The Best Birthday Parties Are The Ones That Aren't Yours
By TrollestiaSubject
Chapter I: Paralyzer
I hold on so nervously, to me and my drink. I wish it was cooling me. Must be past midnight already. Yesterday was Vinyl’s birthday, but nopony cares it's not anymore. I did my part! I should leave now. So far has not been fun. The night seems so young, I guess that happens when you’re a musician used to working at night. What in Tartarus am I doing in a clubhouse like this anyways? If Octavia hadn’t invited me I hadn't even considered set a hoof in a place like this.
There she is, talking with somepony else at the other side of the bar; with her pretty dark mane well groomed, and her cute bow-tie around her neck. Did she play tonight? It’s kind of ironic that my name is Noteworthy when she barely has noticed me tonight, or my whole life. She anypony else for that matter. She seems to be having an interesting talk with a yellow mare with unkempt orange mane, a pegasus. Who is she? Who are all these ponies? Who am I? What is this? What is my life? Why am I freaking out about this more than the mare this birthday party is for? No, Vinyl’s just scratching her records with a big smile, those silly goggles of her, and the most amazing filly ever as marefriend.
I hold my drink as high as I can for one final sip, but it’s empty now, and the music is just a loud stomping in your head that makes a hoofprint, deceiving you to believe it's catchy. I should be at home, composing that new song, not that Octavia is going to love me anyways if she likes it...
She told me since the musical conservatory that she’s not into colts. Oh Sweet Celestia, what does she even see in Vinyl? It's not like if she like techno music. Oh, wait, Octavia’s looking at me. Smile idiot, smile! Good. Nice answer just moving my head. Now wave. No! Don’t wave at her if she hasn’t waved to you! Oh, perfect. She lost interest in you again. Well, you can’t blame her. I should have fixed my mane before. Why didn't I fix my mane before? Am I too sweaty? Chaining signals at the distance is not as interesting as that blazing maned pegasus for sure. Wait. is that yellow pegasus smirking at me? Ok, be discreet. Look casual... Was she? Did she notice my crush on Octavia? How could she? I don’t even know her!
Well, she's definitely smirking at me... did she find me attractive? The coltly kind of sweaty and unfixed mane attractiveness? I'm not that sweaty. She’s pretty attractive herself, and I bet she likes unfixed manes, but... is she Octavia’s friend, or another lousy DJ friend of Vinyl’s? What would Octy think if I go and ask out that cute pegasus in front of her? Are they really friends? She seems to be enjoying their chat, but Octavia looks... Thoughtful. Kind of sad or... No, nervous. They seem to be talking about something serious. Right now it's probably not a good time to go and talk with her anyways.
Would that pegasus even go out on a date with me? Nah, probably not. She's way out of my league. Maybe if I invite her to have a drink she’ll start to find me cute. Wait, no, I can’t do that with Octy there, she’ll think I like to get mares drunk to make them want to talk to me. Oh, great, that pegasus is totally checking out Vinyl now. I guess she only like mares too.
Wait, is Octy cheating on Vinyl with her? Well, that would be... hot. But nah... Octy would never do that to Vinyl. I should just enjoy the party. Wasn't I leaving the party a while ago?
Where’s Berry Punch? That filly usually needs help to return home. Could be Octavia jealous if she seems me leaving with Berry? Oh, look at who I'm deceiving here. She’s not into colts and never has been, she told me herself. I should just enjoy the party, but so far has not been good.
I can’t stand this dubstep music, and I feel awkward as I should. Jazz is my thing, I don’t know why the Tartarus I’m even composing for an orchestra anyway? Still, if the song is beautiful enough, maybe Octavia will see the beauty in my soul and can love me in a platonic way. Maybe when she gets tired of Vinyl's washdisher again and asks me to stay at my house again. This time around she’ll get tired of the couch, and she’ll ask at midnight to sleep in the bed with me. Maybe one thing leads to the other. Then, if we end up making love, she would feel how much I love her, and she’ll decide to break up with Vinyl and stay with me...
As if.
I feel rumbles in my stomach. I think this drink made me feel bad. What the Tartarus I’m drinking? Why did I let Octavia order my drink anyways? I’m not a little colt anymore. Why does she keep treating me like a little colt? She thinks I’m a foal playing with the shape of notes in a paper, and that symphonies just came to be always there. Actually, each one of her songs is stressful and demanding.
I prefer the calm breaths of jazz, the carefully constructed notes placed in organic harmony one with the other. Like a breath, or a heartbeat. They're all a part of my soul... Octavia should understand that, and be less of just a performer, for her the only good note is the established one, and everything is about the movement, and technique.
Realistically, the most that I can expect from her is that she likes my new symphony. Even if she thinks it was easy for someone with my special talent to do it, she doesn't consider all my hard work. She'd give me a kiss on the cheek, at best. Probably just a ‘thank you’ and a smile...
That’s still worthwhile.
This club has got to be the most pretentious thing, since I thought of Octavia falling in love with me. A DJ celebrating her own birthday. Isn't that strange? I mean, I bet she doesn't even know all these ponies? I saw Pinkie Pie bouncing around earlier, I wonder if she knows all these ponies. Some ponies here are... well, where are Octavia's band mates. I guess they all left by now. Others... who cares. I just don’t know why I wasn’t the first one leaving.
“Barpony, bring me a second!” I shout, with a total lack of spirit, without even looking up, or knowing where the barpony is. It's actually like my forth but who cares. Something red in a jug is served, and I keep wondering, what this might be? After the first sip of it.
Hey, hey, Octy, you and me, in a dark lit place. Your place or my place? Or on Vinyl's bed! That's yours too I guess... I'm depressed again. I depressed myself, and I was thinking just how pathetic is Dee Jay pi, zero, en, 3, or E. Whatever you pronounce that. Who the Tartarus could choose a name like that anyways? I’m not even saying it, I don’t care. Vinyl performs at her own party but at least she’s well known. Peeks her head out for three seconds, and everypony knows who she is, and who am I? Who cares? Nopony appreciates jazz, and composers are never known. I’m just a background character; in my own bucking life. Nopony is writing songs based on my me, or will write stories about me. That’s kinda depressing. I depressed myself again. I mean, even more!
What in Tartarus am I drinking? No, seriously. What is this?
I remember when Octavia and I were foals, and we used to play around Froggy Bottom Bog. She said, “It’s dangerous here, we should leave. I have to practice my cello.”
“Are you serious filly? Cuz I probably could play the cello too if I just wanted to!” I used to say. I didn't understand how hard it was for her. Playing any instrument came naturally for me, so I used to think practice wasn't that important. I kept wandering those places, and she used to go with me anyways, and that alone makes those old times great.
Well, I'm not paralyzed, but I seem to be struck by her. Just look at her. If her body matches what her eyes can do she'll probably move right through me on my way to her. I still remember when I told her in musical conservatory that I had a crush on her, and I still remember the shattering noise that I heard in my shock when she told me she only likes mares. I swear it, I could heard the sound of my heart breaking apart. I'm still having nightmares about that, and I find it kind of funny, I find it kind of sad, that the dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had. I'm still dreaming of Octy.
Maybe I should ask if she heard it too, I might use this “Vinyl’s birthday thing” as excuse to ask her, and if she doesn't know what I'm talking about, I could act like if I'm drunk, I could finally get rid of the doubt in my mind, and just tell her tomorrow that I drank too much tonight and that I don't remember what I said.
Nah... something doesn't sound right in all that. I would become the Berry Punch of our circle if I do that. Maybe I could just invite her out one last time. I should tell her how I feel, and have her get angry at me. Probably she'll leave me. Leave me bucking completely. Not even friends anymore. That could be the opportunity that I need to start fresh, and love somepony else... or she could think I've drank too much tonight, and I'll be laughing about that with her tomorrow... and that lousy marefriend of hers... Celestia, how I hate her and those silly goggles! I should start wearing something stupid on my head to call the attention of every idiot. Something like a Street cone, or an eyepatch, some kind of cyclops fashion and a crazy manestyle, and become famous just like that.
Alright, calm down. I want to make her move because she’s standing still. Her pegasus friend is gone, this is my opportunity. Wait, what... ? I’m gonna go and ask her out? Is that’s good enough? It'll be confusing enough! She'll probably think I want to invite her to dance. Wait, how do you even dance this stuff? Let’s give a look... Bounce, bounce... more bouncing, ok. Pinkie Pie style... wait, wait, is that correct? Bouncing, and more bouncing, occasionally a hoof in the air, yeah. Ok, I’m a bucking musical genius, I can get this bulldrops done. Cutie mark, don't fail me now! I can remember something like that dance. Wait, how goes it again?
Hey, where’s Octy?
Oh, there she is, alone. On the couches in the vip section. Was it open all along? Do I even qualify for... Hold on. She must be waiting for Vinyl. Maybe they’re leaving soon. So early... ? This was a special night after all. I better hurry up. Should I?
Did I really drank too much tonight? Why is it so hot in this place? Is it supposed to dehydrate you, or is it only my imagination? What’s up with all these ponies getting in the way? Ok, don’t sweat. I said no sweat! Ok, better. Does my mane look good? Does my mane still there? Would Octavia like it if I shaved my mane? Oh, great, here I go rambling again. Just go and ask her, quickly. Octavia looks gorgeous just seated there. With those wonderful big purple eyes, opened wide, looking at me. Why? Is she really... ?
Okay, wow. She’s totally waiting for me. Don’t run to her.
Something must be wrong with the acoustic in this place, the sound, I mean the music. It isn't so loud here like back in the bar. Why was Octavia even seated there? Next time I’ll bring earplugs along. This club will hopefully be closed in three weeks, that would be cool with me.
Why does she look so lonely?
All her friends might have gone by now. I wonder if she only wants company for the rest of the party. Or wants to ask me a favor before leaving with Vinyl. As long it’s not playing jazz for this crew. If she asks me to be a DJ right now I’m gonna jump right through the window, it’s just a second floor anyways.
Tell her that I don’t really like techno music should be fine too. Why am I so nervous? She's my friend, she will understand. Why do I act so creepy sometimes?
Well, Octy stands up and is walking toward me now. Something’s odd. She’s getting close. Clashing our chests we lift each other in an embrace on our hindlegs. Did something happen to her? Octavia’s expression is serene like when she’s playing her cello. Wait something’s pushing my nape and- Oh. Is she? Sweet Celestia! Is she kissing me? Why would she kiss me? How do I pretend I'm not kiss her, to not make her angry with me later?
Too late, our lips are completely tangled. I've imagined so many times how to kiss her that I know who she likes. Wait, is this happening for real or I’m imagining it again? Why has it never felt this warm or soft before?
Her breath feels so real, and her taste. It's just a lips kiss but it's a nibbling sensation. I have hugged her many times before. I can’t be wrong, This is Octavia. She's kissing me as she kisses Vinyl after one of them has been performing away and returns back home. She's kissing me the way that makes me feel jealous of Vinyl.
Octavia’s kiss turns slow and coy. It's also a teasing kiss, the lips only. Where she rubs and holds your mouth, alternating between the upper and lower lips. She opens her mouth slightly, before grab one of my lips between hers, and pulling a bit, she releases before starting the loop again. This is not a passionate goodbye kiss of any sort, neither has she drank too much tonight. This is her default kiss, where she retreats waiting to be kissed back. A kiss she plans and executes methodically, like when she performs in her well refined cello.
Our bodies, held together in an embrace while we’re kissing, stand against each other, like doing some weird dance in two legs. Our lips are shy at the beginning, but when I ask her for more she gives it to me. Our tongues eventually meet halfway between our lips. She seems to take it slow. Gradually welcoming more and of my tongue into her mouth.
When I open my eyes, Octy had her eyes closed. Leaning on my left shoulder, she’s kissing back in a receptive attitude. She does the same for Vinyl Scratch. Still, this is the perfect special somepony moment, one of those where you’re meant to hear bells, and feel the world disappear around. Most likely if the world hadn't a bass cannon pointing right at your face.
“HEY , YOU ! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY MAREFRIEND!?” Shouts Vinyl from her turntable up on stage. It's amazing how her raspy voice can be heard through the potent basses, speakers or whatever these modern thing are called.
I don’t even try to answer back. I just keep minding my own business, and I can feel how Octavia smiles softly while she's kissing me back.
Vinyl, outraged, randomly grabs a cyan coated female pegasus with a weird Rainbow mane, who was nearby simply dancing while flying, and sets her as new DJ before going down of the stage.
I kiss Octavia as long as I can. If Vinyl wants to fight I’m on! No particular reason, leaving aside her stupid goggles, her silly mane, or that she has the mare of my dreams... Although, to be honest, I’m not gonna fight the marefriend of my best friend, neither just close my eyes and wait for the furious rain of hooves. In fact, I’m not staying to investigate. I’m grabbing my Octy reading myself to run away, but Octy breaks away from our embrace, and stands in front of me. She lifts her forelegs trying to stop an enervated looking Vinyl Scratch. Failing miserably, Octavia’s now holding back a furious Vinyl that seemed to want to fight with all the strength of her legs.
I’m not really sure about fighting her, but it’s going to be interesting if she gets free.
“Hey, she started kissing me!” I said, not particularly attached to excuses, but I brag about it anyways. Hurting her is strangely gratifying. I don’t know what’s in her that I dislike so much.
And what a delightful expression. She took off her goggles and just look at me in a mix of sorrow and impotence while breathing angrily. She looks so helpless right now. Oh, that expression is so delicious. Yummy!
“Don’t lie to me, Tavi doesn’t even like colts!” She answers. Before looking back at Octavia. She's not looking for an explanation, she wants to know if Octy is fine. I have to admit, that’s pretty considered of her, Specially because I don’t think she'd be holding back because she were afraid of me.
“I’m fine, Vinyl. Please don’t be mad...-” Octavia managed to say, while taking out plugs from her own ears, before being interrupted by another outburst by Vinyl.
“Oh, I’m not mad YET !” She says while charging against me again. Her eyes look particularly red. Looks a bit frightening now. It always has been a bit hard for me take her seriously when she’s using those silly goggles.
"let me explain!" Begs Octy, I’m gonna stay to heard anything that Octavia has to say, but right now she’s holding Vinyl with all her strength again. Suddenly a golden female pegasus with mane in amber tones, lands next to them, and holds back Vinyl, seems much more easy for her than for Octavia.
“You... you... you are...-” Vinyl stutters, at which the amber maned pegasus just jiggles for a moment.
“Yes, I’m Spitfire. Your marefriend here told me you were my fan, and since I’m a fan of yours myself, I.... decided to help her with a special surprise for your birthday.” She says with a big smile on her face, as if nothing serious was going on here.
“S...- Spit...- Spitfire!” Vinyl finally says! That crocodile brained mare. With all those wubs she probably has already killed every brain cell behind those weird looking goggles of hers. “Sorry right now is not a good moment. I just... Are you really my fan!?” Vinyl adds after a sigh, but ends up cheering like a common fanfilly, and apparently forgetting about me. I had thought that this was going to be serious. Who is this Spitfire anyways? Vinyl seems to be very impressed but... well, I have to admit that I admire her taste for mares.
The music keeps playing while Vinyl seems to regain her troubled attitude about the situation, The cyan pegasus took as DJ very quickly. I always knew it was easy, but I never thought it was that easy. Maybe she was an experienced DJ, or her cutie mark is something related to slash, show off, fast spinning, or scratch records in some other way.
“Vinyl, Note. I owe you both and explanation.” Octavia declaims, halfways between both of us. “Vinyl, yes. I kissed him, but just because I had to be sure if he was... appropriate.” Octy says in a nervous tone of voice.
“Appropriate for what?” Vinyl and I interrupted in unison, we both totally confused.
“This next part should be discussed in private” Spitfire says, and leads Vinyl for a small hallway next to the area from where we are. Octavia takes my hoof and wordlessly points me to follow her.
Walking next to me, Octavia guides me through the same area, following the other two mares. I’m not sure what’s is going on but... I’m decided to find out.
After a short walk, we all enter in a fresher small room. It has a big round table, half surrounded by a circular coach at the other side of the room. The table is strangely folded with something like a parachute made out of sleeping bags. It seems a karaoke dining chamber. When Octavia closes the door behind to me, the music immediately becomes a faded whisper. A shame because I was starting to like the rithms of the rainbow maned pegasus.
"Tavi, what's all this?" Vinyl asks nervously. I was wondering the same, now I wonder if I look as nervous as Vinyl sounded.
“Let her finish. You both are going to like this, you’ll see.” Spitfire says in a calm candid tone. Octavia was talking with her in the bar before, and this Spitfire seems to know what’s going here. For some reason that’s not a relief.
“Well..." Octy starts. "Noteworthy, you’re my oldest friend, and the best friend that anypony could ask. I want to let you know, that you have my complete trust, and that I would never could ask something like this to anypony else.” She assures to me without telling me what she would possibly want. I don’t know if I'd feel scared or happy for that.
“Vinyl. I know that...” Octavia continues, but... freezes in what seems to be an expression of shame.
“C’mon, say it sweetheart. I know you can!” Spitfire says in a coaching tone to Octavia, and after a deep breath Octavia continues with her explanation to Vinyl.
“I know that things in our bed had been... a bit off lately," Octavia struggles. "And since I know you also like colts, well... Do you remember that night when you had drank too much, and you told me that Noteworthy was kind of cute, and you would totally hit on him if you weren’t in a relationship with me and he weren't my best friend? Well, I’m gonna give you a chance. He... he’s your birthday present!” Octy says, and I stay like: what the buck! and Vinyl is pretty much the same. “Well, happy birthday Vinyl!” Octavia adds, with slight shades of red in her cheeks.
To Be Continued.
