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Description

After some more pushing and a figurative kick in the ass, Wally made plans to visit the friend he had that could possibly give him some insight and some well needed advise. If Wally really wanted to save his café and start anew, this was as good of a start as any. The next day, the cappuccino colored stallion left his establishment and ventured across the island to the coast, where he found a large warehouse building with a sign labeled “Around the Bayou”.
    The Around the Bayou was bustling with activity. The soft jazz music that was playing, rang out into the club, giving it a serene atmosphere. Despite the busy hustle, the bat hybrid manning the bar swivelled her ear toward the door. She didn’t turn around, still wiping down a glass as she spoke.
???: Hello, and Welcome to The Around the Bayou! One of our waiters will seat you soon or you can come have a seat at the bar.~
Wally: *grins as he took a seat at the bar, resting his head in his hands* Hello, I’d like to order a large caramel macchiato, whole milk, two sugars…. Extra hot~
???: *ear perk and she turns* Oh, Hey Wally!
Wally: *chuckles* Hey, Rasta. How have you been?
Rasta: Hehe~ I’m doing as well as a club owner and mother of a two year old can be doing… which heads up…
    Almost immediately, a small vanilla coloured pegasus squealed, jumping onto Wally’s tail, nestling in the curls. His grey downy feathers fluttered in delight as he looked up at the much taller stallion, though pastel curls.
???: Hiya, Mr. Coffee!
Wally: *jumps and lets out a squeak* Eep! Oh! Hehehe, hey there Clippy. How are you doing, buddy? *reaching down to rustle the colt’s hair*
Clippy: *Peeking out from under the large hand* Ahm doin’ just peachy! Pa said Ahm old enough ta help out some now! So I get ta say Howdy to the guests!
Wally: Hehe, well “Howdy” to you as well. *chuckles as he turned back to Rasta* He’s gotten so big since the last time I saw him-- *coughing loudly into his sleeve*
Rasta: Oh… Do you need something for that.. Water or Te--Water?
Wally: *ear twitches* Water is fine, thanks.
Rasta: Casey! Can you get some water for me please?
Casey: Yeah, I got ya! *pokes his head out from the back* Oh, hey Walter! *goes back inside*
Wally: *raises a hand and waves* Hey Casey. Long time no see.. *coughing into his sleeve again* Mmm.. How has the club been for you two?
Rasta: Busy. Sometimes, a little too busy, but we are doing well. What about you? What are you doing here in the middle of the day?
Wally: Oh umm.. It’s a slow day so I just had one of my barista’s watch the café. I uh… *looks nervously* mmm.. I was a-actually here to talk to you about…. Something.
Rasta: Uh...High school was fun an all, Walter… but..
Wally: *the fur around his neck frizzled as he sat straight up* T-T-That’s not what I m-meant! I meant umm.. advice. I need some advice. Jeez..
Casey: Advice for what? *sets a cup down in front of Wally*
Wally: ……………. What is that? *ear twitches and scrunching up his muzzle at the odor coming from it*
Casey: *grins* You know what it is.
Rasta: Oh goddess Damnit, Casey… You had one job!
Wally: *tail frizzles up like an angry cat* … I’m not drinking that grass water. Thanks but no thanks.. *coughing into his sleeve again*
Casey: Hehehe *pulls a glass of water out from behind his back, setting it down* Well I tried. But it sounded like you could use some from that cough of yours…
Clippy: Can Ah have the tea, Pa? *Still nesting in Wally’s tail*
Casey: *shrugs* Sure bud. *picks it up and stretches over the bar to give Clippy the cup* There ya go.~
Wally: *grimaces as he sips his water* I’m fine.. It’s just a head cold.
Rasta: *places an ice cube from the ice box in the tea so Clip can drink it* So what advice did you need, Wally?
Wally: *sips his water, trying to find the right way to go about it* Umm.. mmm. Well, I guess business advice. My newest barista has been nagging at me for a while now to go get some and you’re a pony that I trust.
Rasta: Oh! Sure, I can do that. What exactly are you looking for? Advertising, finances, management?
Wally: Uh.. finances.. And management too.. Actually all of the above?
Rasta: Woah… what kind of trouble are you in?
Wally: *puts his hands up* I’m not in any kind of trouble or anything……… well.. Not anymore. I got that part sorted out………… kind of. *looks to the side*
Rasta: Uh...huh… What exactly...is going on?
Wally: *takes a deep breath* Okay, so you know how I inherited the café after my grandparents passed away and I told you that I had everything under control, and everything was going great for a while, but then I had a few baristas quit so I put in a classified ad in the paper and the only applicant was…. Well, she’s kind of this tiny creepy little thing but I’m not going to get into that. And then one of my other baristas got super upset at me because I lost her hours and paid her for less then what she worked for even she doesn’t even do anything, but I ended up firing her… oh wait, that’s out of order. She called an health inspector and said there was mold in my café but they didn’t find anything but… umm.. Yeah then I fired her, but not for the health inspector thing. She just has a really bad work ethic, and was constantly making advances on your dad and it honestly just made me really uncomfortable. *lets out a breath*
Rasta: ….Wow…
Casey: *staring wide-eyed from the kitchen window* ………….. You really should’ve taken the tea, you drink way too much coffee for your own good…….
Wally: *grimaces* That’s besides the point! The point is… well Pandie said that I should ask someone for advice because the fact of the matter is…. I have no idea what I’m doing. *ears drooped* I.. I don’t know how to run a business a-and I feel like I’m just floundering…
Clippy: *SLUUUUURPS then looks up at Wally* Want some?
Wally: …… no thank you. *resting his forehead on the bar with a THUD*
Rasta: Are you sure you don’t need something stronger? That sounds like...a lot… Wait did you say she was hitting on my DAD?!
Wally: Mmhmmmmm… *not lifting his head* She is like.. 17. It was weird… *shivers*
Casey: *mumbles to himself but they can still hear him* Not like a huge age gap really matters for him right now….
Rasta: CASEY!
Casey: What?! It’s true!
Rasta: She’s 17!! MY DAD IS ALMOST 50! She’s a MINOR, YOU BOOB!
Casey: And he’s with someone who’s in his…. However many hundreds!!!
Clippy: Boob!
Rasta: Clippy, no. And he’s 700….give or take, but he’s still an ADULT.
Casey: No no.. nononono, he’s an ELDER!!!
Wally: *lifts up his head and stares at the two of them* …. guys?
Rasta: Casey, swear to goddess I will undo your bowtie and throw it in the deep freeze!
Casey: *gaaaaaasp* You monster! *covers his bowtie, fluffing his feathers at her*
Wally: .............. Guys?
Rasta: You think I won’t? Try me.
Casey: I doubt you will unless you want to find your favorite dance dress in a tree somewhere outside, being torn up by those nasty raccoons!!!
Rasta: You better NO---
Wally: *SLAMS his hands on the bar counter, bellowing out* ENOUGH!
Casey: *POOF, HOO-HOO!!!*
Rasta: *POOF! SQUEAK HOOT!!*
Clippy: *hiding in Wally’s tail, slowing sinking further in* Hoo...
Wally: *coughs into his sleeve again* Mmm… Look, as much as I’d just love to witness you destroying each other’s personal items… Can we focus a little?
Casey: ……. *puts something on the bar counter and sliiiides it in front of Wally… it’s a cough drop*
Wally: *stares down at the cough drop before grumbling and taking it* Thanks… *before unwrapping it and popping it in his mouth* …. Maybe I should go ask Mako for advice instead….
Casey: A workaholic like Mako? HA! *walks away*
Rasta: No no. I’m sorry. Ok.. so you need help learning how to run this alone. What exactly do you...What are some of the problems you are having right now?
Wally: Well.. I guess the most pressing issue at the moment is the financial side. I.. don’t know a lick about how to file paperwork or how to keep all those bills and finances organized.
Rasta: Wow. That sounds like memories. I’m also guessing you need help with junk mail, and your office is a wreck too?
Wally: *groans, rubbing his temple* Horrifically so…
Rasta: Yup, I remember that and don’t miss it. I can’t help you much, not here at least. Let’s go back to your office and we can sort this out.
Wally: But.. don’t you have to work today? I… don’t want to impose or anything..
Rasta: I have assistant managers for this exact reason. Incase I need to step out! I’ll get him to take over while we go take a gander. SILKY! Come over here, please!
Silky: Coming!~ *trots over* Ya need something ho-- *sees Wally* Oooh. *grins and leans over the bar* And who is this tall thicc glass of coffee liqueur~
Rasta: Oh jeez… Silky, this is Wally. He’s a childhood friend of mine. Wally, this is Silky Smooth, one of our assistant managers.
Wally: *waves, giving Silky a concerned look* …. Hi.
Silky: Hey.~ *wiggles tail* Can I interest you in a drink? Maybe something smooth?~
Rasta: He’s celibate…now go take over the bar! *pushes on Wally’s back to get him to move*
Wally: !!! *starts choking on his cough drop* mmmMMM?!
Clippy: *still in Wally’s tail, being dragged with them* WEEEEEEEEE!!!
Rasta: Ah! Casey! Help?
Casey: I got him! *runs up and scoops Clippy out from Wally’s tail* Okay, you’re good!
Wally: *wheezes and clears his throat* A-Ahem… Um……. yeah. Bye? *as he walked out the front door*
Rasta: *quickly follows after him*
Casey: *looks at Clippy* ….. Wait… Where’s the teacup I gave you?
Clippy: *shrugs* Ah dunno!
----
    Rasta followed Wally back to the café, saying hello to the lone barista working there before heading back to his office. Sure enough, it was a mess of papers and parchments, envelopes and quills. Bills both old and new were strewn about and the chaos overtook the desk like a crazy, out of tune symphony. Despite, the mess, Rasta seemed unphased by it.
Rasta: Oh yeah. This brings me back.
Wally: *ears fold back* Yeah.. I tried cleaning it up some before going to you but… I don’t even know where to start. Everytime I come into this room, I just get a headache…
Rasta: Haha! No worries~. Back when it was just me and my club, this was what my office looked like too. This is almost normal for a new owner.
Wally: *ears perk* Really? Well.. that’s kind of reassuring. How did you get past it?
Rasta: I asked for help. *grins* So you’re on your way.
Wally: *grins back* Heh, well I guess Pandie was right… for once. *stretches his arms* Well, we should probably get started then…
Rasta: Right. Ok, first things first. We need to sort the junk from the important stuff. A lot of these envelopes have these big red letters or say ‘time sensitive’, they’re just junk trying to get you to refinance your building or something useless that you don’t need.
Wally: *picks up an envelope* So you mean I don’t need…. What is this? A credit card? Oh boy, it has zero financing for the next 30 days if I act now. *picks up another* And did you know, I can save 15% or more on my home insurance in 15 minutes or less? *tosses the envelopes into the trash*
Rasta: Ahaha.. Yup, or these adverts for a new system you don’t have use for. This...is actually important. It’s your lighting bill. We’ll put that here. *clears a space on the desk for important mail to go*
Wally: Oh shoot.. I need to pay that. I wonder how many other bills I’ve been forgetting to pay because of this mess…? *ears folding back*
    It didn’t take long for the two to delve into the mountain of papers and bills, sorting out the junk from what was actually important, including the barista’s hours that Wally had misplaced prior. All the while, Rasta and Wally talked about the good ol’ days and how life had changed since high school. Once or twice in conversation, Wally brought up his newest barista, Panda Modem Hair-Braider. Even though many of things he brought up were mostly negative, he told the stories in a more amused then irritated tone.
Rasta: Sooo… Who is this mare? You’ve mentioned this ‘Pandie’ more than once today.
Wally: *ears perk* I told you, she’s the barista I hired last month.
Rasta: Is that all she is~? Hehehe…
Wally: *raises an eyebrow* What’s that supposed to-- Wait, you haven’t been talking to Bubble, have you? I swear to the goddesses, she needs to stop with that incessant shipping… *with a groan*
Rasta: She’s my cousin, Wally. Of course, she’s told me, but you’ve been talking about her a lot all on your own. You sure there’s nothing else? Maybe it’s time to get back out there~.
Wally: Get back out where and do what?
Rasta: Find a marefriend and not live with your tiny figurines your whole life? Find another nerd to live with them with you.
Wally: They are miniatures and models, and it’s for a game. And you are starting to sound like my mom. *ear twitching*
Rasta: That’s probably because I AM a mom...but seriously. Maybe you should try again. I know...it was awkward in high school, but high school’s over! It might give your confidence a boost.
Wally: *rolls his eyes* I thought you said I was *uses air quotes* “celibate”.
Rasta: Listen, Silky will screw anything that moves, and I’m almost certain he’s made it with my uncle more than once… I just blurted out the first word I thought of! At least I didn’t say impotent…
Wally:........ Thanks, Rasta.
Rasta: I love you too, Wally~
Wally: Mmhmmm… Let us just.. get back to work.
----
    While the two friends were busy, another was currently making her way to Mako’s home. The small pegasus was a deep dull blue-green, with even darker markings of the same colour. Her hair, no longer the crazy combination of blue and purple streaks, was now a muted black with almost greenish tints in his bangs. The long braid that hung over her shoulder, slowly faded to white as it reached the ends, same as her tail tuft. While still having her fangs and dewclaws, her wings looked larger and nestled two large claws at their joint. Silently, she opened the door to his shop, her hooves tapping on the flooring. The bell to the door jingled with her entrance.
Mako: *ear twitches and does a quick glance* Oh, hey Pandie. *messing with something on his desk* Are you here to actually buy something or to scare my other customers by mumbling about their death date?
Pandie: I am here to talk to you again, brother…
Mako: *ears spring up* Oh, okay. *turns to face her, blinking his eyes in surprise* …. Huh… Never thought I’d see this form again..
Pandie: Neither did I, but I suppose not everything needs to change.
Mako: Hmm. *smiles a bit* Change your mind about leaving, then?
Pandie: Actually, I came to talk to you about another change, just not for myself. I need your assistance, dear brother.
Mako: Sure, what do you need?
Pandie: *Reaches into her pocket and pulls out a broken piece of drywall with inky black all over it* I suppose you are familiar with this….substance.
Mako: *ears fold back flat to his head* … Where’d that come from…?
Pandie: My employer’s café. I suspect the entire wall is infested, and who knows where else. I need your help eliminating it.
Mako: *gets up and walks over to look at the piece of drywall* Oye… I can do that, but I’m gonna need to see the entire wall…
Pandie: And the roof...it’s leaking and I’m sure that’s what caused the breeding grounds for this. We don’t have much time…
Mako: I take it the place hasn’t been inspected yet..?
Pandie: It has. A health inspector came by and I used my magic to hide it, but I can’t keep doing it or prevent the effects from spreading. It must be removed.
Mako: Then we need to get over there right away and start getting rid of this crud.
    Before the two siblings could discuss the issue any further, the sound of Mako’s front door to the main house swinging opening and hitting against the adjacent wall directed their attention.
???: Eeeeeeey! Mako, you in here you crusty old cod? *yelling through the house* … No? Cool. More scotch for me.
Mako: *gets the dirtiest, angriest look on his face, swiftly turning and stomping towards the door connecting his house to the shop, kicking it open* Ye bettah keep yer grimy hands off mah scotch, ye moocher!!!
    A short brown pegasus with dark, singed tipped wings froze in place, his hands incriminatingly on a bottle of whiskey. His bright blue eyes stared at Mako before slowly bringing the bottle up to his lips and taking a sip.
Mako: *groans, rubbing the bridge of his snout* Ye know what, keep it… Goddesses only know where your mouth has been…
???: *puts his finger up before taking a few gulps* Aah~ That’s good! If you must know, I just came back from Margarite’s.
Mako: *eye twitches* ……. What do you want, Singe?
Singe: *putting the bottle down and grinning ear to ear* Whaaaaaaat? Can’t I come say “Hi” to my bestest buddy in the whole world?
Mako: Funny, the last time ye said “Hi’ to me, you drop-kicked me!!
Singe: *raises a hand* Details. And in my defense, you did make Bubble cry. It’s my duty as her older cousin and brother figure to kick your fat heart-shaped ass whenever I see that you ain’t treating my baby cousin with all the love and respect she deserves. *nodding before letting out a large belch*
Mako: *GROOOOAN* For the last time, it was a personal trip, and I still came back! *ear twitches* And I’ll have you know, I treated her with plenty of love and respect upon my return. *grins* A whole lot of it.~
Pandie: No one needed to know that, Mako...though I do wonder how many ponies have seen your ‘heart-shaped’ posterior.
Mako: *turns to face Pandie* It was ONE time after too many drinks at a party, and shush your mouth, Sis!
Singe: *peeks his head through the door Mako was standing in* Sis? Oh hello there~ *runs his hand through his mane* Makooooo, why don’t you introduce me?
Mako: *cringes* Uuuuugh, because I don’t want ye flaunting your crusty messed up tailfeathers at one of my sisters, you bloody git…
Singe: *huffs and twitches his tail feathers irritably* Hmmph, how rude! Fine then… *shoves past Mako, before bowing to Pandie* My lady~ I’m Singe. And who might you be, if I be so bold to ask? *with a charismatic grin*
Pandie: *She brushes her hand over her bangs, but only to hide her eyes at work* My name is...Pandie. I am one of Mako’s sisters.
Singe: *grins* Such a pleasure to meet you! *looks back and elbows Mako* Why did you never tell me that your sister was such a cutie! Is this the one Bubble told me about?
Mako: *raises an eyebrow* Which one? The fire breathing chihuahua or the one with “Hairbraider” as a last name?
Pandie: It’s Harbinger…
Mako: And for that matter, when I call her “cute” she kicks me in the shin for it…. They both do…..
Pandie: You are usually mocking me…
Mako: It was a compliment, learn to recognize them, you fox-eared asshole!
Pandie: Regardless...We need to be heading to the….”Whole Latte Love” …Ugh…
Singe: *ears perk* Wait.. you mean Wally’s café?
Pandie: *ear twitches* Yes…? I work there…better than that maid café in Ponyville...
Mako: It’s an emergency.
Singe: *looks at Mako, face suddenly serious* Wait, hold on. What emergency? Did something happen?
Mako: *takes the piece of drywall in his claws* This. Wally’s got black mold in the walls.. The health inspector didn’t find it, but we need to get rid of now.
Pandie: And we have till the month’s end to do so...so let’s not waste time. *turns to leave*
-----------------------
Oh boy! Looks like we are getting all the ships involved! I hope you are ready for the chaos this will bring! Thank you so much for and for helping with dialogue for their respected characters.

If you want to read from the beginning or catch up on your favorite ship, check out !!

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Description

After some more pushing and a figurative kick in the ass, Wally made plans to visit the friend he had that could possibly give him some insight and some well needed advise. If Wally really wanted to save his café and start anew, this was as good of a start as any. The next day, the cappuccino colored stallion left his establishment and ventured across the island to the coast, where he found a large warehouse building with a sign labeled “Around the Bayou”.
    The Around the Bayou was bustling with activity. The soft jazz music that was playing, rang out into the club, giving it a serene atmosphere. Despite the busy hustle, the bat hybrid manning the bar swivelled her ear toward the door. She didn’t turn around, still wiping down a glass as she spoke.
???: Hello, and Welcome to The Around the Bayou! One of our waiters will seat you soon or you can come have a seat at the bar.~
Wally: *grins as he took a seat at the bar, resting his head in his hands* Hello, I’d like to order a large caramel macchiato, whole milk, two sugars…. Extra hot~
???: *ear perk and she turns* Oh, Hey Wally!
Wally: *chuckles* Hey, Rasta. How have you been?
Rasta: Hehe~ I’m doing as well as a club owner and mother of a two year old can be doing… which heads up…
    Almost immediately, a small vanilla coloured pegasus squealed, jumping onto Wally’s tail, nestling in the curls. His grey downy feathers fluttered in delight as he looked up at the much taller stallion, though pastel curls.
???: Hiya, Mr. Coffee!
Wally: *jumps and lets out a squeak* Eep! Oh! Hehehe, hey there Clippy. How are you doing, buddy? *reaching down to rustle the colt’s hair*
Clippy: *Peeking out from under the large hand* Ahm doin’ just peachy! Pa said Ahm old enough ta help out some now! So I get ta say Howdy to the guests!
Wally: Hehe, well “Howdy” to you as well. *chuckles as he turned back to Rasta* He’s gotten so big since the last time I saw him-- *coughing loudly into his sleeve*
Rasta: Oh… Do you need something for that.. Water or Te--Water?
Wally: *ear twitches* Water is fine, thanks.
Rasta: Casey! Can you get some water for me please?
Casey: Yeah, I got ya! *pokes his head out from the back* Oh, hey Walter! *goes back inside*
Wally: *raises a hand and waves* Hey Casey. Long time no see.. *coughing into his sleeve again* Mmm.. How has the club been for you two?
Rasta: Busy. Sometimes, a little too busy, but we are doing well. What about you? What are you doing here in the middle of the day?
Wally: Oh umm.. It’s a slow day so I just had one of my barista’s watch the café. I uh… *looks nervously* mmm.. I was a-actually here to talk to you about…. Something.
Rasta: Uh...High school was fun an all, Walter… but..
Wally: *the fur around his neck frizzled as he sat straight up* T-T-That’s not what I m-meant! I meant umm.. advice. I need some advice. Jeez..
Casey: Advice for what? *sets a cup down in front of Wally*
Wally: ……………. What is that? *ear twitches and scrunching up his muzzle at the odor coming from it*
Casey: *grins* You know what it is.
Rasta: Oh goddess Damnit, Casey… You had one job!
Wally: *tail frizzles up like an angry cat* … I’m not drinking that grass water. Thanks but no thanks.. *coughing into his sleeve again*
Casey: Hehehe *pulls a glass of water out from behind his back, setting it down* Well I tried. But it sounded like you could use some from that cough of yours…
Clippy: Can Ah have the tea, Pa? *Still nesting in Wally’s tail*
Casey: *shrugs* Sure bud. *picks it up and stretches over the bar to give Clippy the cup* There ya go.~
Wally: *grimaces as he sips his water* I’m fine.. It’s just a head cold.
Rasta: *places an ice cube from the ice box in the tea so Clip can drink it* So what advice did you need, Wally?
Wally: *sips his water, trying to find the right way to go about it* Umm.. mmm. Well, I guess business advice. My newest barista has been nagging at me for a while now to go get some and you’re a pony that I trust.
Rasta: Oh! Sure, I can do that. What exactly are you looking for? Advertising, finances, management?
Wally: Uh.. finances.. And management too.. Actually all of the above?
Rasta: Woah… what kind of trouble are you in?
Wally: *puts his hands up* I’m not in any kind of trouble or anything……… well.. Not anymore. I got that part sorted out………… kind of. *looks to the side*
Rasta: Uh...huh… What exactly...is going on?
Wally: *takes a deep breath* Okay, so you know how I inherited the café after my grandparents passed away and I told you that I had everything under control, and everything was going great for a while, but then I had a few baristas quit so I put in a classified ad in the paper and the only applicant was…. Well, she’s kind of this tiny creepy little thing but I’m not going to get into that. And then one of my other baristas got super upset at me because I lost her hours and paid her for less then what she worked for even she doesn’t even do anything, but I ended up firing her… oh wait, that’s out of order. She called an health inspector and said there was mold in my café but they didn’t find anything but… umm.. Yeah then I fired her, but not for the health inspector thing. She just has a really bad work ethic, and was constantly making advances on your dad and it honestly just made me really uncomfortable. *lets out a breath*
Rasta: ….Wow…
Casey: *staring wide-eyed from the kitchen window* ………….. You really should’ve taken the tea, you drink way too much coffee for your own good…….
Wally: *grimaces* That’s besides the point! The point is… well Pandie said that I should ask someone for advice because the fact of the matter is…. I have no idea what I’m doing. *ears drooped* I.. I don’t know how to run a business a-and I feel like I’m just floundering…
Clippy: *SLUUUUURPS then looks up at Wally* Want some?
Wally: …… no thank you. *resting his forehead on the bar with a THUD*
Rasta: Are you sure you don’t need something stronger? That sounds like...a lot… Wait did you say she was hitting on my DAD?!
Wally: Mmhmmmmm… *not lifting his head* She is like.. 17. It was weird… *shivers*
Casey: *mumbles to himself but they can still hear him* Not like a huge age gap really matters for him right now….
Rasta: CASEY!
Casey: What?! It’s true!
Rasta: She’s 17!! MY DAD IS ALMOST 50! She’s a MINOR, YOU BOOB!
Casey: And he’s with someone who’s in his…. However many hundreds!!!
Clippy: Boob!
Rasta: Clippy, no. And he’s 700….give or take, but he’s still an ADULT.
Casey: No no.. nononono, he’s an ELDER!!!
Wally: *lifts up his head and stares at the two of them* …. guys?
Rasta: Casey, swear to goddess I will undo your bowtie and throw it in the deep freeze!
Casey: *gaaaaaasp* You monster! *covers his bowtie, fluffing his feathers at her*
Wally: .............. Guys?
Rasta: You think I won’t? Try me.
Casey: I doubt you will unless you want to find your favorite dance dress in a tree somewhere outside, being torn up by those nasty raccoons!!!
Rasta: You better NO---
Wally: *SLAMS his hands on the bar counter, bellowing out* ENOUGH!
Casey: *POOF, HOO-HOO!!!*
Rasta: *POOF! SQUEAK HOOT!!*
Clippy: *hiding in Wally’s tail, slowing sinking further in* Hoo...
Wally: *coughs into his sleeve again* Mmm… Look, as much as I’d just love to witness you destroying each other’s personal items… Can we focus a little?
Casey: ……. *puts something on the bar counter and sliiiides it in front of Wally… it’s a cough drop*
Wally: *stares down at the cough drop before grumbling and taking it* Thanks… *before unwrapping it and popping it in his mouth* …. Maybe I should go ask Mako for advice instead….
Casey: A workaholic like Mako? HA! *walks away*
Rasta: No no. I’m sorry. Ok.. so you need help learning how to run this alone. What exactly do you...What are some of the problems you are having right now?
Wally: Well.. I guess the most pressing issue at the moment is the financial side. I.. don’t know a lick about how to file paperwork or how to keep all those bills and finances organized.
Rasta: Wow. That sounds like memories. I’m also guessing you need help with junk mail, and your office is a wreck too?
Wally: *groans, rubbing his temple* Horrifically so…
Rasta: Yup, I remember that and don’t miss it. I can’t help you much, not here at least. Let’s go back to your office and we can sort this out.
Wally: But.. don’t you have to work today? I… don’t want to impose or anything..
Rasta: I have assistant managers for this exact reason. Incase I need to step out! I’ll get him to take over while we go take a gander. SILKY! Come over here, please!
Silky: Coming!~ *trots over* Ya need something ho-- *sees Wally* Oooh. *grins and leans over the bar* And who is this tall thicc glass of coffee liqueur~
Rasta: Oh jeez… Silky, this is Wally. He’s a childhood friend of mine. Wally, this is Silky Smooth, one of our assistant managers.
Wally: *waves, giving Silky a concerned look* …. Hi.
Silky: Hey.~ *wiggles tail* Can I interest you in a drink? Maybe something smooth?~
Rasta: He’s celibate…now go take over the bar! *pushes on Wally’s back to get him to move*
Wally: !!! *starts choking on his cough drop* mmmMMM?!
Clippy: *still in Wally’s tail, being dragged with them* WEEEEEEEEE!!!
Rasta: Ah! Casey! Help?
Casey: I got him! *runs up and scoops Clippy out from Wally’s tail* Okay, you’re good!
Wally: *wheezes and clears his throat* A-Ahem… Um……. yeah. Bye? *as he walked out the front door*
Rasta: *quickly follows after him*
Casey: *looks at Clippy* ….. Wait… Where’s the teacup I gave you?
Clippy: *shrugs* Ah dunno!
----
    Rasta followed Wally back to the café, saying hello to the lone barista working there before heading back to his office. Sure enough, it was a mess of papers and parchments, envelopes and quills. Bills both old and new were strewn about and the chaos overtook the desk like a crazy, out of tune symphony. Despite, the mess, Rasta seemed unphased by it.
Rasta: Oh yeah. This brings me back.
Wally: *ears fold back* Yeah.. I tried cleaning it up some before going to you but… I don’t even know where to start. Everytime I come into this room, I just get a headache…
Rasta: Haha! No worries~. Back when it was just me and my club, this was what my office looked like too. This is almost normal for a new owner.
Wally: *ears perk* Really? Well.. that’s kind of reassuring. How did you get past it?
Rasta: I asked for help. *grins* So you’re on your way.
Wally: *grins back* Heh, well I guess Pandie was right… for once. *stretches his arms* Well, we should probably get started then…
Rasta: Right. Ok, first things first. We need to sort the junk from the important stuff. A lot of these envelopes have these big red letters or say ‘time sensitive’, they’re just junk trying to get you to refinance your building or something useless that you don’t need.
Wally: *picks up an envelope* So you mean I don’t need…. What is this? A credit card? Oh boy, it has zero financing for the next 30 days if I act now. *picks up another* And did you know, I can save 15% or more on my home insurance in 15 minutes or less? *tosses the envelopes into the trash*
Rasta: Ahaha.. Yup, or these adverts for a new system you don’t have use for. This...is actually important. It’s your lighting bill. We’ll put that here. *clears a space on the desk for important mail to go*
Wally: Oh shoot.. I need to pay that. I wonder how many other bills I’ve been forgetting to pay because of this mess…? *ears folding back*
    It didn’t take long for the two to delve into the mountain of papers and bills, sorting out the junk from what was actually important, including the barista’s hours that Wally had misplaced prior. All the while, Rasta and Wally talked about the good ol’ days and how life had changed since high school. Once or twice in conversation, Wally brought up his newest barista, Panda Modem Hair-Braider. Even though many of things he brought up were mostly negative, he told the stories in a more amused then irritated tone.
Rasta: Sooo… Who is this mare? You’ve mentioned this ‘Pandie’ more than once today.
Wally: *ears perk* I told you, she’s the barista I hired last month.
Rasta: Is that all she is~? Hehehe…
Wally: *raises an eyebrow* What’s that supposed to-- Wait, you haven’t been talking to Bubble, have you? I swear to the goddesses, she needs to stop with that incessant shipping… *with a groan*
Rasta: She’s my cousin, Wally. Of course, she’s told me, but you’ve been talking about her a lot all on your own. You sure there’s nothing else? Maybe it’s time to get back out there~.
Wally: Get back out where and do what?
Rasta: Find a marefriend and not live with your tiny figurines your whole life? Find another nerd to live with them with you.
Wally: They are miniatures and models, and it’s for a game. And you are starting to sound like my mom. *ear twitching*
Rasta: That’s probably because I AM a mom...but seriously. Maybe you should try again. I know...it was awkward in high school, but high school’s over! It might give your confidence a boost.
Wally: *rolls his eyes* I thought you said I was *uses air quotes* “celibate”.
Rasta: Listen, Silky will screw anything that moves, and I’m almost certain he’s made it with my uncle more than once… I just blurted out the first word I thought of! At least I didn’t say impotent…
Wally:........ Thanks, Rasta.
Rasta: I love you too, Wally~
Wally: Mmhmmm… Let us just.. get back to work.
----
    While the two friends were busy, another was currently making her way to Mako’s home. The small pegasus was a deep dull blue-green, with even darker markings of the same colour. Her hair, no longer the crazy combination of blue and purple streaks, was now a muted black with almost greenish tints in his bangs. The long braid that hung over her shoulder, slowly faded to white as it reached the ends, same as her tail tuft. While still having her fangs and dewclaws, her wings looked larger and nestled two large claws at their joint. Silently, she opened the door to his shop, her hooves tapping on the flooring. The bell to the door jingled with her entrance.
Mako: *ear twitches and does a quick glance* Oh, hey Pandie. *messing with something on his desk* Are you here to actually buy something or to scare my other customers by mumbling about their death date?
Pandie: I am here to talk to you again, brother…
Mako: *ears spring up* Oh, okay. *turns to face her, blinking his eyes in surprise* …. Huh… Never thought I’d see this form again..
Pandie: Neither did I, but I suppose not everything needs to change.
Mako: Hmm. *smiles a bit* Change your mind about leaving, then?
Pandie: Actually, I came to talk to you about another change, just not for myself. I need your assistance, dear brother.
Mako: Sure, what do you need?
Pandie: *Reaches into her pocket and pulls out a broken piece of drywall with inky black all over it* I suppose you are familiar with this….substance.
Mako: *ears fold back flat to his head* … Where’d that come from…?
Pandie: My employer’s café. I suspect the entire wall is infested, and who knows where else. I need your help eliminating it.
Mako: *gets up and walks over to look at the piece of drywall* Oye… I can do that, but I’m gonna need to see the entire wall…
Pandie: And the roof...it’s leaking and I’m sure that’s what caused the breeding grounds for this. We don’t have much time…
Mako: I take it the place hasn’t been inspected yet..?
Pandie: It has. A health inspector came by and I used my magic to hide it, but I can’t keep doing it or prevent the effects from spreading. It must be removed.
Mako: Then we need to get over there right away and start getting rid of this crud.
    Before the two siblings could discuss the issue any further, the sound of Mako’s front door to the main house swinging opening and hitting against the adjacent wall directed their attention.
???: Eeeeeeey! Mako, you in here you crusty old cod? *yelling through the house* … No? Cool. More scotch for me.
Mako: *gets the dirtiest, angriest look on his face, swiftly turning and stomping towards the door connecting his house to the shop, kicking it open* Ye bettah keep yer grimy hands off mah scotch, ye moocher!!!
    A short brown pegasus with dark, singed tipped wings froze in place, his hands incriminatingly on a bottle of whiskey. His bright blue eyes stared at Mako before slowly bringing the bottle up to his lips and taking a sip.
Mako: *groans, rubbing the bridge of his snout* Ye know what, keep it… Goddesses only know where your mouth has been…
???: *puts his finger up before taking a few gulps* Aah~ That’s good! If you must know, I just came back from Margarite’s.
Mako: *eye twitches* ……. What do you want, Singe?
Singe: *putting the bottle down and grinning ear to ear* Whaaaaaaat? Can’t I come say “Hi” to my bestest buddy in the whole world?
Mako: Funny, the last time ye said “Hi’ to me, you drop-kicked me!!
Singe: *raises a hand* Details. And in my defense, you did make Bubble cry. It’s my duty as her older cousin and brother figure to kick your fat heart-shaped ass whenever I see that you ain’t treating my baby cousin with all the love and respect she deserves. *nodding before letting out a large belch*
Mako: *GROOOOAN* For the last time, it was a personal trip, and I still came back! *ear twitches* And I’ll have you know, I treated her with plenty of love and respect upon my return. *grins* A whole lot of it.~
Pandie: No one needed to know that, Mako...though I do wonder how many ponies have seen your ‘heart-shaped’ posterior.
Mako: *turns to face Pandie* It was ONE time after too many drinks at a party, and shush your mouth, Sis!
Singe: *peeks his head through the door Mako was standing in* Sis? Oh hello there~ *runs his hand through his mane* Makooooo, why don’t you introduce me?
Mako: *cringes* Uuuuugh, because I don’t want ye flaunting your crusty messed up tailfeathers at one of my sisters, you bloody git…
Singe: *huffs and twitches his tail feathers irritably* Hmmph, how rude! Fine then… *shoves past Mako, before bowing to Pandie* My lady~ I’m Singe. And who might you be, if I be so bold to ask? *with a charismatic grin*
Pandie: *She brushes her hand over her bangs, but only to hide her eyes at work* My name is...Pandie. I am one of Mako’s sisters.
Singe: *grins* Such a pleasure to meet you! *looks back and elbows Mako* Why did you never tell me that your sister was such a cutie! Is this the one Bubble told me about?
Mako: *raises an eyebrow* Which one? The fire breathing chihuahua or the one with “Hairbraider” as a last name?
Pandie: It’s Harbinger…
Mako: And for that matter, when I call her “cute” she kicks me in the shin for it…. They both do…..
Pandie: You are usually mocking me…
Mako: It was a compliment, learn to recognize them, you fox-eared asshole!
Pandie: Regardless...We need to be heading to the….”Whole Latte Love” …Ugh…
Singe: *ears perk* Wait.. you mean Wally’s café?
Pandie: *ear twitches* Yes…? I work there…better than that maid café in Ponyville...
Mako: It’s an emergency.
Singe: *looks at Mako, face suddenly serious* Wait, hold on. What emergency? Did something happen?
Mako: *takes the piece of drywall in his claws* This. Wally’s got black mold in the walls.. The health inspector didn’t find it, but we need to get rid of now.
Pandie: And we have till the month’s end to do so...so let’s not waste time. *turns to leave*
-----------------------
Oh boy! Looks like we are getting all the ships involved! I hope you are ready for the chaos this will bring! Thank you so much for and for helping with dialogue for their respected characters.

If you want to read from the beginning or catch up on your favorite ship, check out !!

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