I Am Octaviaby Matthias RamseyChaptersBitternessA Little Friendly AdviceInterlude: City SlickerNew BeginningsSlow DayInterlude: Happy Late BirthdayInterlude: Season of MiraclesMy Gift To YouEpilogueSeventh Straight NightDeep ThoughtsAdvice From An Old FriendMoving OnInvitationChristmas EveBitternessAfter spending the night sleeping in an alley on some old newspapers, Vinyl was sore and cranky. Nevertheless, she kept her cool as she called Octavia. "Hello? Octavia speaking." "Octy, it's Vinyl." "Vinyl? Oh yes, my so-called best friend who always stood me up and stayed out late. How are you?" "Why'd you lock me out?" "It was one-thirty, Vinyl. That's ridiculous, even for you." "Octy, what are you talking about? And why are you being so mean?" "I don't want to be friends anymore, Vinyl." "What?" "I'm sick of your excuses and empty promises. I can't take it anymore. You've let me down too many times." "But, Octy, wait-" "I'm leaving town for a few weeks. I'll leave a key under the doormat. When I get back, I want everything of yours to be gone." "But-" "You. Gone. I never want to see you again." Octavia abruptly hung up. Vinyl was left staring at a black screen. "Hold on...wait a second...please..." A Little Friendly AdviceVinyl didn't go to the house. Instead, she went straight to the train station. "Yes? What can I get for you?" The clerk said. "Get me a round-trip ticket to West Cider Junction." The clerk typed something into his keypad. "Going to visit Winesap Acres?" "Yes. I have a close friend there." The clerk nodded and kept talking as he worked. "You seem stressed. Talking to close friends is usually a good way to get through it." He pulled the ticket off the printer. "It can also help to think about the situation from the other party's point of view." He passed the ticket through the slot. "Oh! H-How much do I owe you?" Vinyl reached for her wallet and winced when she realized it was back at the house. "Don't worry about it. You look stressed enough as it is. I'll cover it for you." "Really? Thank you so much!" "Don't mention it. Just get this problem of yours solved." "Thank you again!" Vinyl hurried to catch her train. The clerk continued his work with a smile. He had been a psychologist before becoming a ticket clerk, and enjoyed nothing more than helping people solve their problems. He was old, and knew he didn't have long to go. He knew that, somehow, by helping that young mare, he would be accomplishing something great. Better than he'd done with the rest of his life. Interlude: City SlickerVinyl stepped off the train and made a beeline for the farm up over the next hill. She knocked on the door, but the answer came from behind her. "Nice'a ya ta pay a visit, city slicker." Vinyl turned. "Hey, Winesap." The ivory earth pony grinned. "Whatcha doin' way out here? Some sorta trouble?" "You can say that." "Yeah? Come on, we'll sit on the hill and talk about it." "You don't know what you've gotten yourself into." "From the look on your face, neither do you." New BeginningsVinyl was ready to go when the train pulled into the station. She was going to rent a house across the street from Octavia's (the owner knew she only planned to stay for a month), had an interview set up for the next morning to get a job as a mailmare, and was ready to move her things out of Octavia's house when she got there. But first she had something to take care of. She walked over to the ticket booth, where the clerk was still sitting, writing something. He looked up. "Ah, you're back. Looks like you know what you're doing, now." Vinyl smiled at him. "I have something for you." She opened her bag and pulled out a small parcel with magic. "It's not much, but I'm sure you don't want money." She slid it to him. "Good luck with however long you have left, Rorschach." He returned her smile. "And to you as well, Vinyl. I hope I live to see your problem fixed." Vinyl made a motion like she was tipping her hat, then walked away. Rorschach waited until she was out of sight, then opened the parcel. Slow DayOctavia didn't sleep that night. After reading Vinyl's notes, her mind had even more to chew on. Vinyl had stopped DJ'ing? But that had been her life... Now she was even more convinced that Vinyl had moved on, and perhaps was trying to forget her altogether. She struggled with her memory. Hadn't she learned about this in high school Psychology? Wasn't this a defense mechanism? But if Vinyl was trying to forget her, why make her circumstances such that she would see Octavia every day? She was so overwhelmed, she finally just broke down in tears. The next morning, she felt miserable. She locked herself in her house, brooding, only pausing to collect the mail from Vinyl. Finally, she couldn't take it. She called Vinyl. "Hello?" "Vinyl, it's Octavia. I-" "Oh, is this about the records? You can-" "No, Vinyl. It's not about the records. I just...I need someone to talk to." "Well, I'd love to talk, Octavia, but I'm at work...can you call me later, about 6:30?" "No, Vinyl, I can't wait. I need to talk to you NOW." Vinyl sounded pained. "Octavia-" "Do you have a headset?" "Yes, I'm using it now, but-" "Vinyl, please talk to me...I need to-" Another voice came through Vinyl's headset. "Vinyl, are you on the phone?" "Well, yes, Postdienst-" "Is it important?" "It's...an old friend. She's really upset about something." "Hmm...tell you what. You've only got an hour left in your shift, and it's a slow day. Go ahead and head home. You can make it up tomorrow." "Really? Are you sure, sir?" "Go ahead. I don't mind. Besides, she might need your help." "All right. See you tomorrow, sir." A short, painful stint of silence, then, "I'm here, Octavia. What do you need? If this is about the present, I-" "No, it's not about the present. Vinyl, I want to know. Is this all just an act? Are you just trying to get inside my head?" She winced as soon as the words left her mouth. Vinyl sounded only slightly offended. "No, Octavia. I'm not acting. Why would you say that?" That calmed her down far more than she had thought. "I was...paranoid." "Paranoid?" "I was starting to think you'd given up on me." "Given...Octavia...I would never. I love you far too much f-" Octavia could practically hear Vinyl blush through the phone. "You-" "I'm sorry, I need to go!" Vinyl hung up, leaving Octavia more confused than before. They'd said "I love you" to each other before, but it was a thing they did as friends. Was there something more? Interlude: Happy Late BirthdayVinyl stood there for a while after she hung up. She didn't want to go home because she knew Octavia would ask her about what she'd said. Her text chime sounded in her ears, and she pulled out her phone and looked. When you're ready to talk, I'll listen. Then she received two more messages: a picture and another text. She opened the picture first. It was the package from the previous day, opened to reveal its contents: A small painting of Vinyl and Octavia, with the latter's forelegs around the former's shoulders, nuzzling her cheek. The painted Vinyl was blushing. Feeling her cheeks grow hot, she opened the text. Happy late birthday, Vinyl. Love ya. Interlude: Season of MiraclesRorschach finished writing his last letter to his family, then leaned back and looked at his mail. Resting on the lamp on his desk were the contents of the parcel Vinyl had given him nearly a month ago. As he perused his mail now, he spotted a letter from Vinyl. Smiling, he opened it and read the letter. "Celestia bless me...I made it." He leaned back further and lit up his pipe. He blew a few smoke rings and watched them float up to the ceiling. "Christmas really is a season of miracles..." After a minute, he went back to his desk and retrieved a fresh sheet of stationery. He dipped his quill in ink and began to write. "My dear Vinyl..." My Gift To YouOctavia was shocked. "Pardon me if I don't believe you...no offense, Vinyl, but I've heard you sing. You can't carry a tune to save your life." Vinyl just smiled and proceeded to prove her wrong by singing the song herself. Octavia's shock multiplied. "Where did you learn to sing like that?" "I taught myself. You're right, Octy. I couldn't carry a tune to save my life. I fixed that." "You did that...went through all that effort for me?" "Sure did." "Well, now I feel bad for only having one thing for you..." Vinyl put her hoof on Octavia's. "You're all I want for Christmas, Octy." "Wh-what?" "This is my third present to you." Vinyl hugged Octavia. It wasn't just a friend hug, either; this was s hug from the heart. "I...I love you, Octavia. And I don't mean that as a friend. I mean that as a mare. I want to spend my life with you. When you cut me off...I was crushed. I thought you genuinely hated me." "Vinyl..." "Tell me the honest truth, Octavia. Do you want me back?" "I have since the day you left, Vinyl." "Do you love me? As more than a friend?" Octavia looked into Vinyl's deep crimson eyes. "Yes, Vinyl. I do." "Will you take me back?" Octavia nodded. "Your room's waiting." "I dunno...I think we might have to get that wall knocked out." "That'll come later. Tonight...there's nothing but you and me, Vinyl." Octavia pressed her lips to her unicorn love's. Vinyl seemed a bit surprised at first, but returned the kiss after a short time. Outside, the snow fell, framing the frosted window glowing with the light of the fire and the multitude of garish lights decorating the tree. Merry Christmas. EpilogueTwo years later... Vinyl sat at the kitchen table, reading that day's newspaper. After their marriage a year and a half before, she and Octavia had moved to the outskirts of Ponyville, where they ran one of Equestria's most successful wineries. They donated most of their profits to charitable causes, and supplemented their income with tips from singing or playing music at local events. Octavia came in. "Morning, Vinyl." "Good morning, Octy." "What are you thinking for breakfast, Vinyl?" "Ahhh...egg whites and biscuits." "That sounds lovely, Vinyl. Want to start the biscuits for me?" "In a minute, I'm almost finished." Unbidden, Vinyl flipped to the obituaries. The headline shocked her. Prominent Psychologist Rorschach Dies At 87 "Something wrong, Vinyl?" "Rorschach died last night." "Oh...that's sad." "Wait, listen to this. 'One of the chief requests of his will involved the contents of a gift he received two years ago from a unicorn named Vinyl Scratch, seemingly as compensation of some kind: a pair of sunglasses and a voice message thanking him for his services. He requested that these be returned to the sender, along with a letter and a cassette tape.'" "You gave him your sunglasses?" "It was the most meaningful thing I could think of." The letter and tape came a few days later. The tape contained a recording of their interactions at the train station ticket counter, and, at the end, a recording of "White Christmas" that Rorschach had apparently sang himself and a message saying "Thank you, Vinyl. You made an old man feel like he's done some true good in the world." The letter read as follows: My dear Vinyl, You have brought me great joy with the letter you sent me. I can rest easy now knowing I've done some true good in the world. Your message moved me greatly. I listen to it every day to make sure I don't forget what I've done. I hope your Christmas is as wonderful as you've made mine. With fondest regards, Rorschach. P.S.-Merry Christmas. Whatever happens, good luck. END. Seventh Straight NightOctavia was never one to voice her opinions. She prided herself on being polite and not offending anypony. She and Vinyl had been best friends for years, and living together for nearly as long. But even the strongest bonds can be easily broken if struck wrong. For the seventh straight night, Octavia found herself waiting for Vinyl to get home. She sat in bed, reading by the light of a single lamp. She cast a glance at the clock, even though she really didn't want to know. "One-thirty in the morning. Son of a...Vinyl..." Octavia rubbed her temples in a vain attempt to ease the pressure building in her head. The pressure moved into her eyes, pushing tears from their safe haven out into the wretched world. This had been happening for over a week now. Vinyl would find some way to not make it to their plans, then would come home at an ungodly late hour, making excuses and empty promises. Octavia would always say the same thing: "It's fine, Vinyl." But it was getting ridiculous. The day before, Octavia had been forced to play a round of minigolf alone. Even if the day's plans were her idea, Vinyl still wouldn't make it. Octavia sniffed and wiped her unbidden tears. She'd had enough. It wasn't fine anymore. "I'm done, Vinyl," Octavia whispered. She got up and went downstairs. She scribbled a note and taped it to the outside of the front door. Then, knowing Vinyl didn't have a key because she always used the spare, she took the spare key from its holder outside and locked the door. Then she went upstairs and went to bed. Vinyl would call her tomorrow, for sure. Then they would be over. Vinyl was perplexed by the note on the door. Vinyl, I took the key. Sorry, but you made me wait too long. You're not welcome here anymore. It's not fine anymore, Vinyl. I'm finished with you. Find somewhere else to stay tonight. Call me in the morning. If you call me before that, I won't answer. "What?" Deep ThoughtsVinyl thought long and hard about the clerk's words as she waited out her train ride. She was sure he had some kind of background in psychology or something, judging from how much he could tell just from her body language. Come to think of it, she'd seen him somewhere before... She took out her phone and went to the archives of the newspaper she always read, The Day-To-Day, and looked back a year or so. There, on the headline of November 22nd, Vinyl's birthday. Prominent Clinical Psychologist Rorschach Retires at 83. "Rorschach..." Vinyl leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. "I get why Octy's mad. I'm mad at myself, too..." She had no excuse for coming home late. That was purely her own poor judgement. But as for the cancelling of plans... She'd been working for a week now on something for Octavia for her birthday. At their house, birthdays tended to come and go. This year, Vinyl felt that she wanted to do something special for Octavia. She'd had several ponies helping her, and had even spent a long day tasting wines to determine which would be best, even though she didn't drink. Of course, since she wanted it to be a surprise, she had to make excuses. The "empty promises" were really genuine, but had to be broken in order to keep up the ruse. Something made Vinyl think that something else had Octavia bitter. And then she remembered the late nights. Every night Vinyl was very late getting home, sometimes not making it back until three or four the next morning. That could be attributed to nothing but her DJ'ing. The more she thought about it, the more that seemed like the true cause. She sighed. "I need help. Serious help." Advice From An Old FriendWinesap and Vinyl sat for a long time, the former doing nothing but listening as the latter poured out her heart. She provided the needed consolation when Vinyl began crying. When she finished, Winesap sat and thought for a while. "Vinyl?" "Yeah?" "Would ya knock a few apples down from that there tree?" She gestured to the tree behind them. "I'm sure I ain't the only one gettin' hungry." "You're right about that." Vinyl went over to the tree and gave it a stern, but gentle, kick. Two apples fell from the branches overhead, which Vinyl caught with magic. She handed one to Winesap and bit into the other one. "Well, Vinyl, in the past I've had to tell ya ta stop thinkin' 'bout yerself and think 'bout ev'rypony else. But this time...this time you've already taken that step." Winesap shot her a smug look. "What, didja finally decide to take my advice?" "Not quite. The ticket clerk at the train station said a few things my mind could chew on on the ride here." "Yeah? Long rides're good for that." She bit into the apple Vinyl had given her. "So, you need a plan of action, do ya?" "Yeah. I dunno what to do..." "Well, I think you should do what she says. Give her some time to simmer down, but don't stray too far. If ya need some bits-" "I have enough, thanks." "Sorry. But like I was sayin', go ahead and get out. Get an apartment or somethin'. Then I think you should quit yer DJ'in' and get a new job." "A job? Winesap, I didn't finish school..." "Remember what I said 'bout not strayin' too far? Ya know, as a mailmare you'd go by her house ev'ry day..." "Oh, I see...make sure she doesn't forget about me just because I'm not there." "Exactly. Wait until her birthday comes around or somewhere 'round there. Maybe she'll be a bit flaky, but if ya do somethin' super-nice for her, and if you can convince her that you've changed, maybe she'll take you back." "See, this is why you're so great, Winesap. That's a great idea!" Winesap grinned. "You've got...what, a month or two 'til her birthday? Go on, make it happen." Vinyl stood up. "Thanks, Winesap. Rorschach was right, talking with close friends does help." Moving OnOne week later... Octavia returned home after her week-long vacation to a note on her door. Miss Octavia, As requested, your mail from the past week has been withheld. We ask that you call us between noon and three today so we can send someone with your mail. Thank you, PPS "Well, no sense in waiting." She put down her bags and went to the phone. Her call was answered almost immediately. "Ponyville Postal Service. Postdienst speaking." "Yes, I'm calling about withheld mail?" "Ah, you must be Octavia. All right, we'll get someone right over." "Thank you." "Have a nice day." Postdienst hung up. Twenty minutes later, there was a knock on her door. Octavia opened it. The mailmare had her head down, rummaging through her bag. "Hello?" The mailmare looked up, and Octavia was stunned to see the crimson eyes of Vinyl Scratch. "Hello! Octavia, right?" Vinyl rummaged through her bag while Octavia collected herself. "We didn't get a whole lot of mail for you, but a couple packages came." Octavia finally managed to say something. "What are you doing here, Vinyl?" Vinyl looked up. "Well, delivering mail. What else could I be doing?" "You're a mailmare?" "Yup. Third day on the job." Vinyl took out Octavia's mail and gave it to her. "I did what you said. I left a note on my DJ stuff up in my room, and there's another one in the kitchen. The spare key's under the doormat." She tapped her hoof on the doormat to emphasize. "If you need anything else from me, I get off work at six. I live just across the street." She jerked her head at the house. "And, of course, you can call me. Just a quick warning, I'm working on something in the garage in my free time, so if I don't answer the front door just knock on the garage door." She winked. "Guess I'll see you tomorrow." Vinyl turned away and started down the path. "Vinyl, wait." Vinyl stopped and turned back around. "Yes?" "I..." Thoughts were awhirl in Octavia's head. "Sorry. I...wait here." Octavia ran to her bedroom and pulled a box out from under her bed. She took it back outside. "Here. I...this is for your birthday." Vinyl smiled and shook her head. "It's fine, Octavia. You don't have to give me anything. My birthday came and went, just like it always does." She turned away again. "I have to get back to work. I'll see you." She walked away. Octavia was left with a package and a heavy heart. Octavia. Not Octy, not Tavi. No nicknames. Just Octavia. It seemed that Vinyl had moved on, accepted Octavia's rude, sudden cutoff of their friendship. She didn't like it. It made her...sad. What Vinyl didn't know was how much she'd regretted the decision after she'd made it. InvitationThree weeks later... Octavia hadn't heard much from Vinyl for the past three weeks. She had a feeling Vinyl was saving her full confession for Octavia's birthday, on Christmas Eve. Also, she was quickly getting swamped at the post office, with ponies buying last-minute gifts for their loved ones. She sat by the window and watched for Vinyl, sipping some hot tea and watching the snow fall. It was December 23rd now, and Octavia was going to invite Vinyl to her house for Christmas Eve. Following Vinyl's slip from a few weeks before, Octavia had made sure to keep her feelings for Vinyl close to her heart. She picked up her phone and called Vinyl; it was seven o'clock now, so she was almost certainly home. Vinyl picked up almost instantly. "Tavi, you scared me." Recently, Vinyl had picked up Octavia's old nicknames again. Octavia smiled whenever she heard them. "Did I catch you at a bad time?" "It's never a bad time when you call." She could hear the smile in Vinyl's voice. "So what's up?" "I was wondering if you wanted to come over for Christmas Eve." Octavia could hear the sound of Vinyl chewing the inside of her cheek. Octavia didn't blame her hesitation; it would be the first time since the cutoff that Vinyl and Octavia would be spending time together in person rather than talking on the phone. "Of course I'll come. I promised myself I wouldn't leave you hanging anymore." Octavia was touched by this. "Thanks, Vinyl. I'll see you tomorrow at, say, seven?" "Seven sounds great. Well, I gotta go. I need to finish this note I'm writing." "No problem. See you then." "See you." "Bye." Christmas EveOctavia waited anxiously for Vinyl. If Vinyl came, Octavia knew that she could accept her back. If not... Ten minutes passed, then twenty, then thirty. Octavia was about to abandon all hope-and her life here, just to never see Vinyl again-when there was a frantic knock on the door. Octavia practically sprinted to open it. Vinyl stood there with a satchel full of things, wearing a scarf and her mailmare beret. "Tavi, I'm so sorry I'm late, I just-" "Shhh. It's fine, you're here, that's all that matters. Come on in." As Vinyl came in, Octavia gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. At Vinyl's confused look, Octavia winked and pointed up. "Mistletoe." "A-ah." Vinyl hung up her scarf and beret. "I like your sweater, Tavi." Octavia's sweater was a simple, oversize, knit grey-and-black pullover. She'd had it for years, and it was her favorite Christmas sweater. "Thank you, Vinyl. Oh!" Octavia went to the side table and picked up the picture she'd showed Vinyl all those weeks ago. "I had it framed for you." "Oh, thanks, Tavi!" Vinyl gratefully accepted it. "Go on, sit down! Can I get you something to drink, like water or cider or-" "A small glass of white wine, please. If you have any." Octavia was surprised. "Vinyl, I thought you didn't drink." "Well, there's a story there. I'll tell you in a bit." "All right. What do you want? Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigiot..." "Surprise me. Nothing too sweet, though." "Got it." She fetched the requested drink, pouring herself a glass as well. She sat down. "So what brought about the change?" Vinyl rummaged in her bag and pulled out a wrapped box that could only have held a bottle of wine. "This." Octavia took the box and opened it. "Casablanca? Vinyl, this must have cost you a fortune..." "The old me had a lot of money to blow on her best friend." Octavia hugged Vinyl. "Thank you so much, Vinyl...I don't even know how you found this." "You're welcome, Octy." Octy. Not just Tavi anymore. "Well, here, have one from me." "No, no, birthday girl first." Vinyl smiled. "Here's my second. Took me two months to get it how I wanted it." Octavia opened the box, much smaller than the first. "A cassette tape?" "Here, I'll put it in." Vinyl took hold of it with magic and put in in the stereo. After a few seconds of silence, a voice Octavia didn't recognize began singing a gorgeous a capella rendition of Carol of the Bells. At the end, Octavia looked at Vinyl. "That was beautiful... who sang that?" Vinyl smiled. "I did, Octy."
BitternessAfter spending the night sleeping in an alley on some old newspapers, Vinyl was sore and cranky. Nevertheless, she kept her cool as she called Octavia. "Hello? Octavia speaking." "Octy, it's Vinyl." "Vinyl? Oh yes, my so-called best friend who always stood me up and stayed out late. How are you?" "Why'd you lock me out?" "It was one-thirty, Vinyl. That's ridiculous, even for you." "Octy, what are you talking about? And why are you being so mean?" "I don't want to be friends anymore, Vinyl." "What?" "I'm sick of your excuses and empty promises. I can't take it anymore. You've let me down too many times." "But, Octy, wait-" "I'm leaving town for a few weeks. I'll leave a key under the doormat. When I get back, I want everything of yours to be gone." "But-" "You. Gone. I never want to see you again." Octavia abruptly hung up. Vinyl was left staring at a black screen. "Hold on...wait a second...please..."
A Little Friendly AdviceVinyl didn't go to the house. Instead, she went straight to the train station. "Yes? What can I get for you?" The clerk said. "Get me a round-trip ticket to West Cider Junction." The clerk typed something into his keypad. "Going to visit Winesap Acres?" "Yes. I have a close friend there." The clerk nodded and kept talking as he worked. "You seem stressed. Talking to close friends is usually a good way to get through it." He pulled the ticket off the printer. "It can also help to think about the situation from the other party's point of view." He passed the ticket through the slot. "Oh! H-How much do I owe you?" Vinyl reached for her wallet and winced when she realized it was back at the house. "Don't worry about it. You look stressed enough as it is. I'll cover it for you." "Really? Thank you so much!" "Don't mention it. Just get this problem of yours solved." "Thank you again!" Vinyl hurried to catch her train. The clerk continued his work with a smile. He had been a psychologist before becoming a ticket clerk, and enjoyed nothing more than helping people solve their problems. He was old, and knew he didn't have long to go. He knew that, somehow, by helping that young mare, he would be accomplishing something great. Better than he'd done with the rest of his life.
Interlude: City SlickerVinyl stepped off the train and made a beeline for the farm up over the next hill. She knocked on the door, but the answer came from behind her. "Nice'a ya ta pay a visit, city slicker." Vinyl turned. "Hey, Winesap." The ivory earth pony grinned. "Whatcha doin' way out here? Some sorta trouble?" "You can say that." "Yeah? Come on, we'll sit on the hill and talk about it." "You don't know what you've gotten yourself into." "From the look on your face, neither do you."
New BeginningsVinyl was ready to go when the train pulled into the station. She was going to rent a house across the street from Octavia's (the owner knew she only planned to stay for a month), had an interview set up for the next morning to get a job as a mailmare, and was ready to move her things out of Octavia's house when she got there. But first she had something to take care of. She walked over to the ticket booth, where the clerk was still sitting, writing something. He looked up. "Ah, you're back. Looks like you know what you're doing, now." Vinyl smiled at him. "I have something for you." She opened her bag and pulled out a small parcel with magic. "It's not much, but I'm sure you don't want money." She slid it to him. "Good luck with however long you have left, Rorschach." He returned her smile. "And to you as well, Vinyl. I hope I live to see your problem fixed." Vinyl made a motion like she was tipping her hat, then walked away. Rorschach waited until she was out of sight, then opened the parcel.
Slow DayOctavia didn't sleep that night. After reading Vinyl's notes, her mind had even more to chew on. Vinyl had stopped DJ'ing? But that had been her life... Now she was even more convinced that Vinyl had moved on, and perhaps was trying to forget her altogether. She struggled with her memory. Hadn't she learned about this in high school Psychology? Wasn't this a defense mechanism? But if Vinyl was trying to forget her, why make her circumstances such that she would see Octavia every day? She was so overwhelmed, she finally just broke down in tears. The next morning, she felt miserable. She locked herself in her house, brooding, only pausing to collect the mail from Vinyl. Finally, she couldn't take it. She called Vinyl. "Hello?" "Vinyl, it's Octavia. I-" "Oh, is this about the records? You can-" "No, Vinyl. It's not about the records. I just...I need someone to talk to." "Well, I'd love to talk, Octavia, but I'm at work...can you call me later, about 6:30?" "No, Vinyl, I can't wait. I need to talk to you NOW." Vinyl sounded pained. "Octavia-" "Do you have a headset?" "Yes, I'm using it now, but-" "Vinyl, please talk to me...I need to-" Another voice came through Vinyl's headset. "Vinyl, are you on the phone?" "Well, yes, Postdienst-" "Is it important?" "It's...an old friend. She's really upset about something." "Hmm...tell you what. You've only got an hour left in your shift, and it's a slow day. Go ahead and head home. You can make it up tomorrow." "Really? Are you sure, sir?" "Go ahead. I don't mind. Besides, she might need your help." "All right. See you tomorrow, sir." A short, painful stint of silence, then, "I'm here, Octavia. What do you need? If this is about the present, I-" "No, it's not about the present. Vinyl, I want to know. Is this all just an act? Are you just trying to get inside my head?" She winced as soon as the words left her mouth. Vinyl sounded only slightly offended. "No, Octavia. I'm not acting. Why would you say that?" That calmed her down far more than she had thought. "I was...paranoid." "Paranoid?" "I was starting to think you'd given up on me." "Given...Octavia...I would never. I love you far too much f-" Octavia could practically hear Vinyl blush through the phone. "You-" "I'm sorry, I need to go!" Vinyl hung up, leaving Octavia more confused than before. They'd said "I love you" to each other before, but it was a thing they did as friends. Was there something more?
Interlude: Happy Late BirthdayVinyl stood there for a while after she hung up. She didn't want to go home because she knew Octavia would ask her about what she'd said. Her text chime sounded in her ears, and she pulled out her phone and looked. When you're ready to talk, I'll listen. Then she received two more messages: a picture and another text. She opened the picture first. It was the package from the previous day, opened to reveal its contents: A small painting of Vinyl and Octavia, with the latter's forelegs around the former's shoulders, nuzzling her cheek. The painted Vinyl was blushing. Feeling her cheeks grow hot, she opened the text. Happy late birthday, Vinyl. Love ya.
Interlude: Season of MiraclesRorschach finished writing his last letter to his family, then leaned back and looked at his mail. Resting on the lamp on his desk were the contents of the parcel Vinyl had given him nearly a month ago. As he perused his mail now, he spotted a letter from Vinyl. Smiling, he opened it and read the letter. "Celestia bless me...I made it." He leaned back further and lit up his pipe. He blew a few smoke rings and watched them float up to the ceiling. "Christmas really is a season of miracles..." After a minute, he went back to his desk and retrieved a fresh sheet of stationery. He dipped his quill in ink and began to write. "My dear Vinyl..."
My Gift To YouOctavia was shocked. "Pardon me if I don't believe you...no offense, Vinyl, but I've heard you sing. You can't carry a tune to save your life." Vinyl just smiled and proceeded to prove her wrong by singing the song herself. Octavia's shock multiplied. "Where did you learn to sing like that?" "I taught myself. You're right, Octy. I couldn't carry a tune to save my life. I fixed that." "You did that...went through all that effort for me?" "Sure did." "Well, now I feel bad for only having one thing for you..." Vinyl put her hoof on Octavia's. "You're all I want for Christmas, Octy." "Wh-what?" "This is my third present to you." Vinyl hugged Octavia. It wasn't just a friend hug, either; this was s hug from the heart. "I...I love you, Octavia. And I don't mean that as a friend. I mean that as a mare. I want to spend my life with you. When you cut me off...I was crushed. I thought you genuinely hated me." "Vinyl..." "Tell me the honest truth, Octavia. Do you want me back?" "I have since the day you left, Vinyl." "Do you love me? As more than a friend?" Octavia looked into Vinyl's deep crimson eyes. "Yes, Vinyl. I do." "Will you take me back?" Octavia nodded. "Your room's waiting." "I dunno...I think we might have to get that wall knocked out." "That'll come later. Tonight...there's nothing but you and me, Vinyl." Octavia pressed her lips to her unicorn love's. Vinyl seemed a bit surprised at first, but returned the kiss after a short time. Outside, the snow fell, framing the frosted window glowing with the light of the fire and the multitude of garish lights decorating the tree. Merry Christmas.
EpilogueTwo years later... Vinyl sat at the kitchen table, reading that day's newspaper. After their marriage a year and a half before, she and Octavia had moved to the outskirts of Ponyville, where they ran one of Equestria's most successful wineries. They donated most of their profits to charitable causes, and supplemented their income with tips from singing or playing music at local events. Octavia came in. "Morning, Vinyl." "Good morning, Octy." "What are you thinking for breakfast, Vinyl?" "Ahhh...egg whites and biscuits." "That sounds lovely, Vinyl. Want to start the biscuits for me?" "In a minute, I'm almost finished." Unbidden, Vinyl flipped to the obituaries. The headline shocked her. Prominent Psychologist Rorschach Dies At 87 "Something wrong, Vinyl?" "Rorschach died last night." "Oh...that's sad." "Wait, listen to this. 'One of the chief requests of his will involved the contents of a gift he received two years ago from a unicorn named Vinyl Scratch, seemingly as compensation of some kind: a pair of sunglasses and a voice message thanking him for his services. He requested that these be returned to the sender, along with a letter and a cassette tape.'" "You gave him your sunglasses?" "It was the most meaningful thing I could think of." The letter and tape came a few days later. The tape contained a recording of their interactions at the train station ticket counter, and, at the end, a recording of "White Christmas" that Rorschach had apparently sang himself and a message saying "Thank you, Vinyl. You made an old man feel like he's done some true good in the world." The letter read as follows: My dear Vinyl, You have brought me great joy with the letter you sent me. I can rest easy now knowing I've done some true good in the world. Your message moved me greatly. I listen to it every day to make sure I don't forget what I've done. I hope your Christmas is as wonderful as you've made mine. With fondest regards, Rorschach. P.S.-Merry Christmas. Whatever happens, good luck. END.
Seventh Straight NightOctavia was never one to voice her opinions. She prided herself on being polite and not offending anypony. She and Vinyl had been best friends for years, and living together for nearly as long. But even the strongest bonds can be easily broken if struck wrong. For the seventh straight night, Octavia found herself waiting for Vinyl to get home. She sat in bed, reading by the light of a single lamp. She cast a glance at the clock, even though she really didn't want to know. "One-thirty in the morning. Son of a...Vinyl..." Octavia rubbed her temples in a vain attempt to ease the pressure building in her head. The pressure moved into her eyes, pushing tears from their safe haven out into the wretched world. This had been happening for over a week now. Vinyl would find some way to not make it to their plans, then would come home at an ungodly late hour, making excuses and empty promises. Octavia would always say the same thing: "It's fine, Vinyl." But it was getting ridiculous. The day before, Octavia had been forced to play a round of minigolf alone. Even if the day's plans were her idea, Vinyl still wouldn't make it. Octavia sniffed and wiped her unbidden tears. She'd had enough. It wasn't fine anymore. "I'm done, Vinyl," Octavia whispered. She got up and went downstairs. She scribbled a note and taped it to the outside of the front door. Then, knowing Vinyl didn't have a key because she always used the spare, she took the spare key from its holder outside and locked the door. Then she went upstairs and went to bed. Vinyl would call her tomorrow, for sure. Then they would be over. Vinyl was perplexed by the note on the door. Vinyl, I took the key. Sorry, but you made me wait too long. You're not welcome here anymore. It's not fine anymore, Vinyl. I'm finished with you. Find somewhere else to stay tonight. Call me in the morning. If you call me before that, I won't answer. "What?"
Deep ThoughtsVinyl thought long and hard about the clerk's words as she waited out her train ride. She was sure he had some kind of background in psychology or something, judging from how much he could tell just from her body language. Come to think of it, she'd seen him somewhere before... She took out her phone and went to the archives of the newspaper she always read, The Day-To-Day, and looked back a year or so. There, on the headline of November 22nd, Vinyl's birthday. Prominent Clinical Psychologist Rorschach Retires at 83. "Rorschach..." Vinyl leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. "I get why Octy's mad. I'm mad at myself, too..." She had no excuse for coming home late. That was purely her own poor judgement. But as for the cancelling of plans... She'd been working for a week now on something for Octavia for her birthday. At their house, birthdays tended to come and go. This year, Vinyl felt that she wanted to do something special for Octavia. She'd had several ponies helping her, and had even spent a long day tasting wines to determine which would be best, even though she didn't drink. Of course, since she wanted it to be a surprise, she had to make excuses. The "empty promises" were really genuine, but had to be broken in order to keep up the ruse. Something made Vinyl think that something else had Octavia bitter. And then she remembered the late nights. Every night Vinyl was very late getting home, sometimes not making it back until three or four the next morning. That could be attributed to nothing but her DJ'ing. The more she thought about it, the more that seemed like the true cause. She sighed. "I need help. Serious help."
Advice From An Old FriendWinesap and Vinyl sat for a long time, the former doing nothing but listening as the latter poured out her heart. She provided the needed consolation when Vinyl began crying. When she finished, Winesap sat and thought for a while. "Vinyl?" "Yeah?" "Would ya knock a few apples down from that there tree?" She gestured to the tree behind them. "I'm sure I ain't the only one gettin' hungry." "You're right about that." Vinyl went over to the tree and gave it a stern, but gentle, kick. Two apples fell from the branches overhead, which Vinyl caught with magic. She handed one to Winesap and bit into the other one. "Well, Vinyl, in the past I've had to tell ya ta stop thinkin' 'bout yerself and think 'bout ev'rypony else. But this time...this time you've already taken that step." Winesap shot her a smug look. "What, didja finally decide to take my advice?" "Not quite. The ticket clerk at the train station said a few things my mind could chew on on the ride here." "Yeah? Long rides're good for that." She bit into the apple Vinyl had given her. "So, you need a plan of action, do ya?" "Yeah. I dunno what to do..." "Well, I think you should do what she says. Give her some time to simmer down, but don't stray too far. If ya need some bits-" "I have enough, thanks." "Sorry. But like I was sayin', go ahead and get out. Get an apartment or somethin'. Then I think you should quit yer DJ'in' and get a new job." "A job? Winesap, I didn't finish school..." "Remember what I said 'bout not strayin' too far? Ya know, as a mailmare you'd go by her house ev'ry day..." "Oh, I see...make sure she doesn't forget about me just because I'm not there." "Exactly. Wait until her birthday comes around or somewhere 'round there. Maybe she'll be a bit flaky, but if ya do somethin' super-nice for her, and if you can convince her that you've changed, maybe she'll take you back." "See, this is why you're so great, Winesap. That's a great idea!" Winesap grinned. "You've got...what, a month or two 'til her birthday? Go on, make it happen." Vinyl stood up. "Thanks, Winesap. Rorschach was right, talking with close friends does help."
Moving OnOne week later... Octavia returned home after her week-long vacation to a note on her door. Miss Octavia, As requested, your mail from the past week has been withheld. We ask that you call us between noon and three today so we can send someone with your mail. Thank you, PPS "Well, no sense in waiting." She put down her bags and went to the phone. Her call was answered almost immediately. "Ponyville Postal Service. Postdienst speaking." "Yes, I'm calling about withheld mail?" "Ah, you must be Octavia. All right, we'll get someone right over." "Thank you." "Have a nice day." Postdienst hung up. Twenty minutes later, there was a knock on her door. Octavia opened it. The mailmare had her head down, rummaging through her bag. "Hello?" The mailmare looked up, and Octavia was stunned to see the crimson eyes of Vinyl Scratch. "Hello! Octavia, right?" Vinyl rummaged through her bag while Octavia collected herself. "We didn't get a whole lot of mail for you, but a couple packages came." Octavia finally managed to say something. "What are you doing here, Vinyl?" Vinyl looked up. "Well, delivering mail. What else could I be doing?" "You're a mailmare?" "Yup. Third day on the job." Vinyl took out Octavia's mail and gave it to her. "I did what you said. I left a note on my DJ stuff up in my room, and there's another one in the kitchen. The spare key's under the doormat." She tapped her hoof on the doormat to emphasize. "If you need anything else from me, I get off work at six. I live just across the street." She jerked her head at the house. "And, of course, you can call me. Just a quick warning, I'm working on something in the garage in my free time, so if I don't answer the front door just knock on the garage door." She winked. "Guess I'll see you tomorrow." Vinyl turned away and started down the path. "Vinyl, wait." Vinyl stopped and turned back around. "Yes?" "I..." Thoughts were awhirl in Octavia's head. "Sorry. I...wait here." Octavia ran to her bedroom and pulled a box out from under her bed. She took it back outside. "Here. I...this is for your birthday." Vinyl smiled and shook her head. "It's fine, Octavia. You don't have to give me anything. My birthday came and went, just like it always does." She turned away again. "I have to get back to work. I'll see you." She walked away. Octavia was left with a package and a heavy heart. Octavia. Not Octy, not Tavi. No nicknames. Just Octavia. It seemed that Vinyl had moved on, accepted Octavia's rude, sudden cutoff of their friendship. She didn't like it. It made her...sad. What Vinyl didn't know was how much she'd regretted the decision after she'd made it.
InvitationThree weeks later... Octavia hadn't heard much from Vinyl for the past three weeks. She had a feeling Vinyl was saving her full confession for Octavia's birthday, on Christmas Eve. Also, she was quickly getting swamped at the post office, with ponies buying last-minute gifts for their loved ones. She sat by the window and watched for Vinyl, sipping some hot tea and watching the snow fall. It was December 23rd now, and Octavia was going to invite Vinyl to her house for Christmas Eve. Following Vinyl's slip from a few weeks before, Octavia had made sure to keep her feelings for Vinyl close to her heart. She picked up her phone and called Vinyl; it was seven o'clock now, so she was almost certainly home. Vinyl picked up almost instantly. "Tavi, you scared me." Recently, Vinyl had picked up Octavia's old nicknames again. Octavia smiled whenever she heard them. "Did I catch you at a bad time?" "It's never a bad time when you call." She could hear the smile in Vinyl's voice. "So what's up?" "I was wondering if you wanted to come over for Christmas Eve." Octavia could hear the sound of Vinyl chewing the inside of her cheek. Octavia didn't blame her hesitation; it would be the first time since the cutoff that Vinyl and Octavia would be spending time together in person rather than talking on the phone. "Of course I'll come. I promised myself I wouldn't leave you hanging anymore." Octavia was touched by this. "Thanks, Vinyl. I'll see you tomorrow at, say, seven?" "Seven sounds great. Well, I gotta go. I need to finish this note I'm writing." "No problem. See you then." "See you." "Bye."
Christmas EveOctavia waited anxiously for Vinyl. If Vinyl came, Octavia knew that she could accept her back. If not... Ten minutes passed, then twenty, then thirty. Octavia was about to abandon all hope-and her life here, just to never see Vinyl again-when there was a frantic knock on the door. Octavia practically sprinted to open it. Vinyl stood there with a satchel full of things, wearing a scarf and her mailmare beret. "Tavi, I'm so sorry I'm late, I just-" "Shhh. It's fine, you're here, that's all that matters. Come on in." As Vinyl came in, Octavia gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. At Vinyl's confused look, Octavia winked and pointed up. "Mistletoe." "A-ah." Vinyl hung up her scarf and beret. "I like your sweater, Tavi." Octavia's sweater was a simple, oversize, knit grey-and-black pullover. She'd had it for years, and it was her favorite Christmas sweater. "Thank you, Vinyl. Oh!" Octavia went to the side table and picked up the picture she'd showed Vinyl all those weeks ago. "I had it framed for you." "Oh, thanks, Tavi!" Vinyl gratefully accepted it. "Go on, sit down! Can I get you something to drink, like water or cider or-" "A small glass of white wine, please. If you have any." Octavia was surprised. "Vinyl, I thought you didn't drink." "Well, there's a story there. I'll tell you in a bit." "All right. What do you want? Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigiot..." "Surprise me. Nothing too sweet, though." "Got it." She fetched the requested drink, pouring herself a glass as well. She sat down. "So what brought about the change?" Vinyl rummaged in her bag and pulled out a wrapped box that could only have held a bottle of wine. "This." Octavia took the box and opened it. "Casablanca? Vinyl, this must have cost you a fortune..." "The old me had a lot of money to blow on her best friend." Octavia hugged Vinyl. "Thank you so much, Vinyl...I don't even know how you found this." "You're welcome, Octy." Octy. Not just Tavi anymore. "Well, here, have one from me." "No, no, birthday girl first." Vinyl smiled. "Here's my second. Took me two months to get it how I wanted it." Octavia opened the box, much smaller than the first. "A cassette tape?" "Here, I'll put it in." Vinyl took hold of it with magic and put in in the stereo. After a few seconds of silence, a voice Octavia didn't recognize began singing a gorgeous a capella rendition of Carol of the Bells. At the end, Octavia looked at Vinyl. "That was beautiful... who sang that?" Vinyl smiled. "I did, Octy."
