What Would Happen?by sethbramwellChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Epilogue Chapter 1Octavia took a last look in the mirror, making absolutely certain her appearance was as perfect as could be. Some of her contemporaries never bothered much about such formalities for a simple rehearsal, but for the cellist professionalism was next to Godliness. Satisfied at last, the grey mare shouldered her cello and stepped from the bedroom to the front room, ready to leave for her daily rehearsal with the Equestrian Orchestra. As she stepped into the living room, she saw her marefriend, one Vinyl Scratch (Or DJ-PON3, as she was known in the clubs), standing behind a tower of speakers that were thankfully muted as the sound was rerouted into the headphones perched above the DJ’s messy mane. Vinyl had been working for two weeks now on her latest so-called “masterpiece”, some new mess of dubstep and beats that only sounded like noise to her. When she had first begun doing this work at home, it had been an annoyance, but it was still tolerable as long as it was confined to the headphones while Octavia was present. The last few days, however, even this had begun to grate on her nerves. This project had become Vinyl’s obsession, and with their schedules being as hectic as they were, Octavia felt as if Vinyl was becoming more and more distant. “I am off to rehearsal, Vinyl.” Octavia stated calmly as her marefriend looked to her, not removing the headphones or even pausing the thudding beat in them. “Uhhh-huh.” came the mumbled reply. “I look forward to dinner with you tonight, dear. Please remember to put the food in the oven at 6:00.” “Mmm-hmm.” “I- I love you.” “Yep.” Octavia turned to leave, her heart heavy and depressed. She made it as far as the door before turning around and stepping back to Vinyl with pained annoyance. At the sight of her marefriend, Vinyl resignedly paused the thudding beat. “What?” “I love you.” The tone was quiet, simple, almost flat. Vinyl sighed, using her magic to remove the noise cancelling headphones. “What?” she asked again, obviously not thrilled to be interrupted further. “I said, I love you!” Now the tone held a hurt flavor. “Ugh, OK! I love you too! You know that! Busy!” came the curt reply. The headphones snapped back onto her ears. Octavia didn’t budge. She could only stare at the pony she loved. Again, the beat paused. “Can’t you see I’m working?” Vinyl asked tersely. Octavia took a breath, but could not find the words. “Very well. I am off.” came the reply with as much control as the musician could muster. With practiced dignity, Octavia turned and exited the cottage as Vinyl resumed her mixing. The door closed behind her as the cellist trudged to the road, her heart heavy and eager for a distraction. After walking a few blocks, the familiar sight of her fellow cellist and close friend Pezzo came into view, a smile on her face. “Good morning, Pezzo.” Octavia said glumly as the pink earth pony joined her, her own cello case slung over her back. “Morning, Octi…” Pezzo replied, her smile changing to concern at the tone of her friend's voice. “What’s going on? You look down.” “Oh, it’s Vinyl…” Octavia began as Pezzo sighed. It surely wasn’t the first time she had heard something along these lines. “What’d she do this time? Another late night of wubs?” Pezzo asked. “No…” Octavia said, looking straight ahead. “She’s just been so busy lately, it’s as if she has no time left for me, for us, anymore. I had to force her to get her headphones off this morning just to tell her I loved her…” Pezzo looked to her proud friend. “I’m sure she’s just hyper focused on a new project. You know how she gets, and you know how she feels…” Octavia stepped to the door of the rehearsal hall, one hoof extended to push the door open for the both of them. “I know how she used to feel. The last few weeks… I am just not so certain…” Pezzo was at a loss for words as the two of them stepped to the stage and climbed the three steps at stage left, approaching their designated positions as the other musicians tuned their respective instruments around them. Pezzo knew Octi well enough to know that that statement would be the end of any information, at least for the duration of rehearsal. The grey mare was renowned for her ability to compartmentalize her personal life and focus exclusively on her playing and music. Before long, the familiar voice of one of their favorite conductors filled the hall. “Alright, everypony. From the top.” Bright Baton stated with a warm smile before raising his baton in his hoof and placing the orchestra to task. The cello in Octavia’s hooves became her temporary release as she channelled her emotion, as ever, through her bow to the strings and the result was the beautiful music of Joseph Horsdyn. Four hours later found the orchestra winding down as Bright Baton thanked them, declared that rehearsal was complete, and wished them all a lovely weekend. The kindly elder conductor turned and made his way to his office, as was his custom for any musicians who had questions or concerns. On the stage, most of the musicians prepared to proceed to the hall doors to leave while a few others lingered and chatted with their compatriots and one flautist went to speak with Bright Baton. The two lead cellists cased their instruments as Pezzo watched Octavia’s face fall from performance mode to the same troubled expression she had seen hours before. “Listen, Octi…” she began, her voice uncertain. “Why don’t we go hit Stablebucks, get you a tea or something. You need to take a break from-” Pezzo’s offer was interrupted by an unfamiliar voice from behind her. “Um, Miss Melody…” The pair turned to see Starlight Strings, a second-chair violinist who had only arrived in the last few months, standing before them. Her cased violin floated beside her in a magical aura provided by her unicorn horn. “I- I wonder if I could speak to you…” The violinist’s eyes moved to Pezzo’s face. her tone was polite, but insistent. “Privately, please.” Octavia looked to Pezzo, who just smiled. “I’ma hit up Stablebucks, Octi. If you want to catch up with me in a bit, just come on over.” She turned her attention to Starlight Strings. “Try to get her to come, huh?” she asked teasingly. Starlight looked at her oddly, and Pezzo laughed and clopped her hoof in response before slinging her cello case over her shoulder and trotting toward the stage exit. Starlight watched her leave before turning her attention to Octavia once more. The two mares heard the theater doors close as two percussionists exited, leaving them alone on the stage in the concert hall. Surely, Bright Baton was still in his office, perhaps with the flautist, but otherwise they stood alone. Octavia forced a smile. “So, er- Miss Strings, I believe?” The violinist nodded, her violin case now resting on the floor. Unsure of what the musician wanted, she continued. “What can I do for you?” “Well-” The violinist began, her voice shaking somewhat as she nervously rubbed at her right foreleg with her left hoof. Octavia noted it, as she had a similar nervous habit. “I’ve been watching you perform ever since I arrived here, and, well, I’m very impressed.” Octavia blushed despite herself. She was well aware of her technical skill, but she never ceased to be somewhat embarrassed when praised, especially by her colleagues. “Why, thank you, Miss Strings. I’ve played for as long as I can recall-” Starlight looked to her eyes hurriedly. “Oh- I- Well, that is to say- I mean, you are an amazing cellist, of course, but-” “But?” Octavia prodded curiously. Starlight seemed to swallow heavily, as if she was suddenly extremely nervous. “Are you alright, Miss Strings?” Starlight had daydreamed of this moment for weeks, and it had taken so much effort to concentrate during rehearsal today. It had to happen, now or never. With a deep inhalation of air, she continued. “Miss Melody- Octavia- I’ve been impressed on more than a professional level.” Octavia’s eyes opened wider as she looked to the violinist before her. “Er, excuse me?” Starlight’s reply came in a quiet, nervous tone, akin to a high school colt asking his crush out for the first time ever, which was actually quite apropos. “I’m falling in love with you, Octavia.” The grey mare stood there in stunned silence, her mouth hanging open in surprise. Starlight could not endure the awkward pause, and continued on after a quick look around to ensure that nopony else was present. “Please understand, I wouldn’t even approach you if I didn’t think you could- well- feel the same way.” Somehow, Octavia found her voice. “Miss Strings-” “Please, call me Starlight.” the violinist interjected almost breathily. Octavia continued, not wishing to be rude but knowing she had to nip this in the bud. “Miss Strings. I- I’m flattered, but I’m already in a relationship-” Starlight could not hold it back. Her legs trembled as she spat, in a tone perhaps more accusing than she meant it to be, “With that- that- uncultured club-hopper?” Octavia was taken aback. She looked to the junior violinist. “Vinyl may not have the same musical background as me, but-” Starlight continued on. “She doesn’t deserve a cultured mare like you.” “Miss Strings, please.” “No! Please, listen to me! I’ve been hearing for weeks about how distant she is, how she- she parties late into the night… She doesn’t respect you, Octavia. I would never treat you that way. I’d never take you for granted- Please, just give me a chance.” Octavia felt her coat seem to stand on end. “You’ve heard?” she asked, embarrassed. “Forgive me for prying into your personal life.” Starlight stated sincerely. “It’s hardly proper behavior, I realize, but- well, ponies talk. I hate to know the turmoil you face each day at the hooves of that-” her voice stopped at the sight of Octavia’s raised hoof. “Miss Strings”, she began firmly, “I do not wish to offend you, but I think you have the wrong impression. If you’ll excuse me, I believe Pezzo is waiting for me.” Octavia shouldered her cello, and turned to step from the stage when Starlight’s voice made her stop once again. “Do I? Do I really?” she called out. Octavia turned wearily to face Starlight, and saw her cheeks were now starting to moisten with tears. “Listen, Oct- Miss Melody. I know this sounds crazy, but please- think about it. She hasn’t been there lately. I know you’ve been depressed the last couple weeks- anypony could see it. All I’m asking is a chance.” Starlight’s heart pounded in her chest as if she had just run in the Fillydelphia 500 foot race. This was a desperately forward gambit, and she could only pray to Celestia that it would not backfire. “One kiss. If you feel nothing, I promise on my career that I will walk away and never bring this up to you again.” Octavia looked to her with wide eyes, terribly unsure of what to say or do. The last few weeks of her relationship had been steadily depressing due to Vinyl’s distraction and her seeming indifference to her, but was she really ready to walk away from all of it? A quiet voice tempted her from the corner of her mind. Try it… what could happen? If nothing else, maybe she really will back away… Starlight’s voice broke her train of thought. “What do you say, Octavia?” Chapter 2Pezzo sat in the Stablebucks, idly poking at the stirrer in her tea. She looked to the second cup before her and wondered just where Octi was. It wasn't like her to skip out on their customary tea after rehearsal- so unlike her, in fact, that Pezzo had ordered Octavia’s usual cup without giving it a second thought. She was about to text her friend when the door swung open and the grey mare stepped in. Pezzo waved her over and rose from her seat as she drew closer. “Another five minutes, I was going to have to start looking for you-” she began in a joking tone, which stopped short when she saw the frazzled look in her friend’s eyes. “Octi, are you alight?” Octavia sat down wordlessly, her cello slipping from her shoulder to the floor beside her almost as if she was barely cognizant of it being there at all. Something was definitely wrong. She started to reach for the tea, when Pezzo pulled it back. “That’s gone cold. Hang on a sec.” She rose and stepped to the counter, returning shortly with a steaming fresh cup of Octavia’s preferred blend. She placed the cup before her friend before retaking her seat. “There, that’s fresh. Now, what’s going on?” Octavia picked up the cup in her hooves, blowing on the steaming liquid gingerly and sipping at it before finding her voice. The story flowed forward of Starlight’s admission of her crush, her lashing out at Vinyl’s reputation, and the ultimatum of the kiss. Pezzo listened, fascinated. “Huh, never figured her to like mares- Eh, no offense, Octi.” Octavia looked to her friend with the jokingly offended expression the two of them had honed through years of friendship. “Now, why would I find that offensive?” she said with the first chuckle she had managed to generate that evening. Pezzo grinned. “So, what did your fan-filly say when you walked away without kissing her?” Octavia looked to her blurry reflection in the tea without saying a word. Pezzo lifted her cup to her lips as she continued. “Look, Octi, even if she was upset, it’s not your fault. I mean-” “I didn’t walk away.” Octava interjected suddenly, looking to her friend’s eyes. Pezzo froze mid-sip, gulping down the mouthful of tea before looking to Octavia incredulously. “Uh, come again, Octi? I could have sworn you just said-” Octavia looked around, but the coffee house was empty save them and the bored barista pony who stood flipping through a magazine, thoroughly oblivious to them. “I didn’t walk away, Pezzo. I- I kissed her.” Pezzo’s face registered absolute shock. “Octi…” “I know. Pezzo, what am I going to do? It was wrong-” “Did you feel anything?” Pezzo interrupted. Octavia looked to her tea once again. “I- I don’t know. It was exciting, and it felt good… but…” she sighed. “But- but I love Vinyl. Even if she has been distant… I love her, Pezzo. This was a big mistake.” Octavia took a long drink and a steadying breath. “I have to tell her.” Pezzo nearly choked on her own drink. “What? No, Octi.” “But-” “Octi, this was a mistake, just like you said. You aren’t going to do it again, are you?” “No, of course not. I even told Starlight that it could not happen again-” “And what do you think it would do to Vinyl to find out?” Octavia frowned. She already knew the answer. “It would hurt her.” “This was your mistake, and you learned from it. Don’t make things worse by telling Vinyl.” Pezzo stated, hoping she wasn’t sounding cold. “If you ever need to talk about it, you know I’ll be here… but trust me, Vinyl doesn’t need to know this happened.” Octavia sighed. “I suppose you’re correct.” Pezzo rose from her seat and gave her friend a hug. “It’ll be alright, Octi. It was just a moment of weakness. If anything, maybe this is a good thing. You’re the one realizing you couldn’t hurt Vinyl like that…” Octavia nodded, wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes. “Thank you, Pezzo. I probably should get back… Hopefully Vinyl remembered to start dinner in the oven.” Pezzo laughed. “Does she ever?” Octavia grinned wearily. “Sometimes… Thank you again for the tea.” Pezzo finished her cup in one gulp. “No charge. You know that. Just take it easy and everything will be fine, you’ll see.” With that, the two mares rose and stepped to the door, each walking in an opposite direction towards their respective homes. **** Octavia’s walk through the evening did little to clear her head. The nagging guilt was still eating at her, but she did believe Pezzo was right. She turned a corner, and saw the two-toned cottage she shared with Vinyl. Just the sight brought a smile to her face, even if she always secretly thought it looked as if it had been painted by a mad pony with a split personality. The cottage, however, just served as a strong metaphor for her tonight… No matter their differences in tastes and priorities, they functioned together as a unit and had a solid relationship at their core. As she drew closer she could hear through the walls the deep, thumping bass of Vinyl’s music. She sighed. If Vinyl was still at work on her mixing, it wasn’t very likely that she had recalled to start the dinner. Octavia straightened the strap of her cello case upon her back, drew in a deep breath, and opened the front door. Inside, she found Vinyl parked on the couch, her head bobbing to the dubstep invading their living room. Almost immediately, her unicorn horn glowed as she simultaneously raised her purple-lensed sunglasses and the stereo remote within her magical aura. With a great smile, she greeted her with a happy “Hey, babe!” The remote clicked the stereo over from Vinyl’s loud wubs to a classical CD, playing a cello-heavy piece. It was then that Octavia noted the smell in the cottage. “You started the dinner?” “Sure! And I’ve got great news! I finished it!” “Finished?” Octavia asked as she lowered her cello case to the floor. “Yeah! My new mix! I finally wrapped it up a while after you left. I started the grub and ran it over to Neon… he’s gonna start it working in his clubs tonight, and I’ll hit it on the weekend. It’s so bangin’, we’re gonna be rolling in bits.” Octavia looked to her, trying to smile. “That’s- that’s wonderful-” “Yeah, but that’s not all,” the DJ continued. She motioned for Octavia to sit on the couch. “Oh?” Vinyl grinned as she sat next to her and looked to her eyes. “Listen, babe, I know I’ve been all wrapped up in this mix. Now that it’s done, I’m taking some time off. I’ll still DJ at the club and all, but for now home time is ours.” Octavia looked into her eyes. “Do you mean that, Vinyl?” Vinyl grinned her biggest grin. “Course I do!” She rose from the couch and offered her hoof. Octavia took it, and the cream-colored unicorn led her into the dining room and sat her at the table. “You sit and chill, Tavi. I’ll get us the grub.” She turned and trotted into the kitchen, beat boxing to herself despite the classical music playing. Octavia sat at the table as her head sunk into her hooves. This was more than she had dreamed of hoping for this morning, and she had kissed another mare! “Oh, Celestia, what am I going to do?” she mumbled to herself before hearing the swinging door open behind her. “Whooooooo’s hungry?” Vinyl called playfully as she entered, levitating two steaming plates of Sunflower Souffle. Octavia looked up to see her dish had not only been perfectly prepared, but was also being served on their nicest dishes. The plates settled before her. “Vinyl, I-” “Hang on a second, babe. I have a surprise for you!” Vinyl interrupted as she turned back into the kitchen. You’re not the only one, Octavia thought with guilt as Vinyl reemerged behind her. She turned to look, but the objects Vinyl was levitating stayed hidden behind her. “Uh, uh!” the unicorn replied teasingly. “No peeking. Close those eyes!” Octavia did as she was told and soon heard the pop of a cork and the sound of liquid being poured. “OK, Tavi, open ‘em!” The grey mare opened her eyes to see two stemmed glasses, one by each plate, and a bottle being lowered into an ice bucket. It was Black Rose Wine, her favorite. “Vinyl…” she began as Vinyl took her seat. “Nuh-uh. No moaning about cost. I told you, we’ll be rolling in bits. This is just part of my way to making up the last few weeks. Besides…” Vinyl tossed back a healthy amount of her glass before continuing, “how often do I get to catch a buzz off the fancy stuff?” With that, the unicorn topped off her glass and raised it in a magical aura. “To us, Tavi!” Octavia weakly raised her glass in her hooves, feeling as if she was going to be sick at any moment. “To- to us, Vinyl.” She raised the glass to her lips and took a drink with her eyes closed, before opening them again to see Vinyl looking at her, puzzled. “Tavi… what’s wrong?” “Ah- it’s… it’s nothing-” Vinyl set the glass down, her magical aura fading away. “Not buying it, babe. You’re quiet, you seem moody… I mean, if I were still all wrapped up, if I’d forgotten dinner, then hey, yeah, I’d get it, but this is good news, good booze, and good food. So what’s going on? Something happen at rehearsal?” You don’t know the half of it. Octavia thought to herself. She looked to Vinyl’s worried expression, overcome with uncertainty of how in Equestria to even express what had happened. The idea of keeping this a secret was impossible - she knew that she could not possibly live with herself if she tried. “You could say that.” she replied softly. Vinyl smiled at her and rose to walk behind her, gently massaging at her marefriend’s shoulders. “Well, hey, it’s over now. What happened, another plot-face conductor? Out of tune cello?” She chuckled teasingly as she continued, “You didn’t miss a cue, did you?” Overcome with guilt, the truth spilled out before Octavia could even consider trying to phrase it gently. “Vinyl, I kissed another mare.” The statement was made with all the weight of the world upon Octavia’s shoulders, and yet it sounded so quiet coming from her lips, as if it were something that would disappear if just spoken softly enough. Vinyl’s hooves stopped their massage for a moment as the classical music held the cottage in its grip before she suddenly laughed. “Good one, Tavi. You almost had me-” “I am not joking, Vinyl.” Octavia said, turning to look at her marefriend. Vinyl’s smile fell, and the strength seemed to leave her hind legs as she stumbled backward in shock and slumped to the floor. “You- you what?” Vinyl asked in a small voice as fear and sadness overtook her. Octavia rose from her seat and offered her hoof to her love as tears started to form in the corners of her eyes. “Vinyl, I am so sorry-” “Sorry?” Vinyl snapped back, her fear giving way to anger as she slapped the offered hoof away. “You’re sorry? Tavi, How could you do this to me?” Despite not feeling any grounds with which to argue her position, defensive instinct kicked in and Octavia replied back, “You haven’t even been paying attention for weeks-” Now Vinyl’s eyes narrowed as her anger increased. “So because I was focused on something I love doing, that makes it fine for you to go run off? How many times have you been so wrapped up in your music and I haven’t said a word? I don’t, because I know it’s your passion and your destiny!” Vinyl emphasized the point by pointing her hoof at Tavi’s lavender treble clef cutie mark, and continued as she pointed to her own bridged eighth-notes cutie mark. “Just like my music is mine.” Before Octavia could respond, Vinyl let in one last calculated jab. “Besides, do you have any idea how much plot I get thrown at me every night at the clubs? Colts, Mares, it don’t matter. I’ve NEVER even considered it since we’ve been together, and you wanna know why? It’s ‘cause I LOVE YOU!” The DJ could no longer hold back the tears as they punched through her anger like a champion boxer. “Whether you believe it or not, I do!” With that, her head collapsed back down as she sobbed and her tears wet the floor. Octavia stood before her, riddled with guilt and at a loss for words. “Vinyl, I- I am so very sorry… I- I was not even going to-” “But you did!” came the tearful words from her marefriend. The hurt eyes were back upon her again. “If you weren’t even gonna do it, then how? Why?” “I don’t know-” Octavia began, flustered. Why had she done it? loneliness? Longing? Just to placate Starlight? “I think- I think there were several reasons-” “Like what?” Vinyl growled. “Tell me the reason that was good enough!” “At first, it was just to- well, to placate Starlight-” Vinyl suddenly rose from the floor, furiously growling. “Starlight. Starlight WHO?” “Vinyl, please!” “That mule’s gonna get her flank BEAT!” Vinyl screamed, her hoof pounding on the table with enough force to rattle the dishes. Octavia’s eyes looked to her with apprehension. She had never seen Vinyl so hurt, so angered. “What’s her full name?” Vinyl seethed, fully ready to pound this other mare to a pulp with her bare hooves. “Vinyl, please try to calm down.” Octavia pleaded. “This is not her fault-” “Oh, yeah? Well, who the buck’s fault is it? Mine?” Vinyl snapped as her horn glowed. The bottle of wine rose to her lips and she chugged a deep drink with a cough. “Tartarus, maybe it is! I mean, I just drink and party, right? I’m sure I’m not ‘cultured’ enough for you!” the words came in an acid, mocking tone. “Is that it, Tavi? Huh? Am I not good enough? Not worthy of you? She tell you that, or did you just decide it on your own?” Now Octavia’s tears were falling freely. She watched Vinyl chug more of the wine that been intended to celebrate a great success and usher in a time of closeness as she struggled to find her words. “Vinyl, I have never thought that of you! It’s just…” She stopped her words short and sighed deeply as Vinyl chugged yet another healthy drink of the wine, seemingly dead set on finishing the bottle right then and there. “Just WHAT?” Vinyl snarled as she coughed down her latest attack on the wine. Octavia could see her starting to sway unsteadily on her hind legs from the alcohol. Party Mare or not, the emotional impact of the night was not helping the DJ’s normally legendary tolerance for liquor. “There’s no excuse for what I did. I’m so sorry.” Octavia stated somberly. Vinyl’s head swam as she tried to take another swig from the bottle, only to find it emptied. With a frustrated snort, the magical aura released the bottle in mid-air and it crashed to the floor, shattering. She turned her attention to to the wine remaining in Octavia’s glass and made short work of it before turning back to look at her marefriend. Her vision seemed somewhat hazy, but hurt and anger still ruled her mind in the moment. “No. No, there ain’t no excuse.” The words sounded thick, slurred. Octavi hung her head, looking to the cottage floor with regret. “But you know what? You don’t need one.” Octavia looked up in confusion to see Vinyl step to the stereo, mashing the power button with her hoof. The classical music shut off abruptly, leaving an uncomfortable silence as Vinyl stood there, her eyes staring straight ahead to the cottage’s front door. “Vinyl… what do you mean?” Without looking back, Vinyl stepped to the door and turned the handle with her unicorn magic. “You don’t need an excuse ‘cause you don’t have a marefriend any more.” the DJ stated as the door swung open. Still not looking back to the mare she once loved, Vinyl continued as she stepped past the threshold, “I’ll get my stuff tomorrow.” Octavia felt as if she would die. “Vinyl! Vinyl, please!” She shouted suddenly as she felt the sobs start to choke her words. “Don’t trot away, I- I need you! I’m so sorry!” Vinyl turned to look back at her from the front walk. Her unicorn magic raised those trademark sunglasses to look at Octavia with eyes that held nothing but hurt and anger. “Buck off. I gave you everything… but it wasn’t enough, was it?” Before Octavia could say another word, Vinyl focused her magic to slam the door shut, then turned to trot off into the night. She had no exact plans on where she was going, but she knew she needed some loud wubs and strong drinks… maybe even somepony to help her through the night. In the cottage, Octavia fell to the floor as her mind screamed at her how right Vinyl was, how horrid she was, and how she had just taken everything she cherished most in Equestria and thrown it all away, all for not walking away from that question… “What do you say, Octavia?” Chapter 3“What do you say, Octavia?” Starlight’s voice repeating the question snapped Octavia back to the present. Had she just been lost in her thoughts of what could happen? She blinked a moment as she looked to Starlight’s expectant face. Starlight gave a nervous chuckle before brushing back her mane with her hoof and saying, “Not to be rude, but you’re really not making it any easier by not answering. So... “ Starlight looked down for a moment before finding the cellist’s gaze again. “Please, Octavia? One kiss?” Octavia smiled and took in a breath before speaking. “I am sorry, Miss Strings, but this relationship must remain professional. I hope you can find somepony to make you as happy as Vinyl makes me.” Starlight stood at a loss for words as Octavia turned to exit. “That’s it?” she asked softly. “Yes, that is all.” Octavia replied as she approached the door and opened it, stepping into the night. The conductor’s office door opened, and Bright Baton and the flautist stepped out. The conductor looked to the stage where Starlight stood alone. “Is everything quite all right, Miss Strings?” he asked with concern. “Yes, sir.” Starlight answered softly. “Just- just lingering for a moment. I’m off.” Meanwhile, Octavia made her way through the center of town, approaching the Stablebucks where Pezzo sat as expected, with two steaming cups of tea before her. “Hey, Octi.” the second chair cellist greeted her. “Everything all right?” Octavia stepped to the table, standing before it without taking a seat. She smiled with relief felt from having made up her mind. “Better than all right, Pezzo. I wonder, would you mind terribly if I took this tea with me? I really want to get home to Vinyl.” Pezzo grinned at her friend. “In a better place, huh? Strings must have had something good to say.” “I promise, I will tell you all about it tomorrow-” “Oh, go on, Octi.” Pezzo replied as she slid the cup across the table. “Have a good night with Vinyl.” Octavia accepted the cup with a grateful nod. “Indeed I will. Talk to you tomorrow, Pezzo.” The cellist turned to leave as her junior sat back and raised her own cup in the air in a silent toast to her friend. Octavia trod on through the town, sipping at the tea as she drew ever closer to her cottage with a contented smile upon her face. Could her vision have been true? Maybe this was the night that everything would come together. As she neared her home, she could hear, just as she had envisioned, the muffled bass of Vinyl’s dubstep pounding through the walls. Octavia straightened the strap of her cello case upon her back, drew in a deep breath, and opened the front door. Inside, she found Vinyl parked on the couch, her head bobbing to the dubstep invading their living room. Almost immediately, her unicorn horn glowed as she simultaneously raised her purple-lensed sunglasses and raised the stereo remote within her magical aura. She looked to Octavia and greeted her with a quiet “Hey, babe.” The stereo clicked off, with no music to take its place. On the table in front of the couch, Octavia noted a greasy box with half a potato and peony pizza and a partial case of Barley Beer. “Er, Vinyl? What happened to the dinner I prepared?” Vinyl let out a nervous chuckle. “Ohhh… that. Yeah, I was totally gonna make that, and I kinda forgot, and when I tried to grab it from the fridge the dish kinda slipped and it just went everywhere… I got it all cleaned up, but yeah, it was trashed.” Vinyl levitated the open beer before her and took a drink. Octavia took in a deep breath. Calm…. In the back of her mind, she wondered if any part of her imagination had been accurate. “Well… did you finish your mix at least?” The DJ let out a muffled belch and looked up with surprise. “You care about that?” Octavia looked to her marefriend and smiled. “Of course I do, Vinyl.” Just as she had imagined, she found herself pointing to Vinyl’s cutie mark. “Your music is your passion, as my music is my own.” Vinyl’s mouth turned up in a smile. “Yeah… yeah, I finished it today. I talked to Neon earlier, and he’s gonna help promote it. I’m taking him a copy tomorrow.” She patted the case of beer before her before continuing, “This is kinda my celebration. Listen, I know beer’s not really your thing, but… Join me?” Her unicorn magic levitated a bottle from the box before Octavia. Octavia settled herself on the couch and took the offered bottle, smiling at Vinyl. “Vinyl… I don’t suppose you could take a little break before you start a new project? I miss you…” The DJ smiled back. “I was planning on it, babe. I miss you too, ya know.” With that, she raised her bottle. “To us, Tavi.” Octavia raised her own bottle and clinked the neck of hers to Vinyl’s. “To us, indeed, Vinyl.” She said. She took a drink, the bitter taste of the barley beer working down her throat. Beside her, Vinyl took a far heavier drink, and let out a satisfying belch. Perhaps Starlight had a point… Vinyl remained uncultured, at times even aloof. But at the end of the day, Octavia knew in her heart that the mare loved her, and that she would not have her any other way. Her quiet thought was broken by Vinyl laughing at her own belch. Vinyl looked to Octavia, who wore her typical bemused expression in response. “I love you, babe” she said with a smile to the cultured cellist, in so many ways her opposite and at the same time her perfect match. Octavia leaned into her, cradling the beer in her hoof and closing her eyes peacefully. “I love you too, Vinyl.” Epilogue Epilogue Morning found the two musician ponies waking cuddled next to each other in bed. Over a normal breakfast (Oats for Octavia, leftover pizza for Vinyl), the two planned their day. Octavia was off to a rehearsal session with Pezzo to review certain cello pieces for the upcoming concert under Bright Baton, nothing too unusual. Vinyl was preparing to take a copy of her master recording of the new mix to Neon, who would listen to it, provide his own plans for lighting it, and the two of them would plan the piece’s club debut. At the end of the day, the two would meet at home for an evening together. Vinyl had no distinct plans for exactly what they would do, but she was looking forward to a nice cold beer with Octavia then, that much was certain. The dishes cleared, Octavia went to the bedroom and emerged shortly after with her mane fully brushed and styled and her familiar pink bow tie perfectly tied. “Looking like a million bits, babe!” Vinyl grinned as she tossed her portable storage drive into her saddle bag. Octavia smiled with a slight blush as she shouldered her cello. “Thank you, Vinyl. I shall see you tonight.” Octavia opened the door, then turned back to look at Vinyl, who was still busying herself for her own errands of the day. “I love you, Vinyl.” Vinyl looked up, albeit briefly. “Love you too, babe.” she said absentmindedly before turning her attention back to her saddlebag. She missed the quiet sigh from Octavia as the door closed. Ten minutes later, Vinyl finished her packing and her horn glowed as she levitated the saddlebag across her back. Next, her headphones floated to her and around her neck from behind Lastly, her music player was plugged in and settled in the bag. The DJ stepped outside to the morning sun and closed the door behind her. She was about to snap the headphones over her ears when she heard the voice from behind her. “Vinyl Scratch?” Vinyl came to a stop and saw a pony approaching her. She didn’t recognize the mare, but noted the bow cutie mark on her flank and surmised that she was a musician, classical from the look of it. Hard to imagine that somepony like her was a fan of her work, but it was about all she could assume. “Yeah? What can I do for you?” she answered. “I need to talk to you.” the mare replied tersely. Vinyl shifted, unnerved. This pony was not at all like the average fan who just recognized her and approached her in a starstruck way. “Do I know you?” Vinyl asked. “No.” Vinyl chuckled nervously. “Uh, would you like an autograph?” Now the mare glared openly at her. A disgusted snort escaped her. “An autograph? Buck, no.” Vinyl’s stomach fluttered. Who was this mare? “Well, what-” “You just shut up and listen. Listen good.” The mare growled. “I- uh- yeah?” Vinyl replied, feeling her mouth going dry. “You think you deserve Octavia? You don’t. Just because she doesn’t see you for the discourteous, uncultured mule you are today doesn’t mean she never will.” Vinyl’s eyes opened wide. Her sunglasses levitated up to look at the mare with no obstruction. “Who are you?” She asked in disbelief. “Not important.” came Starlight’s reply. “But I want you to know something. One day, Octavia will see you for what you are. One day, your neglect will be enough to push her away. One day… she’ll understand what I already know is true. When that day comes, I WILL be there to take care of her.” Vinyl was at a loss for words as the mysterious mare continued. “Mark my words, mule. It will happen.” With that, the other pony turned and trotted away. Vinyl stood there, utterly in shock. What had that pony been talking about? Her mind thought back to just how wrapped up she had been in her mix, how many late nights she had stumbled in to find Octavia asleep. Guilt overtook her as she wondered how many dinners she had messed up, only to try to make it up with cheap beer and greasy pizza. Her headphones levitated off her neck as her phone floated to her ear, already dialing Neon’s number. Their plans would have to wait. She would drop the mix off, but she wasn’t sticking around. She was going to borrow some bits from Neon, call it a loan against what the mix would bring in if he insisted, and then she was off to shop. What was that expensive wine Octavia liked? Oh yeah, Black Rose Wine... THE END
Chapter 1Octavia took a last look in the mirror, making absolutely certain her appearance was as perfect as could be. Some of her contemporaries never bothered much about such formalities for a simple rehearsal, but for the cellist professionalism was next to Godliness. Satisfied at last, the grey mare shouldered her cello and stepped from the bedroom to the front room, ready to leave for her daily rehearsal with the Equestrian Orchestra. As she stepped into the living room, she saw her marefriend, one Vinyl Scratch (Or DJ-PON3, as she was known in the clubs), standing behind a tower of speakers that were thankfully muted as the sound was rerouted into the headphones perched above the DJ’s messy mane. Vinyl had been working for two weeks now on her latest so-called “masterpiece”, some new mess of dubstep and beats that only sounded like noise to her. When she had first begun doing this work at home, it had been an annoyance, but it was still tolerable as long as it was confined to the headphones while Octavia was present. The last few days, however, even this had begun to grate on her nerves. This project had become Vinyl’s obsession, and with their schedules being as hectic as they were, Octavia felt as if Vinyl was becoming more and more distant. “I am off to rehearsal, Vinyl.” Octavia stated calmly as her marefriend looked to her, not removing the headphones or even pausing the thudding beat in them. “Uhhh-huh.” came the mumbled reply. “I look forward to dinner with you tonight, dear. Please remember to put the food in the oven at 6:00.” “Mmm-hmm.” “I- I love you.” “Yep.” Octavia turned to leave, her heart heavy and depressed. She made it as far as the door before turning around and stepping back to Vinyl with pained annoyance. At the sight of her marefriend, Vinyl resignedly paused the thudding beat. “What?” “I love you.” The tone was quiet, simple, almost flat. Vinyl sighed, using her magic to remove the noise cancelling headphones. “What?” she asked again, obviously not thrilled to be interrupted further. “I said, I love you!” Now the tone held a hurt flavor. “Ugh, OK! I love you too! You know that! Busy!” came the curt reply. The headphones snapped back onto her ears. Octavia didn’t budge. She could only stare at the pony she loved. Again, the beat paused. “Can’t you see I’m working?” Vinyl asked tersely. Octavia took a breath, but could not find the words. “Very well. I am off.” came the reply with as much control as the musician could muster. With practiced dignity, Octavia turned and exited the cottage as Vinyl resumed her mixing. The door closed behind her as the cellist trudged to the road, her heart heavy and eager for a distraction. After walking a few blocks, the familiar sight of her fellow cellist and close friend Pezzo came into view, a smile on her face. “Good morning, Pezzo.” Octavia said glumly as the pink earth pony joined her, her own cello case slung over her back. “Morning, Octi…” Pezzo replied, her smile changing to concern at the tone of her friend's voice. “What’s going on? You look down.” “Oh, it’s Vinyl…” Octavia began as Pezzo sighed. It surely wasn’t the first time she had heard something along these lines. “What’d she do this time? Another late night of wubs?” Pezzo asked. “No…” Octavia said, looking straight ahead. “She’s just been so busy lately, it’s as if she has no time left for me, for us, anymore. I had to force her to get her headphones off this morning just to tell her I loved her…” Pezzo looked to her proud friend. “I’m sure she’s just hyper focused on a new project. You know how she gets, and you know how she feels…” Octavia stepped to the door of the rehearsal hall, one hoof extended to push the door open for the both of them. “I know how she used to feel. The last few weeks… I am just not so certain…” Pezzo was at a loss for words as the two of them stepped to the stage and climbed the three steps at stage left, approaching their designated positions as the other musicians tuned their respective instruments around them. Pezzo knew Octi well enough to know that that statement would be the end of any information, at least for the duration of rehearsal. The grey mare was renowned for her ability to compartmentalize her personal life and focus exclusively on her playing and music. Before long, the familiar voice of one of their favorite conductors filled the hall. “Alright, everypony. From the top.” Bright Baton stated with a warm smile before raising his baton in his hoof and placing the orchestra to task. The cello in Octavia’s hooves became her temporary release as she channelled her emotion, as ever, through her bow to the strings and the result was the beautiful music of Joseph Horsdyn. Four hours later found the orchestra winding down as Bright Baton thanked them, declared that rehearsal was complete, and wished them all a lovely weekend. The kindly elder conductor turned and made his way to his office, as was his custom for any musicians who had questions or concerns. On the stage, most of the musicians prepared to proceed to the hall doors to leave while a few others lingered and chatted with their compatriots and one flautist went to speak with Bright Baton. The two lead cellists cased their instruments as Pezzo watched Octavia’s face fall from performance mode to the same troubled expression she had seen hours before. “Listen, Octi…” she began, her voice uncertain. “Why don’t we go hit Stablebucks, get you a tea or something. You need to take a break from-” Pezzo’s offer was interrupted by an unfamiliar voice from behind her. “Um, Miss Melody…” The pair turned to see Starlight Strings, a second-chair violinist who had only arrived in the last few months, standing before them. Her cased violin floated beside her in a magical aura provided by her unicorn horn. “I- I wonder if I could speak to you…” The violinist’s eyes moved to Pezzo’s face. her tone was polite, but insistent. “Privately, please.” Octavia looked to Pezzo, who just smiled. “I’ma hit up Stablebucks, Octi. If you want to catch up with me in a bit, just come on over.” She turned her attention to Starlight Strings. “Try to get her to come, huh?” she asked teasingly. Starlight looked at her oddly, and Pezzo laughed and clopped her hoof in response before slinging her cello case over her shoulder and trotting toward the stage exit. Starlight watched her leave before turning her attention to Octavia once more. The two mares heard the theater doors close as two percussionists exited, leaving them alone on the stage in the concert hall. Surely, Bright Baton was still in his office, perhaps with the flautist, but otherwise they stood alone. Octavia forced a smile. “So, er- Miss Strings, I believe?” The violinist nodded, her violin case now resting on the floor. Unsure of what the musician wanted, she continued. “What can I do for you?” “Well-” The violinist began, her voice shaking somewhat as she nervously rubbed at her right foreleg with her left hoof. Octavia noted it, as she had a similar nervous habit. “I’ve been watching you perform ever since I arrived here, and, well, I’m very impressed.” Octavia blushed despite herself. She was well aware of her technical skill, but she never ceased to be somewhat embarrassed when praised, especially by her colleagues. “Why, thank you, Miss Strings. I’ve played for as long as I can recall-” Starlight looked to her eyes hurriedly. “Oh- I- Well, that is to say- I mean, you are an amazing cellist, of course, but-” “But?” Octavia prodded curiously. Starlight seemed to swallow heavily, as if she was suddenly extremely nervous. “Are you alright, Miss Strings?” Starlight had daydreamed of this moment for weeks, and it had taken so much effort to concentrate during rehearsal today. It had to happen, now or never. With a deep inhalation of air, she continued. “Miss Melody- Octavia- I’ve been impressed on more than a professional level.” Octavia’s eyes opened wider as she looked to the violinist before her. “Er, excuse me?” Starlight’s reply came in a quiet, nervous tone, akin to a high school colt asking his crush out for the first time ever, which was actually quite apropos. “I’m falling in love with you, Octavia.” The grey mare stood there in stunned silence, her mouth hanging open in surprise. Starlight could not endure the awkward pause, and continued on after a quick look around to ensure that nopony else was present. “Please understand, I wouldn’t even approach you if I didn’t think you could- well- feel the same way.” Somehow, Octavia found her voice. “Miss Strings-” “Please, call me Starlight.” the violinist interjected almost breathily. Octavia continued, not wishing to be rude but knowing she had to nip this in the bud. “Miss Strings. I- I’m flattered, but I’m already in a relationship-” Starlight could not hold it back. Her legs trembled as she spat, in a tone perhaps more accusing than she meant it to be, “With that- that- uncultured club-hopper?” Octavia was taken aback. She looked to the junior violinist. “Vinyl may not have the same musical background as me, but-” Starlight continued on. “She doesn’t deserve a cultured mare like you.” “Miss Strings, please.” “No! Please, listen to me! I’ve been hearing for weeks about how distant she is, how she- she parties late into the night… She doesn’t respect you, Octavia. I would never treat you that way. I’d never take you for granted- Please, just give me a chance.” Octavia felt her coat seem to stand on end. “You’ve heard?” she asked, embarrassed. “Forgive me for prying into your personal life.” Starlight stated sincerely. “It’s hardly proper behavior, I realize, but- well, ponies talk. I hate to know the turmoil you face each day at the hooves of that-” her voice stopped at the sight of Octavia’s raised hoof. “Miss Strings”, she began firmly, “I do not wish to offend you, but I think you have the wrong impression. If you’ll excuse me, I believe Pezzo is waiting for me.” Octavia shouldered her cello, and turned to step from the stage when Starlight’s voice made her stop once again. “Do I? Do I really?” she called out. Octavia turned wearily to face Starlight, and saw her cheeks were now starting to moisten with tears. “Listen, Oct- Miss Melody. I know this sounds crazy, but please- think about it. She hasn’t been there lately. I know you’ve been depressed the last couple weeks- anypony could see it. All I’m asking is a chance.” Starlight’s heart pounded in her chest as if she had just run in the Fillydelphia 500 foot race. This was a desperately forward gambit, and she could only pray to Celestia that it would not backfire. “One kiss. If you feel nothing, I promise on my career that I will walk away and never bring this up to you again.” Octavia looked to her with wide eyes, terribly unsure of what to say or do. The last few weeks of her relationship had been steadily depressing due to Vinyl’s distraction and her seeming indifference to her, but was she really ready to walk away from all of it? A quiet voice tempted her from the corner of her mind. Try it… what could happen? If nothing else, maybe she really will back away… Starlight’s voice broke her train of thought. “What do you say, Octavia?”
Chapter 2Pezzo sat in the Stablebucks, idly poking at the stirrer in her tea. She looked to the second cup before her and wondered just where Octi was. It wasn't like her to skip out on their customary tea after rehearsal- so unlike her, in fact, that Pezzo had ordered Octavia’s usual cup without giving it a second thought. She was about to text her friend when the door swung open and the grey mare stepped in. Pezzo waved her over and rose from her seat as she drew closer. “Another five minutes, I was going to have to start looking for you-” she began in a joking tone, which stopped short when she saw the frazzled look in her friend’s eyes. “Octi, are you alight?” Octavia sat down wordlessly, her cello slipping from her shoulder to the floor beside her almost as if she was barely cognizant of it being there at all. Something was definitely wrong. She started to reach for the tea, when Pezzo pulled it back. “That’s gone cold. Hang on a sec.” She rose and stepped to the counter, returning shortly with a steaming fresh cup of Octavia’s preferred blend. She placed the cup before her friend before retaking her seat. “There, that’s fresh. Now, what’s going on?” Octavia picked up the cup in her hooves, blowing on the steaming liquid gingerly and sipping at it before finding her voice. The story flowed forward of Starlight’s admission of her crush, her lashing out at Vinyl’s reputation, and the ultimatum of the kiss. Pezzo listened, fascinated. “Huh, never figured her to like mares- Eh, no offense, Octi.” Octavia looked to her friend with the jokingly offended expression the two of them had honed through years of friendship. “Now, why would I find that offensive?” she said with the first chuckle she had managed to generate that evening. Pezzo grinned. “So, what did your fan-filly say when you walked away without kissing her?” Octavia looked to her blurry reflection in the tea without saying a word. Pezzo lifted her cup to her lips as she continued. “Look, Octi, even if she was upset, it’s not your fault. I mean-” “I didn’t walk away.” Octava interjected suddenly, looking to her friend’s eyes. Pezzo froze mid-sip, gulping down the mouthful of tea before looking to Octavia incredulously. “Uh, come again, Octi? I could have sworn you just said-” Octavia looked around, but the coffee house was empty save them and the bored barista pony who stood flipping through a magazine, thoroughly oblivious to them. “I didn’t walk away, Pezzo. I- I kissed her.” Pezzo’s face registered absolute shock. “Octi…” “I know. Pezzo, what am I going to do? It was wrong-” “Did you feel anything?” Pezzo interrupted. Octavia looked to her tea once again. “I- I don’t know. It was exciting, and it felt good… but…” she sighed. “But- but I love Vinyl. Even if she has been distant… I love her, Pezzo. This was a big mistake.” Octavia took a long drink and a steadying breath. “I have to tell her.” Pezzo nearly choked on her own drink. “What? No, Octi.” “But-” “Octi, this was a mistake, just like you said. You aren’t going to do it again, are you?” “No, of course not. I even told Starlight that it could not happen again-” “And what do you think it would do to Vinyl to find out?” Octavia frowned. She already knew the answer. “It would hurt her.” “This was your mistake, and you learned from it. Don’t make things worse by telling Vinyl.” Pezzo stated, hoping she wasn’t sounding cold. “If you ever need to talk about it, you know I’ll be here… but trust me, Vinyl doesn’t need to know this happened.” Octavia sighed. “I suppose you’re correct.” Pezzo rose from her seat and gave her friend a hug. “It’ll be alright, Octi. It was just a moment of weakness. If anything, maybe this is a good thing. You’re the one realizing you couldn’t hurt Vinyl like that…” Octavia nodded, wiping the tears from the corner of her eyes. “Thank you, Pezzo. I probably should get back… Hopefully Vinyl remembered to start dinner in the oven.” Pezzo laughed. “Does she ever?” Octavia grinned wearily. “Sometimes… Thank you again for the tea.” Pezzo finished her cup in one gulp. “No charge. You know that. Just take it easy and everything will be fine, you’ll see.” With that, the two mares rose and stepped to the door, each walking in an opposite direction towards their respective homes. **** Octavia’s walk through the evening did little to clear her head. The nagging guilt was still eating at her, but she did believe Pezzo was right. She turned a corner, and saw the two-toned cottage she shared with Vinyl. Just the sight brought a smile to her face, even if she always secretly thought it looked as if it had been painted by a mad pony with a split personality. The cottage, however, just served as a strong metaphor for her tonight… No matter their differences in tastes and priorities, they functioned together as a unit and had a solid relationship at their core. As she drew closer she could hear through the walls the deep, thumping bass of Vinyl’s music. She sighed. If Vinyl was still at work on her mixing, it wasn’t very likely that she had recalled to start the dinner. Octavia straightened the strap of her cello case upon her back, drew in a deep breath, and opened the front door. Inside, she found Vinyl parked on the couch, her head bobbing to the dubstep invading their living room. Almost immediately, her unicorn horn glowed as she simultaneously raised her purple-lensed sunglasses and the stereo remote within her magical aura. With a great smile, she greeted her with a happy “Hey, babe!” The remote clicked the stereo over from Vinyl’s loud wubs to a classical CD, playing a cello-heavy piece. It was then that Octavia noted the smell in the cottage. “You started the dinner?” “Sure! And I’ve got great news! I finished it!” “Finished?” Octavia asked as she lowered her cello case to the floor. “Yeah! My new mix! I finally wrapped it up a while after you left. I started the grub and ran it over to Neon… he’s gonna start it working in his clubs tonight, and I’ll hit it on the weekend. It’s so bangin’, we’re gonna be rolling in bits.” Octavia looked to her, trying to smile. “That’s- that’s wonderful-” “Yeah, but that’s not all,” the DJ continued. She motioned for Octavia to sit on the couch. “Oh?” Vinyl grinned as she sat next to her and looked to her eyes. “Listen, babe, I know I’ve been all wrapped up in this mix. Now that it’s done, I’m taking some time off. I’ll still DJ at the club and all, but for now home time is ours.” Octavia looked into her eyes. “Do you mean that, Vinyl?” Vinyl grinned her biggest grin. “Course I do!” She rose from the couch and offered her hoof. Octavia took it, and the cream-colored unicorn led her into the dining room and sat her at the table. “You sit and chill, Tavi. I’ll get us the grub.” She turned and trotted into the kitchen, beat boxing to herself despite the classical music playing. Octavia sat at the table as her head sunk into her hooves. This was more than she had dreamed of hoping for this morning, and she had kissed another mare! “Oh, Celestia, what am I going to do?” she mumbled to herself before hearing the swinging door open behind her. “Whooooooo’s hungry?” Vinyl called playfully as she entered, levitating two steaming plates of Sunflower Souffle. Octavia looked up to see her dish had not only been perfectly prepared, but was also being served on their nicest dishes. The plates settled before her. “Vinyl, I-” “Hang on a second, babe. I have a surprise for you!” Vinyl interrupted as she turned back into the kitchen. You’re not the only one, Octavia thought with guilt as Vinyl reemerged behind her. She turned to look, but the objects Vinyl was levitating stayed hidden behind her. “Uh, uh!” the unicorn replied teasingly. “No peeking. Close those eyes!” Octavia did as she was told and soon heard the pop of a cork and the sound of liquid being poured. “OK, Tavi, open ‘em!” The grey mare opened her eyes to see two stemmed glasses, one by each plate, and a bottle being lowered into an ice bucket. It was Black Rose Wine, her favorite. “Vinyl…” she began as Vinyl took her seat. “Nuh-uh. No moaning about cost. I told you, we’ll be rolling in bits. This is just part of my way to making up the last few weeks. Besides…” Vinyl tossed back a healthy amount of her glass before continuing, “how often do I get to catch a buzz off the fancy stuff?” With that, the unicorn topped off her glass and raised it in a magical aura. “To us, Tavi!” Octavia weakly raised her glass in her hooves, feeling as if she was going to be sick at any moment. “To- to us, Vinyl.” She raised the glass to her lips and took a drink with her eyes closed, before opening them again to see Vinyl looking at her, puzzled. “Tavi… what’s wrong?” “Ah- it’s… it’s nothing-” Vinyl set the glass down, her magical aura fading away. “Not buying it, babe. You’re quiet, you seem moody… I mean, if I were still all wrapped up, if I’d forgotten dinner, then hey, yeah, I’d get it, but this is good news, good booze, and good food. So what’s going on? Something happen at rehearsal?” You don’t know the half of it. Octavia thought to herself. She looked to Vinyl’s worried expression, overcome with uncertainty of how in Equestria to even express what had happened. The idea of keeping this a secret was impossible - she knew that she could not possibly live with herself if she tried. “You could say that.” she replied softly. Vinyl smiled at her and rose to walk behind her, gently massaging at her marefriend’s shoulders. “Well, hey, it’s over now. What happened, another plot-face conductor? Out of tune cello?” She chuckled teasingly as she continued, “You didn’t miss a cue, did you?” Overcome with guilt, the truth spilled out before Octavia could even consider trying to phrase it gently. “Vinyl, I kissed another mare.” The statement was made with all the weight of the world upon Octavia’s shoulders, and yet it sounded so quiet coming from her lips, as if it were something that would disappear if just spoken softly enough. Vinyl’s hooves stopped their massage for a moment as the classical music held the cottage in its grip before she suddenly laughed. “Good one, Tavi. You almost had me-” “I am not joking, Vinyl.” Octavia said, turning to look at her marefriend. Vinyl’s smile fell, and the strength seemed to leave her hind legs as she stumbled backward in shock and slumped to the floor. “You- you what?” Vinyl asked in a small voice as fear and sadness overtook her. Octavia rose from her seat and offered her hoof to her love as tears started to form in the corners of her eyes. “Vinyl, I am so sorry-” “Sorry?” Vinyl snapped back, her fear giving way to anger as she slapped the offered hoof away. “You’re sorry? Tavi, How could you do this to me?” Despite not feeling any grounds with which to argue her position, defensive instinct kicked in and Octavia replied back, “You haven’t even been paying attention for weeks-” Now Vinyl’s eyes narrowed as her anger increased. “So because I was focused on something I love doing, that makes it fine for you to go run off? How many times have you been so wrapped up in your music and I haven’t said a word? I don’t, because I know it’s your passion and your destiny!” Vinyl emphasized the point by pointing her hoof at Tavi’s lavender treble clef cutie mark, and continued as she pointed to her own bridged eighth-notes cutie mark. “Just like my music is mine.” Before Octavia could respond, Vinyl let in one last calculated jab. “Besides, do you have any idea how much plot I get thrown at me every night at the clubs? Colts, Mares, it don’t matter. I’ve NEVER even considered it since we’ve been together, and you wanna know why? It’s ‘cause I LOVE YOU!” The DJ could no longer hold back the tears as they punched through her anger like a champion boxer. “Whether you believe it or not, I do!” With that, her head collapsed back down as she sobbed and her tears wet the floor. Octavia stood before her, riddled with guilt and at a loss for words. “Vinyl, I- I am so very sorry… I- I was not even going to-” “But you did!” came the tearful words from her marefriend. The hurt eyes were back upon her again. “If you weren’t even gonna do it, then how? Why?” “I don’t know-” Octavia began, flustered. Why had she done it? loneliness? Longing? Just to placate Starlight? “I think- I think there were several reasons-” “Like what?” Vinyl growled. “Tell me the reason that was good enough!” “At first, it was just to- well, to placate Starlight-” Vinyl suddenly rose from the floor, furiously growling. “Starlight. Starlight WHO?” “Vinyl, please!” “That mule’s gonna get her flank BEAT!” Vinyl screamed, her hoof pounding on the table with enough force to rattle the dishes. Octavia’s eyes looked to her with apprehension. She had never seen Vinyl so hurt, so angered. “What’s her full name?” Vinyl seethed, fully ready to pound this other mare to a pulp with her bare hooves. “Vinyl, please try to calm down.” Octavia pleaded. “This is not her fault-” “Oh, yeah? Well, who the buck’s fault is it? Mine?” Vinyl snapped as her horn glowed. The bottle of wine rose to her lips and she chugged a deep drink with a cough. “Tartarus, maybe it is! I mean, I just drink and party, right? I’m sure I’m not ‘cultured’ enough for you!” the words came in an acid, mocking tone. “Is that it, Tavi? Huh? Am I not good enough? Not worthy of you? She tell you that, or did you just decide it on your own?” Now Octavia’s tears were falling freely. She watched Vinyl chug more of the wine that been intended to celebrate a great success and usher in a time of closeness as she struggled to find her words. “Vinyl, I have never thought that of you! It’s just…” She stopped her words short and sighed deeply as Vinyl chugged yet another healthy drink of the wine, seemingly dead set on finishing the bottle right then and there. “Just WHAT?” Vinyl snarled as she coughed down her latest attack on the wine. Octavia could see her starting to sway unsteadily on her hind legs from the alcohol. Party Mare or not, the emotional impact of the night was not helping the DJ’s normally legendary tolerance for liquor. “There’s no excuse for what I did. I’m so sorry.” Octavia stated somberly. Vinyl’s head swam as she tried to take another swig from the bottle, only to find it emptied. With a frustrated snort, the magical aura released the bottle in mid-air and it crashed to the floor, shattering. She turned her attention to to the wine remaining in Octavia’s glass and made short work of it before turning back to look at her marefriend. Her vision seemed somewhat hazy, but hurt and anger still ruled her mind in the moment. “No. No, there ain’t no excuse.” The words sounded thick, slurred. Octavi hung her head, looking to the cottage floor with regret. “But you know what? You don’t need one.” Octavia looked up in confusion to see Vinyl step to the stereo, mashing the power button with her hoof. The classical music shut off abruptly, leaving an uncomfortable silence as Vinyl stood there, her eyes staring straight ahead to the cottage’s front door. “Vinyl… what do you mean?” Without looking back, Vinyl stepped to the door and turned the handle with her unicorn magic. “You don’t need an excuse ‘cause you don’t have a marefriend any more.” the DJ stated as the door swung open. Still not looking back to the mare she once loved, Vinyl continued as she stepped past the threshold, “I’ll get my stuff tomorrow.” Octavia felt as if she would die. “Vinyl! Vinyl, please!” She shouted suddenly as she felt the sobs start to choke her words. “Don’t trot away, I- I need you! I’m so sorry!” Vinyl turned to look back at her from the front walk. Her unicorn magic raised those trademark sunglasses to look at Octavia with eyes that held nothing but hurt and anger. “Buck off. I gave you everything… but it wasn’t enough, was it?” Before Octavia could say another word, Vinyl focused her magic to slam the door shut, then turned to trot off into the night. She had no exact plans on where she was going, but she knew she needed some loud wubs and strong drinks… maybe even somepony to help her through the night. In the cottage, Octavia fell to the floor as her mind screamed at her how right Vinyl was, how horrid she was, and how she had just taken everything she cherished most in Equestria and thrown it all away, all for not walking away from that question… “What do you say, Octavia?”
Chapter 3“What do you say, Octavia?” Starlight’s voice repeating the question snapped Octavia back to the present. Had she just been lost in her thoughts of what could happen? She blinked a moment as she looked to Starlight’s expectant face. Starlight gave a nervous chuckle before brushing back her mane with her hoof and saying, “Not to be rude, but you’re really not making it any easier by not answering. So... “ Starlight looked down for a moment before finding the cellist’s gaze again. “Please, Octavia? One kiss?” Octavia smiled and took in a breath before speaking. “I am sorry, Miss Strings, but this relationship must remain professional. I hope you can find somepony to make you as happy as Vinyl makes me.” Starlight stood at a loss for words as Octavia turned to exit. “That’s it?” she asked softly. “Yes, that is all.” Octavia replied as she approached the door and opened it, stepping into the night. The conductor’s office door opened, and Bright Baton and the flautist stepped out. The conductor looked to the stage where Starlight stood alone. “Is everything quite all right, Miss Strings?” he asked with concern. “Yes, sir.” Starlight answered softly. “Just- just lingering for a moment. I’m off.” Meanwhile, Octavia made her way through the center of town, approaching the Stablebucks where Pezzo sat as expected, with two steaming cups of tea before her. “Hey, Octi.” the second chair cellist greeted her. “Everything all right?” Octavia stepped to the table, standing before it without taking a seat. She smiled with relief felt from having made up her mind. “Better than all right, Pezzo. I wonder, would you mind terribly if I took this tea with me? I really want to get home to Vinyl.” Pezzo grinned at her friend. “In a better place, huh? Strings must have had something good to say.” “I promise, I will tell you all about it tomorrow-” “Oh, go on, Octi.” Pezzo replied as she slid the cup across the table. “Have a good night with Vinyl.” Octavia accepted the cup with a grateful nod. “Indeed I will. Talk to you tomorrow, Pezzo.” The cellist turned to leave as her junior sat back and raised her own cup in the air in a silent toast to her friend. Octavia trod on through the town, sipping at the tea as she drew ever closer to her cottage with a contented smile upon her face. Could her vision have been true? Maybe this was the night that everything would come together. As she neared her home, she could hear, just as she had envisioned, the muffled bass of Vinyl’s dubstep pounding through the walls. Octavia straightened the strap of her cello case upon her back, drew in a deep breath, and opened the front door. Inside, she found Vinyl parked on the couch, her head bobbing to the dubstep invading their living room. Almost immediately, her unicorn horn glowed as she simultaneously raised her purple-lensed sunglasses and raised the stereo remote within her magical aura. She looked to Octavia and greeted her with a quiet “Hey, babe.” The stereo clicked off, with no music to take its place. On the table in front of the couch, Octavia noted a greasy box with half a potato and peony pizza and a partial case of Barley Beer. “Er, Vinyl? What happened to the dinner I prepared?” Vinyl let out a nervous chuckle. “Ohhh… that. Yeah, I was totally gonna make that, and I kinda forgot, and when I tried to grab it from the fridge the dish kinda slipped and it just went everywhere… I got it all cleaned up, but yeah, it was trashed.” Vinyl levitated the open beer before her and took a drink. Octavia took in a deep breath. Calm…. In the back of her mind, she wondered if any part of her imagination had been accurate. “Well… did you finish your mix at least?” The DJ let out a muffled belch and looked up with surprise. “You care about that?” Octavia looked to her marefriend and smiled. “Of course I do, Vinyl.” Just as she had imagined, she found herself pointing to Vinyl’s cutie mark. “Your music is your passion, as my music is my own.” Vinyl’s mouth turned up in a smile. “Yeah… yeah, I finished it today. I talked to Neon earlier, and he’s gonna help promote it. I’m taking him a copy tomorrow.” She patted the case of beer before her before continuing, “This is kinda my celebration. Listen, I know beer’s not really your thing, but… Join me?” Her unicorn magic levitated a bottle from the box before Octavia. Octavia settled herself on the couch and took the offered bottle, smiling at Vinyl. “Vinyl… I don’t suppose you could take a little break before you start a new project? I miss you…” The DJ smiled back. “I was planning on it, babe. I miss you too, ya know.” With that, she raised her bottle. “To us, Tavi.” Octavia raised her own bottle and clinked the neck of hers to Vinyl’s. “To us, indeed, Vinyl.” She said. She took a drink, the bitter taste of the barley beer working down her throat. Beside her, Vinyl took a far heavier drink, and let out a satisfying belch. Perhaps Starlight had a point… Vinyl remained uncultured, at times even aloof. But at the end of the day, Octavia knew in her heart that the mare loved her, and that she would not have her any other way. Her quiet thought was broken by Vinyl laughing at her own belch. Vinyl looked to Octavia, who wore her typical bemused expression in response. “I love you, babe” she said with a smile to the cultured cellist, in so many ways her opposite and at the same time her perfect match. Octavia leaned into her, cradling the beer in her hoof and closing her eyes peacefully. “I love you too, Vinyl.”
Epilogue Epilogue Morning found the two musician ponies waking cuddled next to each other in bed. Over a normal breakfast (Oats for Octavia, leftover pizza for Vinyl), the two planned their day. Octavia was off to a rehearsal session with Pezzo to review certain cello pieces for the upcoming concert under Bright Baton, nothing too unusual. Vinyl was preparing to take a copy of her master recording of the new mix to Neon, who would listen to it, provide his own plans for lighting it, and the two of them would plan the piece’s club debut. At the end of the day, the two would meet at home for an evening together. Vinyl had no distinct plans for exactly what they would do, but she was looking forward to a nice cold beer with Octavia then, that much was certain. The dishes cleared, Octavia went to the bedroom and emerged shortly after with her mane fully brushed and styled and her familiar pink bow tie perfectly tied. “Looking like a million bits, babe!” Vinyl grinned as she tossed her portable storage drive into her saddle bag. Octavia smiled with a slight blush as she shouldered her cello. “Thank you, Vinyl. I shall see you tonight.” Octavia opened the door, then turned back to look at Vinyl, who was still busying herself for her own errands of the day. “I love you, Vinyl.” Vinyl looked up, albeit briefly. “Love you too, babe.” she said absentmindedly before turning her attention back to her saddlebag. She missed the quiet sigh from Octavia as the door closed. Ten minutes later, Vinyl finished her packing and her horn glowed as she levitated the saddlebag across her back. Next, her headphones floated to her and around her neck from behind Lastly, her music player was plugged in and settled in the bag. The DJ stepped outside to the morning sun and closed the door behind her. She was about to snap the headphones over her ears when she heard the voice from behind her. “Vinyl Scratch?” Vinyl came to a stop and saw a pony approaching her. She didn’t recognize the mare, but noted the bow cutie mark on her flank and surmised that she was a musician, classical from the look of it. Hard to imagine that somepony like her was a fan of her work, but it was about all she could assume. “Yeah? What can I do for you?” she answered. “I need to talk to you.” the mare replied tersely. Vinyl shifted, unnerved. This pony was not at all like the average fan who just recognized her and approached her in a starstruck way. “Do I know you?” Vinyl asked. “No.” Vinyl chuckled nervously. “Uh, would you like an autograph?” Now the mare glared openly at her. A disgusted snort escaped her. “An autograph? Buck, no.” Vinyl’s stomach fluttered. Who was this mare? “Well, what-” “You just shut up and listen. Listen good.” The mare growled. “I- uh- yeah?” Vinyl replied, feeling her mouth going dry. “You think you deserve Octavia? You don’t. Just because she doesn’t see you for the discourteous, uncultured mule you are today doesn’t mean she never will.” Vinyl’s eyes opened wide. Her sunglasses levitated up to look at the mare with no obstruction. “Who are you?” She asked in disbelief. “Not important.” came Starlight’s reply. “But I want you to know something. One day, Octavia will see you for what you are. One day, your neglect will be enough to push her away. One day… she’ll understand what I already know is true. When that day comes, I WILL be there to take care of her.” Vinyl was at a loss for words as the mysterious mare continued. “Mark my words, mule. It will happen.” With that, the other pony turned and trotted away. Vinyl stood there, utterly in shock. What had that pony been talking about? Her mind thought back to just how wrapped up she had been in her mix, how many late nights she had stumbled in to find Octavia asleep. Guilt overtook her as she wondered how many dinners she had messed up, only to try to make it up with cheap beer and greasy pizza. Her headphones levitated off her neck as her phone floated to her ear, already dialing Neon’s number. Their plans would have to wait. She would drop the mix off, but she wasn’t sticking around. She was going to borrow some bits from Neon, call it a loan against what the mix would bring in if he insisted, and then she was off to shop. What was that expensive wine Octavia liked? Oh yeah, Black Rose Wine... THE END
