"I'm telling you, it's all part of my master plan!"

"Let me tell you something: Your plan sucks. It has been two weeks and you haven't recorded the song, all you do is text each other and drink coffee... " Violet pouted, not only because she was angry, but also because it was true what Lyra said. "But I have to admit that surprise her going to pick her up from her rehearsal is a good idea... "

The girls were walking, still a couple of streets away from their destination. Violet woke up that day with a good vibe, and came up with this simple but effective idea. It has been almost two weeks since she asked Octavia to record a song, and now that she has everything ready, she wanted to inform the cellist in person.

"I know! Is a great idea! But I'll need you to go away earlier... You know, I want to work the 'atmosphere' and that"

"Sis'... If you keep saying things like that it would be a miracle that you get that girl."

The girls continued walking until they reached the theater, thanks to Vinyl's research, in which the orchestra's rehearsals were performed. They managed to see the different members leaving the building, some in groups, others on their own. Violet's plan was going well until now, they had arrived just at the end of the rehearsal, and now all that was left was to locate the cellist.

"Can you see her somewhere?" Vinyl was almost jumping so he could increase her field of vision, attracting the attention of many of the musicians who passed by them. "I can't see her anywhere... Is she gone? Or is she still inside?"

"Hey, you really need to relax... I don't want to be a pooper, but it's not like it's vitally important- Oh! I see her!"

"Where!? Where is she!?" Now Violet was jumping even higher, trying to locate the girl. Lyra put a hand on her shoulder, stopping the movement of the DJ, and with the other pointed toward the entrance to the theater, where Octavia was.

"Dude, chill out!" Violet was about to get going when she was stopped once again by her sister, who now had an expression of confusion. "I think she's not alone at all... There's a guy, a handsome one, or at least for me. It seems like they're talking, and laughing... And yep, that's a blush from your girl."

"Wait, what?" Vinyl took off her glasses to clean them, hoping to see the situation better. Indeed, Octavia was talking, smiling and blushing with a guy, and this caused Violet a lump in her throat. She was upset, upset that this idiot was making Octavia laugh, upset that Octavia was laughing with that idiot, and even more, upset that she was not who was making Octavia laugh. She couldn't do or say anything as much as it bothered or hurt her, after all, she was still just a friend, so she just hated that unknown guy in silence... "Who the fuck is that idiot!?"

"Don't know, but I think he's hitting on Tavi."

"Is he doing what!?" This time Violet spoke loudly, almost screaming, drawing attention to her. With a rapid movement, Lyra was able to pull Vinyl behind a nearby wall, hiding both from the sight of others.

"Ok, now I'm serious, you need to calm down. Octavia is a pretty girl, it's obvious that the boys try to get close to her. What did you expect? That all the men in the orchestra were gay like that one over there?" Lyra pointed to one of the musicians who passed by to emphasize her point.

"I know! Ugh! But who has that idiot that I don't!?"

"Well, apart from an apparent stable job, a perfect view, good clothes, and hair that doesn't seem combed by an electrifying beam, I can tell you that he has a dick and you don't..."

"That's no big deal... I mean, I can get something much bigger than his for sure."

"Right..." Lyra looked out to see what was happening with the cellist and the subject, and then saw Violet with a smile on her face. "Of course his goes with him everywhere... Anyway, your turn, the guy is leaving."

"Ok, here I go!" Violet made some funny stretches, cracking her fingers and neck, and doing warm-up jumps before freezing in place "Just to be sure... What the heck am I going to tell her?"

"You have to be kidding me... " Lyra put a hand to her face while letting out a long, irritated sigh. "Explain to me how the hell it's that you are such a popular DJ with those shitty speaking skills?"

"Most of the time my music speaks for me. Now, be a good older sister and help me, please?"

"Fine, wanna hear a good advice? Be yourself. For some reason Tavi seems to like your dumb style, so let's go there and say whatever you want to say!" Lyra laid a hand on Violet's shoulder, feeling proud of her motivating speech, however, this was short-lived, since a thought of tragedy and sorrows passed through her mind as she reviewed her last line. "But if you think about it, saying whatever just like that is not such a good idea... you better just say hello and I'll take care to talk, then you get into the conversation and grab the rhythm, got it?"

Violet nodded, and the girls set off, with the intention of intercepting Octavia, who was now accompanied by her friends, at the bottom of the stairs. Violet slowed her step a little, feeling less confident now that she not only had to talk with Octavia, but also with two other girls, girls of whom she only knew one for a few hours; however, Lyra kept walking with complete security, forcing Vinyl to keep up with her.

"Time to shine." Lyra told Violet in a whisper, pushing her sister forward. Although the push was without much force, it was given at the worst moment, causing Violet to stumble upon Octavia, and both fell to the ground; more specifically, Violet fell on Octavia, their faces separated from each other by just a couple of inches.

Violet could not move. His heart was beating rapidly, and his breathing was strong. I knew it wasn't the time to get carried away by his thoughts, but Violet couldn't help thinking about how close he could have been to a kiss. It was almost ridiculous to think that a stumble was what had brought her closer, physically, to Octavia. "-God, this is so Cliché... but hey! Clichés exist because they work, right? -"

"Ok... I don't say ya' can't enjoy this, Vi, but I think it would be better if ya' girls continue in a private room without public, don't ya' think?" The mocking voice Violet recognized as Chloe's made her come to reason. in a rapid movement, she knelt beside Octavia, giving her space, and at the same time missing her position on top of her.

"DUDE!? WHAT THE HECK!?" Violet was very upset, and protested to her sister as she stood up and helped Octavia stand. However, she did not achieve a good intimidating impact thanks to the blush that her face possessed at the time. "Oh my god! I'm so sorry! Are you alright, Tavi?"

"To tell you the truth, I've been better. Although you don't need to worry, I'm not hurt." Octavia accepted the hand Violet offered her, standing up, and patting herself to shake the dirt off her clothes. "I must say that it is an original way to greet someone... but, I would like it not to become a habit among us, if you don't mind."

"Haha... Yeah" Violet stood next to her sister, giving her a strong but concealed blow with her elbow, causing her to give a deaf groan and grab her arm. "Anyway, how about the rehearsal? Everything cool?"

"Everything is more than good, thanks for asking."

"The truth is that it was the same as all the others..." Chloe let out a light laugh, which made the atmosphere lighter. "This is the most exciting thing that happened today. Fred as director is good and everything, but leaves little room to create something new, ya' know?"

"Fred?" The expressions of confusion on Violet and Lyra's faces made the girls realize the obvious reality: Those two had nothing but a vague idea of what they were talking about.

"Frederick, the new director." Octavia took the lead in explaining the issue. "I remember talking about him with Violét. He was an old friend of ours, but after some unfortunate events, he decided to separate from us. He was elected as director a month ago, and his instructional style is a bit..."

"Boring? Serious? Robotic?" With each word, Chloe made her dislike for the director more and more noticeable. "Accept it, he's an idiot and his practices are too strict. They kill our originality, and they make us human metronomes. If I wanted something like that, I'd have joined the royal guard."

"Dude... sounds like fun." Lyra could not avoid a laugh that ended up infecting the rest of the group. "I already want to meet the guy."

"It's not like that at all ... he's just a perfectionist, there's nothing wrong with that"

"C'mon Octy!" Chloe tapped her elbow while her face showed a playful expression. "Ya' just say it because he's good to you. If I didn't know ya' well, I'd say ya' like the idiot again!"

"T-That's not true at all." Octavia looked away, avoiding the eyes of others. "I just prefer not to speak ill of a co-worker, it is not right to do so, and less to give an impression to people who do not know him at all." As much as she wanted to avoid it, the other girls noticed the small blush on her cheeks, especially Vinyl, who now had a sad smile on her face.

The truth is that hearing the possibility that Octavia will like another person hurt Violet. She knew it was useless to think about that, they were just friends, and she couldn't ask Octavia for exclusivity, but this didn't take away the pain in her chest. Perhaps what she hated the most about falling in love was jealousy; She didn't consider herself a celopate, but she suffered from a small amount of jealousy, an amount her friends told her was healthy and normal... As much as she tried, she never understood as something that caused pain, fear and anger, even In small quantities, could be healthy in someone. Violet decided to deal with those feelings later, and shook her head so she could shift that thoughts and concentrate on the conversation.

"And what you gonna do later?" Lyra's question put Violet back in the game. She recognized sudden question as her entrance, and soon placed herself next to Octavia.

"I've nothing to do today, of course I can always join the party."

"I don't have plans for today either... Although honestly, I wouldn't like to have to walk much." Octavia said, pointing to her cello case on her back.

"There is a nice café a couple of streets from here, if you want we can go..." Violet suggested, and turned to see Octavia. "What do you say Tavi? You wanna go?"

"I could have coffee, and also something to eat. Lead the way!" The group set off, led by Violet, who was next to Octavia, chatting happily. Violet's phone rang, causing the DJ to check it quickly, reading the message from her sister, who was walking a couple of steps further along with Chloe.

"[Hey, u want us to part ways now, Chloe is ok with the plan]"

"[Wait... did u tell her?]"

"[Dude... I don't know if u know, but we all ship u guys. U want us to separate now or what?]"

"[Wait? U SHIP US!?]"

"[Not Important right now...]"

"[OK, protocol 17, thanks!]" Vinyl kept her phone and continued her conversation with Octavia. She already knew what would happen, after all, she designed this specific protocol; Fifteen seconds passed when Lyra answered a call on her phone, a call that didn't last more than a minute, when she ended the call, Lyra said something to Chloe, and then they approached Violet, who had a side smile on her face.

"Hey Vi, it seems that Jasper found a place where they are selling tickets for the event I was telling you!" Lyra got ahead of the girls, followed by Chloe. "You don't mind if I go for a moment? Go ordering for me, I don't think it will take long."

"I'm going with her, ya' know why Octy... We'll be back in no time, go ahead and ask for something to eat!" And so, both girls left, leaving Violet and Octavia alone.

"Ok... that's weird... I guess they want some time alone." Violet crossed her hands behind her neck. "Come on! I invite you a coffee and a good sandwich!"

"Very kind of you. I will accept your invitation, Vi." Octavia smiled proudly, not noticing the expression of surprise on Violet's face.

"You know, that's The first time you call me 'Vi'!" Vinyl gave Octavia a big hug, surprising the cellist. "Awwww Tavi! You finally love me!"

"Don't overdo it, I just call you by your nickname..." Octavia looked away, hiding a small smile. "I supposed it would be fair, after all, you call me by a nickname you created for me."

"Anyway, you called me 'Vi', it's great and you can't do anything about it!"

The girls left the Café, smiles on their faces, satisfied with their previous hunger and thirst. They had spent about an hour and a half, had chatted and had a good time together, and now they were preparing to go to their homes. Violet noticed the fatigue in Octavia, who was gathering strength to carry her cello, and without saying anything, she grabbed the case and secure it on her back, offering Octavia a warm smile.

"T-That's not necessary, really! I can take it!" Octavia struggled uselessly against Violet, who easily stopped her.

"Leave me, I'll take care!" The DJ smirked. "Now, lead the way to your house!"

"W-What?"

"Come on! This is not exactly light, how about we get going!?"

Octavia could not believe this girl. They stood there, facing each other, Violet smiling happily at Octavia, and Octavia trying to figure out what was on Violet's mind. At the end, Octavia gave up smiling. She knew that she could not do anything else, and to tell the truth, she could not say why, but she could not resist the energy and presence of the DJ. There was something about her that made everything more cheerful, more luminous, she knew that something exciting would happen, and at the same time she could be calm near her, she could disconnect from everything and relax, in a different way, but let herself go and relax . Octavia started walking, indicating Violet to follow her.

"Come, this way. Thank you very much for joining me, and also for carrying my cello... It's very nice of you. You don't have to do it if you don't want to."

"Yes, I know... But I want to." Violet smiled, accommodating the bag on her back. "Besides, I wasn't going to let you carry this all the way!" Octavia let out a cheerful laugh.

"You don't have to worry, I'm already used to its weight"

"Dude... Can't imagine having to carry this every day. At least you live nearby, otherwise it would be crazy, your back would be destroyed."

"Please, if you feel very tired, or uncomfortable carrying that, can you give it to me... I would hate you to drop it. "Octavia's face changed from happiness to a strange combination of worry and intimidating expression, of course for Vinyl, it was still a rather cute expression.

"Don't worry your pretty little head! I just drop the bass in the clubs!" Violet laughed at her own joke, while the cellist let out a sigh in defeat. Half the time she couldn't understand this girl's jokes. "Anyway, I have good news! I've finished writing your part for the song that I tell you about, we can record it whenever you want!"

"Really? That's fantastic, I'm busy this week, but the next one I have a couple of days off, so we can record then!" Violet smiled, she was relieved that her plan was going as planned for now. Octavia had accepted, for the second time, to record with her, and apparently this also excited the cellist, who had a huge smile on her face. "Hey... Doesn't it seem weird that neither Chloe nor Lyra ever got to The Cafe? In fact, I haven't received a message from Chloe at all."

"Really?" A shiver ran down Violet's back. All her plans required that her friends had to take care of leaving Octavia and her alone. Violet knew that Tavi was not stupid, and that it was only a matter of time before she noticed it; hopefully, she would still have some more time to think of a good excuse by then.

"Yes, and now that I think about it, it's weird that whenever we go out in a group, we end up alone..." Violet struck herself mentally. Obviously he no longer had the time she would have liked, so he would have to rely on his instinct to quickly think of something.

"Well, i- it's like I told you, maybe they want some time alone, or maybe Lyra is an idiot and she forgot to come back ... that always happens."

"But why would they want time alone? As far as I know, although Chloe is interested in Lyra, she is dating someone, so I know very well that they would not try anything, especially Chloe; in her family honesty and loyalty are very important." Hell, Octavia connected points and found plot voids much faster than Violet took to think of a good answer. "It's almost as if they want us to be alone."

That was the end of everything. Violet could not believe how quickly Octavia had discovered her master plan. She was about to give up when an idea came to mind; It would be a risky move, but it could mean salvation for her

"I don't know, I think it's weird... Why would they want us to be alone? I don't think it's more than a coincidence. Don't overthink Tavi, just relax. Maybe they are besties and want to do things together."

Mentally, Violet crossed all her fingers, and prayed to all the gods she had heard of. It was probably the vague and least solid excuse he had ever created, but he knew that everything was in the attitude, so he did everything possible to appear as safe and relaxed as possible. None said anything for a whole minute. Octavia was tapping her chin with one finger, possibly to concentrate, and Violet prayed intensely for her plan not to be discovered. Finally, Octavia let out a long sigh of defeat, and nodded in Vinyl's direction.

"You're right, I'm thinking about things that don't matter. I'm sure they don't do it on purpose, and, like you said, they don't earn anything leaving us alone."

"Yup... Lyra gets very distracted, surely they started to see stores or something, no need to worry."

"Maybe you are right." Octavia laughed a little, and stopped in front of a small building, not very tall, but much more elegant than Violet imagined. "Anyway, we're here. If you want, I can offer you a cold drink or something..."

Violet contemplated the possibility of entering Octavia's apartment, but before he could accept, the sound of a message coming to his cell phone forced him to delay his decision. With incredible ability and speed, Violet unlocked, checked and responded to the message, but now he had a sad smile on his face, as he removed the Cello from his back and handed it to Octavia.

"Sorry, they just called me for a presentation at a club tonight, so I have to go to get everything ready..."

"You don't have to apologize, I understand!" What happened next was something Violet never thought would happen. Octavia approached the DJ, surrounding her with her arms in a big hug, and before separating, the cellist planted a kiss on Vinyl's cheek, causing her to turn red, in a very intense hue. "Thanks again, and good luck tonight! Please text me after your presentation, I want to know how it went!"

Violet was stunned, so she just nodded, and raised a thumb to indicate that she understood the message. Octavia smiled again, and entered the building. The blue-haired girl didn't know what had happened, but she did know something: Her crush was slowly becoming something else.

While walking back home, Violet was still shocked by Octavia's last action. The cellist had managed to penetrate his mind in such a short time that it seemed ridiculous how important it had become for Vinyl. She made her go crazy, the way she accelerated her heart, the way she made her feel. It was something new, something that was happening lately, something she liked. Violet smiled once more. Lately she did it more often.

Author's Note

HOWDY!!!! Whoooa, two and a half weeks ... sorry, I know I'm VERY late, but I have good reasons, seriously!

First of all, these are the last weeks of classes at the University before going on holiday for Christmas, so I'm full of exams and papers. In addition, I am now enrolled in a parallel career that will begin in January ... I will be a Chef !!! It is super cool!!!

The second reason is that because of some family problems, I really was not in the mood to write ... And when I was encouraged, I just wrote a couple of sentences before running out of ideas, so yes ... whoever says this is Easy, it's a vile lie.

Enough of me, let's go to the chapter. A little jealousy, a little humor, a little romance, and especially, a little humor towards my tendency to separate the group!
As a curious fact, this chapter is inspired by real events, more specifically, the only date attempt I had in my life, my friends organized it, and this shyness and lack of social skills do not help ... It do not end very well for me.

in short, not to make the note longer than the chapter itself, I will close by saying that the song of this chapter is "Lately" by Forrest.

As always, thanks a million for all the support, I hope you enjoy this story, and comment! I love the comments! Until next time!

See ya'!