“A toast! To my 21st birthday. I’ve been drinking for seven years and I’m finally of age.” The orange pegasus thrust his glass into the air, carelessly spilling some of the liquid. A brown earth pony beside him giggled and raised his own glass in cheers. They drank and pushed their glasses towards the bartender who quickly refilled them.
 
”Thanks for commin bud, ‘preciate it. I know you went out of your way.” The pegasus grimaced.
 
”Oh Sunny, we may not be close but I wouldn’t miss your birthday. Even if I had to hop a train to get here.” The earthy patted his friend’s back.
 
”How’re things goin in Ponyton? Anyone die?” Tequila Sunrise snorted, amused with himself. Ghost Apple frowned.
 
”You know ah don’t read the obituaries anymore, too depressing.” Ghost said solemnly.
 
”You never told me that.” Tequila raised an eyebrow and attempted to sip his drink. He winced when he ended up knocking the glass against his teeth.
 
“I told you that a while ago, not that I’d expect you to remember.” Ghost looked away, seemingly annoyed.
 
”Why you always gotta bring it back to that?” Tequila huffed as he wiped the blood from his teeth.
 
”Just forget it.” Ghost knocked his hoof on the counter, ordering two more drinks.
 
”You always do that, you say something then you tell me to forget it. Just say what you wanna say!” Tequila argued. Ghost sighed and rubbed his forehead in aggravation.
 
“You can’t keep living like this.” Ghost said in a steady voice.
 
“And once again we’re back to drinking.” Tequila rolled his eyes.
 
“That’s only part of the problem Sunny, you have larger issues that need to be addressed.” Ghost began in what he hoped was a calm tone. “Your mother-“ Tequila cut his friend off again.
 
“I don’t. Want to talk. About my mother.” Tequila accentuated his words by stomping on the counter with his fore hoof.
 
“Ey, don’t hit the table, you’ll damage it!” The bartender scolded angrily.
 
“Screw you, do you know who I am?!” Tequila raised his voice as he challenged the bartender.
 
“No.” Said unicorn scoffed.
 
“Good!” Tequila shouted and hopped off the barstool.
 
“Now where are y’all goin?” Ghost tossed some bits onto the counter and followed his friend who was making his way out the door. Once outside Ghost trotted after his smaller friend.
 
“You can’t avoid this conversation forever!” Ghost said as he walked beside Tequila.
 
“I can try!” Tequila grinned before flapping his wings and clumsily flying up and away from his earthy friend. Ghost Apple watched him flutter away with an unamused expression on his face.