He walked into the park, saying hi to anyone who gave him a wave and friendly smile. When he saw Lyra and Derpy in a nice little flat area, he grew a smile until he remembered the bag of candy. How would Lyra actually react to him talking with Bon Bon and actually forgave her for what she did?

"Hey Brandon, what are you waiting for? We made a nice little lunch for us!" He heard Lyra call, making him put on another smile and walk up.

"Really, you can cook Lyra?" He asked, poking fun of her a little.

"Hmmph, I can cook some things. But we decided to go with a more simple lunch, right Derpy?" Lyra asked.

"Yup, so is that what took you so long?" Derpy asked, and both mares looked at the bag he was carrying.

"Um, yeah, but it's for dessert. Well, let's see what you two made!" He said, putting the bag down and sitting down on the blanket.

As it turns out, they ended up making some sandwiches, a salad and brought some chips to munch on. The two mares kept looking at the bag of candy wondering what he brought until he scooted it behind him. Though that was mostly because Lyra made a reach for it, getting a slap on the hoof.

"Come on, both me and Derpy are done eating! Can't we have whatever you brought now?" Lyra asked, giving him a slight pout.

"That wouldn't be fair to me, now would it? I mean, I'm trying to enjoy the lunch you two made and all you can think about is what I brought?" He replied, taking the last bite of his salad. "And see, if you only waited for about another ten seconds I would have been done."

"Great, now do we get some of the desserts you brought? I mean, I am wondering what you brought in that bag." Derpy said, making him roll his eyes slightly.

"Fine, but don't blame me if you don't like it." He said, feeling somewhat nervous as he grabbed the bag and opened it.

"Mmm, smells so good!" Both mares said as the scent of the candy came rushing out, though he paid attention to Lyra's reaction.

"Um, Brandon, where did you get this candy exactly?" Lyra asked, making him give a sigh.

"Let's not think about it right now, and just enjoy it okay? Is that fine with you Derpy?" He asked.

"Well, I don't know what's up with you two so I'm fine with that," Derpy answered, giving a concerned stare between him and Lyra.

"Um, well I don't really feel in the mood for this kind of candy. So you two enjoy," Lyra said giving a fake smile which he picked up on making him look away.

"Alright, go ahead and pick out what you want Derpy." He said, putting the bag in front of the grey mare, and tensed when he heard Lyra whisper to him.

"We can talk about where you got it from when we get home," Lyra whispered, her tone letting him know she was very upset. He gave a nod in agreement.

"Are you two alright?" Derpy asked.

"We're fine Derpy, how's the candy?" He asked, knowing he will have to tell both of them where he got it from, even if one already knew where he got it from.

"Pretty good, though I think she could improve this by adding some kind of nut," Derpy said, popping a piece of chocolate in her mouth making him lose a little bit of color. "What? You didn't think I would recognize some of Bon Bons signature chocolates? I mean I get these for my little muffin every week."

He remained silent, not really wanting to speak feeling more tensed as he avoided meeting the two mares eyes that he felt staring at him. It honestly felt more like a minefield, and the only thing he could do was nothing. The only sound was Derpy chewing another piece of the candy.

"I-I'll meet you two at home," he manageed to say and before either mare could do anything, he got up and ran.

"You think he's fine?" Lyra asked her hurt and concern mixing.

"I think he's just concerned about what we think of him right now, whether or not we're upset at him. You know how he is with us, though I do wish you would tell me if you know why." Derpy said, looking at Lyra.

"I think I do, but it's not something I rather share because it's his secret," Lyra replied.

"So, are you upset with him? Angry with him for going over there?" Derpy asked.

"I-I... I wish I could say I'm not until I find out why, but I am angry at him. I know Bon Bon couldn't have forced him to take the candy, so he must have actually bought it. But why would he go over there after everything she did? After what she did to him, to me?" Lyra said, holding back a few tears and she felt hooves wrap her in a hug.

"I'm sure he has his reasons, I mean you should know him better than anypony. But please, try to let him explain his reason before we do something to hurt him." Derpy said, releasing Lyra from her hug.

"Yeah, so what about you? Are you upset about this?" Lyra asked.

"A little, but he's a grown human. He can make his own decisions, though I can understand why you are and know I will be there to back both of you up if need be." Derpy said, giving a kind smile.

"How would that work?" Lyra asked.

"Easy, if I think either one of you is getting out of hoof I'll do my best to make peace so we can talk about it like grown ponies," Derpy said.

"Makes sense," Lyra said giving a sigh to let her nerves calm down.

"You ready? I'm sure he'll be waiting for us, and he does have that appointment with Rarity, and you know how she can get when somepony misses an appointment without proper notice." Derpy said.

"Yeah, let's go," Lyra said, using her magic to quickly put away the picnic.

The two mares started to slowly walk back to his house not really talking. It was a bit of awkward and tense silence, but not unmanageable. The walk didn't take as long as what they thought it would though as his house came into view, and as far as they could see not a light was on.

"I wonder if he actually came back here first?" Lyra said.

"Well, let's find out," Derpy said, opening the door. "Brandon, are you in here?'

"Over here." The two mares heard him call from the couch, and they could see his silhouette.

"Why are you sitting in the dark?" Derpy asked as they came in.

"I don't know, maybe to think a little better." He said they could hear the slight fear in his voice.

"Brandon, I can't say we aren't upset about this, but we are willing to let you explain why you were over there after what she did," Derpy said, turning the lamp on and sitting next to him on one side, and Lyra took a seat on the chair.

"How upset are you two right now?" He asked.

"I'm not that upset because you're old enough to make your own decisions," Derpy said looking over at Lyra. "But, I'm sure you know how upset she is right now. Now, please stop avoiding telling us why, and just tell us. We do promise to listen to you."

"Fine, you two want to know why I went over to Bon Bons shop? It's because I forgave her," he flinched when he saw Lyra's expression.

"What do you mean you forgave her? The one who sent you into a depression because she was jealous?! The one that...that..." Lyra couldn't get the words out.

"The one that broke your heart, I know." He said, reaching out to stroke her cheek but she stopped him.

"Please tell us why you decided to forgive her?" Derpy asked, putting a hoof on his hand.

"Because I don't like seeing anyone in pain. I think after what happened she suffered enough and needed a friend there. I just can't stand to see anyone in pain, especially when I feel like I'm responsible for it in some way." He said, looking over at Lyra before cuffing his hands over his face. "I am sorry, I know that you must still hurt Lyra and me saying I still consider her a friend must only make it sting worse. But like I said, I can't stand to see anyone who looks like they're in pain. You know that better than anyone who knows me."

"Brandon..." Lyra tried to say.

"Look, I really am sorry but I made her a promise to come to visit her every week. I am sorry if this does hurt you, but it's just something I feel like I owe her. After all, she has no pony and I had somepony to help me." He said, lifting his head out of his hands. "I am sorry, but I... I need to go and meet Rarity. Maybe when I get back, you'll still be here and we can discuss this more."

Once again, before either of them could speak he got up and left quickly making the room go quiet. Derpy made sure to keep an eye on Lyra, keeping a distance away for now. Though that didn't last long when Lyra came and sat down next to her, leaning on her for comfort.

"What do you feel now?" Derpy asked as she wrapped an arm around the green mare.

"I don't feel upset at him anymore, and I knew about his forgiving nature. But why does he feel responsible for causing her pain?" Lyra asked.

"I think that should be pretty obvious, he felt guilty because you broke up with her because of what she did. She tried to keep you away from him, so he blames himself for actually believing in her lie forcing you to find out the truth. Does that make sense?" Derpy asked, looking down at the other mare.

"Yeah, I guess it does. But still, after what she did." Lyra said.

"As you said, he is very forgiving. That's just who he is, and that's one of the reasons why I started to get my feelings for him. Because no matter how many times I bumped into him making him fall, or mixed up his mail, or anything else that me being clumsy made me do to him, he always forgave me. Was always very nice to me as well, and not treat me like I was some sort of mess up, he treated me like I was a normal pony." Derpy said, remembering each time she flew into him and he always made sure she was alright.

"Yeah, I hope he didn't actually think I'd leave because of this though. That's what really got to me, why would he think that?" Lyra said, before muttering something.

"What was that?" Derpy asked.

"It's nothing, just remembering what he told me about his nightmares," Lyra said. "But hey, do you think you could go check on him for me and make sure he's fine?" Lyra asked.

"Um, sure but why don't we go together?" Derpy asked.

"Well, um, I want to set something up that I'm hoping will show him that I'm not upset at him and that I'm not going anywhere," Lyra said, her blush was clearly evident no matter how hard she tried to hide it.

"Then I wish you good luck because when I tried to make a move he said not on the first date," Derpy said, giving a slight chuckle and wink before getting off the couch and walking out of the door and took off flying.

"I will prove I won't leave him no matter what, not like that girl in his dreams," Lyra said knowing she was alone and got up to start getting prepared.

---

He was just now standing in front of Rarity's, and he had to put on a neutral mask in order to hide the fact he was upset. Though he really wouldn't be surprised if Rarity picked up on it anyways, most ponies who knew him seemed to be able to read him like a book. But then, if there was one thing he could do without them noticing was hide away some emotions.

"Ah, Brandon I was wondering if you were going to show! And hello Depry, nice to see you again!" He heard Rarity say as she came into her living room, making him turn to see Derpy with a small smile.

"Good to see you since this morning," Derpy said.

"So, I take it you're here to keep him company while I do his measurements?" Rarity asked, though there was something about how she asked that question that seemed off.

"Yup," Derpy answered though giving him a look.

"Wonderful, come along then. This may take a little bit considering your new wings and all." Rarity said giving them both a smile as she leads them to her workshop.

"What are you doing here?" He whispered.

"Making sure you're alright, and to tell you that Lyra is fine to," Derpy whispered back, and she could see him relax a little.

"A-are you sure?" He asked.

"Yeah, in a matter of fact she said she has a surprise for you when you get back. Though I'm not telling what," Derpy said.

"Thank you," he said.

"Anything for my snuggle muffin," Derpy said giving him a big smile.

"Please stand on the platform Brandon," Rarity suddenly said.

"Oh, oh right sorry." He said.

"It's not a problem, you two were having a private conversation and I could tell it was over." Rarity said and took out her measuring tools. "So, I heard about what's going on between you and Applejack, is it true?"

"You mean about me admitting my feelings for her?" He asked though hurt came into his tone once more.

"I"m sorry, I know this must be a touchy subject for you. But both you and Applejack are my friends, and I just want to know the truth." Rarity said.

"As I said, I admitted my feelings for her and she hasn't given an answer yet." He answered.

"She hasn't?!" Rarity yelled.

"Please don't get all overdramatic about it." He said. "I'm fine with waiting for her to give me an answer, even if she doesn't I guess that'll be my answer then."

"Still, I'm surprised. Though I do have a suggestion to help get your mind off of it," Rarity said.

"Oh, and what is that Rarity? Because I'm sure he needs a good distraction," Derpy said.

"Well, this year I'm hosting the Ponyville annual Charity Bachelor Auction. I think you would be a perfect candidate for it!" Rarity said.

"Um, first how will that work since I'm not exactly single, and second how will that take my mind off of Applejack?" He asked.

"Well, you did start a herd and you do seem to be open to adding new members correct?" Rarity asked.

"Um, well that kind of depends on what you mean by adding new members." He replied.

"Still, because you're in a herd your still up as a bachelor. As for the second part, well when you go out with the winner you might have a fun time and it should take your mind off of things. And you might actually like the winner and add her to your herd!" Rarity said.

"I can understand the herd thing, but I still don't think it'll help the Applejack situation." He said.

"I think you should do it, it's worth a shot." He turned to Derpy in a little surprise. "As I said, it could be worth a shot and what's the harm in trying to expand the herd a little more?"

"The problem is, I've only added ponies that I've known for a little while and actually have feelings for." He replied.

"Well, then if you like the mare that wins ask her out again and see where it goes. If you don't, you only have to go on that one date." Derpy said.

"But what will Lyra and Luna think?" He asked.

"Lyra will be fine and you know that as for Luna I think as long as you're happy she'll be happy," Derpy said, the room got quiet for a second before Rarity spoke up.

"So, what do you say?" Rarity asked.

"You aren't just asking me to get someone exotic?" He asked.

"O-of course not, like I said you're my friend! I would never use you like that, I only want to help." Rarity said.

"And you're sure that you're okay with it?" He asked Derpy.

"Of course I will," Derpy said giving him a big smile.

"I might regret it, but sure Rarity, go ahead and sign me up," he said, giving a sigh of defeat.

After finishing the measurements, Rarity gave him some forms for the auction to sign real fast. Once signed, he and Derpy decided to take their leave, though at a certain point Derpy said she wanted to go home and spend time with Dinky. So, after they said their goodbyes he headed home wondering what kind of surprise Lyra had in store since she seemed so upset when he left.

Author's Notes:

Well, wonder what Lyra's surprise is? Hope you enjoyed and remember to smile, smile, smile! Also, a little warning that due to a scene in the next chapter I'll have to switch this over to mature.