Author's Note

It's amazing what the whiskey can push outta your mind.

What I thought was going to be a shorter chapter ended up even longer.

Ah well, So it goes.

For your listening pleasure. And what I enjoyed as I wrote.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK1NLoFpamw (Holy shit a new album?)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqtDIMn0EGw (Do not sleep on this)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWjgU3QQW8o (Vinyls tribute song)

The Show

You find yourself surrounded by ponies. All of them talking amongst themselves, some discussing the latest musical influences, others wondering what songs are going to play tonight, some even wondering if DJ-Pon-3 is going to crowd surf again.

That last one got a chuckle out of you. Looks like Brass Tack wasn’t joking about Vinyl’s attitude during a show.

Regardless, the hall is full of noise, ponies intent on killing time until the show begins.

Which, if you recall, will be happening in just a few minutes.

After helping her with the final adjustments, Vinyl asked you to head out and get a spot in the middle of the crowd. This was your first Equestrian Concert, and she expected you to be a part of it the way it was intended. Bumping and bouncing with every other pony out there.

So you found yourself in the middle of the audience, waiting, along with every other pony here, for the show to begin.

“Well hello there handsome.”

A form bumps into your side, and you reflexively move out of the way of a red earth pony mare, offering an apology.

“Oh geez, sorry.”

Another bump, the other side. One more voice.

“No need for apologies, good lookin’.”

A green unicorn giggles as you turn.

“Oh… alright then. Sorry… er… sorry.” You fumble words. The sudden attention has you at a loss. This is more conversation you’ve had with strangers than you can remember. Especially ones this… forward? Is what you're thinking is happening, happening?

“He’s cute when he’s flustered.” The words flutter into your ear, and you jump, spinning behind you to confront the blue pegasus that was hovering near your head.

All three softly chuckle as you blush.

“Right… uh. Can I help you ladies then?”

“Oh I should hope so.” The unicorn speaks, looking towards her earthbound friend.

“Oh my yes, you see, we’ve been terribly bored waiting for the show to start, and figured we could do with some entertainment while we wait for the… entertainment.”

The pegasus flies up towards you, a sly grin on her face.

“And you’re the most interesting guy around, considerin’ you’re like, one of a kind in here.”

She floats to the ground, landing between her two friends.

“So? Whadya say? Wanna keep us entertained?”

Your eyes move between the three, trying to get a read on them. Each one is looking up at you expectantly, all grinning. Lidded eyes waiting for an answer.

And as you open your mouth to speak, Your vision fades away as the lights go out.

Every voice in the theater falls quiet.

A heartbeat, two, and then.

The music starts.

And the audience erupts.

A steady electric note fills the theater, as lights start to come on, two at a time, slowly bathing the stage in a soft blue glow.

increasing in momentum, the single note is followed by another as several more lights come to life. The stage becomes engulfed in shades of blue and purple. Lights from the rafters turn on, slowly dancing through the crowd, lighting faces, cheering and laughing as the music continues to energize the crowd.

Gradually, a steady synth line joins the melodic hum, rising in intensity. Building as the two melodies join together, embracing one another, weaving through the crowd, teetering on the edge. The tension in the air is palpable.

From center stage, you see Vinyl rise from the middle, a grin stuck to her face as an army of ponies all chant in unison.

“Pon-3! Pon-3! Pon-3!”

Vinyl smiles, and lifts a hoof into the air.

Slowly, methodically, the music hits its peak, and lingers achingly.

Before finally breaking, as Vinyl slams her hoof down, and a quick, heavy beat punches its way through the crowd.

The theater explodes in a euphony of sound and color. Multi-colored lights sway rhythmically through the audience, bouncing into each other, competing against the sounds of the subwoofers that flare as throbbing bass pounds through them. Strobes and Lasers shoot through the air, disappearing and reappearing as each note guides them in and out of existence.

You’re not sure what's louder, the music or the crowd.

A piercing cry rushes through your ear, and you wince, turning to see the Pegasus mare you were speaking with, now enthralled by the stage.

“I LOVE YOU PON-3!”

“YOU’RE SO GOOD!”

“LET ME TOUCH YOUR FACE!”

You stare at the three mares who, just moments ago were so interested in you, are now completely lost to Vinyl’s music.

A smile forms on your face as you look up, watching her as she jumps with the crowd, feeding off their energy. She waves at ponies, egging them on, and as she does, you can see her face turn towards your area, you can’t be sure, but you think she might have spotted you.

You wave toward the stage, and instantly, a hoof points directly at you.

Laughing, you jump up and down, in time with the beat.

The track starts to wind down, and instantly Vinyl is back at her station, mixing and flipping into a new set.

“HELLOOOOO MANEHATTAN, HOW WE ALL DOING TONIGHT?!”

The beat shifts, and the crowd erupts into applause.

“PERFECT! I’M GONNA NEED YOU TO KEEP THAT ENERGY UP FOR AS LONG AS YOU CAN BECAUSE I DON'T STOP UNTIL YOU DO! ALRIGHT?!”

Another explosion of noise, and new rhythm is pumped into the crowd. And as you watch Vinyl work her magic, you can’t help but smile as you become just another fan in the roaring crowd.

It’s hard to tell, but you think half the set has gone through.

Amid the lights, music, and screaming yourself hoarse, it’s hard to keep track of time.

But as another track begins to die down, Vinyl jumps back on to the Mic.

“ALRIGHT EVERYPONY, I’VE GOT A SPECIAL TREAT FOR EVERYONE HERE TONIGHT.”

The crowd, energy as high as it was an hour ago, cheers out.

“YEAH I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT LIKE THAT!”

As the new track starts, and the first few notes make their way through the speakers, the sound of it hits a memory that slowly forms into your head.

“This next track goes out to a special somepony in the crowd tonight!” Her voice quiets a little as she speaks. The crowds excited cheers are interspersed with gasps of shock and delight.

Wait… what?

“You’ve given me a lot of inspiration over the years, and this next song is one you helped me with, gave me some ideas I never considered. Guess it helps you came from… a different worldview.”

The music picks up, and you could swear you’ve heard it before.

“SO! EVERYPONY! IT'S TIME FOR A NEW SONG! INVASION! LETS HIT IT!”

The Beat drops, the crowd explodes, and you remember.

Lazy weekends, the two of you lounging on her couch, sharing music and relaxing. Vinyl had been listened to you gush about your favorite musicians from back home, how they performed, the trends they set off, and the music they created.

But she didn’t just listen. She memorized. Took it to heart, absorbed every word.

And somehow, was able to recreate it perfectly. For you, right now.

You can't help yourself.

“FUCK YES VINYL! THAT'S MY GIRL!”

You jump up and down, waving your hands maniacally in the air.

She catches sight of you from her stage, and her grin shines bright against the lights.

As the song progresses, you sway to the beat lost in memories of a time long thought forgotten.

And then a voice makes it way through your ears.

“You’re the special somepony aintcha?”

Startled, you turn to find the pegasus mare from the start of the show now focused on you.

“Oh, I do think you’re right about that.” You look down, and notice the red mare now staring up at you.

“Now isn’t that a surprise.”

The Unicorn circles around you, smiling coyly.

“Now now, I wonder how THE DJ-Pon-3 ended up with a catch like you?”

A pair of hooves drape themselves across your neck, a whisper amid the music flows into your ear.

“Wanna show us why you’ve got the hottest DJ in the world in love with a man like you?”

You duck under the pegasus mares clutches, backing away from the trio, bumping into another pony as you do.

“In love? Ladies I think you’ve got the wrong idea. Vinyl and I are friends.”

The red earth mare smiles.

“Special friends, sounds like.”

The Unicorn Giggles as the Pegasus floats up to you, wrapping her forehooves around you again.

“Well if you two are just friends, how about you be OUR special friend?” She smiles, and slowly leans in, closing her eyes as her lips move to meet yours.

You lean your head away, trying to avoid the oncoming affection.

“Uh, look, I don’t think-”

“FILLIES AND GENTLECOLTS!”

A blast of energy erupts from the speakers as Vinyl’s voice echoes above the music.

“I’D LIKE TO BRING YOUR ATTENTION TO THE CENTER OF THE THEATER, AND FEAST YOUR EYES ON THE TALL, BAFFLED LOOKING HUMAN!”

The pegasus mare who was clinging to you pushes away, a blush on her face.

“Oh dear.”

“Seems we’ve caused a problem.”

“Guess you’ll be leaving us then.”

Each one of them speaks in turn, as every head in the theater swivels towards you.

“THAT'S THE ONE! THE DUDE YOU'RE LOOKING AT IS AT HIS FIRST EVER DJ PON-3 SHOW!”

The crowd cheers, and several ponies nearby stomp in approval, patting you on the side.

“Welcome to the club!”

“Right on man! Killer, right?”

“You look weird!”

The shift from embarrassing social interaction, to somehow even WORSE embarrassment causes you to smile awkwardly and wave to everyone staring at you. As your gaze shifts around the multitude of ponies now suddenly very aware of you, Vinyl shouts out again.

“LETS GET HIM UP ON STAGE! I WANNA HAVE A FEW WORDS WITH HIM!”

Your eyes go wide as an assortment of hooves make to grab you. Turning, you see the three mares who were so keen on you wave goodbye, and you’re lifted off your feet, suddenly crowd surfing among hundreds of ponies.

In moments, you find yourself at the front of the stage, Vinyl waiting, a wicked smile on her face, and her hoof outstretched.

You reach out, and with the effort of several ponies pushing below you, Vinyl hoists you up onto the stage.

“Remember dude, when you’re up here, it's all about energy, don’t go embarrassing me now.”

You chuckle, grinning down at her.

Turning towards the crowd, you pump your fists into the air and bounce on the spot to the rhythm of the music.

The crowd roars in approval, stomping their hooves in excitedly.

You wave, continuing to bob along to the beat as you follow Vinyl back to center stage, watching as she starts working to lead into the next song.

You bob your head to Vinyls recreation of your music, disbelief still lingering in your mind.

“I can’t believe you were able to recreate them so perfectly.”

She looks up at you, a coy smile on her face.

“I told you dude, number one DJ.”

“I never doubted it. I owe you one.”

Laughing, Vinyl turns to face you.

“Naw dude, you owe me two.”

She nods her head towards the crowd, and your gaze follows.

In the crowd, three mares are shouting and waving, frantically trying to get both your attention.

“Oh… heh… that.”

“Wanna tell me what they were doing clinging onto you like that?”

You shrug, watching as Vinyl continues her work.

“They thought we were together, and when I said we were just friends, they started to get a bit more… comfortable, I guess.”

Vinyl barks out a laugh.

“HA! Who would’a thought you’d be getting hit on at your first concert! Sorry dude.”

You shake your head.

“Eh, I wouldn’t worry about it, they weren’t my type anyway.”

“So what is your type?”

You look, and Vinyl is staring at her equipment, adjusting levels.

A new track pulses through the audio equipment, the crowd bouncing to the beat.

“What?”

Vinyl fidgets, it's hard to tell with the lights reflecting and bouncing, but you could swear she was blushing.

“Your type. What is it?”

You pause. Taking a moment to think. Was she...?

“Someone who shares the same kinda tastes as I do…”

Vinyl looks up at you, and you continue.

“Someone who can make me smile when I need it… and laughs at my stupid jokes.”

The two of you share a chuckle. And as you look at her, you realize what your about to say may change things.

But in this moment, with the music surrounding you, and the energy all around you, you press on.

“Someone who’s there for me, and who knows, at the end of the day, I’ll be there for them too.”

You pause, “Someone who I can call my best friend. No matter what.”

At that, Vinyl turns away, a smile dancing across her face as she plays with her mixer, she turns to the crowd, and throws a hoof in the air.

A chorus of cheers echoes through the theater, and doubles in intensity as you bounce along to the rhythm of the song, waving your arms along with the rest of them.

As the track starts to die down, Vinyl turns to you once again.

“We’re… best friends. Right?”

You nod, turning away from the crowd to look at her.

“Of course.”

“And… we like spending time together right?”

Another nod.

“You even gotta ask? I’d be lost without you Vinyl, I can’t imagine anyone else I wanna spend time with more than you.”

Vinyl bobs her head up and down, nodding as the next track kicks in.

“Good… That, makes me feel a lot better about this then…”

“About what?”

“HEY EVERYPONY, CHECK IT.”

Vinyl jumps onto the Mic again, shouting out to the crowd.

“Y’ALL SEE THIS GUY HERE? HE’S THE ONLY HUMAN IN EQUESTRIA! ONE OF A KIND! JUST LIKE ME!”

Another wave of applause sounds out throughout the theater.

“BUT EVEN MORE THAN THAT! HE'S THE SPECIAL SOMEPONY WHO GAVE YOU THAT NEW TRACK! INVASION!”

The crowd stomps in approval, heads and cheers focused on you. A shy grin forms on your face and you bow, waving towards the crowd.

Vinyl watches you, grinning at your embarrassment, and continues.

“BUT HE DIDN'T GIVE IT TO YOU FOR FREE! HE’S GOTTA GET SOMETHING IN RETURN RIGHT?”

The crowd cheers, and like the start of the show, another chant erupts.

“WHAT’S HE GET? WHAT’S HE GET?”

You feel a tug, and find a glow of magic wrapped against your collar, pulling you towards Vinyl.

“HE GETS THIS!”

Her magic pulls you down, and before you can understand what's happening, Vinyl has grabbed you, forehooves around your neck. You open your mouth to speak, but before you can get a word out, Vinyl thrusts her head forward, lips meeting yours in a hard, powerful kiss.

Surrounded by the flow of music, the feeling of her body pressed into yours. You surrender to the warm glow flowing through you, realizing in an instant how badly you had wanted for something more between you. And now it was happening.

As the hundreds of ponies watching the two of you begin to understand what's taking place in front of them, a storm of cheers washes over you. Drowning out the music completely as they continue to applaud the newly formed couple.

Vinyl breaks away from the kiss, her glistening eyes meeting yours, an unbidden smile forms on her lips, and you match it with one of your own.

"Guess you do get pretty wild at your shows."

She laughs.

"Brass knows what up dude. Now lets give these ponies a show they wont forget." Vinyl turns, and her tail flicks up at you, swatting against your arm.

"And after I finish rocking this crowd, I'm gonna give you your own private show later."

She grins mischievously up at you, then turns back towards the crowd, bobbing along with the beat as she spins into the next song.

Your mind races as it tries to process everything that's happened in the last few minutes. And as you put the pieces together, another memory pushes its way to the forefront of your mind, a small request from Brass Tack.

"Tell Vinyl good luck with both shows."

You look up and notice Vinyl eyeing you as she works, and a worried smile overtakes you.

"Oh shit."