The Cello and The Guitar

“...Where’s Octavia?” Sunset looked at the trio of girls in confusion, counting and recounting heads as time and time again the unmissable ebony locks of Octavia were missed.

“You didn’t hear?” Bon Bon paused, a slightly surprised look spreading across her face as she watched Sunset sit down at their table. “Octavia’s parents have flown her out to an application performance at a musical academy on the coast.”

“O-Oh…?” Sunset’s throat tightened as she tried to swallow. So much for putting the Princess’ recommendations to use…

“Yeah, she should be back later in the week from what I heard.” Lyra spat out between mouthfuls of food. “Too bad for you, eh?”

“E-Excuse me?” Sunset stumbled at the callous grin of the lyrist.

“Well, I mean you’ve been following her around like a desperate puppy.” the mint hued girl set her sandwich down as she watched Sunset. “It’s honestly a little pathetic- Ow!”

“Lyra…” Bon Bon’s tone turned dark as she stared at the musician.

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry, okay?” Lyra muttered as she bent over, hands disappearing under the table. “What I mean is that if you really wanted to be her friend, you could just ask her.”

“Heh… Y-Yeah, I guess I should just ask her…” Sunset scratched at her cheek as she started to turn away. “Thanks for the info, girls.”

Sunset started to worry as she turned her back on three girls, slowly making her way back to the Rainbooms’ table as concern for Octavia’s well-being started to flood her mind.

~Later~

“O-Octavia?”

Sunset’s worries from the start of the week came true when she was out for a walk Saturday morning. She decided to enjoy the off season warmth of the morning by going to Canterlot Central Park, trekking along it’s more obscure paths when she hears the voice of somebody crying.

“Octavia, are you alright!?” Sunset lunged towards the sobbing form of the ebony haired girl. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she knelt over and grabbed the softly wailing girl, pulling her in close. “Shhh, it’s alright, Octavia. It’s me, Sunset.”

Sunset froze as Octavia threw her thin, granite shaded arms around the amber girl, crying openly into her shoulder. She knelt there, softly whispering reassuringly into the girl’s ear as Octavia unleashed her woes upon the world.

“Feeling any better?” she asked as Octavia slowly started to calm down, the girl hiccuping as she nodded her her slightly. “Do you think you can stand?”

The cellist nodded once again, using Sunset’s assistance to slowly get up to her feet, wiping her face once the two were standing, Sunset struggling not to crush her in a worry driven embrace.

“What happened, Octavia?” the Equestrian asked softly, reaching out to grab the girl's shoulder, only for her to jerk away. “W-Why are you here…?”

“I… I’m sorry you had to witness that, Sunset.” Octavia attempted her usual calm and collected tone, but the wavering, hiccup ridden voice that came out only fueled Sunset’s concern. “I p-promise you that I am fine n-now, and-”

“Bullshit.” Octavia gave a small jump at Sunset’s choice word.

“P-Pardon me?”

“No disrespect, Octavia, but what you said is some serious bullshit.” Sunset furrowed her brow as she rested her hands on her hips, her gaze not leaving Octavia’s mulberry orbs. “One doesn’t go into the forest and cry openly if they are “perfectly fine”, so I’m sorry, but I’m gonna need a better explanation.”

She watched as Octavia fiddled around, smoothing her hair and picking forest debris out of her clothes.

“Octavia…” Sunset took a step forward, only for Octavia to start shaking. “Hey… What’s the matter?”

“I… Could you call Lyra for me? I do not think I’ll be going home tonight.” Octavia managed to get out as she stopped shuddering.

“...You don’t trust me, huh…” Sunset’s shoulders slumped, a sad smile coming to her face as she slid her hands into her pockets.

“N-No! I-I-I do! I just do not wish to involve you in my family drama.” Octavia rushed forward, grabbing Sunset’s hands.

“...Your mom did something, didn't she?” Sunset said slowly as she started to piece the clues together. Octavia was leaning on one side, her clothes extra long and bulky for the heat that was in the air. “No…”

“Please, Sunset…! J-Just forget about this and call Lyra… Please!” Octavia was openly begging her classmate now, tears starting to build in her eyes as she gripped Sunset’s hands.

“How can I ignore a friend when she’s being abused! By her family no less!” Sunset’s whisper was quick and harsh, her eyes narrowing visibly as she looked down at the shorter girl. “I’m sorry, Octavia, but I’m not going to look past this.”

“S-Sunset!? Whe-Where are you taking me!?” Octavia yelled as Sunset hoisted the girl up, Octavia’s thin legs hanging loosely over one of her amber arms.

“Somewhere I know is safe.” Sunset said, smiling down at Octavia. “Trust me.”

~Later~

“And heeere we are!” Sunset sang as she opened the door to her apartment, beaming in pride as she showed her humble abode, the cellist timidly following in behind her forceful host.

“Oh my.” Octavia paused in the entrance of Sunset’s apartment, looking around in amazement. “This is all yours?”

“Yup!” a happy smirk spread across Sunset’s features as she shimmied out of her coat, shutting the door behind Octavia before hanging her jacket. “Make yourself feel at home! Imma be taking care of you over the weekend!”

“T-T-The whole weekend?” Octavia looked up at Sunset in worry.

“I mean, I figured you may like a relaxing break. Why don’t you call your dad and tell him you’re at Lyra’s for the weekend?” Sunset suggested as Octavia removed her coat and handed it to Sunset.

“You have this all planned out, don’t you?” Octavia uttered in amazement.

“A little bit, yeah.” the amber girl responded amidst chuckles, hanging the jacket before turning to look at Octavia, her eyes going wide.

“What the…”