Title: Handyman in Equestria CH 3 Author: blubbins Pastebin link: http://pastebin.com/BwBeaW0R First Edit: Wednesday 24th of July 2013 10:22:38 PM CDT Last Edit: Wednesday 24th of July 2013 10:22:38 PM CDT >You awaken in your bed, seems you've actually managed to waked up early for once... >A yawn and a stretch later, you take your attention to the clock... “Christ, 10am?” >When was the last time you were up at this hour? >You swing your legs to side of the bed and plant your feet on the floor, trying to shake the grogginess from your head... >... >Why is your right foot wet? >You look down, noticing a small pool of what appears to be vomit on the floor... >Seems Rainbow Dash left you a present last nigh. “You'll pay for this, Dash...” >Figures, since she left in such a hurry last night >Wait... Last night... “Fuck me...” >You bury your face in your hands at remembering the 'tip' Luna gave you for that bottle of wine >Wait, why are you sweating over this? >Damnit, this is why you hate when business is so slow... >Too much down time always gave you headaches, literally and figuratively   >Thankfully you remember that your raw materials should be coming later today, so at least you could get your head right over a couple projects >Still, first things first...   >You remember that your foot has been soaking in your best pal's generosity.  You go and grab the mop and get it cleaned up >Well, the wood seems to be fine.  The lacquer is a little discolored, but it's an easy fix “I'll let you live this time, Dash...” >You continue your usual morning routine; shower, brushed teeth, shave, etc, emerging from the bathroom a new man >Stress seams to have washed off with the grime.  Gonna be a good day, you think to yourself >It's been weeks since you were up early enough for a proper breakfast.  Might as well make a day of it >You head to the front of the workshop, gathering your affects and lighting a cigarette on your workbench lamp >Good to go, you head to the door and open it to something that takes you a bit off guard... >“Oh! …  H-Hey Anon!” >You're met by mint colored pony, hoof raised ready to knock on the now open door >Her large golden eyes are staring at you with light shock “Morning, Lyra.  What brings you by?” >She drops her hoof back to the ground and turns her head slightly, her face looking a little curious >”Bon Bon told me you wanted me to come by today...” >That's right... You told Bon Bon you would make up for blowing Lyra off for dinner... >Well played Bonny...   “Oh... Right....  Almost forgot.  I have a little free time this morning and was planning on getting some pancakes at Bon Bon's.  Wanna join me?” >What the hell?  You could use the company, you suppose... >Her golden eyes almost pop out of her skull at the offer.  A wide grin coming across her face >She starts to skip in place >”I'd love to!  Now?!” “Unless your busy- Hey!” >She takes the bottom of your shirt in her mouth, pulling you towards the city circle >Seems she's excited...  But when wasn't she?  You've always known Lyra to be a ball of energy >The two of you walk to the city circle, Lyra almost fizzing with excitement >It takes no time at all before your destination is within spitting distance   >Lyra charges into Bon Bon's shop with glee >”Bonny!...” >Lyra shouts into the seemingly empty shop before both of you notice Bon Bon emerge from the back >”Hey Lyra.  How'd it go at...” >It takes her a second to notice you standing behind her >Odd since you tend to stand out anywhere you go >”...the concert last night?...” >Please Bonny...  Like you didn't see right through that verbal pivot >You shoot her a deadpan look, which she returns with a devious smirk >”Didn't I tell you about it last night?” >Seems Lyra is as oblivious as always.  It was a cute little quirk of hers >”Oh that's right...  So, what brings you two here?” >She smiles warmly “I thought I'd get some breakfast and invited Lyra along.  You still serving?” >She gives you smile with a trace of approval in it.  Seems you managed to get back on her good side >Looks like you could count on her business in the future.  Lyra seemed like she was in a better mood too.  Mission accomplished, you suppose.   >”The store is closed for the day, but I don't mind whipping something up for you two.  I was about to make something for myself anyway.  Come into the kitchen.  I'd rather keep the counters clean till tomorrow” >Lyra tugs you into the back of the shop, following Bon Bon closely >You follow in tow, making your way into a slightly cramped breakfast nook in the back f the kitchen “Closing up for the day already?  You got plans today or something?” >Bon Bon is rummaging through the fridge at this point, pulling out some ingredients >”I do, but not until later.  I'm just not expecting much as far as business goes, so I'm taking the day off” >Lyra plops herself next to you in the nook >”We're actually going to a party at Berry Punch's place tonight.  You wanna come?!” >Bon Bon shoots you a nonchalant look, tossing the ingredients into a mixing bowl and going at them with a whisk >Play it cool... ”I'd love to, but the shop is running low on inventory and I need to get it stocked up tonight” >Lyra's wide smile shrinks a bit, but lingers as her head drops a little >”Oh...” >Bon Bon looks a little annoyed, stirring the batter with more vicious strokes than before >Having things go back to how sour they were before is something you would prefer to avoid. >Suddenly, inspiration comes to you “You have another concert coming up in a couple days, don't you? I remember seeing a flier at the tavern about it”   >Lyra seems to perk right back up at the question, still a little down though. >”Yeah.  Day after tomorrow” “What time?” >”It's a midnight show at the amphitheater.” >An opening appears “Well I'm out of orders for right now.  Count on me coming this time, alright?” >You ruffle her hair a little bit as she giggles >Critical Hit! >”Sounds good!” >Seems Bon Bon takes this positively as well >”Anonymous appearing at a public event?  I must still be asleep...” "Could be.  You're kind typically bursts into flames in sunlight, don't they?" >Her cheeks puff a bit at the jab, but it's quickly replaced with a shit eating grin >"Ha!  You're one to talk...  So what's got you up at this hour?  The tavern doesn't open for a couple hours" >Her comment is dipped, drenched and dripping with sarcasm “Well you finally managed to stop breaking your shelving.  It's left me with more free time than I know what to do with” >This was familiar territory for the two of you.  Banter seemed to be your way of keeping each other on your toes. >”Well maybe if they were built a little sturdier...” “I'll be sure to cast the next order in pig iron” >Lyra bursts into laughter “You two... Are hilarious!  Haha!” >The two of you join her chuckling >Bon Bon then produces a couple pancakes.  Big thick and fluffy.  She could be a little grating at times, but damn could this mare cook >She sits down across from you and Lyra >”Feel free you two.”   >No arguments here, you dig in >Christ, Mary and Joseph, this was good.  It's been weeks since you've had something this good. >”So will you be performing any new music this time, Lyra?” >”Mmhm!  I shtill got shome work to do on the shet, but it'sh gonna be all new shtuff” “Nice.  Can't wait to hear it” >Lyra beams at your comment >Fucking Lyra was adorable some times, cheeks stuffed to the rafters with pancake >She was a sincere and light hearted p0ny, often bringing you out of your own little funks when you were in a bad mood.  She had that quality that tended to brighten up those around her. >”Juft y' ait An'n!  Y're gung lv i'!” >Bits of her breakfast are shooting from her mouth “Swallow, Lyra.  I'm fine with my breakfast without sampling some of yours” >You wipe the bits of syrupy fluff of you're face >Bon Bon tries not to laugh.  She's not doing a very good job >Lyra blushes slightly before following it with a massive gulp >”Sorry...” >She takes on a more demure expression “No sweat.” >You give her hair another tussle >The three of you continue chatting about this and that.  Lyra would occasionally pull something cute, including when she tried to mimick the way you would use a fork in lieu of her magic.  No luck, though >You and Bon Bon both laughed pretty hard at that one >Bon Bon would occasionally take a jab at you, not that you weren't able to go toe to toe with her >Lyra always seemed to get a kick out of you two going at it   >After some more playful banter, Bon Bon takes a look at the clock >”Oh!  It's that late already?” >You take a look, noticing it was already 1 oclock! >Shit!  The order is going to be here soon! “Oh man!  I gotta get back to the shop!” >Lyra shoots her ears up at you, looking at you with a little disappointment in her eyes >”So soon?” “Sorry guys.  I got some materials coming today, so I gotta get back” >”Alright...  You sure you can't come to Berry's tonight” >You pause a second before giving Lyra a scratch behind the ears “Sorry.  I promise I'll be at the show, though.  Day after tomorrow at midnight, right?” >She smiles, blushing a little >”Right.  See you then?” "Wouldn't miss it”   >You turn to Bon Bon pulling a cigarette out “See you guys later.  Bon Bon, what do I owe you for breakfast” >”On the house.  I'll see you at the concert, alright?” >The look says it all, she wasn't playing around here... “You got it.  Thanks for the grub, Bonny.  Later Lyra!” >They both wave as you make your escape >You make your way to the front door and exit to the city circle. >Seems in spite of getting off on the wrong foot in an extremely sticky way, today is looking to be a good one >You rush yourself back to the workshop, noticing a small note on the front of the door >Shit, did you miss him? >'Anon.  Saw you weren't home.  Order's in the back.  Let me know if you want to put some hours in at the gym.  Later, pal! -Roy D Rage' >You pocket the note and breathe a sigh of relief “Thank god...” >Making your way around your workshop, you see a a myriad of planks and blocks of different woods placed next to your back door >Looks like everything is there.  Time to get this stuff inside... >If this were Earth, you'd be pissed that he just left your merchandise out in the open, but there was never cause for concern around here for stuff like that >Canterlot was like something from a fairy tale...  Or Canada...   >You tart hauling bundles of blocks and planks into the workshop >It takes some doing, but you finally manage to get everything inside and organized in your store room “Right.  Time to get to work...” >You were a little giddy.  It's been too long since you were able to do one of these 'make whatever you feel like' kind of nights >You head to a large bookcase, made by you of course and leaf through a number of records before stopping at one that catches you attention >It was a gift from a cellist you worked for.  Seems her stage fell apart the day before a show and needed some emergency repairs >She gave you her band's latest album as additional thanks on top of your fee >You plop it on the nearby record player >Dulcet tones fill the walls of the workshop as you gear up for a long night “Let's get crackin'” >You start out with the easy stuff; shelving and side tables >Small, simple and in pretty high demand for the most part >For reasons that escape you, p0nies always seem to manage to get into some sort of shenanigans.  Furniture never had a long shelf life around here, not that you were complaining >You remember that parasprite outbreak from a few years ago... >A wince hits your face as you recall the amount of orders that came up overnight >You made a fortune, truth be told, but Christ...  That was a long week... >You continue working, losing any sense of time in the medley of sawing, sanding, planing and pounding >The only breaks you afford yourself are for cigarettes and changing records and one break to polish off the rest of that casserole from the other night   >finishing with the last screw on your third set of shelves, you take a second to look at what you've managed so far >3 nightstands, 5 coffee tables and 3 bookshelves >Simple and low markup.  You figure these should sell quick enough >Lighting another cigarette, you turn your attention to the window... “Fuck, it got dark in a hurry” >The clock tells you it's about midnight... >You've made some good headway.  No use in stopping here.   >You pause, holding your elbow in one hand and bringing the free hand to your mouth “... We'll need a showroom piece...” >Out of nowhere, you attention is grabbed by a loud knock at your door “Dafuq is this at this hour?” >You walk to the door, opening it to see none other than your favorite bartender >”Evening Anon!  I figured you'd still be working” “Barley!  Good to see you!  What's the matter?  Someone break a bar stool again?” >He laughs >”Haha!  Nah, nothing like that.  The taverns actually closed for the night.  Thought I'd come by and see my favorite customer, is all” >He mothions his head to his saddle bag, the top of a bottle poking out >This fucking guy...   “Well it's good to see you.  I'm working on some inventory, but make yourself at home” >Barley walks in pulling the bottle out of his bag and setting it on your counter >The bottle looks familiar >...  wait... “Barley, this is your top shelf whiskey.  You sure this is alright?” >He continues to pull out some glasses and pops the bottle >”It's just a for show really.  No one ever orders the stuff.  Besides, it's more for me than you, I just figured you could use some company” >You smirk, knowing where this is going “You and Hops going at it again?” >”Yeah... She wanted me to come with her to her mother's for the night, but I wasn't having it.  I hate her mother.” >You grab one of the glasses, the amber liquid smells fantastic “Sounds rough” >”You'll understand when you're older, kid” “Not if I can help it.  Cheers” >Barley laughs heartily at your jab as you return to your work >For some reason you can't seem to think of a good high end piece for display... >... >”You alright, kid?” “Yeah, I'm just trying to think of a piece to display in the shop for a quick turnaround...” >”What about something like that couch I ordered?” “Things like that I prefer to do to order.  P0nies can be really picky for anything upholstered...” >... “How is that couch, by the way >Barley adorns a wide smile >”Great!  Comfy as can be.  Celestia knows it's gotten some mileage! Haha!” “Fuck, Barley.  How deep in the dog house are you?” >He's outright balling in laughter by now   >”It's rough, kid.  But it'll be fine.  I'll give her a romantic dinner and it'll be fine.  Marriage is just like that.” >You raise your glass one more time “I'll take your word for it” >You swill the contents of your glass in one go before it hits you like a brick, almost causing you to choke on the alcohol “That's it!” >Barley looks at you a little concerned “A dining room set would be perfect.  It would display nicely and I can take my time and work on the chiseling...” >You walk into the storeroom, grabbing a number of cherry wood blocks and planks “It'll sell for a decent amount, too.” >Barley starts to smirk a bit >”You oughta use it to do a dinner with that mare you were with the other night, the one from Ponyville...  What was her name again?  The one with the hair?” >Here it comes... “Rainbow Dash, and she's just a friend.” >Barley takes a second to look around >“She leave already?” “Yeah, she probably wanted to get back to her boyfriend.” >Barley looks a little concerned by now, refilling his glass >”Shame, Anon.  I was hoping you were finally going to bag yourself a mare of your own” >You bring out the last of the raw materials for the table >”I mean, you've always shown up at the tavern as a solo act.  You still haven't found someone?  Stallions shouldn't be cooking for themselves at your age” >The probing elicits a little irritation   “I'm not a stallion, Barley...  Besides, my work comes first.” >You're both silent for a second.  You pour yourself a short shot and down it before sitting at your workbench and begin some rough sketches >Barley seems to employ a stern grin >”You aint dead, either.” >Barley picks himself from his prone position and takes the glasses in his bag >”My advice, kid... It's not so bad, having someone around that can you can lean on.  You're a good egg, but you're not going to be young forever >You don't say anything... >Barley walks to the door >He leaves the bottle on the counter “You forgot the booze” >”Keep it.  You need it more than I do from the looks of it.  I got a crate of the stuff” >A smirk comes across your mouth.  This fuckin' guy... “I doubt that, Pal.  My regards to Hops.” >Barley chuckles >”Wise ass...  Have a good one, kid.” >As the door closes, you take a second to reflect on what he said, leaning back in your chair >Maybe he had a point.  You were still in your prime, but you knew full well you weren't getting any younger... >It would be nice having someone around, you suppose. >You think back to Luna's little gift from the night before... >Royalty seemed a stretch...  Sounded complicated >Lyra? >That means dealing with Bon Bon more than you felt you wanted to... >...It'd be nice to get some more of those pancakes, though.  You were kind of peckish.   >... >Fuck it.  You'll figure it out later... >You bring yourself back over the sketches, continuing to pour over dimensions and conceptual designs >Time seems to fly by as you prepare what you are comfortable will be an impressive set >A couple more details are added before your head rests on the top of the workbench >You were exhausted...  It had been a long day >Sleep takes you right then and there >... >... >It's not long before the peace is broken... >More knocking? >You lift yourhead slowly, pages which were stuck to your face fall back onto the table >The clock reads 6am...  What the fuck is this at such an ungodly hour? >More knocking, getting louder and louder the longer you try and ignore it... “This better be fucking good...” >You trundle over to the door and open it. >Two white stallions adorned in gold armor are standing at attention >Well this just got interesting >You rub your eyes quickly before greeting them “Something I can do for you?” >”We have a letter from her Majesty, Princess Celestia.” >... “Pardon?”   >”We're ordered to escort you to the castle, sir.  We have no other information” >A knot forms in your stomach as concern takes over your mind. >Fuck...  Was there something wrong with the table?” “Sure....  Give me a minute, will ya? >”Of course.  We will need to leave shortly, however.” “I understand.  I'll be right out” >You close the door and head over to your bench.  Looks like the next project is going to have to wait. >You grab your smokes and your passport >Swill of Barley's finest for seasoning.  God knows you could use something for a pick me up. >Right.  Let's go see what this is all about >You exit the workshop, both stallions meeting you completely straight faced >”Please follow us, sir.” >If you were in any trouble, you're be going to the castle in cuffs >Still the feeling of anxiety for what the issue could be doesn't leave you >... >You could really go for some pancakes right now...