“Hey, Silver Screen. You got a visitor.” The Officer said, tapping on Silver Screen’s cell.

It’s been a month since the Projectionist was arrested for the assault of Almighty Dollar and taken to Canterlot Prison. Video of the event was captured by some ponies, and posted on the internet for all to see. Once Almighty regained some form of consciousness, he set out to sue Silver Screen for all that he was worth, which wasn’t much to begin with.

However, the ponies in Silver Screen’s life came to his aid, hoping to get the vengeful stockbroker to back down. All Almighty could ultimately get was an extended prison sentence; three months with a high bail of one hundred thousand bits.

Silver Screen pleaded guilty for the assault, calling it a “Crime of Passion,” as Almighty was verbally assaulting Milano, prompting him to lash out as harshly as he did.

Milano and Button have visited once or twice a week, with Milano letting him know that she will always stay with him. Button had been a bit more quiet, but he never showed signs of fear or hatred for Silver Screen, but still retains a sense of shock. One particularly visit however, showed a sign of hope, as Silver Screen made him smile, after an amusing joke about the food in prison.

This day is surprising for Silver Screen, as Milano and Button’s visit isn’t for another couple of days.

He is lead into the visiting area, where the less dangerous prisoners are allowed to meet with their friends and loves ones out in a large room that looks very much like the cafeteria, sans a row of food and a unkempt and unhappy chef who would rather make five star meals in Canterlot.

The Officer leads him to the occupied table, where a certain mare he didn’t think would ever be there, was actually there.

Fleur De Lis.

“Fifteen minutes.” The Officer said, trotting off to join the other Officers in the room.

Silver Screen slowly sits down across from Fleur, still in disbelief that she is there. She maintains a friendly smile, but the hint of hesitation is noticeable to him.

“This is a bit of a surprise.” Silver Screen says, “Never thought you’d come to visit me.”

“I’d never thought I’d come visit you, either. But I figured I owed you one.”

“What are you doing here, exactly?” Silver Screen wonders.

“I’m here to see you.” Fleur responds candidly.

“Well, I’m honored, but not only am I still with Milano, but I don’t think a conjugal visit is a good idea.”

“I’m not here for that…” Fleur chuckles, “But it’s nice to see that you’re in good spirits.”

“To be honest…” he looks around at the calm atmosphere of the room, “It really could be worse here.” Silver Screen shrugs, “The guards are nice, the prisoners haven’t tried to shank me. Then again, I’m in the ward with the ones who did petty crimes. I suppose I have everypony on the outside to thank for that.”

“If Almighty had his way, you’d be in a maximum security prison deep in the bottom of Tartarus.”

“Yikes. That wouldn’t be the most pleasant of places. Still, I’d rather be out there.” he looks to the window with sunshine coming through the glass.

“Understandable.” she nods. “It’s nice outside.”

“Don’t rub it in.” Silver Screen says jokingly. “How’s Arcade?”

“He’s fine. He’s living with me.”

“Just you? What about…”

“I divorced his sorry ass a couple days after you got arrested. Arcade wanted to come with me, so I let him. I think, when all is said and done, Milano will get full custody. But, I’m just guessing.”

“I’m sure she’ll give you visitation rights.”

“I doubt that. With Almighty and I over with, I no longer have to be in the picture. This is only temporary until things are settled.”

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For things that happened. For bringing the worst out of him. And…for beating him up.”

“In my eyes, you have done nothing wrong. It was me who is to blame.”

“Why? You didn’t do anything.”

“I did do something. If I didn’t stay with Almighty, none of this would have happened. Well, not in the same way.” she sighs, ”I had everything before I met Almighty. I had a modeling career, lots of bits and fans…and I had a wonderful coltfriend, who was the kindest, most loving stallion I ever knew.”

“You did? I assume this loving stallion wasn’t Almighty.”

“No.” she nods slowly in regret, “His name was Fancypants. He treated me great; showered me with praise and adoration. He even named one of his many restaurant chains in Canterlot after me. He was in every way…perfect.” A tear rolls down her cheek, “But, I screwed up. I met Almighty at one of Fancypants’ parties, and we just…hit it off, I guess. He was charming and sweet. One thing led to another and…”

“I see.” Silver Screen grimaces, giving off a little bit of judgment. Fleur takes it, feeling that she deserves the expression.

“When Fancypants found out, he was so angry and so…sad. I tried to go back to him, to explain myself and apologize, but the damage was done. I went back to Almighty soon after, and we started to date. For a year, we would always go back to my place, but never his. He wouldn’t say much about himself and only focus on me. He was so charming that I didn’t even question it.

“I don’t blame you. Almighty always had an air of confidence and charm about him.”

“When he allowed me to show up at his house, I found out he was married. Milano walked through that front door, with Almighty and I on the couch. Then, I found out that he had foals! Not only did I ruin one life, but three others!” she buries her face in her hooves, “I felt so bad. I apologized profusely to Milano, but she was never angry with me. Celestia only know why.”

“Then, why did you stay with Almighty?”

“I didn’t know where else to go! I haven’t talked to Fancypants in months, and I doubt that he would have wanted me back, after what I did. I stayed…because I didn’t want to be alone. It’s so dumb of me to say, but it’s true.”

“You’re Fleur De Lis. You could have had anypony.” He then chuckles, “You could have had me if you wanted to.” The quip makes Fleur give off a soft laugh.

“You got under his skin, though. I could see it in his eyes every time he looked at you. When you were helping Button with his game, and setting up his system, that really bothered him.”

“Speaking of which, was that REALLY the reason why he hated me? Because I was some middle class pony sleeping with his ex?”

“I couldn’t believe it, myself. Hearing him say such awful things was horrible. When we were in Applewood, all he could talk about after the Nightmare Night party was what you said. At first, I was surprised, but after what happened at Milano’s, I understood.”

“You mind if I ask you something, Fleur?”

“No, I don’t mind.”

“Why are you here?”

“I told you why I’m here. I’m here to see you.”

“But why? So you could tell me how you came to be with a stallion such as that? Milano gave me the bare bones version, and honestly, I knew then that you weren’t the villain here.” He sees Fleur look down at the table, but he notices a small smirk.

“Even meeting you at the party, you were genuine and nice, which surprised the hell out of me. When I think of celebrities; I think of the possibility that they are stuck up, holier than thou types, but YOU…were the opposite of that! Arcade likes you enough to stay with you, which tells me that you are a great mother as well. You are, in essence, a fantastic pony. You just made a mistake.”

Silver Screen could notice the crimson cheeks that he just gave Fleur. She looks up at him, putting a stray lock of hair behind her ear, as she smiles a kind and loving smile.

“I can see why Milano loves you. You can be a real sweetheart. Cheesy, but a sweetheart.” She puts a hoof on his, “I came here to thank you. You showed me what kind of stallion Almighty really was. You don’t deserve to be here, and for that I’m sorry.”

“Any chance of having a hundred thousand bits on you?”

“No, but I might know somepony that does.” she leans in, kissing him on the cheek.

“What was that for?”

“For being you.” she gets up, walking to the guard, signaling him that she’s ready to leave. She turns back to him with a smile, “I’ll see you around, Projectionist.”

Silver Screen gives her a gentle wave as she leaves his sight. The Officer that lead him to the room stands behind him, letting him up to go back to his cell.

The next morning, as Silver Screen groggily opens his eyes to greet the morning rays that pour through the barred window, he sees out of his peripheral vision the Officer standing at his cell, as if expecting him to wake up at this exact time.

“Morning, Officer.” Silver Screen yawns, “What’s up?”

“Today is your lucky day, kid.” The Officer smiles, opening up the cell door, “You made bail.”

“Good one.” he chuckles, not believing it, “Nopony would pay for my release. Not even my parents. Don’t get me wrong, they love me, but not that much.”

“Funny. They’re waiting in the lobby for you.” The Officer says in a matter of fact tone. “So, are you coming or what?”

Silver Screen looks back at the Officer and the ceiling alternately, wondering if he should follow him, or do nothing at all. Only confusion graces his face; his mind still attempting to process the fact that his parents could very well be out in the lobby waiting for him to emerge.

“You serious?” he asks. Only silence from the Officer. Silver Screen looks back at the ceiling, saying, “I don’t believe you.” He turns back to the Officer, “Really?”

The lobby doors open up, with the Officer walking in first, and Silver Screen trailing not too far behind. Waiting in their seats is the Projectionist’s unicorn parents. Silver Screen’s eyes widen, surprised that the Officer was telling the truth. His mother, Photoplay, still a striking mare for her age, with a dark red coat, black hair, and cyan eyes, smiles upon looking at him.

She gets the attention of Joystick, Silver Screen’s father, a stallion with a blue coat, greying hair, and red eyes, who looks in Photoplay’s direction. The two stand from their seats, running to Silver Screen and giving him a big and loving hug.

It’s been a long time since he had seen them in Manehattan, but the feeling of them embracing him wasn’t an unpleasant one. He wanted to take Milano over to see them shortly after Button’s birthday. That was before he decided to have a bit of a mental breakdown.

“Silver Screen!” Photoplay cries, embracing her son tightly, “Are you okay? Have you been unmolested?”

“Yes, Mom.” Silver Screen chuckles, “All eight of my orifices are perfectly intact.”

“Eight?” asks Joystick.

“Eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and butt.”

“Oy. Too much information, son.”

“Hey, you asked.” they all share a warm chuckle. “It’s great to see you guys, but how did you manage to raise the bits to get me out? I figured you would just visit me or something.”

“We wanted to get you out, we really did.” said Photoplay, “But we didn’t have the necessary bits to accomplish that; maybe only a fraction.”

“Your mother and I were about to come visit you, when an…interested party arrived at our doorstep.”

“He said he wanted to help out, so he paid for your bail in full.”

“Who would be willing to get me out of jail?”

“That would be me.” A familiar voice is heard from the shadows. The three turn to see none other than Michelin Hay come out from the darkened corner of the room, which everypony thought was odd, considering it’s daytime and there’s sunlight in the room. “Sorry, there was a broken light over there and I couldn’t resist.” He gestures upwards at the broken light. “It was just hanging there, and I thought it would be cool if…you know what? Nevermind.”

“Michelin?!” Silver Screen wonders in surprise, “Y…You?! You helped in getting me out?!”

“Yeah.” he shrugs, “I wasn’t going to let you rot in this place. Plus, Fleur had a little something to do with it, too.”

“I had like two months left in my sentence.”

“But I wanted to get you out now. I wasn’t going to wait another two months. Besides, your mom and dad are happy to see you.”

“Yeah…” he sees the ecstatic looks on his parent’s faces. “But…why you? We only met once. Why would you of all ponies be willing to pay so much to get somepony like me out of prison?”

“It’s not obvious, is it?”

“No!” Silver Screen says bluntly, “It’s not!”

“Come with me.” Michelin says, turning to the front door.

The carriage of Michelin Hay is as extravagant and expensive as his movies are. Some would call the wide open space, the bar, the supple leather seats, and air conditioning over the top, he considers it normal. He sits on one side, while Silver Screen and his parents sit all the way on the other. The way the carriage is built however, is that whenever somepony talks from one side, the other could hear it as clear as day.

“So, I’m not going to waste any more of your time.” Michelin says, taking a swig of a freshly made martini. “I didn’t forget about your request from the Nightmare Night party.”

“But…that was just me being a fancolt.”

“And I took it VERY seriously. I genuinely liked your look, and was searching for new talent at the time, anyway. Of course, the producers thought that you were too much of an unknown, and that I was already taking a huge chance with our lead actress.” He takes another drink, “That is, of course, before they saw your video.”

“My video?”

“The video of you beating up Almighty Dollar. That thing went viral, dude.” he waves his forelegs in an overly theatrical manner, as if making a movie marquee, “Ordinary Equestrian Citizen takes down rich bigwig of Applewood.” He chuckles, “Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Could be a logline for a big coming of age movie or something. It’s not to be. It’s the title of the video that was posted.” He waves it off, “Anyway, when I saw that, I knew I had to get you. When the executives saw that, all they saw were dollar signs. The next Applewood Bad Colt. Born on the streets, raised without any rules...”

“That’s…not true…like…at all.” Silver Screen grimaces, looking at his parents, who nod. “I was born in Ponyville, and was raised by great parents.”

“So? The public doesn’t have to know. The point is, that when I saw that anger in your eyes, I saw potential. If you can bring that level of intensity on to my set, then you and I will get along just fine.”

“Okay, so let me get this straight. I beat up a rich stallion. I go to jail. I get rewarded with a role in Transformares 4?”

“Yeah. You have a problem with that?”

“No. I mean, well…it’s awfully strange and could be seen as super contrived if I told this story to anypony, but I personally don’t have a problem with it. I’m in!”

“Great!”

“So, what role do I get? The comic relief?”

“No. I already cast that guy, and he dies in the first hour. You get something more substantial and survive.”

“The lead?!”

“I’m kind of going with a dual protagonist, this time around. You get just as much screentime as my actress. You also get to interact with the Autobrocs and kill some Decepticolts, too.”

“Woah. Who is your lead actress?”

“She was once called The Great and Powerful Trixie. Now, it’s just Trixie.”

“Sweet Celestia…” Silver Screen gasps in awe, “When do I leave?”

“Now.”

“Now?”

“We’re headed towards the station to go to Applewood.”

“Wait. No. I have to go back to Ponyville. I have to tell Milano and Button the news.”

“Sorry.” Michelin shakes his head, “I’m on a bit of a time crunch. We start in a couple of days, and I need you prepped and ready to go by then.”

“But…”

“Silver Screen…” Photoplay steps in, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“If it makes you feel any better son…” Joystick chimes in, “We’ll go tell her ourselves. We’ll let her know that you’re out and okay.”

“Are you sure?” Silver Screen wonders, “I mean, you guys haven’t even met her yet.”

“Hey, we’re so easygoing, she’ll have no choice but to like us.”

“I’m more worried about her.” he chuckles, turning to Photoplay, “You were always wary of the mares I was with.”

“That’s because I’m your mother.” she chuckles, “We’re supposed to be like that.”

“So, Silver Screen…” Michelin gets his attention, “What’s it going to be?”

In the house of Milano and Button, the two get ready to go out to do some shopping. The door that had been destroyed a month ago has now been replaced by a nicer, newer, redder door, which fits with the house much better than the last one. They are still trying to get a feel for the new door handle, but they hope that it doesn’t have a pony thrown through it in the near future.

“You ready to go, Button?” Milano asks, getting her hoofbag ready.

“Just a sec.” Button puts on his cap, ready to seize the day. “Now I’m ready.” He smiles.

Milano smirks, opening the door to nearly bump into Photoplay and Joystick, looking up at the address to make sure they have the right house. Milano jumps back in surprise.

“Oh!” Photoplay lets out, “I’m sorry! We almost didn’t see you.”

“That’s fine. I almost didn’t see you either.” Milano nervously chuckles, “Are you two looking for somepony?”

“Are you Milano Mash?” Joystick asks.

“I am. Is everything okay?”

“It sure is.” Photoplay replies, “We’re Silver Screen’s parents.”

“You are?!” Milano nearly goes bug-eyed in shock. “It’s…it’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry, you two caught me by surprise. Button!” she turns to the door, where Button peaks his head out, “It’s Silver Screen’s parents.”

“What?!” Button comes running out, seeing the parents of the Projectionist.

“You must be Button Mash.” Photoplay looks down, “Silver Screen told us about you. You tried to gas him, is that right?”

“Um…yeah...” Button blushes in embarrassment. “What’s going on? Is he okay?”

“He’s fine. He’s out of prison.”

“Huh?” Milano nearly gasps, “I thought he had another couple of months.”

“He was bailed out by Michelin Hay.”

“MICHELIN HAY?!!!” Button screams, “THE…THE FILM DIRECTOR?! HOW…WHAT….HOW IS HE SO…GAHHHH!!!!” he runs back inside the house, “OVERPOWERED!!!!”

“Wow.” Joystick drops his jaw, “He’s…eccentric.”

“Don’t worry about him. He’s certain that Silver Screen is some kind of RPG Boss character or something.” She looks around the parents, hoping to see Silver Screen hiding in a bush to surprise her. “Where is he?”

“At this time…” Joystick looks down at his watch, “He should be headed to Applewood.”

“Why?”

“He…um…” Photoplay uses her magic to bring up a scroll, “His words will say it better than ours.”

Milano takes the scroll. Carefully, she unfurls it, seeing a lengthy note from Silver Screen.

After proper introductions, the four head over to Silver Screen’s apartment. Milano uses the spare key, given to her during their first month of being together. She gets the door open, and they all pool inside. The place is clean; cleaner than it once was, and especially cleaner than when Milano first came to visit him. Its shiny and couth appearance brings a smile to Photoplay and Joystick’s faces.

“We haven’t seen his apartment this clean than when he first bought it, and even then there was a soda can on the floor!” Photoplay exclaims.

Milano is charmed at the sight; no doubt that Silver Screen wanted the place to reflect her own kempt house.

Then…she sees it. Button’s present. He sees it at the same exact time. His eyes go wide, and he runs up to it.

“No way!” Button yells in excitement. “He had this the WHOLE time, and didn’t tell me?!”

Photoplay and Joystick see what Button is running towards. Their jaws drop in astonishment. They look at each other, realizing exactly what this gesture means to them.

“Oh, my…” Joystick exhales.

With a pretty bow on top, and cleaned to absolute perfection, the arcade edition of Super Equestrian Fighter II: Turbo Edition, stands tall and proud. Button immediately gets to playing it, laughing and having fun.

Milano spots a note on the side of the machine.

“I guess he was planning on taking us here…” Milano says quietly, “Oh, SS.”

“Mom! This is awesome!” Button shouts, still powering through a match. “I can’t believe he had one of these! He’s the best! Where did he get one of these?”

Joystick, with a knowing smirk, walks up to Button, joining in as a new challenger.

“Well, Button…he got it from me.”

“Really?”

“Yep. I used to own this machine, back when I ran the arcade many years back.”

“No way!”

“Yes way. Silver Screen would play this machine every day after school, getting better and better as the years went on. Have you two played this game before?”

“At home, yeah! I saw him kick the stuffing out of this one player, and it was like ‘Crash! Boom! Bam!’ It was amazing!”

Milano and Photoplay continue to watch Joystick tell Button Mash the story of Silver Screen’s foalhood, with Button eating it up like a good movie. The entranced and enthusiastic expression the gaming pony possesses shines upon his face.

The moment was enough for tears to well up in Milano’s eyes. The outcome was all too obvious to her, the ending playing in her mind as if reading well ahead into a screenplay or a book. This is what she wants, no…what she needs.

She turns to Photoplay, and says four words that cause the mother to gasp in absolute stupefaction that she nearly topples over onto the floor.

“I’m marrying your son.”