Simply Synchronized

Chapters

Sitting or Standing
Ring-a-Ding-Ding
Girl Talk
Blue Pineapple

Sitting or Standing

"And down this corridor you can see the center of Canterlot High," Principal Celestia said with pride as she led a young, starstruck woman around the school grounds.

The center of the building was connected to the other wings of the school via intersecting hallways. Its pale blue walls were decorated with numerous gold trophies and medals carefully placed within glass casing. In the middle was concave fashioned into a Roman theater connected to a stage with deep auburn curtains. Three rows of carpeted stairs encircled the area becoming a makeshift seating area. The school’s front doors were visible from the stage making whomever walked in feel like they were stepping into a grand theater.

"What a charming feature, do the students use it to congregate between classes?"

A simple nod was the regal woman's reply. The young woman mouthed an ‘O’ before continuing her inquisitions.

"Does it have a name by chance?"

"It does actually," Celestia couldn't help but chuckle at her companion's curiosity, "We call it the 'Dragon's Den'."

"Hm, I don't recall that being anywhere in the pamphlet."

"The den doesn't really serve a purpose other than being a meeting area. Sometimes the students put on little performances or display a temporary art exhibit. In short it’s an overpriced gimmick that the students took over, but don’t tell the board of directors I said that. It’ll be our little secret." Celestia added with a devious wink.

"Interesting..."

"Well that about wraps up the tour, Ms. Melody. Do you have any further questions?"

Mulberry eyes shifted away uncomfortably at the sound of the principal's formality. "Please call me Octavia..." her voice came out meek and rather strained.

"Oh I do apologize," Celestia said with a startled gasp. "I didn't mean to be rude, it's just your family has been so generous with their donations I felt indebted to you. We were able to do so many renovations because of their help."

Nodding in understanding, Octavia turned to face the other woman and extended her hand in a well meaning gesture. "All is forgiven I assure you. As of today you are my employer and I insist you treat me as you would the rest of your faculty."

"Fair enough, but I must warn you I run this school with an iron fist." Celestia accepted Octavia's hand and shook it, her humor bringing a smile to Octavia's lips. Whether the other woman meant it or not, the joke was well received.

"In all honesty it is I who should be thanking you!" Octavia's pearly smile widened, "Canterlot High School is an impeccable institution filled with many great minds and promising young students, how a no-name cellist such as myself got hired leaves much to the imagination."

"You are as humble as you appear," Celestia pointed towards the hallway adjacent to them, "Your feats in the classical arts is no laughing matter, in fact the moment I saw your resume I knew you were the perfect woman for the job."

"You are much too kind, Principal Celestia."

"Down this hallway is the classroom you will be in charge of. You can decorate it as you see fit, our teachers are encouraged to express themselves. Also if you ever get lost, just follow the music." Octavia's confused expression brought a playful smile out of Celestia, "Listen carefully my dear."

Doing as told, Octavia closed her eyes and strained her ears. In a distant room she heard the sound of a well practiced choir. The children's voices melded together harmoniously bringing the piece they sang to life.

"Amazing..." she said in a breathless whisper.

"If the music doesn't get you here just look for the hallway with musical notes and your name on the door."

Octavia's excitement had hit its peak. Before her was a simple brown door with her name engraved on a golden plaque. She turned her head to Celestia in silent question asking to enter, the other woman nodded and handed her the keys. Trembling, Octavia inserted it into the lock and turned it till she heard a click. The door swung open with little effort and revealed a beautiful music room filled with numerous chairs and stands.

The room was fashioned into a theater much like the dragon’s den, where the ground floor played stage to a grand piano, a spacious teacher’s desk in the far right corner, and lastly a large blackboard against the wall. Ideas bounced around in Octavia’s head like ricocheting bullets as she inspected her classroom. There were so many possibilities in this room she could hardly contain herself.

"This is..." a tear slid down her cheek, "A dream come true."

"All the new teachers say that at first," Celestia patted the cellist on the back reassuringly, "Give it a week and you'll be cursing the place."

“No disrespect intended, Principal, but teaching is my life. Spreading the gift of music is my heart’s desire and there is nothing in this world that can ever change that.”

Celestia gave the young musician an all knowing look and nodded her head not speaking a word.

At first Octavia couldn't believe the words she was hearing, but as it turns out Celestia was right. It hadn't even been a week and already the dream was shattered. She regretted setting foot in the establishment not because of the students or the workload, she rather enjoyed that aspect of the job. The problem lied within a single person. A person so infuriatingly obnoxious and boisterous that the mere sight or sound of them was enough to drive Octavia up the wall and straight to the mad house. Who was this person? It was no other than the Modern Dance instructor and her awful taste in ‘music’.

Octavia had just wrapped up her intro to classical class and was packing up her things when the door slammed open. She looked up calmly guessing it was one of two people coming in to say hi. Relief washed over her immediately at the sight of the friendly face. She watched the rainbow haired gym teacher stride towards her wearing her trademark grin.

"And what do I owe the pleasure, Ms. Dash?" Octavia said in a welcoming tone.

"You and I have a spare this period so I figured I'd invite you to lunch. You game or are you game?" Rainbow Dash asked in full confidence.

Pondering on the offer, the cellist couldn't deny that she was feeling a tad peckish. She was actually on her way to have lunch outside and the thought of having company was refreshing.

"Alright I am "game" as you say. Do you have something in mind?"

"You know it! Pinkie Pie came in with a ton of sweets this morning and the S.O packed enough to feed a herd." Rainbow puffed her chest out proudly, "Grubs on the house and stuffed to the brim with love for yours truly."

"That does sound marvelous," Octavia replied eager at the thought of spending time with the first coworker she called friend. "Shall we then?"

"You betcha!"

Rainbow Dash eagerly lead the way to the teachers lounge talking, or rather boasting, about how well this years tryouts were going.Octavia had been there once or twice to get cup of coffee, but quickly stopped after deducing the first flaw in Canterlot High School's armor; it made terrible coffee.

"And then High Riser shot the ball into the hoop at full court!" Rainbow beamed, "For a guy who never played b-ball before and looks like he belongs in the mathletes, dude got some serious game. And I mean game!"

"Well you can never spot the prodigies out without proper attention." Octavia's head spun trying to decipher the terminology the gym teacher put forth. "I've found a few diamonds in the rough myself."

"This school's full of em." The two friends agreed wholeheartedly.

The teacher's lounge was in sight, but an unsettling feeling in the pit of prim woman's stomach told her not to enter. She was a second too late however, and Rainbow Dash had already unleashed the beast.

"You dare stand in the way of The Great and Powerful Trixie?"

"I'm not standing." a meek voice grumbled.

"Fine then!" Trixie screamed, "You dare sit in the way of The Great and Powerful Trixie?!"

Octavia visibly winced at the shrill sound. She reluctantly followed her friend in despite the feeling. Her hunger had won and the promise of a lunch made by Rainbow's significant other was too tempting to refuse.

"Trixie, will you please quiet down? I'm trying to sort out my lesson plan and you're making it incredibly difficult to focus!" a woman with long purple hair glowered. She was buried under a stack of papers filled with large, indecipherable blocks of texts and numbers.

"You are sitting in my spot!" Trixie snarled, her finger pointed at Twilight. "I demand you move this instant!"

"Really? This is what this is all about? A stinking chair?!"

"It is no ordinary chair. It is the chair of The Great and--"

"Powerful Trixie, yes I get it. Give me a moment and I'll move. Sheesh, some people I swear..."

Watching the two rivals duke it out was another thing to tack on to the reasons to avoid the lounge list.

"Who are those two?" Octavia asked in a hushed whisper.

Rainbow looked at the table with a lopsided grin. "That's my buddy Twilight Sparkle and G.A.P Trixie. The two are like oil and water, can't ever mix y'know?"

It didn't take a genius to figure out what the acronym stood for.

"Are they always like... this?" she asked trying desperately to not be rude.

"Yup, but you get used to it." Rainbow Dash pulled out a large plate of triangular sandwiches with the crusts neatly cut off. "This is them being civil actually." She placed the the food onto the counter and peeled off the cellophane wrap covering them. "Ain't that a thing of beauty?"

Octavia couldn't help but smile as she basked in Rainbow's exuberance. But a quick glance at the food led to a small problem.

"Rainbow Dash, I'm so very grateful for the offer but I can't eat those, I'm vegetarian you see..."

"Huh?" the athletic woman looked up with a sandwich stuffed in her mouth. She swallowed and wiped the crumbs off of her mouth before speaking. "These ones are for me, hold up lemme grab yours." Rainbow Dash dove into the fridge once more and fished out a smaller plate. "Flutttershy made these ones especially for you."

"Oh my,” Octavia graciously accepted the plate, “That is incredibly generous of her."

The athlete lead them to a empty couch sitting behind a glass coffee table as far away from Twilight Sparkle and Trixie as possible. Octavia was grateful, she enjoyed eating lunch in silence. It helped her digest or so she says.

"No biggie, she wanted to thank you for playing at the fundraiser."

"It was my pleasure though, I love animals and I love music. There was nowhere else I'd rather be."

"Well," Rainbow scarfed down another sandwich, "She made em anyways, so eat up!"

"Gladly."

Fluttershy had taken great care in making the sandwiches Rainbow Dash scarfed down as if they were chips, Octavia wondered if the woman could taste them at the speed she was going.

"So awesome!" the love-sick teacher beamed. It became clear she could taste the love put in.

Violet eyes stared down at the plate before her and smiled. She had met Fluttershy after the first day of school, Rainbow Dash had stormed into her classroom with the shy woman trembling in tow. They were introduced and friendship blossomed thereafter. She learned many things about the two and found she had many things in common with Fluttershy. In fact they were scheduled to have afternoon tea this coming Saturday.

"These sandwiches taste absolutely divine," Octavia said as a genuine smile cross her lips. “Please tell her thank you for me.”

"Fluttershy had been pacing back and forth all night trying to figure out what to give you." Rainbow tossed the last sandwich on her plate into her her mouth and happily chewed.

Taking a bite herself, Octavia felt the gift was perfect.

"I told her how tiny the lunches you pack are," Rainbow explained, "And she put two and two together, aren't I smart?"

"Indeed you are," the cellist nodded. "You are very lucky to have a partner who would go out of their way for a stranger."

"Tav," Rainbow held the other woman by the shoulders, "You're not a stranger. You're our friend. Friendship is magic! Repeat after me: friendship is magic."

Unable to maintain a serious facade any longer, the two friends started laughing.

"Yes, yes friendship indeed."

"Hey Twi!" Rainbow hollered, "You heard what I said?"

"Busy!" came the reply.

"Booorrrinngggg!!"

A blur of pink rushed in like a flash and rammed into Octavia enveloping the startled musician in a tight embrace.

"You are just the absolutely, super-duper cutest thing I've ever seen!"

"Oh um," unable to think anything Octavia turned to her coworker. "Thank you?"

"Oh Pinkie Pie you're outrageous!" Rainbow Dash laughed. "Believe it or not she's the science teacher here. Her hobbies include breaking the fourth wall and physics."

"Nice to meet yo--"

"When I heard we got a new teach in I expected some grumpy fart, not a cutie-patootie like you!" Pinkie Pie pressed her cheek against Octavia's, the embrace was back breaking. "And I love that bowtie! I want one, I need one, and I'll get one! RARITY MAKE ME A BOWTIE!"

On cue a fashionable women sauntered into the room and struck a pose before coming to the area where they all sat.

"Rarity did you seriously wait outside to make an entrance?" Rainbow asked flabbergasted.

"Oh Dashie what ever do you mean?" Rarity batted her long lashes flirtatiously.

"Rarity, Rarity this is the new music teacher!" Pinkie beamed. "I heard she can play all sorts of things like the jello!"

"I play the cello."

"Like I said the jello!"

The musician gave the science teacher a dull stare, but decided it wasn't good for her to get angry. The doctor had already scolded her for her high blood pressure once, she didn't need another lecture.

"How do you do?" Octavia ignored Pinkie Pie and set her focus to the sophisticated woman in purple.

"I am feeling quite marvelous," Rarity checked Octavia head to toe nodded her head and making little comments, "My you are one stylish little filly. Tell me what brand are you wearing? It's on the tip of my tongue..."

"Oh I only shop at Carousel Boutique, their selection is amazing."

"That explains it. I know their selection is amazing, but do tell me more. I just absolutely love hearing my customer reviews." Rarity straightened her posture and extended her hand which Octavia shook still unsure of the situation. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Then it dawned on her.

"My gosh you're that Rarity? The Rarity!"

Rainbow Dash took this time to speak up. "My friends are all sorts of awesome, Tavi, and now they're your friends too."

It was embarrassing and heartwarming all at the same time. Growing up she never had the time to make friends or even acquaintances, everything had to go by her parents' schedule. But now things were different. She was an adult with freedom and the chance to finally grow as a person.

"Thank you all so much..."

"Y'know this whole friendship bonding stuff is actually Twilight's thing," Rainbow explained, scratching her head timidly, "Just doesn't feel right not continuing the tradition."

"Thanks girls!" Twilight shouted from her desk not looking up. "After this is done I owe you all one."

Ring-a-Ding-Ding

Fluttershy paced in her kitchen with a worried expression on her beautiful face. She had been doing this for over thirty minutes nitpicking at every little detail for her soiree. She had intended for it to be a small party for her, Octavia, Rarity and maybe Twilight Sparkle if she could get her head out of the books long enough, but her darling lover had taken the liberty of inviting more people. The peaceful afternoon tea party she had planned became a “serious rager” as Dash’s friend put it.

Did they have enough food and drink, what about alcohol? No, Dashie had stocked up on that earlier today. Was the house clean and presentable? Angel better not leave any presents for guests to find…How about the curtains, did they properly match the decor? All these thoughts swam in her head like frenzied sardines and there seemed to be no end to them.

Propped up against the marble counter next the frantic woman, Rainbow Dash sipped on a bottle of beer acting as cool as an ice cube with a happy grin. She was used to Fluttershy’s pre-party jitters by now and found them rather endearing, but tonight’s party was different. There was someone she wanted to impress and if everything went according to plan Fluttershy would have herself a new friend. She was just happy to see the shy woman coming out of her shell even if it was just a baby step.

“Chill-out, Flutterbabe, Octavia’s going to love what you have planned.” Rainbow said in an encouraging tone. She had warned Octavia ahead of time about her girlfriend’s severe anxiety issues, but was pleasantly surprised when she understood. “You left nothing to chance, the barbecue is going to be awesome!”

Cyan eyes fell upon concerned violet and quickly softened, the fear in them dissipating like a receding wave. Fluttershy stopped her pacing and walked up to Rainbow Dash asking for a hug. The latter put the bottle aside and eagerly opened her arms. Fluttershy stood a head taller than the other woman, but that had been the norm since childhood and neither minded except when it came to reaching the top shelf where the cookies were hidden.

“Oh I hope so, Dashie…” Fluttershy nuzzled her face into her lover’s hair. She took a deep breath inhaling Rainbow’s familiar scent and relaxed. “I really like her, she’s so fascinating.”

Despite how it sounded the lovers knew Fluttershy’s interest in the cello player stopped at friendship. The animal lover had always enjoyed classical above all other forms of music, and now she had a chance to get to know someone who lived for the art. Fluttershy had never heard a cello in person before the shelter’s annual fundraiser, but that evening brought tears to her eyes. Rainbow Dash’s reward that night was enough to dub the musician a Goddess by her book.

“Can we go over the checklist one more time pretty please?” Fluttershy’s pleading pout was making Rainbow struggle.

“Really? It’s half an hour before party time and you wanna do that now?”

“Please?” Groaning, Rainbow took a swig of her beer and nodded her head. This was going to be hellish. “Yay!”

“Alright let’s get this over with.” With Fluttershy still in her arms, the daring athlete cleared her throat. “Food and drink?”

“Check.”

“Snackies?”

“Checkers!”

“Okay, how about… hm, cups and stuff?”

“Of course.”

“Toilet paper?” Fluttershy gave dash a stern look. “R-Right… um, how about, uhh… babe, I-I don’t know what else we need. AJ and I just need video games and cider to last us the night. Maybe a bag of chips or two.”

“Alright you make a good point, I’m being silly aren't I?” Shaking her head, Rainbow disagreed and kissed her girlfriend. “But are you sure we aren't missing anything?”

“Hm,” Dash’s lips curled into a devious grin as a pleasant thought came to mind. “I know something that isn't on the list.”

Panic shot through Fluttershy's fragile in an instant. “What is it!? Oh I knew I forgot something...”

“You haven’t tasted the rainbow in quite sometime, if you know what I mean. And I've been such a good little pony.”

The two looked at the microwave clock, it read 7:38pm; the party started at eight. Rarity and her entourage would be fashionably late as usual, Twilight Sparkle was most likely a no show, and Octavia…

Fluttershy broke the stagnant silence. “If anyone shows up in the next ten minutes, we can pretend we didn't hear the doorbell. Deal?” Fluttershy had a deep blush on her cheeks, one that she was she wouldn't fade until much, much later.

“I love you!”

Dropping to her knees, slender hands trailing sensually down Rainbow’s body, Fluttershy made quick work of undoing Dash’s belt and zipper. Dash licked her lips and breathed in deeply steadying her nerves. Fluttershy looked up at her anticipating lover and smiled coyly, she didn't have much confidence in her technique, but if it was what her Dashie wanted who was she to say no especially after she had been so patient with her throughout the day.

“I love you, too…”

The time melted away leaving them alone in their own little world. Nothing else mattered--Ding-Dong-Ding-Dong-Ding-Dong… DingDongDingDongDingDongDingDongDingDongDingdongDingDong

“Pinkie Pie, stop pressing the doorbell you’re going to break it!” Octavia’s voice rang out like a crystal through the preoccupied couple’s home. “Pinkie Pie, if you push that button one more time, I am no longer responsible for my actions--don’t, don’t you dare.”

“Ding-Dong!” this time Pinkie’s shot out in time with the annoying chime.

Rainbow’s lip quivered in disappointment as Fluttershy abruptly pulled away. The quieter of the two stayed on the floor wiping their mouth with the base of her thumb motioning for the other get the door. Reluctantly Rainbow pulled her shorts back up and stomped towards the door grumbling profanities Fluttershy would scold her for later.

She opened the door putting on the best fake smile she could muster and greeted her friends. “Come on in guys,” she said through gritted teeth. “We've been waiting for you!”

“Hi, hi Dashie!” Pinkie beamed as she hopped giddily into the house, “Honey, I’m hooome!!”

Octavia chose to be a touch more civilized than her companion and entered with grace. “Do forgive Pinkie Pie for her excitement.”

“Eh, it’s okay… she does this every time she stops by. Last time she actually managed to break the thing.”

“Oh on Earth--actually on second thought, I’ll leave that to the imagination.” The musician carefully took note of Rainbow Dash’s pink bunny slippers and giggled. “I take the missus has a no shoes in the house policy?”

“Huh?” Octavia pointed down. “Oh, well yeah normally, but tonight is party night so she expects us all to be going between the backyard and the den. Feel free to keep your shoes on, or if you’d like we have some slippers you can borrow.”

“I’d like to keep my shoes on if you don’t mind. Fuzzy bunnies don’t exactly suit my image, but they suit you very well. So dapper, Dash.”

“No problem at all, only person I’m forcing the slipper rule on is AJ. Who knows what kind of shit she’s stepped in.”

“Who now?” Octavia asked with interest.

Waving the question off, Rainbow closed the door and led Octavia through the house giving her a quick tour. It was a large for a two person home, but it felt lived in, very homey if that made any sense. It had four bedrooms, two functioning as offices; a basement as well as an attic; two bathrooms, one in the main floor and the other in the second close to the master bedroom. It was all done with a rustic flare that seemed so Fluttershy. The earth tones varied from room to room giving it variety, it felt as if you were taking a quiet stroll through the countryside.

A small portion of living area was probably the only exception to the decor. It was home to Rainbow’s “second baby”, a 70” HD plasma television and home theater set up. How the wall mounting managed to hold such a behemoth firmly in place confounded Octavia to no end. On each side of the TV were tall bookshelves that nearly touched the ceiling. The uppermost shelves displayed adorable bobbles and knickknacks as well as photos of family and friends, while the lower shelves held an impressive collection of video games. Beneath the TV and sandwiched in between the towering bookshelves was another black shelving unit with video game consoles and remotes. Octavia grimaced at the hypothetical sum of the display, but that was where Rainbow Dash’s influence end.

“I feel like I’m walking through a forest…” Octavia happily breathed in. It was faint but she could tell they used incense.

Chuckling at her friend, Rainbow explained, “Fluttershy and I used to live in buttfuck no where back when we were kids, we used to play in the woods all the time. I grew to love the city and she stayed the same, so when we were deciding on a place I figured we might as well meet halfway y’know?”

“Ah, big house in the city with a cottage feel. I like.”

“Wait till you get a load of the back yard,” Dash laughed. “It’s a zoo out there.”

In the kitchen Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy moved around like busy bees while chatting and snacking. A veggie platter was on the kitchen island surrounded by different dips all labelled. It had snap peas, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and baby carrots all arranged into a neat circular pattern. Beside the vegetables was another platter filled with cheese slices, crackers, pepperoni, and beef jerky. Rainbow ran for the jerky as soon as she noticed them.

“Please be teriyaki, please be teriyaki!” she chanted before the first bite. “Oh sweet teriyaki get in my mouth!”

“Glad you like your treat, sweetheart.”

“Thank you! Thank you!” Rainbow threw an arm around Fluttershy and gave her an over exaggerated kiss on the cheek. “You’re totally awesome, love you!”

“Make sure to save some for the crusaders and AJ,” Fluttershy warned. “We only have another bag left.”

“AJ can get her own jerky!”

“Who is this AJ fellow?” Octavia quipped. She moved towards the vegetable platter and pulled out a baby carrot. “I keep hearing about him.”

“Applejack is the most dependable person you will ever, ever meet!” Pinkie exclaimed. “She works on an apple farm outside of the city with her family.”

“Eh, she’s not that awesome…” Rainbow huffed. “She’s alright though… I guess. Wears a cool hat.”

Octavia listened to the other women talk about Applejack while she enjoyed her carrot. They all had a very high opinion of her despite Rainbow’s weak protests.

“Fluttershy, that carrot tasted amazing! Where do you buy them?” Octavia asked as she pulled another from the pile.

“I buy them from Applejack’s farm, in fact most of the fruits and veggies we have here are from her farm.”

“I have never tasted a carrot so sweet before.”

“Wait till you try their apples, she should be bringing some for tonight.” Fluttershy said with a smile. She reached for a celery stick and popped it in her mouth, the sound of the crunch causing her adorable smile to grow wider.

Pinkie’s head darted out from the fridge with a heavily frosted cupcake balanced on her curls. “You've been eating those celery sticks like chips, Fluttershy, save some room for cupcakes!”

“Before you two got here I caved into my sweet tooth. Ate… a whole bag of skittles, just trying to even it out.”

Rainbow Dash fought her hardest not to laugh.

The science teacher’s eyes narrowed dangerously, her demeanor turning a complete 180 degrees. “There’s always. Room. For. Cupcakes.”

“R-Right… woohoo… Cupcakes, yay.”

“Oh Pinkie Pie, you never change.” Rainbow chuckled still trying to calm down from her hysteria.

“So when is everyone else arriving?” Octavia asked nonchalantly, checking her watch she noted it was a quarter past. “The invitation was for 8pm correct? Oh I hope we weren't too early…”

“Nah you and Pinkie arrived right on time--speaking of which, how did you two get here? Don't tell me you like Pinkie drive.” Rainbow had found her beer and hopped onto the counter using it as a seat. Fluttershy looked like she wanted to tell her to get down, but decided against it and went back to preparing.

“I drove. Pinkie and I live fairly close together. We had lunch and watched a movie before heading here. Speaking of which I left something in the car, so if you’ll excuse me I’ll be right back.”

Octavia navigated herself through the stunning household and out to her car. It was black Lexus sedan her parents gave to her for her eighteenth birthday. She would have preferred a cheaper, less eye fetching vehicle, but one cannot be picky when it came to gifts. She popped open the trunk and and pulled out a pink gift bag sporting flared out wrapping tissue. It was bad manners to attend a dinner party empty handed after all.

A large red pickup truck covered in mud pulled up behind her car. Three children jumped out from the cargo bed and ran across the lush lawn and into the house slamming the door behind them. Octavia closed her trunk while she eyed the mysterious vehicle carefully. A tall, sun-kissed woman with long blonde hair exited from the driver’s side and opened the door to the passenger’s side.

Rarity stepped out carefully with the aid of the stranger. She wore a simple outfit consisting of daisy dukes, brown calf length leather boots, and a red plaid shirt matching the other woman’s; she had it tied around her midriff exposing her toned belly. Around her neck was a plain yellow bandanna that drew your eyes away from her ample bosom and brought her face into focus. Rarity’s hair was straightened and swept to the side framing her delicate features perfectly.

It didn't take long for the bright-eyed woman to notice her and jovially call out her name.

“Octavia, darling, it is so good to see you again!” Rarity sashayed her way to the cellist, making sure to add extra sway in her hips, and enveloped her in a warm embrace. “I see you come bearing gifts as well.”

“Of course, it would be rude not to.”

“A woman of class, I like that.”

A large, burly man who resembled the unknown woman hopped out after Rarity and closed the door. He trotted to the back and jumped onto the bed with ease and hoisting up a large bushel of red apples in a crate. The woman waited on the ground and took the apples from him. She let out a sharp whistle and tilted her head towards the door.

“Ya mind, sugar cube?”

Rarity waved goodbye and made her way to Rainbow Dash’s front door and opened it. The burly man walked up to Octavia and tilted his hat in a simple greeting.

“Eeyup,” he said before following after the others into the house.

Octavia surmised the blonde woman was the famous Applejack everyone had been raving about. She seemed very nice and down to earth, but you can never judge a book by its cover.

“Are you coming in or are you going to just stand there?” Rarity giggled.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Octavia rushed up to the door and thanks the seamstress. “Sorry about that, I spaced out for a bit.”

“Never you mind, just hurry in so we can so we can start chatting! I love my dear AJ, but all she talks about is apples.” sighing heavily, Rarity rubbed her temples. “I need my girl talk, gossip is my life’s blood. And you are tonight’s topic, my dear.”

“Oh dear,” Octavia chuckled nervously. “I’m afraid I’ll bore you all tonight, I’m very sheltered if you haven’t noticed.”

“Every lady has her secrets, and I intend to get every juicy droplet out of you.”

“Joy…”

The party seemed to be in full swing now judging by the noise. Truth be told this was Octavia’s very first casual get together. All the parties she had attended growing up were all social events that involved greeting her parents’ business partners, relatives, and investors. She could feel the difference in the atmosphere, it was lively and warm. This was definitely a party filled with close friends.

In the living room Rainbow Dash sat in a chair with one of the children, while the blonde woman and man took up the spacious couch, and beside them sat the two other children sharing the love-seat. They all stared at the large screen intently, a video game of sorts was running with the child on Rainbow’s lap holding the controller. They were all hollering instructions and laughing. And in the kitchen Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy busied themselves preparing for dinner. By the looks of it they were going to have an old fashioned barbecue. Another experience she had missed growing up.

Octavia didn't know what to do other than stand in the doorway watching. The party had split into two distinct activities and wasn't sure which side to take. Her instincts told her to follow the giddy women, but at the same time she was curious to find out who the children and the southerners were. Luckily someone was kind enough to notice her plight.

“Howdy there, don’t suppose we met. The name’s Applejack!” the southern bell proudly introduced herself. “An’ the big guy next ta me is ma big bruther, Big Macintosh. Y’all can just call ‘im ‘Big Mac’ fer short. He don’t talk much, but he’s a real sweetheart wit a heart ‘o gold.”

“Eeyup!” he grinned broadly without looking away from the screen.

Approaching the couch, Octavia gave the woman a warm smile, “How do you do, Applejack and Big Macintosh. My name is Octavia Melody, and it is a pleasure to meet you both.”

“Ah so yer the jelloist,” Applejack grinned unaware of her mistake. “Rare’s been talkin’ ‘bout you all week. Darn near talked mah ear off last night.”

“Cello.” Octavia’s smile faltered, but she regained her composure in a second. “I play the cello, though after spending time with Pinkie I've started to call it that myself. You can imagine the surprised faces of my ensemble.”

“Beg yer pardon, ma’am, meant no disrespect. Honest.” Applejack titled her hat in apology. “The only instruments I know of is the banjo ‘n the guitar.”

“The cello isn't the only string instrument I can play. If you would like maybe we can play together sometime.”

“Yeehaw! That sounds mighty fine ta me, maybe RD’ll join us with her drums.”

Octavia gasped in surprise, “I didn't know you played an instrument, Rainbow Dash!”

“Eh, it isn't really my thing, but sure I’ll join you guys. Scoots, watch your left there!” The rainbow haired woman held onto the children’s shoulders shaking her playfully when the screen showed a ‘You Are Dead’ scene with continue yes or no at the bottom. “Lemme show you how a pro does it.”

“Oh can it, RD, give that there doohickey to me or Big Mac. Let us have a shot at it.”

“Eh… fine. But five bucks says you guys both lose in ten seconds flat.”

“Yer on partner.”

“Eeyup!”

Ding-Dong

The door bell chimed alerting the guests. Octavia opened the door revealing a fresh faced Twilight Sparkle without a book or paper in sight.

“Hello, Octavia, wonderful evening we’re having tonight.”

“Indubitably. I’m glad to see you managed to make it.”

“Pulled an all nighter last night, but I got everything done.”

“Very commendable of you, but I hope you at least took a nap.”

“Don’t worry, I’m used to long nights. I’m assuming Fluttershy and the others are by the kitchen?” Twilight walked in and greeted everyone in the living room before going to the kitchen. “Hey girls look who made it!”

“Twilight!” they all exclaimed in unison.

Feeling slightly left out, Octavia followed the studious woman. She had barely stepped out for more than a couple of minutes, but the kitchen seemed completely different. There was barely an inch of counter space left and the poor hostess seemed to be getting lost in all of the chaos. She weaved between her friends and stepped out into the backyard.

“Feeling alright?” Octavia asked.

Looking over her shoulder, Fluttershy nodded her hair and said, “It was getting a little hectic in there. I needed a bit of air.”

“It certainly has gotten lively.” Raising the gift back into the air, Octavia handed it to Fluttershy whose cheeks tinted. “Please accept it, I have a feeling you’ll love what’s inside.”

“You didn't have to, but thank you so very much.”

A slight moment caught Octavia’s attention as she took her first step into the back yard. It was breath taking to say the least. Colorful plants and bushes lined the edges of the yard in a beautiful display. In the far left corner was a mighty oak tree holding a dozen brightly colored bird houses. And next to it was a small stone pond with a fountain in the middle; a turtle lounged in it happily without a care in the world. To the right was a medium size, fenced in chicken coop. How many lived in it was a mystery, but out in the open were two of the fluffiest chickens Octavia had ever seen.

“So cute…” Octavia murmured.

Fluttershy traced her gaze to the coop and giggled. “I see you've noticed my pets.”

“Y-Your pets?” Fluttershy proudly nodded. “I've never heard of having a chicken for a pet before.”

“Oh I also have a darling little bunny rabbit named Angel, he’s somewhere here hiding with the rest of his friends. I also have a few snakes, bats, birds, and mice.”

“Excuse me, but did you say s-snakes?”

“Mhm, oh please don’t worry. They’re all very gentle and friendly.”

“What about the turtle?”

“That would be Dashie’s pet.” Fluttershy folded her hands behind her and giggle sweetly, “His name is Tank and he’s a tortoise to be exact.”

“Interesting…”

Nobody else seemed to worry about the missing critters, so Octavia decided it was best to go with the flow. When in Rome they say.

Girl Talk

How did it come to this? Octavia asked herself over and over as she tried to drown out the girlish chatter around her. The women she befriended were actively talking about some rather personal things that the musician deemed unfit for the public ears. She sat between Twilight Sparkle and Rarity on the couch with ample room between them. Rainbow Dash and her half of the party moved outside to play catch and start up the barbeque, Octavia regretted turning Dash’s offer to help grill the moment the words slipped out of her lips.

“Fluttershy dear, it's been ages since we've last gotten together.” Rarity’s sultry voice cooed. The shy woman jumped in her seat wide eyed and nervous. “How are things with Rainbow Dash?”

The question seemed innocent enough, but the smirk on Rarity’s face hinted at something deeper and Fluttershy’s cowering succeeded in confirming it. She pulled her legs up off the floor and rested them against the chair’s arm. If you’re going to be putting yourself out there might as well do it comfortable.

“Things are going very well, thank you for asking.” She dodged the question masterfully. “How about you and Applejack?”

“You know the usual, apples this apples that, I wish she’d talk about something else, even oranges would do! But oh how I do love my darling AJ so very much… c'est la vie.”

Octavia’s eyes shot open, she had barely been paying attention the whole night but suddenly found herself very interested. “Does this mean you are in a relationship with Applejack?” Rarity nodded her head slowly, her expression saying ‘wasn’t it obvious?’. “Wow, I had no idea… for how long?”

“Not too long, I’m afraid. We became a couple shortly after I moved in with her to escape the city life.” Rarity sighed whether it was a sigh of happiness or not added to the mystery. “We were hit and miss as friends, always arguing and clashing. I swear we were more enemies than best friends, but waking up at the crack of dawn and becoming one with the earth helped me relax and find my muse.”

“You should have seen them back in high school! It was like watching two trains collide.” Twilight quipped. Octavia quirked her eyebrow and asked her to explain in further detail. “The graduation party is a great example, can I tell her?”

“I don’t see why not.”

“Rarity had insisted on designing dresses for everyone--and yes that does include both Rainbow Dash and AJ.”

Octavia turned to the pink haired woman and asked, “How did you manage to convince her to do that?”

“How did you know I had something to do with it?” Octavia’s dull stare made Fluttershy sink into her shoulders and surrender. “Oh alright, I admit it. I did influence the situation a little, but just a little! All I had to do was ask her nicely and she agreed.”

“No complaining?” Fluttershy shook her head. “No rants?” Another shake. “Forgive me for my bluntness, but did she agree for certain favours in return?”

Fluttershy’s face erupted into a deep crimson. “I-I-I um… oh-oh… erm that is… meep.”

“I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” Octavia apologized sincerely. “It’s just despite knowing Rainbow Dash for such a short time, I can hardly imagine her in a skirt let alone a gown.”

“Rainbow Dash loves Fluttershy very, very much. If she wishes it she would fly up to the moon and write a sonnet declaring her undying love.”

“That depends purely on whether or not Rainbow Dash even knows what a sonnet is.” Twilight Sparkle added smugly. Fluttershy and Rarity shared a laugh at the athlete’s expense, Octavia found it hard to resist the infectious laughter. “I asked her about how she felt once and she said, and I quote: “If I had wings, I’d never leave the sky. But I’d give them up just to be with her.” That was the night she turned down her chance to be in the Wonderbolts.”

“I remember that night…” Fluttershy whispered dreamily. She hid her smile behind her mug trying to hide away her feelings. “Though as happy as I am, I’m still trying to live down the guilt of having her choose me over her dream.”

“Why? It was her decision to stay.” Octavia sipped on her beverage enjoying the sweet taste. “Actually on second thought maybe joining the Wonderwhatsit was her dream but it wasn’t her destiny? Perhaps Rainbow Dash knew this.”

Rarity gasped and clapped her hands, “Clever deduction! Classy, fashionable and witty, you are my kind of woman indeed, Ms. Melody.”

“You flatter me,” Octavia smiled, her cheeks becoming a rosy color. “But thank you very much.”

Rainbow Dash waltzed into the living room and stood behind Fluttershy, she wrapped her arms around the tall woman’s shoulders and rested her chin on top of her head. “My ears are burning, you ladies better not be talkin’ about me behind my back.” she said grinning widely. “I like hearing about how awesome I am in person.”

“We were actually,” Fluttershy said looking up. “We were talking about how sweet, funny and romantic you are.”

“Eh? I ain’t sweet or romantic. Leave that gushy-mushy stuff to Rarity, blehck.”

“Snuggling up to Fluttershy isn’t helping your case, Rainbow Dash.” Rarity chuckled softly which earned her a playful glare. “Try and deny it all you want, Snuggly Dash.”

“W-Whatever… the kebabs are done, do you wanna come get em or should I bring em here?”

“Would you mind dear?”

“Nah,” Rainbow straightened up, her hands now resting on Fluttershy’s shoulders. “Anything else you might need? More drinks or something maybe?”

“I’d love another cup of tea.” Fluttershy said.

“Kay one tea, anything else ladies?”

Octavia looked down at her near empty glass and raised her hand tentatively, “Another glass of cider if you would? I think I’ve found myself a new addiction.”

‘Ahaha, alrighty. Just be careful not to drink too much of the stuff, it does have alcohol in it.”

“That explains the after taste.”

“Rainbow, could you get me another can of soda?” Twilight raised her empty lemon soda can up and smiled.

“Hold up lemme just double check,” she said clearing her throat. “Tea for Flutterbabe, cider for Tav, and soda for Twi. Do you need anything, Rarity?”

“I’m quite alright, thank you for asking.”

“Be right back then.” Rainbow bent down one more time and kissed Fluttershy on the cheek before dashing off to fetch the food and drink.

The dark haired woman beside Octavia let out a giddy squeal startling the rest of the group. She quickly excused herself and said, “I’ve seen you two together so many years, but I still can’t get over how adorable you both are!”

“I concur,” Rarity added.

“Thank you,” Fluttershy said as she smoothed out her side-swept bangs.

One thing that struck Fluttershy as odd was her beauty. It wasn’t a bad thing, take Rarity for example. She was beautiful, fashion and was proud to flaunt it, but Fluttershy was the complete opposite. Did the woman not realize how stunning she was? Why did she hide herself away? Try as she might to hide her body under her large sweater, Fluttershy’s large breasts were still easy to notice. What else could she be hiding underneath?

Hold the phone, Octavia shook her head vigorously to purge her thoughts, Did I just have improper thoughts of Fluttershy?

“Everything alright, Octavia?” Fluttershy’s concern caused the woman in question to blush.

“Erm, well yes. I do believe the cider has finally gotten to me.” she said smoothly trying to avert everyone’s attention. “Can’t seem to put the glass down, hehe…”

“I remember drinking Applejack’s hard cider for the first time,” Twilight leaned back into the cushion reminiscing. “I woke up sprawled in the bathtub wearing a trash can on my head. The only one who survived that night was Fluttershy and she refuses to divulge what happened.”

Ding-Dong

Rainbow Dash poked her head out from the kitchen holding a large serving dish in each hand. “You mind grabbin’ the door, babe?” she asked as she carried them to the coffee table between the four women.

“Sure thing.” Fluttershy quickly shuffled her way to the door and welcomed the guest outside.

“Howz it hangin’ party people!?”

“Viny,l I’m so glad you could make it! We have burgers, kebabs and hot dogs out on the grill, please help yourself.”

“Don’t mind if I do, pretty lady!”

Octavia’s face paled visibly, she could feel her stomach twist and turn almost as if she was about ready to throw up. Without even having to turn her head she knew who was standing at the doorway with Fluttershy.

“DJ Pon-3 at your service!” the cocky voice hollered. “Whoa, wait, holdup! Octy that you!? Dude, no one said you’d be here.”

Groaning loudly, Octavia sid down the back rest and lithely waved her hand. “Yes, Vinyl I am here, though I wish I wasn’t now…”

“SUH-WEET!” the Dj beamed having ignored the last bit of Octavia’s sentence. She ran up to Twilight Sparkle and threw her arms around her neck. “And my favourite bookworm is here, too! The only thing this party needs to kick it up to a whole ‘nother level is if my favourite party person was here.”

“Hello, Vinyl.” Twilight chirped just as eagerly. “I didn’t know you were invited as well, if I knew I would have brought the books you requested.”

“No biggie, Twi! I wasn’t supposed to be here anyways, but had a last minute cancellation so I figured I’d take up RD’s invite and boogie down.”

“I simply adore what you’re wearing tonight,” Rarity said jumping into the conversation. “It’s rare to see you in such colors, but it really suits you.”

“Thanks I guess, but I actually gotta get an entire new set of duds.”

“Why’s that? Did you get one of Luna’s socks mixed in with your load?” Rainbow Dash snickered. She walked up to Vinyl and pulled the spiky haired woman into a friendly hug. “Glad you could make it though. Pinkie Pie’s out back with the kids, grab some grub and join em.”

“Glad I could and yeah I did actually.”

“Whoa, serious? Isn’t this like the third time this happened since she moved in?” Vinyl nodded. “Damn that sucks.”

“I know right! Now I’m stuck walking around like a blueberry.”

“Is that Vinyl Scratch Ah’m hearin’ talkin’ about lookin’ like a blueberry?” Applejack strutted into the room holding a serving tray full of beverages. She handed the tray to Fluttershy who quickly handed them out to her waiting friends. “Well boy howdy, Ah didn’t think y’all were serious! Looky ‘ere Bic Mac, it’s DJ Vinyl Grap-3!”

“Eeyup!” Big Mac said from the kitchen.

“Yeah… oh well. The colour is actually starting to grow on me.” Vinyl tugged at her shirt and grinned. “Mind if I use that DJ Vinyl Grap-3 thing?”

“Go right ‘head.”

“And like I said the color suits her perfectly!” Rarity got off of the couch and linked arms with the farmer. “By the way you have a touch of flower on your cheek, darling.”

“Just finishin’ the kitchen clean up with Big Mac. Desserts already in the oven by the way, made yer favourite, honeybunch.”

“Get a room you two!” Vinyl recoiled in playful disdain.

“You need a cup a cider in your hand A.S.A.P, Scratch.” Rainbow Dash grinned. “You, me and AJ still have a score to settle.”

“Oh Dashie,” Vinyl herself at the athlete and cooed, “You’re so romantic.”

The two friends along with Applejack and Rarity headed into the kitchen leaving Fluttershy, Twilight and Octavia by themselves. Feeling physically and emotionally drained, Octavia downed the new glass of cider as fast as she could. She thanked whatever God was watching over her that Vinyl left her alone. She really didn’t need to loudmouth ruining her night.

“I take it you and Vinyl don’t get along very well?” The question was directed at the grumbling musician, but Octavia just didn’t have it in her to explain. “She can be a little tricky to get to know, but once you do you’ll find yourself enjoying her company. I actually thought of all people in the school you and her would become fast friends.”

“Fluttershy is right, Octavia dear. What ever did the silly girl do to deserve such cold treatment?”

Guilt poked Octavia in the side knowing full well that the blue haired woman hadn’t doing anything bad enough to earn the treatment she had been receiving.

“How should I put this… have you ever met someone and instantly knew you wouldn’t like them?” Rarity and Fluttershy shared questioning glances but didn’t speak and let Octavia continue. “All she said was hi and introduced herself, but the way she did just grated on my nerves. I’ve never met someone so uncouth, uncivilized and disorderly in my life!”

“Oh my…”

“But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I could have looked passed all that and I’m sure we would have gotten along swimmingly… someday.” Octavia took in a deep breath and let it all out, the alcohol was really starting to get to her. “During my second day at the school, Vinyl offered to clean my chalkboard since I was extremely busy. A co-worker who helps clean another’s class, she’s great right?”

“Well yes…” Rarity agreed hesitantly, but flinched when Octavia glared at her. “O-Or not…?”

“She cleaned it with wubs.”

Blue Pineapple

The setting sun in the horizon painted the sky with beautiful shades of orange and red, the once blue sky slowly dimming. The warm colors bounced off of Fluttershy's flower garden magnificently setting the verdant land ablaze with color. A warm breeze pushed through the yard carrying the smell of spring, nature and... Onions?

Vinyl Scratch snapped out of her poetic thoughts and quickly looked around in a paranoid panic. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she recalled being at Rainbow Dash's house for a party. She sat outside in the patio watching three children chase around an energetic white rabbit while nursing a lukewarm glass of watered down cider. The kids hadn't caught critter once and the smug look on the rabbits face said it was proud of its agility and wit.

Get your head out of the clouds, Vinyl.

"Sweetie Belle, to your right!" a child exclaimed with a southern twang. "He's behind ya now, Scootaloo, get ‘im!"

"What?! HOW?!" Scootaloo screamed twisting around trying to catch the critter off guard, but stepped on her loose laces and fell face first into the grass. "Ow... No fair, Angel bunny… I’m telling mom."

The rabbit stopped running and fell on his back doing what appeared to be an exaggerated bunny laugh. Vinyl had to do a spit take to confirm what she saw before blaming the alcohol.

"Quick Applebloom, grab him while he's distracted!" Sweetie Belle instructed as she helped Scootaloo to her feet.

"Ah know!" she replied with sass in her tone.

Angel quickly recovered and hopped away with three very determined children in hot pursuit. He looked around for a safe place to hide and spotted the blue haired adult relaxing. He kicked it into high gear and charged towards her with reckless abandon. Vinyl didn't even get a warning before she found herself tackled to the ground with a laughing rabbit crouched on her forehead.

"Holy horseapples girls, you guys need to get on the football team A.S.A.P!"

"Hehe sorry, Vinyl!" the three grinned innocently.

The loud laughter caught Fluttershy's attention so she went to go see what was going on. "Everything alright?" she asked cautiously. "Oh hello Angel, where have you been off to all evening?"

The rabbit hopped off of Vinyl and ran to its master eagerly. He hopped up and down asking her to pick him up, Fluttershy was more than happy to oblige.

"You've got some rabbit, Fluttershy." Vinyl said as she pushed herself off of the ground. "Ran circles around the Crusaders."

"Only cause we let him!" Scootaloo growled trying to save face. “Y’hear that Angel? We let you get off easy this time!”

"Well I'm glad you're all having fun, but I think you should get off of Vinyl. It isn’t very polite."

"Oh right, hehe… sorry." Sweetie Belle blushed and got up first. She helped her friends up and all three offered to help Vinyl up.

Scootaloo walked up to Fluttershy and hugged her waist. The tall woman looked down lovingly running her fingers through the girl's messy red hair. "Would it be alright if Sweetie Belle and Applebloom stay the night?" she asked with an adorable pout. “We finished all of our homework at Sweetie Belle’s!”

Following in suite, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom latched onto Fluttershy’s side promising they'd behave all night.

"Um well," Fluttershy hummed giving the request serious thought. She had work early tomorrow, but Rainbow Dash would be home all day so the children wouldn't go completely unsupervised. "I don't see why not, but..."

"Aw come on Mom be cool!" Vinyl groaned, she had a crick in her neck that wouldn't leave no matter how she stretched. "Can we stay the night pretty please with a carrot on top? I promise I’ll eat my veggies and brush my teeth, so pretty, pretty please!?"

"Please, please, please?" Scootaloo insistingly begged.

Unable to say no, Fluttershy gave in and said, "If Dashie says it's alright then go ask Applejack and Rarity for permission. But I expect you girls to be in bed before 10pm."

"ALRIGHT! CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS SLEEPOVER!" the three screamed at the top of their lungs and ran in; it was almost guaranteed they’d be staying.

Vinyl dusted off her pants chuckling at the comical sight in the living room. The children tackled Rainbow Dash from behind causing another tumble and even more playful banter. "Things are always lively around here, I'm getting too old to keep up. Ow my lumbago..."

"Oh hush, you still have plenty of party left in you." Flutter said with a smile.

"Never said I was too old to party!" Vinyl barked in defense. "How do you and RD manage? I was just sitting here just watching them and I’m already pooped."

"Scootaloo does her own thing and never gets into any trouble, so we haven’t run into any serious problems trying to raise her."

"Speaking of RD, has she... Y'know?"

Fluttershy quirked her eyebrow and asked, "Do I know what?"

"Taken an arrow to the knee?"

"Oh heavens no!" the green eyes woman gasped in horror. "That's a terrible thing to say, Vinyl Scratch! How would you like it if I asked you if you'd like an arrow anywhere in your body?"

Vinyl face-palmed hard and regretted it even more when her sunglasses rammed into the bridge of her nose. "Flutters, it's a phrase for getting married."

"Ohh..." Fluttershy felt her face heat up at the thought of getting married. "I-I wouldn't mind if it was with Dashie, but no she hasn't asked."

"Any plans though?" Vinyl pressed on as she took her seat back in the patio. “I’d totally rock the reception party for you.”

Fluttershy joined her and answered, "We have a home, a child and a life together, I'm perfectly content with the way things are. And a wedding takes so much effort, and so many people… all staring at me… uhm..."

"T-That makes sense, I guess? It was kind of silly for me to ask. You guys are practically married anyways, haha."

Giggling, Fluttershy patted Vinyl's hand telling her it was alright. She didn't notice the sharp intake of air or the longing look in Vinyl's eyes.

"That reminds me, why wasn't Luna with you tonight?" Fluttershy waited for a reply, but after a minute of silence she asked, "Vinyl?"

"Huh?" jolting up right, the Dj took her glasses off and pinched the crease on her bridge. "Sorry about that, what did you say?"

"Are you alright?" Fluttershy asked with concern, Vinyl nodded her head weakly. "I know you and I aren't as close as you and Dashie are, but I consider you a very good friend nevertheless... That is if you don't mind"

"Sorry for being such a space case, and I think of you as a good friend, too." Vinyl let herself relax around Fluttershy enough to open up a bit, in hindsight she should have spoke to someone sooner than let it fester.

"I've just been really tired lately. Lots of stuff goin’ on in this empty noggin’ o mine, just a shame none of it involves a wicked bass line."

"It doesn't have anything to do with Octavia does it?" Rainbow's lover had hit the nail on the head. Vinyl tensed up at the sound of the sound confirming Fluttershy's theory. "You can tell me, I promise I won't say anything… and if it helps, I did minor in psychology--not that I’m profiling you or anything like that! I just want to help."

"Do you think she hates me?" Vinyl finally managed to ask in a meek voice.

"Um..." Fluttershy didn't know how to answer without hurting the other woman.

"She does doesn't she? She totally hates my guts! I can see it on your face, no need to lie."

"I wasn't lying... Per se. Hold on is this the reason why you won't join the others in the living room?"

"Yeah, silly ain't it? Never thought I'd see the day when DJ PON-3 worries about making friends!" Vinyl angrily scratch her head and groaned. "Argh why'd I go and Vinyl things up?! She won’t even look me in the eyes."

"Oh I don't think you messed up that badly... But it was pretty bad, I can’t deny that."

"Did she tell you about it?" Fluttershy nodded causing Vinyl to convulse in her chair. "Bloody hell I'm embarrassed just thinking about it! Oh gawd kill me now."

"She said you "wubbed" the chalk off her board, how did you manage that?"

"I did... I thought it woulda been cool--nah, it was definitely cool."

"I'm sure it was, um, cool... But not for a classy woman like Octavia." Fluttershy explained. "If you did that for Dashie on the other hand, personally I think she'd love it."

"Who do you think gave me the idea in the first place?" Vinyl wept as loudly as she could. "I asked her how I could break the ice and she said to just be myself! She’s high class and I’m well… I’m me. I’m the Vinyl Scratch, DJ PON-3!"

"Dashie's advice wasn't wrong… I think you just took it a little too literal."

Slumped over and depressed, Vinyl let out a exaggerated whine and, "What was I supposed to do then? Walk up to her, smile and say "Hi the names Vinyl Scratch, and welcome to the herd!" That just isn't me."

"It would have worked though," came a sultry Canterlot accent. "Had you only presented yourself in a polite manner, we may have been friends."

"Are you drunk, Octy?" Vinyl got up from her chair and offered it to the inebriated woman. "Come on sit down, I'll get you a glass of water."

“Hold on I’m no--”

“Yeah, you’re definitely wasted. Sit down.” The concerned DJ offered her chair again.

"I do not need your chair or-or a glass of water," Octavia walked up to Vinyl and glared at her, their faces mere inches apart. "You think you can... -Hick- You think you can butter me up by acting civil, you can think again Ms. Scratch! I know what kind of woman you are and I refuse to be fooled."

"You reek of cider, how many have you had? I'm taking this away." Vinyl wrestled the half empty glass and chugged it down before Octavia could complain. She forced her co-worker to sit down against her will and received a flurry of posh insults. "Fluttershy, take this and get her a glass of water please. We need to let her sober up."

"R-Right, I'll be right back."

Vinyl watched her friend rush into the kitchen before turning her attention back to the source of her frustration and sleepless nights.

"Seriously how many have you had to drink tonight?" Violet eyes darkened as Octavia struggled to free her wrists from Vinyl's grasp. "Calm down, bowtie. I'm not here to hurt you, I’m here to help."

"You managed to call me by my name before, please refrain from making these inane nicknames. We are adults not children, let us act as such."

Clicking her tongue, Vinyl refrained from speaking her mind and opted to be diplomatic. "You really need to calm down, Octy."

"I would still be calm if you hadn't grabbed me and accused me of being intoxicated you... you... you brash, overbearing, loathsome troglodyte." Octavia heaved, she had never lost her temper like that before. It felt exhilarating.

"Hold on let me get a dictionary," Vinyl pulled out her cellphone and tried to punch in the words Octavia spoke, but found herself unable to spell a single word. Giving up, she screamed in exasperation, "Was that even English!? It's only an insult if the person you're saying it to understands!"

"Well fine, how about you take this one on for measure," Octavia smirked, "You blue pineapple."

The two rivals entered a heated staring match where neither one refused to budge. Octavia's smile widened as Vinyl's face began to falter, she had won the battle with her eloquent speech and superior facial control. Sobriety be damned!

"Babe, I’m a DJ. I work clubs of a living, I know what a drunk looks like and you fit the bill.”

“Do not call me “babe”, it is an insult to me as a grown woman.”

“Where the hell is Fluttershy with that water?” Vinyl looked over Octavia’s shoulder and grimaced when she saw the shy woman fumble with a glass.

Octavia took to the offensive and stepped on Vinyl’s foot with her feel. The DJ recoiled in agony releasing Octavia who sat before her grinning smugly. “Now then Ms. Scratch, I would like to make some things very clear.”

“God damnit I’m about to slap a bitch…” Vinyl snarled under her breath.

“I heard that, but I’m feeling rather forgiving tonight so I will let it slide. Do not, and I repeat, do not test my patience.” Octavia uncrossed her legs and recrossed them before speaking again. “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with dear, sweet Fluttershy.”

“What of it?”

“First of all I do not appreciate crude assumptions being made about me and my upbringing. I am not “high class” or any of the sort, I fancy myself as rather down to earth if anything. And for the record I most definitely do not hate you.” Octavia explained rubbing her forearm nervously, “But I suppose my previous actions could state otherwise, to which I sincerely apologize. It was wrong of me to let my anger control my actions.”

“Now I definitely know you’re drunk,” Vinyl chuckled. “The Octavia I know would never stoop down and say sorry.”

“But you do not know me and likewise I do not know you, this is where the misconceptions began I believe.”

“Yeah I guess, look Octy I’m sorry. That was a stupid thing I did and I really regret it, can you ever forgive me?” Looking straight into Octavia’s eyes, Vinyl looked for any signs of redemption in the beautiful mauve eyes that had haunted her dreams the past week. But she saw nothing there and withered under Octavia's calm and collected expression.

“Only if you can forgive me as well,” she said letting her poker face slip away and finally smiled.

Like an over eager puppy, Vinyl nodded her head and launched herself at the staunch musician trapping her in a tight embrace. “AHYEAAA! I knew you were totally awesome!”

“Likewise,” Octavia awkwardly patted her new friend on the head. “Now, would you care to join us all for a drink?”

“I would love to.”