>Small things can add up.
>It's after the morning workout session and you find Lily is waiting for you.
>With a fresh bottle of lemonade.
>"Anon! I brought you something to help cool off!"
>Land delicately to not kick up dust.
"You made it?"
>"Sure did! My hooves still smell of lemon rinds."
>The glass bottle is cool to the touch, and equally refreshing as you gulp it down.
>"Didn't bring me one?"
>Dash has a teasing smirk.
>Lily pauses, looks at you then at her.
>"Oh! I'm sorry! Sorry! I'll gallop home and get you some too!"
>Dash throws up her wings.
>"Calm down filly. I was joking. Guess it wasn't funny."
>Lily puffs out her cheeks.
>"Don't scare me like that."
>Clear Trail takes the glass from you after you finish it.
>She looks up to the flying Rainbow Dash.
>"Do you mind having lunch with my husband and myself today?"
>Dash lazily flips upside down as she hovers.
>"No problem. Choose a place and I'll be there."
>"Will Zephyr be able to come."
>Rainbow scrunches up her face.
>"Well, I'll find out. If you really want that."
>You shrug as you pick up your school saddlebags.
"Ready to go Lily?"
>"Yup!"
>Both of you head to school, and things are chill.
>Then you get rushed during lunch.
>"Anon, did you really make up that entire song on the spot?"
>"I saw the suit! I think my sister made that right?"
>"No cutie mark for doing that? Strange."
>Never change Applebloom.
>Scootaloo pops a green bean in her mouth as she talks.
>"So, did you get your apology yet?"
>Lily and you look at each other.
"What apology?"
>Scoots points to another table where Diamond is at.
>Boy, does she look like she's sucking on a lemon.
"I'm not going to wring water from stone."
>"I can hear you!"
"And I'm not going to make you do something you don't want to."
>Diamond huffs angrily, as she 'stomps' her way over with Silver behind her.
>Lily looks nervous as she approaches, scooches closer to you.
>"I'm just glad I wasn't subjected to your lame love song."
>She sits down in front of you after pushing Noi aside.
>Rest your head out on your wing like an arm.
"It probably wouldn't have happened if we were dating."
>"Whatever. So here's my apology. Sorry. Don't ask for it again. Blankflank."
>Butt hurt filly.
>"Anon! Hey, Anon!"
>Sweetie Belle waves her hooves in front of you.
>"Rarity is going to be using the Element of Generosity again. What about you?"
"Oh, uh, yeah. We have a thing going on this Saturday."
>That gets the crowd going, throwing off Diamond's dramatic whining.
>She snorts and trots her way back to her lunch with her nose high.
"If you all want to know more, the royal guards are supposed to be showing up today. Try to get their hoofprint and questions from them.
>"Are you doing something dangerous again? Fighting another monster like yesterday?"
>Namby-Pamby is going full journalist mode again.
>Going to get her scoop for the Foal Free Press.
"I was told all the dangerous stuff is going to be taken care of by the guards. Nothing to worry about."

>Be Rainbow Dash, sitting at an open air restaurant with Clear Trails and Captain Current.
"Well I think we've recovered the humidity from all the clouds being dumped into the water cycle."
>You're making small talk with them until Zephyr shows up.
>Which as according to your plan, is now as he stumbles onto the table.
>"Sorry I'm late. I was touching my mane up."
>Raise an eyebrow at that, you don't see much difference in his appearance.
>Current barks out a laugh.
>"Not a problem! You're only about five minutes late."
>Zephyr looks confused as he turns to you.
>"I thought you said 11:30 AM?"
"It isn't. I knew you were going to be an hour late."
>"Rainbow Dash! What if I came here too soon?"
>Take a sip of water.
"Would have surprised me."
>Clear Trail looks a little concerned, but pushes the menu to him.
>"So we invited you out for dinner while my husband is in town to learn more about you two."
>Current nods as he clears his throat.
>"Want to find out what the family situation is with Anon."
>Zephyr flops the menu down with a cheeky grin.
>"Dashie and I go back to our foal-hoods. Basically inseparable."
>You sound as annoyed as possible.
"We were never an item. I was friends with Fluttershy, not you. I am Anon's mom, you show up occasionally."
>He folds his ears down.
>Trail and Current look at each other.
"Look, I don't raise Anon by myself. I do have a happy home. We're going to get a pet soon. If you're worried Lily is flying into a bad relationship don't, there is nothing to panic about."
>"I beg to differ."
>All four of you jolt up with shock as a new mare sits down at the table.
>Zephry and Current look at the new mare greatly confused.
>You recognize her, and so does Clear Trail.
>Trail glares at Spoiled Rich.
>"Why are you here?"
"Yeah, Spoiled Rich. Kind of have a private discussion here."
>Zephyr tries to pass the menu to her, only for Rich to smack it away.
>"Given how it involves all three of our foals, I would like to be part of it."
"Diamond Tiara right? What about it?"
>"Given how circumstances have gone, I am proposing setting things right. For the best interest for everypony involved."
>Who does she think she is!?
>A waitress places a plate of salad in front of her.
>Did?
>Did she know about this and plan ahead?
>How!?
>Trail doesn't seem all too thrilled as she scowls; poor Current looks uncomfortable.
>"Oh do tell, Spoiled. I'm sure you practiced this one in the mirror."
>"I'm glad you asked. My dear filly had her heart set out on initiating courting with your colt, Ms. Rainbow Dash."
"Right?"
>"Which was ruined due to jealousy and that ridiculous event. I was hooves off to allow my filly to redeem herself, but she took a more desperate route."
>"You call bullying my filly to the point of tears a desperate measure? That's rich."
>"I am."
>That wasn't funny.
"We just had the entire town witness Anon sing a love song to Lily. It's on the front page of today's paper. Stop wasting our time."
>"Fine then, I won't."

>"It would be more beneficial for the future and growth of our community. Anon will be able to spread his wings better and use his talents alongside my daughter to bring unprecedented growth."
>Well that was a lot of horse words.
"That sounds like complete nonsense. Anon isn't interested in any of that."
>Spoiled raises an eyebrow.
>"The business venture and deliberate use of funds isn't interest? Are you projecting your more athletic desires on your colt?"
>Now your glare matches Clear Trail's glare.
"Listen here. Since you clearly don't know him, I've learned why he does what he does. It's all a tool for him. For goals that not even I completely know and have only shared with the Princess. Lily, is the first time, he has a chance to let it just be that. A happy normal relationship."
>"Not everything has to be a means to an end, Spoiled."
>"Mrs. Rich, Clear Trail. Also, isn't this what this meeting was about? To assess and decide if this relationship is worth going forward with? You see a colt with a spineless father and a hotheaded mother. You worry it's going to put Lily in a bad situation. Right?"
>Zephyr shrinks under the criticism, and you really want to react just like she's describing.
>You need to not fall for it.
>Clear Trail answers for you.
>"As opposed to a father who is probably half way across the country as we speak, and a mare who taught her filly that bullying will get you what you want. Diamond learned that from somepony."
>That earns a scowl from Spoiled Rich.
>"I am offering the means to make this easier for everypony, and you're slapping me for it. If I trot away, this doesn't get easier. What I'm offering is protection from a storm coming your way."
"Good grief why are you being cryptic now, get to the bucking point."
>"You think what my daughter did was bad, it will be nothing when Canterlot comes down to throw their hat in the ring. Your son, Dash, spoke to Princess Celestia and she is listening to him. I have ears in that shining city, and the nobles are talking. Who is this Anon that shows up, saves Luna, and bends the ear of our great sun princess? Then they find out, and they see potential."
>She points an offending hoof at you.
>"Bravado and gumption will only get you so far before some noble family worms their way into a favorable position and take your son. Not caring if they hurt your Lily, Trail."
"Could that happen?"
>Doubt is now getting to you.
>"I can offer that protection. The Rich household can weather that storm, as well as provide the best future possible for Ponyville."
>Buck, she might be right.
>"Not to worry, your boy will be just fine."
>Ears stand up straight, a familiar voice shakes you out of your funk.
>At a neighboring table, is a royal guard in full armor.
>Wait!
"Royal Guard!"
>"Hey Rainbow. As for your worries, Princess Celestia has a specific order that nobles are not allowed to interact with the Elements of Harmony and you as well Dash."
"That's nice of her."

>"Excuse me, who are you to come along and just spout nonsense?"
>Spoiled cringes as the hair on her back stands on end.
>Royal Guard simply salutes her.
>"As Rainbow Dash said, I'm Royal Guard. I came looking for her."
>You HEAR Zephyr's heart skip a beat.
>He probably heard yours skip a beat as well for different reasons.
"I didn't think you would show up for that thing this Saturday."
>The large earth pony 'tinks' his helmet with a playful hoof tap.
>"I asked to come along. Hope to see you again. Now, what was your name again Ma'am."
>"Mrs. Rich."
>Clear Trail quickly adds on with snidely.
>"Spoiled Rich."
>Royal nods as he smiles, then he sings a small melody.
>"For the common pony that rises in Harmony's defense, her fruits shall be their reward; not arrows or false pretense. Come proud stallion and beautiful mare,  harmonious Equestria is yours to share."
>"Or something like that. We've always had brave ponies who stepped up in our history, and Princess Celestia wanted to protect them. Especially when foals are involved. She is a teacher as well."
>Spoiled doesn't seem to back down as she steps on the table with front legs.
>"Which is what I'm, my family, is offering."
>Royal Guard rolls his eyes.
>"Anon has nothing to worry about. No Canterlot noble is going to come down to steal him away. If anything Princess Celestia is looking forward to meeting with him."
>Sputtering spittle, Spoiled seems flabbergasted.
>"Meet with him!? Whatever for now?"
>"Hmm, what for indeed. Dash, please tell her what Celestia wants for Anon?"
>Like a light bulb, that memory flashes quickly.
"Grow up happy. A normal life."
>"Her greatest desire. Finding out about Lily has made her elated. I should know, Twilight wrote about it in her reports on friendship."
>For the first time in a while, Current speaks up surprised.
>"Really? Our little filly? Guess you're right Ms. Dash. A normal relationship."
>Clear Trail then lays it on thick.
>"The Princess would be really upset if somepony was trying to break it up."
>"Your point is made, Clear Trail!"
>Spoiled Rich growls her response.
>She gets up from the table, snorting mad.
>"Waste of my time."
>"Are you going to eat your salad?"
>Zephyr squeaks as Rich flings her head around to him and stares death at him before leaving.
"Wow! What a complete turnaround. Thanks Royal Guard for the rescue."
>He bows slightly.
>"It's what I'm here for."
>With your own grin, you lean closer to him.
"And what else are you here for?"
>"Well, I wouldn't mind a local to help show this lost stallion around town. He's supposed to be on reconnaissance."
"Is that a second date I hear?"
>"W-w-what!? Dash, we're in the middle of something here."
>Zephyr is panic eating, and just spitting food out now.
>Trail and Current blink owlishly as the situation unravels.
>"We, um, we can say this meeting is a success."
>That does nothing to relieve Zephyr.
>Royal Guard clears his throat as he politely steps back.
>"I can wait. I did butt in."

>"So where are you heading off to, Anon?"
>Lily bounces next to you as the school bell rings out at the end of another school day.
>Jumping between cracks of the cobblestone walkway.
"I'm meeting up with Twilight Sparkle. The new town librarian. She asked me to tell her more about a magical tree hiding in the Everfree Forest."
>She bounces on the last cobblestone before the dirt trail then spins around to face you.
>You cheated, can't step on cracks if you're floating above them.
>The rest of the class hurry past you both as you both smile at each other.
>"Hmm, anything else?"
>Oh?
>Is this filly getting wise to your schemes?
"I was thinking of her teaching me."
>"More learning!? Does that tire you out?"
>And miss out on the wonders of the world?
"Never."
>She giggles as she plays with her pigtails.
>"Ok. Well then, what do you want her to teach her?"
>As you're about to answer her, someone grabs you.
>Get lifted up to eye level to Zephyr as he shakes you.
>"Anon! Anon, we have a problem!"
"What?"
>Wibble.
"Is?"
>Wobble.
"It?"
>And a few more concussive throttling.
>"Mom is going out on a date with somepony as we speak!"
>Fall limp in his gentle hooves before you return to reality.
"She's dating someone? Who?"
>"That stallion you told me about!"
>He spits out his name with utter dread.
>"Royal Guard."
"Oh. He came back. I thought that was a one time thing."
>"I was hoping it was a one time thing!"
>Now you just hang like a long cat in his hooves.
>Gaze over him with the answer he knows, but refuses to acknowledge.
>"I need you to use that big all seeing brain to think up a plan to fix this!"
"Dad."
>"Yes my precious adorable incredible colt of mine?"
"What does mom value?"
>His eyes dart away for a moment.
>"You?"
>Well he ain't totally wrong.
"Steadfast loyalty, dedication, and never letting anyone down."
>"I, uh, got that stuff."
"Also drawn to an athletic lifestyle. Look at a Wonderbolt. That is her heart's desire."
>There's the face drop.
>We stare at each other, both knowing he doesn't cut it.
>Zephyr stopped coming to the morning workouts.
>Wiggle out of his grasp and float back down to the ground.
>Several of the foals, like Scoots and Diamond, are watching.
"I don't know if I can help. What's been Aunt Fluttershy's suggestion?"
>"She stopped helping."
>You know.
>"Do you prefer Royal Guard to be your dad?"
>In front of everyone!?
>Dude, don't cry in front of children.
>That's pathetic.
"Mom is going to date who she wants. It would be selfish of me to try and control her. As for how I feel, it surprised me like it did you."
>"It did?"
>That gets a head tilt out of him.
>Right, the future sight stuff.
"Yup. Didn't see it coming."
>He 'oh' with a bit of shock.
"I need to get going. Sorry."
>Zephyr nods as you slowly scuttle away.
>Wow, you knew this was going to happen one day, but not this soon.
>With a slow burst of speed, he zooms off towards Fluttershy's place.
"I'll see you later, Lily."
>"Yeah. Is he going to be ok?"
>Nope.