Elegance. Refinement. Order. These words could very well be the definition of classical music perfectly describing the strengths of such artfully crafted and orchestrated pieces. For Twilight Sparkle, this was what made classical pieces her secret obsession. There was not a concert that came without the knowledge of the purple unicorn, and she strived to make it a point to attend every one she possibly could. Even though she now called Ponyville her home, she would make occasional visits back to the big city to indulge in her musical lust. Often times, she would go on a concert spree, attending several over the course of a day or two, were there that many concerts to begin with.
Miss Sparkle did not discriminate in her unyielding hunger for classical music. Every orchestra she listened to delivered the perfection she craved. There was one orchestra though, that stood above the rest in her opinion, and she practically jumped for joy whenever she heard they were performing a concert. The Canterlot Symphony Orchestra.
The Canterlot Symphony Orchestra symbolized everything Twilight held dear about the classical genre. They were elegant, refined, and had perfect composure, and were perfect in every other way she could think of. They always played the most majestic and grand pieces Twilight had ever heard. The way their ensemble of woodwind, brass, percussion, and strings combined made her shudder with delight every time she heard them. Every time Twilight saw them perform, she admired the stoic expressions and concentration of all the players. They sat conducted and collected, never letting their eyes stray from their music as they flawlessly played their instrument of choice. There was one mare who stood out from the rest.
Her name was Octavia Melody. Octavia was the first chair of the cello section, and the manner in which she played her cello was unorthodox. She played it whilst standing on her hind hooves instead of while sitting, a unique style the earth pony mare had mastered. Despite her one quirk, she was as focused and stoic as her fellow symphony members as she performed.
Twilight could not help but be captivated by Octavia every time she saw her in concert. She didn’t stand out in any other way aside from her unique playstyle, or at least, that’s what Twilight told herself as she looked Octavia up and down countless times from her seat. Admiring her ashen coat, dark gray mane, pink bowtie, and violet treble clef cutie mark. But most importantly, Twilight loved the look in her eyes, those bright purple windows to Octavia’s soul. In them, Twilight saw a fire, a burning passion for music and perfection that gave her incredible focus and unbreakable concentration.
Twilight wouldn’t admit it, not even to herself. She thought it was wrong, unnatural. She did not believe such a thing should occur, least of all to her. It went against everything she knew, everything she was taught, and even nature itself. Deep down in her heart though, she knew the truth through all of the lies she told herself, the truth that would not, could not be silenced.
Twilight loved Octavia.
A mare loving another mare. To her, this defied every law of nature and science that she knew. Even though same-sex relationships were somewhat common in Equestria, many still believed them to be strange and unnatural. Two healthy members of a breeding population who happen to be the same gender, sacrificing their purpose of reproduction just to spend their lives together. This caused no end of strife to the rational, scientific part of her, while her emotional side battled this, and several other obstacles.
Twilight was afraid of anypony finding out about her “problem”. She believed that her parents would be appalled. Her mentor, Princess Celestia, would surely disown her. And her friends would almost certainly see her as an abomination and want nothing to do with her. Despite the fear of supposed rejection from her family and peers, she couldn’t bring herself to feel the same way about a stallion as she did about mares. She was unable to change who she was, and she eventually came to terms with it, no matter how much she initially despised herself for it.
For now though, she sat in her seat inside the Canterlot Music Hall, and listened with contentment to the soothing notes and rhythms of the classical symphony before her. All the while, she gazed at Octavia, who was as stoic and concentrated as she always was. Twilight could not help but to feel a little excited as she gazed at Octavia. Her composure and demeanor clicked with something Twilight admired and desired in a partner. Twilight, feared it to be a fantasy that would never be played out.
Her life was extraordinary as it was already, having a highly celebrated cellist as her lesbian lover would almost make her life seem unreal. She likened it to someone who lied in their autobiography, making ludicrous and unbelievable claims just to fulfill their own wishes and attract more sales. Despite this, she yearned for it to become true and hoped beyond hope that she would get a chance.
This chance, was what brought her here today. Normally, Twilight would merely watch Octavia from her seat and listen to the beauty that was the music she and her fellow musicians created, but today was a little different. Today was special for Twilight, as she came with a mission in mind. Today would be the day that she finally would muster the courage to do something she’d been meaning to do for a little over a year. Today was the day that she resolved she would meet the mare she’d been admiring from afar and give her a token of her affection. A beautiful, hoof picked daisy, a simple and delicate flower with white petals and a yellow center.
Twilight’s intentions were nothing but a hope for something simple, for she was well aware that love couldn’t bloom from such a single instance. However, she had been leaving a single daisy for Octavia after every concert. At first it was just a flower, then after a few performances it came with a short poem. None were incredibly romantic, but they at least conveyed a sense of adoration and infatuation. Twilight was going to finally meet Octavia, and hopefully start a friendship. After that, Twilight would be happy regardless of the outcome.
Silence. The sudden lack of sound in the theatre snapped Twilight’s attention back to the present as it became filled with the thunderous applause of the audience. She joined them as she watched the orchestra take a bow before the curtain closed.
Wasting no time, Twilight hurriedly left her seat with her daisy and note. She made a beeline for the back part of the concert hall, to the area the musicians used to practice before the performance and get to the stage to perform. Passing the occasional musician or fan, Twilight had the daisy and note hovering right behind her as she walked in search of Octavia. As she looked around, Twilight stuttered and stammered, trying to rehearse what she would say when she met Octavia. Needless to say, it was not going over well she thought as she just so happened to spot Octavia in the distance.
Stopping dead, Twilight fought her urge to bolt and steeled herself to finally meet her idol. Clearing her throat, she began her approach. Walking calmly and timidly, Twilight got closer and closer to Octavia, who was busy tending to her cello and bow, carefully placing them both in their case. Ten feet away from Octavia, she was about to initiate conversation when somepony called out to Octavia.
Twilight froze with fear as Octavia turned toward the opposite direction of her and began conversing with a white unicorn mare. This mare, much to Twilight’s horror, had a two-tone neon blue mane, a cutie mark of a double-eighth note, a pair of distinctive purple shades pushed above her magenta eyes, and a whole bouquet of roses. It was the well known DJ PON-3, and it seemed she was a friend of sorts, if not a possible love interest due to the roses.
Suddenly feeling like her efforts were wasted and inadequate, Twilight lost hope. Her eyes and ears drooped, as her fantasies were dashed to pieces within her mind. Now she knew that she would never become somepony of significance in Octavia’s life. But hey, she could still at least become a friend of hers… right?
Who was she kidding, she probably wouldn’t even be noticed by a celebrated Canterlot celebrity. Even though Twilight was the Element of Magic, Princess Celestia’s personal protégé, and had even saved Equestria on a few occasions, she was largely unknown. Either everypony had no knowledge of her and her accomplishments, or nopony bothered to care.
Finally, crestfallen with her resolve shattered, Twilight gave up. All her effort and time had been wasted on this foolish pursuit, she thought. Nopony knew who she was, and it was unlikely that someone as popular as Octavia Melody would bother to pay her any attention whatsoever. Turning around with lowered head, saddened thoughts, and tears forming in her eyes, Twilight began to navigate her way out of the concert hall. That is, until she felt a peculiar sensation. The sensation of being watched.
Bringing her sad eyes to bear on those who were watching her, she saw Octavia and PON-3 staring directly at her. Octavia looked concerned, while the DJ next to her seemed confused. Calling out to Twilight, Octavia started to move toward her.
Afraid of what might happen, as well as her mind being scrambled and incoherent, Twilight bolted. She paid no mind that she had dropped the daisy and its accompanying note, she just ran. Twilight ran until she was outside on the street, then ran some more. Tears flew from her eyes all the while as she cursed her luck, herself, and the DJ. Twilight didn’t stop running until she found herself in front of a local cafe. Calming down enough to wipe the tears from her eyes, Twilight decided to drown her sorrows in a milkshake. Or two... Or three.
As she binged on milkshake after milkshake, Twilight only had thoughts for herself. She moped and wallowed in self-pity while stuffing her face. Her mind flooded with thoughts of inadequacy, failure, and how sad and pitiful she must look right now. Her gaze was focused downward, at the milkshake in front of her. As it was drained, Twilight reached for another to replace it and continued the process.
Halfway through her fourth shake, Twilight couldn’t take it anymore. Sobbing hysterically, her fantasies shattered and collapsed around her. She began berating herself for everything. She thought herself a worthless unknown failure, an ugly pony who was nothing more than a waste of space. As she sobbed, she didn’t hear somepony enter the cafe, nor did she notice them sit down at the bar beside her.
“You know… I’ve always loved poetry” A soft and eloquent voice roused Twilight from her stupor, “I’ve read quite a bit of it over the years, Quill and Ink, Perfect Pentameter, Flourish Prose. But there was always one poet whose work I loved the most, I just never knew their name.”
Twilight looked up to see the soft features of Octavia Melody beside her at the bar. She was leaning in over the bar with her hooves atop a small red box that she wouldn’t take her eyes off of.
“Their work was so rare that every last composition I’ve found I’ve treasured. Each piece was so short, but so beautiful. Their words were eloquent, and they flowed so smoothly on the parchment. Each poem I’ve read over and over, savoring every last word. They never seemed to lose their potency no matter how many times I went over them.” Twilight had a feeling she knew where this was leading, but she was too despondent to believe what was happening.
“But it would often be months or weeks before I would receive another piece. I would always find them, in small envelopes laid across my cello case accompanied by the most lovely daisies.” Octavia smiled lightly as she continued her story, her gaze, remained fixed on the small crimson box on the bar in front of her. “They only appeared when we played in Canterlot though, I would always be so disappointed when we would travel and I would be left without them for another few weeks. The wait was always so torturous, but the reward for my patience was always well worth it. Would you like to hear some? I assure you they’re wonderful.”
Twilight’s heart skipped a beat, she wasn’t sure how to react at this point. Was this really happening? There must be some kind of mistake? Her thoughts ran wild, trying to make sense of what was happening, but the only conclusion she came up with didn’t make any sense. She needed to know if this was really happening, and her answer lie within Octavia’s box. Twilight wiped her tearful eyes with a hoof before looking up to Octavia beside her. She was now facing Twilight with a sincere smile on her face, and a look in her eyes that seemed to want nothing more than for Twilight to say yes. In addition, Twilight noticed something in Octavia’s hair, a beautiful hoof-picked daisy.
“I would love to.” Twilight managed to stifle her sobbing and speak coherently for a few words, much to her own relief. Octavia simply smiled a bit wider and turned to the small box in front of her. Pulling out a folded piece of parchment, she pulled at it’s edges to bring it’s contents into full view and began reading.
“I’ve awaited this moment, for over a year.” The words immediately struck Twilight, this was definitely her work. She had written this piece not but a few days before. This was the poem she was going to give to Octavia tonight, the one she had practiced so many times it was ingrained into her soul. She wanted oh so badly to scream with joy, but she felt it best to allow Octavia to finish.
“All times before now, my heart has known fear. For too long I’ve been silent, as I’ve watched from afar. You’ve been my light on the stage, my one shining star.” Twilight was transfixed by the pony beside her. She knew the words, she’d written them, but they just seemed so much more when voiced by her. “But the time has now come, I have no more doubts.” Octavia continued as she turned from the paper and looked right into Twilight’s eyes. “For it is you that I know, I cannot live without.” Twilight mouthed the words as Octavia spoke them. And for a moment they were silent, before Octavia once again broke the silence.
“It’s my greatest pleasure to finally meet you.” Octavia’s words once again took Twilight’s breath away with their divine elegance.
“The pleasure is all mine.” Twilight choked out, between the hiccups she hadn’t managed to rid herself of since her bout of crying. She could scarcely believe what was happening. Twilight expected to be awoken from the bar top in a puddle of tears and milkshake. Surely she must be dreaming?
“Your work has done great things for me. I was actually going to quit the symphony the night I received your first poem. If I recall, I spent a good hour in the concert hall holding it in my hoof as I contemplated whether or not I was going to leave or not. Knowing that somepony out there cared so much about my presence on the stage made all the difference. I had always felt that my contributions were overlooked, and that they’d gone unappreciated. But then, all of a sudden, I was the center of attention for someone in that audience, I was special.
“Goddess knows what backwater I’d of been forced too if I had left the Canterlot Symphony. My reputation would have been destroyed, the maestro would’ve seen to that. He’d have us all crash and burn, rather than join up with another ensemble.” Octavia returned the small paper to it’s envelope and placed it back in her small box. “I cannot thank you enough for what you did for me that night, and each night after where I would find yet another piece of your work.”
Twilight was beginning to grow a terrible pit in her stomach.
“There’s no need to thank me, you’re a wonderful cellist who deserves her recognition. Your style is so unique, and your solos have brought me to tears with their beauty on several occasions. If there’s anyone who deserves thanks, it’s you.” Twilight smiled warmly, trying to hide her growing distress.
What if she isn’t like me? What if she is normal mare who desires the company of stallions? What if she’s just come here to try and let me down softly? Twilight’s thoughts once again threatened to renew the hysterical sobs of the minutes before Octavia’s arrival.
“I must admit though, I was not expecting a fellow mare to be the author of such lovely works.” This was it, this is where Octavia would gently crush Twilight’s hopes. Twilight braced herself for it.
“Well, I uhm…” Twilight couldn’t think of anything to say, she felt as if she was going to vomit, but fought desperately against the growing urge to rush to the nearest restroom.
“Do not take that as disappointment, Ms. Sparkle, I cannot say that I’m too inclined to their companionship as a normal mare would be. I’m more interested in those of the… fairer sex.”
“Really?” Twilight asked, perking up slightly.
“Indeed, and if I am to interpret your poetry correctly, your preferences align with mine as well?” Octavia smiled a bit more mischievous than before. Almost all sense of dread and fear began to evaporate from Twilight, but there were still a few issues. A; there was the matter of the other unicorn. B; nopony as beautiful as Octavia would likely want to be seen with somepony who looked like her. And C; Octavia was known as one of the greatest cellists in Equestria by all in the orchestral community, having a nopony like Twilight around would ruin her reputation for sure.
“So, you do understand…” Twilight replied, excitedly at first. “But that doesn’t change anything with the other unicorn…” Twilight trailed off, become saddened once again.
“Vinyl? She is a friend, but nothing more. I must admit, I’m quite pleasantly surprised to find out that it was you who's been writing for me this whole time.”
“Ha!” Twilight snorted sarcastically. “That’s a good one. I’m just a nobody. An ugly nobody…”
“No, you’re not. When I learned that you had been attending every concert I performed in, I was practically dancing on air. I was anxious to meet you, but I couldn’t bring myself to search you out. But it seems you beat me to that.”
“Stop lying, you don’t even know who I am…” Twilight countered, sulking.
“Who wouldn’t know who you are?!” Octavia exclaimed. “You are the Twilight Sparkle! One of the saviours of Equestria! The one and only protege to Princess Celestia!”
“You’d be surprised how few ponies know that.”
“You must be kidding? Everypony who’s anypony knows who Twilight Sparkle is. You are the topic of many conversations here in Canterlot. Whenever we perform for the princess, you’re all she talks about. When I found out it was you who was my secret poet, I couldn’t believe my luck.”
“Nope. Everywhere I go, I’m an unknown. Maybe they think I’m too ugly to be Twilight Sparkle…” Twilight broke her own morale to the point where she began crying again, she wanted to believe that this was real, but she kept trying to find some way that would prove that it wasn’t. She attacked herself repeatedly and Octavia would come to her defense with every attack on her own self worth.
“You’re not ugly, in fact I think you look lovely.” Octavia said without thinking, trying to reassure the sobbing mare.
Both parties blushed, but Twilight interjected.
“I appreciate that you’re trying to make me feel better, but please stop. I’m just ugly. No one knows who I am and I can’t seem to catch the attention of anypony.” Twilight said dejectedly, trying to turn this dream into a nightmare so she could wake up. She knew this was too good, surely she was face down in milk, ice cream, and tears on the bar. She just had to wake up somehow.
“You caught my attention.” Octavia replied with a smile, as she slowly and tentatively extended out her hoof and laid it on Twilight’s shoulder.
“Twilight…” Everything was real now, this wasn’t a dream, she wasn’t going to wake up from this… there was no escape… and Twilight was perfectly fine with that. She looked up with a start, her tear filled eyes staring up at Octavia sadly. Octavia almost faltered, but continued.
“Twilight, I think you are a beautiful mare. Not just for your looks, but for your personality. I barely know you, but from what I have seen, you are kind, thoughtful, and your poetic talent is by far the best I’ve seen. By all the counts that matter, you are beautiful.”
Twilight had stopped her tears now, and was blushing a shade of crimson. Octavia also began to blush, her face starting to feel slightly red. Clearing her throat, she continued.
“So, Twilight Sparkle, now that we’ve gotten our introductions out of the way, would you like to have dinner together? That is, if you have the free time,” Octavia quickly added. "I wouldn't want to impose."
“You mean it?” Twilight asked timidly. “You want to have dinner with me?” Twilight was recovering from a spiral of self deprecation and pity. Only moments before had everything struck her, here she was, drowned in milkshakes and tears, with the one mare in the world who mattered to here at this moment.
“I do.”
“And the things you said about me?”
“I meant every word.” Octavia gave Twilight yet another warm and comforting smile.
“I… I’d love to.” Twilight said. “When do we leave?”
“I was thinking, now.” Octavia said as she smiled.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Can I give you a hug?”
The question was the last thing Octavia expected, and she was flustered. She moved her mouth as if she was trying to respond, but no words were coming out.
“I… I… suppose…” Octavia managed to stammer out.
Twilight enveloped her in a tight embrace, and now it was Octavia’s turn to turn crimson.
“Thank you. I needed that. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.” Twilight finished, as she let Octavia go.
“Never change, Twilight Sparkle. Always be yourself and be proud of it. You are perfect the way you are, never let anypony tell you otherwise.”
“Again, thank you. I’ll remember that.”
A low growling sound was heard, and the two mares looked around trying to find the source of it. Upon realizing it was her stomach, Twilight nervously blushed and began to laugh.
“Eheheh. You said we were leaving for dinner?” Twilight tried to speak casually, trying to ignore her embarrassment.
Octavia gave a small smile. “I did. Shall we leave?”
“Please.” Twilight stated, still embarrassed from her stomach growling.
And so, the two mares left the table and the cafe together. Walking side by side, they began to learn more about the other as they made their way to dinner. Content and happy with the companionship of each other.
Author's Note
Well, I made a fic for February, no matter how late in the month it is. So...have a Happy belated Valentine's Day gift?
I felt like trying to do a story with just plain and straight up shipping, since I hadn't really done a story like this before. I decided to do Twi-Tavia since it is a bit lesser known pairing, apparently. Enjoy!
Edit: Chapter edited and improved on May 25th, 2014.
Editing and help with dialogue was done by SubShock. Thanks pal!
