Third Times the Charm

by Alpine~Dragon~Queen

Rating: everyone
Tags: Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Romance, Derpy Hooves, Slice of Life, DJ P0N-3, Alternate Universe, Human, Doctor Whooves
Length: 4224

Twice Vinyl waits for her love and the third he finally appears.

Anthro AU.
Vinyl waits at her rave for her secret love while Rainbow Dash tries to pair her up with some lucky colt from the crowd. Will Vinyl be able to keep relationship secret?
Meanwhile, Doctor Whooves spends quality time with his assistant: Ditzy. Collab with my sister: Wlyteth.

Published 2011-10-28 23:36:21 UTC
Last updated 2011-10-28 23:59:02 UTC

Day 1: All I Ever Wanted

Third Time’s the Charm

Day 1

Rave music blasted and strobe lights flared all around Club Pony as DJ Pon-3 walked on to the DJ platform, head banging to the music as she took her rightful place. She grabbed the microphone of its place at the table and brought it up to her smirking lips.

“Hellooooo, Ponyville!” She yelled happily into the electronic device, “Let’s get this rave really started!” She started up a song she had nightcored herself and listen to all the ponies cheering. She raved slightly as she worked the DJ station, loving how the loud music filled her sonar headphones; allowing her sightless eyes to see everything in the rave as at least shapes even if everything was just a mix of different blues. As she messed around with the song, her eyes scanned the large rave for a certain Pegasus sitting at a back table but it only ended in sorrow as she spotted no such pony.

“It’s alright…. I’m sure he’s just really busy…” She sighed as she continued her job; she knew he didn’t like raves, they hurt his sensitive ears, but he was ever so supportive of her and what she liked to do. He had promised that he would come this week to see her work but it was already Friday and he hadn’t showed up yet so she simply continued on.

“Ok guys! DJ Pon-3 has to take a ten minute break now so I put on the random for all you crazy ravers out there!” She told the crowd about half an hour later before sighing and heading back stage. With most of the rave music blocked out back stage, Vinyl had to rely on her Hoover cane to find her room at the back of the rave. She slipped inside and shut the door behind her, sighing as she walked over and flopped onto her bed; sometimes it paid off to live at the club… She rolled onto her side and reached blindly for the blue suit jacket lying on the pillow; Time Shifter had given it to her last when he took her out to dinner to keep her warm. Smiling softly, she pulled it to her nose and smelled it, giving a little laugh at the scent; it smelled of him mixed with tea and bananas. She always did think that he and his twin had a strange taste in snacks. Her mind started to get lost in the memory as she started to drift off to sleep but that was all broken as the door suddenly slammed open.

“Hey Vinyl, where are you!?” Despite being blind, Vinyl’s eyes snapped open on reflex at the sound of Rainbow Dash’s voice calling out to her. She quickly hid Time’s jacket under her pillow and sat up just seconds before Rainbow found her in the large room.

“There ya are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Rainbow complained; voice a little hoarse from too much yelling.

“Is there something you need? Is my break up yet?” Vinyl asked her as the Pegasus came over and sat next to her.

“You still got some time but I’ve got great news!”

“What is it…?”

“Dude! You got like five super good lookin’ colts here that want to meet and possibly date you! I told them you’d meet them after the show!” Vinyl frowned at this, red eyes in a sightless glare behind her sunglasses.

“Rainbow, I told you I’m not looking to date right now….!” She told the blue Pegasus in huff as she got up off the bed and grabbed her cane, making for the door and back to the show; Rainbow following quickly behind her.

“C’mon Vine, you haven’t been on a date in like two years!” Dash whined and Vinyl only laughed softly to herself; the only people in the world that knew beside herself and her boyfriend that she was actually dating someone was Time’s twin brother, Doctor Whooves, and the good doctor’s little blond assistant. She wanted to tell the whole of Equstria that she was with Time but he told her not to; it could ruin her image if it was known that she was dating a nerdy scientist that spent most of his time in a lab. So in the end, she promised that she wouldn’t and wasn’t about to let it spill to this crazy Pegasus.

“Fine. They can come and meet me but I’m not dating them…” Vinyl rolled her eyes, she didn’t have time for those colts; she had a show to run and scientist to see.

~~~~

It was now after the show, Vinyl was at a backstage and she was not happy. Her eye twitched as she scratched her nail against the sonar device at her hip, which sent out vibrations that bounced back to her headphones to allow her to see the shapes in blue ahead of her. Before her sat five colts; three unicorns, one earth pony and one Pegasus. All were good looking but not to her taste even if Rainbow and a few female helper ponies were drooling over them.

“Wow, Miss Vinyl, you’re even more beautiful up close!” Said the largest unicorn, Vinyl really didn’t care if she couldn’t make out what his real coat color was.

“Thanks…” She responded flatly as she drummed her fingers on the arm of the chair.

“Oh yes, Vinyl, your hair is just the coolest!”

“Love your outfit choice, very fitting!”

“In more way than one, heh heh!” The compliments pretty much just continued on in this fashion, the colts completely unaware that Vinyl’s mind was on the note a stagehand had given her before this little meeting, telling her to head to her room as soon as possible.

“Okay, boys! It’s been great, it really has but I’m super tired after tonight’s show and now I wanna head to my room.”

“Oh! We’ll escort you, Vinyl! We wouldn’t want you to run into something and get hurt.” Vinyl rolled her eyes again and turned towards her room.

“No thanks, boys. I’m more than capable of getting to my own room. You boys take care, c’mon Rainbow…” The Pegasus ran after her, slapping her on the shoulder in a friendly.

“Yo Vine! Weren’t they great?! Which one do you like?”

“None….”

“What?! Why?! They’re hot and that Pegasus is a champ at sports!”

“Not interested. Anyways, I got some extra tickets to get into the club if you want to bring some friends.” Vinyl told her as they rounded the corner towards her.

“Really!? That would be awesome, than-!”

“Miss Vinyl, sorry to interrupt but your dinner has been set up in your room.” A handsome young earth pony told her as he handed her note, “This was with it.”

“Ok, thanks. C’mon Rainbow, let’s eat.” Vinyl said as she walked into her room and headed for the table as she unfolded the note and began to read the braille.

“Dude, this is awesome! I’ve never seen so much fancy food!” Rainbow cheered and then grabbed an hourglass-shaped box of chocolates and handed it to Vinyl, “I think this is for you girl.”

“Ok thanks…” Vinyl’s voice trailed off as she felt what the note said; the first part was the lyrics to one of Vinyl’s favorite songs.

~ I'm so alone, here on my own
And I'm waiting for you to come
I want to be a part of you
Think of all the things we could do

And everyday you're in my head
I want to have you in my bed
You are the world, you win my eyes
For you're all I want in my life

All I ever wanted
Was to see you smiling
All I ever wanted
Was to make you mine

I know that I love you
Oh baby, can’t you see?
That all I ever wanted
Was you and me~
Dear Vinyl, I’m so sorry that I couldn’t make it tonight but Whooves need my help with something.
I know it’s not much, but I bought you dinner to try and make up for at least a bit of my broken promise.
I’ll try to make it up to you.
Love, Time Shifter.

Once she was finished, Vinyl smiled and held the note to her heart at the lovely gift.

“Vine, that did the note say?”

“Oh nothing….”

“uh huh.. Yeah right, Vine.”

“Shut up and eat.”

“Whatever, I’m starving.”

That night, Vinyl fell asleep happily curled up in Time’s jacket; it was like having him there with her, making her feel safe and loved.

Day 1.5

A/N: This is a collab story with my sister Wlyteth. She wrote this chapter.

Day 1.5

Halfway across Equestria Time Shifter was wishing he had brought his jacket with him. He wrapped his wings around himself tighter and shivered. "Are you almost done?" He yelled over the howling wind to a figure huddled over a small electronic console.

"If you aren't going to help you might as well wait inside the TARDIS." The figure replied.

"I wouldn't mind helping! I would love to help! I would do anything to get us out of this freezing wasteland!"

"Alright come and hold this part, if we can just reverse the energy core calibration then maybe we can learn a little more than we know now."

"We know nothing about it now, we couldn't learn any less!"

"Patience. Just press that and..."
Suddenly the console flew over their heads and glowed a soft pink. The light continued to spread in an arc making a bubble around them. Snowflakes whirled through the air outside of the bubble and stuck to the sides but were unable to get past the bubble's surface. "Haha! Brilliant! Its a snow shield." Time clapped his hands in delight. The bubble was fairly small, just a little more than what was needed to cover the two men. "Ditzy would love this... where is she anyways?"

"I don't know. Well lets pack it up. Now that we know how to activate the snow shield we can use it for further expeditions in these mountains. It’s a sort of portable all-weather tent."

"And it’s solid." Time said softly.

"What’s that?" His brother asked.

"The bubble. It’s completely solid, there is no way out."

"Of course there is a way out, we just reverse the energy output of the console and the bubble will dissipate."

"Alright, you do it then." Time replied crossing his arms and leaning against the wall of the bubble.
Doctor Whooves lifted his arm to grab the still floating console but was stopped by the 'roof' of the bubble. "Ah. So we are trapped inside."

"Yes."

"And you already knew that?"

"Yes."

"And it didn't dawn on you to share this information?"

"I was to busy basking in the fact that I figured something out before you for once." Time smirked.

"Well there must be some way out..." Doctor Whooves took out his Sonic Screwdriver and flashed it across various parts of the bubble. "Hmm it appears to made of pure light particles, but it also is completely solid."
While the two men were discussing various ways to break the bubble a knocking sound interrupted them. A gray pegasus with light blonde hair was tapping on the bubble.

"Is she... giggling?"
Doctor Whooves ignored his brother and cupped his hands around his mouth. "Ditzy! We can't get out! We need you to break the bubble!"
The blonde nodded and extended a finger. Pressing it against the bubble's surface softly she caused the bubble to burst. The control console stopped floating and fell into the snow.

"How did she...? Did she just..? What?" Time stared in amazement at Ditzy while his brother stooped to pick up the fallen console.

"Well her talent does have something to do with bubbles. That’s the only explanation I can think of. Now, back to Ponyville!"

"Finally!" The brown pegasus sighed with relief. "Vinyl must be wondering where I went."

"Why don't you invite her along next time?" His brother elbowed him. "Can't have a doctor without his faithful companion after all." Ditzy nodded her agreement and gave Doctor Whooves a big hug.

"See? Dizty agrees. You simply must bring Vinyl with us next time."
Knowing better than to argue with his brother Time Shifter just shook his head and followed the other two to the TARDIS. Vinyl could never come with them on an adventure, it was too dangerous. He knew that she had created a combination of spells and devices to help her 'see' but he still worried.

Day 2

Day 2

Cool Saturday morning air; not something Vinyl often went out into for more reasons than one; mostly because she’s usually dead tired from the rave the night before. Though, she had no time to sleep this morning, she needed to get supplies for the little get-together with Rainbow’s friends tonight after the rave.
Vinyl sighed as her Hoover cane finally bumped into the door for the little general store; the whole way from the rave she had been bugged by ponies either wanting her autograph, hitting on her or offer to walk her across the streets. There was only so much she could take.

“Oh Miss Vinyl, let me get that for you!” Vinyl’s eye twitched below her glasses at the sound of the colt’s voice, he was always here when she came shopping for herself and he was a little TOO helpful for her taste.

“Thanks, Haystorm.” She grumbled softly as she waited for him to open the door and walked through once he did.

“Do you need any help today, Miss Vinyl.”

“Yeah, called ol’ Feather Drop for me, will ya.”

“Uh.. Uh.. I think he’s doing inventory right now, but I can help you today!” Hay said hopefully as she grabbed the hand basket from him, oh how he got on her nerves.

“Oh, that’s okay than. I’ll just shop on my own.” She started for the isle she knew was pasta when Hay suddenly grabbed her wrist.

“Miss Vinyl, wait! You can’t do this on your own!”

“Ya wanna bet? Ol’ Feather Drop set up a Braille system on each of the items for me.”

“Oh… But still, wouldn’t you rather have help? I’m rather strong, I could carry all you items for you!”

“I’m more than capable, thank you, Hay.”

“Bu-!”

“What’s goin’ on ‘ere….!” Vinyl smiled at the sound of the old pegasus’ shaky voice, “Oh, hello Vinyl. Long time no see, girly..”

“Hello, Feather Drop.”

“I was just helping Miss Vinyl, sir, you can go back to your chair now.”

“Nonsense, I always help out this lovely filly when she comes about. You can run along now, boy, go on shoo!” Feather Drop and Vinyl laughed softly as Haystorm walked away grumbling.

“Ugh.. Thanks, Feather, thought I’d never get rid of him!”

“Oh, that silly boy, he really does a thing for you though….”

“Yeah, him and every other colt in Ponyville!” Vinyl scoffed as they headed down the isles.

“Now, missy, that brings up a good point… You should have a handsome young colt helping you not some old geezer like me.”

“You’re not that old, Feather. And he’s out there, I just haven’t my hands on him yet.”

“Well, ya better get a move on it. No tellin’ what that Hay will do to get you before another does.”

“You’ve right! I’ll grab myself a good colt and make it public to the whole of Equestria! I just gotta bide my time…”

“Atta girl!”

~~~~~~That Night~~~~~~

The rave was finally over and Vinyl was dog tired; Saturday raves were always the worst! She collapsed on the bed and ran a gentle hand over Time’s jacket before hiding it again, she only had minutes before Rainbow burst in with her crowd of friends.

“Knock, Knock!” Rainbow yelled as she barged in, the door banging against the wall, making Vinyl roll her eyes.

“Hello, Dash, your friends here too?”

“Yup, wanna meet them!?”

“Sure, why not….?” Vinyl slowly sat up on the bed as she heard the others spill in around her.

“Hello, everyone, I’m Vinyl Scratch.” She offered out her hand.

“Hi there! I’m Pinkie Pie, that big party out there was awesome!” A hyper active sounding pony said as she hurriedly shook the white unicorn’s hand. The next one wasn’t so easy.

“HELLO, VINYL. MAH NAME’S APPLEJACK…!” Vinyl pulled her head back as the sound hurt her ears.

“Nice ta meet ya, AJ but I’m blind not deaf…”

“Oh, hehe, sorry about that, sweetie….”

“It’s ok.”

“Hello, my name’s Twilight Sparkle.” That one was easy enough.

“H-hello….. I’m Flu-…..” Vinyl blinked behind her glasses in a confused manner as this newest pony trailed off into silence.

“Excuse me….?”

“I-I’m Flutt-….”

“What was that…?”

“HER NAME IS FLUTTERSHY.”

“Oh, Applejack, darling. Do quit that, she can hear you fine.” A new pony pushed her way through and took Vinyl’s hand,

“Greetings, I am Rarity, lovely room you got here.”

“Uh….. Thanks…?!” These ponies were so different from each other that it was starting to weird out for Vinyl.

“Alrights, girls! Let’s get this party started!” Rainbow yelled, getting them all to come into living room like part of Vinyl living space.
Rarity started to follow the other six when something blue sticking out from under one of Vinyl’s overstuffed pillows caught her eye.

“Oh my, that shouldn’t be there….. I bet the poor dear doesn’t even know it’s there.” Slowly, she walked around to the other side of the bed and pulled it out.

“Oh my!” She gasped and nearly dropped the article of clothing because of the state it was in; it was torn slightly around the cuffs and hem, had what looked like tiny blood stains on the inside and there were two large holes in the back. Even from where she held it at arm’s length she could smell a strange scent on it… Like tea and bananas… What in Celestia’s name!?

“Hey Rarity! What’s takin’ so long!? You’re missin’ all the food!”

“Oh, sorry. I’m coming, Rainbow Dash.” Rarity called back to the group as she head for them, Time’s jacket still in hand,

“Vinyl, dear, I found this horrendous looking jacket sticking out from under your pillow.” No one expected the fruit juice that flew from Vinyl’s mouth at the mention of that.

“Uh.. Uh… That’s ok, just put it back. I’ll put it away later…”

“Oh no, dear, I must insist that I take it home with me and wash it. I simply must get this dreadful smell out and stitch up these holes.” Rarity told her matter-of-factly, almost to the table now.

“No! Don’t touch it! It’s mine!” Vinyl quickly scrambled from her seat and grabbed blindly at where she heard Rarity’s voice, she had to get Time’s jacket back! The holders of the Elements stared in shock at the look of horror on Vinyl’s face as she groped blindly in the air for Rarity. Twilight looked to Rarity who could only blink before the purple unicorn walked over to the fashion designer and gently took the jacket away.

“Sorry, Rarity, but I think we should give it back. It seems important….”

“But..! But…! It’s a horrid mess! I could fix it for her!”

“I don’t think she wants that.” Twilight gave her friend a look and Rarity finally agreed, “Here, Vinyl.” The purple unicorn gently handed it to the worried white one.

“Thank you…” Vinyl pulled the jacket to her chest and pressed her nose to the collar, whispering softly, “Time……”
The strange action causing a shared confused look to come over the faces of the mane six; it was gonna be a long night…

Day 2.5

A/N: Written by Wlyteth.

Day 2.5

The Doctor sat in an armchair reading out loud. If he had been reading to himself the book would have been done in a matter of seconds but he was going slower for the sake of his companion. Ditzy didn't talk much but she always seemed eager to learn. Currently the gray pegasus was sitting across from him, wings folded back, staring at him intently. Sometimes one of her eyes would wander up or down against her will, but he had noticed that she was working harder on controlling that. Now it happened mostly when she was tired or confused. It was hard for her to deal with pony society because of her handicap; most ponies felt she was stupid because of her strange eyes and manner of speaking. This world was nearly a paradise; long term illness was almost unheard of. The Doctor stopped his musing and looked over at the small pegasus. The golden eyes had shut and she was sleeping softly. Quietly he closed the book and dragged a small blanket over her.

"Sleep well." He murmured as he blew out the candle and left the room.
Ditzy dreamed. She dreamed a memory, that was the best way she could describe it. She knew it was a dream and she squirmed in the chair as she tried to control it, drawing out the pleasant parts and trying to change the bad parts. She didn't want the memory to turn into a nightmare, she wanted to be happy, she wanted that day to be different. Even as she slept tears spilled from underneath her closed eyelids. If only they could go back, change that day...

In her dream she was a small filly again, just learning how to fly. She flapped her wings to lift into the air and just let herself glide. The fresh wind felt so wonderful, she couldn't stop giggling. She was laughing so much that she forgot to keep flying and she fell into a lake. But all that did was make her laugh harder, causing a spray of bubbles to leave her mouth underwater. She was happy underwater. The sea ponies came and she played with them. Her momma had told her that sea ponies didn't exist, but they were right here! They were so good at swimming, she could hardly keep up. "Wait for me!" She yelled, but it just came out as more air bubbles. She tried to keep up, but she felt so tired. Just a little nap... just sleep for a little while and she would be ready to race with them again. She knew she could win this time after a little rest.
Rough hands were grabbing her, shaking her. Somepony was crying. Everypony was yelling but she couldn't understand them. It was so cold and she was so sleepy, couldn't they just let her sleep? One voice broke out above the others. It was telling everypony to go away. Good. Now she could sleep. The voice spoke again, asking her to wake up, to look at him. She opened her eyes and saw red. Burning hot red was dripping out of her eye and down her face. Ditzy shrieked and closed her eyes again. All she felt was pain on the side of her head. The voice must have picked her up, she felt herself being carried somewhere. A cloth was being rubbed against her head, taking the red away. The voice was still talking, it was soothing and trustworthy. Ditzy tried opening her eyes again, there was no more red. Everything was fuzzy for a moment but then she focused on the colt that was carrying her. He put her down and put on a pair of glasses. He looked silly and she laughed. She could understand what he was saying now.

"Alright sweetheart, you seem to be feeling better, how about a name? I'm the Doctor, who are you?"
Ditzy! She tried to say, but it wouldn't come out. Strange words wanted to come out instead.

"Pony fish sky pop!"
He stopped smiling and Ditzy became upset. He didn't like her anymore, she just knew it. So she tried again.

"Dizzy mine blame." No that still wasn't right. Ditzy started to cry, she knew she was too big to cry, that was something only little foals did but she was so confused.

"No, no, no," the Doctor said. "Its alright just take your time. You'll get it eventually." He smiled at her again and she felt more confident.

"Ditzy!" She said triumphantly.

"Thats your name?"
She nodded with a big smile. "Well then Ditzy, do you know what happened?"
She shook her head.

"You fell in the lake and almost drowned, luckily someon- somepony saw you and we were able to get you out in time." He took off his tie and tied it around one of her eyes.
"There, why don't you wear that for a while? I'll come back for it later."
Ditzy smiled in her sleep. The Doctor had kept his promise; he did come back for his tie after many years. She had kept it for him and she was so happy on the day she was able to give it back. He had remembered her and he was her friend. He took her on lots of fun adventures and never made fun of her. He was her favorite pony. She hoped she could be friends with the Doctor forever.