Musicians of Canterlot

by lilgarre

Rating: everyone
Tags: Octavia, Comedy, Pinkie Pie, DJ P0N-3, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other
Length: 6423

Octavia, Vinyl Scratch and Neon Lights tell Pinkie Pie the story of how they all met.

"Octavia's celebrating her latest success with best friends at Sugarcube Corner, Vinyl starts telling Pinkie Pie the story of how she met Octavia Melody and Neon Lights including all the crazy things they went through during those years"

Some things to have in mind while reading:

1. This is not a shipping fanfic in any ways. Its main purpose is being there just for the lulz. However, some romantic features may or may not be present at some points of the story.
2.- The story is set in Ponyville some years after the actual series time. Foals like Pound and Pumpkin Cake are fillies now, fillies like the CMC are young ponies, some of them -the late bloomers- just got their cutiemarks.
3.- The story is written with flashbacks, so read carefully. I know I would get confused because I have the attention span of a fish.
4.- Having that in mind, I'll try to write this as clear as I can. You know that any doubt you have concerning the story, you can leave it in the comments. I'll gladly answer all of them!

Published 2013-07-10 05:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-08-11 22:14:26 UTC

I. At Sugarcube Corner

It was a fine day of autumn. Pinkie Pie, who was feeling extra happy that day, opened Sugar Cube Corner to the public earlier than usual. The Cakes had left her in charge while they were visiting some relatives at Baltimare with the twins. She baked pending orders all morning and got Twist to assist her with the clients while she finished up her duties in the kitchen. The young pony was taking some informal classes from Pinkie and from Bon Bon, so she could improve her skills as a candy maker. Pinkie would teach her a thousand ways to boost her creativity. All she had to do in exchange was helping her baking and receiving client's orders. Apparently, it was a lazy day. There was almost nopony in the streets of Ponyville, but Pinkie kept on working like it was Nightmare Night’s eve. Soon, she would be free to assist the clients with her apprentice. She practically knew everypony in town, so it was fun to greet and talk to friends while working.

She was thinking about that while decorating the last cake order for Sweetie Belle’s cuteceanera later that day, when a group of ponies entered the store. She recognized some of the voices and turned around to confirm her predictions.

“Octavia! Vinyl! Neon! OH MY GOSH! Long time no see!” She shouted before running to them and giving them a long hug “Welcome to Sugar Cube Corner” Twist looked at the scene internally debating if she should laugh or not.

“It’s... good… to see you… too, Pinkie!” Vinyl panted, almost out of air from Pinkie’s hug. She freed them and giggled nervously

“Sorry, I forget I mustn’t be that enthusiastic…at least that’s what Mrs. Cake says”

“It’s good being you, Pinkie” Neon said, once the blue shade on his face faded away “Just try to control your strength next time” Pinkie nodded and walked them to a table near the window.

“What are you all doing here? I thought you were in the fancy Canterlot making sweet tunes!”

“We were” Octavia smiled “But we are on holidays…well, kind of…”

"Is there a party going on?" She interrupted "Do you need my help organizing it? You know how much I love your parties!"

“We’re actually celebrating!” Vinyl exclaimed as excited as Pinkie and added “Little Octy here is going to play with the Canterlot Philharmonic startin’ this summer. She's got a contract and everything! She will be playing the double bass with the big guys all year”

“This is the greatest thing that has happened to me” Octavia said.

“Hold on! What about the Grand Galloping Gala?” Neon asked “That’s a big deal, too”

“It is! But, I have to say that is not as exciting as playing for the princesses in private and going on tours across Equestria and…” Pinkie burst her bubble.

“That’s so cool! You must be very excited and nervous at the same time. Are you? I bet you have practiced a lot for the try outs! But you are already so talented! How can you boost all that talent--”

“Pinkie?” Twist interrupted with a nervous smile “I think hey must be ready to order” The pink pony took some time to process what her assistant just said.

“Oh, oopsie, silly me” She giggled “You’re here to celebrate! Right! Well, you’ve come to the right place, because the first round of cupcakes is on me!” Pinkie turned to Twist and told her to bring some of the cupcakes she had separated for emergencies. The group of musicians looked at each other and small smiles appeared on their faces.

“Say, Pinkie” Octavia said in her particular accent “Would you like to join us to celebrate?” Pinkie turned around showing a big grin.

“ Of course!” She sat down between Neon and Vinyl “You must tell me EVERYTHING! I mean, I know you all, but I don’t know much about you, like your story and all but I didn’t want to ask you because that would be…what’s the word Twilight always use?...intrusive?”

Twist came back to the table with a big platter and placed it before them. The ponies thanked her and Pinkie asked her to keep an eye on the oven. She nodded and left to keep working.

“We would like to hear about filly Octavia” Neon teased, taking off his shades. Vinyl nodded in agreement, very amused by the idea and took her first bite on a pink frosted sprinkled cupcake.

“You already know what you need to know about me. You were there since I was very young. My years before getting my cutie mark were not very interesting”

“So, you all knew each other when you were young fillies?” Pinkie’s eyes grew with excitement. The three other ponies nodded at her “Do tell! Do tell!” she chanted childishly.

“Oh, I remember that very well” Vinyl laughed, putting her red shades on the table, just like her friend did. The white disc jockey looked at Octavia, who finally smiled and nodded, allowing her to tell Pinkie the story of how they all met.

“It happened years ago, my cutie mark had just appeared on my blank flank and my uptight parents decided to get me signed up for Canterlot Conservatory, because they weren’t very fond of my style. They wanted me to learn new branches of music. I agreed because I found in this an opportunity to meet more people like me and of course to learn new ways of making music” Everypony was listening to Vinyl. Even Twist, while standing behind the counter, getting ponies’ orders. “The first pony I met was my roommate: Lyra Heartstrings. She plays the lyre like a virtuoso and we were very good friends back in the day. I understand she lives here now and gives private lessons to young fillies…Anyways, she is the one who introduced me to this guy here” Vinyl poked Neon’s cheek.

“I bet you became best friends instantly! I mean, how could you not? You look so cute together!” Pinkie said after engulfing a whole cupcake. Neon almost blushed with her comment.

“Well, yeah…almost instantly” Vinyl said, trying to ignore the last sentence of the pink mare “We talked for a while and became inseparable…except for the DJ battles..." She turned to the unicorn "That’s where I kick your flank”

“In your dreams” Neon gave her a smug smile and poked her back.

“I still don’t get it” Pinkie told Vinyl “If you and Octavia weren’t roommates, then how did you two met and became best friends forever?”

“We actually were roommates” Octavia corrected her.

“Oooohh…what?” Everypony laughed at Pinkie’s confused stare and Vinyl proceeded to explain her friend’s statement.

Author's Note

First Chapter is up, yo!
If you read this short introduction, please let me know wether you liked it or not and also what would you like to read in the future, I'm always open to suggestions!
I'll upload the second one as soon as possible n_n

II. Roommates

It was Vinyl’s first day at the regal city of Canterlot. Her parents signed her up at Canterlot Conservatory to study music right after she got her cutie mark. They came to the agreement that if she studied other styles of music and became well-read in the matter, she would have permission to make electronic music. Vinyl knew she didn’t really need any permission to do what she liked. She could have taken the rebel path and refuse, but she knew that wasn’t the most convenient thing to do. She agreed and took the opportunity to expand her knowledge on music.

After she got every paper in order, she said goodbye to her parents and walked to her room, escorted by a mare that smelled like rose water. They went up the stairs, got to the third floor and stopped when they got to a door with the number A312.

“Please, Ms. Scratch, feel free to unpack and get familiar with the facilities before your first class. If you have any doubts, I’m sure that your roommate, Ms. Hearstrings, will gladly answer them”

“Thanks ma’am” The young pony smiled at her and entered to her room.

Once inside, she put her saddlebag down and looked around. The room was invaded by a soft melody (ref: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6kcyPD4ZHs). It was the combination of the music and the warmth of the sun that shone through the windows that made Vinyl smile and closed her eyes. She felt very comfortable there, right where she was standing. Suddenly, the music stopped and the voice of a young mare almost startled her.

“Hi! You must be…Ms. Scratch!”

Vinyl rolled her eyes smiled along. ‘Ms. Scratch’ sounded so not her.

“Just call me Vinyl. You must be…Ms. Heartstrings?” Lyra let out a heartedly laugh.

“Ms. Lilac told you that, didn’t she?” He laughed a little more, transmitting some of her humor to Vinyl “I wish they weren’t so proper all the time. Call me Lyra” She extended a hoof for her roommate to shake.

“Nice to meet you”

“Don’t stand there” Lyra picked up Vinyl’s saddlebag and walked into the room “Come, I’ll show you around” The white pony followed her “This is where I sleep” Lyra pointed at one of the sides of the room. There was a bed and a desk with a pile of books on it “And that over there…” She pointed at the other side of the room with the same items “Is where you sleep” Lyra put Vinyl’s saddlebag on the desk

“Thanks” Vinyl said “Your music is awesome, by the way” She added, nodding at the lyre on the green pony’s bed.

“I imagined you heard” A sheepish smile appeared on her face “I was practicing. Some students have told me that Ms. Lilac is very strict” Vinyl seemed surprised.

“She’s your teacher?” Lyra nodded.

“She teaches how to play the lyre. Theory, practice, maintenance of the instrument, you name it… Don’t you have that class?” Vinyl shook her head.

“I don’t play the lyre…”

“Oh…then, do you play any string instruments?”

“Nope”

“Wind?”

“nuh-uh”

“Percussion?”

“Close …but not at all” Vinyl smiled playfully.

“Do you sing?”

“I try not to”

“Then, I give up… what do you exactly do?”

“I am a disc jockey” Lyra looked at her confused.

“A…what?”

“A disc jockey!... A DJ?” Lyra shook her head, still not understanding “I know how to play some instruments but I prefer…” Vinyl took some records from her saddlebag “I make music with these and well, some other equipment I still don’t have here right now” Lyra took one of the records and examined it.

“Wow, this is incredible. I’d like to see you playing this”

“Someday you will” Vinyl reassured her “I’m going to be the greatest DJ Canterlot has ever seen!”

“I like your ambition” Lyra put the record back with the others “It’s almost lunchtime. Do you want to join me?”

“That’d be great!” She gave a look at her bag and changed her mind “Actually, I’d like to unpack first. Is it good if I join you later?” Lyra nodded and smiled

“Sure! See you later, Vinyl”

“See ya” Vinyl started putting her things away. She was really happy about Lyra being her roommate. She was nice and seemed like a really fun pony to hang out with. They would definitely be very good friends. She thought of this as put her headphones on the desk along with her books and everything she needed for her classes.

Unpacking didn’t take her so long, so she thought that if she hurried, she would catch up with her on the way to the cafeteria. She went out and ran as fast as she could. When she was running by the director’s office, she realized she had no idea where the cafeteria was. She was so immersed in her own thoughts that she didn’t notice an earth pony playing a double bass in the hallway and collided with her violently.

“I’m so sorry” Vinyl said getting up from the floor. She tried to help the other pony but she pushed her as soon as she saw her instrument on the floor next to her.

“You really should be more careful! You made me drop my double bass!” She said rather irritated. Vinyl wasn’t sure if it was her accent or the non-intended pun she had just made but a small giggle came out her mouth. Her laugh made the earth pony get angrier “What could possibly be so funny?” She asked while picking up her instrument and placing It carefully inside its case. Vinyl expression changed instantly.

“Wait, is it just me or you just pushed me to pick up your giant violin…”

“What did you just say?” Now she was really offended “You know, it was your entire fault in the first place for tackling me. You had it coming. Besides, this instrument is very expensive and has a very emotional value to me”

“If it means so much to you, then you shouldn’t be playing it in the middle of the hallway. For your information, hallways were made for ponies to walk and not for earning bits, you know?” Vinyl mocked her

“For your information” She answered “I wasn’t trying to get money. I was practicing for my audition with the committee”

“Auditions were last week. What makes you think you’ll be accepted so late?”

“Just wait and see” Vinyl stared at her, unbelieving that pony’s overconfidence. After some seconds, she just shook her head.

“Whatever, I have to go” She said and started running again.

“Yes, I can see you’re in a hurry” The mare commented to herself, still very annoyed.

With a little help from a janitor, Vinyl was able to find the cafeteria. As soon as she entered, she saw Lyra waving a hoof to let her know she was there.

“I thought you just brought some books, what took you so long?” She asked when Vinyl sat down in front of her.

“Some smug child-prodigy bothering me in the hallway…” She answered looking at a fruit salad “Is this for me?”

“Yeah, I bought you some lunch”

“Thanks. I’ll pay you later” Lyra smiled

“You don’t have to. This one’s on me” She said kindly “But you shouldn’t be fighting on your first day of here. You don’t want to make a reputation so fast” Vinyl sighed tiredly.

“I didn’t fight with her; we just had a little disagreement, that’s all” Lyra shrugged her shoulders.

“Disagreements happen” She concluded before taking a bite of her lunch.

After lunch, they walked together back to their room. Vinyl explained in the most excited of moods that her beloved mixer could be there by then. Lyra was amazed by the thrill a pony could get regarding music. Once they got there, a not very pleasing surprise awaited for them.

“You?” Vinyl exclaimed in an angry voice. The grey pony whom she confronted was now standing in the middle of her and Lyra’s bed. A stallion was sitting next to her.

“Ms. Heartstrings, I’m glad you’re back. I see you’ve been busy welcoming Ms. Scratch. That’s charming. However, we would like to have a word with you two now” Vinyl and Lyra looked at each other, knowing that the following conversation wouldn’t end well. They sat in front of the stallion and the small pony.

“My name is Frederic Horseshoepin” He began solemnly “I teach piano, besides being the vice-director of this distinguished academy” Lyra waved a hoof and gave him a shy smile. Vinyl tried not to burst in laughter. Mr. Horseshoepin didn’t seem to notice this and continued his monologue “I am here today because we have rearranged some students’ allocations. Ms. Heartstrings will be moved from this room to another”

“What? And why would that be?” Vinyl interrupted as irate as before. Lyra nudged her “I mean, is there a special reason for this?” She corrected herself. The teacher pointed at the pony next to him.

“She is Octavia Melody” He explained “She was in the late enrollment list of this year and just auditioned. I must say we were all quite impressed with her skills” Octavia smiled smugly at Vinyl. It was a silent ‘I told you so’ that made her even more mad. Mr. Horseshoepin, oblivious as always, kept on talking “She was assigned this room for the rest of the year. Ms. Heartstrings was moved to room B302 with Ms. Drops” He now turned to Lyra “She’s a very nice young mare, I can assure you that you will get along with her well” Lyra was obviously not happy with this resolution but unlike Vinyl, she swallowed her dissatisfaction and started packing her things. The white unicorn felt she should do something about that.

“So, what now?” She said “I have to share rooms with some total stranger now? Lyra is my friend and I share only one class with her. Now I’m not going to see her at any more!” Mr. Horseshoepin just smiled and answered.

“You’ll find some time to share together, my little pony” Lyra came back with her saddlebag around her body and smiled, just as Octavia’s teacher did.

“Don’t worry, Vinyl. We’ll get together for lunch, okay?” Vinyl finally muttered an answer.

“I guess that’s something”

“Perfect. Now we will leave you two alone so you get to know better. Please, make Ms. Melody feel at home. Oh, and… Ms. Scratch?” Vinyl looked back at him “The mailmare came in your absence. She brought you a packet from Manehattan”

“MY MIXER” She shouted happily and ran to her desk, where a big packet was. Lyra gave her a sad smile, she wanted to see it and celebrate with her friend.

Maybe another time; she thought.

The two unicorns left Vinyl and Octavia alone. Once the door was closed Vinyl could rant freely.

“You little…”

“Careful of how you speak” Octavia interrupted her “You’re supposed to be a good roommate and give me a warm welcome. Remember?” Vinyl rolled her eyes, clearly upset.

“Here’s my bed. Bathroom’s over there and that’s the door. You can leave whenever you want” She turned around to unpack her mixer.

“Very funny” The earth pony replied sarcastically and started unpacking. Soon, she became curious of her roommate’s device “What exactly is that?” She inquired. Vinyl quickly turned around.

“This…is my baby. If you touch it, you will regret the day you took the decision of coming here” She warned her “Nobody can touch this amazing magic-maker machine”

“Let me get this straight” Octavia tried not to laugh “You make…music with that?” Vinyl narrowed her eyes, disgusted by Octavia’s arrogance “What…don’t you have real musical talents? Wouldn’t you like to play a real instrument? There are plenty of teachers that could show you. I could even give you a few lessons if you are nicer to me from now on”

“You know? You shouldn’t mock a pony you have just met, especially when that pony could kick your flank anytime” Octavia’s smile widened.

“I’d like to see you try”

“Okay, I’ve had enough of you” Vinyl was stepping in when a bell just outside their room rang loudly.

“Be thankful the bell saved you” Both mares said at the same time.

“I have to go to my singing classes” Vinyl said.

“Me too…” Then she realized “Wait… Singing… with Ms. Shores? Vinyl nodded and she came to the same conclusion and grunted her frustration.

“Now I have to put up with you here AND in class…bucking great” Octavia raised an eyebrow, judgmentally.

“Nice language…”

“Mind your own business”

“You’re so grumpy” She laughed, just to tease her more.

“I swear to Celestia…you’re going to be my personal pain in the rump the whole year” Vinyl mumbled as she got out the room and walked to the classroom without waiting for her new roommate.

Author's Note

Oh snap! Vinyl and Octy don't get along...Where's your Celestia now?
haha just kidding.

I hope you enjoy this chapter, leave your comments and suggestions below and I'll check them out ;)

Thanks for all you pretties who have faved and promoted this story. It means a lot to me.

I have now a peer editor: Escaping Reality *round of applause*

See you next time :D

III. One and the same

*****

“Wow, I didn’t know that you two weren’t friends” Pinkie said, truly fascinated by Vinyl’s story. Octavia smiled.

“It was not only that” The earth pony looked at her friend “We really couldn’t stand each other…” Vinyl nodded.

“I used to spend most of my time away from her and since she was always in the room, I preferred to hang out with Lyra. Lunch was very fun with her and the singing lessons were a little more bearable with her jokes and crazy theories” A smile filled with nostalgia appeared on her mouth “I’ve never met a pony crazier than her…well maybe you Pinkie” She turned to the pink mare and laughed “I guess you would be good competition for her” The other two ponies agreed as Pinkie laughed with Vinyl

*****
“My new roommate is not that bad” Lyra commented one day at lunchtime “She has nothing to do with music. She doesn’t sing, she doesn’t play anything…Incredible, right?”

“Then what does she do here?” Vinyl asked, confused.

“She works here at the cafeteria” Lyra turned to wave a hoof to an earth pony who was serving desserts across the room. She waved back with a kind smile “She’s always inventing new types of candies, and I get to try them. Changing rooms wasn’t that bad after all, right?” Lyra turned to Vinyl who wasn’t exactly as happy as her friend “…right?” She repeated, this time worried.

“I’m happy for you Lyra” Vinyl finally said, forcing a smile “I really am”

“Woah there, filly! What’s wrong?” Vinyl sighed and looked at her food.

“Well, I’ve been thinking about it and… maybe coming here wasn’t a good idea. My roommate hates me; some of my teachers can’t understand what I do. I mean, what’s the point of it if nopony appreciates my music? I haven’t been able to practice. All I have accomplished so far is getting some of my equipment installed in the room and I can’t even use it because Octavia’s always there and--”

“Hey…hey…breathe” Lyra interrupted her “It can’t be that bad…”

“Trust me…It is. I’m leaving this weekend” Lyra frowned

“Of course you’re not. Everything occurs for a reason, even the bad things. You can use that to learn, right?” Vinyl smirked and shrugged “Come on…give it a week. If it doesn’t get better in one week, you can go back to Manehattan”

“One week won’t change anything”

“Five bits says you’re wrong”

“You’re that sure, huh?”

“Yep” Lyra smiled

“Well. It’s a bet, then. Thanks for making me 10 bits richer” The two ponies laughed.

“As if…”

One week passed. Things remained the same for Vinyl. She had already lost all hope in studying music. The classes were interesting but the teachers acted as if she wasn’t there when she wanted to ask her doubts. Not a word had been spoken between her and Octavia and Lyra was pretty much the only pony she talked to. Feeling lonely wasn’t in her nature but the circumstances were pushing her to it.

“Where are my five bits?” Vinyl asked as soon as she met her friend at their lunch table. The question made her almost spit her food.

“You’re…leaving?” She asked, saddened and gave her 5 coins.

“Yeah, tomorrow I’ll pack my things and leave this place”

“You talked to your parents?”

“They would kill me if they knew. I’m going away tomorrow night. You musn’t tell anypony, okay?” Vinyl explained.

“But—“

“ANYPONY” She repeated. Lyra sighed

“But, Vinyl…”

“Please” Her plea sounded more like a command.

“Okay…” She finally gave in.

Vinyl was about to start eating her lunch but something caught her eye. A pair of shades and a messy mane; those were the first characteristics she noticed on that strange colt. She watched him from across the room.

“Hey, who’s that?” Lyra was focused on her food.

“Hmm? Who’s what?” She mumbled with fruits in her mouth. Vinyl nodded her head, pointing discreetly at him and hoping that her friend would get it.

“Him…you know him?” Lyra followed Vinyl’s eyes and spotted the colt across the room.

“Oh, him! Yeah, I know him. Who doesn’t?” The white unicorn frowned.

“I don’t” She stated. Lyra’s smiled widened.

“Well, you should!” She waved a hoof in the air and shouted “HEY! HEY NEON! COME OVER HERE!” Everypony looked at Lyra, including him.

“What are you doing? Sit down!” Vinyl whispered, embarrassed.

“Hi, Lyra. How’s it going?” Neon greeted.

“Ah, you know…assignments and stress… music… the usual” They both laughed “How about you?”

“Well, I finally convinced the committee to fund a studio exclusively for electronic music” His words caught Vinyl’s attention “It’s being set up at this very moment”

“What did you say?” She jumped. Neon looked at her and smiled. She immediately sat down again and looked away, feeling extremely sheepish.

“I forgot to introduce you two” Lyra giggled “Neon, this is Vinyl Scratch. Vinyl, this is Neon Lights”

“It’s nice to meet you” He smiled again. Vinyl looked at him, with more confidence.

“Likewise”

“Hey Lyra” A young pony walked closer to the group.

“Hey, Pitch. What’s up?” The unicorn greeted her.

“Ms. Lilac wants to have a word with you…”

“Oh, must be important. I’ll be right back” Pitch walked back followed by Lyra.

“So…” Vinyl started once she was left alone with Neon “Were you talking about a studio…for electronic music?”

“Yes, it was necessary. Everypony needs a place to practice and some of us were lacking our own spaces”

“I know how it goes” She muttered, recalling bad memories.

“You do?” He asked with surprise as he sat down in Lyra’s seat “Don’t tell me you…” Vinyl nodded “Really? …Dubstep?”

“Yeah” Vinyl laughed “Well, I try to, but it’s difficult when you have nowhere to play…”

There was a moment of silence a little awkward for Vinyl. She wasn’t shy at all, but it was the first pony that shared exactly the same passion as her. Should she take this as a sign? No. Take it easy. That’s how Vinyl rolled.

“Wanna hang out?” Neon finally said “I have to supervise the setting up of the studio. I’m guessing you would like to see it? … and be the first one to try it, maybe?” Vinyl’s heart almost skipped a beat. She was about to answer, when she spotted Lyra walking to them.

“I’d love to but, I have to say no…for now” Vinyl glanced at her friend and Neon followed her eyes. He immediately understood what she meant.

“I’ll see you soon, then” He smiled and stood up.

“See ya” She answered smiling back.

“Leaving already?” Lyra asked when she met Neon, who was just walking away.

“Yup. Busy day…” He turned to Vinyl. She could see him winking an eye at her behind his shades. Lyra caught that, too and smiled discreetly.

“Have a nice one” She said as she joined her friend. She sat in front of her “Smooth” She commented casually.

“Yeah, he kinda is…” Vinyl mumbled with a smile, still looking at Neon leave the building. It took her half a second to snap out of it “I MEAN--” Lyra started laughing hysterically.

“Somebody has a crush on the cool guy, hmm…?” She teased.

“Knock it off, Lyra. It’s not funny”

“Oh, come on…It’s the first time I’ve seen you truly smile in days” Vinyl didn’t change her dead serious expression “Okay, fine…let’s go. I’ll walk you to your room”

On their way there Lyra couldn’t stop glancing at Vinyl and it was starting to be annoying.

“Alright, Lyra…You want to tell me something, what’s that something?” Lyra hesitated for a second but then she spoke.

“So…about this ‘buck the system, I’m outta here’ attitude of yours…”

“Yes, I’m still going away” She cut her words.

“But, Vynil…”

“It’s already decided”

“Is there anything I can say to stop you?”

“I highly doubt it”

“What about I talk to you about Neon Light’s awesomeness” Vinyl stopped.

“…Seriously? Lyra, that’s low”

“Face it, he is the only one who understands your love for music in this city…”

“So…? I’ve lived all my life without someone who understands me, I can get by” When Lyra played the puppy eyes card, Vinyl laughed “OK, tell me about this guy” The green unicorn smiled widely and started rambling.

“Alright, so…He’s a second year student here. He’s a writer, composer, singer…plays the drums, guitar, bass, keyboard…He is awesome with illumination works and I’ve heard he’s kind of a philoprist” Vinyl looked at her friend, confused.

“He’s a what?”

“You know, one of those ponies who like to help people just because” Lyra explained

“A philanthropist” Vinyl corrected

“Yeah, whatever…I’ve heard he has helped ponies of all ages with their love problems…”

“Uh-huh, yeah... I don’t know, he doesn’t seem like the romantic type”

“Yes, whatever” Lyra unintentionally ignored her “The most recent of those stories is that he wrote this awesome super romantic song for a little guy who had a crush on a filly he was friends with…Pinkie Pie I believe was her name”

*****
Vinyl made a pause in the middle of her story telling, realizing Pinkie’s name had slipped her mouth. Everybody was looking at her now.

“Well yes…” The pink mare commented nervously, her cheeks turning redder and redder “I was serenaded once…by a very close friend of mine” Everypony was expecting some name but she didn’t mention any “It was very beautiful” She smiled, blushing at memories of her younger ears.

“Thank you, Pinkie” Neon smiled.

“But who was him? Do we know him?” Vinyl insisted. At the same second, Twist called Pinkie from the kitchen.

“I need some help with the cakes for Sweetie Belle!” She said, rather distressed.

“Be right back” She disappeared in a second leaving them. Octavia and Vinyl shared curious glances.

“It was a unicorn named Pokey Pierce” Neon explained in whispers “He was one of her first and best friends when she came here. Pokey was my friend too, but we lost contact with the years…he told me everything about his crush on Pinkie and the…relationship they had”

“Really?” Vinyl gasped

“Every single detail” Neon smiled “Sadly, I can’t tell anything further than that. I Pinkie promised”

“We understand” Octavia said.

When Pinkie came back to the table, Vinyl resumed her story

“Well, Lyra was still trying to convince me to stay, but…”

*****

“Vinyl, please consider it. Besides…you’re my friend!” That was a valid argument and Vinyl knew it. She smirked and started walking again.

“It’s not just friendship…I’m losing my freedom here. I need to create. This place drains me. Do you know how long I’ve been without a hint of inspiration?” Lyra shook her head and looked down “I’m sorry, Lyra. I’m going to miss you, but I’m leaving” She entered to her room without looking back and slammed the door.

She had had enough and decided she was leaving that very night.

Once she had everything packed, she waited until Octavia was sleeping and left the room. She sneaked through the hallways and made it to the courtyard. There, she sat for a moment to really consider her decision. There was a big full moon right above. The seal of Nightmare Moon could be seen clearly. A voice from the darkness startled her.

“Shouldn’t you be sleeping?” Neon Lights walked to light. She didn’t answer. She wanted to run away, but Lyra was right. He was the only one who could possibly understand her thoughts.

“I’m not sleepy” She finally said. The colt took off his shades and sat next to her, keeping some distance. He noticed her saddlebag and knew everything.

“You are running away…” He commented.

“Well…”

“Don’t worry, I get it”

“You do?” He just nodded “I know it’s not the bravest thing to do, but there are moments that I just can’t take it anymore…”

“Can I ask you something, Vinyl?” He asked her very softly. The mare looked at him.

“Sure”

“Are you sure this is a good idea” Vinyl looked away and thought about it for a moment

“I know it’s not” She muttered “But I haven’t found another answer to this and it’s about to get the best of me” He sat closer to her and asked again.

“How do you feel right now?” She looked at him. The moon shone through his eyes and it made her feel warm, but she decided to focus in the fact that he was trying to help her.

“Like a misfit”

“I see” He put his shades on her “How about now?” Vinyl looked around and then back at him.

“I have to admit I feel cooler”

“You look great” He smiled at her new friend. He took the shades off and put them on the floor “But you see… You gotta allow the world see the real you first”

“The real me?”

“You haven’t even realized we are together in most of classes, have you? You haven’t opened up to anypony here. Not even your only friend” Vinyl frowned. She was impressed but also a little offended.

“Not true! Lyra knows many things about me”

“Not the important things”

“You don’t know that!” She stood up.

“Prove me wrong, then. Have you ever shown her what you do? What you really like to do?”

Vinyl remained in silence. Damn, he was good. Neon didn’t say a thing after that. He just smiled, satisfied with her silent answer. Then, he opened her saddlebag with his magic.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m trying to know you better”

“Then, bucking ask me things instead of touching my stuff!” She closed the saddlebag and took it away from him. Neon gave in, a little surprised by her reaction.

“I’m sorry” He said “I didn’t mean to invade your privacy” Vinyl sighed tiredly. She knew he was a good guy. He was just trying to help. Maybe she really needed to open up a little. She sat down again.

“I play several instruments” She began. Both of them were looking at the floor “Drums, bass, harmonica…I was learning to play the piano during the period my cutie mark appeared. I actually got it when I sneaked into a club with some friends. The first time I saw a mixer…” Her eyes started to shine with emotion. Neon was immersed in her story “But my parents thought it was all about classic music. They still do. That’s why they threw me here; they found out about my little secret, they don’t consider it music, so we had several arguments last year until we came to an agreement. Now that I’m here I’m not really sure about the true meaning of my cutie mark. I mean, I know it deep inside, but I can’t show it. I’ve just been a year with this information and I still don’t know what to do with it”

“One year only?” Neon asked, legitimately impressed.

“I was a late bloomer” She confessed sheepishly. They both laughed a bit and looked back at the moon.

“It wasn’t that hard, was it?” Neon smiled. The white unicorn had just realized she had told him most of her life in the blink of an eye. She couldn’t believe how light she felt. She looked at him, but he didn’t look back. Maybe he really was a philanthropist “You know what I see? I see an awesome and beautiful young mare, with lots of potential. I see a diamond in the rough. You just need the right push and the glory will be yours”

“Thank you, Neon” She rested her head against him and closed her eyes. If he was impressed then, his amazement was huge now. Nopony had approached to him like this. He wasn’t sure if he felt comfortable with this “Hey, Neon…?” Vinyl spoke again

“Hm?”

“Do you feel like a misfit, sometimes?”

Neon smiled at her.

“You and I are the coolest ponies here, believe me” He started “But among so many other ponies, so different to us…I guess that makes us the underdogs”

“I guess you’re right”

Another moment of silence came. This time it was very comfortable.

“Are you still leaving?” Neon said

“You still have to take me to the new studio” She answered.

“Is that a no?” Vinyl laughed and stood up.

“I gotta go now…”

“Woah, woah” Neon stopped her “You’re still leaving? After all…”

“I gotta go to sleep” She smiled at him.

“Oh…” They both laughed “okay…I guess I gotta go, too”

“Good night” The mare took her saddlebag and walked away.

“Hey, Vinyl?”

“Yeah?” She turned around, still smiling. With the help of his magic, Neon cut a cream-colored flower from a tree and pinned it in Vinyl’s hair.

“Don’t forget what we talked here”

“I don’t believe I can” She admitted. He nodded and they both walked to their respective bedrooms.

Vinyl decided to visit Lyra on her way there. She knocked on her door and soon, the green unicorn opened the door.

“Hey Lyra…I know it’s late but I think this is yours…” She gave her back the five bits of the bet. Lyra’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Does this means…?” Vinyl nodded “You’re staying?”

“Yup. I decided it wasn’t very smart of me”

Lyra hugged her cheerfully.

“I knew you’d come to your senses!” She said, squeezing her.

“Also, I’m sorry I was so rude to you during the afternoon” Vinyl added almost breathless.

“No worries…but I have to ask…what made you change your mind?” Then Lyra noticed the pretty flower in her hair and smiled “Oh…”

“Don’t ask”

“Too late”

“Don’t you dare…”

“Let’s go for a walk, shall we?” Lyra closed the door of her room and dragged Vinyl to the hallway.

“You can’t be serious” Vinyl laughed.

She didn’t know if it was really Neon or what…but it was easier to talk to her friend now. Maybe things were about to change for her, after all.

Author's Note

In my defense, I didn't expect this chapter to be so fluffy.