Finding Perfect Harmony

Chapters

Harmony Broken
Finding A Purpose
A Shoulder To Lean On
Turning From The Darkness
A Looming Shadow
An Old Friends Return
A Night To Remember
Just Like Old Times
Finding Perfect Harmony
Author Notes
Epilogue

Harmony Broken

Her voice echoed across the land, over thousands of roaring fans, each screaming her name and reaching out just for a chance to touch her hooves just once.

“Joyful we love you” One yelled.

“Joyful, Marry me” another yelled.

Her long brown mane swayed back and forth as she sang along to the music, the rhinestone encrusted microphone illuminated with a green aura from her horn.

“To bath in life, no disappointment

Injured wings will rise up

You will fly in the sky

Suddenly again glistening tear drops

You are beautiful

You embrace life

This will accomplish a miracle”

I nearly missed my next note watching her in her element. She looked so happy, losing herself in her music just as she always had done. “Living in the moment” she used to call it, she was always the singing superstar even when were little.

Joyful Noise; the number one pop singer in Equestria, with a voice that would rival even the beauty of Princess Celestia herself, not to mention a body to match. She had formed “Solvalla” when she was very young, which only grew in popularity as the years went by.

As the concert ended, I could see the signs of exhaustion in her face as she turned to face me, a faint smile draped across her face. I smiled back setting the guitar down as the stage curtain closed releasing my hold on the neck of the instrument, the blue aura from my horn fading as I turned and followed the olive green mare out the side of the stage, the rest of the band following close behind as we returned to the room the manager had prepared for us.

“Another great concert, eh Pitch” A voice called as a hoof collided with my shoulder.

Turning I could see our drummer ‘Steady Beat’ with a smile; two bottles of hard cider levitating right beside his smiling face blanketed in a red aura which matched his coat, his eyes behind a small pair of silver sunglasses.

“Ya, no thanks to you” I joked taking one of the bottles from his grasp and bumping it against the one he still held, knocking it back just as he did the same.

I felt a set of hooves wrap around my neck and a set of lips smack against my cheek. “Hey P” the calm voice cooed into my ear before she turned my head with one of her hooves to now face me directly before pressing her lips into mine. She stayed there for a moment before backing away leading me by a hoof towards the door to the lobby where fans crowded outside. A small group of each being held back by a big bulky guard at the front, each with its eyes shaded by a dark pair of sunglasses and an earpiece in their ear. As we approached their gaze shifted to us before they began to move again pushing through the crowd and somehow making a gap between them so we could pass, each of the hooves reaching out to us as we passed, some carrying pens and paper while others held cameras which flashed a near blinding light in my face nearly every second making me squint my eyes as I advanced.

I hated the crowds. The endless paparazzi that would always bug you wherever you went didn’t help the situation much either it was pretty annoying to say the least. Joy loved it though; in fact she welcomed the pictures, interviews, and publicity she had gotten; she relished in it in fact. Whenever I found a camera or a microphone in my face she would always shield my eyes with one of her hooves, or push away an interviewer whenever he/she got too close for my liking; it was one of the reasons I loved her so much.

By the time we had finally made it back to the train station where the bands private couch the band had rented out for the tour waited, its lights illuminating the darkness. My hooves began to ache, my eyelids heavy. Finding my familiar spot on one of the sofas I laid out on my stomach burying my face in one of the pillows and letting out a long sigh.

“One concert down” Steady Beat stated walking over to the fridge and removing a bottled water from the shelves.

“Where to next?”

“Some country town, PonyVille I think.” Joyful Noise answered sitting down by my tail.

Beat let out a noticeable groan as he laid down onto the adjacent couch laying his head on the pillow. “I hate the country” he stated twisting the cap off of the water bottle and putting the top to his mouth.

“Get used to it Beat. It’s a curse the curse of being famous” Joy stated in an annoyed tone.

A sudden noise caused the three of us to turn to face a familiar figure trot through the door, his movements jumpy and exited. “Good show Solvalla, I think it was our best one yet” he said in a familiar accent. “Joyful Noise, Celestia herself would be envious of your voice, well done” he went on trotting over to couch to address us all.

“Thank you as always Charger”

“Steady Beat, you were a little hesitant on the second number, I expect you to fix that before we reach our next destination”

“Whatever” Beat said giving a weak salute.

“Perfect Pitch, remember to get lost in the music. Not your mare friend, I could see you gawking at her from backstage, fix it!”

I mimicked Beat’s salute before turning over onto my back avoiding his gaze completely.

“The train leaves in half an hour, do try and get some rest on our way there” Charger stated exiting out the train door out into the night once again leaving the three of us alone once again in the un-necessarily large train car.

The train pressed on through the night, sounds of Steady Beats snoring echoed throughout the train car preventing me from getting any sleep. Against my chest lay Joy; I could feel her breath against my chest, the rise and fall of hers against my side. I looked down at the sleeping mare who remained motionless even as I moved a strand of hair away from her eyes, a faint chuckle escaping my lips. I laid there for another hour or two trying to focus on anything other than Beats snoring; but to no avail. Slowly I got up from the couch, careful not to wake the sleeping mare beneath me making my way to a nearby window as if to just watch as the scenery pass by, sitting down in the window seat upright yet still unable to find a good position to sit in.

I had been with Solvalla ever since the band formed. Granted at the time I had joined, Joy and I weren’t an item, and arguably the only reason I was put in the band in the first place was because I was the only one in our school who could play the guitar without fumbling for notes, but that never stopped Joy from recruiting me. Beat joined later, after our previous drummer decided to peruse a different career in economics eventually finding a steady paying job in Manehattan, and ever since then he had been my closest and only friend I had ever known. The three of us became as thick as thieves not soon after we began playing with each other, playing whatever gig we could find as often as possible. The music at the time was all cover songs playing on the radio at the time, never any original music which prevented us from standing out at all, however; that all changed when Joy decided to do so. Crowds began forming, tickets would sell out, and we eventually found ourselves being invited to more and more events; the dream had become a reality.

A felt a tender hoof wrap around my shoulder just as a head rested against it breaking the trance I was under whilst staring out the window.

“Hey” Joy said in a weak tired tone. “Couldn’t sleep?”

“No” I replied laying my head against hers.

We sat there for a while, not speaking; only comforted by each other’s company. I turned my head to kiss her lightly atop her head just behind her ear earning a content sigh from the mare who in turn leaned into me further.

“My Perfect Pitch” she stated nuzzling my shoulder with her snout.

My mind began to ease as I wrapped a free hoof around her holding her closer. A sense of contentment washed over me and I began to feel my mind rest a bit. I felt Joy shift a bit, getting out from underneath my arm and leaning up to kiss my cheek.

“You really should get some sleep” she stated, as she turned my head to gaze into her golden eyes. Lightly she began to hum and began to run a hoof over my black and blue mane, she knew all too well it was one of the ways she could make me relax enough o actually sleep. I began to recognize the tune, the lullaby she had made just for me, the one she would not sing to anyone else. She stopped humming only to begin singing the familiar words.

Cry, the first thing we did when we born

Hooves, they are what we use for a hug

Smiles, Thank you for that smile you gave me to change my life

Welcome to a beautiful life

I shifted my body to lie down on the window seat while she lay down next to me, still stoking my mane as she continued singing.

Eyes, it is in your both eyes

Soul, it belongs to your soul

Voice, it’s a lovely voice that comes from you

If your wound could not heal because of the common word that I just said

I'm going to hug you with it until the death comes and takes me

Closing my eyes I felt sleep rapidly approaching, however I fought it to stay awake just long enough for her to finish. I loved her voice, the one I had come to love; my Joyful Noise.

We can just sing sing sing forever

Try to understand tomorrow

I’m going to understand the word "Joy" that’s why you should sing it together with me

Echo of sing sing sing forever

I finally found my True Love

Always be the last minute that we know "LIFE" that’s why you should sing it together with me.

As she finished her song, her voice trailing off, I felt sleep finally come to me, and yet, even in the darkness of my dreams; I swear I could still feel the touch of her hoof still stoking my mane.

The train arrived late in the day, in PonyVille Station, mid-afternoon to be exact. As I exited the train station twisting my shoulder blades to try and stretch out the soreness, I looked around at the surrounding lush green area. It was not at all like I had pictured it. Granted when someone said “Country” I would think of barren dessert’s spread as far as the eye could see, with only a small village in the middle of nowhere which would consist of only a few buildings; I was happy to be proven wrong. Much to my surprise; I actually liked the looks of this town; friendly looking ponies, welcoming scenery, this town had it all. I caught the gaze of some of the ponies in the station starring at me, some with a face of confusion, others with a look of amazement at seeing somepony who was actually famous.

“Is that Perfect Pitch?” I heard one pony whisper

“He’s taller than I thought.” A female voice said from somewhere else.

I thanked Celestia that there weren’t any paparazzi nearby, the flash of a camera was the last thing I wanted thing I wanted to think about right now. I heard Joy let out a sigh of relief as she exited the train car.

“So nice to finally be out of that train car” she stated.

“So this is PonyVille?” I heard Beat say as he exited right behind. “What a dump, I hate the country”

“It’s not that bad” I stated.

“Whatever…” Beat said trailing off as he leaned against the train car lifting a cigarette to his mouth with magic lighting it soon after.

A crowd began to gather just in front of the train as more ponies came to the realization of our presence in the station. Some began calling our names, others taking pictures.

“So much for no cameras” I thought as I turned away from the flashes back to the train pretending to be looking for something.

Security began to form in front of us, pushing the crowd back just as a familiar gray stallion came into view; Charger.

“Hello Solvalla, I trust you slept well?” he said over the roaring crowd. No pony answered, only stood there watching as he paced back and forth in front of us. Realizing no one was in the mood to talk to him he pulled out a small notebook from the black jacket he wore flipping some of the pages over. “Well I have good news and bad news. The good news is we are ahead of schedule, which means we can prepare for the concert… This brings us to the bad news… Due to unforeseen circumstances, the equipment will be arriving a day or two later. Our stage manager Dusk had a mishap with some of the equipments transportation. Your instruments won’t arrive for another two day’s”

“Are you bucking kidding me!?” Beat lashed out making the rest of us jump slightly at the level of his voice. “How the buck am I supposed to prepare without my drums”

“Calm down Beat, they’re on their way” I said trying to lighten the situation. Beat shook his head out of frustration, but remained silent for the time being. “What are we going to do until then?”

“Mingle around down, get a drink, I don’t care. Just stay out of trouble. Just be sure to meet back at the hotel before midnight ” Charger stated walking away from the group putting a hoof up to his ear where his earpiece lit up as he began to speak into it.

“Well you heard the man” Joy stated returning to Train car disappearing from sight as she walked further in.

Walking in front of a mirror I began giving myself the once over. It was amazing what one could accomplish with a few simple articles of clothing. With a simple hat covering my horn, as well as a blue pair of sunglasses over my eyes; I went from “Perfect Pitch, lead guitar in Solvalla” to “That pony that looks like you’ve seen somewhere before”. Granted my cutie mark was a dead giveaway, but no one really associated me with my mark as much as my guitar. The plan was to step out for an hour or two and explore the town for a bit, get a bite to eat, and return that night to spend a little quality time with Joy who was staying back at the train car to catch up on some rest. I asked Beat if he wanted to come with me but he shrugged it off with a simple “I hate the country” leaving me alone as I walked the unfamiliar streets.

It was interesting to see the town in a new light; as a citizen. Dozens of ponies all around attending to their business completely unaware of me as I passed by. I watched small stall owners selling assortments of food as well as accessories for passing ponies, stores all around had open doors which ponies of all kinds walked in and out of. Overhead I watched as a cyan colored mare with a rainbow coated mane clear the clouds out of the skies before dashing out of sight to whatever business she had next. It was unique to say the least to see all everypony attending to their daily routine, each accomplishing whatever task they had set for the day. I wondered what it felt like; to do everything on your own, to work hard for something, to wipe the sweat from your brow as you looked at the work you had done for the day with a feeling of satisfaction.

A sudden collision broke me from my trance, knocking me back onto the ground. I looked up to see a giggling pink pony in a similar position as me. Her mane resembling that of a big pile of pink cotton candy which matched her long tail.

She suddenly burst into a fit of laughter jumping up onto her legs with un-imaginable speed before she leaned down and assisted me to mine.

“Sorry about that, guess I didn’t have my blinker on” she joked continuing to laugh.

“It’s my fault, I wasn’t looking where I was going” I said with a slight chuckle. “Was she always this happy?”

She looked down at my feet then back up to my face getting uncomfortably close as if to gaze into my eyes through my sunglasses. “I’ve never seen you in PonyVille, are you new here?” she asked, still mere inches away from my face.

“No, just visiting for a few days” I lied, thankful she didn’t recognize me.

“Visiting an old friend a relative an old relative who’s a friend-” she began before I lost focus on her words completely, un-able to keep up with what she was saying, just standing there amazed at how fast she was talking. “- then I called somepony over and they managed to pull it right out, by the way what’s your name mister?”

I somehow managed to come back to the situation blinking several times as if to see if this was reality. “Pitch” I replied.

“Well Pitch, it’s always nice to see a new face in PonyVille. I’m Pinkie Pie, next time you’re in town look me up so we can throw you a “Welcome Back To PonyVille And We Hope You’ll Stay Party” she stated as she began to trot away, a smile decorating her face as if nothing had just happened.

“What just happened here?”

The sun began to set by the time I returned to the train car, a small brown bag hanging from my mouth as I trotted back into the train station. During my day out I decided to stop by one of the vendors and get Joy a small pendant with two gold interlocking circles which had “Together Forever” etched in the insides. True it was cheesy but I figured it was the thought that counted the most.

As I stepped inside the door I heard a faint sound come from the back of the trailer, the bedroom to be exact. The sound was faint, and impossible to make out clearly, but it sounded like a “female moan” of some sort. I set the bag down on the couch before stepping lightly towards the door which was creaked open very slightly. Stopping just outside the door I put an ear up to the door.

“Oh, Beat” the voice cried out, which I recognized almost immediately; it was Joy.

Tears began to well in my eyes. I debated whether or not to confront the two of them, or to just leave.

“What did I do wrong?” I kept asking myself.

I couldn’t take it anymore. Turning around I ran out the door of the train car, tears streaming down my face. I didn’t know where I was going, all I knew was; nothing was ever about to be the same again.

Finding A Purpose

5 Years ago:

The sun was slowly over the tall Manehattan buildings. The smell of my father’s alcohol filled the small apartment making my cringe my nose as I lifted my familiar instrument from its stand with a spell carrying it over to the small bed in the corner. I sent a wave of magic over the strings earning a clear sound from old guitar. Taking mind of my sleeping father in the other room I began to strum out a familiar tune eventually losing myself in the music.

A sudden tapping sound broke my concentration on the song as well as my grip on the guitar itself which dropped onto the floor sending a loud clang throughout the small room making me cringe in fear of my father waking, when the room remained silent a let out a sigh of relief as I turned to pick up the guitar again. Another tapping sound came from the outside window similar to the one before drawing my attention to the window just by my bedside.

Drawing the curtains back I was met with the familiar face starring inside, her golden eyes pressed up against the glass as if she was trying to peer through the curtains that were obscuring her view before. A smile decorated her face upon seeing me as she backed away against the railing of the fire escape allowing me the room to open the window for her.

“Joyful Noise, what are you doing here?” I asked in disbelief upon opening the window allowing her room to step inside much to my protest.

“I thought I told you to call me Joy!” she corrected getting un-comfortably close to my face making me back up against the bed, her voice echoing off the walls of the small room.

I held a hoof up to her mouth silencing her and letting out a quiet “Shhhhh” from clenched teeth as my gaze averted to the still closed door fearing her voice had awoken my father.

I heard a rustle from the other room waiting for the familiar sound of floorboards creaking underneath the weight of hoof steps; however I only heard the sound of my father shifting on the leather sofa before silence filled the room again.

I removed my hoof from Joyful’s muzzle, my eyes still transfixed on the closed door. “What are you doing here?!” I whispered, my voice matching the irritated look I knew was on face.

Grace chuckled lightly ignoring my question as she began to look around my room at the posters pinned against the walls. “I’ve never been in your room before” she stated as she sat down onto the bed sprawling out as she lay on her side. “Very classy”

I rolled my eyes as I picked up the wooden guitar which still rested on the floor, returning it to it place in the corner of the room. Walking over to the closed door I creaking it open just enough to peek out into the living room where I could see my father’s figure resting on the cushion, his chest rising and falling underneath a blanket. Turning to Joy I could see her gazing my way, a concerned look upon her face.

“You need to get out of here” I whispered returning to the still open window and gesturing out with my head.

“Not until you agree to play for me” she argued, a smug smile decorating her face as she crossed her forelegs.

It was the same every time. No matter where I went, no matter what I did she was there; with the same demand, the same smug look. Out of all the colts and mares in our high school, I seemed to be the only one she sought after. It all began after a talent show I somehow managed to find myself in; having no other real talent I was forced to play guitar while one of the mares in my class sang. Ever since then she was on my case about joining this band she was forming. At first I simply ignored the pressing mare, but as the years went by and classes began to change, I found her in more and more of my classes, still bent on me joining her band.

“How many times do I have to tell you, I don’t want to join your band, I never have!” I yelled with a breath trying my hardest to maintain a whisper. “Now get out of here, the last thing I need is you waking my dad up”

She nestled further into the mattress widening her grin. She wasn’t going anywhere, and she wanted to let me know it.

“This ponies going to be the death of me”

“Fine” I gave up sitting on the floor against my bed, my back facing her.

She shifted on the mattress again, this time moving to the edge of the bed leaning down to get a little closer. I looked up at her as she maintained her position. In a way I found this whole thing kind of funny; I always wanted to get a mare in my bed, but now that one was there, I wanted nothing more than to get her out.

“You’re not giving up anytime soon are you?” I asked.

“Probably not” she stated using her magic to grab a picture resting on a nearby nightstand bringing it over to her. “Is this your mom?”

I nodded.

“She’s very beautiful, what happened to her? If you don’t mind me asking.”

I shook my head, hoping she would get the hint, which didn’t take long. Her face changed again, the smug look that had been there before vanishing as her smile turned into that of understanding.

“I’m sorry” she stated levitating the picture back onto the night stand.

Suddenly the picture leaned to the side and fell off of the wooden stand sending a nerve wracking sound of glass shattering through the room. I knew what would come next, and the sudden noise from the living room only confirmed my suspicion.

“Pitch, the fuck have I told you about letting me sleep” I heard my dad yell from the other room.

“Get out, now” I whispered to Joy who was frozen with fear.

Shaking the fear, Joy leapt off of the bed and out the window onto the fire escape just as my father burst through the door. The large earth pony charged towards we raising a hoof only to back slap it against the left side of my face making it burn with pain. I don’t know how long he stood there yelling at me, how many times he hit me across the face, all I knew was by the time he finally left it hurt to even cry.

I stood there for a few minutes as my father stormed out of my room slamming my door, and then the front door as he left.

I heard a knock on the glass from behind. I didn’t bother looking, I knew who it was. Opening the window using magic I heard Joy step back inside, I didn’t meet her gaze, but I swear I could feel it. Walking over she came face to face with me, holding one side of my face with her hooves as of to access the damage that had been done. I tried holding back the tears, but to no avail, I could feel them streaming down the sides of my face as I fought to hold them back clenching my teeth together to point of it almost hurting. I felt Joy walk forward and embrace me moving close and planting a gentle kiss as if to kiss the tears away.

“Leave with Pitch.” She stated. “You don’t have to be in my band, but please, just leave with me, and don’t ever look back”

Current Day:

I don’t know how I managed to end up in the town’s night club. Perhaps it was the loud music which could even be heard from outside or maybe I just felt like I needed to drink away my sorrows. I sat alone at the bar; a glass of hard cider in front of me which I still hadn’t drank since I had ordered it. I was no longer crying, my tears had long since dried up since I arrived. I leaned against the bar counter placing my head onto my forehooves, I must have looked pathetic to others ponies in the club.

I was still wearing my disguise to remain inconspicuous to all other on looking ponies. I was happy to say the least that I could be left alone with my thoughts. Just how long had she and Beat been doing this behind my back, and what else was going on that I didn’t know about.

“Hey, you ok?” a female voice asked as a white from sat down on the bar stool next to me dashing any hope of being left alone.

I merely nodded not meeting her gaze only hoping she would leave.

She began to converse with the bar tender for a while about Celestia knows what leaving me alone, just as I wanted. I turned my head to gaze up on the mare, immediately taking note of the large purple sunglasses in front of her eyes. She seemed to take notice and met my gaze with a smile. I heard the music die down only to pick up. I recognized the song almost immediately; the words that followed only confirmed it.

Stand up!

My love is in connection with mountains.

Only with running, there are expectations.

My future is written at the starting line.

Hey ya, hey ya...

No matter if it’s a success or failure at the ending line.

I groaned as I heard ponies began to sing along.

“What, you don’t like Solvalla?” I heard the mare beside me ask.

I didn’t answer.

“Personally, I think the music makes the band” She began. “I mean sure, Joyful Noise has a killer voice, but I think it’s nothing without the guitar and drums. Steady Beat is alright too, but personally; I think Perfect Pitch just makes the band what it is”

This brought my attention back. “What do you mean by that?”

“Well Perfect Pitch is just an awesome stallion” She stated as she turned around and leaned her back against the counter putting her elbows up on either side. “He plays the guitar with such emotion sometimes; it’s as if he gets lost in the music. Not many musicians put that much passion into it anymore, not like him.”

“Great another fan girl” I thought as I rolled my eyes thankful for the sunglasses still in front of my eyes.

“Personally, I’m envious of Joyful Noise; she gets him all to herself.”

“Ya well you know celebrity relationships; they never last”

She chuckled lightly as she sipped from the mug in her hoof.

“I didn’t catch your name by the way; I’m Vinyl, Vinyl Scratch.” She said offering a hoof to shake.

“Charger” I lied picking the first name that came to mind as I shook her hoof picking up the mug in front of me and putting it to my lips and taking a long swig from it.

We sat there for a moment once listening to the song continue on, Joy’s voice etching itself into my brain reminding me of the two of us.

Vinyl began to chuckle with a devilish grin as she turned to me. “You must think I’m stupid or something” she stated.

“No why?”

“Charger is the bands manager. I had the misfortune of meeting him once, and you’re not him, so try again there buddy.”

Realizing there was no way out of this I set my money down on the counter before getting off the bar seat. “Nobody” I muttered turning to leave.

I felt my tail being pulled almost immediately being held in place by a light blue aura. Although my body stopped my feet kept going eventually coming out from under making me fall to the ground, my hat coming off my head revealing my horn underneath, my glasses coming off soon after. I heard the mare gasp in shock releasing my tail allowing me the time to pick up my hat and glasses putting them back on my head before I trotted towards the door.

“Wait” she called immediately stepping in front of me to block my exit. “You’re Perfect Pitch?”

I rolled my eyes attempting to push past her but to no avail, the mare wouldn’t budge. Giving up I walked back into the club hoping to find another way out, Vinyl at my side every step of the way.

“I can’t believe it, a star like you in my club? Sweet Celestia, what did I do to deserve this?” she went on.

I ignored her which became increasingly harder as I pushed another group of ponies gathered on the dance floor earning a hateful glare from one of the stallions. It was apartment that my new adoring fan was not about to leave me alone, and the only exit that wouldn’t set off an alarm was easily blocked. Finding an empty booth in the corner I sat down on the purple leather cushion allowing Vinyl to sit across from me, a grin stretched across her face.

I sighed. “You’re not going to leave me alone are you?”

She shook her head.

“Fine” I said putting my head down on the table.

She chuckled lightly gaining some of her composure as she waved to one of the waitresses drawing the orange Pegasus over to the table. “What can I get you boss?” she asked.

“Two glasses of cider. If that’s ok” Vinyl stated turning to me to see if the order was acceptable.

I nodded. “Wait a minute; did she just call her boss?”

“So Pitch, what’s a stallion like you doing in a club like this?” she asked.

“It’s complicated” I said un-able to look her in where I guessed her eyes might be behind those bulking purple glasses.

“Mare troubles?”

“Big time”

The waitress returned carrying two glasses of apple cider on a tray expertly atop her head.

“Thanks Starfire, you’re doing excellent as always” Vinyl stated taking the two mugs off the tray and sliding one over to me. “You wanna talk about it?”

“Not particularly no”

“I understand.” She stated.

I was thankful she wasn’t pressing for answers like any normal reporter might do; if I gave her credit for anything she seemed pretty relaxed about the whole situation (after geeking out on me that is)

“So what are you going to do now? I mean, I heard the bands staying at the Stanly Hotel nearby. Are you going to back there and face whatever it is your dealing with?”

I shook my head. “I’d like to find another hotel if possible”

“Good luck with that. The Stanly Hotel is the only hotel in PonyVille; the next one isn’t for a good hundred miles.”

“Buck” I muttered to myself.

Vinyl shifted in her seat and began looking around the room, a noticeable red hue washed over her white cheeks.

“Well… you could always stay at my place. If you have no other option that is…” she managed to say weakly almost too soft to notice.

I briefly considered my options. On one side, I could go to the Stanly Hotel and hope to Celestia that I wouldn’t be discovered, on the other I could actually go home with this mare I only just met with no way of knowing where the night would lead. I rubbed my temples, taking notice of Vinyl who eagerly awaited my response. I knew that if I went to the hotel, even if I wasn’t discovered, the thought of Joy would still be etched into my brain, and seeing as there was no other option, I had to give into Vinyl’s request.

“Fine, but just for tonight” I said earning a giddy smile from Vinyl as she nearly jumped out of seat with joy.

“Wait here for a second” she stated immediately leaving her seat and trotting towards the DJ stand through the crowd of ponies still on the dance floor.

I couldn’t help but smile as I watched her, for some reason this mare seemed so easy to talk to. I found myself connecting with her in a way, whoever this mare was dating was a lucky stallion that is if she was dating anypony.

Pushing her way through the crowd once again she returned to the table. “I talked to Disc Skip my assistant manager; he’s got the rest of the night covered. We can leave whenever you’re ready.”

I nodded getting up from the table as I followed her out of the club and into the cool summer night following her as we passed the market I had visited earlier which was now closed down. We passed town hall where I could see “Solvalla” posters posted on the billboard nearby, ponies busy at work outside setting up the stage for the performance. I stopped un-able to pull myself away from looking at the posters, even though I was far away I could still see Joy plastered on the front, smiling as she sang into her trademark microphone.

“Are you still going to play?” Vinyl said as she stopped to look on with me.

“I don’t know” was all I managed to say.

I felt a reassuring hoof on my shoulder. Turning to Vinyl I noticed her smiling as if to say “It would all be ok”. I fought the urge to hug her and merely returned her smile, thankful to have somepony to talk to.

The rest of the walk was spent in silence. Eventually we made our way to a small cottage home amongst others surrounding a single tree; a sign reading “Public Library” swaying with the wind. Stopping at the door Vinyl turned to me pressing a hoof to her lips before entering.

The house in all aspects was roomy to say the least; just from the door I could see a decent sized kitchen just beyond a wooden staircase leading up to the second floor.

“Tavi, you home?” Vinyl called.

“Tavi?”

I heard a door open making me turn my gaze up the stairs where I could see a faint light illuminate the hallway. Almost immediately Vinyl pushed me aside out of view of the upstairs.

“Keep quiet for a sec, Tavi, doesn’t know you’re here” she whispered

“Vinyl? You’re home early” I heard a voice from upstairs say obviously female and carrying a very classy tone to it.

“You know me, always the lazy one” Vinyl stated with an un-easy shaky tone.

The conversation fell silent as I heard the other mare groan in disappointment. “Who is it this time?” she asked.

“This time?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Tavi” Vinyl chuckled nervously.

“You can come out now, I know your there” The voice called out clearly addressing me.

I emerged into view of the staircase looking up at the gray mare standing there leaning against the guardrail.

“Octavia, Pitch. Pitch, meet my roommate Octavia” Vinyl said sheepishly as she stepped beside me.

What had I gotten myself into…

A Shoulder To Lean On

5 years earlier:

The class room was quiet with the surrounding students buried deep in their exam papers, some more focused then others. I found myself looking out the window at the snow falling outside; it was close to Hearts Warming Eve, as well as the 4 month anniversary of me running away from home with Joy.

Joy’s family took me in soon after I left, I didn’t need to explain myself, the black and blue marks across my face as well as the dried blood that still remained from my father’s fists proved to be enough. I was clothed, fed, and even given a warm bed; for the first time in a long time, I found myself able to sleep peacefully without the fear of a drunken stallion walking through the front door bent on taking his anger out on something, and in truth I think my father was satisfied with the situation as well.

As I finished the last question on the exam paper I flipped it over and let out a satisfied sigh earning a glance from the ponies surrounding me, their face maintaining the nervous look they had since the test began. It was hard to imagine that mere hours ago I realized that I had stayed up the entire night studying for the paper in front of me, “The Big Test” as it was called since it was the last one before the first term would end not to mention it was your ticket to the schools dance the night to follow.

It was tradition that the mares of the school would try and ask out the stallion of their choice in the coming months in hopes to find themselves holding each other close on the dance floor swaying back and forth as soft music played.

Although I had been asked by several mares my answer was the same, a simple “Let me think about it” or an “I don’t think I’m going, sorry” sending each away with a disappointed frown. In truth, I didn’t want to go, the whole dancing thing never appealed to my senses like a free night to myself.

I looked across at Joy who was contently laying her head down on her desk over her paper, eyes closed, and chest rising and falling as she breathed. Popular to contrary belief, we weren’t together; much to everypony’s dismay seeing as we made “A Cute Couple” but that never stopped the other mares from asking me what I thought of her. She opened one of her golden eyes immediately looking my way and giving me a faint smile as she scanned the class room as if to see if class was still going on before meeting my gaze once again. She glanced up at the teacher who was busy writing away at a paper in front of him, his horn glowing as the quill shifted back and forth. Removing a small sheet of paper from her saddle bag she began scribbling on one of the sides with the black raven feather that was still on her desk, a faint shade of red as she set the sheet back in her saddle bag before glancing back at me with a faint smile.

“Oh ya, it was about me”

The bell rang about 30 minutes later awaking me from the small light sleeping state I was in, the metallic ringing resonating through the small room making my ears ring with the noise. All around ponies got up from their chairs some groaning having not finished their tests, while others seemed to pretty content about the whole thing, granted me and

Grace seemed to be the on the winning side at least through our eyes.

Walking down the hallway I noticed ponies all around me rushing up and down the hallways, some stopping at their lockers while couples stopped to chat in the hallways obviously about tonight’s dance. Pushing through the crowds I managed to squeeze my way to my locker, still woozy from the nap I just had, I didn’t see Joy coming up from behind.

“Hey you” she greeted leaning up against the closed locker next to mine. “How do you think your test went?”

“Seeing as I stayed up all night studying” I began only to be cut off by a yawn. “Pretty well”

Joy began to laugh slightly as she began to stare off, her face turning a faint shade of red as she massaged her arm with one her forelegs. “So, what are your plans for the night, are you going to that dance?”

“I wasn’t planning on it, no” I replied shutting my locker having put the final book inside walking down the hallway again pushing past the crowd that didn’t seem to lighten up. “What about you, are you going?”

“Well… you see I was actually going to talk to you about that” She began following me towards the exit. She was at a loss for words, which wasn’t like her, not at all. Even as we approached the exit I waited as I put on white and blue scarf around my neck she remained silent, her face retaining the slight redness. She let out a brief sigh opening her saddle bag and removing the note from earlier which was now neatly folded. “Just… give me an answer later” she said before dashing out the doors into the falling snow not bothering to cover herself up from the harsh wind.

5 Years Later:

I shifted in my position on the sofa, the blanket covering the top half of my body. I was unable to sleep, to distract my mind for even a moment to allow myself even a moment of sleep. Upstairs I could hear Octavia and Vinyl bickering back and forth about Celestia knows what, Octavia’s voice more annoyed than angry making me wonder if it was about me. I shifted again this time laying on my side to glance out the nearby window at the clear night sky, the stars the only light that could be seen, it’s beauty almost speaking to me as if Luna herself was there with me just beckoning me outside. Shooting one more glance towards the voices I slowly got off the large sofa walking over to the window sitting down on the blue cushion and just peering out at the town on the other side of the glass. It was calm, as if nopony had even occupied the streets at all.

A set of hoof steps came to a halt right in front of the living room before halting just at the entrance.

“Couldn’t sleep?” I heard the voice of Vinyl ask.

I shook my head not bothering to look at her. I heard her walk closer eventually halting right behind me as she dropped a blanket over my shoulders.

“Can I join you?” she asked.

Scooting over I allowed Vinyl a space next to me which she gladly accepted looking out up at the stars through her purple sunglasses.

“Sorry about Octy, I don’t think she expected me to bring home any stallions tonight” she joked.

“Does that happen often?” I joked back giving her a slight smile earning a slight smile from the white unicorn.

“No, just once” she stated in a tone making me wonder if she was joking or not.

Turning she met my gaze with a slight smile making me blush and turn away to look up at Luna’s night sky once again. She was cute, I’d give her that but at the moment the only mare on my mind was Joy. Besides, I wasn’t even sure if she was in a relationship or not which would make the situation all the harder.

“So what’s got you down in the dumps? If you don’t mind me asking” she asked breaking the silence. “Back at the club you made it seem as though you and Joy were going through some troubles, is everything ok?

I shook my head. “Hard to love someone who has given her heart to somepony else.” I stated almost instantly regretting it, having told basically a complete stranger exactly what was on my mind.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry” she stated averting her gaze slightly down.

I let out a sigh running a hoof over my brow. “Don’t worry about it; I’m just happy to have somepony to talk to, even if I only just met them”

Vinyl turned and met my gaze again letting the room fall silent once again as we just sat there starring at one another for a while. Outside I heard a faint breeze blow through the trees surrounding the small PonyVille home making me slowly turn my gaze slowly at the sound of the leaves. Beside me Vinyl had an uneasy look upon her face. Taking a loose part of the blanket with my magic I lifted it over her shoulders scooting a little closer to give her a little more of the blanket, our bodies mere inches from touching.

“Thanks” she said wrapping herself a little tighter in the blanket.

She scooted a little closer to me and I could feel the warmth of her body as I felt her touch my haunches. It wasn’t at all unpleasant, in fact the warmth almost felt like a gentle touch, allowing me to relax if only a little.

“So, what happens now? Don’t you have a concert in a few days’” she stated.

Letting out a long sigh I tried ignoring the question having no answer to it myself, in truth I had no idea what I was going to do. For one I could always attend the concert faking what had happened, what I had seen. On the other, I could completely bail out and leave “Solvalla” to fend for themselves, to make some elaborate excuse as to why they couldn’t play. It had happened only once, last season to be exact. Joy had come down with a case of the pony pox, it was rare at her age and having had it myself me and Beat were left to tend for her while she healed, Beat seemed to take extra care of her. I felt so stupid for not knowing, not seeing what the two of them were doing behind my back.

Vinyl placed a reassuring hoof over my shoulder bringing me into a small hug, setting her head on my shoulder and leaning against me.

“You’ll figure something out. I know you will” she reassured patting me once.

I felt calm, my mind eased as I placed my head on her head finding myself a little more tired than I had previously imagined. I felt my eye lids grow increasingly heavy, my mind easing as I placed a hoof around Vinyl earning a pleased sigh from the white unicorn. I no longer cared who she was, fan or not, I was thankful for her company, her embrace, and her understanding.

Turning From The Darkness

5 years ago:

Dear Pitch

Perhaps I am foolish for writing this. For waiting this long, to do what I want. I know you aren’t too keen on the dance, and I respect that; you never were one for dancing if memory serves. However I feel as though I need to tell you something, but I am unable to put it into words. With that being said, I see only one way to do that, and that is show you, but that can only be done in a proper setting. So I ask you, will you please be my date to the hearts warming dance tonight?

-Joyful Noise

I must of had read the note over at least a hundred times by now. Each word I read in her voice, the elegant handwriting all too familiar. Every part of me wanted to say no, but for some reason I found myself agreeing to her request, curious as to what she wanted to show me that could only be seen at the dance.

I found myself in pure black tuxedo standing in front of the full length mirror in the bathroom. The suit was one of Joy’s fathers from when he was my age, and while it was a little longer in the sleeves, it fit rather well . A single red rose sat in the pocket standing out brilliantly against the white shirt I had on underneath.

“If only Mom could see me now” I joked, a look of uneasiness still on my face as I continued brushing out my long black mane removing any tangles that had been there before.

Mom had always been the one to keep me looking my best, always brushing my coat after a long day, or taking extra time to make sure I was looking my best whenever we went out; she was nitpicky like that however she would always say

“Now don’t you look positively dashing” which always seemed to bring a smile to my face, even as a colt.

Straightening the collar one last time I stepped out into the living room only to be met immediately by the flash the camera Joy’s mother owned nearly blinding me thanks to the old flash bulb she had on the top.

“Pitch, you look so handsome” she said taking another picture.

Walking up to me Joy’s father looked me over giving me a nod of approval before leaning in close to whisper “Remember, you make her cry, I make you cry. Got it?” I nodded nervously refusing to meet his gaze in fear that I would be turned to stone. “Good” he said patting me once on the shoulder.

“That’s enough Serj; you’re scarring the poor boy” Joys mother said after noticing the look on my face.

Suddenly I heard a door close from upstairs where Joy’s room was. My eyes immediately looked up the stairs as I waited for her to come into view, my heart thumping with anticipation. And suddenly, she was there, in a beautiful white dress with gold accents which complimented her green coat, a single braded stand hanging amongst the rest of her long brown mane tied together with a gold bead at the end. Her feet wrapped in golden shoes which wrapped up her legs. I could still see her cutie mark faintly through the material; the familiar microphone with surrounding stars only seemed to compliment the dress even more; in truth, I felt underdressed. Her eyes met with mine as she began walking elegantly down the stairs holding my gaze even as she reached the end walking towards us with a faint smile, her mother busy taking pictures as she approached. Walking up to me I could see a faint hue of red around her cheeks as she leaned down letting some of her mane hide half of her face.

“I look ridiculous” she stated turning away slightly avoiding my gaze.

“What?” I stated in disbelief. Had she seen herself? “Joy. You look amazing”

She turned to face me again as the red around her cheeks deepened. Her father walking up and wrapping a hoof over her shoulder kissing her on her head whispering something in her ear before letting her go to stand by my side.

“You two have fun” Joy’s mother said taking yet another picture.

“Not too much fun” her father stated giving me a look which made the feeling of uneasiness return.

Wrapping one of her hooves around mine we walked outside into the snowy weather, her magic shielding us from the harsh wind as well as the snow that was still coming down.

We danced with each other song after song, each louder than the last. On multiple occasions she went to speak up but fell silent, a blush emerging on her face making her stop. As the last song faded a soft tune began to come through the speakers.

“Okay everypony we’re going to slow things down for a bit, so grab that special somepony close to you, it’s time for a slow dance” The DJ said over his microphone.

Lightly Joy stepped to me and moved her head around mine laying her head against the back of my mane as she began to hum along.

Nobody knows who I really am

I never felt this empty before

And if I ever need someone to come along,

Who's gonna comfort me, and keep me strong?

I could feel her breath which made my heart beat faster, my cheeks flush. Lightly she sang along, too low to be heard perfectly but I still welcomed hearing her angelic voice. The song continued for a while before suddenly she moved her head from my neck and up to my cheek nuzzling it softly with her muzzle, still singing softly only this time I could hear her.

I want you to know who I really am

I never thought I'd feel this way towards you

And if you ever need someone to come along,

I will follow you, and keep you strong

Suddenly she moved again, this time moving her nose and placing against mine. It felt as though my whole body was on fire with how hard I must have been blushing, my eyes wide as she held her unrelenting gaze. “Pitch” she whispered softly. Slowly, she leaned in pressing her lips against mine closing her golden eyes. I felt myself relax; closing my eyes I attempted to return the kiss to the best of my ability, having never kissed a mare before.

Slowly she broke away opening her eyes once again she smiled as she leaned up to whisper into my ears. “I think I love you”

5 Years Later:

The day was still very young by the time I awoke the next morning. It took me a moment to realize I was still lying on the window seat, the blanket still wrapped over my shoulders however a different feeling of warmth was against my body, completely different from the blanket, it was much softer. Wrapped in my hooves against my body was the white unicorn from the night before, still asleep and breathing steadily against my chest, her glasses resting up on her forehead just behind her horn however her white eyelids still hid her eye color.

Realizing quickly I had fallen asleep with this mare wrapped in my hooves, I quickly broke away from her grasp, falling off the window seat and dragging the blanket with me, somehow not waking the mare from her sleeping state. My heart raced, still unable to comprehend fully as to why I agreed to stay at that house for the night let alone sleep with the mare who invited me. I ran a hoof over my disheveled mane thankful for the fact that we didn’t actually DO anything that night, I would have been no better than Joy had I actually decided to get lucky.

A faint smell of eggs and fresh oatmeal lingered through the room, making my stomach growl almost immediately upon smelling it. I looked towards Vinyl who was still sleeping soundly completely unaware that I was no longer holding her. I looked at the blanket still wrapped over my shoulders feeling kind of bad I had taken it from her leaving her with nothing. Walking back to the sleeping mare I lifted the blanket off of my shoulders and placed it over Vinyl earning a pleasant sigh from her lips as she smiled lightly. Walking towards the smell I found the earth pony from the night before in front of the oven, breaking an egg over the pan in front of her. She turned to me as I approached a look of surprise on her face as her purple eyes met mine. Gaining her composure she shook off the look of surprise, returning to the food in front of her.

“I apologize for that, I completely forgot that Vinyl brought you home with her last night” she stated, a hint of annoyance in her very sophisticated sounding voice.

“Ya sorry about that, I guess this sort of thing happens often?”

“No, you would be the first” she said. “Vinyl told me your situation as best as she could last night, and I apologize for bursting out like that, but I must ask, are you really Perfect Pitch, or is Vinyl just going crazy over a look-a-like?”

I turned my flank to show her my cutie mark, the infamous acoustic guitar in front of a treble clef, much like hers only black. She starred at it for a moment then met my gaze again before walking up to me as if to get a better look. She walked around me once or twice before nodding her head in approval.

“I can’t believe it” she stated. “Vinyl talks about you all the time. I never would have thought she’d actually meet you, let alone bring you back here”

“Ya, well here I am” I stated walking towards the table taking a seat on one of the wicker chairs surrounding it. “I’m sorry for intruding, in all honesty I’m finding a hard time believing that I wound up here last night.”

She nodded, the understanding look on her face helping me feel better about the whole situation.

“How did you wind up here, if you don’t mind me asking? I thought Solvalla was staying at the Stanly while they were here” Octavia stated returning to the food that was still on the oven.

“They are” I stated hanging my head in shame.

“Mare troubles?”

“You have no idea”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

I shook my head.

“I understand. Whatever is happening is not my business to intrude” she said walking over and poking at the eggs with the rubber spatula in her mouth. “I suppose I better go get Vinyl up, she’ll sleep all day if I let her”

“I’ll do it” I said getting up from the seat.

“Thank you Pitch”

Returning to the living room I found Vinyl sprawled out on the cushion, legs stretched out with one end hanging off the side her glasses now absent from her head were laying next to her, a faint snoring sound coming from her slightly open mouth. She looked completely different from when I left her earlier. In truth, I found myself chuckling a bit at the sight of the outgoing mare sound asleep.

Leaning in I tapped her shoulder with my hoof. “Vinyl?” I whispered but no avail, “Vinyl” I said a little louder and earning a light groan as she turned over putting her back to me. I rolled my eyes as I got right next to her ear, if asking nicely wasn’t going to do it; it was time to resort to my method; taunting.

“Vinyl” I whispered seductively as I rubbed the back of her ear with my muzzle.

She groaned again, not having any of it.

“You’re as stubborn as a mule” I chuckled hopping up on the cushion and kneeling down to get a better angle.

“Vinyl” I whispered again, this time mere inches away from her face.

Perhaps it was just the light, or I that I still hadn’t woken up fully myself, but as the sleeping unicorn opened her ruby red eyes slowly starring up into mine, she almost seemed to resonate with beauty. I felt myself blush as I held my face in place, losing myself in the moment. For whatever reason, I couldn’t bring myself to pull away, surely whoever this mare was with, if anypony, was a very lucky pony.

“Good morning” I said faintly.

“Morning” she stated, her voice raspy, her eyes fighting to stay open.

Moving away I gave her room to sit up and stretch her forehooves over her head, the muscles in both arms popping under the strain. She reached for her glasses lying beside her, placing in front of her eyes before giving me another smile.

“Guess I fell asleep here, huh?” she asked examining her surroundings placing a hoof behind her head out of embarrassment. “I probably should have left, once you fell asleep”

I saw her cheeks flush. In truth, it was her that had fallen asleep the night before, but I didn’t bring it up. At that time I was just happy to have somepony to hold close.

“It’s ok, I was happy for the company” I said giving her a little smirk.

We sat in silence for another moment or two before a voice cut through the silence.

“Hey you two, breakfast is served”

Almost immediately I heard my stomach growl, as I began to smell the eggs from the other room. Vinyl must have heard it too, placing a hoof over her mouth she snorted slightly; much to my embarrassment.

“C’mon, Pitch, let’s go get some chow” Vinyl stated as she hoped off the cushion waiting for me to do the same, carrying the same familiar smile I had found myself unable to pull away from.

As I stepped off the cushion onto the floor it felt as though I was stepping out from under a dark cloud, one that Joy had put there when she decided to cheat on me. For whatever reason, I felt this was a new beginning, a new chapter, and the start of a new life. All I had to do now was hope that I could walk away from the cloud, without it following me.

A Looming Shadow

4 years ago:

The day had grown late, the autumn sun setting on the horizon, a faint wind blowing through the trees of Manehattan Central Park blowing some of the brightly colored leaves off of the trees and onto the ground where many other leaves before it had fallen as well. There weren’t many other ponies in the park apart from the occasional jogger or family enjoying the weather.

From underneath the familiar tree at the middle of the park, atop a hill, I could see it all. It was my favorite spot, and the company I had made it all the better. Sitting against me, a hoof wrapped around mine; was Joyful Noise, her steady breathing suggesting that she had fallen asleep but the occasional nuzzling of her snout against my neck suggested otherwise.

It had been almost a year since Joy and I had made it official, and announced that the two of us were an item. Not soon after that I found myself playing for her band which she had named after an old grandmother; “Solvalla”, according to her it made us sound profound. While I knew Joy, there was another pony in the band; a drummer named Gear Head. He was one heck of a drummer but would often joke about leaving to pursue a career in mechanics in order to repair anything with moving parts, but after a year of treats he still never made the jump. Solvalla was nothing huge, apart from the occasional show in the local tavern we really never played for anypony other than ourselves. But to Joy, it didn’t matter how many ponies were there. As long as there was music backing her up, and at least one pony watching, she would lose herself, becoming a different pony entirely as she sang. The band would always so covers of the latest songs, nothing huge but it would still draw in the occasional onlooker walking by.

Joy sighed as she moved her head and kissed my cheek, meeting my gaze as I turned to look down at her, her golden eyes closed slightly, a small smile on her face. She looked tired.

“You ready to go home?” I asked.

Suddenly she yawned before she could give me a straight answer, giving me a small nod when she was able. I kissed the top of her head next to her horn while I assisted her to her hooves which hobbled a bit with the sudden weight that was put on them making her stumble slightly.

Laughing slightly at her clumsiness I walked in front of her as she let out another yawn. “Need a lift?” I asked gesturing her to atop my back with my head.

Slowly Joy hopped onto my back laying length wise with her hooves wrapped around me, her head lying against my neck while her hind legs just dangled on either side. I welcomed her weight adjusting myself under her body as best I could to allow myself to walk a little more comfortably.

Slowly the two of us began making the long walk back to Joy’s house. I ignored any onlookers watching as I continued to carry Joy, in my opinion; they were just jealous.

“You know, I think I’m going to write a song about you” Joy suddenly said, her voice soft and almost inaudible had it not been whispered in my ear.

“What made you decide that?”

“I don’t know, just thought of it” she said squeezing my neck a little tighter making me lose my breath for a second. “But I need some inspiration”

“Am I not inspiration enough?” I joked letting out a faint chuckle.

“That’s what’s getting me. I can’t think of just one thing to say.”

“I’m sure you’ll come up with something.”

“M-Hm” She agreed nuzzling my neck with her muzzle. “And it will be your song, no pony else’s”

“What do you mean by that?”

“I only want you to hear it; it’ll make it even more special”

I chuckled slightly out of embarrassment. I had received the occasional love letter from Joy as we had been dating, each poetic and telling me how much she loved me, and knowing Joy, if she were to write any song what so ever; it would be just as beautiful as any poem she had wrote before.

A sudden siren cut through the busy city streets just as my gaze turned to see several police ponies escorting a single medical carriage as they dashed down the streets swerving past any and all surround carts that were still driving, some pegasus in the air flying over head yelling at traffic to move.

“I hope everypony is alright” Joy stated, obviously concerned.

It took us about another hour or so to reach Joy’s home. By then my back was sore from carrying Joy almost the whole way, but it was ok, as long as she was happy the pain didn’t matter to me. I felt different as the two of us approached the familiar door, my legs felt weak as if I was about to go into the principal’s office fir getting into trouble. I stopped before entering trying to figure out what the feeling was.

“Are you ok?” Joy asked starring caringly into my eyes.

“I don’t know, just suddenly didn’t feel right”

“Well then let’s get you inside and into bed. We have a show in a few days and the last thing I need is you getting sick on me” She said entering through the doorway and stepping inside. Suddenly she stopped right as she entered the door.

“Mom, Dad. What’s going on?” she asked.

“Is Pitch with you?” I heard Joy’s mom ask, her voice different than usual. Instead of the always happy tone, it was sad.

Hearing my name I pushed the door open further allowing me the space to step inside. Standing just inside were Joy’s parents along with another pony standing near them dressed in a familiar black police uniform over his grey coat.

“Perfect Pitch?” the officer pony asked.

I nodded as Joy stepped closer to me wrapping a hoof around mine, her face full of worry.

“Officer Sure Shot with the Manehattan police department. I’m afraid I have some bad news”

I gulped afraid of what was about to be said, my head swarming with questions.

“Son, your father.” He started “I’m afraid there’s been an accident”

“Is he ok?”

“Pitch, your father…” Joy’s Dad said coming up to me “He’s dead”

4 years later:

The sun was high in the sky as I walked along the PonyVille streets. Dressed in my familiar disguise I found myself

among the other ponies, each busy with their own task and seemingly oblivious to me.

Having finished breakfast earlier than Vinyl or Octavia, I decided to go on a walk while they finished. I was hoping to see how Joy was doing, and maybe talk to her if I could find the right words, but after about ten minutes of walking, I didn’t even know where to start.

I found myself in towns square, which was easily the busiest part of the town I had seen. A small crowd had gathered near the entrance where I had seen the show posters the night before, each complaining about something. Curiosity getting the best of me I decided to walk up to the crowd, finding a white Pegasus overlooking the crowd, hovering just above the ground, his stripped white and blue tail swaying back and forth and he continued flapping.

“Hey what’s going on?” I asked

The Pegasus turned to me before landing on the ground with a slight thud.

“Apparently the band that was going to play here bailed” he said folding his wings to his side.

“Really?” I asked in disbelief.

“See for yourself” He stated walking off.

Pushing through the crowd I stopped, seeing what they were looking at. A single Pegasus posting a single red line over the poster’s which read “canceled” in bright red letters.

“Hey buddy” I called to the yellow Pegasus who was wiping the sweat from his brow, his red eyes meeting mine before flying over.

“Can I help you?” he asked.

“Yeah. Any idea why they canceled the show?”

“Apparently the guitar player just suddenly disappeared, other than that I don’t know what to tell you.” he said running a hoof through his red and orange hair. “Actually the band’s manger is going to speak publicly about it if you want to head over to the train station.”

“Really?”

“Blaze, are you done hanging those banners yet?” A voice called out.

“Yeah!” the yellow Pegasus called out “Sorry, buddy have to bring in the bits somehow, I wish I had more to tell you.”

“It’s alright.” I called back as the Pegasus few back to the task at hand hanging another banner over the last of the posters.

I stood there for another few moments listening to the bickering of the surrounding ponies still watching on as the Pegasus finished his work, some complaining while others just stood looking on, an irritated on each of their faces. Slowly I turned and began heading towards the train station getting lost once or twice in the unfamiliar town before finally catching the smoke from the train’s engines in the distance.

I stopped straightening the hat atop my head to make sure my horn was well hidden underneath, pushing my glasses up ever so slightly to hide my blue eyes. As long as Joy or the others didn’t look directly at me, I was just another onlooker.

“Hey.” I heard an oddly familiar voice call out making me turn to see a white unicorn running towards me vigorously; Vinyl. She continued running at me full speed before skidding to a halt right before reaching me kicking up a considerable amount of dirt in her wake.

“I was hoping I’d find you.” She said nearly out of breath. “What are you doing here?”

“The band canceled the show”

“Really?” she said in disbelief, her brows rising over her sunglasses with surprise.

“Charger is going to address the masses at the train station. I figure I’ll get to hear what they think happened before they leave.” I stated turning back towards the train station with Vinyl walking beside me matching my speed, the two of us falling silent as we walked.

“So do you have any idea on how you’re going to confront Joy?” Vinyl suddenly asked.

“No idea”

“Are you just going to let them leave and not say anything to them? I mean, you two were together ever since the band was made. Are you really going to leave it how it is without knowing?”

I let out a heavy sigh letting Vinyl question sit for a moment before looking up towards Celestias sun hoping to find some sort of answer within its rays. In all honesty, I just wanted the whole thing to be over, but I couldn’t just say that.

“Attention Everypony!” A thunderous voice called out from the lobby speakers matching that of Charger’s only slightly more electronic thanks to the low quality set up the station had. “I am prepared to make a statement for Solvalla during this time of confusion.”

I was thankful for this interruption. Not having to answer Vinyl right away took a load off my shoulders allowing me the time to relax as her attention shifted towards the stand where Charger stood, Steady Beat and Joyful Noise standing just behind him looking out towards the large congregation of ponies standing behind red vinyl ropes just inches away from the podium, the two of them standing unusually closer than normal.

“Due to Perfect Pitch’s sudden disappearance, the band has officially decided to cancel the rest of the scheduled tour until further notice.”

A large groan escaped the mouth of many of the ponies making Charger hold up a hoof to try and calm them, but it did little if anything to soothe the mood.

Suddenly Joy stepped up to the microphone, and instantly the bustling crowd fell silent all eyes fell on her. Her eyes hung low, flustered and she refused to even look up to address the crowds. She went to speak but fell silent before letting out a small sigh.

“If anypony has seen Pitch or as any clue as to where he might be; please, I beg of you notify us immediately.” She closed her eyes as a single tear rolled down her cheek as Beat walked up and put a hoof around her bringing her into a hug as cameras all around began to flash. “I just want him back” she said before returning with Beat to the train car disappearing inside behind the tinted windows.

“Do you think she meant it?” Vinyl whispered.

I shook my head. “Joy was always able to bring up a good tear for the cameras, and to her I doubt the people are any different.”

“That heartless”- Vinyl fell short shaking her head with disgust. She stood there for another moment before turning her back all together to the train station. “C’mon Pitch, let’s go home”

I followed close behind turning back to glance at the station one last time, looking at the tinted windows to where I thought Joy might be. I swear, I could feel her looking back at me, unknowing of my presence. Beat was probably sitting next to her holding her in his hoofs, and kissing her head; just like I had done. I had to turn away, that life was no longer mine, Joy’s actions made all too clear that I was just her guitar player, and nothing more.

“Goodbye Joy” I said just low enough to where Vinyl couldn’t hear. Walking away I could still feel Joy’s gaze on me, even if I couldn’t see her, I knew it was there.

I looked to Vinyl who had been starring back at me, offering a kind smile as if to say “It’ll be fine.” I tried to smile back to the best of my ability, but I knew it was a little lacking compared to hers. For some reason, this felt right; Vinyl and me. For some reason, I wanted nothing more than to just walk beside her, enjoying her company, hearing her laugh, and her sweet voice. Whenever she spoke, the world just seemed to drift away, and whatever problems that were ailing me seemed to leave. Yeah, whoever this mare was dating, was a very lucky stallion.

An Old Friends Return

2 years ago:

“Pitch, we need to talk” Joy said as she opened her door to allow me inside her apartment.

Slowly I walked passed Joy and inside the familiar single room apartment, she refused to meet my gaze, and almost seemed to be holding back tears. This wasn’t like her, not at all. She had been that way lately, distant, and not answering my calls. Whenever she spoke she answered fast, as if to get rid of me as fast as she could. I began wondering what would possibly bother her to the point of not talking to me, at first I began thinking the worst, pregnancy, fatal disease… it was that time of the month again? I began losing sleep asking the same question “What was getting to her?” and then it hit me….

“Pitch, I think we need a break” she said sitting down next to me on the sofa still refusing to meet my gaze.

My heart fell to the pit of my stomach. “What, why?” I asked. “Was it something I said?” I could feel tears building up.

She sighed closing her eyes. “That’s just it Pitch, you never say anything. You’re always so distant, I can never read you. Even after the three years we’ve been together you never have let me inside to ease some of the pain.” A single tear rolled down her eye, genuine tears, and the ones I hated to see. “You never let anypony inside Pitch. Not even me. You just run from your problems, and cry by yourself. How do you expect anypony to love you for you if you don’t let them see it?”

Her words cut me like a knife, there was no use fighting the tears anymore, they were too busy flowing down my face and falling onto the sofa, and she merely looked on.

“Pitch…I…” she began, reaching out as if to bring me in for a hug.

I didn’t want to hear it, her voice alone only made it hurt even more. I pushed her reaching arms out of the way as I began heading for the door, opening it before looking back at Joy one last time, hoping, and praying that she would stop me, but the words never came.

I didn’t sleep that night; my mind was too restless for such nonsense. All I could do was lay there, and pray to Celestia that somehow it would all work itself out in the morning, but even that too seemed like a dream.

The sun came out the next day the same as it always had, but it felt different to me somehow; as if the beauty of the whole thing had been sucked out and all that remained was just some troublesome light that made you strain your eyes. All around they were there; couples, ponies that had found their other half. Some had young fouls that bounced merrily as they played with their parents, a smile on each of their faces. I could see it all; the families, the couples, it was one of the many things my familiar spot under the old tree in the middle of Manehattan Central Park, the same one Joy and I had sat under nearly every day for years, the spot that carried our initials on the bark.

“Hey Pitch!” A familiar voice called from behind. I didn’t have to see who it was, I knew all too well.

“Hey Beat” I said, my voice low, barely audible.

“Uh-oh, I know that tone. What’s up?”

“Nothing.”

Pitch sat down next to me, immediately giving me a look of annoyance. There was no getting past him, ever since he had joined Solvalla when Gear Head dropped out upon receiving a job at the ‘Canterlot Train Station’ as their head maintenance stallion; I guess at least one of us had their dreams come true.

“Joy dumped me” I said unable to resist his gaze.

“Ouch, man. That sucks”

I nodded looking out towards the park below once again, seeing the smiling faces of all the ponies below.

“Well, you know what they say right? There’s plenty more fish in the sea.” He said hitting me with a friendly hoof.

“Not like her”

Beat rolled his eyes. “Listen bro, I’m sure it wasn’t that bad.”

I shot him a look.

“Forget I said anything” he said.

He lightly began tapping his hoofs on the ground in front of him steady at first and then picking up the pace as if the ground was his drum set. It was a familiar tune, one that we had often played in practice, and before I knew it I was humming along as if I had my guitar with me.

“You know what you should do.” he began. “You should go solo.”

I rolled my eyes. “What about the band?”

“You honestly want to continue playing with the mare who broke your heart?”

“Not entirely no.”

“Then I rest my case. Besides I’m sure Joy will find another guitarist to bang.” Beat said with a chuckle making me laugh a little as well. “But seriously, the only reason we were any good was that rift of yours. Just think of what you could do on your own”

I shifted slightly at the compliment. It was true I lost myself in my music but I never realized I was that good.

“Tell you what.” He started. “I still have some pull with Straight Shot, I’m sure I can get you a gig at that pub we always used to play at.” A friendly hoof fell over my shoulder.

“You would do that?”

“Of course bro, would are friends for?”

2 Years Later:

Heavy music boomed through the small building shaking the very rafters as the bass boomed. The dance floor was crowded heavily with ponies of all varieties, each dancing to the music; be it alone or with their significant other. Up front Vinyl was bobbing her head as the music played, holding her familiar red headphones up to one of her ears with one of her hooves. It was amazing to see Vinyl in her element. It was no wonder her cutie mark was music related, it was if she could feel the music running through her and made others feel the same as well. Her eyes scanned the dance floor through her large purple shades; an unmistakable smile was on her face.

It had been nearly four days since Solvalla left PonyVille to return to Canterlot allowing me the opportunity to begin anew. It felt nice to get away from it all; the cameras, the fans, hell, it even felt nice to be on the receiving end of the music for once. But while beginning anew had its few perks, I found myself penniless while I attempted to find a new job. Luckily enough Vinyl had convinced her roommate to let me camp out on their couch until I had managed to get out of the rut I was in giving me a place to stay during the days as well as almost three meals a day.

I had made a habit of watching Vinyl in her element; accompanying her to her almost daily shift at her night club ‘Club Pon-3,’ watching closely as she entertained the crowds that came each night. I couldn’t have cared less about the music, I found myself to entranced by the mare playing it to even remotely care about what was playing. I had once tried to approach her to tell her how I felt about her but found myself unable to speak the words to her, too afraid of what she might say back. The way I saw it; “Good things come to those who wait.”

As the next song ended I saw Vinyl scan the crowd once again almost immediately finding me in the back and giving a small nod, she was used to me coming to see her, and yet every time her set ended she would always give me a nod before going backstage to rest a bit before she went on again. I watched as she left her turntables stepping out from behind her set-up just as another pony came on stage and began to rap as another song began. However, Vinyl didn’t go backstage this time; instead she walked down the stage’s staircase and began walking along the edge of the dance floor avoiding what she could of the crowd as she slowly began to make her way towards me.

“This is odd” I mused to myself. “She never comes off stage after a performance.”

I got up from the wall I had been leaning against and walked towards her meeting her halfway.

“Some crowd tonight huh?” she said over the loud music.

“It’s certainly something.” I began.

“Do you have a minute?” she asked beckoning me with her head as she turned to face one of the exits. I nodded.

“Great follow me” and with that she went towards the door giving a nod to one of the bouncers as she passed which he returned only to give me a blank stare soon afterwards. “So much for small talk I guess”

Vinyl was silent at first, glancing back me every so often as if to see if I was still following her. She pressed on into the night rounding her own building and down a dark alleyway. I was hesitant at first, the looks of the small corridor were anything but friendly; dark, spooky, I guess the only thing missing was the murderer you would see in the movies that loomed in such places.

“You comin’?” she asked.

“Yeah” I said nervously as I followed Vinyl into the alleyway.

She began turning her head back and forth as if she was looking for something before she called. “Blaze, are you here?” Silence. “Blaze!” She called again. I swear I knew that name from somewhere. This time there was a distinct shuffling noise from around the corner. A yellow head poked around the corner, immediately finding me and Vinyl standing there starring back at him.

“Vinyl?” he called.

“It’s me Blaze” she called back.

Slowly he emerged from behind the corner, I recognized in an instant; it was the same Pegasus who had been putting up ‘canceled’ banners on the Solvalla posters near town hall. I noticed a large case on his back, which he set down in front of himself as he approached us.

“I could be arrested if they found out I stole this” he began. “Is this him?” he said gesturing to me with his head. Vinyl nodded as she walked up to the case only to have the yellow Pegasus pull it away almost immediately. “Prove it.”

Letting out an annoyed breath I saw Vinyl’s horn come to life as I felt the hat atop my head being lifted off of my horn slowly, the glasses pulled away from my snout. She was going to reveal my identity. I grasped either object with my magic and began to fight Vinyl making her turn to me with a look of worry at first which slowly turned to a comforting smile.

“It’s ok, you can trust him.” She said.

Blaze merely stood there, a look of annoyance painted across his face. If I could trust him, he certainly didn’t look the trustworthy sort, but if Vinyl trusted him, then I guess I did too. I released my hold on my disguise allowing Vinyl to remove it completely exposing my horn and allowing my black mane to fall to its familiar place in front of my face. Blaze’s expression changed, his face turned to that of surprise as if he was about to scream.

“You’re Perfect Pitch” he stated, his voice a little louder than I would have liked. “No way.”

“Way.” Vinyl said with a grin.

“Dear Celestia, I am a huge fan.” Here we go. “I can’t believe it’s actually you.”

“Alright, you’ve seen him. Now hold up your end of the bargain.” Vinyl stated snapping him back to reality.

“My bad.” He said turning the case to face me. For some reason, it looked familiar, as if I had seen it somewhere before. “You would not believe what I had to do to get this.” I head to metal ‘snaps’ come from the case just as the cover lifted reveling its contents.

Inside was a beautiful electric guitar; white body with a blue pick guard, the wooden neck inlayed with what looked like sapphires in place of fret markers. I knew the interment well, its image stained into my mind. It was mine, every detail; every piece was exactly as I remembered.

“How did you get this?” I asked.

“Well it wasn’t easy. After Solvalla left I had one of my relatives up in Canterlot track down where they were staying.”

“How’d you manage to pull that off, aren’t those high class apartments under some pretty tight security?”Vinyl interrupted.

“Yeah they are” I chimed in. “Not just anypony can break into those rooms.”

“Well good thing my sister isn’t just nopony” Blaze stated. “When you’re the captain of the Wonder Bolts, you tend to have an all access pass to everywhere”

“You’re related to Spitfire?” I asked in disbelief.

“Yeah, she’s my sister. I do the pyrotechnics for the show.”

“What are you doing here in PonyVille, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Well since it’s their off season I have to find work somewhere, unlike Spitfire I can’t just sit back and relax in my off time, so I came here and have just been doing some mundane tasks in order to pay the bills. It doesn’t pay as much but it gets me by” He said. “What about you Pitch, what are you doing here?”

I looked down avoiding his gaze.

“He’s starting anew” Vinyl answered for me as a reassuring hoof fell over my shoulder. I turned to see her smiling face her glasses put atop her head to reveal her soothing red eyes.

“Then, allow me to be the first to wish you luck my friend.” He said offering his hoof for a hoof bump which I gladly accepted.

“Well you boy’s have fun talking, I need to head back inside before my next set starts.” Vinyl stated entering back through the side door and into the loud building once again leaving me and blaze alone in the alley.

“She likes you, you know.” Blaze stated.

“Yeah but a mare like that probably already has a stallion.”

“Who, Vinyl?” Blaze chuckled. “No way bud, she doesn’t date just anypony.”

“So that means-“He cut me off.

“Believe me, you aren’t just anypony, and if you’re getting at what I think you’re getting at; I’d go for it.” He stated as he took to the air slowly turning to me about halfway up the wall of the alley. “I’ll see around okay Pitch?”

“Yeah. Sure” I stated with a wave picking up my guitar case and exiting the alleyway just as I finished putting my disguise back on. I didn’t bother going back into the club, I had other things on my mind; like how in Equestria I was going to approach asking Vinyl out.

]

A/N: If I get one more comment on whyy Joy and Pitch haven't confronted each other, I am going to throw a shoe at someone. For God's sake patience people.

A Night To Remember

1 year ago:

It was a pretty good crowd for a weekday. Ponies all gathered around the stage, some with a drink in their hooves while others chatted merrily with the company around them. I could see them all through the small space in-between the curtains I had made, I don’t know what I hoped to find each time I looked out, and yet each time I couldn’t help but to look out at the crowd as if to see if there was anypony I could distinguish among them all.

Beat would often come and watch me play. His familiar red figure could be found nearly anywhere in the bar, but just like the last few times; it was nowhere to be found. Beat had continued to play for Solvalla who was becoming increasingly popular as time went on. It seemed like wherever you went you could find their name on a poster for an upcoming show at the local pub or park, and with each poster I could see her face. Those golden eyes, her pearly white teeth pulled back in a smile; it reminded me of the good ol’ days. I had heard that they had been unable to keep a guitar player in the band for anymore than a month before he would drop out or got kicked out; knowing Joy, it was because the player lacked “The Magic” she had tried to attain with each performance.

“And now fillies and gentlecolts put your hooves together for the always entertaining: Perfect Pitch!” The familiar voice of the announcer boomed through the speakers of the small bar. A cheer erupted shaking the very rafters as soon as I stepped out from the velvet curtain, squinting my eyes to try and adjust to the stage lighting sitting down on the single bench that had been placed center stage with my guitar leaned against it as if it was waiting for tonight’s set to be played.

Picking up the instrument with my magic I strummed the strings once as the crowd began to silence itself looking on anxiously to see just what I had in store for that night. I wasn’t a pop player, not by far; I had left that behind when joy had dumped me. Instead; I played mainly instrumental adding an occasional song in every so often each country sounding with an undeniable rock twist to it.

“How’s everypony doing tonight?” I called waving out to the crowd earning a cheer and several whistles from various points in the small room. “Got a nice long set list for you all to enjoy, so please feel free to get up and dance if you wish.”

I slowly began with the first song concentrating on the notes. Several ponies cheered recognizing the song coming to the dance floor swaying to the music some dancing with each other while others were just content to sway back and forth. I closed my eyes singing the lyrics as the time came my hoof tapping in time.

Keep me in mind

Somewhere down the road you might get lonely

Keep me in mind

And I pray someday that you will love me only

Well the world can be real tough

Why don't you hold on to me

When there's no one else to love

Keep me in mind

Suddenly my heart began to pound in my chest as if it was about to jump out of my chest nearly making me miss my next note. I opened my eyes looking out over the crowd; there was only ever one pony that could ever to that to me. Standing in the middle of the dance floor, alone was a familiar green unicorn her golden eyes glued on the stage and the blue unicorn playing; me. Against my better judgment, I kept playing the same song, the one I had picked out amongst all the others to remind me of Joy. It didn’t matter if I closed my eyes; I could still feel her gaze on me which only intensified as the night went on.

A few hours later:

I sat alone back stage watching as the crowd slowly dissipated out of the bar, some more intoxicated than others. Joy had disappeared in crowd not long after I had spotted her making me wonder whether or not she was even there or not.

“Pitch, you have a visitor.” I heard Straight Shot call from behind as a set of hoof steps began to grow closer.

I didn’t have to turn around, I knew who it was. “You still play just like the day I met you.” She said coming into view in front of my chair.

“What are you doing here?” I asked avoiding her gaze feeling the same weight in my heart I had felt since that day a year ago.

“Listen Pitch…” She began putting a hoof under my chin, forcing me to look up at her.

I attempted to turn away but a second hoof came up and held me in place. I didn’t want to look at her, nothing she could say would make the heart ache any easier. Suddenly she got in close, and I could feel her breath against my muzzle, the familiar scent of berries filled my nostrils; I could smell her. She leaned forward pressing her lips into mine closing her eyes as tears began to flow from her eyes.

“Pitch, please, take me back.” She said breaking the kiss only for a second before plunging back in. “I was wrong, so wrong. Please forgive me.”

My heart began beating faster as a blush washed over my face. Then it hit me, this was the same mare that had told me that I was too distant for her, the same mare that had broke my heart. I pushed her away breaking the kiss. I looked at her, her face showed it all, her eyes red with tears that continued to fall down her face, her mouth quivering, and for some reason I no longer cared. I felt tears well up in my own eyes and I no longer cared what she said back then; she was here, wanting to take me back, and for whatever reason that was enough for me…

That was nearly a year ago, back then I wish I would have known about Joy’s plan. Looking back now I know the real reason she wanted me back; I was her ticket to stardom “The Magic” her band lacked. She was of course acting, but back then I had no way of knowing, I was incompetent, a love struck stallion who thought there was nothing else in this world that could ever match up to Joy. As the months passed I found myself only growing more attached to the cheater that she was.

Solvalla climbed up the charts soon after I got back together with Joy; just as she had planned. Soon our names were everywhere, the single bedroom apartment I had been ling in turned into a suite owned by the band in the heart of Canterlot. Looking back I wish I would have spotted it sooner, maybe that would have made this whole ordeal a little easier….

1 year later:

I awoke abruptly that morning, gasping for air, my heart nearly beating out of my chest. I looked around the familiar living room that was my current home getting my bearings. The same dream had been happening (if they could be called dreams); I could see myself growing up and living the lie that had once been my life, and each time I awoke it was the same way.

From the other room I could hear the distinct sound of sizzling as well as a faint scent of eggs in the air; somepony was making breakfast. Getting up from the sofa I made my way into the kitchen rounding the corner to see a familiar gray earth pony standing in front of the pans where the glorious smells were coming from. Turning around Octavia met my on looking gaze with a smile; she had grown accustomed to me staying with her and Vinyl which in turn made me happy.

“Good morning Pitch, how are you feeling?” she asked.

“A lot better after smelling breakfast.” I joked.

Octavia giggled, letting the room fall silent as I took my familiar spot at the table.

“Can I ask you something?” Octavia asked turning to face me.

“Sure what’s on your mind?”

“Promise me you’ll be honest.”

I nodded mentally preparing for the worst.

Taking a breath of courage she looked into my eyes with a dead serious look. “What do you think of Vinyl?”

I fell short for words.

“I need to know Pitch; I’ve seen the way you look at her sometimes. How you wait at the door like a puppy when you get home before she does, just so you can tell her goodnight before she goes upstairs. I’m not blind to your antics Pitch, and neither Vinyl, so think through your next phrase very carefully.”

I looked down, unable to look at Octavia directly, I could still feel her gaze on me; piercing into my very soul. There was no way I could lie to her now, even if I wanted to. “Octavia, I’d be lying if I told you that I didn’t like Vinyl.”

“You know that’s not going to put my mind at ease.”

“You’re going to make me say it aren’t you?”

“Is it lust? Because if so you are”-

“I love her ok!” I interrupted her. “I don’t know why, or how but for whatever reason I find myself able to forget the past whenever I’m with her. I feel happier when she’s walking with me down the street and even happier when she talks to me. I don’t know how to explain in Octavia, I really don’t.”

I looked down out of defeat. Well that’s it, I finally confessed my love for Vinyl and it wasn’t even to her face; it was to her roommates who was suspecting me of being a creep. It’s over; I’m going to get kicked out with no chance of ever seeing Vinyl again.

“You probably think I’m some kind of perverted freak now.” I stated feeling tears well up in my eyes. “I’ll show myself out.” I moved out from the chair only to find Octavia standing in my path.

“Did you really mean that?” She asked, her voice as stern as her face.

I nodded feeling the tears began to flow down the side of my face.

“Have you told her yet?”

I shook my head. “I just can’t seem to find the right words.”

Octavia chuckled. “A great musician lost for words because of a mare. If that’s not love I don’t know what is.” Octavia stated just loud enough for me to hear. She approached me placing a hoof on my shoulder encouraging me to look at her again. Her face was now calm and almost understanding making me feel almost safe. “Perfect Pitch, I will allow you to pursue my best friend but first you must promise me something.”

I nodded.

“If you break her heart, if you make her cry, I swear by Celestias mane that there will be nowhere you can hide from me that I will not find you, and when I do Tarturus will seem like a day at the beach. Do you understand me?”

I could only nod as I stared wide-eyed at the steel gray earth mare.

“Good. Now I understand that you’re too shy to ask her yourself at the moment, so I will assist you. Meet Vinyl tonight at “Heavens Gardens” before sunset.” She instructed. “And I do expect you to dress for her, you’re not about to go in your disguise.”

“But everypony will recognize me.”

“Good, let them. Let them know who Vinyl has managed to win the heart of.” She stated.

“Heavens Gardens huh?”

“It’s her favorite restaurant. And who can blame her, beautiful scenery, moonlit sky, friendly atmosphere.” She began. “Not to mention she will be sharing it all with the stallion of her dreams.”

I blushed. “I’m afraid I don’t have any formal attire. I don’t suppose there is any way you could help me out?”

“We will figure something out.”

I barely recognized the stallion in the mirror. Octavia really went all out when it came to making me look my best. Around my neck was one of her collars as well as a red tie hanging against my chest, my mane and tail brushed out to create a silky sheen when the light hit it just right. As far as I knew Vinyl had no idea why she was going to her favorite restaurant tonight, Octavia made sure that my arrival would come as the biggest surprise to the awaiting mare.

“Looking spiffy if I do say so myself.” Octavia stated from the doorway taking me by surprise. “Are you ready for tonight?”

“As I’ll ever be.” I said with a little laugh. “Do you think she has any idea that it’s a date?”

“I may have hinted that she might wear something nice if she was going out tonight.”

“I can’t thank you enough Octavia. You really helped me out.”

“I merely set the stage Pitch; it’s up to you to perform to the best of your ability.”

“Still though, it means a lot.”

Octavia merely nodded before looking up at the nearby clock suddenly going wide eyed. “You had better hurry, odds are she’s already there waiting.”

Gathering what I could I ran past Octavia and out the door into the almost setting sun running almost as fast as my legs could carry me to the restaurant. All around I heard ponies question if they had just seen me, onlookers starring wide eyed as I passed them. I ignored them all, there was only one mare on my mind tonight, and nothing was about to stand in my way to get to her. In the distance I could see the shape of the restaurant on the oncoming hill, a small crowd just outside waiting to be seated. “I sure hope Octavia’s reservation went through” I mused to myself.

Pushing my way through the crowd I made my way to the host stand earning several stern glances from couples as I moved pass them.

“Reservations for…”

“I’ll be right with you sir.” The host interrupted returning to the stallion in front of him who looked incredibly unsatisfied with the current situation.

“If you will look again I’m sure you w…”

“I’m sorry sir; there was no reservation under that name. However you are more than welcome to wait for an open table.” The host stated with a smile.

“Fine!” The lone stallion complained walking away from the stand and sitting in an open spot in the waiting area.

“Can I help you sir?” The host asked, his eyes glued to the sheet in front of him.

“Yes I have a reservation; my date may already be here. Vinyl Scratch?”

He glanced up immediately going wide eyed as he looked at my face before he shook out of his trance. “Oh of course Mr. Pitch, if you’ll follow me I’ll take you right to her.” He stated his voice slightly shaken. Slowly he walked out from behind the stand and began walking towards the back of the restaurant while I followed close behind.

“If you don’t mind me asking Mr. Pitch…”

“Just Pitch.” I interrupted.

“Forgive me but, where have you been?”

“I had to find my inspiration.” I stated with a smile.

“I understand. If there is anything I can get you please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“If you can I would like to go un-interrupted tonight if that’s possible.”

“Of course Mr….. I mean Pitch.”

“Thank you” I stated as the two of us approached the open almost immediately spotting Vinyl, her back turned to me as she faced the now setting sun.

“A beautiful sunset.” I stated as I approached making her turn around immediately. Her eyes were covered by a smaller pair of round purple glasses revealing her beautiful red eyes behind them.

She smiled as her features smoothed out watching as I moved to the chair across from her. “Yes, it is.” She stated. From where I was I could see a silk purple dress hugging her body, emphasizing every beautiful feature of her body. Her mane was brushed out much like mine to create a beautiful sheen when hit by the light.

“You look beautiful.” I stated unable to take my eyes off her.

A tint of red appeared on her cheeks as she looked down slightly out of embarrassment.

“You do too.” She stated. “I mean you look handsome, that’s what I meant.” She corrected herself making the blush deepen on her face. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine” I stated.

The two of us sat there for a moment occasionally finding the other peaking at the other every now and then earning a small laugh from the two of us.

“I knew something was up with Octavia this morning. She never is that cheery.” Vinyl stated. “Did she set you up for all this?”

I shook my head. “Actually, I asked her to help me set you up.”

“What do you mean?”

“I didn’t have the courage to ask you myself.” I looked down out of embarrassment.

“So wait… Is this what I think it is?”

“What do you think it is?”

“A date?”

I nodded making her go wide eyed as her blush returned on her face.

“Unless you just want this to be a dinner among friends, either way is fine!” I said defensively fearing I came on too strong.

“Are you kidding me? This is a dream come true!” She stated probably louder than she wanted making several of the surrounding tables glance at us.

“So does this mean that you like me?”

I nodded.

“Really!?”

Another nod.

She squealed out of excitement nearly jumping out her chair. “Sorry, I’m just so happy.” She stated. “But why aren’t you wearing your disguise, won’t somepony recognize you?”

“Let them.” I said with a smile.

“Aren’t you afraid this will somehow make it back to Joy? I mean, Solvalla has been unable to play since no pony can find you.”

“Let her find out. I want everypony to know who fell in love with you.” ‘BUCK, I just said love. Maybe she didn’t hear’

“What did you just say?” she stated getting closer.

‘Buck’

“N-Nothing.” I tried to say feeling a blush come on.

Her eyes narrowed as a smile came on her face. I was unable to look at her completely ashamed of myself. If my first comment didn’t make me seem like I was coming on too strong that last one sure did.

“I didn’t hear ‘nothing’” she stated. “It sounded like I heard the word ‘Love.’ Did I hear correctly?”

I looked down out of embarrassment. I knew what was coming next; rejection. “I’m sorry, it just slipped out.” I stated.

I heard her giggle making me look up to meet her gaze. “Pitch please, if I hated you for that what kind of mare would I be? Besides, maybe I like you too.” She stated scooting closer in her chair. “In fact, I dare say I think I love you too.”

My heart skipped a beat.

“Hey, that’s Perfect Pitch.” I heard a mare call out my name from near the doorway. The two of us turned to see a small crowd beginning to form outside the doorway which was being blocked by the serving staff. Vinyl giggled slightly closing the space between the two of us as she hugged me slightly forcing me to shift my gaze back to her.

“They’re watching us.” I stated.

“Good let them.” She said nuzzling closer her face inching its way towards mine. “I want them to see what I do next.”

Suddenly she leaned forward and immediately placed her lips against mine closing her eyes in bliss. I was taken aback at first feeling the unfamiliar sensation on my lips, however that didn’t last long, and soon I felt myself kissing back completely ignoring the complains of the mares still in the doorway, the flashes of cameras owned by paparazzi. Nothing else mattered but right now, and for the first time since in a long time, I actually felt loved.

*A/N: Alright you guys, decided to make this a little longer than usual due to how much I enjoy writing it. So Pitch and Vinyl are now together... What will happen next? I don't know but I'm suspecting a confrontation really soon.*

Just Like Old Times

Elsewhere In Equestria:

“Where the buck is he?” A strong thunderous voice echoed through the large hotel suite. “It’s been close to a month and not one pony has spotted Pitch.”

“Calm down Joy, he’ll turn up. He always has.” Steady Beat stated in attempt to calm down the raging mare.

“I don’t think you understand our situation Beat. If we don’t have Pitch, we don’t have a guitar player, which means we can’t play, which means we’re not making money.” Joy stated walking over and starring intently into Beats eyes. “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what happens when the money is gone.”

“We’ll find him Joy, don’t worry.” Beat attempted again.

“And if we don’t Beat, what then? The money we have isn’t going to last forever.”

“What about Pitch’s funds? I know he never withdrew any bits unless he needed them.”

“You know as well as I do only he can access that account.” Joy snapped. Slowly she let out a sigh collecting her composure. “Sorry Beat, this isn’t your fault. I’m just a little stressed.”

“I understand babe.” He replied moving behind her and placing his hooves on her shoulder blades rubbing lightly to ease the tension that had been built up there. “You just need to relax.”

“I know honey I just feel like it’s all my fault.”

“It kind of is babe. I mean he did walk in on the two us… you know… bucking.” Beat stated hugging her close. “If I were in his hooves, I probably would have done the same thing.”

“You’re not helping Beat.” She said immediately giving him the hairy eye.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door making the two ponies turn to face the entrance to their suite. “You’ll never guess who turned up in the paper.” Charger stated throwing a stack of papers onto the table in front of them. “The prodigal son finally shows his face.”

“You’re kidding!” Joy stated running over to the table looking at the cover photo and almost instantly gagging at what she saw. Printed on the cover was a brightly colored photo of two ponies kissing each other. She immediately recognized Pitch’s color however the second pony (obviously a mare) was completely new to her.

“Beat pack your things. We’re going to PonyVille; we have a lost pet we need to bring home.”

In PonyVille:

“I don’t know if this is such a good idea Vinyl.” I stated, my voice carrying an unmistakable shake.

“What are you afraid of stage fright?” Vinyl joked.

“No, not exactly, it’s just that it’s been so long since I’ve played. I’m worried those ponies are going to be disappointed.”

Vinyl chuckled slightly as she put her purple shades on top of her looking directly into my eyes before kissing me lightly on the lips. “You’ll do fine. I know you will.”

“If you say so.” I stated turning back to face the stage curtain which blocked my view from the bustling crowd outside. “I still can’t believe I let you talk me into this.” She chuckled again this time walking away and looking at one of the many speakers hooked up to my guitar.

It had been nearly two days since Vinyl and I had made it official, two wonderful days spent in the bliss of each other’s company. She was so unlike Joy in every way, her demeanor, the way she presented herself wherever she went; the way she saw it, she didn’t care what other ponies thought of her, as long as she was happy, it didn’t matter, and when the two of us were together, it was like heaven; where-as Joy would always walk down the street expecting something from other ponies she passed them.

It was around a day after our date, Vinyl came up to me with a crazy idea to publicly announce my leaving of Solvalla; performing live in her club, in front hundreds of on looking ponies. I was opposed to the idea at first but melted soon after she began looking at me with a face that would easily melt any pony’s heart in a matter of seconds, and much to my dismay, I agreed. I peeked out once more between the curtains, looking out at the still growing crowd picking out several I had come to recognize among the crowd.

“Your all hooked up and ready to go.” Vinyl stated hooking up the set-up to my guitar. “Break a leg or two if you can.” She joked pecking me on the cheek before heading over to her turntables where a black microphone sat on one of the motherboards. “ALRIGHT EVERYPONY, ARE YOU READY FOR THE MAIN EVENT?” her voice echoed through the club earning a yell from the crowd outside. “I CAN’T HEAR YOU.” Another yell erupted. “WELL HERE HE IS, AFTER HIS SUDDEN DISSAPERANCE, CLUB PON-3 IS PROUD TO PRESENT; PERFECT PITCH.” If anypony wasn’t cheering then they certainly were now, I could barely hear myself think over all the screams and hoof stomps. Suddenly mist began to pour out from all around the stage flowing out of from underneath the closed curtain; I held my breath in anticipation of the “ok to go” from Vinyl as she prepared to draw back the curtain. Giving me a final smile she nodded and threw back the large curtain as my mind took over, and I began to play the beginning of the set.

“PAIN spills and flows from the wound in my torn chest In the dark

And dissolves the thoughts that connect overlapped moments

Having a nightmare in a fever that I can’t wake from, I can’t hear your final voice.”

I opened my eyes for a brief second to look at the cheering crowd. Their faces lit up with glee as some reached out to me as I stood there continuing to play. In the corner of my eye I could see Vinyl still on the side of the stage; her head bobbing up and down with the beat, and her unmistakable smile shining even in the darkness

“How much boundless pain and sorrow was I able to save you from? Oh…

Show me that you’ll touch my raised hooves stronger; Ever and never end

I’ll release, So far away”

Song after song I found myself lost in the music, losing track of time as each passed and the audience cheered, begging for just one more song, which I happily provided. The set list lasted for a good hour or so before it ended after an encore that shook the very rafters with applause, and I found myself backstage basking in the joy that I still felt. I hadn’t been playing for the audience that night, in truth; I was playing for a certain mare on the sidelines, watching my every move.

Suddenly the door burst open and a familiar white form shot into the room and immediately tackled me to the ground in a vice grip of a hug.

“You did great Pitch!” Vinyl stated “And you were worried they wouldn’t like you.”

“Thanks Vi, I couldn’t have done it without your help.” I stated attempting to hug her back.

“Yeah, I know. I’m awesome.” Vinyl stated before releasing me and getting up allowing me to do the same. “I’m going to go check the box office and see how we did tonight. But judging by how that crowd was psyched during that whole concert, I’d day we did pretty well.” She said laughing.

“Alright, I’ll catch you later then.” I said as Vinyl headed for the door.

After Vinyl left I finally took solace in the now silent room, an un-mistakable smile was on my face. I couldn’t stop thinking about Vinyl and how well the concert went; how good it felt to be playing on my own, to sing songs that I chose myself. Laying down on the couch in the room I starred up at the ceiling allowing my mind to wonder as I looked at the swirling fan above watching the shadows of the blades as they spiraled against the white.

Suddenly I heard the door open again. Expecting Vinyl I remained silent closing my eyes and listening as her hoof steps came closer. However my eyes shot open when yet another set of hoof steps came into the room. Getting up from the couch I looked towards the door and looked at who had entered. My heart stopped when I saw two familiar figures standing in the door way; one was all red with a drum set for a cutie mark. The other was olive green, her golden eyes staring into mine with an un-mistakable smile held on her face; Steady Beat, and Joyful Noise.

“Hey Pitch. It’s been a while.”

Before you say anything; I know it's a short chapter but you have to understand. I literally just got out of the hospital not 3 days ago and haven't been in my right mind to write. However I hope this chapter will get some hype for the next one and I hope you all continue to enjoy it.

Finding Perfect Harmony

I starred long at the golden eyes that peered into my soul, the smug grin on her face made the sweat roll down the sides of my face. I looked towards the door hoping for an escape, hoping to run from the situation that I had found myself in. Standing by the door was the familiar shape of my old friend; Steady Beat.

“What’s wrong Pitch, aren’t you happy to see me?” she asked edging a little closer, making me back away until my rear end hit the wall.

I looked around hoping to find any other method of escape.

“Still trying to run from your problems, eh Pitch?” Joyful said poking me in the chest with a hoof. “You know you’re a hard colt to find.”

“I…I…” tried to say only to find myself unable to speak.

Backed up to the wall, unable to escape I closed my eyes attempting to gain my composure again.

Suddenly I heard a gasp from the doorway forcing my gaze back to Beat who had moved out of the way for another familiar figure to stand in the door way, her look of anger apparent even through her thick purple shades. She looked to me, angry at first until she saw the signs of stress on my face and instantly put herself between me and Joy, her face now angry and her teeth bearing as she spoke.

“What are you doing here?” Vinyl snapped pushing Joy away from me as she stood between us.

“Minding my own business.” Joy smiled. “Shouldn’t you be doing the same?”

“Why you little…” Vinyl began.

“Listen, as much as I’d love to have a verbal argument with you; I just don’t have the kind of time.” Joy stated as she began walking around the room.

Vinyl began walking for her threateningly for her throwing her glasses aside; by the look on her face she was ready for blood. Reaching out I held her back, while Joy just stood there with her same smug smile.

“Kitty has claws.” Joy stated raising an eyebrow.

“Easy Joy, were not here to start a fight.” Beat warned.

Joy gave Beat a small smile before turning to face me again.

“I suppose we had better get down to business then, shall we?” she said. “I’m going to give you one of two options Pitch, and for your sake I hope you choose the right one. Option one: you come back with us, play the guitar like a good stallion, take your check, and make money like the rest of us.”

“And his second option?” Vinyl demanded as she made another lunge towards her, only to be held back again by me.

Joy smiled deviously, walking closer to Vinyl.

“I want you to listen close you little pest, I have both the money and the resources to make your life a living Tarturus. You think you’re safe in that little club of yours? I know people who can shut that place down faster than you can even fathom. So option two is simply this: I will allow Pitch to stay here, however having heard what I just told you, do you really want him staying here?”

Vinyl instantly froze, just by the look on her face I could see she was in shock, unable to answer. My gaze shifted between Joy and Vinyl, my mare friend, and my ex. Tears began to form on Vinyl’s eyes making her shut them in order to fight them back; Joy knew she had Vinyl exactly where she wanted her.

For some reason, I couldn’t just stand there anymore, whatever fear I had for confronting Joy had suddenly vanished at the sight of Vinyl crying. Instead of just holding her back, I brought Vinyl in closer to my chest allowing her to just cry there as I looked up to face Joy taking her by surprise.

“What’s wrong Joy, is the money just not flowing in like it used to?” I asked now glaring daggers at her. “What exactly do you hope to accomplish by coming here and insulting my mare friend Joy? I’m not coming back with you Joy; you closed that door when you decided to sleep with Beat. I simply turned away and tried to start a new life letting you stay happy. So why can’t you let me and Vinyl do the same?”

Joy starred back at me now glaring. Whatever love that I still had for her had long since vanished; the mare now in front of me was nothing to me now, nothing but a bad memory. The room was silent now as the two of us starred the other down, waiting for the other to falter and give in to the others demand.

Vinyl tilted her head to look back up at me as if to make sure I was alright, her cheeks red and the remnants of tears were still on the edges of her red eyes. I tightened my grip slightly as I laid my head atop her head just behind her horn. “I’m not going anywhere.” I whispered into her ear.

“Fine.” Joy stated turning towards the door. “Stay with your little whore, but this isn’t over Pitch, not by a long shot.”

“Hey Pitch?” Vinyl whispered.

“Yeah?”

“Can you let me go for a second?” Slowly I released Vinyl from my grasp and began walking towards Joy.

“What’s wrong whore did I hit a…”

‘SLAP’

“Get out of my club, and never come back. I’ll take whatever you throw at my club, but if you even so much as look at Pitch again…” Vinyl leaned in closer. “Celestia herself won’t be able to save you from the Tarturus I’ll put you in.”

Joy shot me one last look before walking towards Beat who was still waiting by the door. “Let’s go Beat.” She said storming out the door, Beat following close behind.

And with that Vinyl walked back to me stopping in front of me before leaning in and pressing her lips against mine. “Thanks for standing up for me.” She said before going in close again stopping just before our lips touched before whispering “My Perfect Pitch.”

Hours passed since Joy had left the club with Beat leaving Vinyl and I there alone with each other, and as much as I would have liked to have just stayed there letting the night escape to wherever it may have gone; there were still fans waiting outside for me to make an appearance. Countless ponies swarmed around me, pictures were taken, autographs were signed, and questions were asked, but for some reason, I welcomed it, I smiled for pictures, and made as much effort as I could to make everypony happy, whatever hatred I had for the publicity had suddenly vanished. Was it because I was the focus and not Joy? Perhaps, but all in all, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

After it was all said and done, the crowds left, and the equipment packed up for the night, I found myself where it all began; sitting at the same bar stool where Vinyl approached me, I was changed stallion now, I drank in happiness, not in sadness as I had done before. Vinyl was busy cleaning the last of the mess with her employees, I had offered to help but she insisted that I relax a bit and let the night sink in, and while she would disappear from my sight as she continued cleaning, I would always make that extra effort to find her.

“So, you’re staying here then?” a familiar voice said from behind.

Turning around I was met with an all too familiar red pony, silver sunglasses blocking his eyes, but I recognized him all the same.

“I’m afraid so Beat.” I stated as he sat down beside me.

Beat let out a defeated sigh. “I thought so.”

The two of us sat there for a moment or two, we didn’t talk, there was nothing to be said. I wasn’t mad at Beat for all that had happened; it wasn’t him that broke my heart.

“It’s been awhile since we’ve seen each other huh?”

I nodded.

“So a club DJ for a mare friend?”

Again I nodded.

“I’m happy for you.” Beat stated his voice now full of sadness.

I looked over to him. His sunglasses were now atop his head as he closed his eyes, deep in thought.

“I suppose I owe you an explanation don’t I?” Beat stated as he looked up to the ceiling.

“As to why Joy cheated on me?”

Beat nodded.

“I’m listening.”

Beat looked at me as if to confirm my answer before nodding taking a breath as he began. “Back before you guys were together, me and Joy had been friends, close friends. We never really loved each other per say but we still spent a ton of time together, so much so that I thought I needed to take it to the next level. Unfortunately, by the time I was ready to confess to her, you two got together, and while I was angry at first, I was happy for her and you for you after we became friends.” Beat Paused for a moment. “But even after Solvalla began to get big, I still ha feelings for Joy, I couldn’t help myself. So when the two of you broke up, I seized the chance to get you out of the way so I could move in.”

“So when did Joy start this whole thing?”

“After you began doing your whole solo thing, Joy tried searching for ponies to take your place in the band, and even after days of nonstop searching, she couldn’t find the right one, no one could play like you. She suddenly came up with this idea to work out for all of us, manipulating you to play, while she pretended to be in love with you. I was against it at first, but after she mentioned our current situation… I regretfully agreed. I’m pretty sure you can guess the rest.”

I let out a heavy sigh taking in what Beat had said. I knew it took a lot for him to come here and say it, and odds are Joy was probably against it if she knew about him coming back here.

“I guess what I’m trying to say Pitch… Is I’m sorry. Joy will never say it, you know her. But from the bottom of my heart I apologize for being a part of this whole thing, I feel absolutely terrible about it.”

Beat now began to cry, as much as he tried to fight it the tears began to flow down his face as he fought vigorously to wipe them away, unlike Joy, these were real tears, the tears of a colt that had once been my best friend.

“Beat?” I said placing a reassuring hoof on his shoulder. “I forgive you.”

Beat gave a wry smile as turned his head to look at me. “Still bro’s?”

“Of course.” I stated.

“Thanks Pitch, it means a lot.” He said getting up from the bar stool and began walking for the door.

“Where will you go now?” I asked.

“I don’t know. Solvalla won’t ever be the same without you, but I think I’ll stick it out with Joy a bit longer, she’s sometimes a backstabbing bitch… but I still love her.” Beat stated. “And who knows, maybe I’ll be lucky enough to end up somewhere as nice as this Celestia willing.”

“I’m rooting for you.” I stated.

Beat stepped closer to the door before suddenly stopping again. “If it’s any consolation Pitch, Joy really did love you before she… well you know… See you around.”

I nodded as Beat exited out the door into the cool night leaving me alone once again.

“Another shot Pitch?” The bartender asked.

I nodded allowing him to pour me yet another glass letting the night drift away as the commotion around the club finally halted.

Vinyl’s home was exceptionally quiet that night. Octavia was out on what of her performances leaving both me and Vinyl alone in the quiet cottage home. The two of us had been lying on the couch, our hooves wrapped around the other as we listened to the others breath rising and falling. Slowly Vinyl leaned up and gently kissed my lips.

“Pitch, I love you.” She stated.

“I love you too Vinyl.” I said leaning in to begin kissing her again.

Slowly she began to squeeze me a little tighter pressing her mouth a little more forcefully against mine beginning to beg for entrance with her tongue sliding it across my bottom lip. I pulled back for a moment.

“Are you sure?”

She didn’t answer, only pressed her face into mine resuming where she left off. This continued for another moment or two before she stopped, leaning up to whisper into my ear. “Want to take this somewhere else?”

I nodded slowly as Vinyl got off the sofa and headed for the staircase. I stopped, looking at her and everything that had led to this moment. Never in my life did I think I would find something that felt as real as this, I find a mare who loved me for more than just my music, and I wanted nothing more than to just be with her, at last I had found my soul mate, at last I had found perfect harmony.

Author Notes

Well guys here it is. After months of writing, a trip to the hospital, and procrastination, we have finally reached the end. I want to thank each and every one of you for following this story and helping it to become what it has, and while I wish it got a little more notice, I am happy that it got featured.

Will there be a sequel?

Perhaps if I can think of a good enough story, but if it makes you feel any better my next project will be a story parallel to this one with Octavia.

Why are the some of the lyrics confusing?

Okay guys, the big ‘gag’ so to speak was that all the songs that were used were all foreign songs, be it Jackie Chan or certain anime openings, each translated and moved around a bit to make sense, unfortunately, while some words rhyme in certain languages, they do not in English… I did what I could.

I included several other ‘references’ so to speak. Be it Joy’s father Serj (Lead singer of System Of A Down.) or the waitress Starfire (Teen Titans.) Just fun little things I put in for my own amusement, so if you find anymore feel free to comment on what you think it was.

Well guy’s I want to thank you again for everything and if you have any more questions feel free to leave them in the comments.

Keep On Keeping On

-Matthias(SonicsDemon)

Epilogue

Cords were scattered everywhere in the small cottage home, each finally finding its way some way or another to Vinyl’s room before disappearing amongst all the others the covered the floor.

It had been like this for weeks, ever since Vinyl decided she wanted to write a song that used my guitar with Vinyl’s unique custom style. I was skeptical at first about the whole thing, tackling two different genres with one song was by far easier said than done, and in all honesty, I still wasn’t sure about the whole thing.

I popped the last of the chores into my guitar, strumming it once to make sure it was in tune. “Are you sure about this Vinyl?” I asked.

“Of course.” She stated turning several switches on her soundboard. “You practiced those sheets I gave you right?”

“Yeah, I looked over them.” I joked.

Suddenly a voice came from the doorway making me and Vinyl shift our gaze to the familiar steel gray earth mare standing there leaning on the door frame.

“Oh hey Octavia, what’s up?” Vinyl asked.

“Remember our deal Vinyl; I want this stuff out of here before tonight.” Octavia stated.

“Why, is your colt friend coming tonight? Vinyl joked as she began laughing.

“Yes, actually.” She said with a slight blush instantly shutting Vinyl up.

“Wait what, when did this happen!?”

“About a week ago, he’s very refined and I don’t plan on revealing my friend’s insanity until he’s ready.”

Vinyl looked at me for a moment before turning to face Octavia again. “Sure Octy, it won’t be a problem. I’ll be on my best behavior right Pitch?”

“Same here.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Octavia stated before exiting the room towards her own.

“Never mind her, let’s get this thing going.” Vinyl stated walking over and shutting the door. “You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” I stated putting the guitar strap over my head as the slow music began.