Composing Love

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," said Vinyl Scratch. "You're meeting somepony at Sugarcube Corner?" The two had finally returned from the concert and were back in their flat and having some snacks.

Octavia pulled at her bowtie collar. "Um, yes. But it's not that important..."

The Unicorn snorted. "Of course it's important! You're going on your first-ever date!"

"WHAT!?" Octavia had spewed her tea all over the couch. "It's not a date!"

"Of course it is. Don't deny it." Then she went into the kitchen to grab a washcloth.

Unfortunately, there was no doubt at all. It was definitely a date.

The next morning, Octavia headed to Sugarcube Corner. Clarence was already there, waiting outside, with the most charming smile on his face. "I was worried you wouldn't show up."

"I wouldn't skip this for anything in the world." she replied.

They walked inside. Mrs. Cake smiled, seated them, and served some tea. "There you go, dears! Enjoy!"

After sipping some tea from his cup, Clarence said, "So, do you play any instruments? I assumed so because of your Cutie Mark."

"I do play the cello for Ponyville Orchestra."

"Really? I quite respect the Ponyville Orchestra for starting up with so little and turning into so much."

"I wanted to join the Canterlot Royal Symphony, but my parents said that it was a city full of snobbish Unicorns and I should play for my home team."

"My parents never really understood my dreams either. Both of them are brass players. Once, I passed out while trying to play the baritone and decided to play a woodwind instrument."

There was a moment of awkward silence. Both sipped their tea and stole embarrassed glances at each other. Then, everything took a turn for the worse. Frederic Horseshoepin burst inside, pointing a shaking hoof at Clarence. "You! What are you doing?"

Clarence tried for a smile. "Um... having a date?"

Frederic was just about to tackle him when Octavia stepped in between them. "Clarence, meet Frederic, the piano player for Ponyville. Frederic, meet Clarence, the clarinet player for Canterlot."

The two stallions stared at each other. Then Frederic hissed into Octavia's ear, "He plays for Canterlot! What are you thinking, going out with a player from an opposing orchestra?"

She glared back hotly. "I can have my own special somepony, and it doesn't have to be you!" Noticing the shocked look on his face, Octavia continued. "Yes, I do know you have a crush on me. Now get out!"

With one final sour look at Clarence, he slunk out the door without looking back.

Octavia took her seat again. "Forgive him. He has also accused others, like Harpo Parish Nadermane, the harp player for Ponyville, and Vinyl Scratch, the pony who was also touring backstage. Honestly, he thought we were more than just friends, which isn't the slightest bit true. Ugh."

He smiled again, and Octavia thought she might flip head-over-hooves. Then Clarence said, "So, I take it he's quite interested in you."

"Yes, he is. Don't ask me why, but Frederic thinks if he can drive away all the other suitors, I'll fall for him. As if." She rolled her eyes. "He's a decent player, but backstage, his temper really gets the best of him."

For the rest of the day, the almost-couple sat inside Sugarcube Corner and talked about nothing in particular, still turning red whenever they caught each other's eye.

Mrs. Cake trotted over with a bottle of cleaning detergent and a towel. "Sorry to interrupt you, dears, but closing time is in five minutes. Would you like me to doggy-bag some pastries for you?"

Octavia checked the time. It was a 7:25 at night. "No, thanks, Mrs. Cake. We better get going," she said to Clarence.

He nodded. "Maybe we'll meet in Canterlot next time? I had no idea the time would pass so fast. Perhaps I'll take you to meet some of my symphony friends..."

"I would love that. See you tomorrow!" Then she headed for home.

When she stepped inside, she was greeted by an extremely angry Vinyl. Steam seemed to come out of her nostrils when she said, "Where have you been all day?"