How I Met Your Lover

A creamy white mare with a fluffy blue and pink mane took center stage as the star of the show and bowed gracefully. The stage lights brightened to reveal the entire cast of the concluded play lined up in front of the bright red curtains. Below was a large ensemble of renowned orchestral musicians that provided the music for the event. Among the artists were two very close friends of the star of this play. A talented and somewhat egotistical young gray mare and a spontaneous lighthearted mint green unicorn put on cheerful smiles as they received their due applause. Once the audience began to leave, a rambunctious white unicorn with a vibrant blue mane jumped up from her seat in the front row and began to make her way towards the stage rather than the exit.

"Finally, I thought it'd never end!" The white unicorn playfully shouted.

"Be nice, Vinyl. Her performance was beyond impressive." The gray mare finished tucking her instrument into its case before wrapping her arms around the unicorn and giving her an inappropriately passionate kiss.

"Get a room kids. And thanks, but I've come to expect better of you at least, Octavia. Come on Lyra, we have some celebrating to do. My first play here in Canterlot went off without a hitch." The excited cream earth pony carefully hopped off the stage to give her marefriend a hoof packing her equipment away.

The gray mare looked over to her prudish friend and winked in an obnoxious manner. Her partner wore wide purple shades along with a bright smile that nearly reflected the snow-white brilliance of her shining coat. She raised her eyebrows and took in the unfamiliar setting of a fancy theater. Not quite her usual event of choice, but she wouldn't have missed Bon Bon's first play for the world. The four mares had all grown to be very close.

The pale green unicorn struggled for a moment before finally removing a peculiar device attached to her front hooves, something a particular fluffy maned mare wouldn't allow her to wear into public.

"Yeah, we need to celebrate Bon Bon's success! I know, let's hit the clubs!" The white unicorn spoke up as she widened her smile and raised a hoof.

The not-so-amused gray mare by her side lowered her eager friend's hoof with a hoof of her own and rolled her eyes. "Really Vinyl, clubs? Why's it always clubs with you? That's hardly appropriate - I think a nice dinner would be much better. My treat, Bon Bon."

"Or, or, or!" The mint green unicorn interrupted, waving a hoof in the air. "We could go to the arcade out back and play some games." She closed her eyes and began rapidly nodding.

The earth pony who wrapped a foreleg around her cheery green lover's neck was not quite so enthused. "As wonderful as that sounds, dear, I think a nice dinner would be lovely."

The four shared a laugh and headed out of the theater into the city towards a high class restaurant. Octavia led the way, determined to ensure that she was in control of the evening's plans. Close behind were Lyra and Bon Bon, walking nearly cheek-to-cheek. Vinyl stayed a few steps behind the cute gray mare, admiring her smooth round plot swaying from side to side as she walked. Octavia looked back over her shoulder with seductive purple eyes to see her marefriend enjoying her finer features, prompting her to further charm the unicorn. She stopped and arched her back while she stretched out and touched her nose to her front hooves. Vinyl was successfully aroused, and trotted up next to the provocative dark maned mare and swatted her flank with her thick neon blue tail.

"Mmm, save it for the bedroom darling." Octavia winked and nipped at her friend's ear.

Lyra and Bon Bon shared a glance and blushed, remembering what it had been like when they were first together. Although Octavia and Vinyl have been friends for several years, they had only recently started dating. The first three days of their relationship had been entirely staged in Vinyl's bedroom, but despite that fact their relationship was much deeper than simple physical attraction. They were nearing their first full month of being together now, and couldn't be happier with one another.

Lyra and Bon Bon had moved back to Canterlot only three weeks ago and were already very adjusted to their new lifestyle. Lyra was the one who had found Octavia and finally convinced her to come out and get some fresh air. After a few hot summer days of binge sex in Vinyl's apartment bedroom (which had poor circulation and even worse air conditioning), the smells were interesting to say the least. The pale green mare recalled stumbling in on her old friends mid-session. After being told Octavia was visiting Vinyl, she had made her way over to introduce her marefriend for the first time. She cheerfully trotted over to the bedroom door and called out, asking if anyone was home. She heard Octavia answer several times with an increasingly loud "yes".

Feeling relieved to have finally found her old friend, she trotted through the door to say hi and give her a hug. She was met with a somewhat confusing sight: Vinyl was laid out on her back and Octavia was sitting snugly on top of her facing the other direction with her face between two white thighs. As the door opened, the gray mare leaned up and immediately locked eyes with Lyra. She didn't say anything, just stared the light green unicorn in the eye with a slight smile as Vinyl brought her to an intense orgasm once again. After several long seconds of trying to control her moans of delight, she sighed and fell over onto the bed. She took a moment to calm her trembling body, then Octavia rolled over to greet her old friend.

"Oh hey there Lyra, when did you get back in town?" she asked casually, as if nothing unusual had just happened and she wasn't still trying to catch her breath.

Before the stunned mint green unicorn could say anything, Vinyl leaned up quickly with a flushed and blushing face, grabbing up a sheet to cover herself with. "Whoa there! Where the hay did you come from Ly?!"

"Ponyville? I was going to introduce you two to someone, but um... Well I'm still going to introduce you. Bon Bon come in here!" Lyra smiled and signaled her lover over.

The prissy mare covered her nose with a hoof and looked disdainfully about herself at the messiness of the home, which was only accentuated by it's stinkiness. Her expression sharpened as she looked over the two sweaty, flushed mares lying in bed, one casually sprawled out as if she hadn't care in the world, the other awkwardly covering herself.

"So much for first impressions - am I right?" Bon Bon lowered her hoof and attempted to adjust to the smell of sweaty sex in the air.

"Right... Well, I wasn't really expecting company any time soon..." Vinyl scratched her mane and stood up to introduce herself properly.

Before that could happen, Lyra took the opportunity to do it for her. "Bon Bon, these two lovermares are my good friends Vinyl and Octavia. Vinyl, Octavia, this is my... uh, what was it again? Oh yeah, my life partner, Bon Bon!"

Bon Bon mustered up a smile. "So nice to meet you both."

Vinyl looked around the room for her goggles but couldn't spot them. So she made eye contact with the seemingly judgmental mare and reached out to shake her hoof.

"Yeah, nice to meet you too. Any friend of Ly's is a friend of mine." She said with an outstretched hoof.

For a moment Bon Bon was captivated by the unicorn's deep red eyes, but soon snapped out of it before touching her dirty hoof. "Please, I hope you understand..." She looked down at the hoof with a crooked smile.

"Right... I wouldn't shake my hoof right now either, good call." She blushed and looked over to Octavia.

The gray mare rolled over on her back and let her head and long dark gray mane hang off the edge of the bed so she was facing Bon Bon upside down. "Pleasure. To meet you, that is. Pleasure to meet you."

"So, how long have you two been with each other anyway?" Lyra couldn't help but ask after seeing her old friends together; she had never imagined Vinyl would prefer the company of mares as well.

They looked at one another with a hint of confusion. "Uh, what day is it?" Vinyl asked with amusement in her eyes.

"It's the fifth..." Bon Bon answered, feeling less than humbled by the two promiscuous mares lying in front of her.

"Then... three days? Right?" Vinyl nudged Octavia, who seemed to be falling asleep. "We haven't been out in a while..."

"Yeah, yeah, three days now. Three days in this room, three days of nonstop action." Octavia rolled back over on her side and locked lips with her lover, then pushed her onto her back and climbed back on top, still aggressively kissing her.

"Well that explains the smell at least. I don't know how you stand it... Lyra, lets go. We'll meet your friends again when they're less... occupied." The uncomfortable mare trotted towards the door.

Lyra took a deep breath through her nose and let out a long exhale. "I don't mind it. It reminds me of when we first got together."

The pale green unicorn turned back around in time to see Octavia kissing down Vinyl's neck and chest. "Hey, come on guys. Let's go do something together so we can catch up and stuff. I missed you both, and you could at least try to make Bon Bon think you're not nasty."

Octavia looked up with a devilish grin and a raised eyebrow. "But I am nasty - isn't that right darling?"

"That's right, you're my nasty little filly aren't you?" Vinyl played along and stuck her tongue out. The teasing gray mare let her tongue hang down and Vinyl was quick to lean up and lick it before engaging in another intense make out session.

"I'll meet you two outside. Please try not to take too long." Lyra giggled and trotted off to catch her more-than-likely discouraged lover. Before long, the two lovebirds had showered up and met their friend downstairs, and together they headed out for lunch.

***

"Here we are then, I thought this place would be perfect. The last time we were all here was the day we met you Bon Bon. So it's special to all of us as a circle of friends." The confident mare proudly pointed out her thoughtfulness.

"This place is wonderful dear, but please, I'd rather not think about the day we met just before eating." Bon Bon laughed as her embarrassed friend lowered her ears.

"If you liked their lunch, you'll love their dinner." Lyra trotted up next to Octavia and smiled at her Bon Bon.

Vinyl nodded and nudged the earth pony towards the entrance. Bon Bon wore a sentimental smile as she looked over her best friends. All were happy to celebrate her night with selfless support, only wanting to ensure she was treated. Lyra was quick to get the door and hold it for her friends, and they all trotted inside the building and were quickly seated, each couple sharing one side of the table. Lyra and Octavia left their instruments at a coat rack near the entrance. It was rather late in the evening so there weren't many ponies out around town or in the restaurant.

The four received their menus and began looking them over.

"Psst, Bonsie, what are you gonna order?" Lyra leaned over to see what her marefriend was looking at.

Bon Bon quickly jerked the menu away and glared at the intrusive unicorn. "I don't know yet, but when I do, you'll be the first to find out. Alright?"

Satisfied with that answer, Lyra returned to her own menu.

"I know what I wanna eat, but it's not on the menu, hmm." Vinyl grinned and looked down between Octavia's legs, who responded with a quiet purr.

Bon Bon dropped her menu and looked at the obnoxious pair with a straight face before finally cracking a smile. "You guys... I swear."

Lyra could hardly contain her laughter, off-color humor being something she seldom got to enjoy with her usually prim partner. Moments later a waitress trotted up to the table with a blatantly forced smile.

"Well hello there ladies, are we ready to order?"

She was quickly answered with a yes and three no's. Lyra looked around at her friends before shrugging at the waitress. "Alright, I'll just give you four a few more minutes then," the busy mare said, already turning to another customer.

"Yes, thank you," Octavia answered for the group. "Now friends, please order whatever you'd like. Price isn't an issue for me," the mare stated smugly.

Bon Bon rolled her eyes, hidden by the menu in front of her face. "You certainly are feeling generous today, aren't you?"

"Tavi's such a sweetie, generosity's her middle name." Vinyl wrapped a foreleg around the slightly blushing mare's neck.

"Tavi? When did you start calling her that?" Lyra sounded unusually serious.

Octavia's eye twitched and she pushed herself lower into her seat before Vinyl answered, "Uh, just now. Why?"

"Oh, it's just... well, when... I..." Lyra nervously tapped the table and glanced over to Bon Bon, who at least made it seem as if she were distracted by the menu. "It's nothing, just wondering was all." She smiled and let it go.

Octavia let out a sigh of relief and sat back up, avoiding eye contact with any of her friends. Both unicorns stared at each other for a few seconds then simultaneously raised their menus to cover their faces. After a few minutes of awkward silence, the waitress returned.

"Are we ready yet, or do we still need more time?"

This time all four mares placed their orders and gave their menus up to the serving mare. Each sipped their drinks and glanced back and forth at one another. They were forced to interact, no longer having anything to hide behind.

"So... What's up with you two?" Vinyl spoke up, looking at Lyra.

"Who? Me and Bon Bon? Nothing! I'm not sure what you mean? We're perfectly happy, look!" The nervous mint-green unicorn smiled widely and wrapped her arms around her stoic marefriend.

The cream colored earth pony twisted her head to look at the dodgy mare. "Lyra, I want to know too. I mean, I know what you've told me already but I think Vinyl and I deserve to know the whole story. We're all adults here, and more importantly we're all friends. And honestly, I'm really tired of all these awkward situations that keep coming up for stupid reasons like Octavia's marefriend calling her a silly nickname. Something like that should never be able to spoil a nice evening like this."

Octavia rested her cheeks on her hooves as she leaned over on the table, trying to work out exactly what to say. Lyra's eyes shifted back and forth apprehensively. She didn't want to say anything that would upset the mare she loved so much, and she knew she would hate to hear about any of Bon Bon's past experiences. But this was different: Octavia was her best friend, and her first lover. It was sometimes a difficult relationship to balance, but usually that fact didn't get in the way of their strong friendship.

"How much do you want to know Bon Bon? Don't expect Lyra to tell you; it'll be too hard for her because that's just who she is. But I'll tell either of you whatever you want to know." Octavia leaned up and looked down at the brightly polished table, catching the subtle reflection of her own purple eyes.

Lyra slouched in her chair and crossed her hooves, and the other two mares looked at one another with a silent mutual understanding. "Tell us everything Octavia. That way we're all on exactly the same page. I've yet to hear about your time in that old music school, and Lyra refuses to talk about it, even in all the years we've been together now."

"Those are days I'd rather forget about too. Not because of my time with Lyra, but because of everything else. Are you sure you want to know everything? Even the... details?"

"Yes, especially the details. Why would you bother to ask that?"

Octavia rolled her eyes. "You asked for it then - remember that later."

Lyra smacked her face with a hoof and sank further into her seat, knowing Bon Bon didn't understand what she meant by details. Vinyl just shrugged; she knew there was no way they could have done even half of what she'd already done with Octavia.

The gray mare calmed herself and closed her eyes, then began to tell her story as she recalled the days of her past.

***

It was long before I met Vinyl, my first day attending Hathmere's School for the Musically Gifted. I had already been playing my cello for several years, but still had a lot to learn, and this was the place to learn from the best. I was nervous, my usual confidence a hollow shell compared to what it normally was. I made my way to the main auditorium in which an assembly of sorts was being held. The superintendent was addressing the students, new arrivals in particular, such as myself. He spoke about many things I didn't understand, mostly about how to apply practical magic to create music.

It was obvious the majority of my classmates were unicorns and they were quick to pick up on the fact that I wasn't. I was the only earth pony in my class and the only other non-unicorns around were a few teachers, none of whom were musicians. It was all rather discouraging, even depressing. I attempted to uphold my composure and present myself respectably, but the weight of being singled out and spending my days alone began to crush my self esteem. Perhaps if my confidence hadn't been so badly shaken I could have made some friends, but it was beyond me at the time. This was a boarding school so I didn't get to see my family til the holidays either, and even they weren't too thrilled to have me around. All they wanted to talk about was how my grades were slipping and my performance wasn't improving. The extended weekend would go by quickly and before I knew it I was back off to the lonely school grounds.

Initially, there wasn't really a problem with being bullied, I was just ignored. That is, until my recital. Each student was to perform an original piece at some point of the school year. I was scheduled to perform early in the year and I felt far from prepared. However, my teachers were quick to reassure me that it wasn't about the skill with which I played, but the way I performed. Not really having a choice, when the day came around I trotted out onto the stage and pulled my instrument out. I had spent hours on end tuning it to precision before the show, and even longer going over and practising the music I had written.

I tightly grabbed my bow with a shaky hoof and set it gently across the strings. I looked out over a sea of unfriendly faces, none of these students wanted to be here. They were being forced to attend and would rather be doing something more productive. They were dead silent, expectations low, and their opinion of me lower. I gulped and tried to calm my breathing. I didn't see them, but I knew my parents were there too, and that if I didn't do well, they'd be furious with me. I closed my eyes and ran my bow across the strings. The deep sound was much louder than I had expected in the large auditorium, startling me into making a mistake almost immediately. I jumped, and my bow brushed across two strings creating a loud, discordant noise.

I couldn't make myself move. I tried to start over and continue playing, but my shaking hoof wouldn't cooperate. My breathing quickened and I felt my pulse in my ears. The longer I stood there being stared at, the more their belittling eyes chipped away at my already fragile self esteem. I heard a few faint laughs and forced coughs. I closed my eyes and swallowed the urge to cry. That'd only give them one more thing to laugh about for the next few months to come. I tried to calm my shaking hooves and put my instrument away, accidentally dropping the bow over my case. More laughter ensued. I threw the strap over my shoulder and hurried off the stage, knowing I was a failure and a disappointment to anyone who had even the slightest bit of faith in me. My parents didn't see me after the horrible embarrassment of a recital, nor did they come get me at the next holiday. I just trotted back towards my room, hoping to Celestia I wouldn't be stopped and berated by any of my teachers on the way.

As I approached my room, there was a mint green unicorn standing in front of my room with a grin. I walked up to her and she didn't move, not that I expected her to. Then for the first time in months, I spoke to another student.

"Excuse me please, I'd like to rest." I nervously looked down and waited, bracing myself for the insults that were sure to come.

The smiling unicorn was quick to respond, surprising me. "So, I saw your performance and I just wanted to say that I get scared sometimes too. It's okay, everyone messes up now and then."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of distrust; I assumed she was leading up to a punchline about me being an earth pony. I expected an "especially if you're an earth pony", or an "unless you're as gifted as a unicorn", or something along those lines. Once again to my surprise, she said something that seemed genuinely friendly.

"Well, anyway, I don't think you have many friends, and honestly I don't either - probably because I'm weird sometimes. But if you want, I'd love to be friends with you. You can find me outside practicing in the garden normally, I like it there. Or I'll be doing my studies in the commons area if it's not too crowded. Well, I hope to see you soon. Bye." The strange unicorn trotted off and looked back several times to see if I was following her.

I took a deep breath and entered my room, thanking my lucky stars that my roommate wasn't there. I quickly set my cello down and paced the room. I wanted more than anything to chase that mare down and be her friend. I wanted to talk to her about everything and anything. I wanted to know her name, her interests, her favorite color, you name it. I was excited, but still had my doubts that she wasn't just trying to play some awful joke on me. Her kindness just seemed so out of the blue.

I decided it was worth a try, the worst that could happen was that I would just be made fun of some more, which would happen eventually anyway. The good definitely outweighed the bad in this situation, so I made my way towards the garden. As I trotted through the halls I was hit with an array of painful slurs and degrading comments. Mostly about how awful earth ponies are and how we have no place in the world of music. I pressed forward, making the exit my goal. I cantered on as fast as I could without making it seem like I was running away, even though that's exactly what I was doing.

I tried not to let it get to me, I had positive motives in mind now: making a new friend. As I pushed through the front doors and let them close behind me, instant relief followed with the silencing of my fellow students. I was alone out there, which was surprising, and very much to my liking. I trotted down a cobblestone path that led to the garden, and soon I passed under the vine covered archway that marked the entrance. In the garden I heard the most awful lyre playing imaginable. Sitting behind a bush was the green unicorn holding a ten string lyre in an aura of magic. She was clumsily attempting to strum the strings while muting others with her hooves. I knew she wasn't faking this as soon as she spotted me and began blushing.

"Oh hey there, you came! I'm glad to see you, even though I admit: I didn't really expect to." She put on her cheerful grin and let her blush fade.

"Yeah, well... I really want a friend." I said and laughed, not really sure how to go about this at all.

"Well, you've come to the right place. My name's Lyra, what's yours?"

"I'm Octavia." I looked down. I wanted to ask her so many things, but couldn't work up the courage to speak again without being spoken to.

Lyra sat there on a park bench in a strange manner, and seeing her like that gave me an idea. I seemed to lose my shyness for a moment as I trotted up to her and thought of a way to help improve her playing.

"Here, try resting it on your thigh here and focus your magic on strumming rather than holding it up. Wrap one leg around it to mute one half, and use the other for this half." I trotted in circles around her as I helped her set up.

She smiled, seeming to appreciate any help she could get, then she tried playing her song again. It sounded a bit better, but still needed serious work.

"Ooh, thanks. I think it sounds better already." She seemed grateful enough.

"Sure, no problem. Why don't you try a four string lyre instead though? It'd probably be easier to get used to," I asked, probably being a bit too condescending for my own good.

She didn't seem to notice. "I actually have a four string already. I love it, she's my baby, wanna see?"

Lyra then pulled a much smaller instrument out from a fold in her lyre case. She levitated it near her face and closed her eyes with a wide smile, then began playing it with amazing fluidity. She plucked and strummed the strings in a delightfully upbeat rhythm, bringing a smile to my face, something I'd been subconsciously longing for. As she continued to play with her magic, she stood up and trotted over to me, placing a hoof around my back.

"Wanna dance?" She boldly asked, considering we'd only just met. Such physical contact hardly seemed appropriate.

I didn't want to risk seeming like I didn't like her though, so I agreed by silently letting her guide me into aimless spins with an arm lying across my back. We span through the garden while she continued to play her instrument. After several minutes, I began to enjoy it, all of it. The look on her face, the cool autumn air in my mane, the falling leaves that seemed to be twirling and dancing with us; even the folksy fast paced music was beginning to sound charming. I loved it. Having a friend was something every pony needed, and having spent so much time without any, I learned to appreciate Lyra for who she was, even if the things she and I enjoyed differed. For instance, spinning through a park didn't exactly tickle my fancy, but I was glad to be sharing a joyous moment with a friend.

Once we stopped, she did a few more rapid strums on her lyre, then bowed. I was impressed. "Wow, you're really good with that little thing."

Lyra covered her mouth with a hoof and chuckled at my statement, and I rolled my eyes.

"You know what I meant. Anyway, I can see why you have a lyre cutie mark, you're really talented with that one."

"Yeah, I love playing my lyres - but that's not what my cutie mark represents. I got this cutie mark when I wrote my first poem. More of an elegy actually. It was a sad occasion, but it brought something very special along with it. The lyre represents my natural talent for writing poetry."

"That's interesting actually: most ponies think my cutie mark represents playing music but it's actually my aptitude for writing and learning it. I got it after writing my first sonata. My dad played the piano while I performed with my cello at my old school, and when the audience were applauding, it just appeared. I know it wasn't the playing that invoked it, it was the fact that I created all the music being played, and I did an excellent job if I do say so myself. I wrote my dad's piano piece as well, and he was never so proud. So I guess we share something in common: writing is our forte."

I smiled at her, knowing we'd made a connection already.

"I like that story, it's sweet. You and your dad must be pretty close then, huh?" She asked innocently, not realizing my situation.

"We used to be," I said, looking down and away, "but those days are long gone. I'm not doing well in this school and that couldn't be more disappointing for my father."

"I'm sorry to hear that, I didn't know..." Lyra seemed to regret having mentioned it.

"That's alright, no big deal. He'll come around eventually right?"

"Right. Hey, I have an idea. Want to write a song together? I can sing it while you play the music, and we can do a dual recital next month." Lyra smiled and widened her eyes, silently pressuring me to agree.

"I... I guess we can try." I wanted to express how much I loved the idea, but decided to stay calm.

Then I headed back to Lyra's room and we started our new project.

***

"And that's how it all got started." Octavia smiled and looked over to Lyra, who was blushing while recalling everything in vivid detail.

Bon Bon had a soft smile, enjoying the sweet story of how her lover saved a mare from loneliness. She reached down and squeezed the kind green unicorn's hoof with her own. Vinyl didn't seem too interested in the sappy story about how her marefriend had fallen for someone else way back in the day.

Just as Octavia was about to continue, the waitress returned with four large plates of food.

"Here you all are - enjoy. If you need anything let me know." She then trotted off to another table to serve a lone stallion.

The four dug in, they were all hungry after a long night and didn't hold back. Lyra managed to be adorable as she levitated some of her own food on a fork over to her smiling marefried's mouth. Bon Bon smiled and bit the still steaming carrot right off the fork.

"Hot!" She began to pant for a moment, then swallowed.

The other mares giggled and made her blush. Surprisingly enough, they were all still very enthused despite Octavia's story. After a few minutes of discussing the quality of their meals, Octavia brought back up the matter of their past.

She began to speak while twirling a long strand of seaweed up in her fork. "So anyway, where was I? Oh yes, Lyra and I went on to write a beautiful song and we performed it well, finally earning some respect from our peers. Maybe we can play for you two later."

Lyra looked shocked by the suggestion. She began shaking her head rapidly and frowned. "I don't really like singing anymore, you know?"

"Nonsense, you're an amazing singer, and you'll sing me your song later." Bon Bon commanded with a stern nod.

"Thanks a lot Tavi..." The slightly irritated unicorn looked over at the imposing earth pony with a glare that quickly turned into a smile.

Octavia looked down and shied away, not sure if she was okay with that old nickname.

Vinyl spoke up with a wide grin. "So are you gonna tell us the rest of the story or what? I've yet to hear any of the details you promised."

The gray mare smiled and cuddled up to her supportive partner, resting her head on her shoulder. "So, you guys want to hear the rest? You're sure?"

They each nodded as Lyra nervously poked and prodded at her food.

"Very well then. After the performance, Lyra and I became closer than ever. We spent almost all of our time writing and playing music together. After a couple months, eventually we fell into a routine that allowed us to maximize our time spent together, and then... we fell in love." Octavia wrapped her arm around Vinyl and squeezed her tightly, hoping she wouldn't be bothered by the story, even though it wouldn't show outside her strong walls.

Lyra looked over to Bon Bon who seemed to be hiding any emotions she might be feeling. She simply continued to take bite after bite of her salad while listening closely to everything the mare had to say as she stared into her alluring purple eyes.

***

As the sun rose each day, I eagerly climbed out of bed to prepare for the day ahead. I was always excited about it, quite the opposite from the way I once was. I had a reason to get out bed now: her. Everyday we spent together was always enjoyable, and we were nearly inseparable as we trotted from class to class. When we had to go to different classrooms, we were nearly always late due to the unnecessarily long hugs we shared before parting. I think at that point, we were already deeply in love. We simply didn't understand it yet. Every second we spent apart created an empty pit in my stomach that could only be healed by her smile. The nights were the most difficult to endure; I longed to spend a night with her more than I could ever begin to explain. Just the thought of holding her in my arms while I laid in the warmth of bed filled my heart with a sickly sweet mixture of joy and depression. I knew it couldn't happen, no one was allowed to leave the rooms after hours, and she was too far away for me to sneak all the way to her room. Not to mention her roommate was a good for nothing nark. It looked like I'd be spending my nights without her, and only my thoughts of the day to come could keep me sane as I watched the moon coldly stare at me through the blinds. I'd always fall asleep late, and every night I'd dream of her.

One morning, I woke up with a brilliant idea. More quickly than usual, I jumped out of bed and rushed to Lyra to share my idea. She seemed to think it was as amazing as I did and clearly appreciated my ingenuity. It was so simple, the solution to my lonely nights. Little did I know, I was about to change my own life in a way I never expected. Lyra and I quickly approached the superintendent to give him our simple request.

"Sir, I'd like to request a room transfer. Lyra and I are currently working on several collaborative projects and the long distance between rooms is weighing on our results. With the deadlines quickly approaching, I think it would be in our best interests to share a room so that all our materials and plans will always be in one spot. This will save us a large amount of time and our efforts will be more concentrated on the projects rather than plans to meet up and work." I took a deep breath after speaking, hoping I had made my point well.

"That sounds perfectly reasonable. I'll look a few things over and if it all checks out, I'll start the paperwork today. I'll let you know after your last period if I have approved it or not, and you can start moving your things then."

I felt confident that this would work. Sure enough, after last period I received a note from the hall monitor informing me that I would be able to begin the move that day. I pressed the note tightly against my chest and jumped up with a squeak of joy. The move was easy, as I didn't own anything other than my cello and bedding, along with some school supplies. After packing up what I had in a single box, I began pushing it out into the hallway. It didn't move as easily as I had hoped, and Lyra was still with her voice coach so she couldn't help me. I could have waited for her, but I wanted to surprise her. Just then the superintendent came trotting down the hallway, he spotted me and laughed to himself.

"Need a hoof little one?" I nodded and he lifted the box up easily in an aura of magic.

"Thank you sir, I'd have struggled for far too long on my own with that."

"No need for thanks, I understand it's sometimes extra difficult for you to do simple tasks like this, being an earth pony."

"It is indeed. Thanks for you help anyway though."

I glared off towards the floor, swallowing my resentment towards the statement, simply because he had done me a great kindness. It didn't take too long before we reached the room, where Lyra's roommate was very busy levitating her triangle in the air and beating it mindlessly with a small metal rod.

"Please stop that, it's just awful." I couldn't help but release some of my pent up spitefulness.

"Ahem, yes, well... Goldenseed was it? I hope you enjoy your new roommate, and I'm sorry to have to move you like this, but Octavia made her point and it seems essential," the large old stallion said to the yellow mare poorly wielding her instrument.

I just smiled and waved her off as she lifted her already packed bags out of the room and trotted off with the stallion. I looked over to Lyra's bed - it was unmade and the sheets were hardly on it at all. I pressed my face against her pillow and took in her familiar scent. I missed her. I unpacked my box and made the other bed in the room with my freshly washed bedding. It felt so much better to lay in this bed. She'd arrive any second and the anticipation was killing me. I closed my eyes and tried to understand what I was feeling, picturing her face as I did so. Her eyes and smile filled my chest with an explosion of bliss. Just then, Lyra opened the door. She stood there with the brightest smile I'd ever seen.

"It worked. I can't believe it." She spoke, her voice soft and gracing my ears with its soothing warmth.

Her eyes met mine and she slowly trotted towards me after shutting the door. I hoped with every ounce of my will that she was going to hug me, maybe even kiss me. That's when it hit me like a bale of hay. I was in love. As soon as she reached me, I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed her as tightly as I could.

"I missed you," I said affectionately.

"I missed you too." She spoke calmly, and I could tell by that fact alone that something was on her mind.

"What are you thinking about?" I asked.

"Nothing. You?" Not the answer I had hoped for, but I couldn't tell her what was on my mind, even though I wanted nothing more at that moment.

I swallowed my fears, buried the bad scenarios running through my mind, and told her what I had to say. It was now, or never.

"Lyra, do you really want to know what's on my mind?" I rhetorically asked, not sure what she'd answer.

She just looked at me with wide eyes, probably assuming I'd tell her anyway. "You, Lyra, you're on my mind. You're always on my mind no matter what I'm doing or where I am. If I'm not right here spending my time with you, that's all I'm thinking about doing. When I write these songs, you're my inspiration, when I play my cello in front of the entire school, your opinion of me is the only one that matters. Lyra, I love you. These past two months have been the most amazing days of my life, and it's all because of you."

My heart was racing, my mind was running even faster. I couldn't read her eyes, and her smile was painfully absent. A thousand words filled my mouth and attempted to escape. I wanted to tell her I was sorry and I didn't mean it: I hoped only to salvage this friendship if the feeling wasn't mutual. I couldn't breathe, I needed a response from her. Anything would do, just a simple indication of her emotions.

"Well? You have nothing to say?" I looked down at the floor, and waited.

"I feel the same way, Octavia. I... I think I love you too."

A tidal wave of relief hit me, and I felt my heart start beating again as I let out a long overdue breath. What she said next brought me to tears. I'd never felt more important, or more loved in my entire life. Nothing in the would could ever compare. She broke my heart, and rebuilt it around her own.

Lyra looked into my eyes and smiled again, a sign that she was level headed. "I just wanted to say thanks for what you have given me. Before I found you I was always alone and I hated it. You're the only pony I've met that can stand to be around me for extended periods of time.Thanks for this new life and these new feelings, and all this happiness and love I'm enjoying. You're my best friend and I want you to be so much more than that. If you didn't get this room I was going to ask you to run away with me just so we wouldn't have to be apart ever again. Being with you isn't about not being alone anymore, I'd rather spend a thousand years on the moon than another night without you."

I knew exactly what she meant. At first spending time with Lyra was just because I didn't want to be alone, but now it was because I didn't want to be apart from her. Nothing could replace the feeling of having her near. The fact that she felt the same way took my breath away: it was a dream come true. I had literally dreamed about this happening several times, and now it was real. Feeling bold, I stood up and trotted over to the gorgeous green unicorn. I wondered how obvious my intentions were as I reached around her neck and pulled her into a kiss. She offered no resistance as our lips met. A veil of bliss fell over my mind and the world began to spin. Her warmth was fuel for my throbbing heart, her lips soothing and soft...

...

I parted my lips a bit more and felt her curious tongue slipping its way into my mouth. I welcomed it with a gentle massage as I walked backwards until I fell over onto the freshly made bed, pulling this amazing pony down on top of myself. Our kiss only broke for a moment, long enough for Lyra to tell me she loved me, then we reconnected. Her aggressive tongue explored every inch of my mouth as I ran my hooves down her sides.

I didn't know what I was doing, it was all instinct. I had no experience and everything was happening so fast. All I knew for certain was that I wanted it, and badly. I had imagined this several times, although none of the scenarios I had come up with helped prepare me for the real thing. What mattered most was I knew Lyra wouldn't care if I did something wrong or strangely: I could be myself around her, even when that meant I was clueless. The feeling of her warm body pressed up against mine was causing my head to spin, and I wanted her in a way I couldn't understand. I just wanted her to take things faster, and I was beginning to feel like I had to take them there myself. With a deep breath, I let my body take control. I pushed her over on her back and climbed on top. She smiled and opened her eyes, I couldn't have stopped myself at this point even if I had wanted to. I leaned down and bit her neck as I placed my hoof between her legs. If she was anything like me, I knew exactly how to pleasure her this way. I bit down harder and ran my hoof further down between her legs, wetting my forearm. As I continued rubbing her and biting her neck, I began to feel her pushing herself up into my hoof. I pressed harder and faster, imagining just how I'd feel at this point if I were doing it to myself. She seemed to love it, her eyes were closed and her light moans urged me to rub faster. I kissed her, forcing my tongue into her mouth as she began to tremble beneath my vigorously rubbing hoof. I can only assume she had an orgasm at that point, then I felt a hoof pressing my head down. I nervously let her guide me, I kissed down her neck and chest while she lowered my head to her stomach. I reveled in the soothing warmth radiating off her soft belly. With a final nudge, my cheeks were touching the insides of her thighs.

I took another deep breath to calm myself. Then I stuck my tongue out to give her what I knew she wanted. With a long lick up the center I enjoyed my first taste of another mare. I loved it: it was divine, and her already wet lips offered the most delectable sensation my tongue had ever had the pleasure of greeting. I wanted more, so I began to lick her greedily, almost ravenously. I looked down to see the widely spread lips hugging each side of my tongue, a hint of moist pink flesh present beneath. I felt her hooves resting softly across my shoulders, another enjoyable sensation. I pressed my tongue against her lips harder, hoping to explore every sweet taste she had to offer. With another rough lick, I felt my tongue slide deep inside of her. Judging by the sounds of her moans, she was enjoying nearly as much as I was. I forced my tongue as far in as possible, licking around the sides and allowing my teeth to grind against her clit.

She screamed. "Oh wow... Don't stop Tavi, don't stop!"

Suddenly I felt her jerk back and she squeezed my tongue tightly, then a small trickle of liquid graced my senses as it dripped off my tongue and down my chin. I quickly gave her another wide lick straight up the center of her legs to taste as much of her sweet orgasmic fluids as possible.

I caught my breath while she panted, then she spoke. "Tavi, that felt great... I, I really liked it."

I laughed a bit. "I could tell." Then I crawled back up to meet her eyes.

She smiled and I winked, then we shared another deep kiss. I was surprised Lyra wanted to do that considering what I had just done, but I loved it. Something about the thought of her tasting herself brought me indescribable pleasure. Lyra's hoof made it's way back between my legs. I welcomed it with a forceful thrust and rocked my hips back and forth, soaking her forearm. Then she rolled me over back onto the bed and climbed on top. After another few minutes of kissing, she sat down between my legs. Her horn lit up and a small aura of magic pressed against me in between my legs. It warmed up and created a very pleasurable vibrating sensation. Lyra then lifted my back hooves up and licked each one. Holding them both between her own hooves, she closed my legs on the aura, which continued working just the same. She then went on to kiss my legs and work her way back down to my hooves. I felt chills creep up my spine as she nibbled on them and stroked my legs. It didn't take long for her magic to bring me to an orgasm. I was much faster to come to one than she was, which was a bit embarrassing at first, but that was quickly washed away when she placed her tongue against my already wet and pulsing crotch. I didn't expect it, but it felt amazing. I heard myself gasp loudly and placed a hoof to my mouth. As she attacked my soaking lips with her tongue I continued to grow increasingly loud. I felt every inch of my body begin to tingle as she bit down on me and pulled my skin lightly between her teeth, and suddenly I came again. This time it was more intense, I felt my entire body trembling and writhing beneath her tongue. I screamed out in ecstasy and wrapped my legs around her head.

After several minutes of calming myself down, I was met with another kiss. I could taste myself on her lips and wanted more. If only it could have lasted forever. I held onto her and pressed my head into her chest, I was still breathing heavily and now felt very tired. I felt her pull the blanket over us with her magic and her hooves wrapped around me. I'd never been so warm and comfortable in all my life, and sleep never came so easily.

***

Octavia hadn't realized she was silently staring into that unicorn's deep golden yellow eyes and had stopped talking several minutes ago. Her friends weren't sure what to make of it.

Vinyl grew impatient. "Well? Lyra kissed you and it was great, then what? You promised details remember," the perverse unicorn said with a smile.

The gray mare snapped out of her trance. "Sorry dear, I know what I said but I don't think it's a good idea to... Well, forget I said that."

Bon Bon spoke up. "So what happened next then?"

Octavia's purple eyes met the blue ones curiously staring back at her. "We grew closer and fell deeper into love as the months turned to years. Then, eventually we... Well we grew apart... For better or worse, I'll never be sure. All I do know is that I'll never regret a moment I spent with her, they were some of the best years of my life." Octavia looked over to Lyra, who was staring down at her food with a crooked frown. She knew Lyra had recalled the same scene she just did.

Bon Bon blushed and let out a light cough with a painful lump in her throat. "Well Octavia, that was... Something. I didn't expect you to tell me all that, but I understand if you think it was necessary."

Vinyl adjusted her glasses and sniffed. "So why'd you two split up?"

Lyra quickly stood up and tapped her plate with her fork. "Well guys, it's getting late. We should probably all head out right? Octavia, I insist that I help pay the bill, I want to treat Bon Bon as well. Now let's go work out how we're going to split it up." She cringed at her own words.

Bon Bon raised an eyebrow as she watched the clearly upset unicorn trot around the table and pull a confused gray mare outside. "Don't worry about her, she gets worked up pretty easily."

Vinyl raised her glasses and wiped her eyes. "Well that makes two of us. I didn't think it'd be so hard for me to sit here and listen to that story. I mean, the sexual details would have been a turn on, but hearing about how in love they were just... It just hurts." She lowered her glasses back down. "How are you so okay with it?"

"Honestly, it was hard on me too, I don't know why I pressured her into talking about it in the first place. It's not like it changes anything. We still don't know about her being called Tavi or anything else like that. I regret it, I'm just trying not to let it ruin the night." The strong mare took the last bite of her salad and threw on a smile.

"I guess I'm just not as easy going as I thought I was, at least not when it comes to her. What do you think they're talking about right now anyway?" Vinyl looked over her shoulder to try and see.

"Lyra's probably just telling her what she can or can't say about certain instances of their relationship." She placidly took another drink after letting out a sigh.

"And you're okay with that?" The somewhat confused unicorn raised an eyebrow.

"I don't really have a choice do I? Well, I suppose I always have a choice: I could get into a fight with her and force her to tell me everything that I really don't want to know, or I could just let it go. It's an easy decision if you think about it." The trusting mare stared down into her drink, watching the ice shift as it melted.

"I just don't think the one you love should have anything to hide from you. Sorry Bon, but I just can't let it go so easily." The unicorn plopped her cheek down on her hoof and looked off to one side.

Bon Bon stood up and trotted around the table to the sulking unicorn, she placed her hoof on her shoulder and looked through her glasses into her eyes. Vinyl lifted them to make eye contact, deep red eyes meeting bright  blue ones. "Come on and cheer up dear, you just need to have a little faith and trust that they'll tell us everything when they're comfortable with it. Octavia is a wonderful mare and an amazing friend, she's definitely someone you can trust. I've only known her a short time but I've grown to care for her as if she were my own sister."

Vinyl looked down and thought for a moment, realizing everything her friend had told her. "You're right, she's a great friend, the best friend I've ever had. She isn't always the most reassuring pony in the world though, especially since we're in a relationship now. So thanks for that, I needed it." Bon Bon then gave the grateful unicorn a gentle kiss on the nose, causing her to blush.

Suddenly an angry gray mare stormed back inside followed by an apologetic unicorn. "What? I said I was sorry."

Octavia glared over her shoulder and made her way to the table. "Bon Bon, this was a lovely dinner and once again, congratulations on your success. I hope to see you again soon, perhaps tomorrow before your lazy marefriend crawls out of bed, we can get breakfast and talk about a few things. Vinyl, lets go." She dropped a bag of bits on the table and trotted past Lyra with her nose in the air.

"Wait, Octavia, you can't just go after saying... what you just said out there. Come on!" Lyra nervously stomped the floor and glanced over to Bon Bon, wishing she'd just cover her ears for a moment. Knowing her chance to salvage a normal relationship with her ex-lover was coming to an end, she went out on a limb. "I lied!"

The gray mare stopped in her tracks mid-step. Lyra covered her mouth and Bon Bon looked over at her, confused. A stallion sitting at a table across the diner sat his newspaper down and glared at them.

"You... what?" Octavia turned around and lowered her eyebrows.

The distraught green mare nervously shuffled her hooves and looked at the cream colored mare she loved. A cruel ultimatum hung over her shoulders. She had to come out and say it; she knew she would regret it, but she couldn't keep it inside forever.

Octavia reiterated. "You what?! Speak, Lyra!"

"Can we talk about this later?" The nervously shaking unicorn asked, nodding her head towards Bon Bon.

The gray mare looked as if she were about to explode: she ground her teeth before turning and angrily gallopping out the door, Vinyl shrugged and cantered out behind her. Bon Bon looked over at the teary-eyed green unicorn next to her who stood still as her best friend trotted away, possibly out of her life forever.

"Lyra, you need to tell me what's got you so worked up. Trust me: no matter what you have to say, I'll be supportive of you. I love you and nothing will ever change that. Look at how I handled the story Octavia just told me - I won't let anything come between us. What lengths must I go to prove it to you?" The encouraging mare pressed her cheek up against her troubled lover's face.

"I know you love me Bonsie..." Lyra lowered her eyes to the floor as the tears managed to escape.

***

Octavia trotted into the middle of the dimly lit empty street and stared up to the sky. Traces of the moon shone through the thin veil of clouds overhead.

Vinyl slowly walked up behind her to comfort the struggling mare. "You okay? I'm sorry about this, we shouldn't have pressured you into talking about something you didn't want to."

The earth pony remained silent and stared into the sky with her deep purple eyes. The unicorn then placed a hoof on her shoulder and turned to face her. Her eyes were wide and full of tears.

"You still love her don't you..." The pained unicorn stepped back and turned away.

"I don't know..." Octavia wiped her teary eyes with a forearm.