T his  is  it.  We're finally going to take it to the next level.As sweat poured down my neck, I fidgeted with my hooves.  We're going to move in together. Am  I ready? Could we afford it? I wiped my face as I watched a butterfly float past.  Everything will be fine, right? What if something goes wrong? What if—

"Something bothering you?" asked a purple mare as she stared into my eyes.

"Huh?" I snapped out of my thoughts. "Oh, it's nothing, Berry Punch. Just thinking about life and all."

"Does this happen to have anything to do with Bon Bon?" she teased.

I scrunched my nose. "I have no idea what you're talking about.”

"Eh, if you say so." Berry Punch stopped staring at me and trotted in the direction of my house. "Which reminds me, are you ready for tomorrow?"

I followed her as she trotted. "Almost. I only need one last piece and then it'll be perfect."

She craned her head around to look at me. "What? You're not even finished? It's pretty important, you know."

"I know, I know," I said, waving her concerns away. "I just want to make it perfect."

"Oh, I see." Berry Punch giggled and fluttered her eyelashes at me.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing." Berry Punch continued giggling.

I paused, stood on my hindlegs, and put my hooves on my hips. "What's so funny?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"I've seen that look before. Ponies only do that when they're in l-o-v-e." She poked me in the shoulder.

"Shut up!" I said, pushing her back.

Berry Punch smiled at me and winked. "Oh, just admit it."

"Never!" I said, smirking.

"Oh... fine," Berry Punch pouted. She stopped walking and looked at me. "If you're worried about tomorrow, don't be. You'll do fine."

"It's not that, I—"

Throwing a hoof on my shoulder, Berry Punch leaned closer until her nose was a few inches away from mine. "Oh, I know! You're worried about messing up in front of your lover!"

"No! I...that's not..." My cheeks flushed as I pretended to be fascinated by an object in the distance. I turned away, trying to think of a better excuse.

"Hiding something, are we?" Berry Punch said, putting a hoof underneath my head and turning it to face her.

"Stop that," I said, shaking her off.

"If you insist." She turned with a smug grin and pointed at the nearest building. "Besides, we're here anyway."

We had finally reached our destination, the new house into which we had just moved. Bon Bon and I had decided to be roommates since it was cheaper. At least, that’s what I told myself.

“Thanks for walking me home.”

“What are friends for, right?” Berry Punch started to walk away, but she turned around. “And don’t worry, everything’s going to be just fine.” She gave me a quick hug before cantering away.

I heard the sound of whistling coming from nearby and turned my head to see Bon Bon stepping down the path. As she came closer, I couldn't help but wonder if Berry Punch was right. After all, I was happy, so why did I think it was going to disappear? Was I just worrying for no reason? 

---

Am I good enough?

I squirmed around as I tried to sleep. Sliding underneath the covers, I tried to think of counting sheep, but it didn’t help at all. Bon Bon kept drifting into my thoughts, as well as everything she’d done for me. Do I deserve this? Am I allowed to be happy? I rolled over on the bed and looked at Bon Bon. She looked so peaceful lying there, as if she didn't have a care in the world. She always seemed full of energy, always helping others and asking nothing in return. For her, I’d do anything. I sighed. Something feels off. But what? I’m happy, am I not?

Bon Bon’s eyes fluttered open. She looked me over and tilted her head. “Is something wrong?”

I can’t tell her. I gazed into her eyes and tried to speak with a straight face.  “It’s nothing.”

She raised an eyebrow at me. “No, something’s wrong. I can feel it.”

I was and always will be a terrible liar. No matter what I did, Bon Bon seemed to see right through me every single time. I avoided her eyes and decided to stare at her nose instead. “Honest. Nothing’s wrong.” 

She leaned closer and studied my face. "Are you worried about tomorrow?"

Tomorrow, I was supposed to perform for an audience, but it wasn’t that I was worried; I had already prepared ahead of time, having written a song as a tribute to Bon Bon. Even if it wasn’t finished, I was confident that I could improvise. "No."

"What is it, then?"

Should I tell her? I really didn’t want to. I shrugged my shoulders, trying to keep my eyes straight but they couldn’t help but dart all over the place. "I'm fine, really."

“You can be honest with me. I promise it’ll help you feel better if you get it off your chest. Besides, I'm just going to keep bugging you until you tell me." She grinned, poking me in the ribs.

“Well…” I sighed and looked at her.

“Go on.”

I really hoped I wasn’t making a mistake. I gazed up at the ceiling. “It’s just... I’m just worried that the good times won’t last.”

“Good times?”

“This. All of this,” I said, waving a hoof around to indicate our house, our situation, our lives. “Us.”
 
Bon Bon sat up and held me by the shoulders. "Don't. No matter what happens, I’ll always love you.”

“It’s not that," I said, shrugging her off. "It’s just that every time something goes great in my life, something bad seems to follow soon after.”

Bon Bon focused on the ground and pouted, hurt that I pushed her away. “I think you’re just worrying too much,” she said as she leaned forward and nuzzled my neck.
 
“Maybe. I just have a bad feeling.”

Bon Bon’s lips curled into a smile as she leaned over and gave my ear a playful nip. “Nothing is going to happen. As long as we love each other, love will prevail!”

I rolled my eyes. “Ugh. Such a corny line.”

She giggled. “But it’s true. I love you.”

“Ditto.”

She cocked her head at me. “I still don’t know why you can’t just say, ‘I love you.’”

“We went through this. ‘I love you’ is said way too much. I just want those words to really mean something.  Besides, you already know I feel the same way.”

“Still, I want to hear you say it.”

“Bon Bon...” 

“Fine,” she pouted.

“Aww... you look so cute when you pout. Fine, I really, really care deeply about you. Is that better?” I hugged her. “I’m sorry for worrying you. You can go ahead and ignore what I said. I’m sure everything will be fine.”

She looked back at me and raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

I nodded, trying my best to sound reassuring. “Yes, let’s just go back to sleep.”

“Okay.”

As we both snuggled under the covers, I tried to shake off the ominous feeling in my gut, but I couldn’t help but shudder. Bon Bon scooted closer to me, holding me tight. She leaned towards me and whispered, “Together forever, no matter what.”

I put a hoof over her cheek and gently rubbed it until she fell asleep. Before long, she started snoring. As I lay in bed, I couldn’t help but hope she was right.

---

I checked my lyre and made sure that none of the strings had been broken. Testing each of them one by one, I adjusted their tension until they were just right. I gently peeked behind the curtain and stared out into the massive audience. Wow, full house. Every aisle of the Canterlot Theatre was packed with ponies, all awaiting my performance. Did they really come to see me? Nopony's ever shown such an interest before. 

I took a deep breath and tried to settle my nerves. I can do this. I'll be fine. Just think about happy thoughts. The only reason I even did this was to get paid. If I wanted to be able to provide for Bon Bon, I was just going to have to suck it up. This won't be too hard. I'm a professional, after all. Preparing my instrument, I fixed my necktie one last time before stepping out onstage.

After taking a bow, I lifted my lyre into the air with telekinesis, and started strumming the stoccata’s rich harmonization. I started slowly, trying to ease into the tempo. The crowd watched in silence as I played. To me, they were simply there. Sure, it was nice that they came to listen to me, but I really only cared about one mare. As long as I did my best for her, that was all that mattered. Time went on as I started with a diminuendo, hitting all of my notes perfectly. It was a familiar piece, something I had been practicing for several months. By this point, I had performed it so many times in the safety of my bedroom, I could play the entire piece from memory, distractions or otherwise. There seemed to be something missing. I couldn't quite tell what it was, though. Still, even if it was imperfect, it came from my heart. That's the mark of a good musician: they are passionate about their work. Otherwise, what's the point?

I sped up my playing a little bit, increasing the tension in the air. In order to succeed in life, you have to struggle, practically pour your heart out. If you're too scared of putting yourself out there, you'll simply be an empty shell. The best music you make will just be hollow, a mockery. If you really want to impress the crowd, you need to play more than "safe" pieces.

After a crescendo, I slowed my pace down again, setting a somber tone. Memories of Bon Bon drifted into my mind: when I first met her, trying to sort through my confused feelings, and even our first date. Falling in love with another mare wasn't unheard of, but it wasn't exactly welcomed either. At first, I wanted to break off the relationship, but Bon Bon pleaded with me that she didn't care about being teased. Despite what the other ponies thought, she wanted to stay with me.

I felt tears roll down my cheeks but I couldn't help it. Bon Bon had done so much for me. Sometimes I felt as if I hadn't done enough. I hadn't shown her how I really felt. I looked out and saw Bon Bon in the front row, smiling at me with affection. Finally, I realized what to do for the finale. I played up another crescendo. I felt like I was on fire, my burning passion only fueling my desire to please Bon Bon. I played to a climax before finally striking one final note, a mercato accent. As the music faded into silence, I looked into Bon Bon's eyes. She was wiping away a tear and I felt my heartstrings tug. I might not be able to tell the future, but for now, I'm happy, and that's all that matters, right? Amidst the silence, I took a bow. The audience erupted in applause. I turned around, not wanting to let Bon Bon see me cry. I levitated my lyre behind me as I walked backstage. I wiped my face and sniffled a bit, before pulling back the curtain and leaving the crowd's applause behind me.

I knew I could do it. With Bon Bon by my side, I can do anything.

As I pulled back the curtain, I could hear the sounds of hooves hitting the ground. Waiting in the back was a grey mare. I peeked closer and realized the sound came from Octavia, an old friend, who had listened to the performance from backstage.

“Why are you waiting here for? I thought you were famous enough to have your own balcony seat,” I teased.

She ran forward and gave me a hug. “If I did that, I wouldn’t be able to congratulate you myself.” Letting go, she said, "That was spectacular!" She stepped back to admire my dress. “You look fantastic!”

“Thanks.”

Octavia placed a hoof around my shoulder. "And you were worried. It wasn't that bad after all, right?"

I put a hoof to my chin and thought about it. "Eh, I guess you were right," I said, shrugging.

"Where did you learn that piece? It was beautiful." Octavia smiled at me as she wiped away a tear.

"I made it myself, actually,” I said, puffing out my chest.

Octavia raised an eyebrow at me. "Really? Must be one heck of a mare that inspired you if you wrote that."

I tilted my head, squinting at her. "What makes you think it's a mare?"

"Oh, don't be like that. I've seen the way you look at Bon Bon."

I couldn't help but blush. "Is it that obvious?"

"Of course!" Octavia leaned closer and whispered, "Somepony told me to give you a message. Go to your dressing room and I think you'll find a pleasant surprise waiting for you."

"Bon Bon?" I asked, eyes widening.

"That's a secret." Octavia winked at me. I didn't move, unsure of what to do. "Go on!" she said, pushing me. "It's not polite to keep a lady waiting."

I took a few steps and paused. I glanced back at Octavia one last time and said, "Thanks again. You're a great friend."

She bowed. "It was my pleasure."

Turning back around, I ran as fast as my hooves could carry me.

---

“Anyone here?” I asked, peeking inside of my dressing room. Hearing nothing, I stepped inside and looked around. There was a small note sitting on my mirror and a ornate box wrapped with a ribbon sitting on the table. I placed my lyre into its case and examined the mirror. Plucking the note, I read it.

Dear Lyra,

Inside the box is a surprise for you. Hope you like it. I bought it in order to celebrate.

Sincerely yours,

Bon Bon

I wondered what it could be as I grabbed the small box and shook it. I heard something thud inside, but I couldn’t place it. Eagerly, I ripped off the ribbon and looked at the trinket it held. Inside, was a shiny necklace. There was a pendant attached to the necklace, which read “Lyra & Bon Bon, together forever.”

“That’s so sweet,” I uttered. I gripped the necklace with my magic and tenderly wrapped it around my neck. It fit perfectly. As I gazed at myself in the mirror, the door opened and Bon Bon slid through noiselessly, bearing an expression of hopeful anticipation.

“Do you like it?” she asked.

“It’s... perfect.” I bounced forward and threw my forelegs around her. “Thank you!” I squeezed even tighter. I was awestruck. Could this really be happening?

“I’m glad.” Bon Bon smiled at me. We stared into each other’s eyes, trying to preserve the moment. “How about we go for a walk?”

“Sure.” I balanced the instrument case strap around my neck, taking care not to damage the necklace in the process. Like any pony with proper manners would do, I opened the dressing room door and bowed. “After you.”

“Such a gentlemare,” she said as she trotted past. I rolled my eyes. Heading out the backdoor to avoid the crowds, we wandered along the pathway. As we walked out into the crisp evening air, I noticed just how beautiful Canterlot really was at night.

Giggling, she stopped and pointed towards the castle gardens. “Let’s walk through there.”

“Okay.”

As we walked along the finely manicured hedges, Bon Bon pointed at the stars. “Aren’t they magnificent?”

I looked at her mane flowing in the wind. “Not as beautiful as you.”

Bon Bon laughed.

"Did you like it?" I asked, referring to my musical performance.

"It was... spectacular," Bon Bon said, wiping her cheek with a handkerchief.

"I couldn't have written it without you as my muse."

"Aww," Bon Bon swooned with mock enthusiasm.

I trotted in front of her and waved my forelegs around. "It's true!"

"Such a sweetheart,” Bon Bon said, smiling at me.

We trotted next to each other for several minutes, afraid to break the silence. It was peaceful and I finally realized something: For once, I was finally happy. If nothing else, I was glad to be there with Bon Bon. I wanted it to last forever.

As we strolled along the walkway, a voice boomed from behind us.

"Give me all of your money!"

I turned to see a masked stallion waving a gun at me. He had a pair of saddlebags across his back and was wearing clothes, every part of him covered up. I jumped in front of Bon Bon, trying to shield her with my body.

"You deaf? I said, give me all of your money," he shouted, raising his voice.

I looked at Bon Bon. Her eyes were bulging out of her head and her mouth was open wide. Money wasn't worth getting hurt over, especially with Bon Bon right there. I grabbed the bag of bits hanging from my waist and placed it on the ground.

"Good, now toss it over here."

I complied.

The mugger looked at the instrument case which contained my lyre. "I want that too."

I hesitated. I had had this lyre ever since I was a little filly. Even though it was worn, it was still usable.

"I'm not playing around. Hand it over!" he shouted, pointing the gun at my face.

"Just give it to him," Bon Bon pleaded.

I sighed. What choice did I have? Somepony might get hurt and the lyre, despite its age, could always be replaced. Bon Bon's safety was more important anyway. I slid the instrument case off my back and left it on the ground. It was far too fragile to throw.

"Your necklace too." He gave me a smug smile.

I looked back at Bon Bon. She mouthed the words, "Do it." I leaned down, slipped the necklace off, and put it on top of the case.

"Now back away. Slowly. No funny business." He glared at Bon Bon and me.

This guy was infuriating. But I couldn't do anything. Not with that gun pointed at me.

Bon Bon and I backed away as cautiously as we could. Bon Bon's eyes were focused on the gun and I couldn't help but notice her quivering. She probably had never seen a gun in real life before.

The thug stepped forward, grabbed the bag of bits and necklace, and slipped them into his saddlebags. He slid the instrument case around his neck. As he started backing away, he eyed Bon Bon, checking her out. "On second thought, maybe I should play with you too. Come over here and I'll show you what a real stallion can do."

How dare he! With me standing right here, no less! I snarled at him.

"Uh uh uh," he taunted, flaunting his gun. He turned to Bon Bon and shouted, "hurry up!"

Bon Bon looked at me as she teared up. I nodded. Bon Bon trotted over to the mugger reluctantly.

"There, there. I can be real nice when I want to be." He placed his other foreleg around Bon Bon's neck. "Want to ditch this loser and hang with me instead?"

"No..." Bon Bon whispered.

"What was that?" he asked, leaning closer.

"I said no,” she said with a quavering voice.

"Oh come on, babe. Don't be like that." He leaned closer again, and gave her a lick on the cheek. She shuddered as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Argh," I grunted, trying to hold my temper. "Bastard," I muttered. I took a step forward.

He stared directly at me and pointed his gun at my head. "Don't get any ideas. I'm the one holding the gun here." He turned to Bon Bon again. "Now then, where were we?" He leaned forward and tried to give her another lick on the cheek.

"I said no!" Bon Bon screamed, slapping him in the face.

"You stupid..." He pulled the gun back and struck her across the forehead.

Before I knew what I was happening, I rushed forward and punched him. I had had enough. Nopony treated Bon Bon like that. Nopony! He tried to aim the gun at me again, but I slapped it out of his hooves.

Bang!

The gun went off as it fell harmlessly to the ground and slid away. "Horseapples!" he shouted. He turned and galloped away. I chased after him, screaming, "You better run, scumbag!" Weaponless, he was just a coward. Only a coward and a real dirtbag would try to rob innocent ponies minding their own business.

I followed him for several blocks but he was much faster than I, even though he was carrying a saddlebag, and disappeared behind a corner of the hedge maze. "Ponyfeathers," I muttered. "I better not see your face ever again!"

Turning around, I trotted back over to Bon Bon. As I approached her, she was lying on the ground, facing away from me and bawling. Oh no. "Bon Bon, are you okay?" I rushed forward. "Are you hurt anywhere?"

She didn't answer me. I noticed a pool of blood underneath her. No-no-no-no, this can't be happening! I dashed forward, heart pounding like a drum. Wiping away the cold sweat that dripped down my face, I jumped in front of Bon Bon. Her face was downcast as she sobbed uncontrollably. As I took a step forward, I tried to call out for her, but I stopped in my tracks. No. I don’t believe it. It can’t be!

She cradled something initially obscured from my view, something clearly precious to her. I couldn’t see it from behind but now that I had a closer view, the object was much clearer. In her forelegs, she was holding something that was bleeding from a small hole in its chest.

It was... me.