Le Quattro Stagioni

by Cirrus Sky

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Romance, Octavia, Equestria Girls, Sunset Shimmer
Length: 5067

Four Seasons of Admiring Sunset, from afar and near.

'I believe I may have gained a friend.' Octavia had written that night. 'An unexpected one at that.'

Four seasons in the life of Octavia Melody. Four seasons that include Sunset Shimmer; musician, unexpected friend and certainly unexpected crush.

For the Changing Seasons contest

Published 2017-08-08 13:00:06 UTC
Last updated 2017-08-08 13:00:06 UTC

L'autunno

Russet colours decked the trees, the air was cooling and the days were growing shorter. Fall was fully upon them, having started off with quite the event. But even if Fall was more a season of endings, this particular Fall was a beginning for one student of Canterlot High.

It was scant days after the Fall Formal, that was when she first thought of Sunset Shimmer in a more positive manner. Octavia had the journal entry to prove it. She had remained later after school, many of the other students having left in the initial Final Bell rush. She'd wanted to ask for advice from one of the music teachers. He had attended a music school she was considering. Not her first choice, but it was helpful to learn more.

Walking through the now much quieter school building, she had heard the sound of guitar playing. Rather accomplished guitar playing at that. Too far off to identify the nature of the piece and quite intrigued she had gone off in search of the musician.

Her careful listening had led to a music room and this close she could tell the piece was classical, but played upon an electric guitar. She could count the number of her peers who enjoyed classical music on one hand, and none of them were quite so proficient on guitar. Curious, she'd opened the door to find:

“Sunset Shimmer?”

The redhead stopped playing. “Oh, hey. Octavia.” Sunset spoke with the tone she'd recently adopted; low, inoffensive and apologetic. Octavia had heard Sunset sounding more cheerful amongst the five girls that Twilight Sparkle had left her with, but to everyone else the girl was almost fearful. A far cry from the Queen Bee of before. “Can I help?” Sunset asked, careful and not like someone wishing to cause offence.

“I heard playing and had to discover the source.” Octavia replied. She had quite rudely interrupted the girl and the look of relaxed freedom she had been wearing prior to Octavia's exclamation was gone. In fact, Sunset seemed quite pensive. “It was beautiful.” The grey toned girl offered, “I recognised it as I got closer. Bach's cello suite number one, yes?”

Sunset seemed to lose a little of her tension then. “Just the prelude. It sounds so beautiful and it is nice to play.” The whisper of a smile crossed her face.

Octavia nodded. “It was one of the first pieces I mastered so it is rather close to my heart.” She gestured to the guitar. “That is not really my forte, but it sounded just as good.”

“Thanks.” Sunset ducked her head, this time a pleased smile and a light blush on her face.

“I would not have taken you as a classical music fan however.” Octavia took a seat, the piano stool was near enough and she wanted to continue this conversation. Discounting her fellow orchestra members, no one else professed interest in classical music, even some of her musical peers played in the genre under sufferance.

“It sounds like the music I grew up around.” Sunset said, her arms cradled her guitar. “I didn't take the time to truly listen and enjoy it back then. I heard some when I was browsing the internet and was, touched I guess, by how familiar it was. I like to play it as reminder of happier times.” She patted the body of the guitar, “And it helps me.” One thumb caressed the neck of the instrument, smoothing the lacquered wood.

“Helps?” Octavia gave a quizzical look. Wondering if hers was a situation like Vinyl, the music blocking out the intensity of the world around her and allowing her to interact with it on her own terms.

“Sometimes I need to quiet down my thoughts, shut up the guilt.” Sunset shrugged. “Calm my emotions down.”

“I can attest to that.” Octavia smiled. “I have found my cello somewhat cathartic at times, even when it may be the source of my stress.”

It looked like Sunset was about to say more, but there was a knock on the door and Vice-Principal Luna looked in. “Time to be getting home girls.” She waited for Sunset to stow the guitar and the pair to leave the room, closing the door behind them. Waving them off as they walked down the hallway.

“If you are interested in listening to more classical music, or playing, I would love to join you.” Octavia ventured. Sunset had changed a lot since she had been pulled from a crater that was quite literally a product of her own hubris. The bully was gone and the girl remaining seemed like someone the cellist should get to know.

“That sounds pretty great actually. The girls aren't really into classical music. Rarity only likes it for atmosphere.” Sunset smiled, each she shared a little more genuine than the last. “We'll find some time.”

Now at the front of the school it was time to part ways. “Goodbye Sunset Shimmer. It was nice talking with you.” Octavia said holding out a hand to shake. The other girl took it and shook once.

“Yes, it was. 'Bye, I guess I'll see you around.” Sunset was looking happier than when she'd been interrupted and waved goodbye as they each took their own routes home.

'I believe I may have gained a friend.' Octavia had written that night. 'An unexpected one at that.'

Author's Note

Bach's Cello Suite No.1 Prelude

Autumn

L'inverno

Fall had turned crisp and slipped into Winter, a season of promise and warm affection that had instead turned to false hopes and cold guilt.

She stood with just the slightest stirring of shame in her gut, in front of the school building. There was still snow on the ground, but her warm coat meant the shiver she felt was more guilt than temperature. It was the first day back after Winter break and it was the only now that Octavia felt able to approach her friend Sunset.

As school had wended its way to the Holiday, instead of seasonal cheer and festive activities, the student body had been preoccupied with arguments and recrimination. Splitting bonds instead of celebrating family and friendship. All due to a web profile that published secrets aimed to hurt. Seemingly created by Sunset Shimmer. Octavia had seen the girl abandoned by her 'truest' friends and blamed by the student body. She had not suspected her friend to be the person behind the profile. Not least for the fact that her own secret had not been shared, one entrusted only to Sunset and one other stalwart companion. However, her fear of the other student's opinions and actions (Especially as her oldest friend had her doubts) had meant she left Sunset to her woe.

Of course, Sunset had been proven innocent. The secrets sourced from virtually everyone at school and published by three unthinking and jealous younger sisters seeking petty triumph. Octavia had been guilt stricken for not standing by Sunset, in fact abandoning her. She had learned too that the girl was alone here, no family to speak of and yet she had still left the redhead to loneliness and misery in the season of Goodwill to All.

Today she would set it right. Hopefully.

“Alright Octavia. The gift is in your bag, you have girded your mind with an apology and stiffened your nerve.” She assured herself with clipped Trottingham tones. Before the motivation fled, she entered the school.

It was early, but she knew Sunset liked to get in well ahead of the crowds and practise or simply play. It sounded like Sunset was in already, a mournful piece of music wrought from guitar strings trailed down the halls. “Albinino.” Octavia sighed. One composition they had both confessed to turning to in depressive times. “At least she can't lie about being okay.” The cellist muttered to herself.

She followed the music to a now familiar place, passing a contemplative VP Luna, the teacher giving Octavia a quiet greeting. “It sounds like she needs a friend.” Was her comment, Octavia could only agree. The door to the room was ajar and Sunset sat in the centre of the room.

Her eyes were closed as she played, not missing a note or flubbing her fingering despite what had to be turmoil in her head and heart. That was why she played, pulling emotions from the guitar and her psych to resettle her mind for the school day.

As Sunset played the final notes she let out a breath and it looked like a tear sparked on her eyelash. “Hello Sunset.” Octavia said, her voice low. Seeing how upset Sunset had been and possibly still was had sapped her nerve.

“Octavia. Hi.” Sunset said, her voice was tired and the smile she shared was weak. She placed her guitar down into a stand, it was a new one. A flying-V style with a sunburst finish. Octavia had thought the sound of Sunset's playing had been slightly different. Noticing Octavia's focus on the instrument Sunset smiled a little wider. “A holiday gift from my friends.” She looked happier a moment. “I had been coveting it a little when we visited the music shop.”

“That is quite a lovely gift.” Octavia said, smiling and hoping that this meant Sunset wasn't quite as upset as she'd feared. “Speaking of,” She rummaged in her satchel and handed over a wrapped package. “I had meant to give this to you on time, but the... events before the holiday prevented me from doing so.” Sunset took the gift and examined the paper, snowflakes and music notes.

“Yeah, all that mess where everyone hated me.” Sunset said, bitter a moment. “Thanks for not returning it.”

“I feel awful for not sticking up for you.” Octavia admitted quietly. “I did not think you were behind the profile, but I was scared of the others. What they would think.” She sighed and looked at Sunset. “I am so very sorry. I hope you can accept my apology, but I will understand if you cannot.”

Sunset laughed, it was not the lovely melodic sound Octavia had come to enjoy. No, this was self deprecating and still with a burr of sadness. “If I can forgive the girls for actively breaking my heart than I think I can let a little inaction slide.” She flicked the ends of the wrapping paper and slid the gift free. The gasp she breathed was one of wonder.

“I spotted it in one of the shops I frequent and immediately thought of you.” Octavia said, proud that the gift was well received. A guitar strap made from sturdy black imitation leather, a fiery wing and a flaming feather sewn to the strap as decoration. The clips and buckle were gold coloured. It was a fortuitous match to Sunset's new guitar.

“I love it! Thank you so much.” Sunset jumped up to grab Octavia into an embrace. It had surprised the more subdued girl at first, just how physically affectionate Sunset could be, but then her friends seemed to communicate much through contact. Now she was used to it, even looked forward to it, and easily returned the hug.

“I am glad, it seems the pair are quite a match too.” Octavia chuckled and pointed to Sunsets guitar. The girl was immediately swapping the current rather worn strap for this well suited replacement.

“Really, thanks Octavia. You've sort of given this day a bit of a boost already.” Sunset said earnestly making eye contact and sharing a true smile.

“Of that I am glad. I hope it also goes towards an apology for leaving you in your time of need.” Guilt twinged again, however could she have risked this friendship? Octavia checked her watch, knowing to remain much longer she would risk spilling further emotions upon her friend.

“I forgive you, honest. I was more hurt by people who actually blamed me.” Sunset was smoothing the strap between her finger tips, tracing the design of a phoenix wing that had made Octavia certain it would be perfect.

“Alright then.” Octavia inclined her head. “Now I must be off. Vinyl will no doubt be expecting me for our morning trip to the coffee machine, though it produces something far and away from what I would call coffee.” She heard a laugh from Sunset, the sound one of true humour, as she left the room.

Her gift had been well received, her apology accepted, but not everything was settled. There had been a confession to accompany the present. One that related to the regard she held Sunset in, the feelings she had for her fellow musician. The knowledge that at the moment when her mind had been cleared from anger and dissent fuelled competitive spirit by a strong voice, that Octavia had fallen for her friend. A confession that was to be followed up by a question, an invitation; for Sunset knew of Octavia's preferences in a partner. A request that maybe Sunset would be amenable to a date, a date that could possibly lead to a relationship closer than simply friends.

But that was not to be, not now. Not when she had avoided helping Sunset, not when she'd left the girl without defence, crying in the halls.

No, not now.

Author's Note

Albinoni's Adagio in G minor

Winter

La primavera

Winter thawed the cold weather and the cold feelings, but not enough that she could allow herself to share her feelings with the firey haired girl. Spring, a season of rebirth and new growth was even now coming to a close and with it a looming deadline for her last chance. Different matters occupied her immediate thoughts however.

Once again, Octavia was immeasurably grateful for the actions of Sunset Shimmer. Another school event had fallen victim to magical chaos beyond mortal ken.They had all been saved by the seven friends, and how Pinkie told it, Sunset had been key. Spotting the red-gold hair of the girl, she approached.

“First the Friendship Games and now this. I am most impressed.” Octavia had found Sunset looking out over the lake. She'd not managed to catch her after the excitement of the forest run amok. Then the party preparations had been taking up almost everyone's time and after that, the party itself further occupied the girl she sought.

“At least this time there wasn't much major property damage, or holes in the universe.” Sunset replied wryly, she patted what was left of the landing deck, “Pinkie Pie wasn't careful with confetti.” She answered Octavia's questioning look, even if it made little sense to Octavia. The grey toned girl sat down beside her and joined Sunset in looking across the water.

Her friend's namesake painted the water in hues of orange, it looked quite beautiful. “You are often saving us.” Octavia commented. “Thank you for that.”

“You know I am pretty much to blame for all of this stuff going on though right?” Sunset laughed. “Coming through that portal with an immensely powerful Equestrian artefact dragged magic through too.”

“Still, you saved us on more than one occasion.” Octavia smiled and looked across. Sunset was still watching the lake, her face and shoulders relaxed. It was easy to simply sit and look at Sunset, her red-gold hair catching the dying light, her emerald eyes shining. Octavia swallowed, realising she was once again caught up in her thoughts on her friend.

Her friend. Not her girlfriend. The right moment was yet to arrive. Really, her gift during the holidays had been her only idea on how to approach the subject.

“I have to warn you though...” Sunset began to say, turning to speak, but Octavia wasn't really listening. A curl of red hair had escaped it's arrangement and she was helpless to resist pushing it back. Her finger brushed Sunset's cheek and the girl froze, inhaling sharply.

“Sunset?” Octavia pulled away quickly, worried for her friend.

“You've felt that way all this time?” Sunset asked, pinning her with a look. Confused, Octavia didn't answer. “Since the holidays... That gift. It meant a lot more. I saw.”

“What? How? I've not told you! I couldn't then and now...” Octavia scrabbled back, panic writ across her features.

“I have a power now.” Sunset said softly, her hand brushed the geode around her neck. “I touch someone while wearing this and I can see their thoughts, their feelings.” She leaned closer, supporting herself on the other hand. “That was what I was warning you about.”

“I. I...” Octavia was speechless, her secret was out. Sunset knew. Blind panic pushed her up from the deck and running away from her friend. Her crush.

Sunset called after her, but she didn't stop.

Once she reached her tent she threw herself to the bed. Worried Sunset may have followed her, she was relieved to hear the curfew call. Now everyone either had to be in their tent or taking part in evening activities. Sunset would not be coming to see her this evening.

She was still hiding out in her tent the next morning. Octavia sighed and dropped an arm over her eyes. “I shall be moving away soon Vinyl, love.” Her friend sat opposite her, having been searching for the grey toned girl after missing her at breakfast.

“Dummy.” Vinyl said, quite clearly too. It gave Octavia pause, Vinyl was not one to talk often, her spoken words were to be listened to.

“Vinyl?”

“So what if she found out, you weren't going to tell her any time soon.” The DJ flicked off her shades, eye contact meant she was serious. “Go talk to her. She not only saved us all again, but the girl you worried she liked is making goo-goo eyes at mister tall green and cheesy.” Vinyl grinned. “Go get her.”

“But what if she has no interest in me at all? What if this has already ruined our friendship? I could make it worse! It would make a fool of us both...” Her babble was cut off by a scoff from Vinyl, the shades were back in place, a sure sign that she had said her piece.

The blue haired girl stood up from her seat on the floor and shook her head in mild disapproval. Waving to her friend lying on the bed she left the tent. “She doesn't understand.” Octavia whispered to herself. She didn't stand a chance with a girl like Sunset and her embarrassing thoughts being shared had surely ruined even the infinitesimal possibility of some closer relationship. Likely, it had scared Sunset off from friendship even.

Time passed, it was almost the middle of the day and Octavia was still wallowing in embarrassment and mild distress. Of course she was highly strung, she was a cellist! Her indulgent misery was interrupted though. Keen ears once again picked up the lilt of music on the air.

The music was being played outside, the camping area was mostly deserted now the campers were off enjoying activities. Sitting up in bed, she listened properly to the sound. Acoustic guitar, the notes flowing into a familiar piece, more of Octavia's beloved Bach.

Creeping to the tent flap, Octavia peered out to investigate who played. She nearly jumped to find Sunset looking over, playing an acoustic guitar painted with the sun design she seemed to favour. “Hi.” She said, smiling with green eyes sparking.

“Hello Sunset.” Octavia remained in her tent, nervous now that her secret had escaped.

“Sit and listen? I want to make sure I'm getting it right.” Sunset asked, still so friendly and open. She gestured to a chair next to the stool she was sat on.

“Of course.” Octavia nodded, leaving her tent slowly. If Sunset wasn't making a big deal about things then she would try not to. Joining Sunset, sitting on the chair next to her, Octavia tried not to tense. She was sat quite close to Sunset but the other girl didn't seem to mind.

“Okay, so I get to a certain point and I am sure that I'm getting it wrong.” Sunset said as she strummed her guitar. Muting the strings with a clasped hand, she smiled to Octavia. “I might be judging myself too harshly. So, if you can listen to it and let me know if anything sounds off, that would be great.”

“It shan't be a problem, I do love Bach.” Octavia allowed. This was good, Sunset hadn't been put off by what she'd accidentally seen. Relaxing a little in her seat, Octavia allowed the music to wash over her. She closed her eyes to better listen.

As Sunset finished the piece, Octavia had to say that there did not seem to be any true fault. She opened her eyes mere beats after the music ended, intent on telling Sunset just how well she had played.

However she was instead taken aback.

The other girl was looking intently at her, a small smile fixed on her face and reflected in her posture. “You know, you didn't give me a chance last night.” She shook her head. “You ran off way too quickly.”

Octavia started an excuse, but a hand held out and grabbing hers stopped that. The redhead shuffled nearer.

Sunset was very close, leaning in further so they were almost eye to eye. “I want to see what might happen.” She said, quietly for only Octavia to hear. “I never said I wasn't interested.” She added. “Would you like to go on a date once we get back from camp?”

“Yes.” Octavia breathed, nodding along in case she was too quiet.

“Great!” Sunset smiled and it lit up Octavia's world. Then, quickly, almost darting in, Sunset pressed a kiss to her cheek. “See you later okay?”

Frozen in place, the grey toned girl could only blink. That had been most unexpected.

Author's Note

Bach, Sonata II BWV 1003, Fuga

Spring

L'estate

Spring freshness had traded places with Summer heat and the kind of warmth in her heart Sunset had never in her dreams thought she would experience. (Between disinterest, active disregard and then penitent denial, it hadn't looked likely). The season was racing along at quite the pace though, with college and new situations beckoning on the horizon.

There was still time for some of the nicer things though. Like a date.

A blanket placed just so, two cushions arranged for comfortable sitting, a picnic basket and a cooler. All in position atop a small hill in the park, just under a tree for a little shade before the sun began to fall. The basket was packed with sweet and savoury treats, the makings of tea and two teacups. The cooler was stocked with lemonade and milk for the tea.

Everything had to be just right for this date; Sunset was determined to make it, their last date before college began, a memorable one. Soon her girlfriend would be joining her. Plucking some imaginary lint from her dress, a modern cut magenta number Rarity had supplied, Sunset looked down the path to the parking lot.

Her bike was parked up, a note for Octavia there on the seat, hopefully choosing this part of the park would maintain the surprise a little longer. There was an event set to start not long after Sunset had asked to meet her here.

A noise nearby caught her attention, she was worried that Octavia had arrived too early, but then Rainbow was halting ahead of her and handing over her guitar. A real relief. “Here you go.” Rainbow kicked her heels. “I can't believe you forgot this, it was in its case by the front door and everything!”

“I know Rainbow.” Sunset groaned and pressed a hand to her forehead. “I'm super nervous and I want this date to be perfect! I just had to forget something.” Holding her guitar was calming her down though. It was a good job her friend was so fast. “Thanks Rainbow. I wouldn't have been able to get all this done in time if I'd had to go back for my guitar.”

“No problems Sunset. Never leave a friend hanging!” Rainbow shared a fist bump. “I better make tracks, I think I passed that sensible compact your girl drives. See yah!” She shot off in a rainbow blur.

Sunset sighed with relief to have her guitar. Realising when she arrived that she had left it behind, she'd called Rainbow and the girl had run over right away. Grabbing a key to get into Sunset's place and racing there, it looked like she'd been in the nick of time. From her vantage point on the hill, Sunset could see Octavia's car on its way.

Sitting on the blanket, Sunset took the guitar from its case and checked the tuning, nothing seemed to be the worse for a high-speed delivery. Strumming once, she smiled and settled into a little more Bach while she waited. Hopefully it would help lead Octavia to the picnic.

Sunset heard a car parking up and carried on playing from memory, she'd quite often serenaded Octavia with strings. Especially considering how she'd asked Octavia out in the first place, virtually the whole summer ago.

It had been a great summer.

She'd asked Octavia on a date at camp because she'd seen just how sincere the other girl's feelings had been. She'd felt how honestly the young musician had wanted to have a chance. It had intrigued Sunset, she liked Octavia as a friend, a friend who she had made independent of Princess Twilight's influence. A friendship founded on a mutual interest and appreciation for each others' talent.

Having accidentally seen the girl's thoughts and feelings, she owed it to her to take a chance. Octavia was interesting, intelligent and already a good friend. Not to mention rather attractive, caring and pleasant company. That she was mostly reserved with her feelings, but still wanted to try told Sunset a lot.

Their date had been wonderful and led to another. Then another. They had gone to prom together and ventured into their first kiss. As summer progressed it became clear to Sunset that they were in love (even without a rock that gave her the super power of mind reading).

Still playing and now caught up in her thoughts, Sunset didn't notice Octavia's approach until a light cough interrupted her. “I thought you would be the source of my favourite music.” She smiled demurely. “Hello Sunset.”

“Hi Octavia.” Sunset blinked and put her guitar down, standing to greet her girlfriend. Who, as always, looked stunning. She wore a white dress, Fifties styled with a pattern of scattered pale pink musical notes. It was gorgeous on her and Sunset couldn't help a little happy grin at the sight. “You look gorgeous.” She said, punctuating it with a quick kiss on her lips.

“You look beautiful as ever.” Octavia giggled and kissed the cheek closest to her. She looked over at the picnic. “All this for me Sunset? You shouldn't have.”

“Yes I should, so I did.” Sunset teased, leading her girlfriend by the hand to the cushions on the blanket and sitting down, positioning Octavia close beside her. “And this is only half of the surprise.”

“Only half?” Octavia took in the cooler, the basket, the blanket with cushions. The guitar that had led her to the little slice of heaven and the girl who had arranged it all. “Whatever else could there be?”

“Well...” Sunset gently turned Octavia's attention across to the other side of the hill, to the outdoor amphitheatre, where workers were setting up. “In about an hour, the Canterlot Philharmonic will be playing. It is their special outdoor performance.” Sunset took a programme from the basket. “I was a little too late for tickets, but Lyra tells me you can hear the music clear across the park, so we have pretty much the perfect spot...”

Sunset would have said more, but a kiss was pushed to her lips that became much deeper when a grey toned hand cradled her jaw and caressed her cheek. When they parted, Octavia's eyes shone. “This has to be one of the most thoughtful things... I love you, you know?”

For the second time that evening, Sunset just blinked. They had spoken around those three words and Octavia was always casual with 'Love' as a term of endearment, but this had to be the first time either of them had outright said it. That seemed to dawn on Octavia, who looked about ready to panic.

Before she could repeat the escape at the lake, Sunset pulled Octavia onto her lap, wrapping her arms around her. “I love you too. I was just a little nervous to say it.” She pressed her forehead to the top of Octavia's head, silken charcoal strands smooth against her skin. “Now we have a picnic to enjoy and soon there will be a concert to listen to.”

“Thank you Sunset.” Octavia said, relaxing into the embrace.

-*-

Music filled the air and dusk had cloaked the sky, Sunset had revealed one last surprise; string lights strewn across the tree branches above them. Their tiny sparkling points illuminating their picnic spot with a firefly like glow. They lay side by side, arms lazily twined around each other as they simply enjoyed their close proximity and the atmosphere around them.

Summer might be over soon, college and the future laid out ahead, but their schools were in the same town and they had plans. Plans that certainly included each other. For many seasons yet to come.

Author's Note

Prelude in D minor - Bach

Summer

So, that was a thing. PM me any typos or mistakes you spot (I would like to fix them!). I want to say that this is all good, but I may tweak things (probably nothing drastic).

I had the idea strike me as I listened to my music collection on shuffled and "Winter" played, it seemed too good to leave.

The links are not required listening, just a sharing what I had in mind; I am framing this in music just as much as in seasons. As such I ended on a Coda, this isn't the end for those two even if it is the end of the story.

Hope you enjoyed it.