter than you remember.
>Seems she started playing more of these kinds of smaller shows.  You remember that she mentioned it was something like therapy for her.
>Lyra looked at home.  For the first time in a long time, too.
>A smile comes to your face as you bring your fingers to your mouth.
>Luna saw this coming, knowing you like she did.
>She quickly places hooves over her ears as you inhale.
>You blow out one of your trademark whistles.
>The volume overshadows the ruckus of the crowd easily enough.  Lyra takes notice of you at the bar, her smile beginning to beam the way you expect.
>She digs her lyre out from a bag behind the stage, bringing to the front of her, wrapped in magic.
>The crowd falls silent as she begins her set.
>As she begins, something catches your attention.
>This song sounded familiar, but you couldn't put your finger on it...
>It continues for a minute before it hits you like a brick.
>It's the song she played at your workshop that night!  But it was different somehow.  You remember it being, bouncier...
>Still, her expression is the same as it was back then.
>Bright and beaming.
>Ponies in the tavern even started clopping to the rhythm, sames as that night a year ago.
>You bring your mug back down to the counter, which is quickly met by Luna's hoof.
>She's looking at you, smiling warmly.  Seems she took notice of you lost in thought.
>You're free hand moves to hold her hoof, content that she understood.
>The two of you look back to the stage, losing yourselves in the festivities of the tavern.
>This time around, Lyra finishes the song with a more subdued strum, but the effect is as strong as ever.  The tavern erupts in applause and shouting.
>”She's gotten a lot better.”
>You look to Luna, who is staring at you, smiling widely.”
“Yeah.  No shit.”
>A smirk comes across your face as you down the mug and motion Barley for another round.
>Lyra wastes no time continuing, knowing full well the crowd was eating out her hooves.
>The rest of the show goes by flawlessly.
>Luna, in her usual way, starts to lean into you as Lyra continues.
>Time seems to stop as Lyra continues, ranging from her usual, bouncy stable of music to some more steady songs as a nice contrast.
>The two of you enjoy your drink and the music for a time.  But all too suddenly, Lyra finishes her final song, causing the tavern to once again erupt in applause.
>Lyra proceeds to bow, her face beaming at the crowds reaction.  She really did look more at home.
>Eventually, Lyra takes her leave to the back of the stage, exiting to a small room in the back of the tavern where the equipment for the show was stored.
>You look to Luna, who is finishing another glass of wine.
“Hey, Luna...”
>She grins at you, knowing what you're going to say before you manage to get it out.
>”Go on.  I'll be fine.”
>She offers you a nod as you pick yourself from the stool and make your way to the back room.
>You continue to shuffle through the crowd, even stepping over ponies when necessary.
>As you near the room Lyra had entered, you see Bon Bon chatting with a couple of friends.
“Hey, Bon Bon.”
>”Oh.  Hey, Anon.”
“So... Is Lyra in there?”
>She pauses before smiling warmly, stepping out of the way.
>Right.  Time to meet your old friend.
>You move to the door, opening in to the sight of Lyra, packing up a few odds and ends from the show.
>”Hey Bonny, could you have the guys bring back the...”
>She turns to what you, her expression instantly showing surprise.
>You close the door behind you, leaving the two of you with a little privacy.
>...
>”Hey, Anon...”
“Hey, Lyra.  Hell of a show.”
>She turns back to her packing, smiling nervously.
>”Thanks.  It was nice coming back to Canterlot.”
>You walk close to her, using an empty box as a stool.
“It was good seeing you play again.  How is the traveling going?”
>”It's cool, seeing all the of Equestria and stuff.”
“Any groupies?”
>She snaps into a fit of laughter before turning back to you, smiling heartily.
>”You know it!”
>You reach over, tussling her mane a little.
“It's good to see you again, Lyra.”
>Hehe.  You too Anon.”
>She jumps up, wrapping her fore legs around your neck, pulling you in for a hug.
>You reciprocate.
>At first, you were worried that this was going to be more awkward, considering that she ran off the last time you spoke to her.
>Her sudden leave from Canterlot caught everyone by surprise, after all.
>Still, she seemed happy, so you shrug off the concern.
“So.”
>You pull out of the hug.
“How long are you in town?”
>”A couple days.  I'm heading to Baltimare at the end of the week.”
“Right on.  Got any plans while you're in town?”
>”Not really.  I'm staying at Bonny's until I need to go.”
“That's cool.”
>”You should come by before I leave.  Bon Bon said she wouldn't mind having you.”
“You sure about that?”
>She chuckles at your implication.
>”No poison in the pancakes. I promise.”
“Hah.  Alright.  You got it.”
>You pick yourself up to stand, as Lyra gives you a wide smile.
“I gotta get back to Luna.  I'll see you later, alright?”
>”Sure thing, Anon.”
>Turning, you leave the room to the ruckus of the tavern.
>It's calmed down a little, now that a few ponies have started to take their leave.
>You make your way back to the bar, Luna taking notice almost immediately.
>”So how did it go?”
“It went well.  She wants me to hang out before she leaves.”
>”That's good to hear.  You should have her by the castle as well, before she needs to leave.”
“What?  Are you finally ready to experiment?”
>She shoots you a dead pan glare.”
“What?  I'm kidding!”
>”Honestly, I don't know why I put up with you.”
>You bring a hand up once again, wiggling your fingers in front of her.  Smiling like a jackass.
>She scoffs dismissively, turning her attention to her wine as she goes for another sip.
>She tries to hide the smirk, but no dice.
>Yo bring your hand back to the bar, grabbing your mug and finishing the contents quickly.
>Still one more thing on the to do list for tonight, after all.
>You finish with a gasp of relief, the liquid courage taking full effect.
“Hey, Luna.  Let's head back, yeah?”
>She looks at you puzzled.
>”Are you sure?  It's only midnight.  Do you not want to stay for the festivities?”
“Not really.  I thought we could have a night to ourselves.”
>She grins with a sultry look in her eyes.
>”If you think I've already your weakness while I was away, you're sadly mistaken.”
“I'm only human, Luna.”
>She chuckles before downing the rest of her wine.
>”Very well, Anon.  But I will not go so easily on you next time.”
“You're the boss.”
>The two of you leave your seats.  You offer Barley one more wave before you make your way to the door.
>As you exit, the night air greets you kindly.  Looks like Luna worked her magic again for tonight.
>She comes to your side as you begin to make your way back to the castle.
>With a hand around her neck the two of you continue.
>It's a silent walk, but still lovely.  You appreciated the fact that you were able to just let the moment be when you were with Luna.
>Most of the time, you relied on your sense of humor to get you out of situations like this.
>But with her, it was different.
>You bury your hand in your pocket, relishing the time you both shared, making your way back to the castle.
>It takes little time before you're back to the castle gate, but it still takes some time to get back to Luna's room.
>As many times as Luna suggested teleportation in the past, you were never able to get used to that sensation.
>Or that weird fucking taste...
>Still, you make it back safe and sound, opening the door and throwing your affects on the dining table.
>The only piece that made it from the workshop.  Only piece you decided to keep.
>Considering you sold your chair, that's fucking saying something.
>Luna liked it though, and having a quiet place to have dinner wasn't such a bad thing either.
>She heads to the wardrobe, taking off her cloak and her jewelry, placing it inside and closing the door.
>You make a bee line for the bed, plopping down and getting comfortable.
>As Luna closes the wardrobe, she takes notice of you on the bed, the sultry look coming back strong.
>”Ah.  A night to ourselves?”
“It's you're fault.  You know what pony tails do to me.”
>She holds back a light chuckle, letting her mane 'fall' out of the way it was.
>She starts to make her way back to the bed.
>”I thought you would enjoy that.”
>Luna floats to the bed, joining you at your side.
>You roll to your side, holding the back of he head while you pull her in for a deep kiss.
>She wraps herself around you driving herself into you.
>As the two of you snuggle, your attention turns back to the matter at hand.
>You pull away, looking deep into her deep, blue eyes.
>She smiles back, eyes longing.
>As she comes in to continue you stop her.
“Luna.  Wait a second.”
>She pauses, looking at you with an expression of frustrated passion.
>You bring your hand back down to your pocket.
>Time to cross that last thing off your to do list.
>You then produce the piece that had been in your pocket since the night began.
>A small box, wrapped in black velvet.
>Bringing it to her face, she pulls back, eyes wide with an audible gasp.
“I want to ask you something.”

End Handyman in Equestria.