Finding Perfect Harmony

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.*