Kiss Me Deadly

Chapters

Echo
Conflict
Shame

Echo

A gentle, wafting echo of soft hums danced idly along the walls before finally piercing a warm embrace, a certain, shifting mass groaning as consciousness finally overtook peaceful slumber. Clear, amethyst eyes blinked open, a wild nest of raven locks tangled carelessly around a sleep-creased forehead, cascading wisps clinging to hunched shoulders. Thick lashes fluttered as a wide yawn overtook perfect full lips, the piercing gaze momentarily falling shut as sensitive ears strained to focus on the shifting sounds.

Octavia sighed gently before burrowing further in the covers, a late fall chill rapping gently against her comforting cocoon. Sneaking a hand downward, the raven-haired woman grinned slightly as her tingling fingers met with the warmed sheets beside her. Smiling, the groggy player cast her eyes to the tussled side of the massive bed, expressive eyebrows drawing high on the olive forehead. Sliding the mass of blankets from her naked flesh, the cellist stretched, grimacing at a crippling tension in her shoulder, warm eyes instantly falling to the permanent bump on her bare joint.

Those same amethyst eyes casually drifted downward to study the blissful jockey, the talented fingers of the pianist dancing idly over a bare hip, a devious smile tugging at the intoxicating lips. Wide, playful eyes glanced up to the elated cellist, a bright smile lighting the spinner's relaxed features as her fingers traced the naked flesh beside her, hands idly sliding over the flat stomach of her current companion. Dropping a lingering kiss to the lavender clef, Vinyl kicked the blankets off the bed and shifted to support herself on an elbow.

"Good morning, Octavia. I'm sorry that I woke you."

Shaking her head, the cellist grinned before pushing up from the bed, nimble fingers gliding easily across the expensive silk sheets. Approaching the patiently hovering jockey, Octavia breathed out a small laugh, fingers lifting to slowly comb through the wild blue hair. Leaning into the player's offered warmth, Vinyl hummed, eyes slipping closed as her free hand crept across the burning skin of her cellist, stopping to settle high on the shuddering ribs. Gasping slightly, Octavia groaned and curled into the spinner, arms wrapping around the woman's neck before falling backward, pulling the player down to settle comfortably atop her bare flesh. Almost purring with satisfactory bliss, Octavia pulled Vinyl down for a long, satisfying taste, finally breaking the embrace to grin up at the flushed musician.

"How long have you been awake?"

"A few hours now?"

Frowning, the cellist detangled from her lover, amethyst eyes curious as she peered up into the glaringly exhausted face. Souring, the dark-haired musician cast her eyes to the bitter, gray morning, intense orbs flicking over to focus on the clock just beside their bed.

"Vinyl, it's just passed seven. Couldn't you sleep?"

Smiling deviously, the jockey ran a trembling hand through her hair before pursing the pale lips.

"I did. Dreamt, even. And then I woke up to something better, so here I've been."

Ignoring the growing smirk, Octavia curled her arms around the player's neck and nuzzled the jockey's jaw, elated when the pulse beneath her lips almost doubled in speed.

"You should have woken me sooner, Vinyl."

Tangling her fingers in the soft, short hairs at the base of a pale neck, Octavia trailed light kisses along the woman's neck and face, pausing only to drop a meaningful kiss to the trembling lips, pulling away just enough to study the relaxed expression. Again running her hands through the wild hair, Octavia studied the closed eyes, her own softening.

"Vinyl... about last night, I--"

Red eyes opened, stealing the words from her very soul as Vinyl smiled down at her.

"Last night was one of the most heart-stopping moments of my entire life, I hope you had the same experience."

Ruby eyes scorched a fiery trail across the cellist's exposure, the hands covering perfect hips flexing tightly. Accepting the answer, Octavia leaned upward, catching the DJ in a powerful, lingering kiss. Vinyl retreated after a moment, her eyes curiously scanning the blissfully happy face of her cellist. Running her hands further over the soft skin, Vinyl purred as she dropped her head to nuzzle the woman's neck groaning at the soft whimper escaping the woman in her arms.

"How's the shoulder after last night?"

Flushing, the cellist shied from the heated embrace to lock eyes with the other woman. Silence passed for a moment, an increasingly sad smile curling the spinner's lips.

"Sit. I'll get you some meds."

Placing a quick kiss on the cellist's shoulder, Vinyl removed her hands from the intoxicating skin and moved to slide from the rumpled sheets, only to be stopped by an arm tugging her backward. Moving easily with the pressure, the grinning player crawled back to the blushing cellist, a dazzling smile curling perfect lips.

"Yes, m'lady?"

"Stay with me?"

Chuckling, Vinyl nodded and settled in beside her lover, propped up on an elbow as garnet orbs purposefully scanned the bare expanse of the cellist. A dark blush colored olive cheeks, desperate hands curling around the DJ, the cellist turning to her side as Octavia buried her heated face in the DJ's shoulder. Suppressing a devilish chuckle, Vinyl smoothed her palms down the woman's exposed side, gaze stopping above the lavender clef. Running her thumb across the mark, she reveled in the gooseflesh that prickled flawless skin, her lips itching to caress the newly discovered secret.

Gently pushing the cellist to lie on her back, Vinyl grinned and moved to crawl over the dark-haired player, eyes shining down at the flushed player as she lay, arms folded across her bare chest in adoring modesty. Mouth curling into a satisfied smile, Vinyl dropped her lips downward, peppering soft pecks on the large note. Murmuring against the quivering hips, burning red eyes lifted to shock the strings player, smiling at a darker blush crawling up the pale throat.

"I always knew your mark was going to be purple, Tav."

Ignoring the burning heat in her cheeks, Octavia lifted an arm to tangle her fingers in the short hairs at the base of the jockey's neck, gently tugging her upward to place a sweet kiss on the playful lips. A brutal knock suddenly shook through the apartment, almost sparking the two women apart. Smiling, Vinyl ignored the pounding and leaned down for another kiss, blinking when a firm hand to the chest ceased the movement. Lifting her eyes to worried mulberry, Vinyl smirked before again reaching for a kiss. Octavia slid backward, fingers flexing against the spinner's pale chest.

"Vinyl."

Sighing, the jockey dropped her body to the blue silk before rolling to her feet and stretched, eventually heading toward the bedroom door. A bereaved whine from the cellist stilled her movement, humored red eyes skipping over to look curiously at the burning face of her lover.

"Vinyl!!"

Snorting out a laugh, Vinyl pointed an accusatory finger to the cellist as she sat up in the bed, sheets pressed tightly to her bare chest, the fiery blush crawling down the player's neck and shoulders.

"Modesty will get you nowhere, sweetheart."

Vinyl deftly approached her closet, casting a devious wink to the newly-modest cellist before disappearing for a moment, finally emerging in simple lounge pants and an electric blue sports bra. The knocking resumed once more, almost rattling the door in its housing as Vinyl tugged open the bedroom door and slammed it behind her, feet quickly taking her toward the rarely locked front door. Sliding free the chain and undoing the tumbler, Vinyl swung open the door, her wide eyes finally landing on a nervous business man, a dusky blush coloring his pale face at the jockey's attire.

"Yeah, can I help you?"

The man warily eyed the stoic player, trembling fingers tightening on the leather handle to the briefcase he carried.

"I'm looking for o-one Octavia Melody."

"Who are you and what's your business with Miss Melody?"

The man soured, face twitching into blatant annoyance before crumbling into a nervous half-smile.

"Please, I merely n-need to see M-Miss Melody for a moment!"

"I don't know who you--"

A soft hand to her lower back stilled the venomous words, red eyes falling to slits as she stared at the man. Octavia peered around the spinner, a disarming smile framing the calm face.

"Vinyl, love, there's no need to scare the poor man. Hello, Def."

The man gripped tightly to his tie knot, face instantly falling into palpable relief.

"Oh, Miss Octavia! Thank goodness!"

The suited man fumbled with his briefcase, quickly dropping to one knee as he retrieved the correct bundle of papers before standing once more, offering the packet with a small smile.

"These are for you."

Accepting the papers, Octavia folded them under her arm and nodded to the man, the same smile plastered on her lips.

"Thank you, Counselor."

Def bowed low before straightening, his eyes briefly landing on the half-dressed jockey before another blush colored his cheeks. Raising wide eyes to the spinner, he stood for a moment before practically sprinting down the hall. Chuckling, Vinyl closed the door and turned, watching as the cellist tossed the packet of papers on the coffee table before heading to the kitchen. Confused, Vinyl stepped into the apartment, hands lifting to her hips.

"Aren't you even going to look at what that is?"

Defeated, the cellist placed her hands on the counter, mulberry eyes converging on the DJ.

"Well, Def is one of my mother's lawyer's lackeys, so I can only imagine it's terrible news."

Interest piqued, Vinyl moved to gather the papers, garnet eyes carefully scanning the many pages as she looked over the carefully printed words.

"It looks like a will."

A heavy sigh greeted the spinner as a response, the raven-haired player skirting around the counter to approach the woman. Carefully extracting the packet, Octavia flipped to the final page and briefly closed her eyes before offering the document to Vinyl.

"The final page hasn't been notarized. This is basically a precursor of what's to come should I choose to continue my relationship with you."

Octavia slapped the bundle closed and again tossed it on the table before returning to the kitchen, absently floating around the room to prepare for her morning tea. Vinyl remained, hovering uncomfortably beside the table, red eyes staring hard at the taunting pamphlet. Tearing her eyes from the document, Vinyl studied the subdued cellist, blue eyebrows drawing as she carefully looked over the hunched shoulders of her companion. With a sharp inhale, Vinyl took the few steps toward the kitchen, stopping briefly at the helm to lean against the entryway.

"Tav?"
Humming as a response, Octavia perched on the counter, casually biting into an apple as her gaze refused to waver from the silent kettle. Curling her hands into fists, Vinyl lurched forward, pausing before the cellist before nudging her knees apart to stand just before the player, fingers curling softly into the gray flannels of the musician.

"Octavia?"

Subdued amethyst met soulful garnet, a tense smile curling the former's face in reflex. Vinyl passed her hands over the woman's, lashes fluttering as a chill thundered down her spine.

"Octavia, are you sure about this? I mean, really sure?"

The pensive cellist locked eyes with her lover, fingers rising to tangle gently in the sleep-tousled blue locks, a tentative smile twitching beautiful lips.

"I'm very sure, Vinyl. I told you before that I was more than willing to do anything to have you, and even more to keep you. Last night solidified that for me."

Vinyl scrunched her brows, eyes blinking closed.

"Yeah, but Tav... you're practically giving up family for--"

"No."

Octavia trickled her fingers through the choppy hair, eyes glistening with unshed tears as she waited for the piercing red gaze to focus. Pulling her in for a long, steady kiss, Octavia retreated just slightly away, forehead gently brushing Vinyl's.

"I'm not giving up family, I'm gaining it. My mother and I have been at odds for quite a number of years, and if she should so choose to write me out of her will, then so be it. I will not be bullied into submission."

Vinyl shook her head, gently stepping out of the soothing grasp.

"And you're sure I'm worth the abandonment and the cold shoulder-ing your mom's been giving you? We've only just gotten together, and she's threatened both of us multiple times. I don't want to be the thing to break your family."

Stubbornly ignoring the tears that escaped thick lashes, Octavia drew the jockey inward, lips finding Vinyl's with practiced ease as she poured all she had into the fiery kiss. Finally breaking contact, Octavia nuzzled the jockey's cheek, a heartfelt smile spreading across her face.

"Vinyl Scratch, you needn't worry about that. You're all I could ever want in a person, regardless if you're a man or a woman. My mother is the least of my concerns; I only care about you and us and how madly I adore everything about you."

Vinyl smiled ruefully, glistening carmine eyes falling closed.

"I love you, Miss Priss."

Stifling a chuckle, Octavia again kissed her DJ before peeking over the woman's shoulder, a playful giggle bubbling free of her chest. Turning, the jockey smiled as well before moving forward, turning off the flame beneath the screaming kettle before pinning the woman with an amused smile. The sudden influx of soothing music caught the jockey by surprise, interested crimson eyes turning to stare at the cellist's phone. Squirming free of her lover, Octavia lowered herself to the tiled floor before scooping up her cellphone, answering it with minimalistic flare.

"Yes, hello?"

"Good morning, Octavia. How are you doing today?"

Smiling, the cellist absently flexed her stiff arm, a warmth flooding her at the soothing voice.

"I'm fine, daddy. Stiff today, but none too severe. To what do I owe so early a pleasure?"

"Business, angel. Are you free for breakfast?"

Twirling a lock of her dark hair, Octavia cast a questioning look to the pianist as she leaned against the wall, abdominals twitching as she suppressed a chuckle. Vinyl merely waved a hand, carmine eyes igniting with peaceful admiring for her cellist. Passing an elated grin to the two-tone spinner, Octavia cast her gaze out the window, eyes aimlessly scanning the gray morning.

"Yes, daddy, I am. If you'd like, I can be ready within the hour."

"Marvelous, pumpkin. I'll have Martin fetch you around 8 o'clock. I love you, I'll see you soon."

A dazzling smile lit the player's face as she ended the call, carefully spinning to regard her waiting companion.

"Vinyl, darling, daddy requested we meet for breakfast. I assume it has something to do with my mother... is that all right?"

Sighing dramatically, Vinyl drummed her fingers on her chin before smirking and pushed up from the wall, slowly descending upon the woman.

"I suppose I could let you out of our love nest for a bit, but I do expect you back shortly."

Fighting to keep the blush off her cheeks, Octavia playfully smacked the jockey's bare stomach, an embarrassed chuckle flittering from the player as she headed toward the bedroom. Vinyl followed diligently, easily sliding passed the woman to crash onto the bed, playful red eyes following closely as the cellist coasted into the room. Waving a stern finger at the spinner, Octavia gathered clothes from her bag in the closet and moved to approach the door, stopping only at the small noise emitted from her lover. Pivoting, the cellist raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing through the mulberry eyes.

"Yes, Vinyl?"

"You can get changed in here, you know. Ain't nothing I haven't seen."

Disregarding the blush crawling up her neck, Octavia carefully closed the distance between them, mouth twisting into a sultry smile.

"My wonderful Scratch... I've learned you can't keep your hands to yourself, and I'd like to keep this breakfast date."

Vinyl merely grinned wickedly, those same hands slowly crawling up the cellist's shirt. Exhaling through her nose, Octavia slapped the hands away before leaning down to press a lingering kiss to the talented lips before pulling away, quickly scrambling out the door. Vinyl sighed happily and collapsed back against the bed, hands shifting to curl beneath her head as she stared at the abstract shadows dancing across the ceiling. Moments passed as the sounds from the bathroom generally died away, the familiar creak of the bedroom door alerting her to the strings player's return.

Sitting up, Vinyl grinned as she took in the cellist, wonderful body dressed well for the early morning. Octavia swiped the hair from her shoulders, eyes piercing the DJ with a mindful gaze.

"I won't be gone long, Vinyl. As wonderful as brunch is, I'd much rather be here in your arms right now. So please, do stay comfortable, and I'll return as soon as I can."

Vinyl bobbed her head in agreement, eventually climbing to her feet to walk the cellist to the living room. Octavia busied herself with slipping into her boots, taking the time to tighten and lace the knee-high footwear. Vinyl perched on the couch beside her, kind eyes swirling as she watched the cellist. Almost sensing the persistent gaze, Octavia cast a playful smirk to her lover before bounding to her feet, slowly approaching the seated Vinyl. Curling in the woman's lap, Octavia relaxed into the heated embrace, eyes slipping closed.

"I love the feel of you, Vinyl."

Pleased, the jockey wrapped her lover in a strong hug, pulling a surprised giggle from the cellist as they settled on the couch. Stillness passed for long minutes, each player lost in her thoughts as they remained tangled together on the over-stuffed sofa. A soft knock sounded, the quiet rapping echoing eerily through the apartment. Detangling from Octavia, Vinyl stood as the door opened, admitting the violet-haired violinist to the placid apartment. Octavia was on her feet in an instant, dark brows bunching as she took in the sight of the painfully subdued strings player.

"Symphony..."

Cracking a sad smile, the violinist jerked her thumb over her shoulder, teal eyes swimming.

"Hey, uhm... Martin just pulled up outside for you. Scratch, you uh... you got a bit?"

Nodding, Vinyl reached a hand out to the player, red eyes burning with concern. Octavia breezed past the taller player, hands instantly lifting to clasp gently on the woman's trembling forearms.

"Goodness, Symphony, what's the matter?"

"Nothing, really. I'm okay. I'll see you when you get back, yeah?"

Suppressing the harrowing unease, Octavia nodded before pulling her fellow strings player in for a hug before stepping away, a nervous smile flashing as she looked to Vinyl.

"I'll be back soon, darling. Be safe."

Ushering the cellist out the door, Vinyl dropped a quick kiss to the waiting lips, offering the cellist her coat before Octavia receded down the hall. Closing the heavy door, the two-tone DJ turned to lean against the door, red eyes carefully searching her friend. Symphony smiled darkly, tears pricking the otherwise clear eyes.

"You wouldn't believe the crap I've seen today."

Octavia burrowed further into Vinyl's pea coat, her eyes carefully scanning the scenery as she was driven through downtown Canterlot. Martin had been quiet, merely offering a small smile to the woman before closing her in tight, slowly driving them toward their destination. Pulling up to the curb, Octavia smiled reflexively, eyes dancing as she took in the sight of D'Urberville's, her hand automatically reaching for the handle. Martin pulled the door open the remaining way, offering a steady hand to the woman as she climbed out of the limousine. Passing a respectful nod to the older man, Octavia pulled the coat around her frame and stalked toward the establishment, thankful to be dressed appropriately.

Swinging open the door, Octavia smiled at the waiting hostess before heading further into the restaurant, knowing well where her father sat. Moving idly through the tables, Octavia couldn't help the grin that spread as she approached her father's normal table. Amethyst met amethyst, the seated CEO smiling cheerfully at his daughter. Rising to his feet, Viktor pulled her in for a quick hug, carefully shrugging the still-healing cellist from her coat before tucking her in at the table. Reclaiming his seat, Viktor raised his teacup in greeting.

"Good morning, angel. How are you feeling?"

"Better, daddy. Stronger every day."

The man smiled brightly, eyes dancing like diamonds in the stubborn sunlight that battled the exterior blandness. Taking a sip of the strong tea, Viktor silently placed the cup back on the saucer, hands quietly folding to rest before him. Taking a moment to look over the glowing countenance of his daughter, the tall man smiled wistfully.

"You look very happy today, Octavia. Happier than I've seen you over these past few weeks. I'm glad that you and Vinyl have finally gotten together."

Eyes crinkling, Octavia ignored the blush coloring her cheeks as she took a sip of her own tea.

"Thank you. It's still so new and still strange, but I am happy. Vinyl's very incredible, I'm lucky to have fixed things between us. I'm also relieved you support us."

The man's smile faltered briefly, his eyes sparking with something akin to regret. Quickly grinning, he dabbed at his lips before picking up the forgotten menu, fingers absently perusing the front of the bound book. Sensing the mild tension, Octavia chuckled wistfully, her own fingers dancing across the small breakfast menu.

"Daddy, you had mentioned business when you called... what is it we have to discuss?"

Waving off the concern, Viktor picked up his menu, careful mulberry eyes blindly looking over the items.

"It's nothing to fret over, darling."

Quickly making his choice, he slipped the menu closed and placed it neatly at the edge of the table, his free hands sweetly reaching for the cellist's idle hand. Tucking her own menu away, Octavia flashed a charming smile to the man, her hand flexing against the offered warmth. Grinning foolishly, Viktor winked at his daughter.

"Tell me, sweetheart, how goes the cello playing?"

Instantly the player's face fell, a small, desperate smile clinging to the player's paling face. The CEO instantly released the player's hand and straightened, eyes catching with stiff concern.

"Octavia?"

The woman quickly shook her head, hands falling to her lap as she cast her eyes to stare over her father's shoulder, tears unwittingly springing to the bright eyes. Frowning, the man leaned forward, the familiar orbs glowing with understanding. Octavia bit her lip, her fingers crawling up to gently rub her sore shoulder self-consciously, the pads of the pale fingers absently tracing the bump through the thick sweater. Waving her hand dismissively, Octavia lifted a shaking tea cup to her lips.

"It... it goes."

Viktor merely nodded, lips twisted in dissatisfied worry.

"Your shoulder... It's not getting better?"

The conversation ceased as a young waitress finally came to gather their order and quickly skirted away, leaving father and daughter in heavy silence. Octavia traced patterns on the napkin beneath her trembling fingers, eyebrows drawn tightly on a worry-creased forehead. The man's larger hand came into view, softly covering the quaking fingers in warm strength.

"I can make you another appointment to see the specialist, if you like. I know you're worried about being prepared to play for Hearth's Warming Eve. I'd like to do all that I can to make this pain go away."

Nodding thankfully to her father, the raven-haired player steeled her nerves as she locked eyes with the man.

"In the short time Vinyl and I have been a couple, she's asked me about my progress. And every time, I've lied to her. She gave me Camille's Fleur Noire, one of her babies... I can't even play it. Every attempt ends in pain."

She watched his jaw tighten, his jovial orbs darkening as he squeezed her smaller hand.

"I'll do everything I can for you, angel. I promise."

Merely, she nodded, conversation all but falling off. Their food was served a short moment later, easily taking the focus off both for a time. Octavia casually scanned the restaurant as she ate, eyebrows thumping in time with her coursing thoughts. The waitress returned to retrieve their dishes, stopping again to drop off a carafe and two mugs before flittering away again. Octavia absently poured the dark liquid, coloring it with the cream before stirring, sighing wistfully as she dropped the small spoon on the saucer.

Casting her eyes to finally study her quiet company, the cellist offered a small smile.

"Daddy, your original reason... What business were you referring to?"

Viktor Melody groaned softly, forehead breaking into a web of worry. Steadily gazing at his companion, he offered quiet solace.

"It's about your mother."

"Of course it is."

A humorless smile twisted his stress-lined face, his facade cracking faintly.

"We're divorcing."

Vinyl stood under the steady beat of blistering water, thoughts casually drifting away with the fiery spray. A small smile ghosted pale lips, ruby red eyes slipping closed as the two-tone head fell back into the soothing stream, mind blanking in peaceful reduction. Cold fingers jolted a sharp gasp from the surprised woman, a grin following instantly as two tanned arms curled tightly around her midsection. Wrapping her warm, wet hands around the forearms, Vinyl smiled, leaning back into the shivering, frigid form of her love.

"Tav?"

The arms merely tightened, alerting the spinner to the cellist's spiraling displeasure. Turning in the icy embrace, Vinyl lifted her hands to the tense face of her player, red eyes burning.

"What happened?"

Ignoring the question, Octavia stepped into the tall spinner, fitting her curves against Vinyl as the water beat down upon them, wrapping them in an ethereal haze. Stifling her cries, Octavia buried her face in the woman's chest, arms dropping to wrap tightly around the spinner's flared hips. Upset, Vinyl took the musician into her arms, offering silent support to the distressed woman. Time crept on slowly, ticking absently in the back of her mind as Octavia remained, still in her arms. Eventually breaking away to quickly shower off, Vinyl turned off the tepid water and stepped out, wrapping a towel around her before pulling the cellist out behind her.

Curling the mute player into her robe, Vinyl clasped hands with the woman and led them into the bedroom, carefully turning down the sheets and gently pushed the player onto the soft, blue silk. Running her hands through the damp hair, Vinyl slid to her knees before the distant cellist, red eyes carefully searching the clouded orbs. Almost instantly, Octavia snapped back to reality, tortured amethyst staring wildly down at her partner. With a shuddering sigh, Octavia curled backward, pulling the jockey into bed beside her, anxiously tugging the towel from her lover's body, instantly calmed by the feel of the warm skin.

Vinyl smiled sadly, arms moving to wrap the cellist in a loose embrace, long fingers trailing through the soaked locks of the strings player. Deadly quiet clung to the ambience, echoing the festering despair with brutal integrity. Octavia slowly pulled back, casting her eyes upwards to study the painfully confused garnets staring back at her.

"Vinyl, I can't play."

Bewildered at the admission, Vinyl pulled further away to better study the other woman.

"I... what? I didn't think that's why you came home upset... What happened with your dad?"

Shaking her head, Octavia curled her hand into the DJ's hip, fingers distorting the backward quaver as her nails dug into the pale flesh.

"Please don't."

Pinning the woman with a disconcerting look, Vinyl casually ran her fingers down the cellist's burning cheeks.

"Okay, Tav. And what's this about playing? Your shoulder hurting again? I thought you were--"

"I lied. I'm so sorry."

Frowning, Vinyl continued to stroke the player's face and head, drawing a sad smile from the jockey.

"I know. You're not the best liar. I'll make you an appointment, just to make sure nothing worse is going on. Okay?"

Nodding her head, Octavia bit her lip, fresh tears squeezing down the ashen face as she buried her sorrow in the arms of her DJ. Vinyl held fast to the rattled cellist, a cold discomfort snaking its way through her gut. The raven-haired player finally stilled, eventually falling back into fitful slumber. Vinyl peaked at the time, eyes fluttering closed as she relaxed against the distraught player, serene darkness niggling at her focus. Hearing a distant clap of thunder, Vinyl absently tightened her grip on the smaller woman, gently succumbing to the blissful arms of sleep.

It was a few hours later that a grating bass beat startled the jockey into wakefulness, arms still full with a calmly resting cellist. Slowly detangling her arm, the two-tone spinner fumbled around with the phone before silencing it, bringing it forward to look at the screen. Rolling her eyes, she dropped her focus to the woman tucked tightly against her, a regretful smile curling her lips.

"Tav. Hey, Tav. C'mon, wake up."

Mulberry eyes fluttered open, a sour scowl twisting the beautiful face. A short grunt was the only response, the woman squeezing her eyes shut and further burrowing into the spinner's arms. Chuckling, Vinyl gently tickled Octavia's good side, earning a light smack to the stomach. Withdrawing from the comfort, the strings player sat up and rubbed at her eyes, grimacing as her fingers tangled in the messy black locks.

"Yes, Vinyl?"

"Sorry. I got a text saying we need to get down to the Harwan."

Turning a suspicious eye to the disc spinner, Octavia licked her cracked lips.

"I'm sorry, what? Why? And from whom?"

"My dad."

Grimacing, Octavia rolled her shoulder before shaking free the tangles from her bangs.

"Well, that doesn't bode well."

"Uhm... that's up for interpretation."

Worry sparked the amethyst eyes, instantly spurring the cellist into movement. Vinyl followed suit, dressing quickly before brushing the tangles from the feral blue locks. Octavia trailed close behind, hair obeying gracefully as she dressed for the second time that morning. Pulling on her coat, Octavia gathered her things and opened the door, pausing as Vinyl swept in behind her, shooing the cellist out of the apartment. Quickly descending in the elevator, the pair slipped into the foyer and through the front doors, fighting the rain before stopping beside the blue sports car that sat diligently outside the building. Unlocking the doors, Vinyl slid around to the driver side and climbed in, strapping in before turning over the powerful engine.

Tossing a reckless smirk to the other woman, Vinyl revved the pedal, a woeful smirk pursing the full lips.

"I think it's time I switched my bike for a car, eh?"

Nodding thoughtlessly, Octavia cringed as a bolt of lightning lit up the sky, fingers digging into the leather of her armrest. Vinyl deftly pulled into traffic and headed toward the large theatre, eyes shadowed in thought. The cellist threaded her fingers with the hand resting on the gear shift, a repressive shadow weighing heavily on her mind. Vinyl smiled over her shoulder, squeezing the fingers in her grasp. The remainder of the trip was in silence, the purring rumble of the engine pulsing soothingly over the pair.

Pulling up to the massive building, Vinyl cut the engine, breaking contact with the cellist to undo her belt and quickly scramble out of the car. Pulling open Octavia's door, Vinyl helped the strings player out of the car and lead them quickly through the towering double doors. Shaking water from her hair, Vinyl smirked up at the cellist, hands reaching to smooth the lapels of the woman's coat before pushing through the inner doors, stopping at the top of the aisle as they watched a flurry of people move around the venue. Record Scratch stood in the middle of the aisle, a blue hollow-body guitar strung casually around his lithe frame. Waving a masterful hand, the man gestured to the hands on stage.

"Gentlemen, can we please adjust the backdrop? This needs to be perfect for tonight, as you know. We can't go upsetting our little pianist, can we?"

Grinning, he ran his hands through the normally perfect hair, a silly grin lighting his features with boyish grace. A short cough caught his attention, causing the lanky man to spin, gray eyes instantly landing on the newly arrived couple. Laughing, he approached his daughter and her lover, a wider smile splitting his joyous face.

"Good morning, ladies. I'm glad you could make it!"

Wrestling his daughter into a tight hug, he snickered as she fussed in his grip, breaking free to punch his arm.

"Hey, Pops. What's up, why the enigmatic text?"

Ignoring the question, the tall producer turned a perfect smile to the cellist, eyes fluttering closed as he jokingly bowed low for the player.

"And Miss Octavia, a pleasure again to see you."

Coloring with a soft blush, Octavia waved her hand as he straightened, amethyst eyes dancing with elated humor at the man.

"Good morning, Mister Record."

"Please, just Rec. And I asked you both here for a small favor."

Turning, he motioned for both women to follow behind, hands moving to clasp the neck and body of the hefty guitar. Vinyl shrugged and locked hands with Octavia, slowly leading them down the center aisle and followed along the edges, respectfully trailing the musician. Stopping in the middle of the glossy black stage, Record turned, eyes glowing with bursting excitement.

"As you both know, Fall Fest was a wondrous success, as it is every year. Vinyl, you know better than I, having played it yourself. Well. The city council has approached me about starting a new tradition, a certain character piece to accompany the festivities of Hearth's Warming Eve."

Vinyl nodded, arms shifting to cross in thought.

"Okay, so what does that have to do with us?"

The elder laughed melodiously, a wave of cheer cascading across his attractive features.

"Vinyl, you never allow me the chance to explain! You and Octavia here would be perfect for such a thing... Princess Luna has requested that we hold a concert before Hearth's Warming Eve, benefitting the less fortunate of our fair city. And seeing as how you two are both wildly talented, I'd like for the two of you to spearhead the event."

Octavia swallowed harshly, a nervous tingle spreading across her chest. The ache in her shoulder renewed with bitter fortitude, the pulsing reminder amplified by her unease. Adjusting her coat, Octavia flexed her hands before stepping forward.

"And might I ask, when is this concert supposed to take place?"

"Three days before the Hearth's Warming Eve celebration at the castle. Miss Octavia, I know you already have an engagement, as the Orchestra is to be playing for the first time in the celebration... If this is too much for you to take, I will understand completely!"

The raven-haired cellist grinned, a nervous chuckle escaping her as she fidgeted with the buttons on her coat. Vinyl merely slipped in beside her, arm lifting to encircle the player's waist.

"Actually, Dad, Octavia's not really--"

"I'd be honored."

Record smiled, his gray eyes igniting as he nodded his consent.

"Wonderful. Vinyl, I'd like for you to spread the word for me as well. I've already contacted many talents from all across the country, and many have agreed to perform. I'm afraid it's growing rather exponentially, but both the Princesses assured me, the more the merrier."

Vinyl nodded, hand running soothing circles across the cellist's lower back.

"Yeah, no big. Pon-3'll get the word out. Is there anything else you need?"

Tapping his chin, the man nodded, snapping his fingers.

"Actually, if you've got some time... I need someone to run back to the Tower and alert Harmony to your involvement. I know she's been needing some help organizing, and with your combined talents, we should have no problems at all."

"Sure thing, Pops. Do you want us to go now?"

The blue-haired guitarist smiled brightly, eyes focusing on Octavia.

"Certainly, though I'd like for Miss Melody to hang back with me. I could use a woman's opinion on some things, if that's all right with you?"

Octavia smiled, cheeks coloring faintly at the comment. Vinyl, feigning hurt, smirked at her lover.

"Okay with you, Tav?"

"Of course."

Placing a quick kiss to the dark crown, Vinyl saluted her father before quickly vacating the stage, quickly heading up the center walk. Record offered a charming smile to the woman, quickly shrugging off his guitar before handing it off to one of the many workers. Octavia grinned as she moved to walk in step beside the man, hands curling into her pockets as they walked toward backstage. A moment's silence blinked by, crushed as Record opened his mouth to speak.

"Miss Octavia, if I may... I'm very honored that you've agreed. I think the two of you make a fine compliment to one another."

"Thank you, sir. Vinyl and I have played together on just a few occasions, and never for very long. I wonder if she'd somehow find a way to fit me in with her style of music for the show."

Nodding, the man grinned as they continued to walk slowly through the many twists and turns of the Harwan, drawn into respectful silence.

"I'm ecstatic that Vinyl's begun to sing again. It broke my heart when she stopped, and I do believe I have you to thank for that."

Flushing, the cellist flashed a proud smile, mulberry eyes singing with adoration for the jockey.

"I'll never forget the moment I heard her sing..."

Stopping at a large door, Record turned to study the elated musician.

"Miss Octavia, I'd really like to thank you for the change you've instilled in that wild kid of mine. When Camille died, I saw a part of Vinyl go with her... I hope you'll one day understand the kind of impact you've had on her. I know I do."

Fighting the surprising wave of tears, Octavia licked her lips and bowed her head in respect for the older man. Smile growing, Record turned the handle to the large door and ushered the cellist inside. Taking in the striking details of the large room, Octavia exhaled in amazement. Equipment of all sizes and colors lined the walls, shimmering vividly in the bright lights. Seeing the look of wonder in the mulberry eyes, Record crossed his arm across his waist in a small bow.

"I wanted a lady's intuition concerning my daughter and her hobbies."

Vinyl, soaked from the rain, kicked open the large double doors, holding the left side open for her companion. Stopping midway down the aisle, a familiar smile crawled across the soaked visage, red eyes glowing in the bright lights of the venue. Octavia sat at the edge of the stage beside Record, their legs hanging off as they talked with animated glee. Octavia coughed out a hearty laugh, her hand reaching up to playfully slap the man's arm, eyes closed in ecstatic joy. Vinyl chuckled and continued forward, the orange-haired woman behind her following suit.

"Hey, you two!"

Two sets of eyes glanced up, twin smiles echoing from the duo. Octavia tossed up a small wave, feet kicking harder as she winked at her lover.

"Hello, darling. Did you have fun?"

"Yeah, a blast. Dad, Har wanted to come talk to you. Or murder you. Not really sure which."

The short woman stalked around the DJ, stopping to stand below the stage, glasses glistening in the stage lights.

"Record, you must be insane."

Laughing merrily, the man rolled to his feet and reached to pull Octavia with him.

"Nonsense, Harmony. I'm perfectly sane. We'll be fine!"

Unamused, the stern woman tapped her pen against her clipboard, the tight bun at the base of her neck almost trembling with the movement.

"Ridiculousness. We have much to discuss."

Winking, Record turned to Octavia, reaching to shake the woman's hand.

"Thank you for your time today, Miss Octavia. I look forward to working with you in the coming weeks."

Curtseying dramatically, Octavia suppressed a laugh before deftly exiting the stage, emerging to skirt around the irritated businesswoman as she approached the chuckling jockey. Hooking her arm through Vinyl's, the pair started up the middle aisle, suppressing hefty laughs as she heard Harmony tear into the giddy producer. Closing both doors behind them, Vinyl opened the outer doors for her companion, bobbing her head as Octavia exited and approached the trusty sports car.

Once settled inside the comforting leather, Vinyl turned a curious eye to the strings player.

"What'd you and my dad talk about?"

"Oh, just some things. How did your meeting go with Harmony?"

"Ya know. She cursed my dad with every name under the sun and then demanded to come down here and straighten him out."

The women shared a laugh as Vinyl pulled into the streets, heading back to the apartment. A familiar beat filled the car, causing the jockey to claw her phone from her jacket pocket. Raising a perturbed brow at the number, Vinyl pursed her lips and slowly dropped her phone in the cup holder dividing them. Intrigued, Octavia peered at the number just as the screen went black.

"Who was that?"

"Oh, just someone my dad wanted me to call. Another band he wanted at the venue."

"Why didn't you answer?"

Vinyl shrugged, turning a half-smile to her girlfriend.

"I've got better things to worry about in this instant, rather than fielding calls for work."

Ignoring the blush coloring her cheeks, Octavia leaned forward, placing a quick kiss on the jockey's cheek before tangling their fingers together.

"Take me home, Vinyl Scratch."

Nodding, the DJ smirked and jammed on the gas, steering the car toward home.

Author's Note

OKAY, SO IT'S NOT SATURDAY. I will not make a habit out of Sunday updates. And also, this story picks up directly after W&L, if you couldn't tell. As such, I hope you guys enjoy this one as much as the other one. Forgive any errors in grammar/spelling/spacing. I've been at this for the past two days and I'm about to combust. Happy SATUR.... Sunday.

Conflict

Icy droplets rained down upon the sodden earth, casting the normally vibrant landscape in misty gray. Streams of water jetted down from rooftops and overhangs, cascading walls of water soaking passersby as they attempted to skip carefully through the autumn storm. Thick, heavy clouds rolled noisily above, claps of thunder accompanying the dark plumes as they swirled marvelously through the atmosphere. An occasional shock of lightning snaked through the opaque backdrop, illuminating the sharp planes of the city in horrifying shadows. Early afternoon bled into the oppressive storm, choking the stubborn presence of the sun as the system danced over all of Canterlot.

Vinyl Scratch splashed into a large puddle, high, blue boots dotted with massive droplets of the hard-falling rain. Choppy, water-logged hair clung beautifully to alabaster skin, crawling down the pristine neck and face of the careless musician, perfectly accentuating the soft curves of the attractive face. A baseball tee, contrasted in white and black, gripped tightly to perfect shoulders, tightening around shapely breasts before dipping lowly, hugging the dramatic curve of masterfully flared hips. Trademark violet lenses, slick with the freezing droplets, sat perched above a crease-free forehead, leading into a riveting pair of garnet-fire eyes, trained unmistakably on the only other occupant of the rain-doused street.

Bouncing once, twice, on the balls of nimble feet, the disc jockey stretched and hopped into another puddle, the slashing waves exploding into small diamonds in the nearby glow of a street light. Those same eyes skipped up from the water to focus on shimmering amethyst, a predatory smile twisting full, pink lips as the blue-haired musician stepped up on the curb. Running ice-cold fingers over the smooth planes of the muscle car just beside her, the jockey casually ran her tongue along her bottom lip, the shining metal of the tongue ring sparking an almost imperceptible glare with the soft light.

The voracious smile grew in size with each echoing step of heavy boots, the crimson eyes almost black with desire. Approaching the high overhang of the tall building, Vinyl casually stepped out of the hammering water, tiny droplets slipping free of mussed blue tips, splashing against the spinner's clothed collarbones. Pulling to a subtle stop, pale fingers lifted invitingly, the player's large, delicate hand spread open in peaceful yearning. Red eyes danced gleefully over the stubborn form of her lover, a bright smile tugging impishly at her lips as Octavia stood, trembling in the slight chill of the early afternoon.

Dark, mulberry eyes carefully pondered the offered hand, sight straying to rake roughly over the barely-concealed shape of the spinner's well-toned flesh. Her hand lifted slowly, just enough for the pianist to grasp her tightly, pulling her quickly into the frigid downpour. Suppressing a shiver, the raven-haired cellist stood amidst the large droplets, thin frame bundled tightly in a dark gray pea coat. A gale of deep laughter floated around the pair, the playful spinner spurring the strings player into movement, hands clasping as they twirled in the storm. Foregoing any inhibition, the dark-haired player opened her arms, face rising towards to sky as the rain tickled her skin, small drips trickling down her skin.

Bright, happy eyes opened and focused on the jockey, an elated smile coloring tanned cheeks in a dark blush, a burning heat spreading through Octavia at the sight of her animated companion. A quick step had her within reach of the woman, her own rain-slicked fingers climbing to grasp a slender wrist, tugging to turn the woman forward. A beat passed, the briefest of seconds, before the strings player twisted in the wet material of the spinner's tee, reining the carefree woman in for a bruising kiss. Humming in appreciation, Vinyl slung her hands low, fingers lifting beneath the heavy pea coat to dance idly along the waist of tight jeans, sliding further back to curl around the feminine curve of the cellist's posterior.

Finally tugging apart, wisps of steam mingling together, Octavia smiled meaningfully to the taller woman before burying her face in the damp neck, a silent, contented sigh escaping her lips. A deep chuckle rumbled through the spinner as the quickly returned the embrace, easily slipping away to finally guide the strings player into the warm lobby of the apartment building. An easy laugh escaped the normally proper Octavia, a jovial warmth emanating from the dark-haired player. Vinyl lead them to the elevators and slipped easily inside, pulling the woman to rest against her as they waited to ascend to the proper floor. Heavy, metal doors hissed open, admitting the couple into the quiet hallway, feet automatically leading them to the jockey's apartment.

Stopping at the familiar door, mulberry eyes lifted to lovingly scan the '416' on the door, her fingers lifting without preamble to lightly touch the silver letters. With her free hand, she fished the keys out of her pocket before dropping her eyes, easily finding the woman's key before unlocking the door. Vinyl followed easily, playfully shaking the water from her bangs before nudging the door closed with a soft click. Quickly pulling off the rain-soaked shirt, the jockey bent to untie the high laces to her favorite boots, a contented sigh escaping at the motion. Octavia shrugged out of the coat and hung it beside the door, her fingers rising to comb self-consciously through her thick, dark locks, a coy smile pressing her lips as she watched the jockey disrobe. A stubborn blush crept up her neck at the sight of the woman, a shyness sweeping quietly through her.

Tugging at her belt buckle, Vinyl lifted her focus to her blushing lover, a dark smile curling her lips. Quickly toeing off her boots, the spinner undid the buckle to her belt and slid it free of the loops before dropping it carelessly on the floor beside her boots, a playful smirk twisting the cold lips into a burning, sultry mask. Octavia stifled a nervous giggle, recklessly swept up in the carnal desire of the scorching garnet eyes, her hand lifting to gently cup her own cheek. Sparkling amethyst eyes carefully raked down the spinner's more than soaked form, her focus guided to follow a plump droplet of water as it slid down a pale throat, blazing a daring trail down prominent collar bones before swiftly dropping between two full breasts currently straining against the black bra holding them in place. Swallowing thickly, Octavia finally flicked her eyes up to lock eyes with the lusting carmine orbs, her heart skipping a beat at the sensuous look.

Instantly they moved forward, crashing together, hands tangling in damp locks, tongues wrestling for dominance. The kiss broke with a wet pop, Vinyl's lips and tongue blazing a tumultuous trail down the cellist's neck and throat, her left hand lowering to lift the cellist's leg around her hips. Octavia gasped as her back met the door, her body rolling forward as she was pinned to the heavy door, her eyes slipping closed as she skipped on her foot, expertly throwing her other leg around the jockey as she was suspended in place. Tanned fingers raked through dripping blue locks, full pink lips dropping desperate kisses along the spinner's hairline and face. Vinyl growled at the contact, her free hand slipping between them to teasingly trace the cellist's stomach beneath her damp shirt, the heat radiating deliciously from the delicate fingertips. Octavia tossed her head back against the door as Vinyl bit down on her neck, a heady moan escaping her lips as their bodies rocked together.

Quickly losing herself to the jockey's mouth and tongue at her neck, Octavia whimpered, her fingers tangling in the blue hair as she squeezed her eyes closed, the muscles in her legs flexing against the hips trapped in her grasp. A soft noise suddenly pierced the lust-fueled haze, amethyst eyes snapping open as her senses started to sharpen against the stubbornly elusive recognition of the sound. Huffing against the spinner's ear as Vinyl deftly undid the button on her jeans, Octavia gasped, the imposing sound growing in volume before she finally acknowledged its presence. Pushing up from the smoldering embrace, Octavia placed both her hands square on the jockey's shoulders and pushed up and away, forcing the clouded garnet eyes upwards in confusion. Trembling, Octavia inhaled sharply, swallowing heavily as she whimpered, causing Vinyl to stop in her journey, fingers poised on the zipper to the skin-tight jeans.

Blinking, Vinyl finally acknowledged the sound as well, her hands sliding over the cellist's jeans as she searched for the source of the noise. Feeling the large phone vibrating in Octavia's back pocket, Vinyl carefully, shakily, stood back, gently lowering Octavia to her feet as she fished out her patiently waiting cell phone. Pushing up her messy bangs, the strings player steadied the beat of her thumping heart, her fingers trembling as she finally answered the call, her eyebrows drawing wistfully as the heavy voice sighed into the phone.

"He-hello?"

"Hey, Octavia... do you have a moment?"

Suppressing an ironic grin, Octavia shook her head, eyes trained on the increasingly focused Vinyl, breaths trembling.

"Y-yes, Symphony... Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine. I'm actually at home, trying to practice the music for Hearth's Warming, but it's... I don't-- It's... quiet."

Frowning, Octavia finally pushed up from the door, her knees shaking where the passion still clung heavily to her skin, the worry for her friend dominantly sparring with her lust.

"Is it like the block from before?"

There was silence for a while, a soft sigh the only noise for a few moments. Vinyl straightened, her arms crossing across her chest in thought, worried red eyes peering thoughtfully as Octavia carefully twirled a lock of her hair around her finger. A sharp intake of air alerted the cellist to her friend, eyes closing as she waited.

"I guess you could say that... I know you're having trouble playing your cello, still, but... Do you think you could come over, at least for a little while? I feel like I haven't really seen you, and I could use the company."

Octavia smiled, her eyes dancing as she nodded toward Vinyl.

"Absolutely, darling. I'll be over shortly. I'll bring Fleur Noire, just in case. See you soon..."

The called ended quietly, allowing Octavia to drop her hand to swing beside her hip, orbs staring thoughtfully at Vinyl as she shifted her weight onto her other leg.

"Symphony asked if I'd come over and help her with the music... Vinyl, what did she say when she was here?"

Vinyl grinned and shook her head, hands rising in a shrug.

"She'll tell you, I'm sure. You might wanna clean yourself up, you look a little... disheveled."

Chuckling, Octavia pushed up from the door and entered the apartment, swatting the DJ as she passed. Skirting around the apartment, Octavia lifted her brush to run through the sodden locks, effortlessly shaking the long hair as she ran her fingers through her bangs. Shifting into the bedroom, the raven-haired player slipped into the closet and quickly peeled off her shirt, replacing it with a loose-fitting band tee before stepping out of the closet and plodded her way back towards the living area. Approaching the shining black case, Octavia hesitated before lifting the unfamiliar weight, a wistful smile framing her face as she turned to regard the half-dressed jockey. Walking slowly toward the door, Octavia leaned the case against the door frame, eyes never leaving Vinyl's as she absently reached for the pea coat hanging by the entry.

Grinning, Vinyl watched appreciatively as Octavia shrugged into the pea coat, a small laugh bubbling up from the DJ.

"I think you like stealing my things, Tav."

Straightening the collar to the coat, Octavia smirked and winked as she turned, her hands carefully smoothing the front of the band tee as she blinked innocently.

"Well, I was wet. What more do you want from me, Scratch?"

Ignoring the blistering heat pounding through her veins at the small display, Vinyl stepped forward, closing the distance between the two musicians. Eyes locked with Octavia's, the jockey lifted her fingers to brush along the cellist's button and fly, a smug grin splashing across her lips as Octavia jerked into the touch. Carefully zipping upward, Vinyl buttoned the jeans before patting the cellist's stomach, a brutish grin curling her lips.

"You might want to check yourself before you leave the house, Octavia."

Swallowing quickly, Octavia rushed forward, placing a lingering kiss on her DJ before pulling away, hand blindly reaching for the cello case.

"We'll finish this conversation later."

Nodding, Vinyl ran her fingers through her hair before placing her hands on her hips, a seriousness permeating the normally jovial spinner.

"Do you want me to drive you?"

"No, thank you, love. I'll take a cab."

Nodding, Vinyl bent to place a small kiss on the cellist's temple before straightening.

"All right, fair enough. Give Symph my love, okay?"

Octavia nodded before again lifting the large case before turning to leave the apartment, a look of consternation coloring her features as she started down the hallway.

The raven-haired cellist slowly plodded down the long hall, eyes casually scanning the crisp decor of the familiar walk. Fingers clenching against the handle in her hand, the cellist looked absently at the doors as she passed, a recognizable melody pouring softly down the hall. Smiling gently, Octavia focused on the growing sound of the music as she got closer to the apartment, a certain melancholy cascading over her as she finally stopped outside the proper door. Sighing quietly, Octavia leaned against the door frame, eyebrows drawing wistfully as she heard the dulcet tones of the violin waft powerfully through the door. Allowing herself a moment's rest, Octavia bit her lip, the rise and fall of the music pulling hard at her heartstrings, a stubborn frown curling her lips.

Turning the handle as quietly as she could manage, Octavia crept into the apartment, eyes instantly focusing on the passionately playing violinist. Symphony Strings stood inside her living room, furniture pushed aside to give her ample room for playing. Her violet hair was piled in a messy bun at the back of her head, teal eyes closed in absolute focus as she pulled hard at her violin, face a stony mask of furious concentration. Gone was the player's normal poise and sophistication, instead replaced by a glaringly apparent discomfort as the piece increased in tempo, the short, jerking motions of her carefully practiced muscles straining against the choppy movements.

Octavia's frown merely deepened, stark lines creasing her forehead as she watched the oblivious violinist, her heart aching pitifully in her chest as the emotion of the piece swirled undeniably through the room. Disregarding the low hum of pain in her shoulder, Octavia lowered herself to a kneel, eyes never wavering from the violinist as the piece deepened, the strokes longer and lower with each pass of the bow. Slowly undoing the clasps of her cello case, Octavia meticulously slid the polished black cello from its case before slipping free the bow, her body moving automatically to perch at the end of the table pushed to the side, hands poised above the perfect strings of the large instrument. Counting in a moment, Octavia pulled a low note, the deep, resonating sound layering well beneath the tenuous motion of the violin.

Symphony never once broke her focus, brows fluttering as the cello notes came slowly, hollowing out her own dreadfully macabre piece. Tucking her bottom lip between her teeth, Symphony squeezed her eyes harder, spills of tears lining her thick lashes as her fingers trembled against the strings, the emotion swirling potently through her chest as she played rightfully, body leaning subconsciously closer toward the cellist. Minutes passed slowly, Octavia playing long, low notes, the protest of pain in her shoulder disallowing her more intricate strides. Eventually, the violinist swayed on her feet, the final stroke of her bow drawing a low note before both musicians ceased playing simultaneously. Rigid and unwavering, Symphony released a long breath, eyes finally fluttering open to quietly revere her fellow strings player, crystalline tears swirling in the vibrantly clear eyes.

The cellist offered a small smile, nodding her head in respect for her friend before standing, slowly placing her instrument back in the black case before closing the lid, securing the fasteners with a small snap. Pivoting on her feet, Octavia clasped her hands before her, mulberry eyes quietly studying the still stiff player, violin still tucked purposefully beneath a quivering chin. Averting her eyes from the openness of her friend, Symphony softly cleared her throat before untucking her instrument, hands falling gracelessly by her sides. Softly toned arms flexed, shoulders rolling to loosen the tension of remaining in such a position for so long, the familiar burn of playing helping to soothe the roiling nerves. Turning toward the couch, Symphony stowed her violin with expert practice, nimble fingers dancing peacefully across the polished dark wood of the body, a wistful smile shaping the pale lips. Securing the instrument, she slid the dark case off the sofa before collapsing heavily onto cream cushions, eyes falling shut in defeat.

Smiling neatly, Octavia swept across the rarely-clear floor before sitting beside her closest friend, elbows gently knocking as the settled in together. With a quiet groan, Symphony absently picked at her black three-quarter pants, bare feet shifting to curl beneath her as she turned to face her respectfully quiet companion. Adjusting the fit of her spaghetti top, the tanned player lifted her eyes to Octavia's, a moment of surreal silence permeating the room. Slowly, and with measured persistence, Symphony dropped her eyes, fingers crawling toward Octavia's patiently waiting hand, startled when the olive fingers of the cellist met her halfway, wrapping her warm fingers in comforting pressure. Swallowing lightly, Octavia gave the fingers in her grasp a reassuring squeeze, head dropping to look up at the violinist with patience eyes.

"Symphony..."

Squeezing her eyes shut, Symphony bit her lip, her fingers clinging almost painfully to Octavia as she turned her head, breath escaping in a rasping shudder. Tilting her head upward, Symphony opened her eyes, terribly decimated teal eyes meeting the warm understanding of patient mulberry, the violinist's facade finally cracking. With a piteously stifled sob, Symphony broke, the tears rapidly boiling over, free hand lifting to covering her mouth as her eyes slammed shut against the violent emotion. Octavia moved quickly, arms snaking their way around her friend before pulling her into her arms, fingers passing soothingly down the player's neck and shoulders as she tucked the violinist beneath her chin.

Mournful, shuddering cries escaped the violinist every so often, punctuating the heavy silence settling around the quaint apartment. Octavia ignored the swell of agony in her chest, heart constricting at seeing the strings player in such a state. Skillfully undoing the clasp to the wild bun, Octavia combed her fingers through the wavy, violet locks before wrapping her arms more firmly around the woman, content to let the emotion drain free of the musician. Time passed heavily, the fitful cries eventually ceasing, quiet sniffles echoing from the woman every so often as she remained curled in the cellist's understanding embrace, the stress of her emotion ebbing away. Untangling from the familiar embrace, Symphony straightened, red-rimmed eyes looking hopefully upward, an embarrassed smile crossing her face as her fingers tangled with Octavia's once more.

Grinning brightly, Octavia raised her free hand, fingers softly wiping away the angry tracks of tears, the warmth of the motion a comforting familiarity to the player. Chuckling despite herself, Symphony coughed gently, her free hand reaching for a tissue on the table beside them. Releasing her hold on the violinist, Octavia pivoted to turn toward Symphony, her own legs shifting to tuck beneath her as she gave the violet-haired woman her undivided attention. Chuckling softly at the loud blow of a cute nose, Octavia absently reached out, reestablishing the connection between them, successfully centering the waning focus of her companion.

Symphony smirked, the light not quite reaching her eyes as she swallowed, the hollow of a slender throat twitching at the movement.

"I-I'm sorry, Octavia."

Smiling ruefully, the raven-haired player merely shrugged her good shoulder, fingers reassuringly squeezing the hand in her grasp.

"That's all right, Symphony... Would you please tell me what's wrong?"

Chuckling sadly, the violet-haired woman collapsed against the cushions, eyes drifting upward to stare at the ceiling.

"It's Spit."

Simply nodding, Octavia tugged at the hand in her grasp, silently urging the woman to continue. Lurching her body upward, Symphony extracted her hand before leaning her elbows on her knees, fingers rising to roughly scrub at her face.

"Spit, she um... She told me something this morning... Apparently, the time for her to re-enlist is coming up?"

Octavia frowned but remained silent, patiently allowing the violinist to stumble over her words; her diligence was rewarded when Symphony inhaled deeply before deflating painfully.

"She told me that if she does re-up, that she'll be most likely be sent up North, t-to stop a conflict forming up there... She didn't offer details."

Pursing her lips, Symphony narrowed her bloodshot eyes, a black displeasure festering in her chest.

"She didn't understand why I was upset, and then told me that the military is her life and that I shouldn't make her choose!!"

Fighting the new wave of tears, Symphony curled her fingers into her knees, nails digging into her flesh. Biting her lip, the violinist shook her head, few tears slipping down her face as she scowled.

"I told her that she could have at least told me, that I had a right to be worried. We just broke down fighting after that and she just up and left. God knows where she is now, probably home. I just--"

A strangled sob escaped the already frail woman, waves of sorrow pulsing from the slender, shaking shoulders. Octavia bit her lip in a frown, dark brows bunching high on her forehead as she reached out, pulling the woman against her shoulder for the second time, sobs sputtering forth. Squeezing the quaking player in her arms, Octavia looked upward, thoughts lifting to the skies as she fought her own tears.

Vinyl stepped easily through the familiar door, keys jingling in her hand as she pushed her elbow to further widen her entry before slipping it closed with her foot. Automatically her hand rose to drop the heavy set of keys in the small bowl by the entry before her free fingers lifted to wipe plump droplets of rain off her leather jacket. Shaking free water from the messy blue locks, Vinyl stepped further into the apartment, red eyes scanning the simple decor from behind violet lenses. Grinning helplessly, Vinyl stepped lightly, blue boots creaking with each small step, focus zeroing in on the subdued, under-dressed pilot straddling the window sill.

Crossing the room, Vinyl leaned against the wall on the opposite side of the window, eyes dropping to study the flyer, an ashy cigarette hanging from the pouting lips. Rain slammed relentlessly against the window pane and the outside fire escape, the spray purposefully soaking the flame-haired woman as she stared wistfully out the window. Crossing her damp arms across her chest, Vinyl sighed before glancing up at the ceiling.

"I thought you quit smoking."

A rueful snort was the only response, the statuesque pilot finally moving to grasp the cigarette from her lips before tapping the ash off into the ash tray between her knees. Spitfire continued to look out onto the rain-soaked city, honey-brown eyes red from previous emotional discharge. Vinyl bumped up her lenses with her thumb before she uncrossed her arms, bending to pluck the box of cigarettes from the captain's lap. Tapping the small container against her palm, she jockey lifted the lid and plucked one free before dropping them in her pocket, pale fingers dislodging the worn lighter from her companion. Snickering, Vinyl lifted her knee, opening and sparking the lighter in one fluid motion before torching her own stick, adding the lighter to her pocket as she knelt on the floor beside the soaked frame.

Taking a long drag, Vinyl sighed before the smoke billowed from talented lips, lifting and eventually disappearing into the frigid atmosphere. Crossing her arms on the remaining space of the sill, she smiled as misty droplets tickled her face, blood red eyes lifting to carefully study the other woman. Leaving the smoke between her lips, Vinyl gently nudged the pilot's knee, eyebrows crinkling in concern.

"Well, you can at least get out of the rain. Sitting in the window in a tank and shorts is not the way to go in late October."

Spitfire closed her eyes against the words, skin prickling as another chill swept over her, a field of gooseflesh replacing the icy touch. Finally tearing her eyes from the skyline, Spitfire smiled sadly, normal bravado crumbling into confused torment, glassy eyes staring intently at the DJ.

"I don't really feel the cold, Scratch. I don't feel much of anything right now."

Frowning, Vinyl took another drag from her cigarette and blew out the smoke around the butt, fingers curling around the flyer's well-formed bicep before bodily pulling her from the sill. Grunting, Spit tugged the tray from its precarious place and dropped it to the floor between them, head falling backward to lean against the bottom of the frame as she curled up on the floor. Exhaling deeply, Spitfire squeezed her eyes closed, a tremor snaking its way through her bones as she felt the DJ's fingers ghost her wrist, offering quiet support. Angrily ripping the cigarette from her lips, she snapped it against the rim of the tray before snuffing the cherry, leaving the mangled remains to gently smolder in the ashes.

Twisting her fingers in the wilted peaks of her hair, Spit chuckled darkly, tears spilling down her face as she turned to look at the spinner.

"I assume Symph told you what happened this morning?"

Vinyl nodded, pulling her knees up as she rested her arms outward, the cigarette dangling lazily from her left hand. Scoffing, Spit tucked her knees against her chest and rested a cheek against them, brown eyes narrowing as she glanced over at the musician.

"I also assume she told you that I'm a heartless monster with no respect for her feelings, right?"

Vinyl chuckled at that, her free hand absently running through the damp bangs hanging before her eyes.

"No, not quite. She only said that you were both upset and that I should look after you."

Snapping her head up, Spitfire frowned, more tears pooling in the brown orbs.

"What?"

Smiling, Vinyl took another puff and tilted her head, blowing the smoke out the window. Moving her hand over, she squeezed the pilot's forearm before she dropped it to move the ash tray and slid over, bumping the woman with her shoulder.

"Yeah. She was upset, too. She didn't say much, just mentioned re-enlisting. She left not long after."

Spitfire swallowed heavily, troubled orbs falling closed as she curled tighter into a ball, breaths escaping in shuddering intervals. The normally tanned skin seemed pale in the light from outside, the definition of the well-toned muscles almost muting against the soft, gray glow from the rainy atmosphere. Offering a small smile, Vinyl plucked the light from between her lips and crushed it in the tray beside Spitfire's before collapsing against the wall, hands stuffing into the pockets of her jacket. The silence stretched, the pelting rain falling freely over the room as Spit struggled with the demon clawing at her insides. Sniffling softly, Spit tilted her face toward Vinyl, eyes glued to the floor.

"I'm scared, V."

Vinyl snapped her eyes shut at the uncharacteristic tremor of the normally proud flyer, heart shattering in her chest at the utter despair in the strong voice. Leaning softly into her friend, Vinyl bumped shoulders with the woman, her own showing of support to the fleeting captain.

"Walk me through it, Spit."

Shivering at the tiny whisper, Spitfire steeled her nerves, fingers clawing painfully at her hair as she breathed through her nose, forehead resting against her knees for a moment before she straightened, stony eyes glaring, unseeing, toward her apartment.

"I've known re-enlisting was coming up, didn't think much of it. I was going to simply sign the papers and be done with it... But I mentioned it to Symph, and she just... I don't know. I was sorta expecting her to be mad at me for not talking to her about it, for not talking about our future and where we wanted to go... if it included me being in the service..."

Grinning spitefully, Spit ignored the singular tear that slipped free, face icing over as she recalled the events from this morning.

"I was dreading the fight that I knew was coming... Symphony's been bringing up the future a lot, and I kinda always skirt around the issue... But this morning, I finally sucked it up and told her that the deadline was coming. And Vinyl, she... She looked pissed for half a damn second, and then she just crumbled. She just started crying..."

Tears fell in earnest, blazing glowing trails down the stern face, all but ignored by the detached woman.

"It threw me, I won't lie. I tried telling her that I have a duty to uphold, that being in the skies for this place, our home, was something I always wanted, always dreamed of. I'm a captain in the Princess' Royal Air Force, the youngest captain of the Wonderbolts ever... I don't want to have to choose, Vinyl."

Vinyl bit her lip to keep quiet, fingers yearning to soothe the burning emotion roiling through her companion. She remained in check, though, hands flexing on her jeans as she waited, knowing there was more to come. Inhaling sharply, Spit clenched her jaw, eyes never wavering from the abyss in which she stared.

"I told her that... that if I choose to go back, to sign myself away for the next few years, that I'd probably get shipped up North. There's... conflict up there. Conflict that's been stewing for months, I heard... King Sombra and the Northern Continent are bucking against Celestia and Luna's reigning power, that h-he wants to try and take our home."

"I'll actually be going to war. And Symphony screamed at me that I don't have the right to make that decision on my own, that I should have told her about it sooner... I-I didn't know what to say, I don't know what to do. What do I choose? Love? Or fighting, and the skies, and my fucking Bolts?"

Shaking against the sobs exploding from her chest, Spitfire dropped her eyes downward, quaking fingers tugging her dogtags from below her tank, the glistening metal catching a falling tear. Passing terrified eyes to Vinyl, Spit curled her lip in her mouth, eyes falling open in wrenching confusion.

"Vinyl--"

Disregarding the half-hearted fight of the flyer as she was wrapped in strong arms, Vinyl crushed the woman with a powerful hug, her own emotion flattening as she fought to stand strong for the rarely emotional soldier. Soothing the wilting spikes of the pale orange hair, Vinyl smiled, unseen by the quietly crying Spit.

"As much as you don't want to, Spit, you know you have to... to choose. I know how hard this is for you, but you have to remember... Symphony fucking adores you, loves everything about you, and is justified in her fears..."

Nodding, Spitfire settled against the spinner, cries ripping violently from her body.

"I-I know... God, what the hell."

Pulling away from the offered warmth, Spitfire crossed her legs beneath her, fingers scrubbing down her face as she smiled regretfully.

"I love Symphony, I do. With all my heart. Celestia, I always friggin' have, you know that... The first time I ever saw her, I was floored... gobsmacked, maybe. But she was yours back then, remember? That was so... long ago."

Chuckling, Vinyl nodded and pocketed her hands once more, intense red eyes peering thoughtfully up at the pilot.

"Yeah, I remember. I loved Symphony, I still do. But never like that, never like what you guys have."

Accepting the answer, Spitfire curled her arms around her thin frame, lashes fluttering closed as she grimaced, emotional agony clinging almost visibly to the woman.

"I'll never forget when Soarin's plane malfunctioned at that show a few years ago... Up until that point, Symphony had always been proud of my flying, loved it, respected what I could do in an aircraft... But when she saw one of my team, an experienced pilot, just drop out of the sky... Vinyl, I'll never forget that look in her eyes when she clawed through the crowd when everything went down and threw herself in my arms after they took Soarin away in the ambulance..."

Again tears pricked at the molten honey eyes, a distinct tremor shaking the tentative control of emotion the flyer so desperately clung to.

"She sobbed in my arms, right on the air field, right in the middle of everything. She let up just enough so that we could go to the hospital and make sure Soar was okay, but when we got back to my place... She cried for hours and asked me not to fly ever again... The next morning she took it back, but I knew she meant it. That's what terrifies me, Scratch, what she's thinking about when she thinks about me."

Vinyl reached out, carefully curling her fingers around the captain's forearm, a wistful smile ghosting her lips.

"I remember that day. It kinda sent me for a loop, too. Had it been your plane instead, we all would have lost it. You need to talk to her, Spit. You need to get all of this out in the open, okay? Separating and suffering alone when you should be together is never good, I should know... Find out where she stands, Spit, and don't let your emotion block you from Symphony... you need each other."

Merely nodding, the flyer bit her lip and looked away, pale eyebrows drawing where she fought the bitter emotion pounding through her chest. Hiccupping a soft cry, Spit whirled her head around as Vinyl climbed to her feet before peering adoringly down at the pilot.

"Spitfire, it's small, but... This morning Symphony told me that she can't picture you without a plane and that terrified her... I love you, Pompous Stunt Pilot, would you like to venture out into the world with me? Maybe clear your head? I need to pick up my car from Dad's."

Spitfire chuckled before angrily wiping at her tear tracks, eyes flicking up to half-heartedly sneer at her friend.

"Nah, V, I just... I'll stay here. I don't feel much like socializing."

Bobbing her head in agreement, Vinyl trekked over toward the same bowl, plucking her own bike keys out before turning back toward the downtrodden individual, a small smile twisting her lips. Quickly closing the space between them, Vinyl dropped to her knees before the pilot, hands lifting to ruffle the soft hair before gently cupping the woman's cheeks. Waiting until honey brown eyes lifted upward, Vinyl winked and leaned forward, placing a wet kiss on the pilot's forehead, earning a soft laugh from her friend. Pulling away, the DJ pinched the cheeks beneath her fingers before sitting back on her feet and slid out the pilot's lighter, carefully dropping it in an outstretched palm.

"I'm keeping your cigarettes. I'll be back here in a bit, to make sure you're not here and out talking to your girl like you should be, okay? Call me if you need anything, got it? I really do love you, ya big pain in the ass."

Smirking, Spitfire lightly punched the DJ in the arm before watching her stand, eyes glowing up at the snarky spinner.

"Thanks, Vinyl. And if you ever tell anyone that I cried in your arms, I'll murder you and hide your body in the Everfree Forest."

"Everyone knows that underneath that bravado, bitchiness, and cockiness beats the heart of a little, harmless kitten."

"Shut up, Vinyl."

Grinning down at the woman, Vinyl tossed up a small salute before turning on her heel and approached the door, slowly pulling it open before she tossed a careful smile back at the pilot.

"The Wonderbolts may be your lifeblood, Spitfire, but Symphony Strings is your heart and soul."

With a lasting look, Vinyl smiled briefly before finally sliding out the door, closing it softly behind her. Spitfire bit her lip and tilted her head back, brown eyes tracking upward to peer outside to the dark gray sky swirling above her city. Her thumb absently brushed across her bicep, eyes instantly falling to the Wonderbolt tattoo on her upper arm, a wistful smile pulling across her face.

Octavia walked stiffly across the walkway, cello in hand, stopping only to pull open the glass door before stepping into the warm shop. Sapphire eyes glanced up at the newcomer, a pleasant smile twisting the full lips of the confectioner. Brushing her hands on her apron, Bonbon slipped from behind her counter and walked up to the cellist, waving absently as a smiling businessman disappeared out the door with a pointed wave. Absorbing the player's troubled look, Bon ran a comforting hand down the musician's arm before waving over to a table to the side, a kind warmth permeating the candy maker as she settled the dark-haired woman.

"What kind of sweet would you like, Octavia? You look positively grave."

Smiling blankly, Octavia leaned her case against the wall and slumped in the rather conspicuous chair, hand absently gesturing to the bright glass cases by the counter.

"Something crème-filled, please. And... the darker, the better."

Chuckling, Bon straightened and passed behind the counter, plucking free a few pieces at will and dropped them in a tiny bag before closing the cases and delivered the candies to the brooding player. The ring of the entry bell chimed as a couple entered the shop, the bi-colored woman grinning at the newcomers.

"Afternoon, folks. Welcome to Sweetie Drop's Sweet Shoppe!"

The trio spoke quietly, the couple animatedly describing a confectionery treat to the attentive woman. Pulling free a notebook from behind the counter, Bonbon began taking notes, eyes flittering back and forth between the pen and the couple, a bright smile radiating from the woman as they conversed. Octavia hummed thoughtfully, mulberry eyes carefully watching the exchange with interest, fingers absently reaching for a chocolate to slip between parted lips. The creak of a door stole her attention as she peered over the counter, a shoppe employee carting another tray of bonbons.

The pink-haired woman smiled pleasantly at Octavia, her cheeks coloring in a faint blush as she nodded in response to the cellist's wave. Quickly skirting back toward the rear of the shoppe, the young girl nearly plowed into a swiftly moving Lyra, the mint-haired woman dancing perfectly away from the near-collision. Golden eyes instantly landed on the familiar strings player, a small smile appearing as she hopped over the counter and moved to sit at the table beside Octavia. Plucking up the small bag, Lyra sifted through the candies before snapping up a dark chocolate piece decorated with a mint-green swirl. Popping it into her mouth, the lyrist grinned at her fellow strings player before leaning her elbow on the table.

"Heya, cellist. I'm surprised to see you out and about.. Spit told us what that text of yours said."

Coloring at the memory of the implicitly suggestive text, Octavia shuffled uncomfortably, an aggrieved smile curling her lips.

"Y-yes, well... Vinyl and I were requested at the Harwan, and then... Well, there was something I had to take care just a small while ago... I came here for something rich and sweet, to unwind."

Nodding in understanding, Lyra leaned back in her chair and studied the woman, a devilish grin springing to life as she opened her mouth to speak. A pulsing bass beat, however, stopped her in mid-breath, a giddy chuckle bursting forth instead. The sound grew near, a confused frown splashing across Octavia's face as the noise amplified.

"Heavens, what is that racket??"

Laughing almost out loud, Lyra turned her head to peer out the large windows at the front of the store in time to see a white low-rider pull up to the curb, the storefront rattling at the intensity of the music. Whistling appreciatively, Lyra stood and approached the door, eyes raking over the sparkling white paint job, carefully offset by black and blue designs stretching the entire side of the car. The white and blue rims sparkled in the rain and the soft glow of the candy shoppe, the small vehicle settling as the bass suddenly cut out. Vinyl Scratch swung open the driver side door and stood, the wild blue hair instantly visible across the roof of the low automobile. Lyra snorted as Octavia's voice floated over to her, drawing a quick glance from the lyrist.

"Oh my goodness..."

Laughing loudly at the cellist's reaction, golden eyes snapped over to the grinning couple and Bonbon before turning forward as Vinyl stepped around the car and approached the shoppe, grinning at Lyra as she swung the door open for her.

"Hey, Heartstrings."

"Nice ride, Scratch. I see the body boys fixed her up and made her beautiful."

Grinning smugly, Vinyl slipped her lenses up before peering impishly at the cellist.

"My, my... the candy shoppe's serving up more sweetness, hm?"

Blushing, Octavia dropped her eyes to the table, an elated smile twitching to life on her face as Vinyl sauntered over to her table. Leaning her hands on the smooth surface, the DJ waited before the cellist finally looked up, warm, crimson eyes locking with glistening amethyst.

"Hey, babe."

Octavia smiled reflexively, eyes slipping closed as Vinyl leaned down to kiss her slowly, playfully earning a whistle from the lyrist before the spinner regretfully pulled away. The doorbell jingled again as the previous couple left, a low chuckle whispered in their wake. Vinyl straightened and smirked down at the flushed cellist before approaching the counter, casually leaning across the glass as she smiled dreamily at Bonbon.

"Pardon me, lady, can I have a giant bag of caramel cubes, squares, and chocolate-laden pieces?"

Laughing, Bonbon slipped closed the notebook and stowed it behind the counter before snapping open a paper bag and filled the small sack with the decadent treats. Happily accepting the bag, Vinyl fished her wallet free before jerking her head over her shoulder toward Octavia.

"How much for the sexy lady's order? My treat."

Bonbon chuckled and rung through the sale, accepting the money without a thought before she again slipped around the counter to take a seat at the small table. Vinyl dropped into the seat beside Octavia and leaned backward, snaking her arm around the back of the cellist's chair. Lyra leaned forward on the table, settling her chin on her palm as she looked back and forth between the women.

"Oh yeah, you can totally tell they did it."

Bonbon elbowed her instinctively, a small giggle bubbling from within her chest. Octavia dropped her flushed face into her palm, ignoring the throaty chuckle from her lover as Vinyl playfully ruffled her hair.

"Relax, Tav. We're all friends here."

Bonbon nodded before turning a serious eye to the couple, blue brows lifting thoughtfully.

"Yes, we are. And speaking of friends? How are Symphony and Spitfire?"

Vinyl sighed before curling open her bag and popped a caramel square into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully, eyes passing over to quietly regard the cellist. Frowning and locking eyes with the DJ, Octavia shook her head, hands clasping on the table in front of her.

"Upset. Both of them, I assume. I'm hoping they work it out... They were so happy yesterday at the game."

Vinyl bobbed her head in concurrence, red eyes passing over to stare out the storefront.

"They'll come to something, whether good or bad. We just gotta give them room to work it out. We've said what we needed to, now it's up to them."

Heaving a hefty sigh, Octavia leaned her head against the spinner's shoulder, hand instantly searching for Vinyl's.

"I don't want to think about it. Vinyl, can we go home? Today has been so... draining already."

Agreeing, Vinyl popped another square in her mouth before wrapping up her bag and stuffed it in her pocket, legs flexing as she stood up beside the table. Tugging Octavia up beside her, the jockey jerked her chin toward the remaining couple before reaching to heft the cello case.

"We'll catch up with you guys, later. Oh, Heartstrings, dust off your strings, I'm gonna need your fingers for a new tune. I'll text you."

Shrugging, Lyra smiled before tossing up a small wave.

"See ya, ladies. Try to keep the earth-shattering sex to a minimum, you know I have a tendency to show up unannounced."

Mortified, Octavia sputtered as Vinyl led her toward the exit, cheeks burning a vibrant red. Laughing despite the cellist's discomfort, the DJ smirked at her dearest friend.

"That's what the chain lock is for, homo."

Slipping her lenses over her eyes, Vinyl carefully lead her shocked lover into the rain before opening the passenger door, allowing Octavia to all but fall into the car. Securing the door, Vinyl stowed the cello in the back seat and scurried around the hood to slide into the driver seat, an impressive smirk ghosting her lips.

"Sooo?"

Eyes wandering around the interior, Octavia half-shrugged, an appreciative smirk coloring full lips.

"It's actually very nice. Where'd you get it?"

Snickering, Vinyl fired up the engine, the soft purr of a powerful machine spinning around them.

"I've actually had this car, but... Bone wrecked her like, six months ago. The body boys had her, fixed her up, and repainted her to match my awesome style. They finished the final touches on my sound system and then had to wait for my rims before I could pick her up... They called after you left for Symphony's."

Impressed, Octavia buckled up as Vinyl slipped into traffic, the massive speakers purring at a much more bearable decibel. A wave of sadness crashed through the cellist, olive fingers crawling over the console to grasp the spinner's hand.

"Vinyl, I... I want you to know that I love you. And I'm afraid for Symphony and Spitfire. I never want us to come to such a tough place, at least not again."

Bobbing her head in silence, Vinyl squeezed the hand in her grasp and turned to look at Octavia as they pulled up to a red light.

"I know what you mean, Tav. But Luna willing we won't hit something like that... I hope that all of our hardships are behind us... It's not like our relationship's been easy."

Guilt slammed into the cellist in that instant, visions of their fight in the castle forcefully pushing into her mind.

"I'm sorry, Vinyl... For all the things I said. You know that, don't you? I want nothing more to be with you, and I hope my actions dictate that truth. Those things I said, all those instances with my mother... They were mistakes."

Threading her fingers with Octavia's, Vinyl pursed her lips, a certain sadness masking her face.

"It's okay, Tav. I told you... I forgave you already. I'd rather not think about those things... Granted, they got us here, but they still hurt like hell. But you're worth it. God, are you worth it."

Eyes casting outward to watch the street pass as Vinyl pulled away from the light, Octavia desperately tried to suppress the emotion thrumming in her chest.

"I love you, Vinyl Scratch. I don't deserve you."

Laughing, the two-tone DJ gently pulled the cellist's hand to her lips to pepper small kisses on the chilled knuckles.

"You deserve me. You don't seem to understand that I'm the lucky one here. On another topic, I wanted to head to the Harwan... there's a piece I want us to look at for the pre-Hearth concert... Cool with you?"

Smiling warmly at her lover, Octavia smiled, squeezing the fingers in her grasp.

"Yes, darling, of course. Lead the way."

Flicking on her signal, Vinyl smirked and turned, leading the car toward the theatre.

Author's Note

Okay, so, a few things:
--I'm aware this took over a month. I'm getting married in November, all you beautiful people, and all of my free time has gone to some aspect of that. I'M NOT SORRY (I so totally am, who am I kidding? Some of you know how long I've had half of this chapter already completed!)
--I am also aware that this chapter is obviously not very OctaScratch related, but the Spitfire/Symphony dynamic is important for later.
--Somehow this story already has a hundred likes and a boatload of favorites, so thank you all for that! (Watch and Learn has also gotten quite a number of new likes, I'm glad people are showing some love to my original!!)
--While on the subject... I REALLY dislike anonymous hate. If you're set on disliking either one or both of my stories, drop me a line and tell me why so I can put you in your place/seriously discuss why you hate it. (I've done that on W&L, I enjoy a good debate.)

And on another note, I HIT OVER 100 FOLLOWERS. Mad props to DerRotSpassvogel for being my 100th! If I had a gift for you, I'd let you know, but... I don't.

I really hope to update again on Saturday... I'll really, really try. I love you all, thanks for the support!!

(Ialsosecretlyhatethischapterokaybyee~)

-Bonesy

Shame

Low, haunting tones coursed deeply through the chilled atmosphere, sensually bouncing off the high ceilings of the immaculate venue. Two musicians, so different in style, harmonized peacefully, slow, quiet notes melding together into a masterful tune. Octavia Melody sat in a singular chair, alone at center stage, as she slowly, meticulously played the polished midnight cello, shimmering jet black hair thrown carelessly over one shoulder. Amethyst eyes were closed lightly, her body humming with music as the bow caressed the taught strings of Fleur Noire, the bass music flooding her senses, chipping away at the lingering discomfort at her core. The normally fluid motions were tempered by a stinging soreness, the music more edgy and unpredictable as the cellist played from memory.

Vinyl Scratch sat at the piano, fingers dancing lovingly over the ivory keys. The black grand lay off to the side and away from from the edge, though no less lovingly under the spotlights of the Harwan. Burning garnet eyes were wide and shining, carefully watching the cellist play, her own fingers moving off muscular reflex as they worked, the sounds potent and strong in the relative stillness of the space. A smile found permanent residence on the disc jockey's face, lips twitching as musical warmth enveloped her, casting her into a blissful fog. Vinyl absently tossed her head, readjusting the wild peaks of hair that fell before those same eyes, her face warping into a blinding smile as she watched her lover's raven tresses shift as well.

Long, gorgeous locks slipped from a sore shoulder, fluttering to lay quietly at the cellist's back as she continued to play, shoulder blades absently flexing as the weight settled at her spine. Vinyl watched, transfixed, as Octavia's fingers nimbly twirled down the long neck of the instrument, her face tilting to reveal a focused profile, mulberry eyes still hidden from view. A fiery blush crawled up Vinyl's neck as she remained shocked into rigidity, fingers stilling in their movements over the keys. She was struck, inspired as Octavia twisted in her seat, face warping in confusion as her hands eventually ceased their melodic touch, bright eyes finally flickering open to peer thoughtfully at her lover. Vinyl smirked then and stood, silently pushing the bench backward before taking a few steps passed the board prop, the pads of pale fingers absently tracing the dip of the grand.

Leaning against the edge of the piano, Vinyl simply shrugged her shoulders and crossed her arms, sparkling eyes quietly regarding the seated performer. Octavia shared a similar motion before finally standing, balancing the cello on its endpin before lifting it and turned to walk a few paces behind the chair to the patiently waiting case. Kneeling, Octavia tucked the cello away into the emerald silk before stowing the bow and closing the lid, clicking the snaps into place. Vinyl reacted in kind, pivoting on her heel to lift the piano lid and released the prop, slowly lowing the top board before closing the instrument. Octavia smiled brilliantly as she eliminated the space between them, easily leaning her large case against the piano. Grinning sweetly, the cellist slipped her arms upward, locking her forearms behind Vinyl's neck.

Lifting to her tiptoes, the cellist drew the jockey downward, their lips meeting in a slow, tantalizing kiss that saw them both breathless as they separated with a quiet smack. The house lights flickered then, crimson eyes skipping over toward the control area, pierced brow lifting upward in silent query. Octavia merely hummed and nuzzled the pale throat, dropping small kisses along the sturdy column in her grasp. A dull hum electrified the atmosphere, pulling an amused chuckle from the DJ as the speaker system came to life around them.

"Splendid performance, ladies."

Octavia hissed and quickly pulled away from Vinyl, her cheeks colored high with guilt at being caught. The hum of the PA dissipated, though a hearty laugh echoed from the well-hidden booth. Vinyl shook her head and smiled, turning as she lifted the cello before heading off-stage, gesturing for Octavia to fall in step behind her. The women were silent as they walked through heavy, though familiar, shadow, the hands linking as they broke into the halo of light splayed across the center aisle. A tall silhouette appeared at the lobby doors, the shape easily discernible. Vinyl briefly squeezed the hand in her grasp as they stopped just before the man, deep red eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Sorry, were we interrupting?"

Record Scratch laughed heartily and stepped forward, the drop lights above him illuminating his steel gray eyes as a large smile framed his face.

"Of course not. Though you know how Frederick can be before a performance... the longer we leave the venue alone before tonight, the better."

Without waiting for a response, he turned, silently requesting that the women follow. Octavia pulled up beside Vinyl as they emptied out, leaving the mighty auditorium doors ajar before meeting the man near the entrance. Smirking wonderfully, Record opened the outer doors and gestured grandly, inviting the two players into the rain-drenched atmosphere. Octavia released her grip on Vinyl in favor of curling her pea coat tighter around her body, the wind already chilling her as they stopped just outside the doors. Slipping back inside, Record armed the system and quickly exited before securing the building. Curling his hands inside his jacket pockets, he grinned stupidly, blue hair askew as he rocked on his heels. Pinning Vinyl with a knowing smile, he looked to his daughter's car.

"You had better get a move on, Vinyl. The skies look like they could open up any second."

Dismissing the concern, Vinyl lightly punched at her father's arm, a rebellious eye roll her only response. Tugging Octavia once by her coat cuff, Vinyl dug her keys from her pocket and unlocked the white low rider, skillfully stowing the large case into the rear seats. Opening the passenger door, Vinyl spun and winked at Octavia before hurrying around to her own door. Wrenching the door open, she paused as Rec called out to them both.

"If that's how you'll both be performing for Hearth, I think all of Canterlot will weep at its beauty."

Octavia whirled around, her hand grasping the door for support before she flushed, a humble smile curling her lips.

"Thank you, Mister Record."

Waving off her formality, he winked at Vinyl before quickly approaching the black sedan parked at the curb and slid into the passenger seat. Recognizing the car as Harmony Inkwell's, PA to the recording company's CEO, Vinyl chuckled and threw her arm up in a wave. Harmony returned the motion in kind, her orange hair still pulled into its tight bun from earlier this morning, though her anger had seemed all but forgotten. Collapsing into her own car, Vinyl slid her key into the ignition and turned over the engine, red eyes flicking over to peer thoughtfully at Octavia. Noticing the scrutiny, Octavia grinned, fingers reaching to absently smooth the hair from her forehead before twining her fingers with Vinyl's.

Vinyl inclined her head toward the windshield, questioning silently as Octavia casually mulled over their seemingly limitless options for the day. A familiar jingle from the phone between them had mulberry eyes casting downward, staring thoughtfully at the large screen that jumped to life. Laughing, Octavia detangled her fingers and lifted the phone, scrunching her nose at the number of missed calls. Turning the screen toward Vinyl, Octavia tilted her head in wonder, eyebrows raising in silent question.

Vinyl accepted the phone and scowled, quickly thumbing through the myriad of missed calls, ignoring all but one of them. Pressing the caller number, she lifted the cell to her ear, vision shifting over toward Octavia as she mouthed an apology. An irritated voice answered on the third ring.

"Where the hell have you been? I've been calling you for over an hour!"

Snickering, Vinyl relaxed into her seat and fiddled with her wiper blades, tongue dashing out to swipe across her lower lip.

"Keep your shirt on, Lyra, I've been at the Harwan. What's up?"

"I'll tell you what's up! If I get one more damn phone call from Dahlia Trill, I'm going to murder myself. Brutally. And with--"

"Relax, Heartstrings, I'll take care of it. No need to get all worked up."

Before the lyrist could continue, Vinyl ended the call and smiled devilishly at Octavia. The raven-haired musician merely flicked her wrist, almost failing to hide her smile. Vinyl dropped her phone back into the cup holder before shifting into gear and smoothly pulled from the curb. Passing her eyes between phone and driver, Octavia shifted in her seat to look curiously to her lover.

"What was that all about, anyway? And who were all those calls from?"

Laughing lightly, Vinyl reached for Octavia's hand, her smile growing as their fingers fell perfectly into place with one another. Stopping at a red light, Vinyl dismissed the concern, her focus shifting to look thoughtfully around the intersection.

"Nah, it's nothing. Remember that call from this morning? Just someone my dad wanted to play for the concert. She's been harassing Lyra since she can't get ahold of me."

Mulling over the response, Octavia hummed in acceptance, gaze sliding over the watch Canterlot pass her by. A comfortable silence settled between them as they drove, Octavia noticing the familiar neighborhood as Vinyl piloted them toward the old-fashioned Astoria. Pulling around to the side of the building, the low rider stopped smoothly before Vinyl cut the engine, kicking her door open to pile out of the car. Grabbing the black case from the back, Vinyl smiled enigmatically at her companion before waltzing around the car, offering her elbow to the woman before they strolled toward the building. Octavia continued to hum in the silence between them, amethyst eyes rising to the many windows as they approached the structure. Pulling on the glass doors, Vinyl tugged Octavia in behind her, both players smiling at the man behind the desk before approaching the elevators.

Journeying inside, Vinyl put the case on its end and leaned her elbow on it, eyebrows waggling playfully at Octavia as they rode the four stories before stepping out into the hall. The man from 414 exited his apartment as the two women strode down the hall, his scratchy, tobacco-strained voice calling out behind his fellow tenant.

"Oh, Pon3!"

Turning, she peered at the man over her shoulder, eyebrows twitching in silent question. The older gentleman waved her back down, his eyes staring hard at Octavia. Shifting her cargo, Vinyl leaned the cello case to Octavia and closed the gap separating her from the man. Shoving her hands into the pockets of her jeans, Vinyl tilted her chin to the elder.

"Hey, Mister Ep, what can I do for you?"

Again shooting a stern look to Octavia, he approached the young DJ, tossing an arm around her shoulders as he turned them away from the now-insulted cellist down the hall. Gently grasping the woman's shoulder, he leaned in conspiratorially, eyes burning.

"A woman was here for you a little while ago, looked to be some trouble. She practically beat your door down before giving up and leaving. I'd watch out if I were you, Pon, she doesn't seem like the type to mess around with."

Frowning, Vinyl tossed a bereaved look at the impatiently waiting cellist, mouth curling into an appreciative smile before refocusing her attention to Ep.

"Did you get a good look at her?"

He scowled then, as if the very memory of the woman offended him.

"A'course I did. She was tall. Black hair, eyes like the devil. I've seen her here before."

Grimacing, she patted the man's shoulder and shrugged out of his clutches, a strained smile ghosting pale lips.

"Thanks, Ep. I'll keep an eye out for her."

Grumbling, the old man threw his arms up in disgrace, his green eyes darkening as he focused on Octavia. Waving a threatening finger at the cellist, he scoffed before scurrying inside his apartment, effectively slamming the door behind him. Quickly covering ground, Vinyl snatched up Fleur Noire and tugged Octavia with her free hand, almost rushing them down the hall to her apartment. Releasing the cellist, Vinyl tugged free her keys and unlocked the door, pushing her way inside. Octavia followed slowly, lips pursed in irritation as she slowly slid the door shut with a soft click. Taking a moment to study Vinyl, Octavia crossed her arms and pinned the spinner with a tumultuous gaze.

"What was that all about?"

Sighing, Vinyl ran a hand through her choppy hair, pushing the messy bangs from her forehead before smiling offhandedly.

"Oh, nothing... crazy neighbor saw your mom stop by while we were out, just wanted to tell me. You know, make sure I'm not in trouble with the mob or something."

Octavia merely suffered a long-standing sigh, her eyes drifting closed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. Vinyl paused a moment before chancing movement, happy when the cellist didn't snap at her. Rifling through a cabinet, Vinyl plucked free a small bottle and poured out two pills into her palm before stowing the container. Pivoting, she slammed in and out of the refrigerator, tucking the cool bottle under her arm as she approached the tense woman still standing against the door. Pulling on a dark gray sleeve, Vinyl waited patiently, instantly smiling as the sharp, violet eyes peered up at her. Accepting the medication, Octavia popped the pills into her mouth and swallowed with a cool sip of water, scowling as the recapped the bottle.

Shrugging out of her coat, the dark-haired strings player hung it on the rack by the door before entering the apartment, rolling her shoulder as she clasped the drink in her hand. Collapsing rather ungracefully on the over-stuffed sofa, Octavia sighed loudly, an arm reaching up to cross over her eyes. A sharp bass tone bore into the silence of the apartment, silenced as Vinyl opened the text message and hummed aloud, fingers quietly tapping out a response before she plodded over to her girlfriend. Taking the cushion beside Octavia, Vinyl smiled casually, body turning to face Octavia while her fingers fiddled with the cellist's borrowed shirt. Almost feeling the eyes dance over her skin, Octavia smiled and opened her eyes, fingers rising to mindlessly brush away wild blue bangs.

Breathing out a short laugh, Octavia silently inclined her head, waiting for the comment she knew to be coming from her companion; Vinyl grinned and waved her phone at the cellist.

"That was my Dad. Apparently, the Hearth's Warming concert is going to be a multi-day event and he was wondering if you knew of any other classic musicians who'd want to join in? He wants there to be all types of music for all types of people."

Octavia took a moment to mull over the many people in her head, her good shoulder half-raised in uncertainty.

"I'm sure I could ask some of the Orchestra, though I don't know who'd want to perform together without the whole ensemble."

The phone between them made the same sound once more, momentarily gathering the DJ's entire focus; again, she typed a reply before regarding the cellist.

"He actually wants to know if you know, or know people who could get ahold of, Andante Stanza?"

Tan skin flushed, the cellist quickly dropping her eyes to focus on the bottle between her palms. Forcing a smile, Octavia rolled her aching shoulder and tilted her eyes up to lock on the DJ.

"I do, actually. I'll... I'll give him a call for you."

Frowning, Vinyl watched every tiny movement of the cellist as she stood to retrieve her purse, recklessly tearing through it before uncovering her phone. Turning away from the two-tone woman, Octavia typed out a quick text message before slowly thumbing through the many contacts living with her phone. Snorting out a quick breath, she jammed at the call button and quickly lifted her phone, her feet begin a less-than-subtle circling of the apartment.

The phone rang four times before a deep voice finally answered the call.

"Hello, Octavia?"

Vinyl stood before the mirror, hands clenching the edge of the sink as she carefully mulled over her reflection. Squinting her eyes, she smiled, fingers absently adjusting a lavender bowtie as garnet eyes traced her reflection. Her mouth stretched into a wider smile as her hands abandoned the bowtie in favor of the wild, two-tone hair sitting atop her head. Brushing her fingers through the naturally choppy locks, she pursed her lips in thought, thumb tapping her temple as she buried her digits into the silky mane. Sighing, she dropped her hands to the taps, twisting both handles to warm the water before wetting her fingers. Shaking free the excess droplets, she slid her hands through her hair, effectively slicking back the messy peaks. Shrugging, she peered at her reflection before turning off the water and stepped back, snagging a towel from the hook beside the sink.

Drying her hands and replacing the towel, she pivoted and peered around the immaculate bathroom, crimson eyes absorbing every striking detail of her lover's luxury suite, her mind drifting to less than honest thoughts about the cellist sure to be pacing in the living room. Without hiding her smile, Vinyl tugged down her suit jacket and smoothed down the front, huffing in preparation; she flitted out of the bathroom, a permanent smile plastered across her face.

Stepping from the hall, Vinyl failed to keep a chuckle in, her earlier thoughts on the cellist correct as Octavia nervously paced around her apartment. Amethyst eyes immediately cut to the source of the sound, the flustered eyes narrowing dangerously at the DJ. Grumbling, Octavia darted towards the other woman, the silk of her dress fluttering beautifully behind her. Stopping in front of her lover, Octavia pressed her lips together, mulberry eyes scanning the damp hairline.

"Honestly, Vinyl, did you have to touch your hair?"

Fighting a snicker, Vinyl lifted her hands in surrender, bright orbs sparkling with mischief. Clicking her tongue, Octavia combed her fingers through the damp hair, ruffling out the soft peaks of the messy style. Vinyl merely smiled, eyes never leaving the determined face of her lover as she muttered angrily under her breath. Violet eyes flicked down to the smiling face, flickering between the hair and the woman before ultimately settling on the stupidly grinning jockey.

"What?"

"Nothing, you're just cute. Why are you freaking out about this dinner date? It's not like you've never met the guy."

Octavia sighed heavily before releasing the blue locks and stepped backward, eyes shifting to look toward the still open window. Waving her hand in a dismissive gesture, she turned back toward the sofa and walked towards it, seating herself on the edge of an expensive cushion to delicately slip on her black spike heels. Ruffling the bottom of her dress, the cellist stood again, vision tracking over to quietly regard the woman. Floating toward her girlfriend, she pulled to a stop just before her, nervous hands lifting to smooth the shoulders of the immaculate black suit. Smiling wistfully, her thumbs brushed the lavender silk of the bowtie, unnecessarily straightening it before inhaling a quiet breath.

"You know I've met Andante, Vinyl. He went to Lenoir's like the rest of us, as you're probably aware. But it's been many years since I've seen him, and we used to be very close friends before he graduated... He's been living in London ever since."

Tilting her head, Vinyl lifted her hands to gently clasp the player's wrists, a timid smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

"You never told me that... How did you know him, anyway? He was two years ahead of you, and not even a strings player. He plays the saxophone for Celestia's sake."

Octavia chuckled, albeit painfully before she half-turned from the curious red gaze.

"The same way I met Beauty Brass, Vinyl. Socializing. My mother is good friends with his mother, though, and introduced us at one of her benefits for the school. He made it a point to see me when we had time between classes and rehearsals."

Simply accepting the explanation, Vinyl shook her head, freeing her hair from the dampness keeping it in place. Heading toward the door, she slid her pea coat from the hook and approached Octavia, smiling as she presented the coat. They shared a quiet laugh as Octavia shrugged on the pilfered coat, nudging the DJ in the ribs as she settled the jacket across her shoulders. Vinyl grabbed her keys off the small table by the door and pulled her coat off the rack, tossing it over her elbow before opening the door. Gesturing to the cellist, she winked as Octavia breezed past her and settled into the hall, waiting as Vinyl clicked the door shut and locked it. The two women started down the hall in relative silence, their hands brushing as they walked. Vinyl rounded on the elevator, her thumb bumping the red down arrow as she rocked on her heels, red eyes staring up at the many numbers above the heavy, metal doors.

Chancing a quick look to the raven-haired player, Vinyl lovingly scanned every inch of the other woman, an impromptu grin tugging across her face.

"You look beautiful, Octavia."

Snapping her eyes toward Vinyl, she beamed, a faint blush crawling up her neck.

"Thank you, Vinyl."

Vinyl shook her head and turned to fully face the other woman, eyes again scanning the gorgeous attire. The cellist wore a striking yet simple ankle-length dress, rich burgundy in color, the expensive silk hugging her hips in an almost-provocative way. The bodice draped from her bad shoulder, effectively covering the permanent bump the cellist had recently been blessed with. Vinyl gathered the player's hands in her own, garnet eyes fiery with their reverence.

"No, I mean it. You're so fucking gorgeous, it's almost illegal."

A melodic laugh sounded from the woman as the elevator doors opened beside them, causing Octavia to tug her lover into the car with a grin. Lifting her arms around Vinyl's shoulders, she melded her body to the DJ and grinned as she nuzzled the pale throat.

"I can feel your eyes on me, sometimes, Vinyl, and it really makes me feel incredible."

Vinyl chuckled as she locked her fingers behind the shorter woman's lower back, garnet eyes darkening as she leaned down to kiss the shell of a flushed ear.

"Are you sure we can't skip this dinner? I mean, I can think of some other things we could be doing."

Grinning, she flashed a small grin before placing a tender kiss on Vinyl's jaw.

"I wish we could, darling, really. But Andante canceled some performances for me to make it here within the week. I couldn't reschedule if I'm the one that made the date."

Sighing heavily, Vinyl nodded and retracted her arms just as the doors opened, admitting the finely dressed pair to the lobby. The doorman waved adoringly, bowing gently as he held the door open for the pair. Octavia tossed a small wave at the man as they exited, her free arm curling around Vinyl's elbow as they approached the car. Vinyl opened the door and offered her hand, lowering the woman into the seat before dancing around the hood and dropped behind the wheel. Turning over the ignition, she lowered the bass and volume, waggling her eyebrows as she slipped her glasses from her pocket and propped them up on her forehead. She flicked on her signal and merged into traffic, heading toward D'Urberville's.

Octavia gently plucked at the edge of her linen napkin, hands trembling as they waited. D'Urberville's was achatter with activity, many well-dressed and esteemed couples dotting the immaculate decor. Octavia glanced sideways at her date, the mussed, untamable hair of her lover a glaring contrast to the well-coiffed hair of the Elite. Octavia grimaced slightly as she again noticed the purple lenses hanging off the DJ's breast pocket, tucked up against the lavender pocket square accenting the inky black of her tailored suitcoat. Octavia leaned toward Vinyl, arm snaking around to grip firmly on the back of the woman's chair.

"Please, Vinyl, can you make your glasses a little less... visible?"

Pursing her lips, Vinyl held the desperate gaze for a moment before sighing, giving in easily as she plucked the glasses from their resting place. Pulling her jacket forward, she slid them to her inside pocket smoothly, perturbed crimson eyes never breaking the trance with the cellist.

"Tav, what in the hell is the matter? You're practically vibrating the table with your fidgeting."

Scoffing, the cellist straightened in her seat, quickly dismissing the concern with a somewhat-snobbish flourish.

"I'm not fidgeting, Vinyl. Merely waiting. It's unlike him to be late."

Shrugging off the tone, the DJ lifted her glass to take a sip of the water, brilliant, dark orbs scanning the restaurant for the tall aficionado. Octavia again returned to her nervous tick, mulberry orbs flicking anxiously around the room. A tall man abruptly caught her focus, his height standing out amongst the sitting patrons of the large dining area. Andante Stanza was a staggering height, his thick, wine-colored hair combed back into a neat, expensive style, the luster of gel glittering in the intimate lighting. His suit was a dark gray, the white undershirt offset by a deep blue necktie tucked into his blazer. Intense, amber eyes casually sought Octavia's, his brilliant smile wide across tanned flesh as he led his date toward the table.

Octavia instantly noticed the other woman, her smiling widening slightly as she noticed a former classmate, the woman offering her own timid grin as they approached. Emerald Mortstone was dressed in an elegant gown, sparkling midnight in color, her snowy white hair offset by twinkling green eyes. Noticing both women, she gently squeezed the man's upper arm as they pulled to a stop before the other two musicians, kind eyes passing between Vinyl and Octavia as they respectfully stood in greeting. Octavia practically exploded with elation at seeing the pair again, her smile wide as she was gracefully pulled in for a hug.

Laughing melodiously, Octavia pulled away and peered up at the tall man before focusing on Emerald, her smile twitching wider as she reached out for her friend.

"Oh, it's so amazing to see you both! Andante, Emerald... how marvelous!"

Both chuckled at the contagious enthusiasm, two sets of eyes shifting over toward Vinyl as Octavia tugged her forward.

"Andante, Em, this is my friend Vinyl Scratch. Vinyl, this is Emerald Mortstone and Andante Stanza!"

The twitch of a blue eyebrow was imperceptible, the cocky lips twitching into a forced casualness, the garnet eyes squinting as she shook both the musicians' hands. Gesturing to the remaining two chairs, the spinner sat stiffly, guarded carmine orbs carefully flicking between the newcomers as they settled in across the table. Octavia patted her lover's wrist, drawing in her attention as she smirked happily, nodding her head toward the other woman.

"I don't know if you know of Em, but she--"

Vinyl half-shrugged, a smug smile pulling at her face as she nodded toward the white-haired beauty.

"Yeah, we've met. She was the flautist for one of Note's productions. How have you been?"

Emerald flushed, the twinkle in her eyes intensifying as she smiled.

"I've been doing wonderfully, Vinyl, thank you. I've heard good things about you as well!"

Both women leaned into the conversation, almost ignoring the other two occupants of the table. The blinding smile on the man's face never once faltered, his bright, golden orbs almost dancing in the low light. Leaning forward, he covered Octavia's hand with his own, dark eyebrows rising as he bent forward.

"It's very nice to see you again, Octavia. You're looking well. Beautiful, just as you always were."

The cellist fought off her smile, squeezing the hand over her own before pulling away. Lifting the glass to her lips, she took a sip of the wine before replacing her glass, hands curling nervously in her lap.

"Thank you, Andante. I'm sorry to have called you out of the blue... Record Scratch asked if I knew how to get ahold of you. He's more than curious to see if you'd like to perform in the first ever Hearth's Warming Eve concert? Your talents would do well to fit into the classical section."

Before he could open his mouth to speak, Emerald darted in, her excitement palpable.

"Oh, that sounds exquisite. Is this an invitation only concert? I'd like to be a part of it, if that's okay?"

Octavia nodded, equally enthralled by the idea.

"No, he's said the more talent, the better. I'm sure Vinyl could set something up with him, yes?"

Three pairs of eyes suddenly skirted in her direction, regarding her curiously. Andante smiled ruefully, amber eyes aglow with humor. Vinyl clicked her tongue and nodded, hands bridging beneath her chin as she passed her attention from musician to musician.

"Yeah, I can talk to him, of course. He's respectfully asked for my assistance with the event anyway, and I have his secretary on speed dial. I'll have him be in touch, Em, okay?"

The woman grinned before finally lifting her menu, eyes thoughtfully scanning the list of items. Stanza cleared his throat and leaned a casual elbow on the table, his jaw falling placidly into a waiting palm as he studied the DJ.

"So, tell me, Vinyl, what do you do with your free time? Judging by your hair style and piercings, I can only imagine it's something colorful."

His tone grated her nerves, her fingers flexing against her chin as she smiled sweetly at the man.

"I mix and record sets of music, sometimes for personal use, sometimes for other names in the business. I'm the go-to for a great stylistic flare."

He chuckled before taking a sip of her drink, his menu pushed to the side as he continued to study the increasingly irritated disc jockey.

"So, you're a DJ? That's... respectable work."

Octavia interjected, her hand slipping beneath the table to grasp her lover's knee. Using her thumb, she traced a soothing circle along the tensing muscles along the shapely thigh, eyes silently pleading for her to hold her temper. Turning toward Andante, she smiled briefly, free hand drumming against the tablecloth.

"Vinyl does more than DJ. She's actually an accomplished pianist and an amazing singer."

He seemed surprised, dark eyebrows floating upward to rest high on his forehead. Chuckling, he nodded his head in deference to Vinyl, a genuine smile creeping across his face.

"I'm sorry for being so presumptuous, Vinyl, forgive me. I never would have pinned you for the piano, though maybe guitar or drums. Have you been classically trained?"

Narrowing her eyes conspiratorially, she leaned in, voice airy.

"Yep. Graduated from Lenoir's the year behind you, actually. But don't worry about it, I can see where you'd make a mistake."

Emerald piped up, sensing a growing tension, her head bobbing in agreement. Stanza merely chuckled and grinned wryly, amber eyes darkening to a molten honey as he waved a waitress over. The remainder of the evening passed with little incident, the conversation lively amongst the old friends. With dessert put away, the quartet quietly stood and exited after paying the tab, Emerald leading the troupe toward the door. The night was still but frigid, late fall seeping slowly into winter. Octavia shivered beneath the heavy wool as she pulled it closer against her lithe frame, shining amethyst eyes floating happily from player to player. Grinning, she pulled Emerald into a hug, lingering for a moment before stepping back.

"It was so good to see you, Emerald. I wish you'd visit Canterlot more often!"

The flautist snickered, shoulders shrugging as her attention skipped to Vinyl.

"The playing is good over in London. And Vinyl, it was so nice seeing you, I hope we can catch up more since I'll be in town for a while."

The DJ smirked, tugging the woman in for a quick hug.

"Yeah, definitely."

Disentangling, the flautist poked at Vinyl, barking out a laugh.

"And do bring Lyra, she was always my favorite." They shared a knowing smile.

Octavia smiled up at Andante before folding herself in his arms, grinning brightly as they pulled away. Locking eyes, the pair smiled knowingly, the nervous energy quickly returning to the cellist as she shuffled on her feet. Andante chuckled lowly, focus dancing across Octavia's face as he clasped her hand, dropping a soft kiss to her knuckles. Vinyl tensed, voice crumbling to a harsh clearing of her throat, the sound ignored as Stanza straightened to his full height before the raven-haired player.

"Wonderful seeing you again, Miss Octavia. I look forward to working with you over the next few weeks. Maybe we could get some lunch soon and catch up, just the two of us."

Octavia flushed and nodded, returning her hand to her pocket as her jaw clenched, almost feeling the displeasure pouring off of Vinyl in tumultuous wave. Giving both women a nod, he offered his arm to Emerald before leading her toward the waiting taxi, opening the rear door for her before he climbed in after, lifting a small wave to the two women before heading off down the road. Vinyl scowled and ran her hand through the soft, blue peaks, sights settling on Octavia as she continued to stare down the street. Tugging on the cellist's sleeve, she jerked her head toward the car parked just down the block, wordlessly leading her lover toward the automobile. They climbed in in silence, the low purr of the engine filling the space between them.

Three red lights later and Vinyl inhaled sharply, head snapping over to regard her contemplative passenger.

"He seemed nice."

Octavia merely smiled softly, ignoring the blistering tone as she gestured forward. Vinyl clenched her jaw and drove the rest of the way home in oppressive silence.

Practically kicking the door in, Vinyl thundered into the apartment, her mood black. Octavia followed much more calmly, face a placid mask of understanding. Merely shrugging out of her coat, she hung the garment by the door before skirting around the stormy woman, bee-lining directly for the kettle settled on the rear burner. Placing her clutch on the counter, she spun before plucking the metal pot from the stove, swiveling to refill the container before replacing it and flicked on the gas beneath it. Fetching two cups and the Earl from the cabinet, she plunked the teabags into the mugs and exited the kitchen, waiting, hands folded before her.

Vinyl grunted as she quickly undid her bowtie and slid it off, jamming it into the front pocket of her coat before snatching her glasses from her inside pocket. Sticking them into their favorite resting place, Vinyl shrugged out of her jacket and blazer simultaneously, roughly tossing them onto the cream sofa at her left. Wrinkling her lips, she dug her fingers into her hip and stared at the cellist, licking her lips as she took in every striking detail of the steady woman.

"Stop looking at me like I'm a treacherous five-year-old."

Octavia couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips, regardless of the biting retort. She slipped her fingers through her dark tresses and sighed, knowing Vinyl enough to know the evening did not have a desirable outcome. Still, she approached the DJ, stopping within arm's reach before she smiled that same, disarming grin.

"Vinyl, I'm sorry for Andante. He can be--"

Growling, Vinyl turned on her heel and stuffed her hands into her pockets before beginning a frenetic pace, teeth running roughly along her bottom lip. Stilling suddenly, she whirled around on Octavia, her left hand bursting free to gesture wildly.

"Do you really think that Stanza was the reason for my mood? Please, after dealing with your mother, his snooty bullshit is like a walk in the park. And besides, he wasn't as bad as I was expecting. He's a stuck up tightwad, but he's not too bad a guy. I could have totally done without the eyesex he was practically undressing you with."

Octavia was more successful in hiding her grin, though she crossed her arms in barely-masked distress.

"I don't understand, Vinyl... Why are you so displeased? I don't recall anything out of the ordinary. He was genuinely sorry for the DJ comment, that I know... And he didn't do anything completely unbecoming toward me. Is this about him kissing my hand? Is this some jealousy thing?"

She couldn't help the heat of her anger spiking, but she tried desperately to reign it in once an icy darkness passed across her lover's face. Octavia sighed and clenched at her upper arms, attempting to patiently await the answer.

Vinyl narrowed her eyes and shrugged her shoulders, mirroring Octavia as they stood across the coffee table from one another.

"No, it's not really about the hand molesting, but that didn't help me feel any better."

Octavia scoffed, "Hand molesting?"

Vinyl dropped her arms to crack her knuckles, eyes slamming closed as she paced a brief circle beside the coffee table. Dejected, her shoulders slumped, her back still to Octavia as the red orbs crept open, glistening with unspent moisture. Steeling her nerves, she cast a worried look over her shoulder, clearly surprising Octavia. Twisting her body, Vinyl helplessly lifted her hands, lips tugging into a frown as she gestured to the air between them.

"No, Tav, I just... I don't know, forget about it."

The spinner collected her jacket and coat, tossing a small smile toward the cellist before heading toward the door. Octavia scrambled after her, stopping the movement with a firm tug to the woman's elbow. Her eyes silently searched the guarded red eyes, her own swirling with uncomfortable confusion. Vinyl smiled, attempting to remove herself from the flexing fingers, an action that proved fruitless. Octavia lifted the clothing from Vinyl's slack grip and turned, hanging them up before refocusing her attention to the blue-haired pianist.

"Vinyl, what?"

Gritting her teeth, Vinyl snapped her eyes away, lips pursing as a new surge of anger bubbled its way through her chest. Shrugging off the careful touch, she leveled the cellist with an annoyed glower.

"I didn't know I was just your damn friend," she spat, eyes igniting as the familiar hurt returned.

Octavia reeled backward, eyes open with confusion. She quickly thought over their night, her own words ringing in her ears as the memory returned to her. Guilt slammed into her with blinding force, the crippling tension threatening to drown her in her own mistake. Backpedaling, Octavia violently shook her head, hands sliding upward to clasp Vinyl's crossed forearms. Pleading, wide eyes peered up at Vinyl, screaming for forgiveness.

"Vinyl, I'm so sorry. I didn't even realize... I-I guess I'm just not... used to it? No, that's not right. I'm sorry, I'm just afraid."

The taller woman growled but didn't retreat, her eyes instead challenging the cellist to say more.

"I know this is new for you, Octavia, I get that. I was new to the gay world before, too, and I once stumbled over getting that out. But I did, there's no other way to get comfortable in your own skin than to be proud of it. You just had dinner with two people that, I'm guessing, used to be important in your life, and you couldn't even admit that I was your girlfriend."

Octavia sighed and shifted forward, resting her forehead against Vinyl's tense shoulder.

"You're right. I know you're right. I didn't even think about it, Vinyl."

Deafening silence blanketed the room for a time, the steaming of the kettle the only noise for a long stretch. Octavia sighed and nuzzled her forehead against the firm shoulder, eyes fluttering as her hands flexed against the strong forearms beneath the thin cloth. Vinyl shuddered as she shuffled her weight, her throat twitching as she swallowed.

"Are... you ashamed of me, Tav?"

Octavia jerked backward, almost losing her balance at the severity of the movement. Determined mulberry eyes met the swirling displeasure with gusto, her mouth twitching into a resolute frown.

"No, absolutely not. You're a DJ by choice and by trade, and a very talented one. You're talented in all you do, Vinyl, please don't doubt that. I was just stupid tonight, clearly. I shouldn't be so concerned with how people that aren't even really in my life view me. Please, darling, please understand that. I'm so sorry."

Vinyl sighed heavily before guiding the cellist to rest in her arms, the embrace returned with growing nervousness. Resting her cheek on a dark head, Vinyl squeezed the woman in her arms and smiled briefly.

"It's all right, Tav. Okay? Don't worry. Now let's just have our tea so I can get ready to go, remember? Creature won't wait forever."

Octavia squeezed one last time before detangling from her lover, dark eyes watching carefully.

"Okay. I love you, you know. Very much."

Vinyl grinned and placed a quick kiss on the beautiful lips.

"I know you do, Miss Priss. Now are we going to have tea or what?"

Octavia rolled her eyes and breezed past Vinyl to settle in the kitchen, quickly shutting off the gas and removed the kettle. Pouring what was left of the water into both cups, she paused as a chime rang out from her clutch, pulling at her attention. Replacing the kettle, she picked up the small purse and unzipped it, the phone easily sliding into her palm. Unlocking the screen, the message icon blinked as she opened it, a message from Andante illuminating her screen.

How about tomorrow?

Hesitating, Octavia looked up toward Vinyl, lip worrying between her teeth before she typed out a quick response and dropped her phone on the counter. Turning off the ringer, she hefted both mugs and scurried toward her DJ, mouth flashing a timid smile.

A moment later and the screen brightened, a new message popping up.

Fantastic! See you then, darling.

Author's Note

I'm just going to leave this here. I'm trying again. Thank you to everyone who sent me such positivity. Please do forgive any mistakes, and if the tone is off. It's been quite a long time since I've written, especially for Vinyl/Octavia, so I may need some time to find my voice and comfort with this style again.

And just as a small note, I'm posting this from BronyCon. I figured it would be fitting for the weekend.

Enjoy?

Bone, out.

EDIT: Oh my god, I opened FIMFic to check something and Kiss Me Deadly was in the fucking feature box and oh my god, I just want to cry, that's never happened to me ever and oooooh fuck. I WILL REMEMBER THIS MOMENT. 8:55 PM EST, AUGUST 2ND.