The Line Between Business and Pleasure

Chapters

Chapter 1: Score, Vinyl, Tavi, and Ly
Chapter 2: Blind Stallion, Big City
Chapter 3: Sweetie Sounds of a Belle
Chapter 4: Golden Sees Gold, Score Sees Red
Chapter 5: Clubbing and Loving
Chapter 6: Made From Scratch

Chapter 1: Score, Vinyl, Tavi, and Ly

"What about this, cuz?" the blue-maned unicorn named Vinyl Scratch asked, adjusting the knobs on her turntable. The music that was produced changed ever so slightly, but that small amount of difference caused the only other pony in the room to smile.

"Much better," he said. The stallion was sitting a few yards away, his back turned to Vinyl. He bobbed his head to the music, his two-tone red mane bouncing lightly.

After a few more minutes of music, Vinyl shut off her sound system.

"Thanks, cuz," she said, her head still bobbing to music that was no longer there, "Those magic ears of yours always know what's up."

"Anytime, Vinyl," the stallion said, not turning around, "Do you know when Octavia and Lyra are coming?"

"Tavi said they'd be here later this afternoon. It isn't even noon yet."

The stallion turned around at this information, revealing the dark sunglasses that he always wore, along with a horn which, along with his pristine white coat, made him almost a carbon-copy of his older cousin.

"Well it's not as if I can see the clock," he snorted, frowning slightly.

"Don't worry, cuz," Vinyl walked over and put a hoof on his shoulder, "I tend to lose track of time too when I'm in the zone."

This quip brought the smile back to the stallion's face as he began to chuckle.

"Oh, Vinyl," he said, shaking his head, "now I understand why Octavia always wonders what she's going to do with you."

"She knows full well what she's going to do with me...if you know what I mean."

The stallion raised a hoof to his face, as close as he could come to a facehoof with his glasses on, "Vinyl, I didn't need to hear that."

"I'm just messing with you, cuz," the unicorn said, turning in the direction of the kitchen, "C'mon, let's get some grub."

Vinyl walked off, her cousin not far behind. He hadn't been living with Vinyl very long, and as such hadn't gotten a complete feel for her apartment. As such, he employed the trick he had been taught when he was a little colt. Lighting his horn, he slowly moved his head side to side. By aiming his magic around him, he was able to use his impeccable hearing as a sort of echolocation, listening for how far things were away from him. Eventually, he would have the apartment layout memorized, but for now, he had to resort to this method.

When he made it to the kitchen, he could hear Vinyl rummaging around her refrigerator. Before he came along, she had basically kept the thing empty, sufficing to dine on take-out most of the time. But in consideration of her cousin, she had begun to stock it more regularly, at least until she could properly introduce him to all the great fast food places Canterlot had to offer.

"Apple and cashew salad," Vinyl asked, producing a bag of the stuff held in magic.

"Sounds good," the stallion replied, finding a chair to sit in.

Quickly, Vinyl prepared their lunch. However, after only a few minutes, there came a knock at the door.

"That couldn't be them," Vinyl said, confused, "it's way too early."

The blue-maned unicorn made her way to the door, opening it with her magic. On the other side stood two mares, a light green unicorn with a green-and-white mane named Lyra Heartstrings, and a dark gray Earth pony with a slicked-back black mane named Octavia Melody.

"Afternoon, Vinyl," Octavia greeted in her crisp, clear accent.

"Tavi? Ly?," Vinyl asked, "I'm confused, you're way early."

"Oh, practice ended early," Lyra beamed, trotting past Vinyl and into the apartment, "figured we'd just pop by early. Where's Score?"

"Kitchen," Vinyl replied, magically moving her shades above her horn before turning her gaze back to Octavia, "Hey Tavi."

"You know I hate that name," Octavia responded, a disgruntled look on her face.

"Well then, it's a good thing you love the rest of me," Vinyl replied, giving her marefriend a kiss. This caused Octavia to blush somewhat.

"Is...is there any way you can get Score out of here tonight," Octavia whispered.

"Don't know," Vinyl whispered back, "I mean, he's cool, he would give us some time if I asked, but he doesn't really know the city that well. And remember, he can't see where he's going."

"I know, I know. Maybe we can get Lyra to help."

"We'll see."

The two lovers raised back up out of their quiet whispering and headed toward the kitchen, Vinyl replacing her shades in their proper place.

"...good thing she has me around now," the stallion said to Lyra, who had taken the seat next to him at the table, "I think all those gigs are starting to affect her hearing."

"Not enough to where I didn't hear that," Vinyl snarked, which caused the stallion to grin widely.

"Hey, cuz," he said in a manner that seemed to ape Vinyl's voice, "Lyra and I were just talking about you."

"Yeah, I could tell," Vinyl deadpanned, "So Ly, how was practice? And since when does the Canterlot Philharmonic Orchestra let out early?"

"It was a little unusual," the unicorn said, bringing a magically-held water bottle to her lips for a sip, "We had a guest conductor for awhile. I don't see why they ever bring them in, it doesn't do anypony any good to scream at us in Prench. I think our regular conductor got fed up with it and let us go."

"I hear ya," the stallion scoffed, perking up his ears, "Are you here too, Octavia?"

"Yes, Score, I'm here," the aforementioned pony answered.

"Figured as much," there was silence for a few seconds before the stallion spoke again, "Oh, Octavia, just a heads-up, if you and Vinyl want some alone time, all you have to do is ask."

He punctuated this statement by moving his own glasses above his horn with the red aura of his magic, turning in the direction of Octavia's voice and throwing her a wink.

"Score Scratch!" Octavia yelled, flustered.

"Damn," Vinyl laughed, finding pleasure in the embarrassment of her marefriend, "the super-powered hearing strikes again!"

"Call it a gift," Score chuckled, patting the spot on his flank where his cutie mark, an upside down eighth note, made different by the fact that the connection between the stem and the flag came to a point resembling a quill tip, sat.

Lyra busted out laughing at this conversation, pounding her hoof on the kitchen table.

"Listen up, lovebirds," she said once she finally stopped, "I'll take Score out into town for a few hours. It sounds like you two need it.

Octavia blushed hard, her right eye slightly twitching. Vinyl was doing her best not to laugh, lest she catch her marefriend's ire.

"C'mon Score," Lyra continued, getting out of her seat and grabbing Score's hoof, "let's get out of here before things get awkward."

"Uh...yeah," Vinyl sputtered, "You guys go. Tavi and I will catch up with you later."

Lyra and Score couldn't vacate the premise fast enough. As soon as they were out of sight, and Vinyl could only hope out of Score's earshot, she grabbed Octavia by the hoof and the two ran to the bedroom as fast as possible.

Chapter 2: Blind Stallion, Big City

Lyra and Score headed out of the apartment building and into the city proper. As it was the middle of the day, there were ponies literally everywhere. Some were eating at the various restaurants and cafes scattered about, some were shopping, and some were just enjoying a pleasant stroll.

"So," Lyra said, panning the cityscape in front of her, "what should we do?"

"No clue," Score answered, "you forget I've only been in town for two weeks."

"I know, but you must have something you want to do. We need to kill at least two hours while Vinyl and Octavia well, you know."

"Yeah," Score answered with a sigh, "Let's just start walking, I'm sure I'll hear something of interest."

The two unicorns began walking passively through the streets. In such a crowded public place, Score had found that his echolocation magic wasn't really of much use. Too many variables. Instead, he took to gently leaning on whomever he was walking with, so that they would be able to guide him in whichever direction. Sometimes it looked a bit awkward, particularly because to the laypony it was impossible to tell that Score was blind due to the shades.

They must have walked for over an hour without anything interesting being seen or heard. That is, until a voice unfamiliar to Score called out from the throng.

"Lyra," the high-pitched voice cried, "is that you?

Both unicorns stopped. Score actually found the direction of the voice before Lyra, although that didn't help much.

"I was right," the voice said, now much closer. Now Lyra was able to spot the new pony. It was a white unicorn mare, her mane and tail colored half pink, half purple, both ending in soft curls.

"Sweetie," Lyra asked, "What are you doing in Canterlot?"

"I'm here for an audition. Rarity got in touch with this supposedly really famous music producer."

"Oh, how exciting."

"Yeah. Too bad I can't meet the producer yet, I have to meet an associate of his first, somepony named Score Scratch. Oh, how rude of me, I haven't introduced myself to your friend."

Score's ears were already perked at the mention of his name, and now they were even more that he was actually going to part of the conversation.

"Oh, well," Lyra trailed off, not sure how to proceed.

"Don't worry, Lyra," Score said, putting a forehoof to his chest, "Score Scratch, miss, at your service."

Sweetie was a little taken aback at just running into the very pony she was supposed to meet in the middle of the street.

"Oh, um, hello, I'm Sweetie Belle," she reached out a hoof for a shake, but Score just stood there, staring.

Lyra took note of the uncomfortable situation, "Um, Sweetie Belle, I'm afraid he can't see your hoof."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Score said, "is she trying to shake my hoof? My apologies, I'm not the best with introductions, what with not being able to see and all that jazz."

Score lit up his horn, concentrating on making a mental picture of the mare in front of him. Noting that her hoof was still extended in greeting, he quickly rectified the situation by reaching out his own hoof to complete the shake.

"Now that that awkwardness is out of the way," Lyra chuckled, "Score, I think we should head back and see if Vinyl and Octavia are ready."

"Whatever you say Lyra," Score shrugged, making a move to turn around before stopping, "Pleasure meeting you Miss Sweetie Belle, see you, or, I suppose, hear you, tomorrow."

"Um, right," Sweetie said, "Goodbye."

Lyra and Score turned around to head back, leaving a very confused Sweetie Belle in their wake.

They were silent for about half of their trip, before Score struck up again.

"So, how do you know Sweetie Belle?"

"Oh, she's from Ponyville. I lived there for awhile. Knew her sister and all of her friends."

"I'm assuming her sister is the Rarity she mentioned?"

"Yep. You might recognize the name, she is a famous fashion designer and was one of the Elements of Harmony."

"Now those I have heard of, that's quite interesting."

"Yep. But you can ask Sweetie herself all about that if you want."

*-*-*-*-*

Lyra knocked on the door of Vinyl's apartment, as Score didn't actually have a key. The door was soon opened by Vinyl, who looked fresh as a daisy.

"Hey Lyra, hey cuz, you're back just in time, Tavi should be out of the shower in a minute."

The three unicorns made their way into the living room, Vinyl and Lyra taking the couch, with Lyra sitting in that peculiar way of hers, and Score finding the recliner. Soon enough, Octavia joined them, her mane still wrapped up in a white towel.

"Good to see that everypony is here," the cellist said, "and since it's my week to pick, you know what that means."

Vinyl bowed her head, "That means you're gonna make me wear something ridiculous."

Ever since the three musicians had all been living in Canterlot, they had partaken in a tradition. Each week, on the last day of work for Octavia and Lyra, they went out to eat together, rotating through who got to pick. It happened to be Octavia's turn this week, which meant that they were going somewhere fancy, which meant Vinyl would have to dress up, something she despised doing.

"Don't worry, Vinyl," Lyra said, getting off the couch, "I think you'll like what Octavia picked up for you."

Lyra's horn glowed with it's golden aura, and in a flash, three outfits appeared. On was a white dress with green accents, obviously for Lyra. The second was a silky black dress for Octavia. The third was a blue suit jacket with a white bow tie.

"Is that for me," Vinyl asked, moving her shades above her horn to get a better look.

"Indeed it is," Octavia answered, "I figured you would appreciate a suit."

"Well it does fit me. After all, I am the stallion in our relationship."

"Whatever you say," Octavia said with a shake of her head, "But be careful, become too much like a stallion and I won't be attracted to you anymore."

Vinyl's eyes widened slightly at this, which caused Lyra to laugh.

"Oh, wait," Lyra said when she was finished, "I almost forgot Score's." She lit her horn again and caused a black suit jacket and a skinny red tie to appear.

"Come, ladies," Octavia said, throwing her dress over her back, "we have to get ready."

Vinyl followed Octavia back up the stairs. Lyra hung back a moment to pass Score his suit. Fortunately, Score had the ability to hear the gentle, almost silent, hum that unicorn magic produced. With this perception, he was able to tell where an object was when it was being levitated, allowing him to pick it up with his own magic. The exchange completed, Lyra followed the others.

Score sat in the living room awhile longer. He listened to the bustling and talking of the mares upstairs for a moment before deciding to do something different. Moving the jacket so that it hung over the armrest, he refocused his magic. Soon, his ears were covered by cups of soundproof magic, leaving him in complete silence and darkness.

He liked to do this from time to time, just to give his primary sense a rest. On a day like this, his ears had been overworked. First, helping Vinyl perfect her latest song, then being in the middle of Canterlot, with all of its noise pollution and dissonance. Sometimes, he just needed to give his auditory system a break, a chance to relax instead of using it every waking moment to construct the world around him. He couldn't do it for very long, as it left him unable to perceive anything around him, but in a safe place like this apartment, he had nothing to worry about.

After a time, Score estimated it to be about 10 minutes, he let the soundproof spell go. He could still hear the mares, but it was more muffled, as the doors were closed. Score hopped off of the recliner and, after taking a second to find his jacket again, easily slipped it on. The tie, unfortunately, would have to wait. He had worn ties before, but he had never figured out how to tie them himself, always needing his mother or father to do it for him.

Next he went into the kitchen and turned on the faucet. After taking his shades completely off, he whetted a hoof and ran it through his mane, making sure it was sitting properly. With his grooming and dressing pretty much done, he had nothing to do but sit and wait for the girls. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long, as the three dolled-up mares soon came downstairs and into the living room.

"You all look great," Score said with a smile.

"You can't see us," Lyra pointed out, "And you're not even looking in the right direction."

"Just accept the compliment, Lyra. Besides, to a blind stallion, all mares are good-looking. Now, if you don't mind," he said, levitating the tie, "would you mind helping me with this?"

Lyra rolled her eyes and took the tie in her magic. She put on Score's tie while Octavia fiddled with Vinyl's.

The final preparations complete, the four ponies exited the apartment, waiting for the taxi carriage that Octavia had set up. When it was Octavia's week, she always had to prepare days in advance, what with getting together dinner reservations and the like.

Fortunately, everything seemed to be running on time tonight, as the taxi soon came to pick them up. They didn't have to travel very far before their transport stopped in front of a restaurant called "Le Petit Cheval".

"Prench...," Vinyl grumbled, "it had to be Prench."

"Well," Octavia countered, "you know I like Prench cooking. Besides, last week we went to that awful sports bar and you didn't hear me complain."

"Touche. Let's go."

They headed inside, Score once again leaning on Lyra for direction.

"Octavia Melody, party of four," Octavia said to the maitre d'.

"Ah, yes, right this way."

He led them to a round table in the middle of the restaurant. The four ponies sat Octavia, Vinyl, Score, and Lyra, clockwise. A waiter soon arrived to take orders for drinks, but Octavia was quick to cut him off and simply ordered a bottle of red wine for the table.

"Score," Vinyl half-whined, "please tell me next week when it's your turn you take us somewhere I can get a decent drink."

"I make no promises, cuz," Score replied, "besides, if I like the food here, I might just pick this place again, just to hear you squirm."

Vinyl's jaw about hit the table, "You wouldn't do that to me, cuz."

Score chose not to acknowledge Vinyl in the slightest, "So, Octavia, what would you recommend?"

Vinyl's right eye twitched. Lyra had to put both hooves over her mouth to contain her laughter.

"I would go with the steamed vegetables with the vinaigrette," Octavia answered as if nothing happened.

"Sold," Score said emphatically.

The wine soon arrived, much to the relief of everypony except Vinyl. After they all ordered, they got down to the usual small-talk.

"So, Lyra," Vinyl asked, "how's Bon-Bon?"

"She's good," Lyra answered between unadulterated gulps of wine, "same old, same old. She's going to come up for the next orchestra performance."

"Oh," Octavia said between dainty sips, "that's wonderful to hear."

"Yeah," Score echoed, swishing around the wine in his glass, "You four could go on a nice double date."

"Hey," Lyra continued, "by then, maybe you will have found yourself a nice mare and it could be a triple."

"Very funny, Lyra."

"I'm serious. I mean, we did run into a cute one today, and you are going to see her again tomorrow."

"Huh," Vinyl cocked her head, "Who was that, Lyra?"

"You girls remember Sweetie Belle?" Vinyl and Octavia nodded, "Well apparently she's in town for a sound test for this record label, and see's going to sing for Score."

"Really?" Vinyl said, "At least that explains why Golden Record wanted Score to be at the studio on that day."

"I know. And you should have seen the two of them interact, it was awkward and cute at the same time."

"Well," Octavia mused, "I haven't seen Sweetie in some time, but if she looks anything like her sister, I'm sure she's turned into a very fine-looking mare."

"You're right on that one. If Score had been able to see her, I'm sure he would've fallen horn-over-tail."

"Not helping matters, Lyra," Score grumbled, taking a slightly larger sip of wine.

"Besides," Vinyl interjected, "that would break Vinyl Scratch dating rule number one."

"What's Vinyl Scratch dating rule number one," Lyra asked.

"Never mix business with pleasure."

The four ponies were silent for awhile after that, the dead seriousness of Vinyl having soured the mood somewhat.

Fortunately, their food arrived soon after and they all had something new to focus on. They all went back to the jovial, enjoyable conversation, and stayed off the topic of Score's love life.

Eventually, dinner, and dessert, were finished and it was time to head home. Octavia and Lyra, who had drunk much more wine than the Scratch cousins, decided to take a taxi home. Vinyl and Score opted to hoof it through town.

The two related unicorns were silent most of the way back, having been thoroughly exhausted by dinner. However, as soon as they stepped through the door, Vinyl spoke up.

"Hey, Score, I'm sorry I was so blunt before."

"About what," the blind unicorn said as he removed his tie.

"About the 'business with pleasure' thing."

"No worries cuz, not the first time I've heard it."

"I mean, I don't want to control your life or anything. You're way more mature and thoughtful than I was at your age. It's just that I've seen some ponies make really bad choices when relationships got too close to their jobs."

"I know Vinyl. I know."

"I just hope I didn't sound like I don't want you to find somepony or something like that. You'd make a great coltfriend for some mare."

"Thanks, cuz, and I know you didn't mean it like that. You're just watching out for me, don't want me to get hurt. It's cool, I understand."

"OK. Just wanted to make sure we're on the same page. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm bushed."

"Ditto. And I'm the one who actually has to work tomorrow."

"If you call sitting in a chair and listening to somepony sing work, then yeah, you have to work tomorrow."

Vinyl chuckled at her insult, Score just stared at her blankly.

"That was kind of a low blow, you know that, right?"

"I'm just messin' with ya, cuz."

"I know Vinyl. I know."

Chapter 3: Sweetie Sounds of a Belle

The next afternoon, the Scratch cousins made their way through town to the offices of Sunrise Records, the label founded and owned by Golden Record. Once they reached the skyscraper that housed said office and the attached studio, the two unicorns ascended halfway up the building in an elevator.

Once one stepped out of the elevator on the correct floor, they walked straight into the reception room. There wasn't much space there, as most of the square footage available was set aside for the recording studio. Score lit up his echolocation magic to make his way through the room.

"Hello Vinyl," the receptionist, a light green Earth mare greeted, "Hello Score." She said the second part with a bit of a lower, silkier voice. Score could tell, of course, but chose to ignore it. He was here on business after all.

"Is Sweetie Belle already here," he asked, totally serious.

"Uh, yes," the receptionist answered, a bit put off that her flirting was ignored, "she got here 10 minutes ago, right on time."

"Good. We'll be going now."

Score led the way as the two unicorns went through a doorway into a narrow hallway. The stallion quickly found the door to the sound room and opened it.

"Hey Scratches," a black-and-brown Earth stallion said as they walked in, "what's shakin'?"

"Yo, Spin," Vinyl greeted in return. Lyric Spin and Vinyl hoofbumped.

"So how's it going," Lyric asked before getting cut off.

"Quiet," Score said from the other side of the switchboard that took up the majority of the room, "I can already hear her."

He was right, of course. Sweetie Belle was standing in the adjourning room, right next to the single microphone, warming up her vocal chords. Although they weren't recording yet, the microphone was live, and thus could be heard from the main room.

Score magically removed his glasses and took a seat right on the floor. With his eyes closed and his face pointed straight ahead, the other two ponies in the room got silent real fast. Anypony who knew Score at all knew that when he was intently listening to music, it was not smart to break his concentration.

Most ponies, even those who listened to music for a living, wouldn't give a second thought to a singer warming up. But Score was not most ponies. He could often tell just from the simple scales and arpeggios that were being sung how good the pony would sound when they were belting it out.

"I'm ready when you are," Sweetie said into the microphone.

"Just a moment," Lyric replied, quickly moving a couple of the sliders on the soundboard, kicking in the background music and pressing the Record button, "OK, we're recording."

Sweetie Belle began to sing. At first, it didn't seem like much, a pop song, not Score's favorite genre, but it fit well with who she was. Score barely even recognized the song anyway, mostly because he didn't pay attention to song lyrics. He was always too enamored with the beat and melody, and lyrics usually got in the way of hearing those things.

However, as Sweetie made it to the chorus, Score understood why she had chosen this particular song. The chorus showed off her range, the range that Score had theorized that she had, but now was on full display. She could sing the low notes of an alto, while hitting high notes that some sopranos dare not touch. But the best part, to Score anyway, was that the range didn't seem forced. It seemed to come naturally to her, as if it took no effort, which he knew was no easy task to pull off.

There was another feature of Sweetie's singing that Score found most intriguing. If there was one thing Score couldn't stand, it was what he called 'unnecessary notes'. Some pop singers put too much vibratto, or warble, into notes. More still had this bad habit of holding notes out for extended periods of time, as if it was some sort of achievement to hold a note for more than four counts. Sweetie did neither of these, she didn't have to. Her singing was so pure, so effortless, with nary a missed note or anything that sounded out of place.

When she finished, Score didn't stop listening. He was so focused that he was now dissecting the sound of nothing, the sound of empty air, as he pulled every sound wave of Sweetie's singing into his ears. Normally, Vinyl would snap her cousin out of his trance, but not this time.

Eventually, when he felt he had heard as much as he could hear at the present moment, Score shot his eyes open, revealing the blood red irises that almost nopony knew he possessed. He blinked a few times before turning to face Vinyl and Lyric.

"Sign her," he said simply, "sign her this very instant."

"Wish I could, bro," Lyric replied, "but you know only Golden can actually ink contracts."

"Don't care. Get him on the phone. If she walks out of here without a deal, I will quit."

"OK then," Lyric made for the door, "I hope I can reach him."

With the Earth pony gone, Vinyl just looked at her cousin with curiosity.

"That good, huh," the DJ asked.

"That good."

"At a loss for words?"

"You know it happens sometimes."

"I know, cuz."

"Hey," it was Sweetie Belle, still standing in the other room, "do you want me to do another take, or what?"

Vinyl ambled up to the mic in the main room, "No, that's good Sweetie. Come on around here."

Taking the invitation, Sweetie left the sound room and came around to the main room. She ambled in to find Score still sitting there in a state of mesmerization.

"So," the singer asked, "how did I sound?"

"Really good," Vinyl answered with a nod.

"Really good," Score echoed, dumbfounded, as he magically placed his glasses back on, "The Canterlot Philharmonic Orchestra is really good. Sweetie Belle, she is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard."

Now Vinyl was a little stunned.

"Really," Sweetie almost squeaked.

"I don't say those words lightly," Score replied, "I told Lyric to call Golden Record. If you walk out of here without a contract, I will quit as his consultant."

"Well you don't have to go that far," Sweetie said sheepishly.

"Yeah, he kinda does," Vinyl explained, "You see, if you didn't pick it up yesterday when you two ran into each other, Score is blind. He has never seen anything in his life. Having him say that something is the most beautiful thing he has ever heard is the equivalent of anypony else saying something is the most beautiful thing they have ever seen."

This little factoid caused Sweetie to blush.

"Exactly," Score said, reacting to Vinyl's explanation.

"Yo, Score," it was Lyric popping his head back in the door, "got Golden on the phone, he wants to talk to you."

"Excuse me," Score said as he passed by Vinyl and Sweetie, following Lyric into the front office.

"So," Sweetie said to the only other pony in the room, "Score is your cousin?"

"Yep," Vinyl answered, "he's been staying with me these past two weeks."

"He really knows music, doesn't he?"

"His blindness enhanced his hearing sense. His hearing is so acute that he can hear somepony whispering all the way across a hoofball field. His magic is tuned to it, too."

"So how did he get this job?"

"Oh, Golden and I go way back. I told him about Score's abilities, and he asked if my cousin would be interested in working as a consultant, doing mainly what he just did now. It allows Golden to travel around more, do more PR, which is what he's really good at, and more promotion. Trust me, Sweetie, Score is going to get you signed to this label, and you will not be sorry."

The door opened again to reveal Score standing there.

"Talked to Golden," he said, "He'll write up the contract when he gets back from Las Pegasus in a few days. By this time next week, Sweetie will be signed to a contract, and then the work can begin."

"Thank you," Sweetie exclaimed, rushing up to Score and giving him a hug, one that Score wasn't exactly prepared for. He had to use his magic to hold himself up, lest he get toppled.

"No need to thank me," Score replied once he had recovered and Sweetie had let go, "After all, as Vinyl would say, you were the one who did the actual work."

"Sweetie," Vinyl spoke up, "you gonna be here awhile?"

"Well," the songstress answered, "I've got nothing going on the rest of the day, so I don't know."

"Wait here a minute. Score, a word?"

The cousins walked into the adjourning room, which was soundproof, of course. With the mic off, nopony could hear their conversation.

"What do you need, cuz," Score asked, looking in a random direction.

"Go for it."

"What?"

"Ask her to dinner, you know you want to."

"What about Vinyl dating rule number one," the stallion asked sarcastically.

"Technically, you aren't working together yet. And, well, like I said last night, I don't want to keep you from something just because it might not be what I would do. So we're gonna go back in there and you're gonna ask her out."

"I don't know, Vinyl. What if she's not interested?"

"Cuz, you couldn't see her, of course, but when you were going on about her singing, she was totally blushed out. Plus, we talked while you were dealing with Golden. She's at least interested in you, if not outright attracted to you. What have you got to lose?"

"Nothing, I suppose. OK."

The two unicorns returned to the recording room, where Lyric was explaining various things about the soundboard to Sweetie. The both turned their attention to the Scratches when they entered.

"Hey," Lyric asked, "what were you two talking about in there?"

Vinyl nudged Score with her shoulder.

"Sweetie," Score began, his voice clear and with no hint of indecision, "I would like to treat you to dinner tonight."

"OK," the songstress beamed, "pick me up at seven?"

"OK. Where?"

"I'm staying at the Canterlot Garden Hotel, I'll meet you in the lobby."

"I'll be there. And, just for your information, it's not going to be anything fancy."

"No problem, there's plenty of time for fancy stuff later. Oh, I guess I have to go get ready now, see you all later."

Sweetie made her way out of the room.

"Damn bro," Lyric bumped Score on the shoulder, "you work fast."

"Keep it under your hat, Lyric," Score replied, "it's just dinner."

*--*--*--*--*

Score hoped he was on time. It was one of those petty annoyances of blindness, that he could never see the clock or know what time it was, unless somepony told him. So now he was walking through the hotel lobby, toward the receptionist to find the time, hoping that he hadn't passed the point of being fashionably late.

"Score, I'm over here."

Score turned toward the voice, which he instantly recognized as Sweetie Belle. When he knew that she was within comfortable earshot, he spoke.

"I hope I'm not late."

"Nope, just in time. So where are we going?"

"Oh, just this place I know. It's not too far from here."

"I hope you know where you're going."

"Don't worry."

Usually those words would fall under the category of "Famous Last Words" but in this case, Score was completely right. In no time at all, they had reached, and were seated inside, the very restaurant where Score had intended for them to go.

As they purveyed over their menus, Sweetie noticed something odd in Score's behavior.

"Umm, Score, and I hope that you don't mind me asking, but why are you staring at your menu."

Sweetie was accurate, Score had taken off his glasses and was holding up the menu in his magic, even though he couldn't read it.

"It's for show," he explained, "you'd be surprised how many ponies get weirded out by the thought of a blind pony, so I do whatever I can to make it look like I'm not."

"Well that's silly," Sweetie said with a tilt of her head.

"You're probably right," Score conceded, "In a place like Ponyville, nopony would probably care, but Canterlot is a different beast. Everypony expects everypony to be the same."

"That's sad."

"Indeed it is, but I've gotten used to it. Sorry, I guess this conversation has taken a plunge south, how about something to fix that."

"Yes, let's. I want to hear you critique my singing more."

Score let out a small chuckle, "You already heard my piece, and it's not going to change."

"It's just that, nopony has ever said anything of that magnitude before. What if your boss doesn't agree?"

"If Golden goes against my recommendation, then he is an idiot. He hired me to do part of his job, so that he could spend more time having fun and whatever else it is that music producers do with their free time. I know for a fact that he isn't in Las Pegasus for business. No, as far as music and sound goes, my word is law."

Immediately after Score's little speech, the waitress came by to take their orders. With that taken care of, the two settled down into more of small talk. Score asked a lot about Sweetie's personal history, where she was from, how she got connected to Golden Record, all of that stuff. Sweetie was equally interested in Score's backstory, but couldn't even get in the proper questions over food.

"Geez," Sweetie said in the middle of dessert, "I feel like I've spent this whole date talking about myself."

The use of the word 'date' was not lost on Score, who smiled very slightly.

"That was the point," he answered.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Most ponies have the luxury of being able to look at whomever they are with. A lot of ponies use this as an excuse to not listen intently to whatever is being said to them. I, on the other hoof, must use my ears to construct and analyze the world which surrounds me. Hearing your voice is the same as anypony else staring into your eyes. It keeps me connected on that sort of intimate level. That's why I had you do most of the talking."

The two sat in silence for a time after this, Score having said his piece the best way he knew how, and Sweetie not exactly sure how to respond. The silence continued even after Score had paid the bill and they had taken a taxi back to Sweetie's hotel. When they got there, Score stopped short as Sweetie kept walking, which caused her to look back.

"Aren't you going to escort me all the way back to my room," Sweetie asked with a smirk.

"If that's what you want," Score replied.

The two ponies took the elevator up six floors and walked the short distance to Sweetie's room.

"Well, here we are," Sweetie announced.

"When are you going home," Score asked, surprising himself that he hadn't asked the question previously.

"Tomorrow. Mom, dad, and Rarity are going to be so excited."

"I bet they will be. Well, goodnight Sweetie Belle, see you next week sometime."

"Right," Sweetie replied. Score began to turn to walk away, but Sweetie stopped him, "Oh, one more thing."

She leaned forward and met her lips with Score's. The stallion was even more surprised than he had been when she hugged him earlier in the day. This wasn't to say he wasn't enjoying it, eventually leaning into the kiss himself. After about a minute, they broke off, both of them smiling.

"Well," Score said, "that was that."

This caused Sweetie to smile wider.

"See you next week, Score Scratch," she said as she magically opened the door, leaving a semi-stunned Score standing in the hallway.

"Well, that was that."

Chapter 4: Golden Sees Gold, Score Sees Red

Six days later, Vinyl and Score Scratch were back at Sunrise Records, awaiting the arrival of two ponies, Golden Record and Sweetie Belle. While they were waiting, Lyric Spin was trying to get information out of Score.

"So, how was your date?"

"It was fine," Score replied, not really interested in continuing the conversation.

"Oh come on, bro, you gotta give me more than that."

"It is unbecoming of a gentlecolt to kiss and tell."

"Kiss? Damn, you do move first."

Score ignored his fellow music pony. It was true that he had spent the majority of the last week thinking about Sweetie Belle, but it was mostly in the context of her singing voice. And while it was true that he had taken Lyra's ribbing with a smile, that was at home, this was at work.

The elevator dinged and out stepped an off-white Earth stallion with a blonde mane. He was slightly heavy-set, which mostly just made his cutie mark, a golden vinyl record, stand out more.

"Hey, my favorite pair of ears is here," the stallion greeted boisterously.

"Yeah, yeah, nice to hear you too, Golden," Score replied.

"Is that mare you told me about here yet?"

"Her name is Sweetie Belle, and no, not yet."

"Hmm, Sweetie Belle, now that is a name that will move Bits."

"Easy there, Golden," Vinyl interjected, "you haven't even met her yet."

"Well considering that Score convinced me to sign her to a contract on his word alone, I don't think that's that important."

"Oh, just you wait," Score said with a smile.

The elevator dinged again, right on cue. This time, the doors opened to reveal Sweetie Belle.

Golden's jaw hung just a little bit. He had seen a lot of hopeful young singers in his time, but not many that looked like this. The pristine white coat, the way those pink and purple curls fell around her face, even her cutie mark, a purple eight note in a pink heart, everything was perfect. If this had been a cartoon, Golden's eyes probably would have turned into Bit signs.

"Hello, everypony," Sweetie greeted, "Oh, you must be Golden Record, pleasure to meet you."

"Oh, yes," Golden replied, doing a poor job of hiding his heavy Manehattan accent, "nice to meet you as well, Ms. Belle."

"Hello Score," she said, turning to the blind stallion.

"Good afternoon, Sweetie," he replied, trying to remain cool.

Lyric covered a snicker with his hoof. Score heard him anyway.

"Shall we get started," Golden asked, "right this way to my office.

The producer and the songstress started on their way. Score went to follow them, but Golden cut him off.

"Private negotiations," he said smartly.

The two went off again, leaving Score, Vinyl, and Lyric in the reception area. The others couldn't see it because of his dark shades, but Score had a very angry look in his eyes.

"What's up, cuz," Vinyl asked, noticing that her cousin hadn't moved in almost a minute.

"Remind me why you're friends with that sleaze," Score growled.

"Look, Score, I'm sure it's fine. Golden prefers talking about contracts and stuff like that in private."

"That's all well and fine and good. But he doesn't know anything about her. He hasn't even heard her sing, unless Lyric sent him the recording from her sound test."

"Nope," Lyric said, "He never asked for it."

"Sweetie isn't just another pretty face," Score continued, "She has real talent. And I'm not going to stand by and watch Golden get rich off her looks."

"I know," Vinyl said, coming up and throwing a hoof around Score's shoulders, "But don't you think you're being a little over-protective? Sweetie is a grown mare, she can take care of herself."

"You're probably right," Score sighed.

"You sure you're not just worried about Golden stealing your marefriend," Lyric offered.

Score didn't even acknowledge that comment with a response.

*--*--*--*--*

About half an hour later, Golden and Sweetie returned to the reception area. Score, who could hear the two sets of hoofsteps coming a mile away, was standing and waiting for them.

"So," he said, not directly addressing either of them, "how goes it?"

"We were able to negotiate agreeable terms," Golden said semi-sarcastically, "How do you think it goes?"

"I know how it goes. And," he turned his head toward Golden's voice, "I know what you're doing."

"What do you mean by that?"

Score held a hoof up to his ear, "I could hear every word that you two were saying."

"That explains why he wasn't moving," Lyric quipped.

"That's right. Minor Chord, don't think I'm going to let you sweet talk yourself out of this one. You just sold Sweetie a raw deal, and you know it."

"What do you know," Golden barked, flummoxed that somepony had used his real name, "Business isn't about listening, it's about talking. As in, I talk and you listen."

"Woah, woah, woah," Vinyl interjected, stepping between them, "what kind of terms are we talking here?"

"He pretty much owns Sweetie's vocal chords," Score scoffed, "Her entire library, every recording she makes. It'll make him rich and then he'll kick her to the curb."

"That's not what it is at all," Golden defended, "Score, I think your ears are a little out of range."

"Out of range my flank."

"Hold on," Vinyl shouted, "Golden, level with me, man, is Score right?"

"You know, I don't have to answer that. Score, get off my property, you're fired!"

The room went dead. You could hear the ponies on the street many floors below.

"Chord," Vinyl yelled, now using his real name, "what the fuck!"

"Zip it, Vinyl," Golden barked back, "get your disabled cousin out of here, now!"

Score didn't need to be told twice. He turned on his heels and marched to the elevator, pressing the Down button with his magic.

"Nopony calls my cousin that," Vinyl barked, using all her willpower to not take a swing at him, "We're done, Chord, finished."

"Your funeral, Vinyl," Golden chuckled.

Vinyl followed Score to the elevator. The two Scratch cousins stared down the three ponies left in the lobby.

"Damn," Lyric muttered, then continued in a full voice, "Golden, I quit!"

His piece being said, Lyric joined the two unicorns in the elevator. Vinyl didn't wait any further, pressing the button for the ground floor. As the doors closed, the last thing Golden could see was the scowl on Score's face as the eyes behind those dark shades burned through him.

As soon as the doors closed, Score sank his entire body to the floor. Vinyl was quick to get his attention.

"C'mon, cuz," Vinyl said, trying to pull him to his hooves, "get up."

"She's gone, Vinyl," Score said solemnly, "I lost her."

"Like hell you have. C'mon, the Score I know wouldn't just give up."

"Vinyl's right," Lyric commented, "You may not work for Golden anymore, but that doesn't mean you've lost her."

"Let's just get home and go from there," Vinyl said as Score finally made it back to his hooves just in time for the elevator to reach the ground, "Lyric, you coming?"

"Coming," he replied.

Meanwhile, Sweetie and Golden were having a different kind of conversation.

"I can't believe you just fired, Score," Sweetie said, "And you yelled at Vinyl, I thought you two were good friends."

"'Were' being the operative word."

Sweetie suddenly lit up the green aura of her magic. In a moment, the thick contract appeared and floated in front of her.

"What are you doing," Golden asked, perplexed.

"Just looking over some things," Sweetie said dismissively. She hummed a bit to herself as she read over a few of the pages. Eventually, she looked back up at Golden.

"Well," he asked, "Anything of note?"

"You know, my friends back home sometimes say I'm a little ditzy. But I never thought I was this naive."

With that said, the contract burst into flames, eventually burning away to ashes.

"AAAAHHH," Golden screamed, "What did you do that for?"

"Score was right. Wow, I really let you put stars in my eyes. Goodbye."

"Wh-What!? You're leaving. You can't leave."

"Sure I can," Sweetie said with a brilliant smile, "Watch me."

"You step in that elevator, and I'll make sure you never get signed to a label."

"You know," Sweetie said as she pressed the Down button on the elevator, "I would feel a lot more threatened if you weren't such a jackass."

Golden just stood there in stunned silence as Sweetie entered the elevator, pressed the button, and smiled another smile at him as the doors closed.

*--*--*--*--*

Score, Vinyl, and Lyric were at Vinyl's place, eating dinner. Nopony wanted to talk about what had happened at Sunrise Records, but it would have to be dealt with sometime or other, might as well be now.

"What am I going to do now," Score mourned, taking a swig of his beer.

"You? What about me," Lyric interjected, "At least you've got those godly ears. I'll have to start from the bottom all over again."

"Cheer up, guys," Vinyl said, decidedly more upbeat than the other two, "We'll just take it one day at a time. I have a gig tomorrow night, we can all go out and enjoy that, right?"

"Yeah," Lyric agreed.

"I guess," Score sighed.

There was a knock at the door. Score could tell that whomever it was, they were very hesitant to knock. Perhaps a fan of Vinyl's had found her address online.

Vinyl got up to answer the door, taking long enough that the pony knocked a second time.

"Coming," the DJ called, before finally reaching the door and opening it, only to find a very familiar unicorn at the door, "S-Sweetie Belle!? What are you doing here?"

Upon hearing the name of their guest, Score bolted from the kitchen, forgetting entirely that he had taken off his shades. He soon stood next to Vinyl on the apartment side of the doorway. The Scratches stared at Sweetie perplexed.

"Hi Vinyl," Sweetie greeted meekly, "Hi Score."

"I repeat my question," Vinyl continued, "Why are you here?"

"Can I come in?"

Vinyl sighed, "Sure."

The three white unicorns gathered together in the living room. At this point, Lyric, having heard the commotion, came in as well.

"What are you doing here," he asked, mirroring Vinyl's confusion.

"She was just about to answer that," Vinyl explained.

"I destroyed the contract," Sweetie said simply.

"It doesn't matter if you ripped it up," Score replied, "As long as there is a line on a piece of paper with your signature on it..."

"What if I incinerated it?"

The three pony's jaws dropped.

"You burned the contract," Lyric exclaimed, "Sweet Luna's flank!"

"Well," Vinyl stated, "that would work."

"But why," Score asked, "Golden is going to try to get back at you."

"Oh yeah, he threatened me with career murder, but I'm not worried. I'll figure it out."

"You sure?"

"Yes," Sweetie replied, walking closer to Score, "You were right. I was star-struck. I should have stood up for you and didn't. I'm sorry."

"No problem. Wasn't the first time I've been called that, won't be the last. So, will you stay for dinner?"

"I'd love to," Sweetie smiled, leaning over to give Score a kiss on the cheek.

"Score, Score, Score," Lyric whispered while hoofpumping.

Score looked past Sweetie and gave Lyric a look.

Chapter 5: Clubbing and Loving

Score Scratch sat in the living room of his cousin Vinyl's apartment, completely stoic. His horn was lit, powering the soundproof spell that currently covered his ears. Score knew that if he was going to go to one of Vinyl's gigs, his ears needed to be prepared. Loud, eardrum-quaking music was Vinyl's forte, and the last thing Score could afford was for it to negatively affect him. So he sat in the chair, almost meditative, his eyes closed behind his dark shades and his mind almost completely blank. Almost, because he could still faintly make out Sweetie's singing voice, flowing through his mind as if it was carried on a string which ran between his ears and through his brain.

Into this pristine, silent, scene stepped a white unicorn mare. She had been sent to bring Score out of his trance-like state so that they could leave for the club. At first, she called his name, sure that he already knew that she was in the room. However, she noticed his glowing horn and the similarly-colored areas around his ears. She walked up to his side, stating his name again, hoping that it would arouse him. With Score still unresponsive, she did the only thing she could think of and tapped him on the shoulder with a hoof.

That was a mistake, as Score let out a mighty yelp, literally jumped out of the chair and landed on his back on the floor so hard that his glasses popped off. Quickly, he rolled back to his hooves and immediately turned to face the other pony in the room.

"Dammit, Vinyl," he yelled, his blood red eyes searing with anger at being brought out of his trance so suddenly.

"I'm sorry Score," said a scared voice, "I'm sorry."

That was not Vinyl's voice. In a flash, Score's facial expression turned from one of anger to one of remorse.

"Oh my stars, Sweetie," he bowed his head, his mane flopping over, "I yelled at you."

"It's OK," she quickly replied, using a hoof to pick up his chin, forcing Score's unseeing eyes to look at hers, "I didn't mean to startle you. You couldn't hear me."

"I understand," Score smiled, "I'll have to teach you the counterspell to my soundproof spell. That's a much gentler way to get my attention."

"Or maybe next time I should just do this," she craned her neck over and gave Score a kiss on the cheek.

Score chuckled, "Maybe. But then again, I might worry that it's Lyra playing a trick on me."

"She wouldn't do that, would she," Sweetie's eyes went wide.

"Probably not, but I can't take that chance," Score joked, leaning over to give Sweetie a kiss of his own, this one a peck on the lips, "Now, why were you sent to wake me up?"

"It's about time to leave for Vinyl's show," Sweetie answered.

"Really? How long was I sitting there?"

"According to Vinyl? Over an hour. You sure you weren't asleep?"

"If I had fallen asleep, the spell would have dissipated," Score explained, magically putting on his shades, "Strange, it felt like 20 minutes, tops."

"How do you even tell time in that state?"

"Truthfully? Counting my breaths. I suppose it doesn't matter, but steady breathing both helps in the spellcasting and relaxes the mind."

"Wow, Score. I could never sit in one place and be quiet for that long. You might even be able to beat Fluttershy at the quiet game."

"Who?"

"Nevermind," Sweetie giggled.

"Are you two coming, or are you going to chew the cud all night," Vinyl's voice rang out from the doorway.

"Coming, cuz," Score replied, then added, with a heavy dose of sarcasm, "Some ponies."

Score and Sweetie followed Vinyl out of the apartment, and into an extra large taxi carriage. Octavia, Lyra, and Lyric were already there.

"Bout time you woke up," Lyra jeered at Score.

"Wasn't sleeping, Lyra," the blind unicorn retorted.

"That trance thing of yours counts as sleeping," Lyra countered, "You are, for all intents and purposes, dead to the world, you have no idea what's going on around you, and if somepony taps you on the shoulder you freak out."

Sweetie looked away sheepishly.

"I could say the same thing for when you get drunk," Score snapped back jokingly, "Except I don't make myself a public nuisance."

"Easy, you two," Octavia warned.

"Yeah," Vinyl agreed, "chill. Now hoofbump and let's have a good time."

"OK, Vinyl," Score said, lighting up his echolocation magic. With it he could see Sweetie on his immediate right, with Lyric beyond her facing the backside of the carriage. Vinyl, Octavia, and Lyra, left to right, sat on the opposite side. Score stuck out his right hoof in Lyra's direction, which the green unicorn was quick to meet with a bump.

"Let's party," Lyric exclaimed, raising both his forehooves to the open sky.

*--*--*--*--*

The joint was jumping, as Vinyl would say. When they arrived, thrity minutes before Vinyl's set was scheduled to start, there were already ponies lined up down the street and around the corner. The bouncer, dutifully at his post, let the six of them inside, though not without a second look at Sweetie and Lyric, ponies he wasn't familiar with.

But now, an hour later, the club was packed to the brim with the happiest ponies in Equestria. Everywhere you looked, ponies were dancing, drinking, laughing, having a great time, and they all had Vinyl to thank for it. DJ Pon3, as she was known to the masses, was on fire like always, laying the sickest beats and dropping the fattest bass possible. Suffice is to say, everypony knew what Score heard constantly.

Vinyl's five friends were all seated at a large, round, booth drinking and chatting. Lyra was already on her second Bloody Mare. Octavia was drinking a martini, ordered "dryer than Appaloosa." Lryic took hits from a bottle of domestic beer. Sweetie nursed the fruitiest, almost-non-alcoholic Sangria she could order. Score took measured sips of a Screwdriver. Not one to be left out, Vinyl was periodically taking swigs of vodka straight from the source.

"So, Octavia," Score started, catching the cellist's attention, "five Bits says you end up dragging both Lyra and Vinyl back to your place."

"What's that supposed to mean," Lyra interjected.

"I'm not about to take a bet I'm going to lose," Octavia quipped over the rim of her martini glass.

"Oh yeah," Lyra countered, "Score, I bet you ten Bits I pass out on the couch while V and Tavi creak the bedsprings."

"Lyra Golden Heartstrings," Octavia exclaimed.

Lyric busted out laughing, planting his forehead on the table.

"I gotta hang out with you ponies more often," he said between chuckles.

"You ain't seen nothin' yet," Score assured, "Wait until Lyra switches to shots."

Lyra's muzzle scrunched up in indignation.

"What happened to that hoofbump," she asked Score.

"That was before, this is now."

"Lyra, Sweetie," Octavia said sharply, setting down her empty glass, "lady's room?"

The two other mares nodded. Score got up to let Sweetie out.

"You guys watch our drinks," Lyra ordered.

"I will," Lyric laughed, knowing full well how he said it.

"And if the hostess comes around," Octavia said, "get me another martini."

"Can do," Score replied.

The three mares went off and disappeared into the crowd. Score slid back into his seat at the booth.

"Man," Lyric started again, taking another swig of beer, "the way you and Lyra go at it, fucking hilarious."

"Yeah," Score replied, "Lyra's like that with everypony. You should hear her and Vinyl sometimes."

"So, what's your plan?"

"Plan for what?"

"Are you hoping Vinyl goes home with Octavia so you and Sweetie have Vinyl's place to yourselves?"

Score chuckled and shook his head, "Lyric, Lryic, Lyric, you don't get to know that. How about we talk about something more interesting, like your plans."

"Well," Lyric straightened up in his seat, "to be blunt with you, I'm really digging Lyra."

"Into mares and taken," Score replied just as bluntly.

"Really? By who?"

"Her name's Bon Bon. They've been together for years."

"Why isn't she out with us?"

"Because she lives in Ponyville. You'll meet her when she comes up for the next orchestra performance."

"Ah, got ya. Well, guess I'll just have to take my pick from this very good-looking crowd your cousin has drawn."

"Be careful, Lyric," Score warned.

"Hey, I'm the Canterlot pony here. I know what I'm doing," Lyric scanned what he could see of the floor and spotted a green pegasus mare with a long white mane sitting alone at the bar, "What about her?"

Score didn't move an inch, "Dude, if you're pointing, I'm going to smack you."

"I'm not pointing," Lyric defended, returning his hoof to the table, "Damn, I forget that you're blind, man."

"No worries," Score's ears twitched subtly, "Besides, she's waiting for somepony."

"How the hell do you...," Lyric trailed off as another pegasus mare, this one dark blue with a sky blue mane, approached and hugged the first one, "Well I'll be damned. But hey, she brought a friend."

"Wait for it..."

The two mares began attempting to determine who could get their tongue further down the other's throat.

"What the...," Lyric said, dumbfounded, "Dude, that's creepy."

"You want to know how I did it," Score asked with a smirk.

"Fuck yes I want to know."

"OK. Once I figured out where you were pointing to," Score emphasized the word 'pointing' by smacking Lyric in the back of the head, "All I did was focus my hearing. She was saying something about waiting for her and being nervous about being hit on by stallions. I just put two and two together."

"Have you ever considered going into detective work?"

"No."

Lyric was about to take another sip of beer, but then stopped, "Can you hear what the girls are saying from here?"

"No. Too many things, and ponies, in the way."

Score took a long sip of his drink as Lyric continued to purvey the scene for single mares. They was probably better off not hearing what the three mares were talking about, since it involved Score.

"I said I'm sorry, Octavia," Lyra protested when they made it within the white cinderblock walls of the bathroom.

"I know, Lyra," the Earth mare rolled her eyes with a smile, "I'm not really mad."

"I just wanted to...wait, you're not mad?"

"Not in the slightest. You're probably right, that's probably exactly what's going to happen."

"Ha," Lyra exclaimed in triumph.

"What can I say? Vinyl gets frisky when she drinks."

Sweetie just stood there, a blush heavily tinging her otherwise perfect white coat. It wasn't like she had never heard ponies talk about sex before. Heck, her two best friend's sisters were in a, apparently very physical, relationship. But it was a little different around ponies she didn't know that well.

"Sorry, Sweetie," Octavia apologized, noticing the look on the younger mare's face, "My mouth gets ahead of me when I drink."

"But you've only had one," Sweetie pointed out.

"True. But I'm a lightweight. That second one I hope the boys remember to order will be my last of the evening."

"So, Octavia," Lyra spoke up again, "why did you ask us in here?"

"So we could talk about Score without him hearing us."

"Really," Sweetie asked, completely confused.

"Trust me, this is the only place in the building Score's hearing can't reach. If he wanted to, he could listen to Vinyl mumbling to herself at her turntable."

"What are we talking about?"

"Well, first, like I said before, Sweetie, there is a 99 percent chance that Vinyl ends up back at our place. That leaves Vinyl's apartment free for you and Score, if you want."

Sweetie blushed out again, "I-I don't know..."

"Don't worry, Sweetie," Lyra said, throwing a hoof around her fellow unicorn, "We know you're not some loose mare or anything. We just know that you and Score need some serious alone time, time just to yourselves, no other ponies in your way. Then, what happens, happens."

"What am I supposed to do?"

"That's the best part," Lyra beamed, "You don't have to do anything."

Sweetie cocked her head in confusion.

"Here, darling," Octavia said in a manner that reminded Sweetie of her sister, "When Score finishes his drink, he'll be in the right mood where you could get him to dance. Dance, have fun, have a second drink. Score's a smart drinker, I've never seen him wasted. When the night is over, when I'm piling Vinyl and this one into a taxi, you can casually suggest to Score that you both go back to Vinyl's place. Then, like Lyra said, whatever happens, whatever you want to happen, happens. Everypony wins."

"Should I be weirded out that you two thought of all of this in advance?"

"Not really," Lyra said with a shrug, "We like getting our friends together. When we know Lyric better, we'll try to set him up with somepony. Also, I'll bet either of you five Bits Lyric's the only one among us that goes home alone tonight."

"That bet is too easy," Octavia chortled, "no way."

"You're no fun."

The three mares exited the bathroom and made their way back to the booth. When they got there, they noticed two things, Octavia had a fresh martini, and Score's glass was empty.

"What about the mare dancing near the stage," they heard Lyric ask as they approached. Score's ear twitched, focusing on the beige-coated, blonde Earth pony.

"She's not saying anything," Score replied, "I have superpony hearing, I'm not psychic. Give it a shot. You need to get up and move around anyhow."

As if on cue, Vinyl's music changed. It had been just a solid beat before, something you could dance to, but more for background filler. Now, it was more upbeat and even Score's ears seemed to be moving in time. Lyra nudged Sweetie with her shoulder and threw her a wink.

"Speaking of moving around," Sweetie called, taking the hint, "Hey, Score, you want to dance?"

Score lifted his muzzle pensively for a moment before turning to face Sweetie, "Sure."

The two white unicorns walked off together, while Lyric went to track down the object of his attentions. Score leaned on Sweetie a bit, more for guidance than in affection. When they reached a suitable spot on the floor, Sweetie bumped him with her flank, separating them a bit and serving as a kind of signal.

Score was not afraid to admit that he wasn't the best dancer. Because he couldn't see, he had to keep his movements relatively conservative, so as not to accidentally strike somepony. However, with his body as naturally tuned as it was, he was able to cut a very good step in a limited space. But whatever he was holding back, Sweetie was making up for, periodically bumping him with her flank or shoulder in an attempt to dance, not just next to him, but with him. This went on for about ten minutes before the beat began to steadily slow down.

"Now, my sexy ponies," Vinyl silkily said through her mic, "It's time everypony got a little closer in this club. So grab that pony that makes your heart beat just a little stronger, and slow things down. That means you, cuz."

Score could feel a blush coming to his muzzle as he silently, and sarcastically, thanked his cousin for pointing him out like that. However, he didn't have much time to think about that as he soon felt a pair of hooves on his shoulders. Realizing what Sweetie was trying to do, he stepped forward a bit and gently raised up on his own back hooves, wrapping his forehooves as best he could around her barrel. Dancing on hind hooves wasn't exactly natural for anypony, but if there was another pony there for support, it worked. It was perfect for slow dancing.

Sweetie crossed her hooves behind Score's neck. She laid her forehead to his, in such a way that their horns would cross and make contact with each other. Instead of causing pain, this actually felt nice. Score simply kept his hooves around her barrel, keeping her as close as their anatomy would allow.

Slow love songs like this never lasted long when Vinyl was in charge. Partly because the DJ just wasn't into them, and partly for the benefit of couples who preferred to dance raised up. As soon as the song ended, Vinyl laid down another bass line that picked the music back up to its previous level.

"Thanks, Score," Sweetie said once they were back down on their four hooves, proceeding to give him a kiss, "What do you say to another drink?"

Score nodded, "I'm for that."

The two made their way back to the booth, ordering fresh drinks along the way. They hadn't been seated for five seconds before Lyric came up, seemingly in a hurry.

"Hey, guys," he said, "I gotta bail, sorry."

"What's up," Lyra asked.

"Oh, that mare I was dancing with," Lyric explained, quickening his speech with every sentence, "That slow number got her all kinds of hot and bothered, and old Lyric Spin is gonna take care of it."

Sweetie blushed again. Octavia's eyes rolled. Lyra jaw unhinged, but she would not let it drop.

"Lyric," Score muttered, "that was all kinds of unnecessary."

"Whatever," Lyric responded, "See you ponies later."

Mere seconds after Lyric left, Score heard a jingling of Bits on the table.

"What's that," he asked.

"Oh," Sweetie replied, magically gathering the coins, "Lyra bet me five Bits Lyric would go home alone tonight."

"Wait, when did that happen," Octavia asked, confused.

"We shook hooves behind your back," Lyra explained.

"Hmmm. Oh well, my loss."

Score could only shake his head in confusion.

*--*--*--*--*

The rest of the time spent at the club was just as enjoyable. As Score had predicted, Lyra eventually switched to shooting Lemon Drops, rendering her quite drunk. For himself, Score had stopped after his third Screwdriver, as well as downing a Lemon Drop per Lyra's dare.

"Thank you everypony for coming out," Vinyl called into the mic as her playlist wound down, "You've all been wonderful! DJ Pon3 out!"

Ponies began filing out of the club as the clock was about to strike midnight. Octavia went out to hail a taxi, leaving an inebriated Lyra in the care of Score and Sweetie while they waited for Vinyl.

"Yous twos are sooooooo cuuuuttttteeee," Lyra slurred, throwing a hoof around both of her companions.

"Thank you, Lyra," Sweetie tentatively reached a hoof around in return.

"Down Lyra," Score commanded, not amused in the slightest.

"Awwww," Lyra continued, "You'res no fun, Sc-Sc-Score. Yous should get pla-plas-plas-drunk sometime."

"I prefer to keep my senses about me," Score replied, though he couldn't deny that he was inebriated to a point as well, "You're blinder than me right now."

"What's up my ponies," Vinyl greeted, coming up on the scene, seemingly fresh as a daisy even though she had downed half a bottle of vodka.

"Vinyl," Lyra exclaimed, leaving Score and Sweetie to throw a hug around the DJ, "Yous were awesome!"

"Thanks, Ly," Vinyl replied, returning the hug, "Where's Tavi?"

"Out calling a cab," Sweetie answered.

"Then we should go," Vinyl said, but then paused and looked around, "Wait, where's Lyric?"

"He got lucky with some mare," Score replied, "He should thank you for that first slow number."

"Huh," Vinyl tilted her head, "Good for him."

The four unicorns exited the building and quickly found Octavia. She had already procurred two cabs. Vinyl was quick to note this.

"So," she said, "I guess I'm heading with Tavi and Ly. Sweetie, do you mind going with Score?"

"Uh, no," Sweetie replied, trying to fight off another blush, "that's fine."

"Good," Vinyl lit up her horn and produced a key, "The key to the apartment."

"Got it," Sweetie said as she picked it up in her own magic, "See you all later."

"Bye Score," Octavia called, "Goodbye Sweetie."

"Buh-bye," Lyra slurred with a drunken wave thrown in.

*--*--*--*--*

Not fifteen minutes later, Sweetie unlocked the apartment door and stepped inside, Score following right behind. After Sweetie shut and locked the door, she almost turned right into Score.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she apologized, "I didn't know you were there."

"I know," he answered, "it was on purpose."

He reached his right hoof up and around Sweetie's shoulder and neck, pulling her into a standing hug, which she quickly returned. After magically removing his shades, he nuzzled into her, catching a snout full of mane, which he happily took in the scent of. She smelled fruity, probably a result of the Sangria.

"I hope I don't smell too much like alcohol," Score half-joked.

"You smell more like oranges," Sweetie replied with a sigh.

Score pulled his muzzle back a bit, enough to start planting kisses on her neck. At first, Sweetie sighed, enjoying the affection. But then, she lightly tapped Score on the shoulder.

"Wait," she said, "Score, wait."

Score did as he was asked, stopped the kissing and resumed the hug.

"Is there something wrong," he asked.

"No, no, nothing's wrong. It's just, something I want to tell you," Sweetie pulled back from the hug, leaving the two of them standing there, looking at each other, "Tonight, between you, Lyra, and Lyric, I blushed so many times I was afriad my muzzle fur was going to permanently turn red. I'm just not ready to go all the way yet."

Score gave a single, large, nod, "I understand. Sweetie, I want you to know that I would never force you to do something you're not comfortable doing. It's completely in your hooves. Now, I'm sure you're tired. You can take Vinyl's bed, she won't mind. I'll be on the couch like always if you need me."

Score began turning as if to go into the living room, but Sweetie stopped him with a hoof on the shoulder.

"But you know what I am comfortable with? Sleeping in the hooves of a handsome stallion like you.

Score turned his head as if he wasn't sure if he had heard correctly.

"C'mon, Score," Sweetie playfully kissed his cheek, "let's go to bed."

Sweetie passed him, heading for Vinyl's room. Score followed like a puppy, unconsiously licking his lips. After they were both across the threshold of the bedroom door, Score deftly closed it with a swing of a back hoof. Sweetie, still turned away from him, lifted her curled tail under his chin and led him, drew him, to his cousin's bed. Sweetie lit up her horn, pulling back the bedsheets. She quickly hopped into the bed, with Score not far behind, though he did get lost for a moment without the tail of guidance.

Once Score was up, Sweetie pulled him down next to her. Once they were both lying on their sides, facing each other, Sweetie pulled the covers over them with her magic. Score, getting comfortable, brought his free hoof around her barrel, gently rubbing up and down her back. Sweetie returned in kind with her own hoof around his shoulder and neck. They gave each other a few small kisses, followed by Sweetie nuzzling into Score's neck.

"Sweetie, you feel so good in my hooves," Score flirted, "As good as your voice feels in my ears."

Sweetie could feel her whole body warming up. She wasn't sure if it was just from the cuddling or something else, but she didn't care. Her nuzzling got a little deeper and her curly tail wrapped itself around Score's.

And that is how they stayed until the fell asleep.

Chapter 6: Made From Scratch

Score awoke the next morning on his back. He rubbed his right eye with his closest hoof and noticed something. He was in the bed alone. Or, at least, alone in that nopony was making contact with him. He was sure Sweetie wouldn't just up and leave without telling him so. Thus, an investigation was in order.

In an attempt to figure things out, he slowly, carefully, passed his hooves around, feeling for his surroundings. He didn't want to light up his echolocation magic in case Sweetie was still in the bed and not yet awake. His left hoof soon found the edge of the bed. However, his right came across very soft fur, which was interrupted by an equally-soft mane.

Rolling over to his right and moving closer, he soon realized what happened. Sweetie had rolled over to the other side during the night, and her back was now to him. Seeing no problem with this, Score very carefully brought himself up against Sweetie's back, laid a hoof around and across her chest, and got comfortable. There was nothing on the agenda today, so as far as he was concerned, Sweetie could sleep as long as she felt like.

This ended up not being a very long time, as Score soon felt another hoof give his a gentle squeeze. Sweetie stirred, stretched, and sighed, then pressed her back a little bit more into her bedmate.

"Morning, Sweetie," Score greeted, nuzzling into her mane.

"Morning," she replied with a sigh.

"You feeling OK?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"Just making sure."

"That's sweet of you. How do you feel?"

"Are you still here," Score asked jokingly, pulling Sweetie closer for emphasis, "Then I feel great."

"You hungry?"

"Maybe a little, but you don't have to get up yet if you don't want. It's a great day to just be lazy."

"True. But I'm hungry."

"Then up we get."

Score released Sweetie from his grasp, allowing her to roll out of bed. Score soon did the same, lighting up his echolocation magic in order to see where he was going. Once they got to the kitchen, Sweetie began searching around for selection.

"Not much here," she commented.

"Yeah," Score replied, "Vinyl doesn't keep this place as stocked as she could. She didn't at all before I arrived. Do you just want to go out?"

"No, no," Sweetie said as she rummaged through the fridge, "there's enough here to make something. It'll just have to be made from scratch."

Score's ears shot up in attention. Sweetie could see his uncovered eyes were staring off into the distance, his mouth hanging slightly.

"Sweetie," Score finally uttered, "you are a genius."

"What? What did I say?"

Score hopped out of his chair and made his way over to the fridge. Sweetie still had a perplexed look on her face, but Score couldn't see that. When the blind unicorn made it to his destination, he jutted his muzzle out and gave Sweetie a deep kiss on the lips. Sweetie's eyes shot open, surprised by the sudden display of affection, but they soon eased blissfully closed. When Score finally broke the kiss, Sweetie was short on breath.

"You said 'made from scratch,'" Score explained, "That's what's going to solve all our problems."

"I'm glad you think so," Sweetie responded, "but I still don't understand."

"You will when I explain it to everypony."

Score once again pressed his lips to hers, this time not as deep and not for as long.

"And what was that for," Sweetie asked once the latest romantic moment ended.

"That was just because I love you," Score replied, making Sweetie blush once again.

*--*--*--*--*

Score and Sweetie weren't alone in the apartment for long. Soon after they finished their breakfast, there came a knock at the door. Sweetie went and answered it.

"Oh, hello Lyric," Sweetie greeted with a big smile.

"Where's Score," Lyric asked in a worn-out tone of voice.

"In the living room," Score called from the couch.

Sweetie and Lyric walked to the other room, Sweetie returning to the couch and Lyric taking the big chair.

"Score, I hope your morning has been better than mine," Lyric sighed.

"Man, Lyric," Score responded, "you sound like hell."

"You remember that mare I took home?"

"Sure," Score waved a hoof before his eyes widened suddenly, "She didn't rob you did she?"

"No. But when I woke up, she was gone. All that was left was a note saying she had a great time. No name, no address, nothing."

"Tough luck, Lyric," Score said, trying to sound sympathetic, "but you knew that was going to be a one night stand."

"Yeah, I know," Lyric sighed.

"Cheer up, Lyric. Just wait until you hear this great idea I had."

"What is it," Lyric asked, not sounding as excited as Score wanted.

"You'll have to wait. I need to have Vinyl, Octavia, and Lyra here too. Then I only have to explain it once."

"How long do you think that'll take?"

"Well, knowing Vinyl, she and Lyra are probably still asleep. And I know that Lyra will have a five-alarm hangover."

"Maybe we should go over there and make sure they're alright," Sweetie suggested.

"Not a bad plan," Score agreed, "Lyric, you in?"

"I'm in if it means I get to hear this idea of yours," Lyric responded.

"Then you're in. Let's go."

After grabbing the apartment key and Score's shades, the three ponies were off to Octavia's place. They decided to walk, hoping that the time it would take them to cross half the city would be enough for at least Octavia to wake up.

*--*--*--*--*

"Good morning," Octavia greeted at the door, looking as proper and chipper as usual.

"Morning, Octavia," Score replied, as he had been the one who knocked, "How are Lyra and Vinyl?"

"Already finished a pot of coffee between them. Come on in."

The three ponies entered. Octavia led them to the kitchen where the other two were sitting. Vinyl looked relatively OK, though with the under-eye bags that suggested not the most restful sleep. Lyra, on the other hoof, had her face on the table and didn't look capable of talking.

"What's up, my ponies," Vinyl asked.

"Score thought it'd be a good idea to come over and see how you two were doing," Sweetie explained.

"Well, now you know."

"How was your night," Lyric asked with an added eyebrow waggle.

"Let's just say," Octavia answered, "that if any of you had taken Lyra's bet, you would have lost."

Lyric and Lyra chuckled, while Sweetie felt the familiar tinge of warmth spread across her cheeks. Something told her she was never going to get used to this.

"What about you, Lyric," Vinyl asked, "I heard something about a bangin' Earth mare."

"Yeah, yeah," Lyric sighed, bowing his head slightly.

"What's up with you?"

"He woke up alone," Score explained bluntly, "no name, no address."

"Ouch," Vinyl responded, "But, those are the breaks."

"Why don't we talk about why we're really here," Lyric said, casting a sideways glance at Score, "Score said he had some kind of idea."

"An idea about what," Octavia asked.

"An idea of how to get back at Minor Chord," Score smiled.

"You sure you want to go there, cuz," Vinyl stated.

"Sure I'm sure," Score said emphatically, "Hear me out. Sweetie needs a label to sing for, right?"

"Right," Vinyl echoed.

"And Lyric needs a new job right?"

"Yeah," Lyric responded.

"So all we do is we found a brand new label," Score stated as if it was nothing, "Vinyl, you have the Bits to buy the equipment we'll need. Lyric, you always wanted to write song lyrics, well here's your chance. My hearing will ensure the best mixing of music and singing ever heard. And Sweetie will be out first signing and the voice that will make us big."

The other five ponies in the room mulled this over for a moment. There were a couple of glances exchanged while Score stood there paitently, unaware of the nervousness marking each of his companion's faces. Finally, somepony decided to speak.

"That is awesome," Lyra slurred, shooting a hoof triumphantly into the air.

"The Ly don't lie," Vinyl chuckled, getting out of her seat and walking over to her cousin, throwing a hoof around his shoulders.

"OK," Lyric said, "it's a good idea. But what are we going to call the label?"

"Already have that covered," Score replied, "Sweetie gave me the idea when she was making breakfast. We'll call it Made From Scratch Records."

"Made From Scratch Records," Vinyl repeated, "Dude, that's genius."

"That's what I said," Score smiled, throwing a hoof around Vinyl in turn, "So, are you all in?"

"I'm in," Vinyl replied.

"I'm in," Lyric stated.

"I'm in," Sweetie squeaked.

"I'm in," Octavia nodded.

"I'm in," Lyra exclaimed.

"Wait," Sweetie interjected, "Are Octavia and Lyra going to be involved in this?"

"Of course," Score replied, "We're going to need vast amounts of moral support."

"Consider yourselves supported," Lyra announced, finally raising her head from the table.

"Just one more thing," Vinyl said, turning her head to face Score, "promise me when we hit the big time that you won't change your name."

"I promise," Score chuckled, then added with a smile, "DJ Pon3."

This elicited laughter from the others, even Vinyl.

*--*--*--*--*

Eventually, everpony left the apartment. Seems Lyra really needed a nap. As such, the others left Octavia and Lyra's apartment and headed back to Vinyl's. Lyric split off toward his own place about halfway there, with the guarentee that he would start working on new songs as soon as he got home. This left just the three white unicorns present when they got back.

"Well," Sweetie said not five minutes after they had been back, "I should probably head back to the hotel. I've been meaning to write a letter to my parents."

"Oh yeah," Score responded, "I guess there has been a lot going on."

"Yeah. All that stuff about the contact I burned up, a new opportunity, a coltfriend."

Score chuckled a little, "You sure you want to tell your parents about me? We haven't even been together that long."

"Of course. Trust me, they would--," Sweetie abruptly stopped, her eyes and smile growing by the second, "They would love to meet you!"

"What?"

"I'm going back to Ponyville in a few days," Sweetie explained, "Score, you should come with me."

Score gave a nervous smile, "Well, uh, I--"

"He would love to go," Vinyl interrupted, "Right, Score?"

"R-Right," Score said, poorly masking his true emotion, "I'd love to meet them."

"Great," Sweetie took a step forward to give Score a kiss on the cheek, "I'm going to tell them. See you later."

"Bye Sweetie," Score replied, his voice returning to its normal calmness.

"See ya," Vinyl waved as Sweetie walked out of the apartment.

As soon as Sweetie was gone, Score turned to Vinyl with a cocked head and a raised brow.

"What did you just get me to agree to," Score exclaimed in an almost-whisper.

"What's wrong, cuz," Vinyl asked, shrugging her shoulders, "You like meeting new ponies."

"Yeah, but my marefriend's parents are a completely different thing."

"You were going to eventually. Better sooner rather than later."

"Have you ever met Octavia's parents," Score interrogated.

"No," Vinyl answered in no unusual tone, "We're talking about you, not me."

"You're insufferable sometimes."

"Trust me, cuz. Ponyville's a nice place. You'll go there, meet her parents, maybe some of her old friends, it'll be chill."

"But is now really the best time? I mean, we have a new label to work on."

"Relax, cuz. Take two days, maybe three. By the time you get back, Lyric and I will have everything set up. You need a vacation anyway."

"And here I thought this was my vacation."