Blue Eyes and a Beat

Chapters

A Starry Night's Wish
A Good Night's Sleep
Tomorrow's Promise
A Walk To Remember
A Relaxing Moment
A Rainy Revelation
The Calm Before The Storm
A Tense Reunion
Making A Plan
A Return Of Memories
A Small Moment
A Night With The Bears
The Breakfast Of Champions
A Day With DJ Santa
A Message Full of Memories
A Talk With An Old Friend
The Race To Prepare
A Birthday Bash
A Nightmare Before Christmas
The Lion's Den
The Biggest Cliche
A Heart To Heart

A Starry Night's Wish

I could hear the thumping bass from a block away, and I swear the concrete was vibrating under my feet. I couldn’t wait to hit the scene. Maybe I’d dance a little, chat up a few people, make some noise. My cerulean wings tensed from the excitement.

‘Come on, just a little farther,’ I thought to myself. Filled to the brim with energy, even Pinkie would be hard-pressed to beat me now. I’m definitely a party kind of girl.

I reached the door of the warehouse, and wait just a second to savor the moment, like I do every time. Suddenly, the door opens, and I’m pulled inside. Strangely, there’s nobody there, or at least that’s what I thought.

“S’up Dash! I saw you out there on your lonesome, so I decided to give you a little company!” The blue-haired girl stared at me expectantly. I smiled at her, dropping my arms back to my sides and hoping my wings would fold back after I got over my fright. She had been about three seconds away from being toast. I didn't take self defense classes for nothing.

“Heya, Vi! I was just coming in to see you! Only, shouldn’t you be DJ’ing?” I had a point, it was her club, after all.

“Nah, I got Eight Track up there for me. He not as good as me, but he’s got good rhythm!” She swayed a little to the beat, bumping her hip into mine.

“Great! Now we can hang,” I said eagerly. I was ready to do some dancing!

“Yep! Now what say we hang on the dance floor?” She seemed to read my mind, jabbing her thumb back at the mob of sweaty people.

“Bring it on! You know I’m the better dancer!” I had to shout the last bit, because Eight was going crazy. Even better to dance, fast was my style.

“Yeah, right! Well, get out there, and we’ll see who’s better!” Admittedly, I would probably lose, but I would give it my best shot.

I led the way onto the the packed floor, and what followed next was hours filled with thumping, bumping, grinding and thrashing. Vinyl actually was better, but no way I’d let her know that.

Finally, we took a break. I slipped through the crowd, with Vinyl close behind. We made our way to the drink table, pushing aside crazed ravers. I snagged a couple of sodas, and handed one to a thirsty Vinyl.

“Hey Dash, want to go outside for a minute?” Her eyes sparkled with adrenaline behind her purple goggles, still on a dancing high.

“Sure, Vi, lead the way!” I needed a break from the heat, anyway. You would not believe how hot it gets in a room with a hundred other people pressed up against each other.

We fought our way to the hallway, and entered the stairwell. It was dark, so Vinyl took my hand and guided me up the stairs, swearing slightly every time she slipped on the slick stone steps.

As I walked out, I noticed how beautiful the stars were. No wonder Twi always stared at them. Tonight was really clear, and, as this was the tallest building for miles, we could see the entire Manehatten skyline. It was really magical, and I thought it was definitely the best night I'd had in a while.

“Hey, Dash, get your head out of the clouds, and come sit over here!” Vinyl was waving at me, pointing to a spot facing the forest, which had the best view of the sky.

I walked over to her, and collapsed rather ungracefully into a sitting position, appreciating that Vinyl kept the roof of the building so clean. We were both sitting with our legs dangling over the side, kicking them gently back and forth. I cracked open my drink, and took a sip, looking around now and then. It was fairly clear up here, not too many vents or anything, and the roof access hatch. It would be a good takeoff spot, I might have to practice some maneuvers from here.

“Mmm, orange! Thanks Dash, you always know just what I need!” She smiled so wide, I thought her face would crack. It made me happy that I made her happy; after all, we were best friends.

“Anytime. You know, it’s real nice out here. I still want to know how you keep it so clean.” I was admiring the grime-free roof in slight wonder. I assume it took extensive maintenance. She probably had a full-time staff member to clean. Or she just cheated with her magic. That sounds more like the Vinyl I know.

“Yeah, but you're not going to find out.” She turned around to look at me, using that brilliant smile again. My heart fluttered. Weird.

A sudden thought struck me. “You know, I’ve never really seen your eyes. They’re always under those goggles. You should take ‘em off for a second.” I just realized she still had them on, and I was really curious as to what her real eye color was. Some people rumored that it was red, but I didn't bother with rumors.

“Nah, I never take these babies off.” She shrugged, like, 'What can ya do?'

“Please, for me,” I wheedled. For some reason, it seemed really important all of a sudden.

“Oh, fine, if you’ll stop whining.” She pulled them down to hang from her neck, and she faced me. “Better?”

I found myself caught in her eyes. They were twin pools of burning fire, crimson windows to her soul, like...Okay! I’ve been spending too much time with the egghead...

“Um, yeah, much better,” I finally choked out, wondering where my sudden eloquence had come from. I don't talk like that at all. Ever. Almost flunked English my freshman year of high school.

She beamed at me, and my heart did a little flip. ‘What the... what’s wrong with me? It’s just Vi for Pete’s sake! You’ve known her for years. I mean, she is very pretty, beautiful even, with her blue, ragged punk hair framing her smiling face, and those eyes, so dreamy, with...SNAP OUT OF IT!’ I shook my head, trying to clear it. It helped, a little.

We sat for awhile in silence, staring at the night sky, sipping our drinks, and enjoying each other's company. I was admiring the beautiful stars, free of pollution, when Vinyl spoke, breaking my reverie.

“Hey, guess what? It’s 11:11, time to make a wish!” There it was again, that flip-inducing smile. I really had to get a hold on myself.

“Okay, here goes... I wish that there could be more nights like this, spent with a close friend. It's really nice, just what I need.” I looked over at her for acknowledgment.

“And I wish, that some girl I knew could catch a hint." Girl? Huh. "That rainbow hair of hers must mess with her brain!” She looked over at me, a devilish grin on her face.

Wait, rainbow hair... “What? Hints? What do you mean?” I was confused. Thoroughly, utterly, unbelievably boggled.

“I mean this.” Vinyl leaned over, and before I could react, kissed me full on my lips. I threw out my arms, and my wings exploded into sight, caught completely by surprise. She tasted like over-sweet oranges and mint gum. Peppermint? I didn’t have time to find out, though, because she pulled away, blushing furiously.

“I-I-I-I gotta go!” She stumbled to her feet and started to run. Oh, crap.

“Wait,” I called after her. “Slow down, I’m not mad!” I really didn't want her to run off like that, seeing as my confession to Twi hadn't gone so well. I still remember the sting, and that all I wanted was to still be friends with her after that. It's hard, you know, attraction to the same gender. One of the biggest challenges I've ever had to deal with...

She turned around. “Really, I thought you would be, seeing as you’re so straight and all.” Oh, how adorable she was! That was about as on point as claiming I was an Earthie. Not so much, considering the wings on my back, which were slowly starting to loosen and return to their folded position between my shoulder blades.

Judging from my recent thoughts, and the state of the pulse beating through my body, she wasn’t entirely correct, but she didn’t need to know that yet, not until I sorted out my feelings. “Yeah, well, I don’t mind. You just had to get it out, and I’m just glad I could help. Now, as for taking this any further, well, I’ll have to think about that.” And a lot of thinking it would be. Not necessarily about my attraction to her, but about the repercussions it could bring...

“R-really? You don’t mind?" She was still nervous, and then the rest caught up with her. "Wait, take it further? Are you serious?” She practically started floating. Again, the similarities with Pinkie...

“Well, that’s kinda what I just said. ‘Maybe’ is the best I can do for now.” I shrugged and gave her a smile. I wonder if mine was "flip-inducing" like hers was to me. Probably, given her recent statement. I would be able to tell if she had a more expressive face, but she didn't, so I could only guess.

“Maybe! Woo-hoo!” She had turned the most adorable red earlier. Now the blood rush was receding, and it was down to the cutest pink I had ever seen in someone's face.

I could swear she had turned into Pinkie, the way she was bouncing. That girl had more energy than I ever would. Always had, and that's saying something. I was a demon when we were small.

“ Oh yeah, and before I forget...” I got up and ran forward, almost falling on my face in the process, just barely managing to maneuver my wings to redirect my crash course into the pavement to a crash course into Vinyl. Then, I kissed her back, half-throwing myself at her while recovering my balance. “That’s payback! Nobody surprises me and gets away with it!” Well, except for Pinkie, but she's always done that. “Now you can tell everyone that the Great Rainbow Dash kissed you!”

She blinked rapidly, her scarlet eyes excited and somewhat distressed. And there was that red face again. “Oh, I wouldn’t ever tell anybody!” She crossed her arms over her chest, embarrassment driving her to be shy. You think she'd be used to me by now, and all of that occasionally annoying confidence. We've known each other for years.

“Well, then how’s about we sit back down and finish our drinks, so we can go party some more?” I really wanted her to know I wasn't mad, and I wasn't going to shun her. I could still recall the pain of uncertainty, even after Twi had told me it was all right. It was never alright to me. I still remember feeling so guilty, so ashamed of what I was, and what I had foolishly let myself do, instead of keeping quiet.

“If it isn’t too awkward...” She eased down next to me, but farther away than earlier. She still seemed really awkward and nervous. Maybe I could do something about that. I'm generally fairly good at getting her to relax, but I don;t know if my presence would aggravate her tension right now, or not.

“Not at all, in fact...” I scooted a little closer, wings flared to help with balance. “You’re going to freeze that far away. I don’t bite, so there’s no reason for that." I pulled my jacket tight around me, insulating myself against the cold night air. "Now, I don’t mean we’re gonna cuddle, but hey, we’re best friends, and it’s cold, so I’m gonna find heat wherever I can, before my important bits fall off.”

She blushed, and then giggled, which was what I was aiming for. There was no reason to make this awkward. Even if I decided not to take her up later, I still wanted to be friends, and what better way to accomplish that than to make her laugh? I, for one, didn't want to lose one of my best friends to something so silly as a misunderstanding. Not when I had almost done the same not a year before.

I hugged her and then gazed at the stars, and she did too, as we finished off the last of our drinks. This was definitely one of the strangest nights I've ever had, and yet, I didn't want it to end. How could I?

A Good Night's Sleep

I walked Vinyl home after the party, telling her jokes and funny stories the whole way. It was the least I could do, seeing as she had just revealed some pretty personal stuff. She really seemed to enjoy the stories about how I got Fluttershy to join the flight team in middle school. Man, that was definitely crazy. “Goodnight Vi, see you in the morning. Have good dreams and whatnot.” She pulled that smile again, this time with a wink. She was really driving me crazy. I mean, she always has, but her teasing was different now. A little more... Sensual. Flirty.

"I bet I will, Dash, after that kiss." Her eyes shone with mirth. She enjoys teasing me as much as she ever has. Oh well, I'll get her back later, with some crafty prank. Pranks are pretty much my modus operandi. "Goodnight, Dash. Have some sweet dreams tonight! Maybe, artifically sweetened?" Dear Luna, that girl! She doesn't quit!

After I made sure she was safely inside, I took my time getting back to my apartment, even though it was only a couple blocks away. I needed time to think, and the night hours always relaxed me. That, and the stars reminded me of long nights with some old girlfriends. Oh, I was going to have a heck of a night. Ordinarily I loved the solitude to think, but tonight, my thoughts were the problem.

“Well, she’s beautiful, sweet, kind, funny, loves music and partying, and has blue hair. She’s loyal, brave, strong, and not afraid of a challenge. Oh, and she likes me, too,” I mused to myself. Thinking out loud usually helps, and as I walked, I could breathe again, the weight on my chest lifting, just as I realized it was there. I shook out my head as I realized what I had to do. "Thank you, Vinyl, thank you!" I practically skipped down the sidewalk, heart lighter than it had been in months.

I had to tell the most beautiful woman I knew that I loved her. Should be easy, right? The question is, how?

I guess I could just walk up to her and say it, but that doesn’t seem right. Not at all. She's special. She's my best friend. It needs to be romantic and peaceful, like tonight was. But how am I gonna do that? I mean, I’m not exactly the most mushy girl around, even if I've got charm and smooth moves to spare. In fact, I’m usually the last person that people come to for relationship advice. With good reason, of course, seeing as most of my relationships ended in disaster.

“That’s it! I’ll ask Applejack! I mean, I would ask Rarity, but she’s really snooty; and I don’t know how she’ll react to me being, well, into girls. I mean, I guess this makes me a lesbian unquestionably, now. Still, I know AJ can help me.” Seeing as I ran crying to her after my incident with Twi, she already knew my secret. It still embarrassed me, the thought of my breakdown. I've never been weak, and even when I felt hopeless, I managed to keep it to myself. Not that time, though.

I finally arrived at my door a few minutes later, thoroughly exhausted. As I fumbled for my keys in the dark, I realized I was still wearing a goofy smile. Augh, sentiment! “Huh, I guess I do really like her. Well, I knew that, but I didn’t want to admit it. Not after last time." I shook my head, chasing away those evil thoughts. "I guess I’m still in a kind of daze. Okay, whatever, I can deal with that.”

I stepped in the door, and promptly tripped over the umbrella stand. Great. “Why the hell do I always do that? Stupid umbrellas,” I growled as I righted the stand. I guess it was my fault for being all loopy. “Hey, Tank! I’m home! Come here, buddy!” I clapped my hands, and heard a thump down the hallway.

I watched as he came trundling out of the bedroom. “Hey buddy, how are you,” I asked as I scratched under his leathery skin. He made the turtle equivalent of a purr. It was a weird, gravelly sound, like rocks in a washing machine. Not that I would ever do something like that, as a prank, or anything.

“Well, I guess I’d better get some sleep now. Comin' with?” I went and grabbed some pajama pants from the clean hamper, and slipped out of my jeans, then dropped them in the dirty hamper. I turned around to see Tank staring at me pitifully.

“ All right, you can sleep with me tonight. Get up here, you big lug.” He took his cue, and clambered up his little stairs to the bed. I sighed, and climbed into bed, myself. I pulled up the maroon cotton sheets, and turned off the light. “Good night, Tank. See ya in the morning,” I managed to get out past my yawn. I guess I was tired, after all.

I pulled the blankets closer around me, expecting a restless night, but as soon as I closed my eyes, I was out. I snuggled in deeper, and prepared to have some good dreams.

And, were they ever. I didn’t think I felt that strongly. I suppose it's not the first time, though.

Tomorrow's Promise

When I woke up, the sun was in my eyes. Or, rather, the sun shining in my eyes was why I woke up. Well, I guess I need to get up now. Stupid sun. Why Celestia couldn't raise it later in the day, I'll never know. I suppose I could always ask...

"Nngh, too bright! Where's that stupid blind?" I stumbled around for a few more seconds, trying not to kill myself. "You know what, I give up!" Seeing as it was around nine, I needed to just put up with it, and let my eyes adjust. I guess today was the day I faced the music. Aha, face 'the music!' "That's a good one!" I chuckled softly to myself, a little delirious with sleep still. My bad puns were obviously not dampening my good mood. Unfortunately. "Now, where is that hamper?"

I found it, and pulled some more clean clothes out. I had my favorite ripped skinnies (turquoise, of course), and my grey Breaking Benjamin tee. "Nothing like a little Ben, now and then." I stopped in the middle of my 'pants dance', which consisted of hopping, scooting, and dancing around while trying to pull on the tight clothing.

"Hey, that rhymed! Man, I'm just full of it today!" I was too happy and excited to groan at my antics. Although, that may have been the cause of it. I just couldn't stop the lame jokes. I really nee help...

I walked to the bathroom, and did my morning stuff; brushing teeth, straightening my naturally wavy hair, putting contacts in, that sort of stuff. After shaking my hair into it's usual messiness, I jumped up and down a couple times, to get pumped up. I figure, why not? I'm sure I looked pretty silly, but, hey, it's what I do before a big flight or track competition, so why should this be any different?

"Well, bye Tank! See you later," I said as I poured him some food and water. I knew Pinkie would be by in an hour to check on him, as usual, but I couldn't just leave him to wait for her. I scratched under his chin again, and walked out the door into the blinding sunshine.

I headed out on my usual route to Vinyl's place, through the center of town. Usually I just pass by the market, but seeing as how, in my haste, I forgot breakfast, I went to pick something up. I saw AJ, and went to say hello, and maybe get an apple fritter or two. Breakfast of champions.

"Hey, AJ! How's business?" She just looked at me, and shook her head, muttering something under her breath about 'silly girls...'

"It's just fine as always, seeing as how Ah've got your and Soarin's appetite to keep me busy. Ah can usually sell a day's worth of pies to that man in one hour," she said as she pulled out more trays of goodies, tanned arms flexing with the weight. She was an attractive girl, very much so. But not really my type. She's just a little too boring for me. Must be the farm in her blood. Doesn't mean I couldn't admire the view, though.

"Yeah, he does like his pies! Hey, you got a couple of fritters for me?" What am I saying? I need to ask her for advice, not food! I kicked myself mentally.

" 'Course Ah do! Ah always have plenty of everything! What do ya take me for, Carrot Top?" She smiled at the jab to her competitor. A little friendly rivalry never hurt anybody, but Tops always took it the wrong way.

"Great! Also, can I ask you something, in private?" Seeing the look on her face, I quickly added, "Not that, that's not it!" I was a little bit flustered with that. I mean, sure, I've dated my other best friends, but jeez, we're more like sisters. Of course, so was Shy, but I won't get into that.

Smiling at me, she gestured to the tent behind her. Holding open the flap, she waved me inside the dark interior. I tipped up the corner of my mouth in a nervous grin, and followed her inside.

I looked around for a minute, a bit uncomfortable asking this. Quit that, she's your oldest friend besides 'Shy! Although, after the...situation we had, I still felt nervous around the pink-haired beauty. I scuffed my heel into the hard dirt, and tried to find a way to break the news; while AJ leaned against the other tent pole, twirling a piece of straw in her fingers, Stetson pulled low over her emerald eyes. They were gorgeous things, those eyes. I was rather jealous of them at times.

"Hey, um, I kinda need some advice, about..." I gestured helplessly. She seemed to understand, nodding her head a bit. She spit out the straw in her mouth, and took a deep breath. AJ knew me all too well.

"Ah see what ya mean. Well, who's the girl this time," she said, teasing me slightly. She had taken the news about my preferences rather well, considering her family values and all. I know the Apples were a rather conservative family, your stereotypical Southern brood, but the younger generation of Apple girls, Apple Bloom and AJ, were a lot more open minded.

I glared at her, and then laughed. I couldn't stay mad at her. "Well, it's someone you know..." I shifted a little nervously.

She scrunched her brows together, thinking. "How well do Ah know her?" She was probably remembering Shy, and my botched attempt with Twi.

I thought for a minute. "Well enough." She still looked confused, seeing as most of our friends were straight. "You know what, I'll just tell you. I never was good at being subtle." I took a deep breath, steeling myself for it. "It's Vinyl." There was a titanic silence, and I waited for the sound of a pin dropping to let me know I hadn't just gone deaf.

She chuckled softly, alternately nodding and shaking her head. "Ah shoulda known. Y'all spend an awful lot of time together." She walked over and hugged me, the scent of apples and rich earth and something distinctly AJ filling my nose. I always relaxed at the scent. It was warm, comforting. "Ah'm happy fer ya."

I shook my head, she didn't get it."Well, the thing is, she told me last night, and I don't know if I like her back." Well, that wasn't entirely true. If I have ever spoken a more false statement in my life, it was certainly not something I remember.

AJ raised one brow. "Okay, I like her! I guess, I just, don't know how to tell her. I mean, I told her 'maybe', and then that's as far as I got." I felt pretty frustrated by this point. I just couldn't figure out how to explain it. I kinda suck at words. At least, when I'm speaking.

"Well, first ya gotta tell her. Now as to how to do that, that's tricky. The best Ah can say is to go to her house, and surprise her somehow." She looked just as helpless as I felt. Oh, right! AJ's only been on a couple of dates, and usually the guy would turn out to be a jerk. Why didn't I think of this earlier? I was about to facepalm, but AJ was right there, and I didn't want to hurt her feelings.

I hugged her one last time, glad to have such a good friend. I know she had tried her hardest to help me, being the Element of Honesty and everything. If she said she didn't know, she didn't know. "Well, thanks. I'll go try that!" I gave her a friendly wave, and left the tent. I blinked at the sunshine, and then set off to find something to surprise Vinyl with.

"Well, flowers won't work, she's not that kind of girl. Same goes for candy, I guess. Wait!" I stopped dead in my tracks, jostling some people behind me. "Music! She likes music! I'll get her a cd!" I ran off to find the nearest music store, elated with my discovery. So elated, in fact, that I completely forgot that I could have flown there and saved myself some time...

Well, the first one was all classical, and the second carried just instruments, of which Vinyl had plenty, and I didn't have the money for. Finally, after an hour of trudging through the crowded streets, I found the perfect shop. It was called Moose & Long, and I swear it sold everything out there in popular music. I may have to come back later for myself.

I entered the shop, and was greeted by music so loud I could hardly hear my own thoughts. Awesome! I wandered around, looking at the displays for a minute before I was greeted by a rather messy-looking man. His nametag identified him as Moose. He was really cool when I told him I was here to buy something for Vinyl. Apparently, she was a regular customer. Somehow, I managed to find the one shop in all of Manehatten that she was known by name at. Lucky break.

"Well, I'd like to get her a cd, but I don't know exactly what her favorite bands are. Can you help me?" I had just realized the mess I was in. He nodded his head, and dashed off to the back to get something. I stood there, waiting for him. He returned a few minutes later with a small plastic case.

"This is from a new band that I know she hasn't heard before! They're called 'For Our Hero', and they're really hot right now." He jumped up suddenly, and exclaimed, "I'm just gonna go wrap this!" Man, he really was peppy.

I followed him, and ended up at the counter. I started to pull out my wallet, and he stopped me. "No charge, ma'am. I can see this isn't just a casual visit." He winked at me, and put his finger to his lips. I was taken aback. This guy was peppy, and perceptive! I blushed a little at the implied message, and tucked my wallet back into my pocket.

I wordlessly took the package, and thanked him. I guess I looked a little embarrassed, because he said, "Oh, don't worry, I won't tell a soul!" It was eerily similar to what Vinyl said last night, and I jumped a little. He smiled, and shooed me out the door.

"Say hi for me," he shouted as I extended my wings to fly towards Vinyl's place. As I began to take off into the air, I waved my hand to show I had heard him. With a powerful thrust, I soared into the sky, and I looked around for the roof of Vinyl's apartment building.

I ended up there a few minutes later. 'They don't call me the fastest for nothing,' I thought as I rang the doorbell. I heard a series of electronic notes, and a muffled 'in a minute!' Suddenly, the door swung open, and Vinyl poked her head through the door. It was clear I had just woken her up, as she was still in pajamas, and her hair was messy and flat on one side.

She combed through it hurriedly when she saw it was me, and blushed a little."Hey Dash! How are you," she said brightly, despite having been just woken up. Evidently she was a fast waker. I grinned back at her, glad that I could surprise her. Though, considering I had spent so many mornings with her after sleepovers, I found it rather amusing that she cared what she looked like.

She noticed the package in my hands, and when I handed it to her, she blushed deeper and gestured me inside. I sat on the couch, and watched as she took out the cd and just stared at it. She looked at me, and looked down again, trying to hide her face. I moved over to her couch, and pulled her chin up.

"Hey," I said softly. I was wondering what was going on behind those pretty eyes. The fact that she was hiding them signaled that something was wrong. I always knew when something wasn't right with her.

She looked deep into my eyes, and hugged me. She was trembling, and I was a little nervous. I awkwardly patted her back. I then realized there was a growing wet spot on my back. I pulled back and looked at her. Great.

"Hey now, there's no need to cry." She looked at the floor again, and I hugged her this time, even tighter, if possible. "Hey, it's okay. Shh, don't cry." I was on the verge of crying myself, and I don't cry! She eventually stopped sniffling, and sat back.

"I'm sorry, I soaked your favorite shirt!" She looked mortified. I just smiled back at her, and laughed. I could care less about the shirt. It wasn't like I had a couple dozen more back at home.

"Hey, it'll dry! Look, it's okay. Hey, don't cry again!" I watched as her eyes filled again. I had always hated to see her cry. It was like watching one of my little sisters cry. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close within their warm embrace.

"I'm sorry, I'm just so, happy, I guess?" She looked at me for reassurance, then continued. "Does this mean what I think it means?" She stared at me, looking so fragile, I just wanted to die right then. I nodded, and looked deep into her eyes, searching for a sign, something to tell me she would be alright.

She stood up and started laughing and dancing around the room. She came over, and pulled me up to dance with her. I just stood there for a second, and then hugged her as tightly as I could without hurting her. "I love you, and I'll never let you go. I promise, I'll never let anyone hurt you, including myself." She looked up at me, her eyes shining, and kissed me gently. I returned it, a little deeper. I could taste the salt of her tears, and could feel her laughing against my lips. I had to giggle a little, too. I pulled back for a second, and, as if noticing for the first time, how beautiful she was, with the morning sun glancing off of her lithe figure. Then, I realized she was still in her pajamas. I poked her lightly in the shoulder.

"Hey, how about you go get changed, so we can go out and do something? How does that sound?" I smiled at her, and got a small smile in return. God, I loved this girl. She had already won my heart and affection through the years, but now she had earned something new. Romance.

"Okay. I will! Thanks for, well, everything!" She was starting to sound more like herself. "And I'll bring you a clean shirt. I don't exactly know any drying spells..." She giggled as she saw my wet shirt. Heh, yeah, wet tee shirt contest. I win.

"Sure, that would be nice." I pulled it away from my skin, and let it fall back down. I laughed a little, and said, "You can cry on my shirt anytime if it means you feel better." I smirked, and she punched me lightly. It was true, after all. I had always been her shoulder to lean on.

"I'll be back in a minute," she said as she disappeared into her bedroom. I could hear her laughing softly to herself. My heart twinged, and I smiled at the sound of her happiness. Whether I was the cause or not, I always loved that laugh. It was a hearty laugh, not one those fake tinkly laughs most girls have. It always washed away my troubles like a spring rain, and it was just one of the many reason I loved her.

She walked out of the room a few seconds later, in a black tee with a city graphic, some super-skinny white jeans, and her usual blue Converse. She was carrying a black tee, and handed it to me. It had a picture of Albert Einstein on it, the one from our trip to the Smithsonian. I loved that she was a little nerdy, because I was, too. She had a grey hoodie, and put it on as she turned around to let me change my shirt. I found that action the slightest bit amusing, because we'd changed in front of each other for years, with total disregard for privacy. It was just how close we were. But I guess now, she decided something had changed.

I realized that it was a little chilly outside, but I was okay with that, as the tee she gave me was long-sleeved. I hugged her from behind, letting her know it was okay to turn around. She chuckled softly, and I thought to myself, I will never get tired of that sound, as long as I live.

"So, where are we going?" She looked at me with a question in her eyes. I could read them so well, after all these years.

"I thought it would be fun to go to the park, on a nice day like this." She smiled at me, and took my hand, as we walked out into the sunlight.

A Walk To Remember

I still held Vinyl's hand as we walked through town. She squeezed my hand every time someone walked past. I felt my heart constrict as the revelation hit me. She hadn't come out to anyone yet! I mean, I hadn't except for my friends, but I didn't have a problem with announcing it to the world. I looked at her worried face, and my heart hurt even more.

Looking ahead, I saw an alley, and I pulled her into it. She was visibly trembling by now, so I gathered her up in a hug, surrounding her with my own body and wings. I was treated to the smell of her shampoo, something citrus-y, like oranges? I kept holding her as she calmed down a little. I didn't let her go yet, but I started to speak.

"Hey, I'm sorry, I forgot. I know, that wasn't very smart of me, and I'm so sorry. I wish I would have realized it sooner." I rested my chin on top of her head, and just stood there, comforting her in that grimy alley. I was a little confused, I had never seen this side of her before, in all of the time I had known her. She was all weepy and sensitive. I kind of liked it, the fact that she was always trying to be strong, even when she wasn't. The feel of her breathing calmed me a little, I guess. Finally she spoke.

"It's okay, I was just a little worried, you know? I mean, how are people gonna react? People like us usually aren't public about, you know..." She took a deep breath, still clutching me tightly, and started again. "What I mean is, I'm worried people are gonna hate us." She started crying again, and my heart broke. I swear, I'd never seen this girl so emotional.

"Hey, listen. What we've got is more important than what anyone thinks. And, I'm sure nobody's gonna hate you. They're just jealous they can't have me now." I added that last part as a joke, and she did manage to find the humor. I still wasn't going to let go. "I understand if you don't want to tell people yet. I'll respect it if you want to keep us private."

She shook her head, which was more like rolling it on my shoulder. "I just feel so ashamed, you know, to feel like I want to hide it. That I want to hide us. She had finally stopped crying, but I was almost to tears myself. When did I get so emotional? I know Vi had always had me wrapped around her little finger, but I had never been this weak because of something emotional.

So, I did the only sensible thing. "Come on. We're gonna prove something." I took her hand, and led her out of the alley. I stopped when we reached a crowded intersection, and pulled her close to me. I kissed her softly, gently covering her lips with my own. I pulled back, and shouted, "I'm in love with the most beautiful girl in the world!" A few passerby cheered, but I didn't hear a single hateful word. Probably just because they were shocked, but I'll take what I can get. Vinyl was still a little freaked, though.

"You see? Nobody's gonna hate you. And if they do, so what? It's none of their business who your heart belongs to." I was still high on my discovery, I would've promised the moon to her if she asked for it. She nodded, a weak smile appearing on her face. I took her hand, and began skipping down the sidewalk. I just hope nobody I knew saw it.

We passed graffittied buildings and cracked sidewalks on our way to the park, stopping for a quick kiss every now and then. We got some stares, but nothing more. Probably because I glared at the last busybody. Hey, I can be pretty scary when I want to be.

Finally, we stepped off of pavement, and onto grass. Vinyl audibly sighed, probably because there were less people to be offended in the mostly empty park.

I nudged her and pointed to a grassy spot under a big maple tree. I took her hand, and pulled her down to sit next to me. I picked up a fallen leaf, and placed it on my head, like a hat, just to see how much I could make her laugh. She noticed it, giggled a little, then picked up a leaf of her own. She placed it in her palm, and blew it softly away. I couldn't help but think how beautiful she looked in the soft autumn light. When had she grown so striking? Somewhere along the way, my goofy, occasionally gap-toothed, best friend had become a woman. A woman so breath-taking, I could hardly register that she was mine in every way now.

She caught me staring and blushed. She tilted her head forward, to hide her face, and I just stared more. How did I, of all people, end up with her? She's the most beautiful, talented girl I know, and she chose me! I must be the luckiest person in the world. How did I ever stumble into friendship with such a graceful, wonderful, gorgeous creature?

I scooted forward a little, and lay back on the ground under that maple tree. She turned toward me, and unreadable expression on her face. Then, she lay down with me, her hair splayed out on the ground. She moved closer, and curled up like a cat, with her head on my stomach, a familiar position for us. She reached out for my hand, and then slowly began to fall asleep. Her breathing slowed, and she began to snore softly. A small smile was on her face, and I found that I had one, too. This was the first time I had ever felt content to just sit down, and relax. It was so peaceful out here, that I soon found myself drifting off, too, reveling in the safety of our love. I had my free hand on her side, cradling her closer to me. I closed my eyes, and fell asleep to the sound of birds chirping.

A Relaxing Moment

I woke up as the slanting rays of the sun hit my eyes. Holding a forearm over my eyes, I figured it was somewhere around late afternoon, close to dinner time. I glanced down, and Vinyl was still slumbering sweetly. I hated to wake her up, but I was cramping all over, and needed a good stretch. My legs and wings were killing me. I ran my fingers through my hair, and tried to figure out how to rouse her gently. She may have been a fast waker, but she was definitely a deep sleeper, as always.

"Hey sleepyhead, you gotta get up. I'm cramping like you wouldn't believe!" As an afterthought, I added, "And I thought that only came once a month?" She managed to wake up for that last bit, giggling as she did so. Her laugh was still warm and comforting, even wrapped in a sleepy haze.

She looked up at me, still groggy. Then, she jumped, as if my being there was a surprise. She stared at me for a long minute, lost in thought. Then, she voiced those thoughts.

"So it wasn't a dream! I was hoping it wasn't. I swear, if it would have been, I would've kicked some Sandman-ass!" She popped up for a quick kiss. I still wasn't used to this intimacy with her. It was so different from how we always were, and yet, not so very different at all.

"I told you I wouldn't ever leave you. Didn't you believe me?" I leaned back against the tree, my back twinging after remaining in that awkward position so long. My arms were all pins and needles, and my legs had a slight burning feel, like after sprinting for a long time. My wings were still numb, and I was grateful, because as soon as the blood flow began to circulate through them again, I would be on fire.

"Oh, I believed you, I just couldn't believe it was real. Think about it, the hottest girl I know just happens to like me back, and isn't totally freaked when I kiss her out of the blue. I guess, my question is, how could I be so lucky?" She had the cutest look of amazement on her face, like she still couldn't believe I was here, with her leaning on me. I couldn't half believe it, either. I had never expected this in my wildest dreams.

"You know, I was thinking the same thing. Must mean we're meant to be, that whole, great minds think alike, or whatever. I guess we're kinda like Romeo and Juliet, only without all that death and violence, and feuding families." I smiled a little at actually knowing a bit of Shakespeare. "So which one am I, Romeo, or Juliet?" I thought on that for a minute. "You know what, we're not like them at all. We'll make our own love story!" I was still pretty happy over the fact that we were actually together, that I hadn't dreamed it all. Now, if only I had been dreaming about the pain in my neck. Which, figuratively, Vinyl usually was.

We just sat together for a few more minutes, enjoying the cool autumn air. Finally I looked down. Her head was resting on my shoulder, the breeze ruffling her hair. I leaned down, and whispered, "I love you." She leaned up and kissed me, her lips soft against mine. When her eyes opened, I noticed something different. I had seen it earlier, but had since forgotten. "Hey, weren't your eyes red?" I was a little confused, seeing as how, now, her eyes were blue.

She shifted around to face me, embarrassment written on her face. "You see, the thing is, people usually get really distracted by my eyes, you know, with them being red. So, ever since this summer, every time I go out without my goggles, I use magic to make my eyes this color. That way, people would stop staring, and be able to hold a decent conversation with me. The only people it's never affected were my mother, and well, you. It makes sense, because this is a slightly more common eye color." She started laughing. "It was always so weird to be talking, and the other person just trails off, and starts staring. That's why I never had many friends, aside from you, Shy, and Tavi." She looked a little sheepish, probably worried that I would laugh at her.

"Oh, well, okay. That does make a lot of sense, actually." I understood, seeing as people had always stared at my hair. "I get that, my hair's always drawn attention." She nodded solemnly, dj turned priestess.

"That's what drew me to you in the first place. That, and your devil-may-care attitude. I loved how you always just shrugged stuff off, and didn't let it bother you. I still do." She paused for a second, considering her words. "As you can see, I'm not actually all that strong on the inside. I hung around you, because when I'm with you, I can be strong." She covered her mouth with one hand, like she regretted what she had just admitted. I had known for years that she made me stronger, but I never figured she felt the same.

I pulled her closer, and sighed a little. It was just one more thing we had in common. "It's okay, I'm not that strong, either, but with all that teasing, I had to put up that front. I was probably called twenty kinds of gay a day." It hurt, remembering all those nights spent crying myself to sleep. "It's funny, I guess they were right, in the end. But I won't let that bother me." She curled up further, and was silent for a few minutes. I wondered what she was thinking, and then, she answered that question.

"Well, I guess that makes two of us." She closed her eyes, and leaned back against me. I couldn't hold it any longer, I busted out laughing. She flipped around, a puzzled look on her face.

"I was thinking, this makes what, the thousandth tender moment we've had, and only in a few hours' time." I held up my hands in defense. "It's not that I didn't enjoy it, but I hope you're not gonna make me go soft. Always were good at pulling on my heartstrings." I had the cheesiest grin on my face, and she did, too. Then, she punched me. Twice. Yep, same old Vi.

"Yeow! Okay, kidding. I guess, it just seems a bit like a fairy tale. You know, where one person has all this unrequited love, and, magically, the other person falls in love with them. They end up marrying, and happily ever after, the end." I found that she was smirking.

"What? What did I say?" She was enjoying my confusion, maybe too much.

"Well, we fit that description, don't we?" She still had that smile.

"Yeah, so?" I was really confused, now.

"I may want a fairy tale ending, but I'm not getting married yet!" Her eyes filled with tears of mirth, enjoying her lame joke.

"Hey! That's not what I meant! And your joke was a little flat, anyway. Kinda like my chest." I knew my face had turned bright red, but I could always crack a joke to lighten my embarrassment.

"Yeah, I know, but you should see the look on your face! Talking about true love, I could swear you were just dreaming about it. Who would've known big, bad, Rainbow would want a happily ever after romance?" She started to collapse into a fit of giggles, relying on me to hold her up. I was sorely tempted to let her fall over, but I couldn't do it.

"Hey, I'm just like any other girl on the inside!" My pride was smarting a little at the insinuation that I was too manly for that sort of stuff. "I guess I started dreaming about it after my mom got...I can't talk about it." I leaned back, gazing into the sinking sun. It turned everything a sort of golden color, bronzing Vinyl's pale skin, and bringing out the beautiful fire inside her.

Vinyl looked at me, sobered. "You can tell me anything, Dash. You know that." She seemed genuinely concerned, and my walls started to slip, letting those painful memories flood in. I curled farther into myself, tensing against her warmth.

"No, I can't talk about this. It's too, I don't know. I've never understood it. All those years, and then, poof, no daddy." I closed my eyes, seeing those fragmented scenes play across my vision. I had relived those moments countless times, torturing myself, but it was something I needed to remember, so that I couldn't be hurt again.

"Hey, look at me. Dash, I'll always be there for you. Please tell me." I made the mistake of opening my eyes. She was right there, eyes pleading desperately, face open and honest. It hurt to see her so worried for me, and I made my decision.

"Oh, fine! If you want to hear about it, how about we talk over dinner, my treat." She nodded, then cracked a grin. She wouldn't be so happy after hearing what I had to say.

"Are you, Rainbow Miriam Dash, asking me out on a date?" I looked up, startled. What in Equestria? I guess I was? She was still as good at confusing me as ever.

"I kinda thought we already were on one?" She laughed even more, if that was possible. Uh oh.

"Yeah, but it doesn't count if you don't ask properly," she finished, with a twinkle in her eyes.

"So what should I do, try out some cheesy pickup lines, and my drunken slur immediately romances you?" Now I was just playing. She laughed again, the sound filling me more completely than even flying could.

"No, that's what stupid guys do to whores. You aren't stupid, or a guy, and I'm pretty sure I'm not a whore. You've got to do it properly, like I said. She was pushing it, but I enjoyed our game of cat-and-mouse. Okay, I can do proper.

I took her hand, looked her straight in the eyes, and without a trace of sarcasm, asked her. " Would you, Vinyl Scratch, do me the honor of accompanying me to a local eatery?" She laughed some more, and then answered.

"Surely, my good lady. For thine eyes twinkleth with the light of yonder stars." By that time, we had both collapsed on the ground, laughing. Man, if this was just the first date, what was it gonna be like in a few months? We were already so familiar with each other, but being in a relationship had changed our dynamic.

Finally I could breathe again, and had recovered enough to form a coherent thought. "Okay, I don't think we should talk like this anymore, we would get some weird stares." She just nodded, still laughing too much to speak. Luna, she was even more beautiful when she smiled.

I glanced at the sky, and was greeted by the sight of storm clouds. "Hey, if we're gonna go, we need to go now. There's a nasty storm on the way. Weather team designed it a couple weeks back to combat the slight drought." I stood up, my butt damp and dirty from the ground. I dusted off, and held out out a hand to help Vinyl up. She took it, and jumped instead of standing. She took a minute to comb the leaves out of her hair and mine, and dust off her pants. I almost wish she weren't so prissy. Almost.

She grabbed my hand again, and we were on our way. My only thought was, 'I hope my hands aren't sweaty.' Oh, you know, and accidental wingboners...

A Rainy Revelation

We sprinted out of the park, not taking time to enjoy the scenery, as we had earlier. As it was, we weren't quite fast enough, and raindrops pelted us on our way to town. I held my jacket and wings over the two of us, trying to keep the rain off, but it didn't help much. We charged through the streets, desperate for any shelter, and dodging any pedestrians in our way. We almost knocked down an old lady or two, and I felt quite bad about that. Finally, I spotted my favorite restaurant, a little Chinese place by the name of Chop Suey Charlie's. It was little more than a hole in the wall, but served the most amazing soup. That's exactly what I needed after a thorough soaking. I veered to the left, dragging Vinyl after me. We stumbled through the plate-glass doors, and stood in the entryway for a minute, dripping and miserable. Finally, after a good shake, we had most of the excess water off. I held open the inside door for Vinyl, and we trudged in, tempted by the inviting aromas from within. We walked up to the counter, smiling at the lady behind it.

"Table for two, please." She sniffed disdainfully at us, as if we were drowned rats that soiled her air, instead of paying customers. She twitched out of the opening behind her, and led us stiffly through the restaurant. We sat down at the indicated table, and as soon as we ordered our drinks, she scurried away, glad to be rid of us. Before we got plates at the buffet, I motioned for Vinyl to follow me. I led her to the bathrooms in the back, and walked in with her. I gestured at one of the hand dryers, and then took a place at one of my own. It didn't take long for her to catch onto my mad genius, and she was soon drying off.

"Aren't I a genius?" I put my head under the dryer and shook it vigorously. I was smiling at how I imagined I must look. Like a wet, prismatic dog, shaking dry under the vent.

"It does feel good to be semi-dry again," Vinyl said dryly. She continued to dry her shoes out. That rain was something fierce.

A couple of seconds later, some old ladies walked in. At the sight of us drying off, their eyes went wide, and they hurried out. Our laughter could be heard even over the loud dryers, bouncing off the lemon yellow walls and snow white tiles. I was doubled over, gasping for air. My sides were aching, and I was busy wondering what those two ladies had thought, coming in here and seeing us. I knew at that time, Vinyl had her shirt off, running it under the dryers, because I'd had my eyes fixed on one particular tile between my feet. Whatever they saw must've been pretty darn funny, because they ran through that door as fast as Pinkie at a party.

I finally was almost dry, and so was Vinyl. We walked out of the bathroom, hand in hand, and immediately saw those old ladies sitting at a table, surrounded by other elderly women. The two of them blushed, while their companions wore various looks of surprise and disapproval. I smiled at one particularly venomous old bat (the tattered old Birdie wings didn't help the image), and she dropped her eyes to the floor. Satisfied, I pulled Vinyl up to the buffet, and proceeded to pile my plate with everything in reach.

We walked back to our table, footsteps padded by thick, red carpet. I sat my plate down, and held out Vinyl's chair for her. She blushed at the display, and quickly took her seat. I took my place at the opposite side of the polished wooden table, and started eating. And, oh, how amazing it was. The was hot, steamy WonTon Soup, spicy, sticky General Tso's chicken, and those amazing green beans I always forget the name of. I had Beef Teriyaki, Spicy Pork with Rice, and creamy Crab Rangoon. And don't let me forget the bacon-wrapped Crab Bites. It was all so good, and I was sad when I couldn't eat any more. I looked over at Vinyl, who was staring wide eyed at my tower of dishes, and then at her own two plates plus a bowl. I took a drink of iced tea, and settled back in my chair, crossing my long legs as I stretched them out to nudge her calf with my foot.

"Um, did you really just eat all that?" She began wildly gesturing at my stack of plates and bowls. It was a lot, I suppose.

"Yep, I've got a high metabolism. It's either eat loads, or sleep all the time. Even though I like sleeping, I like eating more." I patted my stomach, now slightly distended from all of the food I'd eaten. I hadn't eaten since breakfast, and it was dinner time now, so that really didn't help the issue.

"Uh, okay, I can believe that." She didn't seem entirely convinced, but accepted my explanation as fact. "Hey, so when are we gonna talk about, that thing, from earlier?"

Oh, crap. I had forgotten that. I glanced at the clock, then at the impatient waitress from earlier. "Hey, how about this. It's almost closing time, and the storm isn't going to let up any time soon, so I'll go pay, and we'll head over to my place. Then I'll tell you." She looked disappointed, then nodded her head, and stood up. "I'll be right back, and then we can go. It's only a block away, and I really don't want to talk about this in public." I pulled out a weak smile, and walked over to pay the austere, gray-haired witch. I couldn't tell whether she was Magi or Groundling, as the former didn't show any physical differences such as funny tinted skin or horns or anything, but I figured it would be in my best interest to not anger her. Made Twi angry once for crashing into her house, and that was an experience I'd rather not repeat. You can only get turned into a houseplant so many times.

As soon as that matter was over, I trotted over to Vinyl, who was standing at the window, watching the sheets of rain come tumbling down. "Hey, I'm back! Man, that woman was mean. Reminded me of my great-gram..." She turned around, a look of doubt in her eyes. I ran a hand over my face. "Look I wasn't avoiding the question. This just isn't something I want overheard. Now, are you coming, or not?"

She nodded, and we raced through the slick city streets, dodging bodies again, and trying to avoid as much rain as possible. We made it to my apartment finally, and ducked into the doorway. I fumbled my keys out with numb fingers, and let us both in. We were both shaking and cold, and I ran to the bathroom to get some towels. I came back to the hallway, and found Vinyl sitting on the wooden floor, scratching Tank in his favorite spot. The sight warmed my heart, and for a minute, I thought everything would be all right. Then, my heart was heavy again as I remembered the secrets I would be sharing. Even the girl I trusted most in all of the world never knew the whole story behind my dad and mom's separation.

I walked toward her, feet heavy as lead. I handed her a fluffy towel, and wrapped one around myself. I helped her up, and then dried off as best as I could. She did the same, rubbing her hair until it stuck up like porcupine quills. It was ridiculous, and it made me laugh, my spirits not quite so low. Her hair had a habit of standing out in deranged ways, but it was always good for a laugh.

She stuck her tongue out, and then walked toward the small living room. I cranked the heat up, and followed close behind, feet dragging on the carpet. Finally, I flopped down next to her on the dark purple sofa. I sighed, relaxing against both Vinyl, and the soft cushions. She leaned against me, tired and cold.

"So, now that we're all comfortable, how about that story you were gonna tell me?" She looked at me, no idea of what she was getting into.

I looked at her sympathetically, despite it being that most people would pity me, and began my tragic story. "Well, it was a long time ago, I was still just a kid, five or six. So, ten years ago, give or take a few months. It was about a couple of years after I met you. Life was about as good as it could be, I had loving parents, a brother, and two sisters. I was a middle child, about a year younger than my brother, Cloud. It was around my birthday when it happened."

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I was sitting in bed, crying. Mom and Dad were having another fight, I could tell. Their voices were raised, and Dad and Mom were both crying. I heard a door slam, and I heard Mom sit down, still softly weeping. The small war in our house was nothing new, but Mom sobbing loud enough that I could hear her down the hallway was unexpected.

"Whas' goin' on?" Little Moonrise had woken up. She was looking around, bleary-eyed, as her twin Sunset slept deeply beside her.

"Nothin' Moon, go back to sleep. You don' wanna wake up Sunny, do ya? She shook her white-blond head head vigorously, and lay back down. Within a minute, snoring resumed. Now that that was taken care of, I went to see Mom.

I got up very quietly, tiptoeing through the dark room. I got to the doorway, and, mindful of the squeaky first board, crept down the carpeted hallway to Mom's room. I reached my destination, and peered inside cautiously. After I was sure it was just her inside the purple room, I knocked on the door. She looked up, startled. Once she saw that it was me, she motioned for me to come inside. I held out my arms for a hug, and she scooped me up, fingers smoothing down my messy hair. I felt soothed, but that wasn't my purpose for coming here. I was here to make Mom feel better.

"Mommy, what's Daddy doing? Where is he?" I looked up into her beautiful, tear-stained face, framed by tumbling blonde locks. She was a great beauty, always had been. She swallowed, and stared at me for a long minute. She breathed in deeply, and smiled dazzlingly at me.

"It's okay, Dashie, Daddy's just out for a walk. He'll be back soon. Don't worry, he still loves us, he's just, having a hard time right now." She didn't look as if she entirely believed it herself, but I was convinced. She hugged me tightly once more, and then carried me back to the room I shared with the twins. I always loved being carried by my parents. It was like flying, but without all the effort, and a lot of added security.

"Goodnight, Dashie, sweet dreams." She closed the door, and walked back to her room. I heard her bedroom door shut, and I snuggled down tightly into my fluffy blue comforter, the color of the sky I was born to belong in.

I fell asleep, and thought nothing of that night, until a few days later. That was the day Daddy left for good.

He showed up at the door of my room to say goodbye. He picked me up, and hugged me tightly, the smell of his aftershave stinging my nose. I sneezed, and he smiled. He squeezed me tightly for a few moments, then set me down, and said goodbye to the twins. He smiled sadly at us, and said he'd be going away for a while. Cloud appeared behind him, wearing his favorite wolf shirt, blond hair ruffled, and blue eyes puzzled.

"Daddy, where are you going?" I was confused by how sudden it was. Cloud was too, thin nose scrunched in concentration. He smiled at me, and spoke as if every word was a knife in his heart. Some days, I wish that could have deterred him.

"It doesn't matter. But don't worry, I'll be back for your birthday." He turned to walk out the door, sorrow written clearly on his face. Cloud and I each hugged his legs, and let go. He reached down and tousled our hair, and then walked out the front door with another man, a stranger with dark hair and darker eyes.

The man smiled at us, and let Daddy out the door.

Daddy never did show up on my birthday, or on any after. He always sent a present and a card. Mom would always mail back pictures, and a letter about what we were like now. I missed him terribly, but I was so young, that it didn't really make much of an impression on me, as I got older and slowly forgot what it was like to have a father at all.

It wasn't until much later that I figured out the truth of why he left.

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I closed my eyes, tears threatening to leak out. I heard Vinyl gasp beside me. She reached out and put a hand on my shoulder.

"I'm so sorry, I never knew. I can't believe that he would do that, and not even explain." That did it, I was crying now, the tears flowing down my face and dripping off the end of my nose. Vinyl reached over and pulled me to her, burying her head in my shoulder. "Hey, it'll be okay. I'm here now. I'll always be here." I started laughing; it was so similar to what I had told her many times before. Usually I was her rock, not the other way around.

I pulled back, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. "I guess what hurts the most, is that, all those years, the other kids would tease me, and call my dad a fag. And not once did I believe them, which started the whole rumor that I was gay, too. And he couldn't even tell me! He didn't ever once, explain himself, in all those years." I had started crying again, but I wasn't sad. I was kind of angry at my dad for that, and it was finally leaking out. "I guess it was true, after all. It does run in the family."

I looked over at Vinyl, who was covering her laughter with a hand. "What!? What's so funny?" She couldn't hold back any more, and shook with laughter. I was a little annoyed at this point, and nudged her with an elbow.

She looked up, and answered my question. "You can't honestly believe that homosexuality is hereditary?" She collapsed back on the couch, laughing some more. That stung, a little.

"Fine, I see how it is. I just won't share my thoughts with you anymore!" She turned around, and looked at me seriously. I felt childish for saying that, but she had hurt my feelings by dismissing my theory, far fetched as it was.

"And who will you share with, then? Rarity? Twilight?" She waggled her eyebrows a bit on that last one. I gave up, an exasperated sigh escaping my lips. "Look, I was just kidding, okay? I just thought that was kind of silly, that's all. And no matter what you are, I'll still love you. I mean, it's kind of a good thing that you are, well, the way you are. Otherwise, I would've looked the fool." I leaned over, and shut her up with a kiss. Usually I looked the fool, and it would take her a long time to catch up, but I didn't tell her that.

"Hey, I don't care if it's inherited or not, if I wasn't like this, I may not have ever fallen in love with the coolest person I know." She looked at me, wanting to speak. I kissed her softly again, and leaned against her, waiting for her to recover her breath. I'm a pretty good kisser, you know?

"I'm the coolest person you know? I thought that was you." She smiled at the praise, and poked me with a finger.

"Well, okay. You're the second coolest person I know." I smirked, and she poked me again. Then she had the bright idea to try to tickle me. While I was dodging the flurry of fingers, I caught sight of the window, and more importantly, what was outside. The moon. Luna's beautiful celestial body. Not that her physical body isn't stunning....

"Um, Vinyl? I think you're gonna have to stay here over night. It's kind of late." She stopped abruptly, turning towards the window, realizing the exact same thing I had noticed seconds before.

"Oh, I guess you're right. Crap. Well this is gonna be awkward." She turned back around, and smiled at me, a bit sheepish. Why so awkward? We had had dozens of sleepovers, even in this very apartment.

"Well, I guess it's official. We're having a slumber party!" I stood up, and grabbed my damp towel off of the couch. I looked back down at Vinyl, and realized that I had a problem. "Hey, how about I sleep on the couch tonight, and you take my bed. Sound good?" She looked up at me, startled. I ordinarily would just cuddle up in my bed with her, but seeing as we had just started this whole relationship thing, I felt there were rules of propriety that applied now, even if just for a little while.

"Won't you be uncomfortable? And besides, it is your house." She looked worried. But I couldn't let her make a sacrifice when she was the guest.

"Nah, I'll be fine. This couch is soft as a cloud. And you're my guest, anyway." I grinned at her, and helped her up off the couch. "I would suggest that we share the bed, but that might be a little awkward, it being only the first date and all." I looked sideways at her, and she blushed as she punched me lightly.

"No thanks, Cassanova. I'll be just fine sleeping by myself." I faked a disappointed look, and she hit me again. I'm going to end up with permanent bruises by the time all is said and done.

"I'll be right back, you wait here." I took her damp towel, and disappeared around the corner. I walked quickly down the narrow hallway, and soon reached the small bedroom. I dumped the towels in the basket in the bathroom, and proceeded to straighten up the room a little. Luckily, I had just cleaned it a few day ago, so there were only a few shirts to pick up. I tossed those into the dirty hamper, and set off in search of clean pajamas for Vinyl and myself.

It was a good thing she was only about five or six inches shorter than me, because her curves luckily keep the clothes she borrows from being too big. I found a pair of my old Spongebob pants, which were a little short on me, and a blue stonewashed tee for her. I had found my Star Wars pants, and a plain black tee for myself. I grabbed a spare blanket, and traipsed back out of the room. I got back to the hallway and handed her the clothing.

"Bathroom's down the hall, second on the left. The bedroom's on the opposite side. You'll find some extra blankets under the bed." She took the clothes, and walked off down the dark hallway. I stared after her for a minute, swept up in my adoration for her, and, you know, watching her hips sway, until Tank nudged my leg. "I know buddy, it's bedtime." I turned and went back to the living room, laying down on the couch. I waited a few minutes, and called out, "Goodnight, Vinyl."

" G'night, Dash! See you in the morning," came the quiet reply, and I settled down on the couch for a good night's sleep.

Author's Note

The song that was part of my inspiration for writing this chapter, and really, there's nothing better than musical inspiration, is there?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J7J_IWUhls&feature=kp

The Calm Before The Storm

I woke up to the sound of someone in the kitchen. I was a little confused at first. I mean, what burglar would just pop in and make themselves a sandwich? I grabbed my baseball bat, and was ready to launch myself into the kitchen, and then realization hit me. The events of last night came to the fore of my mind, and I realized that it was probably Vinyl in the kitchen.

I groaned quite audibly, it was too early to be up. After last night's late ending, I didn't expect to be up this early. I checked the clock, which read 9:04. Ugh, facepalm number two. Apparently, I hadn't even gotten nine hours of sleep, let alone my usual twelve. No wonder I was so tired.

Then again, I did smell breakfast. Who cares about sleep? I'll bet Vinyl's making some of her famous pancakes. I shot up off the couch, making a beeline for the tiny kitchen. Inside its purple and white walls was the source of that delicious smell. I was right, Vinyl was making pancakes, and bacon, too. Bacon? Where'd she get that?

"Hey, mornin'! Why are you up so early," I asked as I walked up behind her. I gave her a quick hug, and continued. "And where'd you get the bacon?" I leaned my head over her shoulder, kissing the exposed skin of her neck.

She smiled, and her lips found mine. "I got up early, and went to the market. I decided to make breakfast, as a kind of thank you for letting me stay." She flipped a pancake, and took the bacon off the pan.

I smiled at her gratitude. "It was nothing, you're welcome any time you like. And with this kind of a 'good morning', I might have to trap you here more often." She grinned, and tapped me with a batter-covered spoon, leaving some of the gooey mess behind on my nose. I wiped it off, and after a moment's consideration, sucked it off my finger.

"You know that's not cooked right?" She didn't turn around, but I could feel her laughing in my embrace. I could never get enough of these small moments. That, and seeing her entrancing scarlet eyes. No drug or drink would ever have a thing on this girl in terms of forgetting your worries.

Now that I think about it, blue really was her color, even though I was more of a purple person, as indicated by my various furnishings. And even though I may look good in all shades of blue, I still preferred any variant of violet... Freaking alliteration.

I guess I still must have been admiring her gorgeous figure, because she caught me staring. She tapped me with the spoon again, and mock-glared at me. This used to be a game with us, but now, I was actually staring.

"We'll be having none of that now, young lady. What would your parents think?" I grimaced, and understanding hit her like a brick wall. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I wasn't thinking." I put a hand on her shoulder, and lightly brushed my lips against hers, doing the only sure thing to calm her down. Well, usually I'd just hug her, but I have some leeway now.

I shook my head, and put my arms around her. "It's okay. And, besides, I know exactly what they would think. I came out to them years ago. Turns out, The twins were the only straight ones in the lot of us. Me'n Cloud turned out... different. The point is, they're happy for me, no matter what. Cloud lives here in the city, with his boyfriend Zack, and I've found you." I stared deep into those crimson eyes, and a sudden thought struck me.

"That reminds me, I need to take you to meet them. Well, they know you, just not as, you know.." I trailed off, sure that I sounded like an idiot. "Are we dating?" I was a little unsure. After all, yesterday was only the first date. She pushed at me playfully.

"Of course we are, silly. Come on, I stayed over last night, and I made breakfast." She tipped the last of the pancakes on a plate, and turned around to face me. "Lets eat, before it gets cold." She sat in a chair at he little table, and I took the chair next to her.

"This looks really good. Thanks, Vinyl." She paused, mid-chew. She blushed, and then swallowed, so she could speak.

"It was no problem, really. I just felt like it. Honestly, this was the first morning in a long time that I didn't wake up more tired than I was the night before. I guess I just felt safer here than in my own place. Maybe the wary part of me realized you wouldn't let anything hurt me, that part of me that keeps a pistol hidden under my pillow." She reached over and took my free hand.

It was my turn to swallow quickly, so I could answer. Unfortunately, my appetite had gotten the best of me, and as I tried to swallow down the food in my mouth, it created a lump in my throat that was extremely hard to get down. It brought tears of pain to my eyes, and I snatched up my glass of milk, and downed it in one gulp. I let out a gasp, and eventually, my breathing slowed. Vinyl looked concerned, and amused, all at the same time.

"Are you all right?" She looked curiously at me, holding back laughter.

"Oh, yeah, totally fine. Because your pancakes totally didn't just try to kill me." I was still a little disgruntled, and she noticed.

"It wasn't the pancake's fault, you just need to stop inhaling your food." She finally started laughing, and shook her head in disbelief.

" Okay, fine. But it's just so good!" I finished up the rest of the pancakes, and moved onto the bacon. And yet, even for all her scolding, Vinyl herself was already finished.

Finally, we were done with breakfast. I picked up our plates, and dumped them in the sink, to wash later. "All right, I guess we'd better get you back to your place, so you can change." She looked at me expectantly. " I'm taking you to meet my mom, and my sisters." She looked excited, and also afraid.

"Like, now? Are you sure? We've only been together for a day. Isn't that a little fast?" I put my hand on her mouth to stem the tide of questions.

"Look, I know we've only been together a day. But remember, I've known you for almost my whole life, that's long enough." She nodded, and I set off to change.

A Tense Reunion

I really wanted Vinyl to talk to Mom, but I was still kind of nervous. When I first revealed my...condition, years earlier, it just about broke her heart, after what Dad did. Of course, it was worse because Cloud decided it would be a good idea to talk to her at the same time. We basically hit her over the head with a hammer of gay-ness. Ouch. She accepted it in the end, after all, we are her children, but she still gets kind of nervous whenever we come around with our partners.

I stopped just before I reached the door, and pulled out my phone. "Hey...Mom...I'm...bringing...my...girlfriend...to...visit...See...you...in...a...few," I quickly typed. I pressed send, and turned around, only to find Vinyl about an inch from my nose. She kissed the end of it, and pulled away, skipping to the door.

That's another thing that's changed about her. Ever since we started going out, she seemed...girlier? She was definitely happier, and this is a side of her I'd never seen. Little did I know that I'd changed as well, luckily, for the better. Anyone who hung around me would say that I seemed more relaxed, more at peace. I put it all down to being in love.

"Are you just gonna stand there all day, or am I gonna get to see your Mom?" She stood inside the doorway, hands on her curvy hips. She swept a hand in the direction of the door, and I caught the hint. "Come on, let's go." She grabbed my hand and pulled me out into the noise of the city.

She dropped back to walk with me, shoulder to shoulder. I held her hand, and we began the five minute walk to my mom's house. It would've been quicker if I had a car, but I was sadly only sixteen, and therefore, could not afford a car. Oh well, I run farther than this every morning.

Vinyl bumped into me, and I was pulled back to the real world. I bumped her back, and we both ended up with huge grins on our faces. I couldn't help it, I was just so in love with her. At this point, I didn't care how sappy it made me, I wasn't going to let her go. I swung my arm, and hers with it. I was higher than Cloud Nine, I was on my way to the stratosphere. I would have been sprinting the five blocks to my mother's house at this point, but seeing as Vinyl couldn't, I was happy to be strolling along the noisy city sidewalk.

We managed to move rather quickly through the city streets, snaking through the crowds of people. We passed AJ on our way, and she smiled at me, nodding slightly as she did. I felt the blood rise in my face, and waved at her. I was glad that she accepted it, seeing as her family is so conservative. It made me feel stronger, that someone could put aside their beliefs to support a friend. I just had to hope everyone else was okay with it.

A few minutes later, we hopped up the stairs to my mom's condo. I leaned forward and rang the doorbell, hearing the pleasant chimes ring inside. A muffled shout came from within, and shuffling footsteps came toward us. The locks clicked, and my mom opened the door, smiling at me. That smile dimmed a little as she noticed Vinyl, but she welcomed us inside all the same. I stopped inside the doorway, and removed my shoes, showing Vinyl to do the same. I hung my jacket on a peg, and waited for Vinyl to finish greeting my mom. She turned to me, and looped an arm around my waist, showing that we were together. I smiled at my mom, grateful that she didn't say anything. She answered with one of her own, and led us into the living room. I took a seat in an armchair, and pulled Vinyl into my lap. Mom sat in a chair of her own, looking like she didn't quite know what to make of the blue-haired girl that had stolen her daughter's heart. I was the first to break the silence.

"It's really good to see you. I missed you so much, and I kind of regret having to leave." I did, sort of, maybe. She sniffed, and sat for a moment, trying to take it all in.

"So, how long have you two been together?" She seemed genuinely curious, which was a good sign. Maybe she wasn't upset anymore.

"Well, two days, but it feels like a lot longer, 'cause we've been friends so long." I winced a little at the look she gave me.

"I am well aware of how long you have been friends. You used to have sleepovers every weekend." She smiled kindly at us, and I was finally at ease. It seemed that she wasn't mad at all, just a little miffed at the short notice of our visit. "Whatever happened to that Fluttershy you two were always with? She seemed like a nice girl." I felt a twinge in my heart at the mention of her.

"Well, Shy's been working a couple of states over for some time now, at some big zoo, while she gets her degree in marine biology. I was planning on going to see her in a few weeks, as she'll be graduating. Luckily, she'll be studying the sea life here, on the coast." I missed her, and her quiet personality. She always managed to cheer me up. and I needed that. I think Vinyl missed her, too, but she just wouldn't admit it. She wasn't exactly the type to wear her heart on her sleeve. Fluttershy could always manage to get her to talk, but I never could.

"Well, that's nice. I'm glad that all worked out. Especially after you two broke up." Great, mom. Talk about my ex in front of my girlfriend. Good thing was, Shy never seemed to feel bad about our breakup. I was afraid for the longest time that I had hurt her, but she told me that she felt it, too. And of course, Vinyl already knew, but I'm not quite sure how she felt about it, or how it would affect our friendship with her. I figure we'll all work it out.

"Yeah, Mom. But we're okay, she felt the same. We were just too far away for it to work well anymore. Can I see you alone for a moment?" I planned to have a talk with her, and Vinyl really shouldn't have to deal with my messy family life. Mom nodded, and got up to follow my request.

"Sorry, love, but I've got to sort a few things out. I'll be right back." Vinyl stood up, worry in her eyes, and I gave her a quick peck, feeling bad about having to do this in front of her. I turned, and stalked toward the kitchen, mildly angry with my mom.

I waited for Mom to walk farther in, and I closed the door. "What was that? Talking about Shy? Not only is that bad manners, but you know that hurts! She was my best friend, and definitely a good girlfriend. Explain yourself." I was really irritated that she had done that.

"I'm sorry, I forgot. And I didn't mean any harm by it, I was just curious." She stood on the opposite side of the room.

I came a little closer to her, glaring down at the shorter woman."Really, because it sounded like you were trying to cause a fight. Vinyl already knows about Shy, and she's okay with it. She's the one that asked me out, for Pete's sake!" I still didn't understand the reasoning behind my mom's comments. "It seems like you've forgotten that the three of us were so close. Of course Vinyl already knows! There was really no way you could have caused a fight, and it was a terrible thing for you to try."

"I'm sorry, I already told you that. You should just be happy that I even accept your differences!" She looked even angrier than I'm sure I did.

I staggered back, as if she had punched me."I should be glad that you accept me?! I'm your daughter! You gave birth to me! There should be no conditions to your love! If anyone has a problem, it's you!" My voice rose steadily, along with my anger. I leaned back against the counter, and took a calming breath. "Look, I'm sorry for yelling. I just, I don't understand. I know what happened with Dad, but that shouldn't change your mind about me. At least you can be proud of the twins, they're straight, after all. And that's what you always wanted, a perfect family." I curled my hands into fists, and released them slowly."All I ever wanted was your love. I wanted you to accept Vinyl, and be happy that I had found someone to love. I don't care about anything else." My arms were extended at my sides, and I glared fiercely down at my mother, the very image of an avenging angel.

She looked up at me, and nodded slowly."I'm sorry, I've been a terrible mother. I just wanted you to have a normal childhood. I guess I forgot what normal was. I just want you to be happy, and if she makes you happy, then I'm happy. Are we okay?" She reached her arms out tentatively, her face crumpling as her anger decreased.

I walked toward her, and hugged her, showing her what my words couldn't. I wasn't quite sure that this truce wasn't temporary; she had backed down awfully quickly. "Yeah, we're okay. I can't stay mad at you anyway. You're my mom." I rubbed her back, something that everyone seems to do when they hug someone.

She smiled, and followed me back out into the hallway, feeling more secure than ever in our bond. I practically floated back down to the living room, anxious to reassure my girlfriend. I found her sitting in the same chair, looking slightly uncomfortable. I flashed an easy smile at her, and gave her a thumbs-up. She got up and ran to hug me, burying her head in my chest. I folded my arms around her, and waited for the inevitable apology.

"I'm so sorry, I caused a problem, didn't I?" She looked up at me, a question in her eyes. I shook my head, and released her.

"No, it was actually just my mom's questions, and my hotheadedness. It's cool, we're good." I turned to find my mom leaning in the doorway, a look of approval on her face. She grinned, and came over to us.

"Well, it seems that the worst is over, so lets all enjoy some of my famous lemon cake." I just about jumped up to the ceiling.

"Yes, please!" Vinyl seemed curious about my enthusiasm, and I just took her hand and led her to the kitchen. "Just wait, it'll be the best thing you've ever tasted."

"I'll take your word for it. Let's eat!" I laughed, and went to get the plates.

Making A Plan

"You were right, that was really, really good," Vinyl said, slightly uncomfortable after eating five slices of cake. "I think you'll have to bring me here more often."

"I think you're right. That was the best cake I've had in a long time. I might just need to steal the recipe." I was definitely full, polishing off half a cake, even after Mom warned me not to. She was right, again. When will I ever learn? Oh, wait, never.

I looked around the living room, checking to see if anything had changed. I glanced over the school pictures of my brother and sisters, and I winced when I saw Mom and Dad's wedding photo. They both looked so happy; it was almost unbelievable that it fell apart. I took note of the new lamp on the table, replacing the one I broke last time I visited. I had accidentally bumped it with my left hand, and it fell over. Luckily, I wasn't in too much trouble.

I did notice one thing out of place, and its absence was a huge shock. Mom wasn't wearing her wedding ring anymore. She had always worn it, even after the divorce. I had always wondered why she never took it off, but the bigger mystery was why she finally had. I decided to let it rest, though, because I had already caused enough commotion. I could always ask her about it later.

Checking the time on the clock by the couch, I saw that it was almost four. I figured that it was about time for our visit to be over, and I nudged Vinyl to get her attention. She glanced over, and I pointed at the clock. She nodded, and reached for her jacket. I stood up and walked over to where my mom sat, softly playing our baby grand. She looked so happy; I hated to disturb her, but I couldn't leave without saying goodbye. I touched her shoulder with a careful hand, to let her know that I was there.

"Hey, Mom, I think it's about time that we left. It's almost four, and Vinyl has to get back and prepare the club." I shifted nervously when I mentioned my girlfriends' chosen career, but my mom didn't say anything. She just nodded and closed her music folder.

She scooted over and patted the bench next to her. I sat down and waited for what she was going to say. She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

"You know that I don't exactly approve of your choice, but I will accept you for whoever you are. I will say this, I am glad that you have her. You chose well, and that's all I could ever ask. As long as she makes you happy, you two are welcome in my home." She looked me in the eye, and I could see tears shimmering inside their azure depths. "It is your home still, you know." Her voice quavered on the last word, and I felt bad for leaving.

"I know, and I'm sorry that I left, but it seemed like the best thing at the time. I'm not going to move in, even though I'm not yet eighteen; I have my own place, and I'm used to being alone. But that doesn't mean I won't visit." She smiled at that, and I was glad that I made her happy at least once. Heaven knows she needed it, after all that had happened.

I got up, and walked over to Vinyl. I held out my hand and helped her up off the couch. She handed my jacket to me, and I shrugged it on. I took her free hand, and came back to where my mom was standing. I waited for Vinyl to say goodbye.

"It was really nice to meet you, Mrs. Dash. I'll be sure to drag her back here soon." She nudged me with an elbow as she smiled at me. I nodded, and hugged my mom goodbye.

"Oh, and Dash, don't forget, we still need to plan your birthday. I need to know what you want so I can set the party." My mom looked at me hopefully, knowing that I was going to be seventeen in a couple of weeks. I groaned softly; birthdays always meant talking to all of the relatives, and having them tell stories about when I was little. And of course, Aunt Carol always was there to disapprove of my sexual preference, telling me that a proper young lady should find a young gentleman.

I sighed, and turned around, facing my mom to talk. "Yeah, I think that it would be nice to celebrate it. It will be here, like always? Because I'm pretty sure no one knows where I live." Not that I wanted them to, either. Mom nodded her head, understanding what I really meant. "Good. Now, as for the date, how about a week after my actual birthday; my friends and I have something planned for the actual day. That, and that would make it a Saturday, which is convenient for most everyone." Mostly, I just wanted to make it so that Dad and Cloud could come. Moony and Sunny were still in school, so I didn't have to worry about where they'd be.

Mom nodded her head, and smiled at me. "I think that would work. Any particular design or gifts in mind?" I laughed inside at that one, because we both knew I wasn't particular about things like that.

"Mom, you know better than that. I don't care, you can surprise me." I hugged her again, and got ready to go.

With that taken care of, we went back through the white, rose-scented hallways and stopped at the door. I took one last look around, trying to lock the memory in my head. I pulled my free hand out of my pocket, and opened the door, Vinyl right behind me.

We were blinded by the sunlight as we stood on the porch. I was blinking like an owl, trying to clear my vision. Finally, I could see again, and waited for Vinyl to give the okay. She did, pulling me after her onto the busy sidewalk.

A Return Of Memories

I didn't know where Vinyl was taking me, but she seemed to be in kind of a hurry. As soon as my mom had shut the door behind us, she took off, sliding into late afternoon sidewalk traffic. I was a little curious, but the touch of her hand on mine was enough to silence any doubts. I was along for the ride.

As we weaved, dodged, and ducked around the other pedestrians, I kept an eye on the blue-haired girl in front of me. She didn't show signs of stopping, but she didn't seem in a particular hurry to get anywhere either. I decided to ask her a question.

"Hey, Vinyl, where are you going? Would you like to tell me?" I was getting a little frustrated after several minutes of being pulled along after her.

"Give me a sec." She stopped, and pulled me over into the shade of a nearby tree. I never understood why cities thought it was a good idea to plant these things in the middle of a sidewalk. Then again, there were a lot of things I don't understand.

"Okay, here we go," Vinyl said, pulling up a map of the city on her phone. "I was going to take you to back to my apartment, but I was a little turned around. I've never been to this part of the city before." She shook her bangs back out of her face, a look of concentration in her eyes. I was still a little confused; she didn't exactly tell me why we were going to her place, not that I was complaining. I leaned back against the tree and waited for her to finish, even though I knew where we were, and how to get to her place from here. I knew that she would want to figure it out herself.

"So, we need to take the next right, and that should drop us on my street." She glanced up at me, and smiled. "Ready to go?" I smiled too, and reached for her hand again.

We made our way more slowly this time, enjoying the feel of autumn around us. It was always one of my favorite seasons, even though I was always cold. It was just so pretty, and it was even more so this year, when I had a beautiful girl to share it with. I couldn't stop staring at her, amazed that it could be real. I inhaled a deep breath of the crisp air, glad to be alive. How could I have ever wanted it to end?

We arrived at her door too soon, though, and she had to drop my hand in order to get her keys. She flipped through them for a second, the jingling of metal a familiar sound. She found the right one, and opened the door, stepping into the cool darkness. I followed, still running through the possible need she could have had for coming here. My question was soon answered.

"Hey, I just realized, I forgot to tell you, I needed some cables for tonight. I'll just be a minute." Her voice floated from the back room, along with the sounds of boxes being moved around.

"What kind of cables?" I grinned, even though she couldn't see me. "I never took you for one of those, Vinyl." Her only answer was a muffled laugh, and a teddy bear flying toward me from the doorway.

She emerged from the room a few minutes later, carrying a pile of neatly wrapped audio cables and splicers. "Very funny, Dash, that was definitely the first time I've heard that one. Oh wait, it isn't." She smiled, and dumped the cables at my feet.

"I know, but I never claimed to be creative. The hair is totally misleading." I smiled and raised my shoulders in a shrug. She laughed again, and playfully slapped me on the shoulder.

"Pick those up, would you? I need some help getting these to my car." She turned abruptly, and headed back to get more equipment. I obliged, and scooped up the pile from the floor, turning to the door as I did so. A sudden thought hit me.

"You have a car? Why have we been walking this whole time? You could have just driven to my mom's house!" I felt stupid for not thinking to ask her about it. I was a lazy person, and if I could have spared myself the walk, I would have.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry, I just thought it would be nice to walk together. Also, it's not entirely reliable, so I usually just use it when I have to." She came back out of the room carrying more cables and a small mixer. As she flipped the light off, I shook my head, lamenting the extra exercise.

"Besides, you needed the exercise. We don't want you getting fat." She smiled and proceeded to run out the door while my mind tried to process the insult. Eventually my brain caught up, and I felt quite offended. I ran after her, pulling the door closed behind me.

"For your information, I have not and will never be fat!" I ran after her, trying to catch up. She was gonna pay for that one.

"Oh yeah? Then why can't you catch me? Slowpoke!" I could only see the tail end of her sneaker as it disappeared around the side of the building, presumably to the car. I picked up my speed, determined to win this war.

I turned the corner, and found her placing the equipment in the trunk of a beaten up Charger. I seized the opportunity, and tackled her from the side, diving around the electric blue vehicle.

I pinned her down, and straddled her with my legs. I then began tickling her, finding the most sensitive spots on her body with ease. I had always won our little contests like this, as she was very ticklish. She bucked and squirmed underneath me, but I held her easily; my more athletic lifestyle had trained my body to be stronger.

Eventually I let up, and she rolled over, gasping for breath. She held her sides, tears streaming from the corner of her eyes. She was shaking with laughter, and wheezed as she tried to say something.

Recovering her wind, and her balance, she flipped over and punched me in the arm. I rolled back on my heels, laughing at her feeble attempt to return my favor. I was just glad that she wasn't fully back, or that would have hurt. I was also thankful that I wasn't ticklish, or she would've attacked me with that.

She glared at me from the ground, mock-angry at me for subjecting her to that torture. I stuck out my tongue, and her eyes narrowed even more. I held out my hand, and she took it, pulling on me to stand up. I picked up the cables that I had dropped in order to attack her, and dropped them in the trunk. I checked to make sure everything was situated right, and shut the trunk. I turned around, and Vinyl's face was mere inches from mine. I jumped back, my calves hitting the bumper. She leaned in closer, and I leaned back, afraid of what she was going to do. Odds are, she wasn't going to congratulate me with a kiss.

Turns out, I was right. I regret being so smart sometimes.

She pulled me by my shoulders, and brought me closer, our noses touching. I swallowed hard, unable to break free from her iron grip. She opened her mouth to speak, and I flinched.

"Don't ever do that again," she said, knowing full well that I would. "I will hunt you down, and make you incredibly sorry." She looked me in the eye, scowling. I laughed, and she took a step back, confused.

I wiggled an eyebrow at her. " Just how, exactly, are you going to make me sorry? Because if it involves you, I think I'll like it."

She blushed, taken aback by my stupid joke. "You know that's not what I meant, cloud for brains." I laughed, and took her hand.

"I thought we had to go somewhere. You needed these cables for tonight, right?" She nodded, pulling out her keys again. I thought that I had handled the situation well, effectively flirting with her and having a little fun at the same time. However, she surprised me again, turning around as she got to the driver's door.

"Don't think I'll forget. I'm just gonna take a while to figure out how I'm gonna get you back." She smiled at me, and opened the door. I just stood there as she leaned over to unlock the passenger side. I didn't even think to appreciate her figure; instead I remembered all the times we had done this in our childhood. Maybe we had liked each other longer than we realized. Maybe I was just analyzing this too much.

"Hey, you in there? You are coming, right?" She leaned on the car with her arms folded, looking at me with a little concern. I shook my head, clearing away the thoughts. I nodded, and ran to get in the other side.

I opened the door, and slid inside, ducking a little to get inside the low opening. I hated shorter cars, seeing as I wasn't exactly short myself. Vinyl laughed as I tried to arrange my legs behind the dash, and had to push the seat back to fit in completely. I pulled the door shut, and reached for my seatbelt, admiring the leather interior. She had a nice car, and I was sure that I could tinker a bit and have it running pretty well.

I leaned back in my seat, and breathed out a sigh. I glanced over at her, and smiled. She did, too, and grabbed my hand. I pulled her a little closer, and gave her a quick kiss, apologizing for the tickling earlier. She smiled, and reached for her keys.

"Just like old times, huh? Only, your car is a bit better this time." I felt pretty happy, remembering all the times we had gone somewhere together when we had free time.

She laughed, obviously remembering it, too. "I think it's a bit better than old times. I'm dating you now, and that's new. I think I like it a little better." She reached for the keys in the ignition, turning the engine over and starting the car.

"Yeah, that's true. Still, it feels pretty good to do this again. It brings back good memories." I looked out the windshield, watching as she pulled out of the driveway. Something about riding in a car with her was always exciting, ever since she could first drive.

She put the car back in drive, and pulled out into midday traffic.

A Small Moment

I looked at Vinyl, and then at the stereo. I wasn't sure how she felt about people messing with it, but I figured she would let me know if she didn't like it, so I turned it on. She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye, but didn't say anything. I turned the knob until I found my favorite Alt-Rock station, and then turned the volume up. She smiled when we heard the song, because it was one that we had listened to often when we were together. We both started singing along, her alto timbre melding seamlessly with my sweet soprano. We had always sung our favorite songs together, and had perfected our pitches to match up like one voice. The car was filled with the sound of our voices, carrying the weight of years of memories. I leaned my head back on the seat, enjoying this small moment. Usually when you first start dating someone, it's kind of awkward at first, but with Vinyl, it was different. Not only had I known her for years, but she was just one of those people it's easy to be with.

The sun was shining on my face, and I was enjoying the sound of Vinyl's voice. She had always had a talent for music, to the point where she had an eighth note tattooed on her left hip, just peeking out of her jeans. (You have no idea how crazy that drives me. Blood pressure, don't betray me now.) Her voice was amazing, and I could listen to it for hours. I started to fall asleep, the gentle vibration of the car lulling me to sleep. I knew that Vinyl would wake me up when we got to the club.

The car ride was over too soon. I was woken up by a gentle prodding in my shoulder, and opened my eyes to see Vinyl leaning over me, crimson eyes glittering in the late afternoon sun. Her hair was a halo of blue fire framing her face as she leaned through the open car door. I opened my eyes and blinked a few times, eyesight still kind of smeary. Stretching like a cat, I reached over and pulled the door handle, sticking my legs out though the opening. I bent myself again, and emerged from the car fully. Reaching for the sky, I pulled out all the kinks in my body, making sure to stretch my shoulders and back as well as possible. Shoulder cramps are awful. I turned around slowly, and walked to the trunk, to help Vinyl unload the equipment. I motioned for her to pop the hatch, and I leaned over to grab the first box. She skipped around the back to join me, and grabbed some cables.

"Hey, sleepy. You might want to check your shirt." Vinyl poked me in the chest, and I looked down quickly. "Looks like somebody is still a drooler!" She laughed as I rubbed frantically at the mark on my shirt. I glared at her back as she skipped away to put the cables inside the club. Then I shook my head, smiling to myself, and followed her inside.

It was dark inside, and cold. I sat the box down in the doorway, and walked further inside. I shivered a little, and wrapped my jacket tight for warmth as I looked for the light switch, figuring that the room would warm up with some lights on. I didn't expect the flying attack from Vinyl. She landed on my back, and almost knocked me over.

"Rawr! I'm a monster, and I'm gonna eat you!" Vinyl nibbled on my ear, causing me to jump slightly. I shook her off, and stood back up, regaining my balance with my pinwheeling arms. She was rolling on the floor, giggling like a madwoman. I sat down next to her, and ruffled her hair. She stopped squirming, and sat up, looking around to get her bearings. She leapt to her feet, and crossed the room to flip the light switch, blinding me. I stood up more slowly, and moved to the doorway, blinking rapidly to regain my sight. I followed her outside, to finish unloading.

A Night With The Bears

The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. We were just goofing off while waiting for club hours to start. I might have accidentally started a whipped cream war when I squirted Vinyl in the ear. That took about an hour to clean up. It was worth it, though. The look she had on her face was priceless. After we were done cleaning, we drove back to her apartment to get fresh clothes, as it was closer. This wasn't the first time I'd had to borrow her clothes because of something we'd gotten ourselves into, and I doubt it will be the last. After we had cleaned up a little, we drove back to the club, and started setting up the main room with Vinyl's audio equipment. That took awhile, and it was boring, so I won't bother with the details.

Finally, it was time to turn on the neon sign outside, and let the patrons pour in. Vinyl's club was the most popular one in town, not that there were many here. Everyone wanted a piece of DJ PON-3 excitement, and they were willing to stand outside for hours to wait for it.

I pushed open the heavy white door, and leaned on the metal frame, inspecting the crowd outside for any troublemakers. They were usually easy to spot; they were the ones that looked wilder, and usually carried some sort of attitude. I could tell just by looking at them that I'd probably have to kick them out later. Sometimes I was wrong about them, but usually I could sniff out a badboy pretty easily. I was probably a little paranoid, but I didn't want Vinyl to get hurt. Even before we started dating, I was always really protective of her, and the club was the easiest place for her to get hurt.

I stepped out into the waning sunlight. It was getting darker earlier these days; November was in full swing, and the days were getting shorter. It was always my least favorite part of the year. Everything is so pretty, but there's so much less light to enjoy it in.

Finishing my scan of the crowd, I whistled to get their attention. They perked up, and looked toward me, anxious for what I had to tell them. Standing up on my tiptoes slightly, so they could see me better, I called out to them.

"Alright guys, it's finally here. Tonight's club night, and DJ PON-3's in there getting the party started. So, first hundred of you, follow me. The rest of you, well, you'll have to wait. We'll let you in as others leave. Lets keep it clean, and safe. You can still have fun, but absolutely no fighting or you'll have to leave. If you haven't been here before, have your buddies explain the rest of the rules. Have a good night." I dropped back to the ground, and started waving the masses through.

When I judged that about a hundred had gone through, I held up my hand, and walked through the door, closing it behind me. I heard a smattering of groans and other noises of frustration, but I walked inside nonetheless. My word was law when it came to the club; I was just as good as Vinyl when it came to running it. I was in charge of keeping everyone in line, so she could focus on the music and give everyone a good time. If I said a hundred, then a hundred it was, and a hundred it would stay. Besides, maximum occupancy was only a hundred and twenty, so I decided to play is safe, rather than sorry. I also didn't feel comfortable with trying to control more people than that.

I walked behind the bar, to my usual vantage point. I waved hello to Bernie, our "bartender." I say that, because as Vinyl and I were underage, alcohol wasn't allowed in the club. That, and a crowd of inebriated patrons was a lot harder to control than a fairly sober one. I perched on my stool behind the counter, and began watching the crowd. They seemed to be having a good time, thrashing and jumping along to Vinyl's mixes. I enjoyed the show myself, entranced as ever by the sight of that blue haired demon spinning the controls. There was a certain energy to the way she moved up there that was absent in all of the other dj's I had seen so far. And I've seen quite a few, thanks to Vinyl.

There weren't any disturbances through out the night, which was odd. It was a nice change, though. I hated having to break up fights, and carry out those who became too out of it, and were a danger to themselves and others. Tonight, though, I could just relax, and let the music and lights wash over me. That's how I occupied myself for hours, until I felt a prodding finger on my arm. I sat up straight, snapping out of the doze that I had fallen into. I looked around for the source of my disturbance, and saw a familiar flashing smile and blue fringe.

"What? Where'd you come from? I thought you were supposed to be working all night." She smiled at me, and held up two cans of orange pop. I continued to look at her, until she placed one in my hand, and pulled me after her with her now free left hand. I knew where we were headed; the rooftop was her favorite place.

I didn't protest much as she dragged me through the packed, sweaty masses. I pulled Vinyl back as she was about to be knocked over by a couple of overly friendly dancers. I flashed a glare at them as we walked through, and they backed up, afraid of what I might do. That oughta teach them to mind their manners. Honestly, people behave like animals sometimes.

We sprinted the last few feet to reach the stairs. Once we unlocked the door and stepped inside, we took a minute to catch our breath. Fighting through a mob for five minutes is hard work. I leaned back against the rough cement block wall, and looked at Vinyl. She still looked a little scared; crowds of people were never her strong suit. They weren't mine, either, but she was absolutely terrified of them. Kinda ironic for a famous dj. Crowds are in the job description.

"Hey, are you okay? I hope those guys didn't bother you much." I smiled at her, and took her hand in mine. I held it tightly, waiting for her to lead me up the darkened stairs. She nodded, and began pulling me after her again. We sprinted up the stairs, making it a race, as always. I made it first, and held open the door for her as she appeared around the corner. She scowled at me, disappointed to have lost again.

"You cheated. You're used to running. I bet you use steroids or something." She folded her arms, and glared at me. I feigned innocence, and closed the door.

"Me, using steroids? Why, that's absolutely ridiculous. Why would I do that? You're just mad because you lost. It's not your fault that I'm more athletic." I flexed my arms, and then ducked quickly as she threw a rock at me. I stuck my tongue out, and ran to the edge of the roof to sit down. I waited for her to join me, kicking my feet against the side of the building. A few seconds later, she plopped down beside me, and flicked me in the shoulder. I laughed, and she just grunted in response. So I leaned over, and licked her nose.

"Ew! What was that? That was absolutely disgusting!" She grabbed a fistful of my hoodie, and wiped her nose on it. I laughed, and she flipped me off. Then, she ended up laughing, too.

"So, you're not mad anymore, right? Because that was the whole point of what I just did. Just so you know, your nose is not delicious at all." She laughed, and ruffled my hair. I took that as a yes. I cracked open my pop, and took a drink. She chose that moment to start tickling me. I ended up laughing, and almost choked. Eventually I fended her off, and we sat back up, to take a break.

I started pointing out the different stars and constellations that I knew, and she listened as I described a few of the myths surrounding certain stars. She really liked the story of the bear constellations. There was once a woman, and the god Zeus fell in love with her. They had a child, and through circumstances, both mother and child were turned into bears. Zeus put them in the sky to protect them from Hera. It's sort of sad, really, but Greek myths often are.

I laid back on the roof, and she laid back with me, her head resting on my chest. We remained like that for a long time, swapping stories about different things, and reminiscing. Then, she fell asleep. I lay there for a little bit longer, listening to her deep, even breaths, then I drifted off as well.

The Breakfast Of Champions

I cracked open my eyes later, and searched for the source of my discomfort. My legs were freezing, even though Vinyl had somehow twined hers with mine while we slept. I hated to move, but I needed to find a blanket if we were going to stay up here any longer. I very carefully separated my legs from hers, and moved her head from my arm very slowly. Satisfied that she was still asleep, I set off for the storage shed, using the moonlight to see. This wasn't the first night we had stargazed up here, so we had stashed blankets inside the metal hut.

I pulled the door open slowly, though it moved on well-oiled hinges. Leaning inside, I fumbled around until I felt soft cloth. I grabbed a couple of the blankets, and carried them back to Vinyl, closing the door quietly behind me. I moved softly, and sat the blankets down so I could rearrange her without disturbing her sleep. After I had replaced my arm under her head, I pulled the blankets over us, and settled back down for a few more hours.

I felt a warmth come over me as I looked at her sleeping form. She looked so peaceful, almost like we were kids again. So much had happened to the two of us, and I was always there with her, every step of the way. It made me happy that I would be there for this, too. I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather spend my life with. She was just so perfect, in every single way. I know she has faults, but I can't see them. Sure, she's a bit of a party animal to everyone else, but they've never seen this side of her before. She's never really let her guard down for anyone, even her past boyfriends. It was kind of sad, but I also felt a little special, that she only ever felt truly comfortable with me.

I never really trusted many people, either, but I knew I could always count on her, from the first time I saw her. It was just something about her. She just seemed so vulnerable, to me. I always felt like I had to protect her, even though I knew she could protect herself better than I could. She had taken boxing lessons, after all. I wasn't a wimp, I just preferred not to fight, if I could avoid it.

Seeing her resting in my arms like this, I saw her vulnerable side, and that made me love her even more. I mean, we had slept in the same bed before; best friends have sleepovers all the time. But, it was something different, to be holding her like this, and to know that she trusted me enough to leave me to protect her while she slept. In case you haven't noticed, city rooftops aren't exactly the safest places in the world.

I smiled a little to myself, enjoying the moment. Then, I let myself relax, and fall into a deeper breathing pattern. I began to close my eyes, The last thing I saw before I slept was her face, smiling as well.

When the first rays of morning sun peeped over the roof's edge, I woke up. I opened my eyes, and yawned, stretching myself out. I noticed a difference at my side. Vinyl was gone. So, naturally, I stood up, and looked for her. When I didn't see her telltale blue, I decided to go downstairs to find her.

Also, don't ever sleep on a roof in thirty degree weather. It's murder on the back. And if you have back problems, don't ever sleep on a roof. Pins and needles are not fun. Not to mention the intense burning pain.

As I stumbled down the now lighted stairs, I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, and kept trying to wake up. When I reached the bottom, I stood there for a minute, and regained my balance. I'd never hear the end of it if I fell in front of Vinyl. I flapped my arms a little, to wake them up, and pushed open the door.

I poked my head out, looking for any surprises, and then emerged fully from the doorway. Still slightly groggy, I headed for the kitchen, figuring that was where Vinyl would be. I shuffled through the main room, and headed for the doorway, hidden behind a huge poster of Vinyl. It was hidden, because we didn't want people wandering in there by mistake. The poster was the only fairly inconspicuous thing we could find. Which is funny because the poster is like, seven feet tall.

I smelled cooking, and that proved my suspicions were well founded. Vinyl was making breakfast when I staggered into the room. Score! She smiled at me as I sat in one of the two chairs next to the small table. I laid my head on my arms, and tried to wake up all the way. It usually takes me about a half an hour to be coherent, but I supposed I would have to force myself today. I sat up and sighed, adjusting to the light streaming into the small room through the window.

"Good morning, love. How did you sleep?" She grinned at me, an evil smile. I stuck my tongue out in response, and slumped over in my seat. She laughed, used to my morning difficulties by now. We had spent a lot of time together over thirteen years, and mornings were no exception. I just wished that we could have spent more together. Well, it all starts now, and I'll have many more mornings with her, because I don't intend to let her go any time soon.

I rose slowly, wincing as my knees cracked. I walked slowly to where she was stationed in front of the small stove, and wrapped my arms around her slender waist. I could feel the warmth emanating from her, and I rested my head on her shoulder. She twisted her head to give me a peck on the cheek, and I nuzzled her neck. I began humming the chorus of one of her favorite songs, and she broke into a grin. I smiled, too, just because I had made her happy. I tend to live for the moment, and my favorite moments are when I make her smile.

She flipped the last pancake onto a paper plate, and turned the stovetop off. I had to let go, so that she could carry the skillet to the small sink, and wash it. I carried the plates to the table, and set one on each side. Vinyl crossed the room, and placed two glasses of orange juice on the table as she took her chair. I grabbed a fork, and began devouring my breakfast. Vinyl watched with a bemused expression, quietly chewing hers. We sat in silence until we were finished, as we were both too busy enjoying the fluffy buttermilk delight in front of us.

I reached for my glass, and downed it in one go. Vinyl just stared at me. I cocked one eyebrow, and stared back. She held my gaze for a good five minutes, until I leaned further across the table. Her expressionless countenance faltered, and she began to fight to keep her face calm. Eventually, she gave up, and a smile covered her face. She flicked me on the nose, and I sat back, trying not to sneeze. She laughed at the expression on my face, and I laughed, too, because I knew what I probably looked like.

I picked up our plates and plastic forks, and threw them in the trash. I took a moment to appreciate the view out of the tiny window, and then swiveled around to face Vinyl. Leaning back against the counter, I let out a relaxed sigh, and crossed my arms over my chest. I opened my mouth, and began to speak. "So, Vi, what's on the agenda today? Any more fun stuff, or do we get a lazy day?"

"Well, I hadn't planned anything, but we should probably do something. I think we've had too many lazy days lately. Got any ideas?" She pulled her knees to her chin, and sat in her chair, waiting for my response. I appreciated the adorable display for a second, and then I started bouncing around plans.

"We could go to my place, and waste a couple of hours playing video games. Or we could watch random cat videos on the internet." She rolled her eyes, and crossed her arms. She then stared at the ground for a minute, lost in thought. Finally, she looked up, and seemed to have decided something.

"We could go shopping. I still haven't gotten all of my Christmas gifts, yet." I stared at her, frozen in horror. Making choking noises, I slowly sank to the ground, clutching my chest. I writhed in the floor until I saw her foot tapping on the ground in front of my face. I sat up, convinced I had made my point.

"Shopping is poison to me. And at this time of year, people will be going crazy, trying to get to the best deals on Christmas gifts. Do you have any idea what that does to my brain? I go crazy, and I curl up in a corner and try to die." She sighed, and pulled me up off the floor. She spun on her heel, and walked to push her chair back under the table. I watched her, and knew that we were going shopping, whether I wanted to or not. What Vinyl wants, Vinyl gets. That's how it's always been. A few seconds later, she confirmed my gloomy thoughts.

"Shopping it is, then, since you have no more brilliant ideas. Come on, lets go drop you off, so we can get ready." I followed her grudgingly, regretting every step I took. I absolutely hate shopping. But, at least I get to spend more time with her. With that small ray of sunshine breaking through my own personal thunderstorm, I exited the building, locking the door behind me. Vinyl beckoned from the car, and I trudged around to the passenger side, accepting my dismal fate.

A Day With DJ Santa

A short drive and a quick shower later, I was being pulled into Vinyl's car for yet another adventure. She drove us to the nearest mall, discussing gift ideas the whole way. I restrained myself from clawing at the door and bashing my head against the window. Instead, I focused on Vinyl, and all the time we were getting to spend together. That's what I always did when she dragged me into something I'd rather avoid. I do so much just to be with her.

After we pulled into a space and parked, I unbuckled hesitantly, and waited for Vinyl to direct me to the correct entrance. I had no idea where she would want to start. She shrugged on her jacket, and opened her door. I opened mine as well, and unfolded myself from the seat. Shivering a little at the sudden chill, I zipped up my hoodie and followed Vinyl into the main entrance. She turned around and waited for me to catch up with her once inside, because I had lagged behind a little. I don't walk very fast when it's cold, because I'm too busy trying to keep warm. I bounced up and down a couple of times as I made my way quickly through the glass doors.

I stood next to her as she checked out the directory. Some new stores had moved in since we had been there last month. She pointed excitedly at the bookstores and alternative shops. I smiled at the display, it wasn't often that she found something that excited her that much. She reached back and took my hand, rubbing her thumb over my cold fingers. I smiled at her, and we set off for the closest store, MusiCabana. We took our time, doing the whole couple-walks-around-holding-hands thing. Vinyl smiled every time we ended up awkwardly bumping into each other. I guess we still needed practice at walking like that.

Vinyl seemed more at ease with showing our relationship now. We even saw a few of our friends wandering around, and stopped to say hello. She didn't try to run away, she actually seemed pretty relaxed. It was a relief to be able to talk to people without being worried about her feelings on the matter. I really didn't want to have to hide in an alley again.

However, it was kind of awkward for me when I saw Twi. I cringed a little, and squeezed Vinyl's hand in preparation for the encounter. She looked at me curiously, and I explained the situation very quickly. Twi waved at us, and strode quickly over, changing course from the bookstore. I smiled, and inside I hoped that it wouldn't be as awkward as I feared.

We met up and stood beside the potted fake trees they had littered around for apparently no reason. I let go of Vinyl's hand to return Twilight's hug, and then stepped back, analyzing the situation. So, apparently she felt comfortable enough to give me a hug. That means I could probably relax. And I did, recapturing Vinyl's hand, and sticking my left one in my pocket. Twi smiled when I did that, and nodded to herself. She said hello to Vinyl, and began the conversation.

"So, I see you've been busy, Dash. You've gotten a girlfriend now, and it's Vinyl, no less. I could say that I saw that coming, but I won't, because I'm not Celestia, and therefore cannot predict things. Still, she's quite a catch, and I'm surprised that she finally settled down. What happened?" Vinyl blushed and looked down, remembering her days as a player. I laughed, feeling more comfortable with Twilight now.

"Very funny, Twi. You should be a comedian. Seriously, though, she asked me out. I had nothing to do with it. Well, other than my incredible good looks and amazing personality." I flipped my hair as I said that, and Vinyl punched me in the arm.

"Don't forget humility, Rainbow Brain. You're so modest, I would almost mistake you for Fluttershy." Twilight laughed at that, and I glared at Vinyl. She smiled at me, and stuck her tongue out. So, naturally, I flicked her in the nose. Payback is great.

She rubbed her nose, and gave me a dirty look. I laughed, and looked back over at Twi. She looked like she wasn't sure whether to laugh, or be concerned. "It's alright, this happens all the time. I'm not really mad at her, I'm just playing." Twi nodded, accepting my explanation as her socially awkward brain caught up with us. I smiled, and Vinyl bumped her hip into mine. I wasn't sure if that was forgiveness, or telling me that I would get it later.

We talked to Twi for a few more minutes, catching up on what we had been up to. Finally we said goodbye, and we set off on our shopping adventure. We stopped in MusiCabana for a little bit, and picked up a couple of Skrillex and Deadmau5 cds for Vinyl. I found a new pair of headphones that glow in the dark. That's seriously cool. They have little T. Rex's on them; it's so adorable!

We spent a few more hours in a clothing store, looking for a gift for Vinyl's sister, Quillan. We found a few cute shirts, and some jeans. After that, we walked to News & Novels. I wandered the aisles, just enjoying the smell of books. There's just something about the smell of ink and paper. Don't ever tell anyone I said that. I picked up the new Daring Doo book, and decided to get a space encyclopedia as well. I've always been kinda interested in the stars, but I've never done anything about it until now. I guess the Egghead was right about reading.

We stopped by The Banshee, my favorite alternative store. I made Vinyl wait outside while I got her a present. I found a pair of music note earrings and a couple of shirts. Her favorite shows were Doctor Who and Adventure Time, so that's what shirts I looked for. I really hope she'll like them.

When I finished and walked outside, Vinyl tried to peek in the bag. I stopped her by holding it out of her reach. She pouted, but continued on to our next destination, Gamer's Paradise. The massive store had everything. It was so large, that it had entrances on all three levels of the mall. They had gotten special permission to connect the floors with an escalator. They carried everything you could wish for. It really was a gamer's paradise.

Walking inside, Vinyl and I split up. She went to go look for presents, and I went my own way. I took a deep breath of the cool air, and set off for my favorite place, the Gamer Grotto. It was where they had all of the newest games set up to play. I always liked to test them out and decide which ones to buy. And the beanbag chairs were good for a nap. The employees here were friends, so they didn't mind when I spent several hours there. It was a good way to waste an afternoon, especially if I had a blue Icee and some pizza.

As I reached the carpet-covered haven, I spotted something incredible. A certain lunar princess was sitting in a red beanbag chair, playing Final Fantasy. She had her headset on, and was tapping furiously at the buttons on her handheld. I chose the black chair sitting next to her, and I waited for her to end the mission. A few seconds later, she pulled up the pause screen and sat the handheld down next to her. She took a swig from a Mountain Dew Voltage, slid her headset down around her neck, and looked at me expectantly.

"Yes, Dash? Did you want something? Or are you just sitting there so you can watch me play?" She leaned back in the chair and stretched her legs out in front of her. She was wearing her favorite black Halo hoodie, some deep violet skinny jeans, and a pair of gray Converse with purple laces. I noted the crescent moon earrings she had, and the silver ring on her right hand with an aquamarine gem in the center.

"I didn't really want anything in particular." She nodded, and began to pick up her game. I swiped it from her, and held it in my hands. She glared at me, and crossed her arms over her chest as she slumped back in her chair.

"Obviously you did want something, or else you wouldn't be stopping me from defeating Golbez. What's up?" I smiled and handed her the handheld. Settling back into my chair, I prepared to ask her my question.

"Can you guess why I'm here?" I gestured to the store around us, and waited for her answer. She sighed, and ran a hand over her face.

"Not another one of these guessing games. It's getting a little old, and you end up telling me in the end, anyway." I laughed, and crossed my arms over my chest. She slumped in her chair, sensing that I wasn't about to let go of my little game.

"Fine, Dash, I'll play. Let's hope it doesn't take too long." She shifted around in her chair, trying to find a more comfortable spot. She knew all about how difficult it was to lean back when you had back problems, having recently had surgery to fix her scoliosis. "Is it something to do with a game?" I shook my head, and she nodded thoughtfully.

"Are you here with somebody else?" I thought for a minute, and then nodded my head. She looked at me, and tapped her fingers on her leg. "Is that somebody shopping for a game?"

"Yes, I think she is, at any rate." Luna stared pointedly at me, as if she were trying to figure something out.

"I assume that you're here bothering me for another reason, though. This person may have brought you here, but you're here for an altogether different cause." She looked off at the ground for a second, contemplating my motive.

" You're here in the Grotto to play, that much is obvious. What I can't quite understand is why you're talking to me instead of doing that. You must have something important to tell me. "

"Yes, I do, and I know you probably won't guess it. But I'm still going to make you work for it." At this, she frowned, and pulled her knees up to her chin, resting her head on them.

"Is it something to do with me?" I shook my head.

"Is it a problem?" She glanced at my face, searching for hints.

"Nope." Sensing that she was getting close to defeat, I began smiling. She never won these games, I was too good at hiding my secrets.

"It's a good thing, then. Did you get that puppy?" She was referring to the last time we went shopping together. I had seen a wolf puppy in a shop window, and had planned on getting it when I had time. She was the cutest little gray furball. I had asked Tim, the shop manager, to hold her for me.

"Not yet, but I will. I hope Tank reacts well." I could tell that I was frustrating her, mostly because she puffed at the hair in her face, and scowled. She closed her eyes in concentration, wondering what could possibly be so good that I would be excited.

She opened her cerulean orbs, and blinked, almost as if in surprise. "I can only think of one thing. That's actually quite surprising, because you're, well, you. Is it a guy, or a girl?" I smiled at her, genuinely happy that she had won for once. I shook her hand, and she grinned lopsidedly back.

"Well, it is a girl. She's actually someone you know quite well. Does the name Vinyl Scratch ring a bell?" She hid her face as a blush spread across it. I figured it would. She had often admired Vinyl from afar. I had tried to get her to talk to Vinyl, after all, she was a princess, I was pretty sure she could sweep anybody off their feet. Too bad for her that she's just so awkward and shy.

"Yes, indeed. I see you have finally discovered your feelings for her. Good for you both." I cocked my head to the left, and stared quizzically at her. She pointed at Vinyl, who was looking at a display case across the room. She was leaning in close, with a hand on her chin, deciding something. I decided to point out a very obvious thing.

"What do you mean, discovered my feelings? I've never felt this way about Vinyl before. I always knew her as a best friend, or a sister." Luna chuckled, a quiet, deep sound. She had a huge grin plastered on her face.

"You intend to tell me that you never thought of her as more than a friend? I could clearly see the attraction between you two. You would never leave her side, which shows slightly more devotion than a best friend normally portrays. She couldn't stop staring at you. Even I could see this, blinded by love for her as I was. That's why I never took action on my feelings. I knew that she would at least consider my offer, and I didn't want to mess up your chances with her. You may not have realized it, but you two were made for each other. I can always find someone else, but I'm not so sure that she isn't your perfect match. I knew that if I dated her first, you would never end up starting a relationship with her, because you're not the type to date your friends' exes." I stared at her, eyebrows raised, as I digested this new information. Luna cared about me enough to give up her own happiness? That's pretty special.

"So, what you're telling me is that you never went after her, because you wanted me to have a shot with her? Wow. You are a good friend, Luna. I never expected anyone to do that for me. I don't think you know how special you are." I leaned over and gave her a tight hug, remaining that way for several seconds. "You won't need to worry about getting a special someone, because you're the kind of girl everybody dreams of. In fact, if I wasn't already with Vinyl, you could count on me getting some flowers to bring to your door. Of course, I'd have to get past the guards first. Then I'd have to convince your sister." Luna laughed at that, attracting the attention of a few people around us.

"Thanks, Dash. That means a lot. Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?" I thought for a minute, and then shook my head. "Well, then go on and enjoy Vinyl's company, and leave me to my game. You know where to find me if you need anything else." I smirked, and stood up to leave.

"Yeah, you'll be right here. And then you'll be in jail for resisting the employees' attempts to get you to leave at closing time." I jumped out of the way as she tried to kick my shins, and then headed in the direction I had seen Vinyl going earlier.

When I got to the game display cases, she was nowhere to be found. So I decided to browse until she came to find me. I looked through the games, looking for new releases, and maybe to find a game to give to Sunny and Moony. All of my family were big gamers, aside from Mom, but the twins beat even me. They took it seriously, the way only a thirteen year old could. They actually had time to devote to the art, whereas I only had a couple of hours a week. They were still in eighth grade, but I was starting junior year, and had to spend my time working and studying.

I found a couple that looked promising. I think they would like Assassin's Creed and Halo. It would show them what gaming was like when I was their age. I just hope Mom doesn't kill me. I don't quite remember her policy on game content, but it's my duty as an older sister to teach my little sibs to be as awesome as me. Cloud did the same for me, and I can't thank him enough for teaching me the ways of cool. I'm now at least twenty percent cooler than I was when he just ignored me.

I walked to the counter and retrieved a cashier to unlock the case and get me the games. I took them back to the counter, and paid for them, picking up a game cheats guide on the way. I figured somebody would get use out of it when they needed some help with a game.

Vinyl found me about twenty minutes later, and made me wait ten feet away while she bought some games. I assume some of them were for me, since she decided to hide them. It's not like I would tell our friends what she got them. I can't wait to find out what she picked, though. I'll love it no matter what, because she got it, but I still bet it's something really awesome.

We decided that we were done shopping for the day, and we headed out to the parking lot under the cover of dusk. The stars twinkled in the night sky, but were almost invisible above the bright city lights. I took Vinyl's keys and unlocked the trunk. I took the bags from her hands, and put them in the trunk. She leaned up and gave me a peck on the lips, and I hugged her, reminded of what Luna had revealed earlier. I headed around to my side of the car, and compressed myself back inside. Vinyl climbed into the driver's seat, and put the keys in the ignition. Before she turned the engine over, she turned to look at me.

"So, shopping wasn't as bad as you thought it would be. I expected you to complain the whole time." I relaxed into my seat, buckling in.

"No, it wasn't. But only because you were there. I think if it were anyone else, I would've tried to escape." She leaned over on my shoulder, and nuzzled against my neck.

"Aw, that was sweet. But you still were bored, weren't you?" I laid my head on top of hers, and closed my eyes.

"No, I actually wasn't. Talking to Twi was nice, and I spent a good amount of time talking with Luna. She made for a good waste of time while you were shopping for videogames." She sat up and turned to look at me.

"What did you two talk about that was so entertaining?" I looked back at her, and decided to omit part of the truth.

"She just asked me what I had been doing. We talked about gaming a little bit, and she asked me about you. I told her that we were together. That's alright with you, I hope?" She nodded, and then set about to buckling in and turning on the car. I was glad that I hadn't told her the most important bit of the day. I don't think she would've reacted well to that. Luna was an old friend of mine, and Vinyl would have wanted to know about her crush. It wouldn't have ended well for Luna and I.

The car's engine rumbled to life, and Vinyl drove us home. I slept for the duration of the ride, and twenty minutes later, we were back at my apartment. I carried my purchases into the dimly lit hallway, and set them inside the living room. I ran back outside to Vinyl's car, and said goodbye. She stood by the car, waiting for me in the cold night air. I wrapped her in a tight hug, and kissed her goodnight for the third time. It was a new experience, and one that I loved. I could tell that she liked it, too, from the way her cheeks burned when we pulled apart. She nearly tripped getting back to her car door, and hit her head as she ducked inside. I waved as she pulled out of the driveway, and watched her until her taillights faded into the distance.

Humming to myself, I jogged back to my door, and went inside to collapse on my empty bed. I fell asleep thinking of my two wonderful blue haired girls. One was my whole world, and the other was the best friend that made it possible. I couldn't live without either of them.

A Message Full of Memories

I woke in the morning to the sound of Nero blaring from my alarm clock. I slung my arm around until I found the button to turn it off, and I dropped my limp hand on it to silence the noise. I was so not ready to be awake. I sat up for a minute, trying to regain conscious thought, instead of the half fragments I had floating around in my head. I rubbed my hands over my face a couple of times, and shook my head. Reaching out, I found my lamp, and switched it on.

"Ngah! Oowah! Good morning, Tank!" I stretched all the kinks out of my muscles and patted the tortoise's shell. He gurgled happily, and stretched out his tiny, leathery legs. He blinked sleepily, and snuggled back into the blankets. I wished I were so lucky. Unfortunately, I had to answer the call of nature before I could do anything else.

Emerging from the bathroom, I shuffled into the kitchen to look for something to drink. I grabbed a glass out of the cabinet and popped the fridge open. Moving a couple of containers aside, I found the milk. There's nothing quite like it for keeping healthy bones. And being the athletic stud that I am, this kind of stuff is important for me.

After I wiped off the inevitable milk mustache, I headed back to my room to get dressed. My phone was sitting on the nightstand, and I picked it up to check for messages. There were two, one from Pinkie, and one from Fluttershy. I opened the one from Pinkie first, not sure about what Fluttershy would have to say. I opened the voicemail, and braced myself for the forthcoming barrage of noise and excitement.

"Hiya, Dashie! How are you? I'll bet you're doing great, because a little birdie told me you and Vinyl finally got together! I just knew you two were perfect for each other! And now I can throw you guys a party, and we can all celebrate, and it'll be just like old times! Well, call me back when you get up! Bye bye, Dashie!" The automated voice came on, and I tried to recover hearing in my right ear. That happened every time, no matter how far away I held the phone.

I closed the voicemail, and opened up Fluttershy's text. I was rather wary of what it might be about, but I had to get it over with eventually. I looked down at my phone, expecting some weepy passage that would make me feel bad. Actually, it wasn't sad at all.

Hey, Dash. It's been awhile, huh? I just wanted to let you know that I'll be in town next weekend. Maybe we could meet up and talk. Let me know if you can.

I backed up and sat on the edge of my bed. That actually sounded really nice. I'd like to go and see Shy, I just don't know how well that would work for her or Vinyl. I really wanted them to talk to each other, not that they hadn't before. I know that we were all really close, even though Shy and I split, so this could be good for all of us. I'll just have to see what Vinyl thinks. Despite her ostensibly brash and loud attitude, she was really good at dealing with other people, and judging their reactions. I was almost jealous at times.

I locked my phone, and let myself fall back on the bed. I flung my arms above my head, and closed my eyes. I was so bad at dealing with love. But that's okay, because nobody needs to be perfect. I'm gonna try, though, because Vinyl is worth it. I've only scratched the surface of what she is, and she doesn't even know what she means to me. And that's why I need to seal up my leaky heart, full of holes from past hurts. It needs to be whole, so she can have the best of me. She deserves nothing less.

So, I guess I needed to go see Vinyl. I figure she would be okay with it, she likes Shy, too. We all used to hang out when we were little. We were the three amigos, the three musketeers. I can't remember a time when we weren't all together, and getting into some trouble. Well, it was mostly Vinyl and I getting into trouble, but Shy was always around someplace, usually hiding. But she was moral support, and that's worth something, I guess.

I tossed my phone on my nightstand, and walked to where I kept my clean clothes. I picked out a Doctor Who shirt that Mom had gotten me last Christmas, a pair of TARDIS blue skinny jeans, and necessary underthings. Then, I headed off to get a shower, and hopefully clear my head.

A Talk With An Old Friend

I was standing on Vinyl's doorstep an hour later, ringing the doorbell just a little bit more forcefully than was necessary. I heard a thump, which meant she probably just fell out of bed. I wish I could sleep like that. About thirty seconds later, I heard the door lock click, and the door was yanked open to reveal a rather irritated Vinyl. I whipped my finger away from the button, trying to pretend innocence. I don't think she bought it, judging by the look on her face. I leaned in to kiss her through the door, and she tried to bite me. Yeesh, scary lady!

"Dash, what on God's green earth could you possibly want at this hour? And why the hell did you have ring that doorbell like you were gonna murder it? I can hear it just fine from fifteen feet away, even asleep." She glared at me, and I smirked, happy to have irritated her, even a little. It was always something I took pride in, because her reactions were something that I always found funny, mostly because she didn't get angry often.

"I just wanted to come and say good morning to the most beautiful girl in the world, and to tell you that I love you. Does there have to be a reason?" She still kept on glaring, and I waited for her response. Maybe I pushed her a little too far this time. I'm sure I'll be paying for it later. Oh dear.

"I don't believe you. You're crazy, but you're not usually suicidal. What did you come here to talk about? And don't try to smile and make me forget it, because I know you must have had a good reason." I heard a muffled rhythmic beat, and I glanced down to see her foot tapping a pattern into the carpet. Okay, I definitely may have taken it too far. But jeez, PMS much?

"Look, I'll tell you if you let me in. It's kind of important, and I'm sure you don't want to stand here for how long it's going to take. So why don't we go inside, sit down, and have a nice long discussion about one of our old friends." Vinyl's eyes narrowed. Crap.

"And just which one of our friends might that be? Because I can only remember a few. We aren't exactly super popular, in case you haven't noticed." I looked deeply into those blue eyes, and sighed, sagging against the door frame. Sure, she might have been cool with Shy and I being together, and she was there for us when we broke up. But that didn't mean that she wouldn't react differently to hanging out with her. You know how jealous girls can get, especially with exes, no matter how close they all used to be. I ran a hand over my face, and looked up into her eyes again, contemplating how to phrase this.

"Well, that would be Shy. She texted me last night, or sometime this morning, I don't really know. Anyway, that's not the point. What she said was, she wants to know if we could all hang out sometime, and just reconnect, you know? We haven't seen each other in such a long time, and I think it would be a good idea. Now, could we please go discuss this in private?" I looked hopefully at her, and she seemed to be debating something in her thoughts. Finally, she looked up at me, smiled, and then proceeded to close the door on me. I slumped my shoulders in defeat, and began the long walk home. I heard a clicking noise behind me, and a door opening. I figured it was just one of her neighbors, out to walk their tiny little lapdog. Of course, people you don't really know don't usually hop on your back and almost knock you to the ground.

I regained my balance, and turned my head to see a very amused Vinyl perched on my back. I grabbed her legs, to help her stay in place, and she giggled slightly. I grinned, too, not expecting the sudden shift in mood. She leaned up, and blew a raspberry on my neck, and I grimaced. That was something that she always did, and I never could stand. I crouched and dropped her legs, letting her feet thump to the ground. She let go of my neck, and I stood back up. Turning around to face her, I saw that she had a huge grin on her face. What is wrong with this girl? And for that matter, how did I manage to end up dating this psycho?

"You just shut the door on me, and then you jump on me and act like I'm the best thing you've seen all day? What's with you? Are you bipolar? Maybe you're pregnant or something, what with the mood swings and all." She slapped me on the arm, and gave me a hug that nearly crushed the life out of me. For such a small girl, she was incredibly strong.

"I had to close the door to unlock the chain, silly. And I'm not bipolar, or pregnant. Seeing as we're both female, and we haven't done anything, that should be impossible." I laughed, and tried to imagine a scenario where that was possible. Unfortunately, not even my brilliant mind could see one. "Anyway, there wasn't a mood swing. I was mad at you for waking me up, but I was happy when you mentioned going to see Shy. Did you honestly think I wouldn't be happy to see the girl that's practically my sister?" She tilted her head to the right, and stuck her hands on her hips. I stared sheepishly back at her.

"Honestly? I had no idea how you would react. Girls do get jealous over their partner's exes. Granted, it's still Shy, but I can't just go around expecting you to be okay with that. I was trying to play it safe." She smiled at me, and walked the few feet between us to wrap me in a warm hug. I laid my chin on her shoulder, and she snuggled her head into my neck.

"Thank you for being so concerned, Dash. I don't think I've ever met a sweeter badass." I mock glared at her for the inflection on the last word. I am totally a badass. "But still, she's the closest thing I have to an older sister. I don't think I could ever be mad at her, and certainly not for something so petty. So you two dated, so what? It's not like either of you are going to try and wreck our relationship by hanging out together. Besides, it'll be good to see her again. We haven't talked in what, almost a year? I miss her, seeing as she already went ahead and graduated high school on us. Now I know how you felt."

I smiled at her, glad that she wanted to go and see Shy. And maybe just a little happy that she was getting a taste of her own medicine. She can't help it that she's a year older than me, but she could at least stop rubbing it in my face. I grabbed her hand, and she pulled me back to her apartment, shutting the door behind us. We took a seat on her comfy gray couch, and I waited for the conversation to pick back up.

"So, when does she get here? I mean, I assume we're not driving across two state lines to see her, especially not if she was the one to suggest that we meet up." I leaned back further and crossed my legs underneath me, but I still kept a hold on Vinyl's hand.

"Well, she said she was getting time off on the weekend. I haven't really messaged her back yet, aside from telling her that I was happy about it, and that I'd have to let you know." Vinyl frowned a bit then, and I immediately wondered what I had done wrong. I really hoped this wasn't one of those times where she starts getting all moody and brooding, and won't tell me what's wrong. I hate those times.

"Does Shy know about, well, us? Being together, I mean. Did you tell her?" I relaxed a little, and smiled at her.

"I would've told her, but I was so busy trying to come up with a way to tell you she was coming, and then getting ready to come over here, that I didn't think about it. But, if you want me to, I can call her, and we'll talk to her about it." Vinyl smiled at me, a grin that practically split her face in two. That was her scheming face. Oh dear, I'm in for it now. Poor Shy.

"Well, why don't you do that, and I'll give her my personal hello." She still had that huge grin on her face, and I was starting to get scared. I hesitantly pulled out my phone, and unlocked it. I opened up the contacts list, and scrolled through it until I found Shy's name. Taking a deep, calming breath, I hit "Dial," and waited for Shy to pick up. It didn't take long.

"Hello? Who is this?" Hearing her soft voice over the line made my heart flutter, and I was reminded of everything she meant to me, and all that I had given up. Maybe part of me still wished I could be with her. Maybe part of me wished that she hadn't gone so far away for college. But another part of me just wanted her to be happy, and she was happy where she was at.

"Hey Shy. It'sa me, a-Dash-io!" I heard a giggle on the other end, and I felt a warmth fill my chest. I was always able to say something to make her laugh, no matter how bad she was feeling. My motives were kind of selfish too; making her laugh always made me feel better.

"Hi Dash. How have you been? It's been awhile since we've talked. What's been going on?" This was the moment where I let out a sigh, and gathered my thoughts.

"I've been great! I kinda miss you though, really bad. I wish you were here." This earned me a glare from Vinyl. I made a gesture that I thought meant something like, "Simmer down," or various similar phrases. "And not much has been going on since you left. Well, a few things. But nothing big. We can talk about it when you get here."

"Okay. How's Tank been? I hope he's not been a naughty boy. Although, Angel Bunny is with me, so he couldn't have been too much trouble." I laughed lightly, remembering some of the antics that our pets had gotten up to.

"No, he's been a perfect sweetheart. And he's strong as an ox, probably the healthiest he's ever been. I've still got him on that new diet you gave me, the one with the special fruit and stuff."

"Well, that's good to hear. How's Vinyl been? I miss her terribly." I grinned, doing my best impression of a Vinyl-has-a-scheme face.

"Well, why don't you ask her yourself? She's just right here, give me a second." I smiled at Vinyl, and handed her my phone.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" She just stared at me, and the phone. Apparently the mastermind wasn't ready for her plan to begin.

"Just take it, and talk to her. She just wants to know how you've been doing. It's not hard." I watched her squirm as she held the phone and put it on speaker. She never had been comfortable with talking on the phone to people. I was kind of half surprised she suggested it in the first place.

"H-hello, Shy. How've you been? I haven't s-seen you in ages, it seems like." I laughed at her discomfort. Bad idea. She kicked me in the shin, and I began to hop around in agony. Man, that girl knows every possible way to hurt people, I swear.

"I've been fine, dear. How are you and Dash getting along?" Vinyl scrunched up her face in concentration, trying to figure out how to answer the question without giving too much away.

"Oh, we're fine. We've gotten so much closer now that you're gone. I guess the both of us are just trying to hold onto what's left of our little group in any way we can. We both miss you an awful lot." I heard Vinyl say this, and I felt an arrow of pain shoot through my heart. Then, she began to speak again, in a barely audible whisper, so that I couldn't hear.

"The worst part is, next year it'll just be Dash. I don't know how she's going to handle it, since we'd both be so far away." Her smile turned into a mildly concerned frown, and I picked up on a serious misery vibe.

"I know, Vinyl. It'll be hard. At least you'll still be fairly close by, and not two state lines away from her." Vinyl winced, and I could definitely feel some pain coming from her. I walked over, and wrapped my arm around her shoulders in a sort of hug. She smiled at me, and I felt some of the tension leave her body.

"Well, at least we'll get to see you soon. You said you'd be visiting us for break, right? That starts this weekend for you, doesn't it?" Vinyl had a hopeful expression on her face, like the one a small child would wear when asking Santa for presents.

"Oh yes, I'll be coming. In fact, I should be there either tomorrow or the day after, to get my hotel and everything set up." Vinyl raised an eyebrow, and her face took a more concerned expression.

"What do you mean, hotel? Aren't you staying with your parents?" I began to feel an extreme sense of worry. Shy had told me her home life had been bad.

"Well, you see, Mother and I got into a slight disagreement over certain, people, that I loved, and she might have kicked me out of the house for good when I turned eighteen." The last bit was practically breathed in a tiny squeaky whisper, and I felt my heart lurch. Shy had been disowned because of me, because she dared to love another girl! I had always loved her mother, but I had no idea that one simple thing like that could turn her into such a rage-monster. This time, I spoke.

"Shy, are you telling me that you have nobody to stay with when you get here?" Vinyl and I shared a worried look as we waited for her response.

"Well, I did say that I was going to stay in a hotel. I'm sure I'll be fine." I resisted the urge to smack my forehead.

"Nonsense, it's going to be Christmas! I will not let you spend Christmas alone. You can come and stay with Vinyl or I." Vinyl nodded as I said this, always willing to help our friend.

"Oh no, really, I'm fine. I love hotels. They're so, hotel-y, and full of new people." I groaned at her inability to accept our hospitality.

"Look, I know you don't want to impose, but it's not imposing if we've offered our homes for you to stay in. So, pick a person, and you'll stay with them for break. Neither Vinyl nor I mind having an extra person in our house for a few weeks, especially not if that person is you. You're practically our sister!" I was getting sort of frustrated, but I kept my cool. Sometimes, you just had to be patient with Fluttershy.

"Oh, okay. If it's not a bother or anything. Um, if you don't mind, I think I'll stay with Dash. Is that okay with you, Vinyl?" Vinyl shrugged,and I took that as a yes. She knew better than to think that Fluttershy and I would do anything, especially not when I was already together with her.

"Sure, Fluttershy, that's fine. She has extra room, anyway. I think she has a spare bedroom, or a pullout couch thing. Don't you?" I nodded my head. I did indeed have a pullout couch, and a spare room, although that was probably filled with my Wonderbolts merchandise. There shouldn't be too much to clean out, though.

"Yeah, I do have a place, Shy. You're fine. Just let me know when you get here, and I'll come to the airport to help you with your things." Vinyl smiled, she knew I would need her car. Guess that means she's coming with me.

"Oh my, that's very nice of you Dash. I'll call you as soon as the plane touches down." I smiled at this, and shook my head.

"That's fine, Shy. I'll try to get there as fast as possible, so you won't be waiting for too long." I leaned back into the couch, and Vinyl leaned back with me, snuggling into my chest. I began petting her hair, and she curled up closer.

"Okay, then. I guess I'll see you soon. Bye, Dash, bye Vinyl. I love you!" I chuckled, amused by her use of that phrase. At least I knew Vinyl wouldn't get all jealous on me now.

"Bye, Shy, I love you, too. See you soon!" Vinyl sleepily opened her eyes, and added her own barely recognizable goodbye.

"G'bye, Shy. I wub you. See yer temerw!" I giggled a little, because Vinyl was jsut getting to that point where speech became unrecognizable as such.

"Goodbye, Vinyl. Get some sleep, it sounds like you need it." With that, Shy hung up, and I picked up my phone and slid it into my pocket. I shifted around to lay back on the couch, and Vinyl came with me, spread out on top of me with her head nestled on my chest, just under my chin.

I lazily glanced around the room, watching the golden early morning sunlight turn the dust motes into tiny fireflies. Vinyl's breathing began to slow, and I felt myself slip into a slower thought pattern. A warmth snuck up on me, and the time between each opening of my eyelids became longer and longer. Finally, I didn't open them again, and I relaxed into the warmth of Vinyl's slumbering body, accepting that I wasn't leaving anytime soon. Good thing I had nowhere to go today.

The Race To Prepare

I went home briefly, to clean out the spare room. Thankfully, Vinyl helped, so it only took about twenty minutes to get everything packed away. I laid out some fresh bedclothes on the mattress, and went to grab a change of clothes and a jacket. I figured I might as well spend the rest of the day with Vinyl. We probably wouldn't get much alone time for the next few days.

As a last minute thought, I grabbed a couple of Santa hats. Hey, it's almost Christmas. I plopped one on my head, and carried the other on top of the pile of clothing. I deposited the items in the back seat, and skipped up to the passenger door. I slid in smoothly, only hitting my head once.

Vinyl laughed when she saw the hat, and I grinned at her. "Ho ho ho, little miss! I'm just your friendly neighbourhood Santa Claus!" She collapsed into a fit of giggles. It was probably good that I didn't grab the beard.

I reached back to grab the other hat, and placed it on her head. She smiled widely, and straightened it in the rear view mirror. I buckled in as she started the car, and leaned over to kiss her cheek.

"Now I have a Mrs. Claus. And she's the most beautiful one I've ever seen." Vinyl blushed, the color matching the red in the hat resting on her vibrant hair. I was glad that I could make her blush. She really is amazingly beautiful; an angel I could call my own.

"Don't sell yourself short there, buddy. Without the horrendous beard, you're absolutely gorgeous." She leaned over and pulled me in for a little mouth to mouth. Yep, definitely a good idea to leave the beard.

I pulled away first, desperate for air. She sat there for a few seconds as well, panting quietly. Eventually, she realized that we had been just idling in the driveway for several minutes. She kicked the car into gear, and we drove off.

I sincerely hoped no one saw us. I've never been much for exhibitionism. PDA is limited to hand holding and hugging, usually. Now, I will cuddle if we're somewhere just a little more secluded, like the park. But I can't honestly ever remember even kissing anyone in public. And face-eating is definitely off-limits. So, I kinda just broke my own rules. Vinyl is just too good at dragging me after her when there are rules to be obliterated. I guess I can't blame her.

I leaned my cheek against the window, using the cold temperature outside to cool my warm face. I was most definitely full-on blushing. I blush too easily anymore. It feels weird, to always be this emotional. I was always the tough one, the calm and collected one. Sure, I was bound to have a few not-so-calm moments; I am a teenage girl, after all. But usually I kept my cool, and all this blushing is certainly not doing that.

I couldn't wait for this car ride to be over. I just want to get Fluttershy back to my house, and settle her in. I wasn't tired before, but all of this thinking and being emotional has really exhausted me. I just need some sleep.

I watched the world roll by through the window, admiring the stark silhouette the leafless trees created against the gray, cloudy sky. I love fall and winter, as they're my favorite seasons. But winter was definitely my favorite. It shouldn't be, because I get cold really easily as it is. But for some reason, I find everything about it beautiful. Especially when I have someone like the girl next to me to brighten things up.

I closed my eyes, wanting to rest them for a few minutes. After what seemed only seconds later, Vinyl was shaking my shoulder, trying to wake me. I never intended to sleep, but that's okay. We're at the airport now, so I suppose it's time to go get Fluttershy. I really hope she didn't pack too much, or else we might need a porter cart.

A Birthday Bash

We got up early the next morning to get Shy from the airport. I had decided to stay at Vinyl's and sleep on the sofa to conserve time, since Shy said she'd be getting in really early. I drove Vinyl's car, because she was too tired.

Unfortunately, when we got there, Shy had already been there an hour. Apparently the plane got in early, and she didn't want to wake us up. After I got done crushing her in a bear hug, I scolded her for being so silly. Then I left Vinyl to talk with her while I put Shy's bags in the car.

We drove back to my house and got Shy settled into the spare room. I showed her where everything was, and then I treated everyone to breakfast at the local Waffle House two blocks from my house.

And today, a week later, we're getting the girls together to celebrate my seventeenth birthday. Pinkie is in charge of the festivities. I can't decide whether that'll be a disaster or not. It's usually pretty sugary. I'm gonna end up with diabetes one day because of her.

Arriving at Sugarcube Corner with Vinyl and Shy in tow, I discovered that the outside of the bakery was covered in balloons and streamers. As I pulled the door open, I received a blast from her confetti cannon full in the face. Shielded by my body, the other two laughed at my now multicolored face, as did the girls inside, Twi and Applejack. I did my best to scrape off the paper scraps and straighten my bowtie, a gift from Vinyl and I's friend Octavia, aka Tavi or Octy. She had shown up outside my door early this morning to deliver the gift, and almost had a panic attack when Shy answered the door. Luckily, Vinyl and I got everything straightened out.

Taking a seat in Pinkie's self proclaimed Party Throne, I waited for the bubbly baker to show herself. And so she did, in a rather stunning way. A birthday cake rolled from the kitchen. Music began playing from somewhere overhead. And then Pinkie popped out of said cake, not quite scantily clad, but close enough that everyone felt uncomfortable. Especially Shy and I. Shy, for her obvious innocence, and I felt weird because I had a girlfriend, and because this was Pinkie. I covered Shy's eyes with a hand while I awkwardly cleared my throat.

"Um, Pinks, why are you... you know? Could you perhaps go put some clothes on and stop it?" Pinkie looked stunned.

"But, Dashie, I thought you liked this kind of thing? You do like girls, don't you?" Becoming more nervous by the minute, I tugged at the collar of my black dress shirt, certain that the electric blue bowtie was strangling me. I'm sure my face was a nice shade of red.

"Yeah, I do, but I have a girlfriend. Who is currently standing just across the room. Also, no I do not like that sort of thing. It's just too weird." My already scratchy voice was squeaking and cracking like a clarinet in a little kid's hands. This was spiraling out of control.

"Oh, okay Dashie. Let me just get out of here. Can you help me?" I nodded meekly, hoping this wouldn't offend Vinyl. I stood up and walked to meet the pinkette. Reaching up, I grabbed her arms, and began to help her up and over. When she got about halfway out, I wrapped my arms around her legs and lifted her some more.

Rarity chose that exact moment to walk in. The only warning I got was a tinkling bell.

"Oh my. Have I arrived at an innoportune moment, dears? Perhaps I should wait outside while you two... finish up." My face burned in it's rather compromising position. I knew what it looked like, with my face so close to Pinkie's crotch. I wasn't enjoying it in the slightest, and that made it worse.

Deciding to let my friends explain, I lifted Pinkie the rest of the way out and sent her to change while I wheeled the cake back into the kitchen. When I got done, I walked back out slowly, gauging the situation. Apparently everything was sorted out, because Rarity apologized when I returned.

In all the commotion, we had neglected to notice that Rarity had brought a guest. She looked incredibly familiar, and when she turned, it was Octy. Not that she wasn't welcome, but why did she come with Rarity?

"Hey Octy. Glad you're here. Thanks for the bowtie, by the way, it's really cool." She blushed lightly when I thanked her, and waved it off.

"You are welcome, Rainbow. It was the least I could do to show up to your birthday. You never know how many you have left, so carpe diem and such. As for my gift, I assume you noticed the color. I thought it was fitting, as that is part of the color scheme of Vinyl's hair. It makes it sort of a coupley thing, which is nice for such a cute couple." It was my turn to blush. I had seen the color, and I wondered if she'd done it purposely.

"What is this about couples? Who is Rainbow Dash dating?" Rarity, the everpresent go-to gossip, walked over to join the two of us. I cringed. This was not the way I wanted her to find out.

"We were just talking about how Vinyl and Rainbow make a cute pair. I was telling her how I picked out the bowtie she's wearing to match Vinyl's hair." Oh boy, here it comes. The shunning, the silence, the anger, the...

"Well, I think that was a wonderful idea. That was sweet of you, Octavia. I assume Vinyl is the girl at the table talking to Twilight and the girls. Octavia is right, you two do make a cute couple. Congratulations, dear. How long have you been together?" Well, that was not what I expected at all. It took a second for my brain to catch up.

"About a week or so, maybe two. I'm so glad you're okay with it. I thought you would be disgusted with me or something. I mean, high class people like you usually seem to share a distaste for same sex couples." She smiled lightly at me and laughed. Shaking her head ever so slightly, she responded to my statement in an unexpected way.

"While that may be true for some people, I would never look down upon love. And even if I did dislike those kinds of relationships, I would never let those beliefs come between myself and a friend." I felt incredibly relieved. She was okay with us!

"Besides, certain... events as of late have changed the way I feel about that sort of thing. You might say I've opened up to a whole new way of thinking." Looking at her curiously, she smiled conspiratorily, and held up her hand, whose fingers were now intertwined with Octy's. I felt my eyes widen in surprise, and I found that I was positively beaming. Finally, the two upper crust girls had found someone of their own kind that they could actually stand. I couldn't be happier.

"You must understand, Rainbow, that no one but the people in this room can know. It would ruin our careers, especially Octavia's, as she is a classical musician attending the Royal Conservatory." I nodded, and Pinkie swore that I wouldn't tell a soul. Rarity and Octy smiled broadly at me, and pulled me in for a group hug.

"Hey, we'll have to swap stories later. I want to know what got you two together."

"As do we, with regard to yourself and Vinyl." I nodded and shook hands with Rarity, who was currently being more vocal than Octy. Then, we walked over to join the party.

About five minutes later, Luna showed up in a midnight blue limousine outside the bakery, carrying two presents. One was a golden box with a white ribbon from Celestia, and the other was a midnight blue box with a silver and black striped ribbon from Luna herself. I hugged her and set the boxes on the gift table, and then pulled up a chair for her at the table everybody was sitting around.

Pinkie came out of the kitchen with a second, rainbow iced cake, thankfully properly dressed this time. She set it down on the counter, and disappeared back into the kitchen to get the party food. I jumped up to help her carry it out, figuring she'd appreciate it.

The kitchen was kinda dark, and I figured they had most of the lights off to conserve energy. I found the platters of food on one of the stainless steel prep tables. As I reached to grab a couple of trays, I felt warm breath on the back of my neck, and hands running down my sides. Twisting around, I faced a rather awkwardly seductive Pinkie Pie.

"Pinks, what are you doing?" She smiled at me and winked.

"I'm not doing anything but trying to give you my birthday present. Come a little closer, Dashie." She started pressing me back into the metal table, and I was definitely drenched in awkwardness. Then, I noticed that her hair was perfectly... straight. Oh no, that's why she's acting like this. This thought was punctuated by a hand running down my leg. I pushed her off, and turned to grab a tray and run.

Big mistake. She leaned forward, practically laying on my back, and nipped my earlobe. I shivered, and she laughed. She kept making grabs at me while I picked up a tray and struggled away from her. If I hadn't reached the door when I did, she probably would've had my belt undone and going for my pants. Luckily, I spotted AJ outside the door, and I sent her in to calm Pinkie down.

Ten minutes later, a very flustered AJ emerged from the kitchen with food, soon followed by a once-again curly haired Pinkie. When AJ passed me to sit down again, she whispered, "You so owe me one, Dash." I assume that means it went well. I still scooted a little closer to Vinyl when Pinkie came to the table, and pulled Luna closer on my other side for good measure. It scared me that Pinkie didn't seem to remember what she had done. 'Course, she never does when she goes into that weird, alter ego, straight hair thingy.

Time flies when you're having fun, and soon the girls sang Happy Birthday, and Pinkie served up cake. I finished eating my slice, and then I got up and brought the gifts over a few at a time until the whole pile was sitting in front of my 'throne'. I picked up Vinyl's first, since she was my girlfriend, after all. It was a cyan blue wrapped box, with a rainbow striped bow on top. I smiled at her.

I took the bow off the box and stuck it on Vinyl. "You know, Vinyl, you didn't have to get me a thing. Being with you was the best gift I could ask for." She blushed, and leaned forward to kiss me while the other girls were making various exclamations of delight over my words. It was kinda adorable, I suppose.

Getting back to unwrapping it, I peeled the paper back to reveal an unassuming white box. Inside was an incredible gift. Vinyl had given me an autographed set of studio headphones from her personal brand, Hoofbeatz. Underneath that was a vinyl record, also autographed. I smiled widely and hugged her. She had known that I needed some new headphones, but this was a really unexpected and expensive gift.

"That record is the best part, Dash. I put our favorite songs on there, and the last track is one I mixed for you. It's going to be the lead single on my new album." I felt a tear leak into my eye. She had made a song specially for me? I leaned over and gathered her thin frame into a bear hug.

"Thanks, Vinyl. That's so amazing. I'm so happy I let you in my life. You're one of those people I just don't deserve. I love you so much." Our friends let out another chorus of approving noises.

Leaning back, I picked up Luna's gift. Carefully untying the ribbon, I placed it on the table before tearing off the shimmery paper. Looking inside the box, I saw a bunch of Wonderbolts merch, all autographed. She had even gotten me a pair of standard issue flight goggles, with my name embroidered on the strap like the team members have. I was speechless.

"Luna... how? Where did you get this?" Luna winked at me.

"I have my connections. Let's just say I'm very close with a certain orange haired Wonderbolt captain. We have all sorts of fun, videogame tournaments and suchlike." I would've thought she meant she and Spitfire were just friends if she wouldn't have winked when she said 'close', and emphasized the word fun so heavily. So Vinyl, Rarity, Octy, and I aren't the only ones that don't necessarily need a conventional relationship. We are strong, independent women, and we don't need a man.

I winked back at her, letting her know I understood what she meant. I hugged her and thanked her for the gifts. I was blessed to have such a great friend. She was definitely someone I would have been lost without. I'm really glad that her sister let her transfer to my school a few years back. At least I have one friend in my grade.

Twilight's navy blue and star spangled box held an autographed set of Daring Doo books, and a first draft of half of the book currently being written. I don't know how she got that. Maybe it's some secret librarian superpower. Or maybe she has 'connections', like Luna.

AJ gave me a barrel of her family's famous apple cider. "Ah know how frustrated y'all get when you miss out. So, I held back a barrel from last season just for today. Hope y'all enjoy it." I was definitely excited for that gift. That cider was indescribably good. I literally couldn't describe it if I had to.

Shy got me a book of photos she'd taken over the years with Vinyl and I. I almost cried. It was one of the most amazing gifts I had ever been given. It brought back so many incredible childhood memories. It was all I could do to hold back tears when I hugged her.

Rarity had made me a magically weatherproof flight jacket. It was gray stonewashed denim, perfectly distressed, with a few studs strategically placed. It was perfect, and I put it on immediately. Suddenly, I heard Vinyl gasp.

"What? Is there something wrong?"

"Dash, look at the sleeves. Like, right now." I looked where she was pointing, and found something that once again filled me with emotion. Rarity then spoke up.

"I spoke to your mother, and she showed me your old childhood jacket. She said that your father had given that to you when you were little. So, I incorporated the denim and lightning bolts on the sleeves while adjusting the style to reflect your current fashion. I trust you like it?" I was beyond speechless. She had given me an impossible gift; a way to be close to my dad again, even though he wasn't around. Everything had come full circle.

"Rarity, I absolutely love it. In fact, if Vinyl and Octy weren't here, I could just kiss you. This means more to me than you know." Rarity blushed at my comment, and our girlfriends glared at me for it. Like I would really kiss her when we're taken? I'm not crazy, or suicidal.

"Well, thank you Rainbow Dash. That's very sweet of you. Of course, I will have to decline the offer, as they are both indeed present." I smiled crookedly at her, and turned back to the remaining gifts.

Pinkie had, of course, gotten me a miniature party cannon, and a bag of my favorite candy from Bon Bon's sweet shop around the corner. The candy was rainbow colored, and sweet on the outside. But these devilish little balls held an inside so sour it felt like lightning in your mouth, as Vinyl soon found out when she tried one. Oh, her face.

The last box was Celestia's, and it was rather large. I opened it to find, surprise! Another practical joke. Ever the prankster, Celestia taught Luna and I everything we know on the subject. This time, the box was filled with packaged condoms, with a note on top asking Vinyl and I to 'have fun.' Not only were they useless, but when everyone else saw the contents, they started cackling like hyenas, except for poor, awkward Fluttershy. I scowled and pelted them with the plastic packets.

A few minutes later, Luna handed me a slim golden box. Apparently it was Celestia's real present. Inside the box was a charm bracelet, with one charm for each of my friends and myself. There was a butterfly for Shy, three apples for AJ, three diamonds for Rarity, a star for Twi, three different colored balloons for Pinkie, a barred eighth note for Vinyl, a crescent moon surrounded by a black ink stain-looking blotch for Luna, a treble clef for Octy, and a tricolored lightning bolt attached to a cloud for me. It was supposed to signify 'the unbroken circle of friendship.' It was cheesy, but I liked it. It would remind me of how close we all were, no matter how physically far away we were. I wrote a letter to thank Celestia for both gifts, and gave it to Luna to take back with her.

As the party wound down, we had a few more rounds on the karaoke machine. Twi and Rarity were probably the best of us, and kept vocally duking it out, much to everyone's amusement. Eventually Vinyl and I convinced Shy to hop up there, though. She blew us all away. Even Twi and Rarity conceded defeat. Shy got really embarrassed, but accepted her metaphorical laurel wreath graciously. Then she went back and hid at the table.

Cleanup was quick, what with Pinkie having so much sugar. We all hung out until about eleven, and then Rarity left to take Octy back to the capital for a performance tomorrow. About fifteen minutes later, Twi left to go get Spike from his playdate with the Cutiemark Crusaders. AJ left with her to help with the kids. Pinkie was finally knocked out, so Luna and I carried her up to her room. Luna went back to her limo and rode away soon after saying a round of goodbyes and getting her last few hugs.

Vinyl drove Shy and I home after we finished tidying up the last bits of party mess. We parted at my door, and I kissed Vinyl goodnight and Shy gave her a hug. After I waited for Vinyl's taillights to disappear, I walked back inside, deposited the bag of gifts on a chair. Then I went back, took my shoes off at the door and hung my new jacket up. Thouroughly exhausted, I said goodnight to Shy as I passed her room, and went and collapsed on my own bed, not even bothering to change clothes. I can sleep in a bowtie for one night, right?

A Nightmare Before Christmas

I woke up to the sight of blue eyes hovering by the side of my bed. Still groggy, I leaned over to kiss the lips situated beneath the turquoise orbs. I was met halfway by a hand and a small squeak. As I removed my face from the incredibly soft palm, my eyes focused on the color of the hair surrounding the eyes I was so happy to see. It wasn't blue. It was eggshell pink. Shit. Habit, I guess. Two years is a long time to be with someone. Still...

"H-hi, Shy? Why are you in my room? It's kinda early to be up." I blinked a few times, and my eyes focused just a little better on her face. I reached over to my bedside table and fumbled around until I found my glasses. Placing their rectangular frames on my face, I used my other hand to push myself up into a sitting position.

"Dash, there's something you need to hear. Vinyl is here, and she says she has something for you. It's really important. Are you awake enough to go talk to her?" I squinted at Fluttershy, a look of confusion evident on my face. Why would Vinyl be here at... I glanced at the WonderBolts alarm clock on my bedside table... Seven a.m.? That's way too early, especially after how late we were up at that party last night. But if she's here, it must be big. I guess I'll go see what she wants.

"Yeah, sure. I'll go see what she wants. Did she say anything to you?" Shy's shoulders collapsed in on themselves, and seeing her crumple like that told me it was something bad.

I threw back the covers, flipped up and out of the bed, and sprinted toward my living room. Just as I rounded the corner, I collided with a body, and bounced back hard enough to slam into the wall at what felt like sixty miles an hour. What the hell was that?

I took a moment to breathe and assess any potential damage. I looked over and spotted Vinyl leaned up against the kitchen counter in a similar position to mine, rubbing the back of her head softly. A pang of guilt went through me. In my panic, I'd accidentally hurt my girlfriend. I leaned forward and crawled the short distance to her side. Sitting back with my legs folded under me, I quickly checked her head for any serious injuries. It was nothing more than a small bump. I was lucky this time. I softly kissed the swelling, and wrapped my arms around her. I could feel her laughing in my embrace.

"What'd you do that for, silly? I was coming back here to wake you up. You didn't need to run around like a crazy woman." I leaned back and grinned sheepishly at her. I kinda do rush into things without thinking sometimes.

"Sorry, Vi. I'll be more careful next time, promise. Shy just freaked me out because was being so mopey. She said you had something to tell me?" A flash of something tore across her face and disappeared as quickly as it came. Was it guilt? Worry? I couldn't tell.

"Yeah, there's something I've gotta tell you. It's not bad, per se. Just not necessarily good. Why don't you get some breakfast first and I'll tell you?" I shook my head. If I ate, that would just be longer that she would have this news stuck inside her. I know how torn up she gets when she has time to think to herself. Plus, my focus is better when I don't eat. It sharpens my perception, and it sounds like I'll need that for whatever this is.

"Nah, I'm good. I'm still packed from all that food we ate at the party last night. I want to hear what you have to say. It's obviously bothering you." Vinyl sighed, and shook her head slightly. Shoulders slumping marginally, she stood up and took my hand. I used the wall to balance while I stood, dizziness washing over me. I really did need to eat, and soon, but I'm not telling her that. I heard a soft click behind me as Shy escaped out the back door to give us some privacy.

Vinyl gripped my hand tightly as we made our way to the soft loveseat in one corner of my living room. Collapsing onto the left side of the cushion, I patted the spot next to me, indicating that Vinyl should sit. She did so hesitantly, nearly perching on the edge of the cushion before I put my arm around her and dragged her back to lean against me. She heaved a small sigh from the depths of her lungs, a sound of contentment tinged with something suspiciously like regret. I ran my fingers absently through her shoulder length blue hair, subconsciously picking up the hints of that citrus shampoo I loved so much. This was heaven, surely.

"Rainbow, I have something really important to tell you. My manager left me a voicemail this morning. He's signed me up for a two year tour. I'll be traveling all over the world, performing globally. This is big. My first true world tour." And now, this is hell. With six tiny sentences, my world came crashing down. I was no fool. I knew that this meant Vinyl was leaving me. Significant others don't usually tag along on tours, especially when said girlfriend hasn't even finished her junior year of high school.

"Vinyl... Vi... When? When do you leave?" My voice cracked, even more so than normal, and I could feel my heart in my throat with every swallow. Every shaky breath that escaped my lungs was one less that I could spend next to the love of my young life.

"That's the thing, Dash. I'm supposed to leave in three days. They want me to do a Christmas show in Trottingham, and that leaves me with a couple of days to get used to the new schedule before I perform. I stay there a couple of nights, making my rounds, and then I leave for Marelin. And so on, for the next couple of years. But I promise you, we can make this work. I can get you tickets to shows, and airline tickets to get to the performance. You can be there at every possible opportunity. We can work this out, I..." I silenced her with a kiss. She had three days with me? Well, I was gonna make them last, because who knows how long it was gonna be until I saw her again. Who knows if we could even make our relationship last? She wasn't just going to be a couple hours away, she might be a couple countries away.

"Look, Vi, that doesn't matter right now. All I want is to make these days we have last. You never know how much time you're gonna get with someone, so you've gotta make it count. I promise that I will wait for you everyday until you come home, but until you leave, we're gonna have the time of our lives. We'll make today a day to remember, and then tomorrow will never end. Two years isn't too long to ask for a lifetime of memories with you, is it?" I felt her snuggle closer, and I felt a teardrop smear against my neck. Of course she was crying. She was always the secretly sappy one.

"Do you mean it, Rainbow? You would wait for me? Are you sure you want to? I mean, that's a long time to be apart from someone. Wouldn't you rather break up and try your luck with someone else? You've got the rest of high school ahead of you, you could always find someone that would be here." I squeezed her tightly as she curled further in on herself.

"I would do anything to be with you. You're my best friend, and have been since pretty much always. No amount of time or distance between us could stop me from loving you. If you'll wait, so will I." She nuzzled her head up under my chin, and gripped my right hand so tightly I thought it would break.

"I don't think I've ever said it like this, but I love you, Dash. In every sense of the phrase. You are exactly what I've always needed." I felt my heart swell at these words. This girl is something special.

"I love you, too, Vi. I will always love you." She twisted around and laid on her stomach on top of me so she could wrap her arms around me. I leaned forward and kissed her on the nose, morning breath and all. I want so many more moments like this. I want a future with her.

Suddenly, I felt her hands shift behind my back. She pulled one hand free, and had something clenched in her fist.

"Give me your hand, Dash." I had no idea what she was doing, but I released my hold on her back and held out my left hand, securing her on the couch with the other. I felt her slide a ring on my third finger, and suddenly I knew what she was doing. She had given me her ring.

"Vi, what are you doing? You can't give me this. It was your grandmother's. I can't wear your ring." She grinned mischievously at me.

"You can wear if I say so. This way the other kids won't be poaching on my woman while I'm gone. You're incredibly attractive, and I don't want them thinking you're fair game. Please wear it, for my peace of mind?" I smiled at the compliment she gave me, all resistance to her plan melting under the gaze of those fiery eyes.

"Okay, Vi. I'll wear your ring. But you have to have something of mine, to make sure you don't end up with some hot foreign girl. How about this?" I unclasped the silver chain from around my neck, the one with the silver lightning bolt charm my dad had given me the day I was born. He knew I was destined to be fast, faster even than a lightning strike during a storm. I placed the chain around her neck and fastened it, before letting my arms rest around the back of her neck for a few seconds. She smiled at me self consciously, because she knew instinctually that I was just admiring the view. I think I like it when she blushes.

"There. See how pretty you look in that? And now everyone in the whole world will see that and know you're mine." She grinned lopsidedly at me, and linked the fingers of her right hand through my left one. She let our hands drop to hang beside the couch. We just laid there for a while, enjoying the other's company. We had no plans today, and we didn't need them. All we needed for the next three days was each other's time.

The Lion's Den

Author's Note

Hey, guys. Guess what? I'm back! Yeah, I know, sorry for kinda disappearing. I've been busy with life. But, here is probably the longest chapter I've ever written for anything, so enjoy, and consider it my apology. There's more goodness to come.

And for those of you who enjoy a little musical accompaniment as you're reading, here's a few of the songs I was listening to as I wrote this chapter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT_nvWreIhg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGx0rApSk6w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxxstCcJlsc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F90Cw4l-8NY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGR4U7W1dZU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E36WU9Wzf4

The Lion's Den

I went to Vinyl's Christmas show, like I had promised her I would. I flew out with her on Christmas Eve, and stayed with her until after the New Year's show in Marelin. Mom wasn't exactly happy to have me away for the holidays, because usually I go to her house, and celebrate with the twins during the break. She let me go, because she told me she learned a long time ago that home is where the heart is, and that the holidays should be spent with those you care about. She said that she knew my heart was with Vinyl, and I should be celebrating with her. Maybe all this talk of family and love and home should have warned me. Maybe I should have seen it coming. Foreshadowing, you know?

I haven't seen Vinyl for a few months. Sure, I've looked up videos of her performances, and I may have cried a little when I saw the woman I loved passionately spinning records and tapping laptop keys like she was born for it. It hurt to see her, because she looked so close, but she was so far away. Vinyl was becoming even more beautiful and alluring every time I saw her, and it scares me to know that I'm beginning to forget the sound of her laugh, the way she felt snuggled up against me on a cold night, the way she would blush when I compliment her. I miss kissing her, and those brief heated moments when things almost get out of hand. I miss having her by my side every day. I just miss her.

I decided to surprise her in late May. Her birthday would be coming up soon, June 18; exactly one and a half years separated our births. She was supposed to have a show in Boston on the twelfth, and I got permission from my mother to go and surprise her. I'm so excited to see her, and I can't wait to see her face when I show up backstage to meet her before she goes on.

The entire four hours I spent driving to Boston I was anxious and nervous, and just incredibly excited to see my girlfriend again. It'd been so long, you know? Five months is a crazy amount of time to be away from the person you love more than anything. I couldn't wait for the drive to be over. I barely stopped to use the restroom and get food. And even that I ate while driving.

Mostly, I'm just worried about how she would feel. I mean, I know we promised we would stay together no matter what, and every time she would call or text me, she sounded really excited to talk, but I just don't know. It's been hard. I haven't told her that everyone is back to their old tricks and makes it a priority to degrade me and our relationship. It doesn't matter. I just love her. It's that easy. I only worry that the time and distance keeping us apart has changed something. I want to see her as soon as I can. I want to know she's okay, and I just want to hold her in my arms again. I need to know we're still fine.

I pull up to the hotel, absolutely exhausted, despite it only being three in the afternoon. I don't want to spoil the surprise for Vinyl, so I'm staying in a different hotel than the one she's at. It's actually halfway across Boston, to be exact. Right next to the Paradise Rock club, where Vinyl will be playing tonight.

I feel like I could use some music, so I pull out my old iPod touch and some earbuds from the glovebox of my new black Mustang. Perks of being upper middle class, I suppose. Mom bought me a car for my birthday. It's a real beauty. The first thing I ever did in it was take Vinyl out to dinner and to see this horror movie at a drive in. I think it was The Conjuring. That was a fun night.

Thinking of the last things we did together just makes a sour taste come into my mouth. It's a bittersweet memory now, seeing as I've not seen her for almost half a year. It doesn't help that I've got a Framing Hanley song playing in my ears, either. Alone in This Bed hits a little too close to home for my taste. I skip the remainder of the song, and change it to Bring Me The Horizon instead. Sempiternal is a good, safe album.

Grabbing my duffel bag from the trunk, I close it and lock the car with my keys. I'm still quietly humming along with the music when I enter the hotel's lobby. I drop into line at the check-in counter behind some irritated, overweight, middle aged lady, her exasperated husband, and their four kids. One of their sons looks about sixteen-ish, and he's been checking me out since he caught sight of me. It happens, I guess. I wish Vinyl was here. She usually would glare at someone until they back off and run for cover.

Lost in my musings about how Vinyl would probably deal with this kid, I totally miss the fact that he's been talking to me. Sighing internally, so as not to hurt his precious feelings too badly, I pop an earbud out to listen to him.

"I'm sorry, I missed what you were saying. I was just thinking about something," I find myself saying to the poor boy. He flushes a little, and then straightens up and tries to act suave. He's actually pretty cute for a guy, despite the little pimple clinging stubbornly to the skin underneath the scraggly, dark stubble on his chin.

"Sorry, miss. I was just wondering why you were here. Not that it's a bad thing you're here..." He gets nervous when he feels like he made a mistake, and I feel bad for him. I sympathize, because I have a hard time talking to cute girls, too.

"Nah, it's okay, I get what you mean. I'm here for the DJ PON-3 concert tonight. I heard it's supposed to be great." He looks grateful for the lifeline I threw him, and he seems to relax a little. There's no harm in chatting with him for a few minutes while I wait for his mom to finish up at the desk.

"Hey, that's cool! I'm here to see her, too!" He blushes as his excitement causes his voice to crack a little, and I smile warmly at him. He fumbles with his words for a bit, and then seems to want to continue.

"She's really talented. I absolutely love her music. And she's hot, too. That's like, a bonus." I grin at the compliments he's giving Vinyl, even if the idea of a teenage boy I've just met drooling over my girlfriend is a tad uncomfortable.

"Yeah, kid, you're right. She's very musical. I'm honestly kind of jealous I don't have that much talent. And believe me, I wish I were that attractive." His eyes widen slightly at the last thing I say, and his next words come out kinda stammered at first.

"B-but you are hot! I-i mean, sorry. You're really pretty. Don't say stuff like that. You're just as attractive as her." I can't help but grin a little at his praise, and I extend my hand for him to shake.

"Thank you, kind sir. That means a lot. I'm the one-and-only Rainbow Dash, and it's nice to meet you." He takes my hand in a surprisingly strong grip for his thin frame, and shakes it a few times as he smiles back at me.

"I'm Blue Starlight. It's nice to meet you, too, Miss Dash." He's very polite, which is surprising for a boy his age. His mother or father must have taught him well. Etiquette will help him find a girlfriend, even though he's already got looks. Add a charming personality to a killer smile, black hair, and soulful, innocent blue eyes, and you've got quite a package. He interrupts this train of thought with a question, and I miss most of it.

"I'm sorry, Blue, can you repeat that? Sorry, thinking again." He grins, and lets go of my hand, a little too late for casual contact. But I don't mind, he's sweet.

"I asked you if you'd like someone to go with to the show tonight. I figured maybe you'd like some company. Concerts are always better with friends." I chuckle a little to myself. He's so cute.

"Blue, are you talking, a date?" He flinches, and then blushes.

"Y-yes, I was. I'm supposed to be going with my friend Aurora and her boyfriend, and I figured maybe you'd like to go with me?" He got ever more nervous as he continued, and I felt bad.

"Hey, tell you what. We can't make this a date, because my girlfriend will be there. But I will go with you and keep you from being a third wheel. I know how bad that sucks." I winked at him, and he scrunched his eyebrows together in thought.

"Your girlfriend? But, you came in alone. Does she live here? Please tell me she's not going to get mad at me. I promise I wasn't trying to move on you or anything!" He's cute when he's nervous.

"Look, Blue, between us, we both know you were flirting pretty hard. Honestly, I'm surprised you're not disgusted with me for dating a girl. I mean, it seems like a lot of people don't like me these days."

"Well, dad always says, it's not our business to know what goes on behind other people's closed doors. It's just our job to love them as they are. But seriously, your girlfriend's not gonna kick my butt or anything, right?" He looked around and fidgeted, trying to look for an exit in case someone was coming to beat him up. I laugh.

"No, I don't think she will. Hey, why don't we ask her before the concert tonight? I'll bet your friends will think you're really cool for getting them VIP backstage passes to meet Vinyl." I could see the gears grinding in his head as he put the pieces together.

"Hang on... Backstage passes? What does that have to do with anything? And who's Vinyl?" I smile mischievously at him.

"Well, DJ PON-3 is just the stage name for a lovely girl known as Vinyl Scratch. A lesser known title for her would be Girlfriend of the Amazingly Extraordinary Rainbow Dash!" He stared at me in shock, mouth gaping open. I couldn't resist a smug smile. I was the girlfriend of his idol, after all.

"Wait, what? SHE'S your girlfriend? Oh man, oh man, oh dear... She's gonna be mad. But can you really get us backstage?" I grinned and ruffled his soft, dark hair.

"Course I can. What else am I good for? And hey, kid, she won't be mad. I'll tell her you're just a charming boy I met and we became besties. Honestly, I find it flattering that you would ask me out, considering you seem to think Vinyl is the hottest person alive. I agree, by the way. She's even hotter when she's wearing nothing but my sheets." He looked thankful for the save I was giving him, and he flushed scarlet when I waggled my eyebrows and winked at the last bit. Hey, let the boy think what he will. I'll probably pay for that remark later if Vinyl ever hears about it, but it was worth it to have a little fun teasing the boy.

"You know, I don't really need to know about that... At all... Even though you're both REALLY hot..." His blush deepened when he realized he said that, and I laughed so hard I attracted the attention of his family, sans mother, and the old couple sitting in the chairs by the lobby entrance. I took a moment to catch my breath and wipe the tiny tear from my eye.

"Celestia, kid, you thought I was serious? I know how young boys work, and I know that'll probably be your fantasy for the next ten years, but I promise you, we haven't done anything at all yet. Just because we're a different kind of couple, doesn't mean we're not gonna wait for marraige. Why do you think I've got her ring on my finger?" I held up my left hand, and he caught sight of the shiny silver band.

"Oh, okay. Never mind. Wait, hang on... You guys are engaged?" I grinned at him again, and put my hand on his slim shoulder.

"We're not engaged, not yet. This is more like, a promise we made. Not even a promise ring, just a promise. No matter how far away we are, or how much time passes, we promised to always love each other. That's why she's got my little necklace hanging around that slender little neck of hers." He nodded slightly in comprehension, and smiled at me.

"That's sweet. I hope you guys do get married, because you make one heck of a couple already. Hopefully they make it legal soon. It's kinda sad to know that no matter how much you guys love each other, you have to travel a long way if you want to get married. It's not right." My heart warmed at the steely glint in his eyes, and I think he's probably the sweetest boy I've met for a long time. I really hope he doesn't turn into an asshole like most of his gender seem to be.

"Thank you. I hope you find love with someone, someday, and you get married, too. A boy as sweet as you deserves it. And, here, here's a VIP pass for your friends, and you can share mine with me. You know, since you're my escort for the night." I winked at him and handed him a silver and blue plastic card. He blushed and took it, mumbling a thank you. Glancing up at the counter, I saw his mother was finished up arguing with the desk clerk, and his family were picking up their bags. His sister was pretty cute, too. Looked about eighteen, nineteen, college age for sure. A pretty thing with piercing emerald green eyes and bleach blonde hair. Tall, slim, with just a hint of curves... Very graceful, must be a dancer or something. I like her style. Skinny jeans, Vans, band tee, and a vibrantly cerulean beanie.

I shook my head to clear the thoughts away, and mentally kicked myself. I'm supposed to be the damn Element of LOYALTY. Not being very loyal to Vi if I'm checking out other girls. I smiled at Blue again, and gave him a quick hug. A face-splitting grin spread across his face, and he blushed a little. I pick my duffel bag up from the floor and sling it over my shoulders.

"Hey, Blue, if you want, we can meet up for dinner before the concert. You can bring your friends or not. Whatever you want. My treat." His smile got wider, though that shouldn't even be physically possible.

" Alright! Sounds great! I'll tell Aurora and Fin. What time should we meet?" I pull out the cyan Sharpie I'm never without from the pocket of my white jeans, and I scribble my number on his hand.

"I'd say, it's what, three thirty now? Try five thirty. I need a couple of hours to shower and just relax a bit. Sound good?" He nods and looks at the number on his hand with poorly concealed joy. I hold the Sharpie out to him, and extend my right hand. He just looks at me for a second, before realizing I want his number. He writes elegantly on my palm, and I think it's ironic that his handwriting is better than mine. I notice absently that he's left handed like I am.

He's done in a few seconds, and he caps the marker and hands it back to me. We smile at each other, and then I point at his mom, who's waving impatiently from in front of the elevator. "I think you better go, dude. Your mom looks like she's getting antsy. I would say she's got a hot date tonight, but I think you've already got that taken care of."

He blushes, and after a momentary awkward hesitation, he hugs me again and tears off to join his family. Shaking my head, I stroll casually up to the service desk and tell the clerk my name. He hands me a piece of paper with a key code on it for Room 907, and wishes me a good afternoon. I'm relieved at how easy that had been. Sometimes hotel clerks are just nasty. I make a mental note to leave him a large tip before I leave.

A short trip up nine flights of stairs later, I stop in front of my room, and take a moment to think. It was really happening. I was going to see Vinyl in a few hours. I have no idea how she'll react. She doesn't even know I'm coming. I didn't get the tickets from her. I called her manager, Lyra Heartstrings, to get them, and swore her to secrecy so we could surprise Vinyl. Lyra thought it would be good for her. Apparently she's been homesick lately. And all she ever talks about is me. It makes me kinda happy, and kinda sad to hear that. I hate to cause her pain.

Realizing I'd been standing like a fool in the hallway with my head pressed against the wall for several minutes, I blush in embarrassment, and let myself in the room by typing the code into the keypad on the door. Tossing my duffel bag at the foot of the double bed, I collapse rather ungracefully into the padded leather armchair by the window to the balcony. Sighing, I run a hand over my face, and let my head drop back against the back of the soft chair. It's incredibly soft and comfortable. Again, perks of money. This room is pretty swank. I've got a presumably nice skyline view since I'm on the top floor of the hotel, and if it weren't so cold, I might consider stepping out onto the balcony to breathe in the fresh Boston air. Instead, I sit for a few more minutes, just relaxing, then I hop up to hang my grey wool pea coat in the closet, and I grab the tv remote and collapse onto the bed this time.

Flipping through the channels, there's not much on at all. News broadcasts, kiddie cartoons, daytime talk shows. One of the cartoons is this cutesy little technicolor world with brightly colored talking ponies, who apparently go on adventures. Utter garbage. I mean, really, everyone knows ponies can't talk. I can't believe kids watch this crap. When I was little, I watched music videos on HTV, Harmonix Television. I watched cage fights with my dad, and, unfortunately, cooking shows with my mom and Cloud. Nobody knows that. And nobody ever will, hopefully.

Eventually, I find a show that doesn't look too bad. It's something Twi had mentioned to me before, some sort of egghead British sci fi show called Doctor Who. It's not totally boring, and the monsters are pretty scary looking. Some of the sciencey concepts bother me a little, like how his telephone box is smaller on the outside, but I've never been one for understanding incredibly brainy things. I'm sure Twi would have an explanation for it, probably involving some transdimensional warp or pocket universes or something technical I won't understand. Whatever, it makes my head hurt just thinking about it.

When the show is over, and the Doctor has, predictably, beaten the bad guys after forty five minutes of suspense, I go to take a shower, because it's almost five. While I wait for the water to heat up, I check my phone for messages or missed calls. It's weird, but there's none from Vinyl. Actually, she hasn't really texted me for days, except to say goodnight and good morning. I figure she's probably just been really busy with touring and all. I'm not going to be pushy and demand that she talk to me. I'll just wait for her to respond when she will.

I go ahead and add Blue's number to my phone, before I shower and it washes away. And plus, this way I'll know it's a text from him if he decides to send me one. I'm pretty wary of unknown numbers. You never know who might be a secret stalker, or rapist, or serial killer, that just happens to have your number. It happens.

I shed my white skinnies and navy blue v-neck. Before stepping into the shower, I check the scar on my rib cage, like I always do. It's fading with time, but it still is a pretty ugly white line starting from just under my bra, stretching all the way to just above my navel. I like to think of it as my warning. I was lucky to survive that car crash, and so was Raven. I haven't been nearly so reckless since that summer. No more endless partying and occasional heavy drinking. I was dumb when I was fourteen, and I thought I was in love with Raven, so I did anything he asked. And I mean, anything. I'm not proud, but I've put it behind me. Vinyl doesn't judge me for my past, because she's already been there for most of it. She knows what I was, and she sees what I've become. That accident taught me that life was too important to throw away. So, even though the scar is a gruesome reminder of what I could have lost, I wear it proudly, because it also reminds me of what I still have.

It's crazy, you know, all the things I've been through in life, and I'm only seventeen and a half. Most people don't live this much in forty years. I've only lived about half of that time, and I feel like I've seen the world. And I want to see more. Living is exciting.

Stepping into the shower, I grab my "fresh rain" scented shampoo, squirt some into my hand, and lather my hair up. It's always a fun time trying to see what shapes I can coerce my hair into while its covered in shampoo. Don't judge. I get bored easily. I rinse, and throw some conditioner on my head to rest for a few minutes, and grab the hotel's soft washcloth and begin scrubbing my body clean. It feels good to get the dirt off my body, even if its only been about ten hours since my last shower. Long trips just seem to leave you dirty. And four hours in a car is a LONG trip.

I rinse myself, and I spin the shower knob to turn the water off. As I step out onto the bathroom floor and reach for the towel, I slip and fall forward, hitting my head on the floor. I lie there for several minutes, dazed and confused. I try to sit up, but nausea overwhelms me, and I lay back down. Okay, this is getting kinda serious. My arms felt oddly weak when I tried to sit up. That doesn't bode well.

I lie still for a few minutes, and try to figure out how I'm going to get out of this one. Eventually, I notice my phone peeking out of the pocket of my discarded jeans. I decide that I need to call someone to get help. I snag the corner of the phone and swipe it toward my body. Blue's number is still on the screen where I saved it, and I don't know if I have the coordination to search for another number right now. Like Vinyl's. I sigh and tap the "Call" icon.

After a couple of rings, he picks up. "Hey, who is this? How did you get my number?" I groan. He didn't save my number yet.

"H-hey, Blue, it's D-dash. You, uh, gave me the n-number earlier." I cringe at how weak I sound. "Hey, um, I, uh, I'm in a spot of trouble. Do you think you can help?"

"What kind of trouble? Why do you need my help?" He sounds anxious. I wonder what he's thinking. Head still foggy, I answer as coherently as I can.

"I, uh, fell. Getting out of the shower... I hit my head... and e-everything's kinda... wonky. I-I need help. Can you come help?" I know I probably sound drugged or something, and I'm becoming increasingly worried that I might have a concussion.

"Yeah! Sure thing, Rainbow! Only, where are you at?" I sigh, and struggle to recall the room number. Was it... 610? No. 970? No. Wait... 907! That's it.

"It's, uh, Room 907." I remember there's a keypad. "There's a k-keypad lock, too. The combo is 5-1-9-something. It's either 4,3,7, or 0. If t-that's not it, c-call me back w-when you get here." I hear scribbling in the background as he writes down what I've said.

"Alright, Miss Dash, I'll be right up. One more thing. Why did you call me? Why not Vinyl, or someone else? Someone you didn't just meet?" I sighed, and my head throbbed from the effort of talking this long.

"One, I-I'm trying to s-surprise Vinyl. Her birthday's c-coming up, and I w-want... to surprise her with a visit. Two, I don't... know anyone else who's... here right now. And I'm not risking calling 911 and having paramedics... find me sprawled out... naked on the bathroom floor..." I hear him laugh nervously on the other end.

"Well, try to cover up before I get there, okay. You may be hot, but I'm not sure we're far enough in our relationship yet for you to be getting naked." I laugh weakly along with him at his silly little joke, and thank him for his help. I hang up, and let my hand slide back to the cold tile floor with my phone still gripped in my palm.

I cast my gaze around, and finally settle on the towel. It's the closest thing in reach that I could use for a modicum of decency. At least, until Blue shows up and I can get him to pass me my shirt.

Shivering, I drag the towel over, painful inch by excruciating inch. Slowly, I pull it over myself, covering most of my body, and I settle in to wait for Blue. I feel my eyes begin to close, and I struggle to keep them open. If I have a concussion, the worst thing to do is fall asleep. I end up moving my arms around on the floor, and just generally moving my body in any slight way I can to keep myself awake.

About five minutes after I called Blue, I hear a slight beeping at the door, and then a metallic click as the door opens. I guess I got the code right. I hear Blue calling from the other room, and I kind of moan and/or grunt in response. He wanders in, hand over his eyes, and asks me if I'm decent enough that he can start helping. He's really a gentleman. I reply that I'm as decent as I'll get, and he lowers his hand to look at me. He just casually waves, and I laugh at the gesture for a few short seconds, until my head begins spinning again.

After the world stops rotating so much, I ask him to hand me my shirt, and I struggle to pull it on at least over my chest. Eventually, I manage to wiggle it down to hide everything, including the scar on my abdomen. The whole time, he keeps his eyes covered, like a good boy. Not that there's much to see, but I admire his manners. This situation is already awkward, and he's trying to make it less so.
I ask him to uncover his eyes and help me sit up. After the initial dizziness and nausea subsides, I take a minute to just relax against the sink and force down the rising bile in my throat. Slowly, I look up at his worried face. I grin crookedly at him for a few milliseconds, and then I close my eyes and lean my head back against the sink in pure misery.

"I know what you're thinking... Yes, that was clumsy... Yes... I'm dumb. It h-happens." He chuckles for a few seconds and sits down on the floor next to me.

"Hey, you're right. It happens. I guess I'm just glad I was here for you to call, you know? It would have sucked if you were stuck up here for hours, just laying on the floor. It's okay, you're fine. Do you need anything else right now, or should I wait a few minutes?" I opened my eyes to look at him, and thought about what I needed. Oh... Well, this is gonna be awkward. For him, at least.

"Actually, I do need something. Uh, do you think you could possibly go find a pair of my... underwear, in my duffel bag? It's at the bottom of the bed. Sorry." Blue flushes momentarily, then swallows, nods, and heads off in search of my undergarments. I feel bad about doing this to him, but right now, all I have around my lower half is a towel, and I don't want that to slip. It'd be mortifying for both of us.

Blue comes back five minutes later, clutching a pair of lime green panties. He shakily hands them to me, and turns around as I struggle to pull them on. Satisfied with the clothing covering my body, I tell him to turn around. Now comes the hard part.

"Okay, Blue... thank you. Now, I have to get up off this floor... but I can't do it myself. I'm kinda... off right now. So, I need you... to lean down here, and I'll put my arms around your neck... and then you can stand up with me. Sound good?" He nods, and kneels down beside me. I link my arms behind his neck, and he puts one deceptively strong arm around my back. Pushing up with his free hand, he stands slowly, and pulls me into a standing position.

I lean on him for a minute as I regain some sense of balance and equilibrium. My head spins, and I feel that same nausea come over me again. I hang on to him with all my strength as gravity threatens to drag me to the floor again. He smells like mint gum, and some sort of not-too-unpleasant aftershave. It's a nice mix. I feel him move his other arm around to support my weight, and I turn to the side so we can start walking back to the hotel room.

We take the first step across the frigid tile floor, and I fight back the nausea that's constantly threatening in the back of my throat. We walk slowly across to the bed, my legs shaky and unsteady on the soft grey carpet. Eventually, we make it to the bed, and Blue gently helps me sit down on it. I sluggishly slide my bare legs under the covers of the bed, and pat the empty spot next to me. Blue hesitantly looks at me, and then gingerly sits down on the left side of the bed. Leaning back against the headboard, I turn my head to grin cheekily at Blue.

"Well, that was quite an adventure, huh? So much for just being casual acquaintances... Oh well, it happens... Okay, maybe it isn't every day that you meet a cute girl... score a date with her, and then an hour later... have to come rescue her because she's "fallen and can't get up!"... Yeah, that's exciting. But honestly, life happens." He still looks a little nervous, but he smiles back at me and shakes his head.

"Yeah, okay. It was a new experience for me. Definitely not something I'd ever planned on having. But I'm glad you're okay, Rainbow. You are okay, right?" I shoot him a sarcastic smirk. Of course I'm fine. I'm invincible.

"Yes, absolutely... Give me maybe an hour... I'll be fine for the concert. Promise. Sorry about dinner, though... How about you invite your friends up here... We'll order some pizza or takeout... How does that sound?" Blue beamed at me, apparently positively delighted at my suggestion.

"Sounds great! I'm sure mom and dad won't mind. It's not like we'll all be doing anything anyway up here. They never have to know we never went out for dinner. I'll text Aurora and let then know what's up." I chuckled lightly as I watched him eagerly pull out his smartphone and type a quick message to his friends. He was so eager and excitable... But mischievous, too. Blue reminded me of myself, a little.

"Hey, Blue? Pass me my duffel. I need to go change into clean clothes for dinner and the show." He obliged happily, puppy-esque in his eager-to-please attitude. He's really cute.

I dug through the bag and found my favorite cyan dress shirt and black and white checkered tie, along with a pair of black skinny jeans. Yeah, I know, not practical for a concert, with the dress shirt and all. Which is why I had a Halo graphic tee to change into before the concert. I just wanted to look my best for Vinyl.

Making Blue turn his back while I wrestle a bra onto my body and slip into the shirt, I quickly button it so he can settle back onto the bed and continue watching the cartoon he is so enthralled with. I tug on my jeans, and tuck the tail of the shirt down into them. I drag out my black leather belt and buckle it on slowly, my hands a tad clumsy yet because I was still off from hitting my head earlier. I might have a concussion, but I'd rather surprise Vinyl, since I've waited so long. I'll go to the hospital later if I don't start feeling better.

It takes me but a second to realize there's no way I can tie my tie with the state my coordination is in. I ask Blue if he knows how to tie one, but he sadly shakes his head. I can only hope his friends know. It would suck to not be able to dress spiffy for Vi because of a dumb thing like an untied tie.

I slump onto the bed, dizzy again. Looking over at the bedside table, I spot a catalogue of menus for local restaurants. I have Blue ask Aurora what she and her boyfriend might like to eat, and I end up ordering two large pepperoni and one large cheese pizza to be delivered from a local Pizza Shack. Aurora and her boyfriend show up at the door about ten minutes after I place the order, so they've only got twenty minutes to wait.

Which, of course, they spend squealing over the concert. And the fact that I'm Vinyl's girlfriend, and got them backstage passes. Wow. I've never been so good at impressing sixteen year olds. Dear Luna, you'd think I was a celebrity myself... I mean, I'm not yet. But someday the world will see Vinyl and I together everywhere. That'll be great. I would prefer to never be separated from her like this again, but I know her fame will only grow, so more touring is inevitable. Maybe I can be a roadie or something. I'm pretty strong. I can move delicate equipment really carefully, too.

Feeling a little heartsick because of all the current fuss over Vinyl, I pick up my phone from the bedside table, and I decide that I'll send her a text to see how she's doing before the concert. I know she gets kinda nervous sometimes, and while this isn't exactly a monster venue or anything, she might still be a little worried about messing up in front of adoring fans. I would call her, but I don't want her to hear the slight shakiness still present in my voice from my fall. It'll clear up by the concert, I'm sure, but I don't want her to worry over me when she should be preparing herself for the night.

Halfway through typing out the message, the pizza arrives, and I quickly finish out an "I love you, good luck!", before I slide off the bed and snag my wallet out of this morning's jeans. Looking through the peephole, I check to make sure it's the delivery guy, and then I swing the door open and greet him. He smiles politely, green eyes twinkling under dirty blonde hair, and hands me the four pizzas. I pull out the thirty dollars he's been waiting for, and toss a twenty on top for a tip. He deserves it for getting here fast and being polite, and I'm really just feeling generous today. He breaks into a full grin as he spots the massive tip, shakes my hand, and thanks me profusely before heading off down the hallway to the elevator. Everyone I've met so far in this city has been really nice. I wonder if it's always like this.

Still musing silently to myself, I close the door with a bump of my hip, and set the door chain with my free hand to make sure it's securely locked. Friendly as they might seem, I still don't like to leave anything to chance when I'm surrounded by strangers. As I walk back to the small table in the room and set the pizza down on the cool wooden surface, I'm greeted by three sets of hungry eyes. I'd almost be afraid they'd attack me to get the food from the carnivorous gaze I'm currently under.

"Now, guys, it's just pizza. I promise, there's enough for everyone. There's literally an entire pizza for everyone. You'll be fine. No need to go all ape on me because you want food. When did you even eat last, anyway? Couldn't have been that long." I turn away from the pizza and start digging through the cupboards above the little en suite kitchenette. I find a small stack of paper plates, and some basic, cheap-o paper napkins. I drop my load on the table next to the pizzas, and drag my worn leather wallet out of my back pocket.

"Okay, guys. Who wants to go buy us all a drink from the vending machine down the hall? I know they've got pop and loads of that sugary stuff we all love. I'd go, but leaving three young, impressionable teenagers alone in a hotel room might not be the wisest idea." They all mock-glare at me, and then Blue brightens up and volunteers to go on the drink scavenging mission. I hand him ten dollars, since I have no idea what the drinks will cost, ask for a bottle of sweet tea, and he scampers off out of the room.

"You know, you're not much older than us. And given the way your hair looks, I'd say you're a lot more impressionable than we are..." Aurora looks directly at me as she says this, completely deadpan. I figure she's just being sarcastic, considering there's not a nasty tone in her voice, or a glare on her face.

"Well, my dear Aurora, the hair is completely natural. I'm sure you've seen my dear friend Spitfire's fiery locks. Au naturale. Vinyl? Yeah, that blue hair is natural, too. Maybe where you're from, most people have brown, black, blonde, or white hair, but where I'm from, most everyone has some sort of awkwardly colored hair. It's the same everywhere else I've traveled. Must be something they put in the water. Even our beloved Princesses have oddly-colored hair. It's just a common thing for us.You're actually some of the first people I've met with hair that isn't some wild color." I grin sheepishly at her, because I've always felt kinda awkward discussing my hair pigmentation around people with decidedly more tame hair. I could never explain how, when both of my parents, and most of my family, had varying shades of blonde hair, I somehow ended up with rainbow. Apparently I get it from Mom's grandfather. Never met him, so I wouldn't know.

Aurora rolls her eyes and smiles back at me. "I was just kidding, you know. A lot of people have crazy hair. Blue, Night, and I are actually in the minority back home, too." She shakes her head slightly and laughs to herself, and I blush just a tad. I'm not as well-traveled as I'd like to be, so I haven't really seen as much of the world as I'd like.

"Anyway, you were right about my being not much older than you. I just turned seventeen in December. I'd figure you guys are probably fifteen or sixteen, so I'm not exactly a "mature adult" yet. However, I'm still keeping an eye on you guys, because I'm still technically the "responsible party" here. Also, Vi would probably kill me if I were to let anything happen to you guys. I mean, she doesn't know any of us are coming, but if I'm going to be taking you to the concert and so on, I'd best protect you." I pause for a minute as I hear Blue coming back with the drinks. I open the door for him because he's got his hands full, and then I close the door and lock it again.

Blue sets the drinks down on the table next to the pizza, and I look around at all the expectant faces. "What are you guys waiting for? Grab a slice and pop a squat somewhere. I'm sure there's a movie we can watch until six." I pick up a plate and grab a couple slices of cheese pizza before the vultures swarm the boxes. Reclaiming my perch on the mattress, I watch the carnage ensue. Blue already has four slices of pepperoni on his plate, and I watch in amazement as he sits next to me and begins eating. I could almost swear I saw his jaw unhinge...

I pick up the remote and flip through the tv guide. Apparently on channel 30, they've got some thriller called From the Shadows. I flip through the channels until I reach 30, and I settle in to watch what's sure to be another mildly entertaining weak attempt at scary monsters and a dashing hero.

I'm not disappointed, and before too long, the sweet tea is gone, and the time on my phone reads 5:45. I gather up the mess, down the rest of my sweet tea, and make sure the room is relatively tidy before I turn off the tv and get the kids ready to drive down to see Vinyl before the concert. Aurora luckily knows how to tie a tie, and I beg her to fix mine before we leave. She does it happily, excited to see my girlfriend in person. Making sure all my valuables are either on me or locked up, I grab my keys and my coat, and lead the three overjoyed teens down to the parking lot. Blue and Night both sigh a little when they catch sight of the car we're heading toward.

"Like what you see, boys? She's a real beauty. Birthday present from Mom. You know, Vinyl actually has been inside this car." All three of them stare at me with wide eyes, apparently stunned at the idea of possibly getting to sit where their idol has been. Kids these days, I tell you. Entirely too obsessed with their celebrities.

"Yep. We held hands all the way to the movies in the front, and then we made out in the back." The boys' eyes get even bigger if that's possible, and Aurora just kinda gives me this unamused look.

"Okay, actually, I'm kidding. We've never made out in this car. Sorry boys. I know I'm crushing your dreams." The boys look just a tad crestfallen, and Aurora sighs and shakes her head. I unlock the car so she can get in. Surprisingly, there's no fighting over which seat they sit in. Aurora sits in the back, and Night follows. And Blue gets the privilege of riding shotgun. We're a short five minute drive from the lounge, and it passes in agonizing silence. I was actually surprised, considering how excited they all were to see Vinyl. I expected them to talk my ear off the entire way there. But Blue just stared out the window the entire time, and Night and Aurora just quietly sat in the back and twiddled their thumbs or something. These kids are odd.

When we pull into the parking lot, it's already almost full, but luckily there's a spot right between this big, black truck, and a tiny compact car. I sandwich my car between the two, and take the key out of the ignition. I just look in the rear view mirror at the two lovebirds in the back, and then I glance over at Blue.

"Okay, guys. You do know we're here, right? Parked and everything. Just unbuckle yourselves and we can head in..." I tried to fill the awkward silence, before sighing to myself and exiting the car. I folded the backseat forward, and helped Aurora climb out, as Blue did the same on the other side for Night. We walked to the building, still wrapped in that same awkward silence, until we reached the front doors, and suddenly the three of them all exploded with questions at the same time. I covered my ear with one hand as I opened the door and let them inside. The only people allowed inside right now were the owner of the building, Vinyl's crew, and us. I got weird looks from everyone until Lyra rushed to my rescue.

"Oh, you're here! Wonderful! And I see you brought guests! You certainly know how to keep attractive company, Rainbow." I laughed as she winked at Blue, who was currently attempting to hide behind me. I removed his hands from their grip on my arm, and dragged him out to stand beside me.

"Oh, don't tease the poor boy, Lyra. He's shy, and he gets nervous around hot women." I ruffled his hair affectionately as Lyra, Aurora, and Night laughed. Blue simply blushed and looked at his shoes.

"Well, he'll probably melt into a puddle when he meets Vinyl, then. Why don't you all head on back? I don't think she's really doing anything at the moment." I smiled at Lyra, and took Blue's hand to drag him after me to go see my girlfriend. The closer we got to the back room she was resting in, though, Blue took charge and pulled me along after him. Every step further only brought new worries to the front of my mind. What if she had found someone new? What if we just didn't have that same spark anymore? It's been five months since I've been able to hold her, kiss her, call her mine, whisper into her ear that I love her. It hurts to think of all the time we've lost.

All too soon, I stand in front of the door, shifting nervously on the balls of my feet as the others wait expectantly for me to open the door. Taking a deep breath to still my mind, I reach for the worn brass knob and turn, pushing the door inward onto a welcome sight.

Well, it's a welcome sight until I see a complete stranger, a man with full lips and strong hands, push my girlfriend up against a wall and begin making out with her. I hear a gasp behind me, feminine, so it must be Aurora. But I see no more of the heart-rending scene as my eyes fill with tears that sting of betrayal and loss, and I turn and sprint out the door. I run into Lyra, almost knocking her to the ground, but I can't care more than to mutter a quick apology as I continue my flight toward the door. I smash open the front doors, and run to my car as fast as my legs will carry me. I unlock the doors, and throw myself inside, curling up into a heartbroken ball in the backseat.

How could Vinyl do this to me? I know it's been a long time, but I would never do something like that. How could she? All I've ever been is loyal, caring, protective, strong... But I guess it wasn't good enough. I guess I wasn't good enough. I should have seen it coming. The missed calls, unanswered texts... I should have known. But all I ever wanted was to believe in her. To believe in us. To believe that, no matter how far away we were from each other, the strength of love would prevail.

I guess I was wrong. I was dumb. Of course I was dumb. I let myself open up to her, more than I ever have. I let myself fall for her, and then she wrecked me. Callous. Cruel. Heartless. Bitch.

No, never that. No matter how backstabbing she is, I could never bring myself to demean her. We were friends before anything, and I cannot simply toss her away and call her a bitch. That's wrong.

I hear a knock on the window, the noise penetrating the haze of grief filling my head and heart. I untuck my head from where I had covered it with my arms, and look up to see Blue's concerned face. I groan, not wanting him to see me like this. I wipe the tears from my face with the bottom of my shirt, and climb into the front seat to open the door for him. He climbs in silently, and sits down, not looking at me. Finally, I weakly punch him in the shoulder, and he looks over at me.

"What're you doing out here, Blue? Shouldn't you be inside, pestering Vinyl with all your questions? I'll be fine." He looks me straight in the eyes, and leans over to hug me.

"I'm not sure I have anything I want to say to her right now. I'm not sure if what we saw was a misunderstanding, or what, but right now, I'm here for you. Who cares about fanboy questions and talking to a famous celebrity. You know, she's not much of an idol for anyone if she really is cheating on you. That's just wrong. And everyone knows it. Aurora and Night are in there right now, trying to get the scoop on what's been going on. But I'm here for you, because you need somebody." I smile at the sincerity in his eyes, and I almost start crying again when he hugs me a second time. I barely know this kid, and we've already bonded so much. It's crazy, what life throws at you.

"Look, I know. But if you really want to go meet her, I'll be fine. I just need some time to calm down. I might actually just not go to the concert tonight. But I can go drive around and come back to get you guys, if you want." He smiles at me, and shakes his head.

"Hey, I'm not leaving you. It's never good to leave someone after a heartbreak like this. You're stuck with me. We can just hang out here all night, if you-" Blue stops suddenly, at another knock on the window. It's Lyra. I open the door to talk to her, afraid of what she's doing out here.

"Yes, Lyra? I take it you're out here for some reason. It's not really a good time for just shooting the breeze, is it?" She sighs, and looks right at me, and I swear she's trying to look into my soul or some dumb crap.

"I am. Dash, Vinyl has something she'd like to say, if you'll let her. I promise you, it's not what you think. Do you think you could give her a chance?" I glare back at her, and then I feel the fight just leave me. There's no reason to be mad at Lyra. It's not like she was the one macking on Vinyl. Sighing, I collect my thoughts, and look over at Blue for reassurance.

"Yeah, Lyra, I think I can handle letting her explain. I mean, what kind of person would I be to make assumptions and point fingers. If she's got something to say, let her say it, and be done with it." I step out of the car, nod at Lyra, and wait for Blue to come around and stand next to me. I linger nervously by the car for a minute, before shutting the door with a quiet thunk and locking it.

Blue holds my hand for support, and I steel myself and begin walking toward the lion's den.

The Biggest Cliche

I ducked through the dimly lit glass front doors of the lounge, Blue's slim fingers still tightly intertwined with my own, rapidly growing sweatier, digits. I could hear the thud of my pulse increasing steadily as the once rhythmic beats began to sound a dull, roaring background to my own frenzied thoughts. I swallowed painfully with a dry mouth, and prepared to face my (ex?) girlfriend, my best friend since I was three.

How could this have happened? I thought I was worth something, for once. At least worth common courtesy. Guess not. I suppose I’ll let Vinyl explain what happened. She deserves at least a chance to explain… whatever I walked in on. I felt sick as I replayed that memory in my head, everything still as vivid as if I were watching it all over again. I sighed, and ran my free hand over my face, pulling on the tense skin and muscles. I had thought today was going to be a happy day. Guess not. I feel my feet walking automatically toward that door not thirty feet away.

I heard the sound of a police siren chirping somewhere nearby, whisper-yells that I can’t quite decipher. Some sort of commotion? The damn concert hasn’t even begun, and somebody’s already causing disturbances. Blue squeezed my hand a little tighter, and I reached out to turn the doorknob. I was beaten to the punch by someone opening the door from the other side. Knocked aside by the door as it was thrown open, I caught a glimpse of Night as he struggled out with something heavy. No, someone. it was a person. Unconscious. Night was half-carrying, half-dragging the man I saw earlier. Why?

“Night, the hell? What happened,” I asked, as I struggled back to my feet, still a little disoriented from being hit with a door. Blue looked concerned as I ruffled my hair and shook out my newly-sore arm. I stared pointedly at the knocked out man on the floor.

“Well, you see… None of that was what you thought it was. Don’t worry, I took care of it. Of him.” Night glared at the man heaped on the ground. I still wasn’t connecting the dots. And then, of course, a police officer had to show up at the front door. What the hell was going on?

The officer walked briskly over to our small group, followed by a few other policemen and women. He doffed his cap to me with a “ma’am”, and then proceeded to ask Night if this was “the one.” Night nodded, and the officer handcuffed the unconscious man. I just watched, increasingly bewildered. One of the officers, a twenty-something slender woman, turned to Night with a mildly disapproving look that seemed almost to border on a sort of begrudging awe. Why?

“Sir, ordinarily, we’d press charges against whoever assaulted this man.” She paused, and gave a knowing look to Night. “But, in this particular instance, I don’t believe there was any harm done, and I don’t believe he’ll be able to press charges against anyone, anyway. Just don’t make a habit of this kind of thing, okay? Have a good evening.” With this, the woman turned around and followed her fellow officers out the front door. A few minutes later, I heard the police cars drive off. I just stared at the boys.

“Okay. So. Will someone please explain to me why Night knocked some guy out, and why the police were just here?” Night looked at me uneasily, and Blue copied this motion. Blue opened his mouth to answer, but Night cut him off with a sharp shake of his head.

“Blue, I think it would be best if Rainbow just went to go see her girlfriend. Alright?” Blue hesitated, but then nodded firmly and grasped my hand tightly again. These two were acting so weird. What the hell actually went on?

I suppose I’ll just have to find out. I took a deep breath, and walked into the back room that I had found Vinyl in earlier. What I saw this time was drastically different than what I saw earlier, and most certainly not what I expected to see at all.

Vinyl was curled up on a chair, visibly shaken and wiping away the remnants of tears from her face. Aurora and Lyra were sitting close to her, and at first, a pang of mild jealousy shot right through me at the sight of their cuddling. I shook my head slightly and shoved it down. Something was clearly not alright. I took a few soft steps into the room, and Lyra must have whispered something about my presence, because Vinyl suddenly lifted her head to look for me. Our eyes lock, and in that instant, I know something is wrong. Vinyl dropped her head again, and rests her face in her hands for a few seconds before scrubbing at her face and sighing. I take a few unsure steps toward her, and sit down in front of her on the ground. Why is she acting so weird?

I heard an intake of breath, shaky and slow. Then, Vinyl moved her head to look directly at me, sniffing back the last of her tears. I furrowed my brow and look back at her; was her shirt torn like that earlier? Suddenly, Vinyl leaned forward out of the chair and lands on me, curling into my body. I sat, unmoving, but not unmoved, as I fought the urge to wrap myself around her and comfort her. No one had yet told me what had gone on. She buried her head into my chest, and wrapped her arms around me. I waited for someone to speak. When none were forthcoming after a few minutes of awkward silence, I broke the tension myself.

“Jeez, Vinyl, if you’ll throw yourself at me every time like this, maybe I should stay away a lot more often…” I kicked myself mentally for that joke. I was supposed to figure out what had happened, not be joking around about silly things. I was still hurting. But I was also confused. Vinyl laughed, though, a short, miserable laugh. Funny, I thought I was supposed to be the sad one here.
“Okay, fun time is over. What the hell just happened?” Lyra frowned at my curse, but I couldn’t care less right now. I wanted answers. Vinyl tensed when I asked, but she slowly lifted her head to look at me, and then sat back on the ground in front of me. She let out a slow exhalation, and then held eye contact with me for several seconds. Finally, she spoke.

“Look, Rainbow. I know, the usual cliche about it not being what it looks like, but this time, it’s not just a cliche. I promise you, I would never do anything to hurt you. You mean the world to me, always.” Aurora smiled at this cute display, but I still felt as cold as stone, hard and unfeeling. I’m not sure where she was going with this, but I wasn’t happy about it so far.

“Rainbow, I… This is hard for me to say…” I felt the hesitation. No, not those words. Anything but those words. I wanted to plead with her, but I held my tongue. What she said next completely floored me.

“That guy you saw… with me. Frederic was one of my cousin Harpo’s friends… One that I shot down a few months before you and I started dating. He must have found out I was on tour, and when I’d be closest to him. Frederic… he just walked in. I never even knew. Lyra didn’t think that he was anything dangerous. She just thought that he was here with Harpo. But then he snuck in here… he…” Vinyl stared at me with pleading eyes, and I felt my heart melt a little. Just a touch. She launched herself forward again to bury her head in my chest. I could tell she was incredibly upset, and I was starting to piece things together. I wrapped one arm around her slender frame this time, and left the other to support myself. I still didn’t entirely understand what had happened, though.

“Hey, Vinyl. Vinny. Why… What happened? I feel like I missed something.” I felt Vinyl tense against me, and I knew I had touched a nerve. She drew in a shaky breath, and mumbled something into my chest. Even my hypersensitive ears couldn’t sort it out.
“What was that? Vi. Talk to me.” Vinyl looked up, and stared at me for a long moment, then closed her eyes and drew in a long breath. She leaned up to place her lips by my ear, and whispered to me.

“Rain, he wanted me. He came back here, and he was trying to rape me. And you came in and caught him in time.” I stared straight ahead, unseeing. I couldn’t process what Vinyl had just said to me. It was too unbelievable, like some cheap cliche thrown at me out of nowhere. This didn’t happen to people in real life. It was just a cliche television trope, right?

“Vi, I’m so sorry. Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” She shook her head and tucked her face into my shoulder, just breathing in my scent. I rubbed her back comfortingly, still trying to come to terms with reality. All of my anger and hurt from earlier just disappeared. There was no cause for those emotions now, except to direct them at this Frederic guy, who I assume Night knocked out. I heard Lyra clear her throat.

“I’m glad you’re all okay now. But, we have to make a decision here in the next few minutes or so. I know, heartless manager and all.” Lyra laughed lightly at her own joke. “Anyway, I know this is a rather awkward time to pose the question, but we need to decide if Vinyl is going to perform tonight or not. I’d be all for cancelling the show, but this is still her show, and her choice.” I nodded at Lyra, and continued cradling Vinyl. I watched Vinyl turn her head to look at Lyra.

“Ly… I’m not sure. But I would hate to disappoint anyone. Some of these people have been waiting months for this. Some might never get another chance. I can’t let them down. I’ll be fine, nothing really happened, just a scare, is all.” Lyra opened her mouth to protest, but Vinyl shook her head firmly. I watched as different emotions crossed through Lyra’s eyes, but eventually, she seemed to accept this decision, and walked off to finish preparations in another part of the lounge. I snuggled Vinyl tight against me, and held her for a few minutes more, until I remembered Aurora, Night, and Blue were all still there. I cleared my throat awkwardly.

“Hey there, guys. Guess you got a little more than you bargained for, huh? Little more than asking the dj a few questions. Thank you guys, though. Thank you so much. I was too dumb and easily hurt to even think that something bad might be happening. Thank you all for helping Vinyl. Especially whomever took care of that Frederic guy.” They all smiled sheepishly, and Blue spoke.

“Thank Vinyl, then. She’s got a mean right hook. She knocked him off balance, and then Night just finished the job.” I stared down in amazement at my girlfriend. She’s just full of surprises, I guess. I smiled at Blue, and then slid Vinyl off my lap and stood up. I grabbed her hand and hoisted her to her feet. She didn’t let go of my hand. And I was fine with that.

Author's Note

I apologize for the long wait, guys. I have been too incredibly busy with all of my music and other fine arts events to focus enough effort on this story to overcome my writer's block. But finally, I sat down today, and decided to write a chapter, no matter how long it took. A certain user on here actually prompted me with the question that finally kicked me in the butt and made me realize I had neglected to write for far too long. So everybody go thank The Warrior Scholar. http://www.fimfiction.net/user/The+Warrior+Scholar

Seriously. Right now. Please?

A Heart To Heart

After we had gotten all of her things packed away in the back room, we decided to sit at the bar, and have something to drink. I found some orange pop, and cracked a couple open for us. I slid them across the wooden bartop, and then jumped over it, using my arms to push for extra height, landing on the stool next to Vinyl. As I settled into my seat, she jabbed me in the side.

"Ow! What was that for?" My eyes were watering, and there was a fire spreading through my ribs. I rubbed at the spot, trying to ease the pain.

"I dunno, I just felt like it. Plus, I have a question. Why orange pop? That's what you always get us, ever since we were little." The demon looked at me with wide innocent eyes, and I lost all notion of revenge. I sighed, and gave up on murdering that blue haired angel.

"Remember when I was three, and you were four? The day that we first met? You were sitting on a swing in the park, all alone. I was curious, because I didn't know who you were, or why you were alone. So I walked over to you, and said hello. You were crying, and that made me upset, too." Vinyl looked at me, and nodded her head, remembering that afternoon.

"Yeah, it was my first time there, and I had wandered off from my mom. I didn't know where she was, so I sat on that swing, and hoped she would find me, Then you came, and I was confused, because you had funny hair." She laughed, and rubbed her hand over my hair. I pushed her softly, and laughed, too.

"You know, I'm not the only one with funny hair. What about you?" I poked her in the shoulder, and pointed at her hair. She got a funny look in her eyes after that.

"That's what made me like you in the first place. I figured another kid with weird hair must be okay company. That's what made me trust you, That, and your big, cheesy smile. You just walked up to me, and had the biggest grin on your face. It was like you though it was Christmas, and I was Santa." I had to laugh at that, because I could remember every detail of that day, down to the blue jacket that I was wearing, the one with lightning bolts on the sleeves. It always made me feel so fast, like I could run like an Olympian sprinter, even though I could only get about two miles per hour at that age.

"Yeah, I did, didn't I? I remember being so happy to see someone my own age, that I could play with. Then, I saw that you were sad, so I went and got my mom. I told her that there was a girl on the swings, and that she was crying. Mom said that I should go talk to you, and see what was wrong."

Vinyl grabbed my hand, and locked her fingers through mine. "And I saw that you came back, and I was so happy. You asked me what was wrong, and I told you. Then, you went and got your mom, and I remember thinking that she was a very tall lady. She picked me up, and gave me a hug. She told me it would be alright, and that she would help me look for my mom." She squeezed my hand tighter, and then let go, so she could take a drink.

I picked up the story where she left off. "So we looked for your mom, and we found her eventually. She was running around pretty frantically, asking people if they had seen her daughter. When she saw us, she looked like she was about to collapse. She practically ran my mom over to get to you." I picked her hand up, not giving her opportunity to let go this time.

"She was so happy. I remember how she picked me up, and just about squeezed the life out of me. She didn't let me go the rest of the time. I think she was afraid that I'd disappear if she let go again." I smiled, as I remembered that moment. I was so happy that my new friend had found her mom.

"And then, my mom took everyone out for ice cream and pop, her treat. Your mom tried to refuse, but mine insisted, saying that she owed you something for bringing her daughter back." We laughed, the memory coming back to us. My mom was a strong willed lady, but Vinyl's mom could always get her to agree to anything. It was kind of like Vinyl and me, just an older version.

"So we went to that little shop on Fifth, Murray's, wasn't it? And we all got our ice cream. and our moms sat there and talked for hours, and we just had a good time playing little games with each other. I think Mr. Murray enjoyed the excitement, because he didn't say a word to us, not even when we played hide and seek in the freezer." I heard an outburst of giggling, and looked over to see Vinyl doubled up and shaking.

"Oh, the look on your face when I finally found you! You were so cold, I swear, there were icicles hanging from your nose." I laughed with her, and then shoved her a little.

"It wasn't funny! I could've gotten frostbite! If I would've been in there any longer, I might have. You always were hopeless at finding." I waited for Vinyl's merriment to subside, then I continued on to the main point of my story.

"So, you asked me why I always get orange pop? It's because that's what you told me to get, all those years ago. I didn't know what to get for a drink, and you said that I should try it. It was the best thing I'd ever tasted. So, that's all I ever get for us. It just seems, right, somehow. Like we're still three, and trying to pass the time in that little shop while our moms talk. Call me sentimental if you will, but that was always a perfect day for me, and I just can't let it go completely into the past. So this is my way to keep the memory alive, by drinking orange pop." I hid my face behind my hair, and waited for her response. I never meant to open up so much to her. I suppose, though, if I were to open up at all, she would be the one to talk to. After all, we've only known each other practically our whole lives, and she is my girlfriend now.

"Wow. That was really... sweet. I never expected that. I mean, I expected something cheesy and emotional, it is you, after all. But I expected something like a sunset, or your favorite stuffed bear being orange. I didn't think it would be that. That was amazing, and I'm really amazed that you shared that with me. I didn't think it was possible, but I think I love you even more now, just for caring that much." She pushed aside my hair, and leaned in, kissing my cheek softly. While she was there, she whispered something so softly, I almost missed it.

"Dash, don't ever let your heart close. Leave it open. Sure, it'll get hurt sometimes, but I'll be there to pick you up and make it better. I think you're perfect as you are, with your big, soft heart and all. Don't ever let anything or anyone change that, not even me. I would never change you anyway, because I love you, my Dashie." With this, she kissed my cheek again, and withdrew to her own stool, smiling at me. I felt my heart swell, and I tried my hardest to contain the emotions coursing through me. I say tried, because about three seconds later, I started to feel tears welling up inside me, and I let a few leak out. Vinyl looked concerned, so I stood up, and pulled her close to me in a hug. I wrapped my arms around her, and pulled her in tighter, enveloping her in a strong, warm cocoon.

"Dash, are you alright? I didn't upset you, did I?" She looked at the tears rolling down my face, and wiped a few of them away with her thumb. I laughed, and buried my head in her shoulder, waiting for the words to come to me. They usually did, when I needed them.

"Vinyl, I am perfectly alright. I just never thought this day would come. I never thought that I would have someone this perfect. I never could have even dreamed that it would be you. I don't know what I ever did to deserve this, but I don't want this to end. If this is some dream, and I'm really in a coma somewhere, I don't think I wanna wake up. Unless, of course, we're really in a relationship in reality. Then, I think I could give up this dream. I wouldn't want to keep you waiting, after all. I know how impatient you get." I laughed a little. It was true. I may have been the speed demon, but she was always dragging me after her on some adventure. I was more than happy to follow her, and was disappointed when I couldn't, like when she went to high school, and I had to wait a whole year to join her. That was awful, because the bullies really picked up when my protector was gone.

She rubbed my head softly, and rocked me back and forth, rubbing my back in the space between my shoulder blades, as I regained my calm and cool self. I looked up at her, and smiled. Then I squeezed her tightly, and let her go. She hugged me one more time, quickly, and then stepped back.

"Better now, Dash?" I nodded my head, still not trusting my voice. "Good, because I don't want you to get too sappy on me. I need cool and strong Dash, too. I can't always be the strong one, because that's your job. And you can't lose your job, because then you'll be homeless. I can't have a bum as a girlfriend." She laughed as she said this, and I laughed as well. Her sense of humor might not make sense to some people, but I always loved her jokes. I walked over to her, and punched her softly in the shoulder.

As she rubbed her arm, I sat down on the metal stool again. "How's that for strong, huh?" She laughed, and I leaned back on the bar, finishing off the last of the pop. She downed hers in one gulp, and crushed the can. I held out my hand, and she looked at it, confused.

"I want your can, silly. I'll throw them away for us. I'm a nice person, remember?" She chuckled, and handed me the can.

"It's not that. It's that you are a remarkable person. That was a rather gentlemanly move. Most people would've had me throw my own can away. It's not even that big a deal." I smiled at her over my shoulder, as I walked to the trashcan.

"If it's not that big a deal, why are you making it one?" She scowled at me, fake annoyance in her face.

"No, stupid, that's not what I meant. I just thought it was really nice. Nobody ever really does nice things for me except you and mom. It's just nice, these random little things you do to be kind to me." She frowned, a look of concentration on her face.

"What I mean to say is, thank you. You always were the best friend a girl could ask for, and not just to me. You were always nice to everyone, even when they would turn around and stab you in the back five seconds later. I never understood it, but I knew I always liked that about you. You weren't afraid to be just randomly nice. I mean, you'd pick up litter in the street, and put it in the trashcan. You'd close things left open, and open doors for people. And you'd always find time for me, no matter how busy you were. Even if I'd call you in the middle of the night, you'd walk to my house to come talk to me. That's something special, that I haven't found often." She searched my face for a reaction, so I pulled my stool closer to hers.

"Well, Mama always did raise me a gentleman, ma'am. Ain't nothin' special, shucks, I jus' do what I always done." I tipped my imaginary cowboy hat, and she cracked up. I always did have a talent for making her laugh.

"So, now that we've been having a heart to heart, I have a question for you." She perked up at the mention of a question, always interested in what I had to say. I cleared my throat, and put on a grin. "So, which one of us wears the pants in this relationship? Because, to be honest, it sounds like I'm pretty whipped." Her mouth dropped open, and she hit me in the arm.

"Are you serious? What was that? I thought it was going to be something important! Are you kidding me?" She shook her head, used to my antics. I don't think she expected that, though.

"Well, people usually ask, I just wanted to have an answer for them. I mean, your pants are pretty hot." She slapped my arm, and I laughed. A few seconds later, she joined in. The sound of our silliness echoed through the mostly empty room, and I felt higher than Cloud Nine. In fact, I might just take Vinyl up to a cloud someday. I've always wanted to be a pilot.