[Ozzy’s POV, 9:05 p.m.]

My mind was swimming. Confusion and anger were keeping me on edge as my fists tightened, but I tried to keep myself in control. I recalled back to the conversation I had with Fleur the other night, the same one after I learned of my dad’s death. She mentioned about having a talk with her ex in the future, maybe as a way to finally clear the air and move on with her life. It could very well be a process to forgiving him after what he’s done to her and Shining, but I couldn’t bet on whether or not it was safe to lower my guard yet.

I took a moment to sigh internally and release the tension in my body, all while still keeping my eyes on him. “So you’re Solar Flare, huh?” I asked.

“That I am,” he answered. As the bartender passed by, Solar called to him. “Could I get some tomato juice, please?”

He nodded and went to prepare Solar’s order while I was caught off guard by his choice of beverage.

“Tomato juice?” I asked with a raised brow.

“I realized how much alcohol has caused me problems in the past,” he answered. “Some time away from it helped me think straight and gave me a start on quitting the stuff. Figured I might as well find an alternative whenever I visit a bar in the future.” He thanked the bartender and paid for the drink when it came around. He took a few sips and sighed before putting the glass down. “You must have a lot of questions to ask me after being with the girls for some time, right?”

“I have one: How long have you stalked Fleur after seeing her again for the first time?” I asked. “Last I checked, she slapped you at the Canterlot Theatre before the two of you met again at Manehattan.”

Solar sighed. “Do you really have to put it that way? It sounds really harsh.”

“So you have been following her.”

“I guess you could say I have, while at the same time have not. Maybe it would be better if I explained what happened at the beginning?”

“… It’s a start.”

But that doesn’t mean I’ll believe it right away.

Solar took another drink of his tomato juice before beginning to explain. “As you know, I was charged with assault and sent for eight years in prison. I was let out five and a half years partly because of my good behavior.”

“Partly? What was the other reason then?”

“My older brother… well, older half-brother, said he’d help bail me out if I called him once a week to talk about my time in the cellar. There wasn’t a specific time, just until he thought I was good enough to be let out.”

“Fleur didn’t tell me anything about your family history,” I admitted.

“Ah, I should have figured. She probably tried to move on by not talking about me. My half-brother, Lens Frame, and I share the same dad. Wasn’t the best, but he took care of us decently, and Lens was pretty supportive since he’s lived with him longer than me. It was partly because of his job as a movie producer that I found my calling and became an actor, while Lens became an eye doctor. When news broke out about my arrest, our parents didn’t really show much support. Lens was probably the closest I had to family, and with his successful job, it wasn’t hard to provide the money needed to set me free…” He looked to the side and scratched his chin. “I’ll really need to pay him back at some point. It’s no wonder how Fleur had a crush on him before going out with me.”

I didn’t know about that part, either. Wonder what got her to change her mind?

“Anyway, after the bail, he let me stay with him until I find out what I’m going to do next, and move out once I get a new job and place,” he continued. “The first week was to settle in, and I helped around the house so I have something to do. One day, he was going to introduce me to his marefriend while taking us out to the theatre.”

“And that was when you ran into Fleur,” I pointed out.

Solar nodded. “I almost forgot how beautiful she was until I saw her there, and I guess I just let the emotions get the better of me while I tried to talk to her. That slap still stings every time I think about it.” He rubbed the side of his face, where I assumed Fleur slapped him. “Lens caught me after that, and we went home to talk as I tried to think things through. I didn’t hear about the carriage thing until the next morning while I was watching the news, and that was when I saw you. I’ll be honest, I thought I was seeing an orangutan in a suit next to Fleur that day. No offense.”

Ah, the monkey business. How I missed thee.

“Just keep going, please,” I urged.

“Right. So I tried to come up with a way to see Fleur again in a better setting after that and thought it was time for me to make a comeback in show business. I figured if I came back as a new stallion, I’d have a better chance of getting back with Fleur and apologizing to Shining about… well, that. So I made a few calls which led to an appointment in Manehattan, and remembered how Puffy was making his own name in fashion design.”

“Puffy? You mean Puff Tie?”

“Yeah. We actually became good friends while we dated the girls, and he even helped design the costumes back when we were all starting our careers. I hadn’t talked to him since the arrest, so I thought it would be best to see him and catch up.”

“… Please tell me you didn’t go the same day the three of us went there, right?”

“Actually from the looks of it, I arrived the day before you three came. I was just passing by the station before I saw you three, and flew off before you noticed. I swear, I didn’t follow you on the train ride there, I even still have the ticket getting there that day back home if you want proof.”

“Why would you still have something like that?”

“I’m on a budget and trying to keep track of how much I spend. Lens is helping me out with the money right now, and I don’t want to waste it all.”

This is just getting too fishy for all of this to be coincidental. Knowing him being a former actor, he could very well be faking it all. But, being with Fleur for so long, I could be becoming biased.

“… Alright, continue,” I said.

“So after I flew off, I tried to look around for where Puffy lived,” Solar said. “While I was at the studios auditioning for some roles, I asked around for him until I finally got his phone number. Took me a bit to get it, too. When I finally got a hold of him… he sounded off.”

“Off?”

“Like really weird off. His voice was shaky and his breathing was really heavy. I decided to go see him once I got his address, and when I got there… I swear, it was like I saw a reflection of my old self from five and a half years ago. Frayed mane and tail, clothes were drenched in sweat and pencil lead smudges, probably worn them for more than a day, and there were crumpled up, ripped, and crossed out sketches of his designs all over the place.”

Whoa… If this was because of what Shining said to Puff about Palette Brushstroke’s critique, then he must have taken it harder than I thought. Sounds like he had a mental breakdown.

“I had to calm him down enough to explain to me what had happened,” Solar continued. “He told me about how he tried to apply for Vogue’s studio design department and how Shining brought up the results to him. That was the first I heard that the two broke up since Fleur and I separated, and why he even did that…” He took a big drink of his juice and looked down with a contorted face. “I… I had no idea I took away Shining’s ability to bear foals, nor how cruel Puffy became to leave her like that and how she became afterwards. I realized then not only how much Puffy and I had changed because of our fame, but how I destroyed everything between the four of us. I was mad at Puffy for leaving Shining the way he did, but I was angrier at myself for being the root of all of this.

“I left Puffy’s place and regrouped back at Lens’ after that. I probably felt more like shit then than after the break up. I didn’t think that wound was so severe. It’s no wonder Fleur didn’t want to see me ever again. I wanted to make it up to Shining so bad then, but how could I even come up front with her after what I did? How could she even forgive me for something like that? I just…”

He planted his face to the booth with his hands behind his head, his fingers running through his white mane. His shoulders were shaking as I heard deep, muffled breaths. All I did was sit and be surprised at how torn up Solar was with this. At least it looked like he was torn. The air was quickly turning awkward between the two of us. I took a clean napkin and slid it over to touch Solar’s arm, wondering if he needed something to clean himself up. Turned out, he did as he sat back up, wiped his eyes, and blew his nose, leaving a small, clear puddle in front of him.

“I wanted to talk to Fleur about what happened,” Solar continued. “I noticed how there was a pegasus in a suit around her place yesterday. I didn’t know why she needed the extra security, but I figured he may not have let me through if he was aware of my relationship with her. I was able to sneak past him and—”

“Wait, did you say yesterday?” I interrupted. “Like, when? Fleur was out most of the day until—”

“Later in the night,” Solar finished. He cleared his throat and scratched his chin. “Yeah, to be honest, I’m still feeling awkward sitting with the same guy whose name she screamed right now. She definitely hasn’t lost her powerful lungs from the sound of it.”

“Oh my god.” My cheeks heated up and I faced down while I ran my own fingers through my hair. It was then I also questioned how far Fleur’s screaming could be heard from outside if her ex was able to hear it from who knows where.

Wonder if I could cut the awkwardness enough to spread on toast right now? That’s pretty much how thick the air is at the moment.

“Don’t worry about it, Ozzy,” Solar said. “I figured something was up when she mentioned your name back at Manehattan. I’m not sure how many stallions she has met since the two of us ended, but if her screams were any indication, she must be happy being with you. It also means there’s no chance of us getting back together anytime soon, not that I care about that anymore.”

“So… What do you want?” I asked as I looked back up to him, his face more reserved than when he came in. “Do you still love her?”

“I still have some feelings, but they aren’t the same as when we were still going out. I realize that now, and even though things didn’t work between us, I don’t regret dating that wonderful mare. As for what I want, right now it’s just getting my full apologies out there, to both of the girls. It would be great if I could at least be friends with them again, but I understand if they don’t want to go that far. When I make my comeback, though it may not make up for Shining’s infertility, I want to at least do something that will benefit her and Fleur for some time.”

“Not to be rude, but how do I know all of this is true?” I asked. “How are you planning to approach it?”

“Well my plans have certainly changed considering what I heard last night, and I took the day today to think it over before I ran into you… Actually, this might be good timing.” Solar went to his jacket and searched through his pocket while my body tensed up and I inhaled sharply.

What’s he trying to reach for? Could it be a weapon?

After a few moments, he took out a necklace hung by a small chain, leaving me relaxed once more, but still confused. It was a silver lily like Fleur’s cutie mark, sculpted and shined to a bright glimmer under the bar room’s lights.

“What’s that?”

“I ordered a customized pair of necklaces while we were still dating,” he answered. “The one I gave Fleur has the sunglasses from my cutie mark, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she threw it away. I held onto this to show how much she meant to me even after all this time, but that pretty much means squat at this point.” He took my hand and placed the necklace on my open palm. “I want you to hold onto this as proof that I will come up to the girls and apologize to them properly. Don’t tell them that we talked or let them see this necklace. When the time comes, whether Fleur and Shining are willing to listen to me or kick me out of their lives forever is for you to decide.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“There’s a definite chance the girls won’t let me see them even if I try to explain myself. If Fleur has that much trust in you, then Shining would be about the same. Basically, I need you to vouch for me if they get skeptical.”

“… Why are you putting this much trust in me?” I asked. “I’m dating your ex, and I could possibly toss this in the trash before you fill your promise. Aren’t you the least bit resentful towards me, or the girls?”

Solar shook his head. “I know I was involved with how they got to where they are today. Them’s the facts. I don’t even mind if you do throw that necklace away. As long I get my apology to the girls in person, I’ll move on whether they accept it or not, and hope you’ll take better care of Fleur than I ever did.” He finished his tomato juice and slipped his jacket on. “Thanks for taking the time to talk. It was nice to finally meet you.”

“Sure…”

As he made his way to the door, I stood up from my stool and turned to him.

“Solar,” I called. He stopped and looked over his shoulder. “If this is all some kind of trick, I’m not going to hold back like Shining did. You’ll only wish I stopped at the face like the last time you got hit.”

His eyes widened, then did something unexpected:

He chuckled.

“I’ll hold you to that,” he said after finishing with a small smile. “Til we meet again.” Solar then stepped out of the pub, and I heard his wings flapping his take off.

I looked back at the necklace Solar gave to me, astonished at what had just happened. It was all completely different compared to what I had expected. I was in a daze before I snapped back from my phone ringing. I took it out and answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Ozzy? Are you doing okay over there?” Fleur’s voice asked. “It’s past ten, and we’re getting worried. Do you need a ride?”

“Oh! I’m sorry, I was just about to head out. I’ll take a taxi and be there in twenty.”

“Are you drunk?”

“Nah, but I am tired though. I’ll definitely need some sleep before we get back to work tomorrow.”

“Well I don’t mean to rush you, but you have two beautiful mares in nothing but their underwear waiting for you to snuggle with them. So I suggest you hop to it.”

Heat rushed to my face at the blunt statement while I might have heard Shining’s laughter from the other line. “Y-Yes ma’am! I’ll be right there!” I hung up the phone and quickly dialed the number for the taxi. “Hello? Yes, I’d like a taxi to pick me up from The Empty Barrel, please. I’ll throw in an extra twenty bits if you can get here in ten minutes. Thanks, bye.”

[10:20 p.m.]

The taxi service was surprisingly fast. It only took them about five minutes after the call that they arrived, and like they promised, got me back home in ten. I paid the extra twenty bits along with the required bill, and dashed my way inside the household. Checking both bedrooms with knocks, I found the girls were in Fleur’s room from their answer. I let them know I’d shower quickly before settling, and they didn’t mind. I was sure they’d prefer a clean Ozzy than a dirty one to snuggle with. One quick shower and change of clothes later, I opened the door to find the girls.

“… You girls are the worst.”

Instead of them being in their bra and panties, Fleur and Shining were in their usual chemise pajamas. Though they still looked attractive in them, I was still miffed about not seeing them in what Fleur described earlier.

“That’s what you get for making us worry,” Fleur answered with a pout and puffed cheeks.

“I have to say, you arrived faster than what you told on the phone,” Shining pointed out, fixing her glasses with a grin. “You must have really wanted to see us in our underwear, didn’t you? You must have a more perverted mind than I thought.”

“Shut up. Any guy would come rushing in when you give false hopes like that,” I argued while I walked over and flopped on the bed between the girls. “If anything, I’m the victim here for getting my dreams crushed.”

“Oh please, you know you love us no matter what we’re in.” Fleur then leaned down and gave a kiss on the corner of my lip. “So how did everything go with today?”

“It was alright. Met the prosecutor, explained the situation, arranged to meet him again next Friday before the trial begins, talked with Fancy a bit, walked around, and had a drink with Silver.” I pointed out each event while counting them on my fingers. “I had quite a day, and I learned a lot of stuff. Some I’ll have to tell you later. How about you two? What was your appointment about?”

“We actually settled things with Claire today,” Shining answered, making me raise my brows a bit. “Finally got the misunderstandings out of the way, started things over between us, and we did a bit of shopping for her before we came home. Two things by the way. One, do you mind if we told her about our relationship?”

I looked up in thought. “I guess I don’t mind. How did she take it?”

“She was surprised at first, maybe a little uncertain, but was supportive nonetheless,” Fleur answered. “She also agreed to keep it a secret from the public, including the Wonderbolts until we bring the news to them at some point.”

“That’s good to hear,” I said.

“Now the second thing, please tell me you made that dish you had with Fleur last night,” Shining begged.

“You just can’t handle the fact that I can cook too. As long as I have our Ozzy here teaching me, of course,” Fleur said with a snide grin.

“She’s right,” I agreed. “I pretty much told her the basics, and guided her through the process while she did all the work. Didn’t even use magic to do it either.”

“Dammit, and cooking with Ozzy sounds so nice, too.”

“Aww, don’t feel down. Maybe we can all cook together some time,” Fleur comforted while patting Shining’s head.

“Sure, there’s nothing wrong with that,” I agreed. “Why not? It could even be fun.”

“I suppose.” Shining shrugged.

“Shoot, got to use the bathroom. Be right back,” Fleur said before standing up and went to her bathroom.

Shining and I took the liberty to take off our glasses, set the alarm, and got under the covers.

“Hey Ozzy?”

“Hm?”

“May I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“What part of me do you like the best?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well… You know.” Shining’s cheeks suddenly turned red and looked down while fidgeting.

I couldn’t figure out what she was getting by until I made a wild guess. “You mean like your body?”

Shining nodded.

“I like every part of you. Everything about them is fantastic,” I said.

“If you had to pick though, what would it be?”

Where is this even coming from? I wondered.

“Are you not confident in something?” I asked.

“Well… Do you think my butt looks big?”

“Didn’t we have this discussion before? Like back in Manehattan?”

“Maybe, but I still want to hear it. It might have changed, you know?”

“It looks fine, Shining. You’re worrying too much.”

Just as I said that, Fleur comes out of the bathroom while the toilet flushed.

“What’s Shiny worried about?” Fleur asked.

“She’s worried about how big her butt looks.”

“Shiny’s got a cute butt. I don’t see any problem with it,” Fleur stated as she slid under the covers with us.

“See? There ya go, Fleur agrees with me.”

“But—”

“No buts, and I don’t mean that literally,” I interrupted. “Your ass is sexy and fantastic, end of story. Accept the praise or I’ll spank ya.”

Shining paused with her cheeks still red. “Um, alright… A spank sounds hot right now, though,” she muttered.

“Alright, let’s not get kinky,” Fleur interjected. “As much as I’d love to oblige, we’ve got busy plans starting tomorrow. We can go crazy another time.”

“Right. Good point. And before I forget…” I pulled Fleur and Shining close to each side of me. “Fleur, Shining, thank you for sticking by me the last couple of days. I had fun going out with you two, and I’m grateful to have you both here with me. I love you both.”

“Aww, we love you too, Ozzy,” Fleur cooed before giving me a peck on the cheek.

“I still can’t believe this is happening to us, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Shining added in before giving me a peck on my other cheek. “Also, since we’re so close now, you can call me Shiny, if you want.”

“Really? I know that’s sort of a thing only you and Fleur share.”

“I insist.”

“Alright, if that’s what you want, Shiny, so be it.”

Shiny pulled herself closer and tighter to me, nuzzling against my chest in response.

“I guess that settles it, then. We’ll discuss more on what you need to talk about tomorrow, Ozzy,” Fleur said as she turned out the lights with her magic.

“Right. Thanks, Fleur,” I said.

Fleur then does the same thing Shiny did earlier while minding her horn. “You’re not too confined in this right now, are you?” Fleur asked.

“Nope. This feels just fine.”

“Good, and I see your little friend agrees as well,” she said before something brushed over my crotch, making me shiver.

“If you keep riling him up like that, he’ll never get any sleep,” Shiny pointed out.

“Alright alright, I’ll save the teases another time.” Fleur got comfortable and sighed. “Goodnight, everybody.”

“Goodnight.”

“Night.”

Silence enveloped the dark room while I felt the girls’ breaths against me. My eyes were still open as I looked up in the ceiling, thinking what I talked with Solar about earlier. In my hurry getting here, I put the necklace he gave me in a compartment of my laptop case at the last minute. I hoped the girls won’t stumble across it by accident anytime soon.

I’m not sure if I should tell the girls what happened earlier. Everything just came up for me all at once without knowing it. I’m still not sure if I should believe everything he said, as I know next to nothing about him. Only Fleur and Shiny would know whether his words were genuine or not. Guess I’ll have to see what happens. There’s also Puff Tie that has me concerned. If he’s in such a bad shape like Solar described, it sounds awfully familiar to what happened after Fleur’s break up. If something like that happens again down the line… Well, I’m not willing to let any of the girls get hurt. Same goes for if what Solar said was false. I’ll just have to do what I can for them as they have for me. I owe them that much, and I hope we’ll still be like this for a long time.

With that, I closed my eyes and let the drowsiness win me over. The girls’ heart beats that synced with mine helped me be more at ease, knowing they were in my arms, and hopefully will still be there in the times to come.

Author's Notes:

There you have it. We got a bit of back story on what Solar was up to, and even Puff Tie after Shining burned him to the ground. Is Solar telling the truth? What will Ozzy decide when that time comes around? And what the fuck is up with Puff Tie? We'll have to see what happens in the next chapter. Until next time,

This is Dudeler, signing off.