The Sun Will Shine Again

The Mandarin Oriental, Thursday, April 25th, 9:50am

Octavia rode the lift up to Vinyl’s 75th floor flat, excited to spend another morning with her new friend. The lift stopped and the cellist walked the now familiar route to Vinyl’s door. She knocked and waited for the exuberant DJ to answer, like usual. When the door didn’t open after half a minute, she knocked again. Octavia waited a full minute and when the door still didn’t open, she decided to try the knob.

The door was unlocked, so she went inside and looked around.

“Vinyl?” she called, to no reply, so she went into the recording studio, thinking that she was probably still getting set up. She set her cello case against the wall and opened the door to the recording booth, but the DJ wasn’t there either. Perplexed, she went back into the hall where she heard a faint sound, sort of like a sniffle. She slowly walked towards the source of the noise, which appeared to be the jockey’s bedroom.

The cellist crept through the half-open door and, as she expected, found her quarry. What Octavia didn’t expect, however, was the state she found her friend in. Vinyl was sitting on her bedroom floor, against a wall, clad only in a grey sports bra and running shorts. Her hair was a disaster, not the deliberate chaos that only she could pull off, but a limp and matted mess. She was crying, and held her face in her hands as she made light sobbing noises. Octavia noticed that the DJ’s right hand was wrapped in a blood stained, white hand towel.

“My goodness, Vinyl, what’s wrong?!” The cellist rushed over and knelt beside the distraught woman. Vinyl sniffled and raised her head to look at the raven haired woman. Octavia was struck speechless at the sight of the DJ’s eyes; not by their bright ruby colour, though she didn’t fail to notice that, but by the pain she saw in those eyes. “Vinyl, what happened?”

“I’m sorry, Tav,” Vinyl croaked. She closed her eyes and a tear leaked out of each of them to fall onto her chest.

“What? What are you sorry for?” Octavia took Vinyl’s unwrapped hand in her own.

“I’m sorry you had to see me like this,” the DJ said in a quiet voice. “For being such a mess.”

The cellist felt a pang of sorrow stab through her heart at the despair of her friend and adopted a look of compassion on her face. “Oh, Vinyl, you have nothing to be sorry about.” She gave the woman’s hand a squeeze. “Please, let me help; tell me what’s wrong.”

The jockey was silent for a moment, tears still streaming from her eyes. “I had a rough night. I couldn’t stop thinking about some bad memories. I even had a pretty terrible nightmare.”

“I’m sorry, Vinyl. Do you want to talk about it?”

The DJ closed her eyes and wiped away her tears with her wrapped hand. She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I really don’t.”

“Okay, that’s alright. I’m here if you decide you want to talk about it, though.”

Vinyl looked at the cellist, gratitude evident on her face. “Thank you, Tavi.”

Octavia smiled, having grown a bit fond of the DJ’s nicknames for her, since she was the only one who had ever cared enough to even try giving the cellist a nickname.

“Tav?” the jockey asked in a quiet voice, her head down.

“Yes, Vinyl?”

“Do you think I’m a freak?”

“What? No; why would I think you’re a freak? I mean, you’re eccentric, maybe a little weird, and crazy in a fun way, but not a freak!”

The DJ continued to stare at the floor dejectedly. “I’m an albino. That’s why my eyes are red.”

She’s an albino?! I just thought she was really pale skinned. Well, I guess that explains her eyes, though she must be unique even among albinos; I didn’t think anyone had true red eyes. They really are something. “No, Vinyl. It just makes you special; you’re the only person I’ve ever seen with true red eyes, but they are just another part of you that makes you one of a kind. Honestly, you’re probably the most unique person I’ve ever met, and that’s a good thing. Sure, you’re pale skinned and your eyes are different, but they’re striking and vibrant, just like you. They combine to help make you the beautiful woman you are.”

Vinyl looked up at the cellist, the pain that was in her eyes replaced with surprise and a hint of happiness. “Thanks, Tav,” she responded, the ghost of a smile on her face.

“You don’t need to thank me for that, it’s what anyone who cares about you would tell you.” She gave the jockey a warm smile, then looked down at her wrapped hand. “Now, what’s the deal with this?” With gentle motions Octavia grabbed and unwrapped the DJ’s other hand. She gasped when she saw the lacerations on her knuckles, a couple of them pretty deep. She looked at her, concerned. “Vinyl, what happened?!”

“Oh, uh… it was an accident; I… slipped coming out of the shower and put my hand into the mirror.”

“I see.” She’s lying to me… Who slips and catches themselves on their closed fist?“Well, let’s get that cleaned up and a proper bandage on it.”

Octavia helped the jockey up and followed her out of the bedroom to the guest bathroom, where Vinyl kept most of the first aid supplies. The DJ retrieved the rubbing alcohol, cotton pads, and adhesive wrap. The cellist did a closer inspection on Vinyl’s hand to see just how bad the cuts were. Despite how careful she was in removing the towel some of the cuts had reopened and started bleeding again.

“Well, it doesn’t look like any of them require stitches, but a couple of them are pretty bad.” Octavia grabbed a cotton pad and poured rubbing alcohol on it. “I’m sorry, Vinyl, but this is going to hurt. Please hold as still as possible.”

“Don’t worry, Tav; I’ll be fine. Just do what you gotta do.”

The cellist held the smaller woman’s hand in a gentle grip and with slow, tender movements began to run the alcohol soaked pad over the first cut. Vinyl grimaced and flinched a little, feeling the burn as the alcohol did it’s work.

Octavia winced in sympathy for the woman. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay, keep going.”

Octavia continued to clean each cut, making sure she got all of them. When she had finished, she wiped the cuts with a dry pad and wrapped Vinyl’s knuckles with the adhesive wrap. She ran her thumbs over the DJ’s knuckles, smoothing out the wrap with a gentle touch. “There, all done.”

Vinyl gave Octavia her first genuine smile of the day, full of gratitude and affection. “Thanks, Tav.” The cellist just returned the smile and nodded.

The DJ turned off the light in the bathroom and led the way to the living area, both women taking a seat on Vinyl’s big, comfortable couch. “Not how you expected to start off the morning, huh?”

Octavia was caught a little off guard by the question. “Well, no; I suppose not.”

Vinyl’s face fell into a mask of despair at the admission, and she hung her head. “I’m sorry, Octavia. I doubt this is how you wanted to spend your morning, either.”

The cellist gave her a look of admonishment. “Really, Vinyl, it doesn’t bother me; I’m happy to help a friend in need.” She chased away the disapproving look with a warm smile. “Keep that in mind, if you need anything in the future.”

Vinyl brought her gaze up to focus on the cellist, and nodded with a grateful smile. “Okay; I will. Thanks.”

They sat in silence for a few moments, both women just enjoying the peacefulness.

“Well, I guess we should get started?” the DJ asked.

The dark haired woman thought for a moment. “Actually, unless we have to record, what do you say we skip it today?”

Vinyl shrugged. “We can. Did you have something else in mind, or do you just want to head home or something?” Vinyl felt a little ball of worry form in her stomach. Oh, no, I hope haven’t scared her off.

“I thought maybe we could go have lunch or something.”

Vinyl perked up a bit. Oh, thank Luna, she isn’t abandoning me. Yet. “That sounds great, actually. I haven’t eaten yet today and I could really go for one of the ‘special’ milkshakes at Jamie’s Diner.”

“‘Special’ milkshakes?”

“Yeah! You gotta try one, they’re amazing.” Vinyl got up, went back to her room and put on a pair of blue jeans and a white tshirt. Meanwhile, Octavia went to the recording studio to retrieve her cello and went back to the living room to wait for the DJ.

Vinyl went into the living room, grabbed her wallet, keys, and put on her jacket and sunglasses. She grinned at the cellist. “Ready?”

Octavia hefted her cello case. “Yep!”

They made their way down to the garage, piled into the Range Rover and headed to Vinyl’s favourite diner. The car ride was short, the diner being situated only a couple miles from the DJ’s flat. They drove with the windows down, enjoying the feeling of the cool spring air, and basked in a silence that was neither awkward nor unwelcome.

They parked the SUV in the lot, entered the restaurant and were seated in a corner booth.

“I hope you like burgers, ‘cause this place has the best in Canterlot!”

Octavia picked up a menu from the stack that sat off to the side of the table and began looking at it. “I don’t eat them often, but occasionally I do like a good hamburger, especially with bacon.”

“Ooh, Tavi, now you’re speaking my language!” Vinyl grinned at the younger woman.

At that moment Jamie walked up to their table. “Vinyl, dear, nice to see you again. Who’s your lovely friend?”

“Jamie, this is my friend Octavia Melody, First Chair cellist for the Royal Canterlot Orchestra.” Vinyl smiled and winked at the cellist who had just the faintest blush at being put under the spotlight. “Octavia, this is Jamie, the owner of this fair establishment.”

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, ma’am.” Octavia extended her hand in greeting.

“Please, call me Jamie, and the pleasure’s mine.” She shook the offered hand, then pulled out her servers pad and a pen. “What can I get you?”

“I’ll have the usual with a Ruby milkshake.”

Jamie nodded, jotted the order down in her pad, and looked over at the raven haired woman. “What about you, deary?”

She looked at Vinyl. “What’s ‘the usual’?”

“A bacon and blue cheese burger well done, no tomato, with a side of fries,” the DJ replied.

“That sounds delicious; I’ll have that as well.”

Jamie scribbled some more. “Okay, and what would you like to drink?”

“Um”- Octavia started to speak, but Vinyl cut her off.

“You gotta try one of the ‘special’ shakes! Chocolate or Raspberry?”

“Can I have half and half?”

“Of course you can, dear.” The restaurateur wrote it down in her book.

“Ooh, a Rubinator milkshake; I like it!”

“Alright, I’ll get these orders in and be back with your milkshakes in just a few.” With that she headed for the kitchen and left the two women alone, again.

“So, I probably should have asked before we ordered, but what’s ‘special’ about these milkshakes?”

“Well, the raspberry one is made with their Ruby raspberry ale, and the chocolate one is made with the Terminator chocolate stout.”

Octavia grimaced, her face full of disgust. “I really wish you would have mentioned that; I don’t particularly like beer.”

Vinyl put her hands up to placate the cellist. “They don’t taste like beer; I promise, it will taste good.”

Octavia gave the DJ a challenging smile. “Alright, I’ll take your word for it. But if I don’t like it, you’re drinking it!”

“Deal! Though, you may have to drive.” Vinyl winked at the raven haired woman.

They sat for a moment in companionable silence, then Octavia spoke up.

“Vinyl, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you, but I’m afraid it might not be appropriate of me.”

“Ask me whatever you like, Tav; what’s on your mind?” You can ask me pretty much anything and I’d tell you-

“I know you’re a very successful DJ, but how could you afford a flat in the Mandarin?! That flat must have been several million bits.”

-except that. Fuck; I’m not ready to go there. Alright, Vinyl, got to tell her something believable and at least half true…

She put on a sheepish smile. “Oh, well, between the club and a record deal I have more money than I know what to do with, heh heh,” she responded in an embarrassed tone while rubbing the back of her neck. No need to tell her I own the club I play at and the record company I have a deal with…

“Oh, wow; I didn’t know you had published records. How many have you released?”

“Three, so far. Though, at some point in the not too distant future, I’d actually like to talk to you about using what we’re recording for a possible fourth album. We can get into that some other time, though.”

“Sure, that sounds fine.”

At that point Jamie came back with their milkshakes. “Here you are, ladies; enjoy! I’ll be back soon with your food.”

Vinyl took her shake and prepared to devour it. “Thanks, Jamie!”

The cellist gave her shake a dubious look before taking the straw and giving the thick drink a taste.

Vinyl looked up to see a look of surprised delight make its way onto her friends face. “What do you think?”

“Oh, my, Celestia; it’s delicious! Are you positive this is made with beer?!”

“It sure is. I told you they are amazing!”

Octavia took another pull from the straw. “Well, I just might have to listen to you more often.”

Vinyl gave her a wink in response as they both settled in to enjoy their shakes.

After drinking half of her shake, Vinyl sat back with a contented smile on her face. “So, Tav, what were your days at the Academy like? I know you said you didn’t have a social life, but surely you must have been exaggerating, at least a little?”

Octavia finished a sip of her shake. “I wasn’t exaggerating at all, actually. I rarely left my dorm, other than to go to class, the library, or to get food.”

The DJ still wasn’t entirely convinced. “You must have had friends within your program, though; didn’t you hang out with them?”

“Well, yes; I had friends within my program. We practiced together outside of class and would go out for food together, but aside from that I was always too busy to do anything else.”

Vinyl took another sip of her shake. “Well, that’s a shame! I’ll just have to fix that.”

The cellist gave her a sly smile, deciding to be playful about it. “Oh, you will, huh? We’ll see. So, what did you do when you weren’t in class if you weren’t studying or working on classwork?”

“Shoot, what didn’t I do? I played rec sports like ultimate frisbee and football with my friends, went to concerts, went to the arcade and played video games with my friends, partied a bit. I tried to experience as much as I could.”

“Sounds like you were quite the socialite.”

Vinyl finished off her shake as she thought about it. “I suppose I was. I just wanted to enjoy my time at University, before I had to grow up.”

Octavia gave the spinner a knowing smirk. “But you still kind of live that life, being a DJ and all, with the late nights and the partying.” Her smirk fell into a frown, only for a second, as she realised the possible implications of her statement, but it was not lost on Vinyl.

Uh-oh, that bothers her… “A little bit; the late nights, yes. But, I don’t party near as much as you think; I left the heavy partying behind at Uni. You’re not a fan of the nightclub culture, are you?”

Octavia was silent for a brief moment before replying. “Not really, no. I know the reputation; the heavy drinking, drug use, and promiscuity. It’s never appealed to me. Do you engage in that part of the culture?”

Vinyl frowned; now it was her turn to be silent and introspective. Will this be where I scare her off? “I won’t lie to you, I’ve done some experimenting; but, no, I don’t take part in that part of the scene and haven’t in more than a couple years. I do still like to drink, but I’m beyond getting drunk or high. Now I just indulge in a couple pints of good beer or a glass of good wine; I like to enjoy what I drink.”

Octavia gave the DJ a small smile. “That makes me feel a bit better. I do my best to avoid people who party heavily or use drugs. Drugs especially bother me; I don’t like how they alter one’s perception, makes them do things they otherwise wouldn’t. I’ve seen how they can ruin someone’s life, too. The past doesn’t concern me, though, only the present and future; if you say your ‘experimenting’ days are behind you, I’m good with that.”

Vinyl smiled, relieved. “Thanks for not judging me on my past.”

The cellist nodded. “We all make mistakes and bad choices, especially early on in life; the measure of a person is whether we learn and grow from those mistakes and experiences.”

“That’s a great attitude, Tav. While we’re on the subject, what are some of your dislikes?”

“Well, aside from drugs and excessive alcohol use, people who are generally disrespectful, public display of affection, and by that I mean more than hand holding or light kissing, and smoking; cigarettes are disgusting!”

“I’m with you on the cigarettes; can’t stand them!”

“That’s good. So, I take it you’re not a secret smoker, then?” Octavia gave the DJ a playful smirk.

“Oh, Luna, no!”

“Didn’t think so. What are your pet peeves?”

“Hmm, well you already know about cigarettes. I may look wild and uneducated, but it actually really bothers me when people don’t use proper grammar or spelling. I see it a lot on social networking sites and it really bothers me. I hate it when people use shorthand abbreviations like ‘lol’ in speech, too. Also, people who take advantage of or mistreat their friends and family, people they supposedly care about.”

When Vinyl said the last bit, a flash of pain crossed her eyes and was gone just as quickly as it had come, but not before Octavia noticed. What was that about? Has she been mistreated in the past? Is that what was bothering her earlier? Well, whatever it is, if shewants to talk about it, she will. “Oh, yes, it is SO annoying when people use abbreviations like ‘lol’ and ‘omg’ verbally!”

Vinyl laughed. “It’s so bad!”

Just then, Jamie came back with their food and placed the dishes in front of the women. “Let me know if you need anything el- my goodness, Vinyl; you already finished your shake! Did you even take the time to taste it?”

The DJ shrugged. “What can I say? I really love your special shakes!”

“I guess so! Well, I’ll be back to check on you again in a bit.”

“Thanks, Jamie!” the musicians said in unison.

As the restaurateur walked away, the musicians started in on their food.

“Damn, I didn’t realise how hungry I am,” Vinyl said, as she got halfway through her burger in two bites.

After a few more bites, the DJ had finished her burger and began picking at her fries. “Oh, I just remembered something else that really grinds my gears: people not using their turn signals while driving!”

Octavia swallowed the last bit of her burger before replying. “Yeah, that one bothers me, too; so inconsiderate.”

After a couple moments passed, during which they both picked at their fries and the cellist polished off her shake, Jamie came back by their table. “You girls doing alright?”

Vinyl flashed the older woman a smile.“I’d like a water, actually, please.”

The cellist raised her hand a bit. “Oh, me, too, please!”

Jamie nodded. “Sure thing, girls!”

“Thanks, Jamie!” Vinyl called after her, and turned her attention back to Octavia with a smile.

The cellist returned the smile with a mischievous one of her own.“So, miss Pon3, do you have any quirks?”

Vinyl tilted her head a bit, confused. “Quirks? What, you mean like habits or something?”

“Sure, or just odd things that you do that no one else you know of does.”

Vinyl looked out of the window next to their table and thought for a moment. “Well, I’m a very sensory person.” Octavia gave her a confused look, prompting her to elaborate. “Let me explain: I’m a naturally inquisitive person, and I will look closely at things because I want to know how they work, or how they were made, or whatever. I also have a tendency to touch things, like as I pass I will reach out to feel the texture of a wall or run my hand along a handrail; I will do it with all sorts of things. Last, I will smell things, mostly like candles and stuff like that, because they usually smell nice, but sometimes other random things, too. It’s weird, I know.” She looked at the cellist, waiting for her reaction, and hoping it at the least wouldn’t be negative.

Octavia imagined the jockey randomly picking things up to smell them and tried to refrain from laughing, but couldn’t quite do it. She smiled at the embarrassed DJ after she had composed herself. “Well, that’s certainly a unique quirk, but not a bad one.”

Vinyl gave a relieved sigh and smiled. “Well, I’m glad you don’t think I’m too much of a freak!”

“Not at all, Vinyl. Do you have any other quirks?”

“Ummm”- Vinyl paused to think -”actually, yes; I have a few OCD tendencies, too. I can’t stand open cupboards or drawers, and if I notice them, I have to close them. Also, I organise my wardrobe by colour, from lightest to darkest, and also by type.”

The cellist giggled again. “I can relate to that, actually; I’m a neat freak and while I don’t feel the need to close cupboards and organise my wardrobe by type and colour, I do like the organisation.”

“Well, I’m glad I’m not the only one, even if it’s not something that bothers you if not done. Alright, miss priss, your turn; what quirks do you have?”

Octavia blushed a little and turned away. “You’re probably going to think it’s stupid and childish.” she paused for a few seconds, gathering her courage. “Promise you won’t laugh?”

“Well, I can’t promise I won’t laugh, but I can promise that I won’t laugh at you maliciously or make fun of you.”

The cellist sighed. “Alright, I guess that will have to do. Well, I have this stuffed animal, Hobbes the tiger, actually, that I still sleep with.” She trailed off at the end, her voice almost a whisper, and didn’t look at Vinyl for fear of seeing the ridicule she was sure she would find on the DJ’s face.

Instead, Vinyl only gave the black haired woman a bright grin. “Aww, Tavi, that’s adorable! Actually, tigers are my favourite animal, so I think that’s awesome!”

The cellist perked up at the jockeys reaction. “Really, you, too?! I’ve adored them ever since I was little; I love how majestic, fierce and beautiful they are.”

“Yeah, ever since I was little I’ve wanted one. They really are beautiful animals.” Vinyl looked up to find Jamie coming back with their waters.

The waitress put the glasses on the table in front of the musicians. “Here you are, girls. Anything else?”

“Just the cheque, Jamie. Thanks!” Vinyl replied. The DJ activated the screen on her phone to check the time. “Well, it’s a little early, but I guess we should get you to practice soon.”

Octavia looked at her watch. “I suppose it is getting close to that time, isn’t it? So, will we be able to finish recording tomorrow?”

The Jockey nodded. “Yeah, shouldn’t be a problem; we don’t have much left that I need to record. Tomorrow I’m going to use the keyboard and sample a little piano and one more cello piece.”

The cellist took a sip of her water. “Okay, that shouldn’t be difficult.”

Vinyl looked at her companion with a serious expression. “How are you feeling about your playing? Better?”

Octavia dropped her chin into an open hand and thought. “A little bit. The playing is coming more easily and feels more natural again, though not completely. I still have no inspiration to compose, either. But, the music doesn’t feel completely flat and emotionless as it did just a couple days ago, so that’s progress. Thank you again, so much, for trying to help me with it; I really do appreciate it.”

Vinyl gave the woman a warm smile. “You’re welcome, Tav, and I won’t stop trying to help you until you get past this block.”

The cellist gave Vinyl a hesitant smile. “Why are you so willing to help me? Not that it’s a bad thing, mind you, it’s just that we hardly know each other.”

Vinyl gave her a thoughtful look. “Yeah, we did just meet a few days ago, but you’re so easy to talk to; I feel like I’ve known you forever. Anyway, I consider you a friend and this is just how I am with the people I care about.”

Before the conversation could go any further, Jamie returned with the cheque. “Here you are, girls. Stop in again soon!”

“You know I will!” Vinyl exclaimed, as she placed enough bits to cover the cheque plus a generous tip.

“Vinyl, you don’t have to pay for me; I can cover my meal,” the cellist protested as she rose from her seat.

The DJ’s face split into a broad grin as she followed suit and headed for the door. “Nah, I got it! I threw a wrench in our plans and dragged you out here, so this is on me.”

“You didn’t ‘drag me out here’; I actually enjoyed our lunch very much, from the special milkshakes to the conversation.” Octavia smiled then gave the DJ a serious look. “Okay, you win this time, but I’m paying next time!”

Vinyl held the door open for the cellist.“Alright, deal!”

“Thank you,” Octavia replied as she walked outside.

As the jockey followed her friend, she walked past a bank of newspaper racks. One of the newspapers, the Equestria Daily, caught her eye. The headline on the front page, in large, bold font, read ‘WAR WITH TAURIAIMMINENT?’ Her interest attracted, Vinyl stopped for a brief moment to read the subheading: ‘Tensions rise between North and South Tauria as peace talks collapse; Princesses voice support for South Tauria’ by Novus Draconis.

Vinyl continued walking at a faster pace to catch up to her companion. Great, just what we need, a war with North Tauria. I hope Spitfire and Rainbow don’t get called back to active duty if that happens.

Vinyl caught up to the cellist just as she reached the SUV. Using the remote to unlock the doors, they both climbed in and Vinyl started toward the concert hall.

After a moment of silence, the cellist spoke up. “Thank you for lunch, Vinyl; it really was good.”

The DJ turned her head and smiled warmly at the dark-haired woman. “You’re welcome, Tav; I enjoy your company.”

Octavia’s face lit up with a smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes and wrinkled her nose. “The feeling is mutual.” Then her face became more serious. “Vinyl, despite the short time that we’ve known each other, I do consider you a friend and I care about you. With that in mind, if you ever need or want to talk, I’m here for you.”

Vinyl was silent and stared at the road ahead as she digested what Octavia said. After a brief moment, she replied in a more subdued voice. “Thank you, Tav; that means a lot, and I’ll keep that in mind.”

Octavia took the DJ's statement at face value, and they continued the drive in silence, both lost in their thoughts. Before long, they arrived at the concert hall. Vinyl got out, retrieved the cello for her companion and handed it to her. "See you tomorrow at ten?"

The cellist gave the jockey a bright smile. "Definitely."

Vinyl returned the smile. "Awesome. See you tomorrow!" With that, the DJ returned to her car and headed back to her flat. Octavia turned toward the concert hall and made her way inside, all the while being watched by a certain pianist.

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

As Vinyl drove away, Octavia was left with a view of the other side of the street and the small café that she liked to have tea at when she was early for practice. Looking at her watch, she saw that she had nearly thirty minutes before she needed to be at practice, just enough time to relax with a cup of tea.

As she was walking through the crosswalk to the other side of the street, she noticed Frederic, who was sitting at one of the outside tables, waving at her. She smiled at her fellow musician and walked over to him.

“Good afternoon, Frederic; how are you today?”

The pianist stood up to greet the woman and pull out a chair for her. “I’m doing well, and you? How is the recording going?”

Octavia settled into the offered seat before replying. “Well, we didn’t actually get any recording done today, but it’s nearly done. We should have everything she needs recorded tomorrow.”

Frederic sat back down and took a sip of his tea. “Oh? What did you do today instead of recording?”

The cellist gave a fond smile. “Oh, nothing much; we just went out for lunch and got to know each other more.”

She almost looks smitten… “I don’t know if it’s true or not, but word is she’s quite the party animal. Experimenting with various substances, staying up until all hours of the night, philandering with random women. I assume you know of her preference for women?”

Octavia’s face turned very serious. “She told me, yes. She did admit to some experimenting, as well, but assured me that was years in her past. Why are you telling me this?”

The white haired man sighed. “I’m your friend, Octavia, and I care about you. I just don’t want you to get mixed up with the wrong kind of people and that you know what you’re getting yourself in to.”

“And how do you know she’s the ‘wrong kind of people’?!” She replied in a defensive tone.

Frederic raised his hands to placate the agitated woman. “I don’t! I just think you should be aware of her reputation.”

The cellist remained defensive of her new friend. “You mean the rumors about her.”

The pianist tilted his head, conceding her point. “Yes, I suppose they are rumors. But sometimes rumors have basis in truth.”

“Well, until I see different I’m going to give her the benefit of the doubt. I’ll thank you to not spread such slander in the future.”

Frederic nodded in agreement. “I’m sorry for bothering you; I just don’t want anything bad to happen to you. I really hope you’re right about Vinyl.”

Octavia sat back in her chair with a sigh and closed her eyes for a brief moment, relieving her annoyance. Why does he have to be so on the mark? After what happened this morning, I’m not so sure he’s wrong, but I want him to be... She opened them again and fixed a calm gaze on her fellow musician. “It’s alright; I appreciate your concern.” She allowed herself a small smile. “Now, I’d like some tea before practice. Where is the waiter?”

As she spoke, the waiter walked by a short distance behind her and Frederic waved him down, and the waiter walked over to the two musicians. “How may I help you?”

The cellist leaned forward in her seat to gain the waiter’s attention. “I’d like a cup of Earl Grey, please.”

“Right away, madame.” The waiter went to put in the order, leaving the two musicians to themselves.

After a short while, Frederic broke the silence. “So, how is your playing coming? If I’m not mistaken you were suffering from a creative block, yes?”

Octavia dropped her chin into the palm of her hand and sighed. “Yes; Vinyl has been trying to help me get past it, and it’s gotten quite a bit better, but it still lingers, some.”

The pianist leaned forward and placed his arms on the table, his interest caught. “I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m glad it’s getting better. What is she doing to help you?”

Octavia’s face lit up with a fond smile. “She’s broadening my horizons, getting me out of my shell and introducing me to things I wouldn’t try on my own.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Such as?”

Octavia’s smile broadened as she recalled her first outing with the adventurous DJ. “Well, she took me on my first motorcycle ride, out in the country.”

Frederic’s eyes widened in surprise. “Indeed?” I never thought she’d be open to something as risky as riding a motorcycle.

As Frederic was musing about Octavia’s surprising behavior, the waiter came back with Octavia’s tea. “Your tea, madame. Enjoy.” With that, the waiter left the pair to resume their conversation.

Octavia took a sip of her tea and let out a contented sigh. “Mmm, that’s better.”

“So, a motorcycle ride, huh? I never figured you for the type.”

Octavia’s smile turned to a smirk and she shrugged. “Neither did I, but it was so much fun! It was liberating; I felt so free, once I got over the initial shock and trepidation.”

“I can imagine. I myself have never ridden a motorcycle, but I’ve wanted to for a long time. What else did she introduce you to?”

The cellist took another drink of her tea. “She took me to this little hole in the wall diner run by a very nice woman named Jamie. Normally not my type of place, but the food is delicious and they have these milkshakes that they make with beer.”

Frederic’s face twisted with disgust. “Beer in shakes?! That sounds terrible!”

Octavia gave him a knowing smile. “That is exactly what I thought, but they’re actually quite good!”

The pianist’s face became thoughtful. “Hmm, maybe I’ll have to try one, sometime. What is the name of the diner?”

“Jamie’s Diner. It really is rather charming.” Octavia looked at her watch to find that they only had ten minutes until practice started. “We had better get going; we only have ten minutes until practice starts.”

Frederic checked his own watch. “Goodness, how the time flies. Well, bottoms up!” He finished off the last of his tea as Octavia began drinking hers in earnest.

After a couple minutes Octavia set down her cup as she finished her tea. They both stood up and Octavia grabbed her cello. “Shall we?”

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

The Mandarin Oriental, Friday, April 26th, 9:45am

Vinyl had woken up early to get a little work done on the set for the next weekend, and to set up the recording studio for her final session with Octavia. No sooner had she finished setting up her keyboard when she heard a knock through the open door of the studio.

Vinyl left the recording studio and opened the front door to find, as expected, Octavia and her cello. “Hi, Tav! Come in.”

Vinyl held the door open and the cellist entered the flat.

The cellist looked into Vinyl’s ruby eyes and smiled, glad that her new friend was now comfortable enough to leave off the sunglasses around her. “Good morning, Vinyl! How are you doing, today?”

The DJ closed the door. “Great! Ready to get this thing knocked out.”

The dark haired woman smiled. “Me, too. Shall we?”

Vinyl nodded with an enthusiastic smile and led the way to the recording studio, closing the door after they both had entered.

Octavia took the cello out of its case, went to her usual spot in the middle of the room and sat on the chair while Vinyl readied the soundboard and recording equipment in the booth. When she finished, she left the booth and closed the door behind her, moving to stand behind the keyboard.

“What would you like me to play today, Vinyl?”

Vinyl fiddled with the settings on the keyboard then looked at the cellist. “I need you to play a couple pieces, today, but don’t worry; they’re short.”

Octavia readied herself to play. “Which ones?”

“Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major and Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5. Do you know those?”

The cellist nodded with a small smile. “I can play both of them.”

Vinyl smiled and nodded in return. “Awesome. Let’s do this! Go ahead and play me in.”

Octavia didn’t respond, but merely closed her eyes and started to play. She began with the Canon in D, a flowing piece that you can’t help but smile to with its light hearted melody and gentle pace. As Octavia played, Vinyl joined in with a low, but smooth bass beat. After setting the bass track, she played a wobbling bass beat, higher in frequency, and set it to cycle with the first.

Closing her eyes and bobbing her head to the beat, the DJ switched to the piano and began to play the piece along with Octavia. The cellist noticed and opened her eyes to look at the blue haired player.

As she took in the sight of her friend losing herself in the music, she smiled. Celestia, she’s beautiful! As she thought that, Vinyl opened her eyes and looked at Octavia, ruby orbs meeting amethyst. Octavia’s smile deepened; she blushed, just a little, and looked away. I’m glad she can’t read minds!

Vinyl opened her eyes to find the cellist looking at her, and she graced the cellist with a deep, genuine smile. Oh, Luna, she’s hotter than the sun! And so cute when she blushes! Why is she blushing? I’m probably making her nervous with the attention… She closed her eyes and put her focus back on the music.

They continued to play until, after only a few minutes, Octavia drew her bow across the strings one last time and Vinyl hit the last key on her keyboard. They both sighed and relaxed a bit.

“How was that?” Octavia asked.

Vinyl flashed her a wide grin. “That was great, Tav! How did it feel to you?”

The cellist dropped her head as she thought for a brief moment. “It was okay; certainly much better than it has been, but the music still seems flat, to me.”

“Well, I guess that’s still progress, and it was just fine for what I need. Now we just have the Brahm’s piece to do, and we’re done!”

“Wonderful! I’m ready when you are.”

With an eager smile, the DJ readied herself behind her instrument. “Alright, play me in, again, and let’s finish this!”

With a silent nod, Octavia closed her eyes again, placed her bow against the strings and began to play an energetic and somewhat frantic piece, to which Vinyl joined in on seconds later. The piece was short and the tempo changes were swift and often, going from fast and energetic to calm and flowing.

Vinyl watched the dark haired woman as the piece went on, and noticed her face become a mask of deep concentration. The piece was difficult to play under normal circumstances, with all of the tempo changes, but Octavia having trouble with her connection to the music made it even more of a challenge.

On the last tempo change, when the piece was near its end, the bow slipped and made a terrible screech. She let her bow hand drop to her side and tossed her head back, clenching her jaw in frustration. “Ugh! This is ridiculous! This used to not be a challenge for me; now, I cock up the simplest things!”

Vinyl stopped playing and moved to stand in front of the irritated cellist, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, Tav; it’s okay! That piece is difficult on a good day, so don’t beat yourself up about it. Plus, I got what I need. We’re done!”

Octavia covered her face with her free hand and sighed in relief. “Oh, thank goodness; I’m not sure I could stand to play that piece, again.”

“Well, you don’t have to!” Vinyl pulled the taller woman up and into a hug. “Thank you so much for doing this for me! It’s going to be so awesome!” She released the cellist and gave her a bright smile. “I’m going to mix the tracks this coming week, and it will be ready for my gig next Saturday night. Will you come?!”

Octavia gave a big, warm smile that crinkled the corners of her eyes. “Of course, I will, Vinyl! I very much want to know what our combined music sounds like.”

Oh my gosh, she’s so freaking cute when she smiles and it makes her eyes crinkle up like that! “You’re going to love it!”

“I hope so!” The cellist looked at her watch. “Well, since this only took about forty five minutes, I think I’m going to meet up with Beauty and Harpo for lunch before practice.” She took the cello, which she had leaned against the chair, and put it and the bow back into the case.

“Sounds good!” The DJ paused, and her face lit up as she remembered something. “Oh! Do you have any plans for tomorrow night?” Please say no, please say no...

Octavia thought for a moment, a pensive look on her face. “I don’t think so, no. Why?”

Yes! “Well, the Trans-Equestrian Orchestra is playing here tomorrow night, and I may have come into possession of a couple of tickets, courtesy of the record company. Do you know of them?”

Octavia nodded, a thoughtful look on her face. “I can’t say I’ve heard of them.”

“Well, would you like to go? Free ticket so if you don’t like them it’s no loss!”

“I’d love to! It’s been quite some time since I’ve gone to a concert that I didn’t play in!” She finished with a soft, musical laugh that put butterflies in Vinyl’s stomach.

Vinyl was ecstatic. Yes yes yes! A not-date date! Even though she thinks it’s a traditional orchestra... Don’t get ahead of yourself; you’ll do something to chase her away!Fuck off... “Awesome! Doors open at 8:00; I’ll pick you up at 7:30, okay?”

“Sounds great! Casual or formal attire?”

They left the studio and made their way to the front door, where Vinyl opened it for the cellist. “Wear something comfortable.”

Octavia smiled again and walked through the door. Casual attire for an orchestral concert? Odd, but whatever. “Okay. See you tomorrow night, then, Vinyl!”

“Bye, Tav!” Vinyl closed the door after the cellist and went back to the studio to work on cutting the tracks.

♫♫♫♫♫♫♫

As the DJ closed the door, Octavia took out her cell phone and searched through her contacts. Finding the right one, she dialed it and put the phone to her ear.

“Hello, Beauty; it’s Octavia.”

“Hi, Octavia! How are you?”

“I’m great, thank you! Are you and Harpo doing lunch, today?”

“Yes, in about half an hour, at Domenicos. You’re welcome to come, if you’d like.”

“Wonderful, I’ll meet you there! See you soon.”

“Bye, Octavia!”

Octavia hung up the phone and, having reached the elevator, pushed the call button. When the elevator came, she took it to the lobby and left the building. On the street, she hailed a cab, and when it came near, she saw that the license plate said fresh and it had dice in the mirror.

As usual, the driver, a younger man who looked to be a local, got out and stowed the cello in the trunk while Octavia got in the back seat. After the driver settled in behind the wheel again, he asked “Where to, miss?”

“Domenicos, please.”

“You got it.” The driver pulled away and began the short trip to the restaurant. As they drove, the cellist let out a long sigh. She had mixed feelings about being done recording for Vinyl. One one hand, she was relieved to be done and have that pressure gone, but on the other hand, she was enjoying spending so much time with Vinyl and getting to know her.

I guess that, just because I don’t have the excuse of recording to go and see her, it doesn’t mean that we can’t still spend time together. Maybe lunch or dinner sometime. Maybe she’ll pick me up on her bike? That last thought brought a giddy smile to her face and a shiver of excitement.

Octavia continued the ride in idle thought and silence, arriving at the restaurant after only a few minutes. She paid the driver, who took the cello out of the trunk for her, and entered the building. She was early, so she secured a table for three and sat down to wait for her friends.

She didn’t wait long, for a few minutes later Beauty and Harpo walked through the entrance and found the cellist sitting at a corner table.

“Hi, Octavia!” the couple greeted.

Octavia stood to greet her two friends. “Hello, Beauty, Harpo!” She hugged her two friends and they all sat down together.

Beauty looked at her friend in earnest. “How have you been, Octavia? It’s been a few days since we’ve talked. What have you been up to?”

Octavia’s face split into a wide smile. “I’m actually doing pretty well! As I’m sure you both have noticed, I’m struggling quite a bit less with my music.”

Both of her companions nodded their agreement, and Beauty spoke up. “We did, and that’s great! But, what changed?”

Octavia’s smile deepened a bit as she reflected on the answer. “Well, Vinyl has been trying to help me get over my fears and find my inspiration, my connection to the music, again.”

Beauty and Harpo looked at each other, surprised by the answer, and Beauty continued the conversation. “Vinyl Scratch? When did you start hanging out with our esteemed DJ?”

The cellist’s face became that of surprised realisation. “Oh, I haven’t told you, have I?! I started doing some recording with Vinyl last Monday, to help her with her set for next weekend. We’ve met up every day since for a few hours before orchestra practice.”

Harpo turned his gaze to the cellist and chimed in. “Well, that sounds like fun, but how has she helped you with your music?”

The cellist’s countenance took on a somewhat dreamy look, with a content smile. “Well, she had me think about some fond memories, like my first solo concert and the concert I played for my Doctoral thesis. Then, she took me for a ride on her motorcycle to her favourite, secluded, spot.” This was met with impressed acknowledgment from her friends.

“She introduced me to Rock Band, which I actually enjoyed, despite being convinced for all of my life that video games were useless rubbish. She’s helped me to remember all of the great times and feelings I’ve had playing my music, as well as introduce me to some of the more carefree and adventurous things in life.” After the cellist finished, Beauty and Harpo exchanged a look of suspicion that either Octavia didn’t notice or it went over her head.

Just before Octavia finished speaking, the waitress came by and dropped off three waters and menus with a promise to be back shortly to take their orders.

Beauty picked up the menu and began trying to decide what to order. “That’s wonderful that she’s trying to help you, and even better that it’s working! Did you and Vinyl get all of the recording done?”

Octavia’s face fell a bit at the question, which didn’t go unnoticed by her observant companions. “Yes, we’re all done. She should have it all ready for her show next Saturday.”

Harpo put down his menu, having made his decision. “That’s great! Are you going to go?”

The raven haired woman’s smile brightened again. “Yes, she asked me to come, and I’m very interested to find out how our very different types of music will mix.”

Beauty smirked at the statement. “I’m sure it will be a blast! So, what do you think of our dear, free-spirited, DJ?”

Octavia’s smile that made her eyes crinkle up confirmed Beauty and Harpo’s suspicions, and they shared a knowing look.

“Well,” the cellist began, “she is unorthodox, and brash, but more in an easy going fun way and less in a rude way. She’s talented, confident, and mysterious, yet she is vulnerable, and hurt, I think. She’s certainly free-spirited and adventurous, though, and a lot of fun to be around, at least so far. Her being an albino caught me by surprise, but I think it suits her personality perfectly, being so unique.”

Beauty gave her friend a confident smile. “Yeah, she’s pretty self conscious about that, but I agree with you. Are you going to hang out with her, again?”

“Yes! We’re going to meet up again tomorrow, actually; she’s taking me to a concert!”

Beauty and Harpo looked at each other and started to giggle.

Octavia gave the musical couple a strange look. “What? What’s so funny?”

Both Beauty and Harpo looked at Octavia with cheshire grins plastered on their faces, and Beauty spoke up. “You, my dear Octavia, are falling for our delicious DJ!”

Octavia adopted a look of shocked surprise. “What?! That’s ridiculous! She’s not my type, plus I still hardly know her!”

Harpo fired the next volley. “Irrelevant! Your smile and the way you look when talking about her says it all: You’re smitten!”

The cellist looked down at the table, her face a mask of introspection.

No, I’m not interested in Vinyl.

...Am I?