Requiem

Chapters

With Music Comes Love
The Letter
Welcome Home
Something To Prove
Dreams

With Music Comes Love

"Ugh. This dress is so damn itchy!" Vinyl said, squirming in place, half tempted to just rip the damn thing off. "Are you sure I have to wear this damn thing?"

"Yes, Vinyl," Octavia started as she carefully put on eyeliner, looking at herself in the vanity mirror, careful not to mess up, doing it just like her mother taught her without having magic. "You do. This is a party, not a disco club."

"But it's just so…not me," Vinyl said, kicking the back of her dress, clearly uncomfortable.

Octavia took a break from her eyeliner and turned to Vinyl, a kind smile on her face. "I think you look beautiful, honey. The dresser did a wonderful job with your dress."

And they really did. The dress, which was music-themed, was a long, flowing garment, that was white with electric blue accents. It had a large, flowing cape that extended from the shoulders to the ground and was adorned with several black musical notes and treble clefs. An electric blue stripe ran along the edge of the cape, adding a pop of color. The dress had long sleeves that were white and ended in gray cuff-like edges. The neckline was adorned with a collar that wrapped around her neck, with a headphone set dangling from the collar. It really did look like her kind of dress.

However, if anypony should be complaining about how stuffy their dress was, it was Octavia. While Vinyl's dress looked a lot more free, Octavia's dress felt more…restrictive. Her dress was a white and purple, layered, floor-length gown. It had long sleeves that were trimmed in black. There were black floral embellishments on the sleeves, bodice, and waistline of the dress. It had a black sash that wrapped around her waist and a flowing skirt, which was made up of layered ruffles of different shades of purple and white. The deepest purple layer of the skirt had a swirling pattern of little hearts. Octavia had to admit that the dress was beautiful, and the purple matched her mulberry eyes, but it just wasn't her. Not anymore. She preferred her purple bow tie with the white collar. It was so simple, and yet, it made her feel professional.

Octavia turned back around to stare back at herself in the vanity. Memories flooded her mind as she thought about her life before she met Vinyl. As she stared at herself, instead of her twenty-six-year-old self, she saw a filly who didn't look more than ten years old, with a golden grey coat, a dark grey mane, and mulberry eyes, who was excited to go to her first ever ball. Next to her stood a tan mare with a dark brown mane that had yellow streaks and mulberry eyes…

"Look at you, darling. You look beautiful," said the unicorn next to the tiny ten-year-old filly, who looked absolutely terrified.

"You…you really think so? It's…it's not too much, is it?" Octavia asked, staring at her own reflection in the vanity, her voice as young as she was.

Harmony put a hoof around her daughter, squeezing her shoulders, her smile warm and happy. "I promise. You look absolutely regal, my love."

Octavia smiled up at her mother, before looking back at herself. Then a thought came to mind, making her frown. "But, Mother…what if nopony likes me? What if I end up alone?"

"Oh, Octavia. You won't end up alone. It's your birthday. This party is being thrown just for you. And even if nopony does, that's okay. You know why?"

Octavia shook her head, confused as to what her mother was trying to get at.

Harmony crouched down to look her daughter in the eye, so she knew she meant it. "Because you're perfect the way you are. And because one day, you're going to be great."

"Because I'm a Sonata?" Octavia asked, looking down at her mother.

"Exactly." Harmony stood up, putting a hoof around her daughter's shoulder, both of them staring at the vanity mirror, Harmony with pride for the accomplishments she knew her daughter would perform, and Octavia with uncertainty. "One day, you're going to accomplish great things in music. Things nopony ever thought possible. You remember the family motto?"

"Cum musica venit virtus. With music comes power." Octavia responded obediently.

"That's right, my love. That's what makes the Sonata name so great. Because as long as we hold music in our hooves, we hold the power it brings. Never forget that, Octavia."

"I won't, Mother. I'll be the best cellist out there! The best in all of Equestria!" Octavia exclaimed, her confidence growing.

Harmony squeezed her daughter's shoulder. "I'm counting on it, my love. The entire family is."

Tears filled Octavia's eyes as the memory played through her mind. Even at ten years old, the importance of the family name was ingrained into her. Come hell or high water, the Sonata name was the most important thing, because they created music, and music held power.

When Octavia was young, she didn't really understand what that meant. But now, twenty years later, she understood perfectly. Music held power because music had the power to influence a pony's emotions. Music could change the world because it could change ponies. Music had a way of worming itself into a pony's mind, into their hearts, and straight into the deepest darkest part of a pony's soul.

And once you have access to that part of their souls, you can influence them into thinking whatever you want. Because, from there, you can influence their emotions, and those thoughts are formed from those emotions. Control a pony's emotions and you control how they think. Thus, the family motto. With music comes power.

"Tavi, are you sure you want to do this? You told me on the train ride here that these things always made you nervous. I can't imagine how hard it'd be now with everything else going on. You can always skip. You're a grown mare, your parents can't force you to do something you don't want to."

"I'm alright, Vinyl. Besides, you're just trying to find an excuse not to go so you won't have to wear that dress." Octavia said with a small smile on her face.

But Vinyl saw through her attempts at deflecting. They had been together for ten years now. She knew about Octavia's habits. Including the one where she'd deflected by trying to lighten the mood and turn the conversation onto Vinyl instead. But Vinyl wasn't falling for it. Not this time. And she hadn't for a while now.

"Tavi, I'm serious. I love you, and I only want to see you happy. From the way you sobbed on my doorstep that night, they broke your heart. You owe them nothing. You need to look out for yourself before you look out for them. And right now it feels like you're looking out for them first."

Octavia was silent for a bit, not sure what to say. She knew Vinyl was right. Her parents did break her heart. And she did owe them nothing. But she owed herself this. It'd be a regret she'd think about every day. Even if her father didn't regret what he did, she wanted him to see how beautiful her life had been. How they could've been a part of that life and they chose not to. Sure, it may be spiteful, and petty, but the thought of him dying thinking he was right about Vinyl was almost worse than the thought of him being regretful and her not being there to know it and get the father she loved back.

"No, Vinyl. I need to do this. Not for them, but for me. I need to prove to them that I don't need their name, or their money, or their arranged marriages to be happy. That being with you is all I need to be happy."

Octavia put a hoof on Vinyl's chest and leaned in for a kiss, but Vinyl pulled away, looking at Octavia closely, Vinyl's worry for her marefriend only growing. Vinyl could always read Octavia like a book, just like it seemed Octavia could read her the same way, and something wasn't sitting right with her.

"Are you sure you need to prove that to them? Or to yourself?" Vinyl asked in a small voice, making Octavia pull away and look Vinyl in the eye.

"Vinyl…of course not. What would…what would make you say…Vinyl, I know I'm happy. I…I just need them to know it too."

Vinyl sighed heavily, looking away from Octavia, and ran a hoof through her mane. "I know. At least, I hope so. It just feels like…like you're only doing this to…I don't know…to get back at your parents somehow."

"Whatever makes you think that?" Octavia asked, her heart racing. Vinyl wasn't right…was she?

"I'm not stupid, Tavi. Not wanting to tell anypony I'm here until the gala so you can catch them by surprise? Wanting to prove how better your life is? I just want to make sure your intentions are good."

"Is wanting to prove how amazing my life is really that bad?"

"But what the hell is the point? You know how good life is. So…why do…why…" Vinyl trailed off as a thought came to her. "Unless…unless you don't think life is good…and…and you need your parents' approval or something, just so you know that it's good because your parents think it's good."

"What? No. Vinyl, that's not true. I promise. I just…I just want them to know that…that things would've been okay if they kept me in their lives and let me have a relationship with you. That's all."

Vinyl was silent for a moment, closing her eyes, before looking directly at Octavia, her Tavi, trying to read her like she always could. Only, this time, it seemed like she couldn't. Memories played through Vinyl's head as she looked Octavia in the eyes, praying that what she was saying was true.

Vinyl then sighed, hugging Octavia. "I hope so Tavi. I really do. I don't want to be some pawn in a revenge gig against your parents. What we have is real, and I don't want it to be tainted by some…some contest against your parents, alright? You have nothing to prove to them. Alright."

Octavia nodded, her head against Vinyl's chest. "You're not. And, I know. I love you, Vinyl. I really do."

"I love you too. And no matter what, I'll be by your side."

Octavia smiled weakly, but in her mind, she couldn't help but wonder, deep inside, if Vinyl was right.

"Tavi, I love you. I wish I could say it was love at first sight, but to be honest, it wasn't. When we first met, you got drunk off your ass and I was throwing up in a bathroom stall. But believe me when I say that our love is real. You brought me back from a life of partying and drinking to a happy and stable life here in Ponyville. I love you, and there's nothing in this whole world that can change that. So, Octavia Melody, will you marry me?"

Octavia gasped as Vinyl pulled out a beautiful bracelet that had two charms, one to match her and Vinyl's cutie marks. Lyra squealed next to Bon Bon in the background, their smiles wide as they watched the moment they both knew would come.

The four of them had taken a trip down to the beach as a sort of double date thing. Lyra and Octavia had lost touch in Canterlot, but they quickly reconnected when they ran into each other in Ponyville. When they both realized they both had a special somepony in their lives, they went on double dates with each other more frequently.

Octavia smiled, opening her mouth to say yes, only to close it again. She wanted to say yes. She wanted to so badly. But…she just couldn't. Not with the secrets she was keeping from Vinyl.

Tears filled her eyes as she looked at Vinyl, Vinyl's face slowly falling as the moments of silence ticked on. It broke Octavia's heart, but she just couldn't say yes.

"I…I can't…I'm so sorry, Vinyl, I just can't!" And with that, Octavia turned around and fled, running down the sandy beach Vinyl chose to propose on.

"Tavi, wait!" Vinyl called, but Octavia continued running.

After a bit, Octavia found an old log and sat there, watching the waves, tears filling her eyes. She wanted to say yes. She wanted to so badly, but…she couldn't. Not with this big secret weighing her down. She felt so stupid, letting her parents influence her life again after all these years of no contact.

"Octy?" A voice said, startling her.

Octavia looked up to see Bon Bon standing over her, a concerned look on her face. Octavia scooted over, allowing room for Bon Bon to sit next to her, and the two of them sat in silence for a bit.

Octavia didn't know Bon Bon all that well. Sure, she knew the basics and they were good friends, but Octavia knew Lyra better than she knew Bon Bon. Octavia kind of always thought of her as Lyra's plus one, since the only time they properly hung out would be on these double date things. Heck, Octavia never even told Bon Bon her real name.

However, from the time they did spend together, Octavia could see why Lyra and Bon Bon were together. Bon Bon was calm, cool, and collected, sort of like Octavia, but not as sophisticated seeming. While Lyra was an open book when it came to her emotions and her emotions were all over the place, Bon Bon seemed more reserved, more at peace with herself. It seemed to calm Lyra down some and seemed to be the pillar of strength Lyra needed.

Octavia was the first to break the silence. "Vinyl's not upset…is she?"

Bon Bon shook her head. "No. She's not upset," She said in that calm, serene voice. They were both silent for a moment longer before Bon Bon asked, "She doesn't know, does she?"

Octavia, startled, looked up at Bon Bon, surprise written all over her face.

Bon Bon smiled softly. "Lyra told me. When we first met, when she didn't know you wanted to keep it secret."

Octavia sighed, looking down at her hooves. "No, she doesn't. And I'm not sure I want to tell her, or can tell her. I know it seems so stupid. It's just a stupid name but…"

"That name comes with a lot of weight," Bon Bon finished, startling Octavia. Bon Bon just looked out at the waves, the calm serene seeming to just radiate off of her. "I get it. A name, well, what comes with the name, can put a lot of pressure on a relationship. Pressure one might not be ready for."

"I just don't want her to see me differently, you know? It's just…I know she'll say she won't but…it'll just be there, between us. Right now, we're equals, you know? But…once I spill that…even though I see us as equals still…she…she might not. And telling her might add a whole new string of doubt in her mind."

"I get it. I had the same worries when it came to Lyra." At Octavia's confused look, Bon Bon sighed, the first real sign of emotion that wasn't that eternal calm. "My…my mother died while giving birth to me. My dad tried to raise me, but…well…he just didn't have it in him to be a single dad. So…he put me up for adoption. I was adopted by a wealthy family in Canterlot. Their name was nowhere as big as yours, but with money and popularity comes expectations, no matter how small that popularity is. When Lyra and I first started dating, I was nervous to tell her who I was. I didn't want to put that pressure on her too. But, eventually, I knew I couldn't keep it secret forever. It was a bit overwhelming for her at first, but we learned to find that balance so that in the end, we had time for us."

"You're saying I should probably tell Vinyl," Octavia muttered, looking out at the ocean.

"I'm saying that if you do, the two of you will still be okay, no matter what. You two have been together longer than Lyra and I have. For six years. You've already built that foundation. It might take some adjustments, but the two of you will be just fine. You'll be able to work it out. I mean," Bon Bon bumped her shoulder against Octavia's with a small smile. "The two of you are soul mates after all."

Octavia chuckled. "I don't think so. I mean, I love Vinyl, and I couldn't imagine being with anypony else, but…soul mates? That's such a strong word."

"Oh, come on. I've seen the way you two look at each other. That's true love right there."

Octavia looked up at Bon Bon. "You…you really think so?"

Bon Bon smiled back at Octavia. "I know so…"

Octavia's whole body shook as she stood in the ballroom full of ponies, her breath heavy as it felt like the whole room was closing in on her. Vinyl was right. This was a mistake. She should've listened to her.

Her hooves itched as they longed for her bow and cello, which would always bring her comfort when she was upset or anxious. She was half tempted to jump up on stage and push the cellist who was already playing up there out of the way and take his spot. At least that way she could stay still instead of squirming.

She tried to focus on the classical music that played delicately in the background, one of the songs her father wrote, as would be all the songs played tonight. In total, her father wrote and composed over four hundred pieces of classical orchestral music. If background music for playwrights and operas, co-writing, and solo instrumental pieces counted, it'd be over six hundred. The orchestra would probably get through only eighty of those pieces before the gala was over.

She looked towards the stage to see a familiar unicorn stallion maestro conducting the orchestra. Her accomplished older brother, Bittersweet Sonata. Of course he'd be leading the symphony. He was already first chair for the clarinet in the Canterlot Symphony for the past five years. He was already writing his own symphonies and at the age of thirty-three, he's already written over a hundred pieces.

"Here you go, Tavi."

Octavia turned around, her heart still racing, but she seemed relatively calmer than she was five minutes ago. Thinking about music always calmed her down, even if it was the accomplishments of her family.

Octavia was always able to just name random facts about music and the greatest Equestrian composers of classical music like she was telling somepony her name and age. Like how Wolfgangus Oatzart wrote over six hundred pieces of music or how Neightoven studied with Oatzart's teacher Franz Haydn. It was crucial for Octavia to know these random facts about musicians and composers as a Sonata, but she found reciting them in her mind always calmed her down.

Vinyl was standing there, levitating one glass of what looked to be white wine and another of sparkling cider in her magic. Octavia took the white wine in her hoof, taking a sip. The wine tasted sweet and settled softly in her bloodstream, unlike the harshness of other alcohols like tequila and vodka.

"Thought it'd help take the edge off." Vinyl took a sip of her own glass.

"Got anything stronger?" Octavia muttered, earning a light, quiet chuckle from Vinyl.

Vinyl's face suddenly grew somber as she looked at Octavia closely. "You doing alright? You seem anxious."

"I uh…what…what gave you that idea?" Octavia asked, though it was a stupid question seeing as her voice shook when she asked it.

Vinyl raised an eyebrow. "Other than the tremble in your voice, well…I can practically see you shaking and you're fidgeting when any other time you have no problem staying still."

Octavia's gaze roamed the ballroom, looking for one specific pony. Her mother. She had asked Mr. Platter if her father was attending, but he said he'd be unable to. He'd be too weak. Octavia took a shaky breath as she took another sip of her white wine.

Vinyl sighed, taking both of their glasses in her magic and setting them down on the tray of a passing waiter, before holding out her hoof towards Octavia. "May I have this dance, m'lady?" Vinyl asked in an accent that mocked Octavia's.

Octavia giggled, accepting Vinyl's hoof before she was led to the dance floor, where other ponies waltzed. "You know how to waltz?" Octavia asked in a whisper.

"Of course I do." At Octavia's raised eyebrow, Vinyl sighed and admitted, "While you were preoccupied, I may have asked Mr. Platter for a quick lesson. What can I say? I wanted to dance with my marefriend on our first gala together."

As Vinyl led Octavia to the dance floor, a song that started calm, but soon grew powerful began to play. Octavia didn't recognize this song, though it sounded vaguely familiar. Probably one of her father's newer pieces.

Octavia closed her eyes, losing herself in the music and the warmth of Vinyl. She and Vinyl glided across the dance floor, the whole world fading from existence. Octavia opened her eyes and looked into Vinyl's, who stared down at her with nothing but pure love.

As the music grew powerful again, tears filled Octavia's eyes. She wasn't sure how she ended up so lucky to end up with a mare like Vinyl, who loved her for her, and nothing else. There was nothing she could do that would push Vinyl's love away forever. Vinyl's love was unconditional. It was her light in the growing darkness. The eye of her storm.

They may have been complete opposites, but they both quickly remembered the bond they formed over music. It was through music that they fell in love. And it was music that kept them together.

My mother was right, Octavia thought. Music does bring power.

But it wasn't the kind of power Harmony Sonata believed. It was a different kind of power. Music was powerful because it brought love. It was a lesson Octavia never truly learned until now. But now that she had, she didn't understand why she couldn't see it before.

"You okay, Tavi?" Vinyl asked when she noticed the tears forming in Octavia's eyes.

"I'm fine. Better than fine." Octavia assured, blinking the tears away. "I just…Oh Vinyl, I love you so much. Thank you. Thank you for sticking by my side. Through all of this." Octavia hugged Vinyl as they glided across the dance floor.

"Of course, Tavi. That's what I'm here for, alright. I love you." Vinyl buried her face in Octavia's mane, wanting to hug her back, but she had to keep them both steady.

The song softly came to a close, before gracefully transitioning into the next one. It was then Octavia decided that this would be their song. It didn't matter that it was her father that wrote it. It would now be theirs. It'd be the song that played at their wedding. The song they'd danced to in the kitchen after they finished the dishes after dinner. The song they'd show their children, and teach them to play on the cello, or piano, or whatever instrument they played.

Octavia and Vinyl separated, but Octavia continued to stare up at Vinyl, a small smile on her face. Her worries about everything else were completely forgotten with the realization that she wanted to marry this mare more than anything.

Vinyl, a bit confused, let out a breathy chuckle, glancing around before looking back at Octavia. "What?"

"Nothing. You're just beautiful. The most beautiful mare I've ever seen." Octavia said, watching Vinyl.

"Where did that come from?" Vinyl asked with a small smile, leading Octavia off the dance floor and to a table.

"Just a realization that came to me, that's all." Octavia sat down next to Vinyl, not taking her eyes off of her.

And then Octavia's small feeling of pure heaven and love burst as the music softened until it was hardly noticeable. Trumpets began to sound and immediately, Octavia looked to the staircase that led down into the ballroom, where everypony was supposed to enter, seeing a line of stallions in tuxes standing on both sides of each step.

And just like that, Octavia's anxiety and worry came snapping back like a rubber band that'd been strained and let go. The room suddenly felt small and her whole body shook as it felt like there was a hundred-pounds of weights resting on her chest. She tried to keep her breathing under control, but it was quickly spiraling.

Tears filled Octavia's eyes. She'd replayed that night over and over again in her mind, thinking she'd never see her mother again, thinking that those words her mother said would be the last words she'd ever hear from her until the day her mother died. But now? Now she had an opportunity, an expectation to see and speak to her mother, and she…she wasn't sure she could do it. Her whole world was being flipped upside down, and it was happening all too fast. Octavia could barely process any of it, but it felt like the world not only wouldn't slow down for her but was also speeding up, as though it relished in her anxiety and yet, it wasn't happening fast enough.

She thought it'd be like ripping off a band-aid, but it was nothing like that. It was anything but. It was like sticking duct tape over the same spot over and over, ripping it off each time. Every time she thought about that night, it would rip off another layer of duct tape. Every time she thought about meeting her mother, it was another layer. Now the area was raw, and anything that'd brush against it made it sting. And now that the moment was actually here, she wasn't sure she could take anymore.

Suddenly, Octavia felt hooves grab both of her own. She looked down to see a pair of hooves covered in white fur softly holding onto hers. She grabbed them and clung onto them as though they were her lifeboat, squeezing as hard as she could. But the mare they were connected to didn't so much as flinch. In fact, she leaned closer, offering her silent support. Octavia was grateful because she didn't know if she could stand on her own.

Octavia then saw Silver Platter walk up to the bottom of the staircase, looking up to the top of it, his voice booming so it could be heard throughout the room. "It is with a heavy heart that I must announce Lord Treble Cleff Sonata is unable to attend, for he is too weak to rise from his bed. So, attending in his stead is his wife, Lady Harmony Sonata!"

Author's Note

In case any of you are wondering, this is the song Octavia and Vinyl dance to. I figured it was the perfect song since they sort of fixed each other. Also, I love this orchestra version. I thought it was beautiful. I spent like, an hour trying to find the right song to write this scene at like one in the morning, but I think I found the right one (the things we do for our stories).

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And, before anybody says anything, no, I'm not just trying to add filler chapters to make this story longer. I'll explain why it's taken three chapters until Octavia finally sees her parents in the last chapter, which isn't too far off.

The Letter

"Father! Please understand! I love her!" A golden grey earth pony pleaded, tears filling her eyes.

A dark grey earth pony with a black mane looked down at the mare he once called family. "Yes, you may think you love her, but family comes first, Octavia. It is a lesson you must learn if you are to be a part of it. One your brother Bitter has learned. Do you think when your mother and I married, we were in love with each other? But we married anyway for the good of the family. As you will do!"

"But father, please! I don't love him. I love Vinyl! I want to be me and she understands who that is!" Octavia cried, on the edge of sobbing.

"You don't know love!" Her father yelled back, glaring at his daughter. "Because if you did, you wouldn't choose that lowlife, no-good unicorn over your family!"

Octavia's eyes widened as she looked at her father, her heart cracking, taking a step back. "I…I didn't realize I…I had to. To…to choose."

"Of course you do! Haven't you been listening to any part of this conversation? Or are you as stupid as she is?!"

"Vinyl isn't stupid! She's one of the smartest ponies I know!" Octavia defended. She wouldn't let anypony talk about the mare she loved like that, no matter who they were.

"Oh, give me a break, Octavia! If she really did have a brain in that damn head of hers, she'd realize you're way out of her league and would've left you the hell alone!" Tenor Sonata yelled.

"Please, Father! Don't make me choose. Because I'll choose her. I will always choose her! I love her" Octavia begged, her ears flattening.

"Then I want nothing to do with you. You're no longer my daughter and you're no longer a part of this family. I refuse to let you stain our family's name all because you think you love a pathetic drunk."

Octavia turned to her mother, a tan unicorn with a dark brown mane with yellow streaks. "Mother…please…don't let him do this."

Harmony Sonata turned her head away from her daughter, tears filling her own eyes. "I'm not your mother. So long as you consort with that…that whore."

Octavia took another step back, shaking her head. Tears filled her eyes as she felt her heart shatter. Before she could change her mind, she turned her back on her parents and bolted out of the mansion, tears streaming down her face. She ran to the one place she knew she'd still have sanctuary.

She burst into the apartment building in the slums of Canterlot and ran up the rusted staircase. She got to the apartment number she was looking for and urgently knocked, not stopping until the pony behind it answered.

"Alright alright, I'm comin'. Hold your damn horses. I'm sure whatever it is, it can wait five sec…" The white unicorn mare with an electric blue mane stopped when she saw Octavia on the other side, her face tearstained, her eyes red, looking just about ready to collapse. "Tavi? What are you doing here? What happened? Are you–"

Vinyl was cut off with the grey earth pony embraced her in a hug so tight, that it nearly choked the white unicorn. Hesitantly, Vinyl wrapped her own hooves around Octavia, rubbing her back and her mane.

"Tavi? What…what happened? Why…why are you crying?" Vinyl asked in a whisper.

"It's…it's a-a…a long story," Octavia managed to stammer out in between uncontrollable sobs that racked her whole body. "Is…is it o…okay if I…I s-stay here w-with you f-for a b-bit? P-please?"

Vinyl rubbed Octavia's back. "Of course, Tavi. I love you. Whatever you need, just say the word and I'll give it to you. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. You…you saved me. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

"T-thank y-you V-Vinyl. I…I l-love you t-too…"

"Tavi?" A voice called, startling the gray earth pony.

Octavia Melody looked up at a white unicorn with an electric blue mane. Her sunglasses were off, meaning she was just being herself at the moment. Whenever she put her purple sunglasses on, mentally, she'd have the DJ PON-3 persona. It was how she kept her work life separate from her home one.

"You okay?" Vinyl Scratch asked, a concerned look on her face.

Octavia sighed, looking down at her half-eaten breakfast. "Umm…yes. I'm…I'm fine. Just uh…" Octavia swallowed, shaking her head. "Lost in thought…I-I guess."

She blinked back tears, hoping Vinyl wouldn't see them, as the dream she had last night played through her mind. She hated how thinking about them always brought tears to her eyes, even after all these years. But…she wouldn't let that day or her parents ruin the happy life she's built here in Ponyville, with the best marefriend she could ever ask for. And even though they weren't rich and struggled to pay the bills sometimes, she wouldn't trade it for the world. Not if it meant she'd lose Vinyl.

Octavia glanced up at Vinyl and, seeing the unicorn was unconvinced just by her expression, she cleared her throat and changed the subject. "So…got any performances today or…" Octavia trailed off, knowing that even if Vinyl wasn't performing, that wouldn't exactly mean she was free.

"Naw," Vinyl says, leaning back on her chair so that it sat on its back two legs, waving a dismissive hoof. "My next gig is tomorrow night. But I was hoping to play around a bit and juggle around a few beats. I'm workin' on something new, but it doesn't sound right. I don't know what it is. Maybe I should just change the length of the crossfade or maybe it's the hook that's not sittin' right, I don't know."

"Well, I don't know too much bout DJing, but I do know from my experience with the cello and the orchestra that changing the pitch and tempo can completely change a song," Octavia advised.

Vinyl groaned, dropping her head on the table, and moving her plate out of the way using her magic. "I've tried that but it still doesn't sound right. It's almost there, I can feel it, but it's missing…something. I don't know what it is, but I do know when I find it, this beat will be legendary."

"Well, perhaps you just need a new perspective. I'd be happy to listen to a sample if you'd like. Maybe I can shine some light on it for you."

"Thanks, Tavi. That'd be great. I'll give you the cassette tape for it. Oh yeah, and you have that gig at the concert hall tonight, huh? You said it's pretty major?"

"It's called a performance, Vinyl, not a gig. And yes, it's incredibly important. Scouts from the Canterlot Symphony will be attending, and rumor has it they'll be picking three musicians out of the whole Orchestra to audition for it!" Octavia rambled, her excitement growing, evident from her growing smile.

Vinyl listened intently. She hardly understood some of the things Octavia was talking about, but Vinyl hadn't seen Octavia this excited in months. And whatever made her marefriend happy, made Vinyl even happier.

"Oh, and guess what? Rumors say that they're looking for a cellist. I mean, I asked the conductor if he even thought I'd have a chance to be chosen, because, well I didn't want to get my hopes up if I didn't even have a chance, and guess what! He said it's a very real possibility! Can you believe it? Me, Octavia Melody, from small town Ponyville, part of the Canterlot Symphony! It'll change our lives Vinyl. It'll open doors we never thought possible! Who knows? Maybe I'll finally be able to play solo! All my dreams are coming together, I just know it!"

Vinyl couldn't help but have a smile as big as Octavia's. It was rare for Octavia to be so excited about something. She was usually so level-headed and kept her emotions in check.

And while Vinyl didn't know much about orchestras or classical music, or sonatas, or stuff like that, it wasn't her kind of music, she wasn't a total idiot. She knew all about the Canterlot Symphony. Mostly from Octavia. It was her dream to be a part of it. To be noticed by all of Equestria. And she was on her way to becoming that.

"I'm so happy for you, Tavi. I know this is the opportunity you've been waiting for your whole life. And I know you'll get in. You're the best cello player I know."

"A cellist. Not a cello player. And I'm the only cellist you know." Octavia corrected, raising an eyebrow.

"Doesn't change the fact that you're the best. Or the sexiest."

Vinyl leaned in, giving Octavia a deep kiss from across the table. Their hearts raced as their bodies grew hot from the attraction they had for each other.

And then the doorbell rang. And then, before the doorbell even stopped ringing, there was an urgent knock, as though the doorbell wasn't enough to get their attention.

Vinyl groaned while Octavia softly smiled. "Why don't I get it while you clean up breakfast? Then you can finish up that new beat you're working on." Vinyl looked at Octavia's half-eaten breakfast, looking back up at Octavia with a concerned look. "Don't worry about me. I'm just…not very hungry."

Before Vinyl could say anything, Octavia quickly hurried to the door. She loved Vinyl dearly, but there were just some things in Octavia's past that she didn't want to tell Vinyl. Things Vinyl didn't need to know.

Octavia looked out the peephole of their small house, seeing a pony she didn't expect to see. It was a gray pegasus pony with yellow wall eyes, looking in different directions. She had a brown mailpony uniform.

"Derpy Hooves? Nice to see you. What…what are you doing here?" Octavia asked, pleasantly surprised. Derpy was always a good friend. After Pinkie Pie, she was the first one to introduce herself to Octavia and Vinyl.

She handed Octavia a letter, and once the letter was given, she said in that voice that always seemed like it was spaced out, "You have a letter."

"Huh," Octavia said, confused. "I wasn't expecting any mail today." She mumbled, putting the letter in her hoof so she could see the name of the sender on the back.

Derpy just shrugged. "You have a letter addressed to you. Oh, it is addressed to you, right? I don't usually make mistakes when it comes to giving the wrong mail to the wrong ponies, but…"

"No, it is," Octavia mumbled, squinting at the return address, the full weight of it not sinking in yet.

"Oh, good," Derpy said in a relieved voice. "So who's it from?"

"My…mother…" Octavia whispered, staring at the envelope as tears filled her eyes.

"Oh, well, that's nice of her. Well, I have to go! I have a lot more mail to deliver and I'm running a bit behind. Bye, Octy!"

"Bye…Derpy…" Octavia muttered, but the gray pegasus had already clumsily flown off.

Octavia sat in the doorway, holding the letter with both hooves, tears in her eyes, and the door still wide open. She swallowed nervously before turning the envelope back around and opening it.

She pulled the letter out and read over it silently, tears building in her eyes as her breath caught and her heart stopped. Octavia read the letter multiple times before it seemed to finally sink in.

No. That…that wasn't possible. Octavia scoffed mentally. Well, of course it was possible. It happened to everypony eventually. But…it always felt like those closest to her were immune to the fate that befell everypony who wasn't an alicorn. So, to get this news…

Octavia hadn't spoken or even seen him in over ten years. Not since…that day. It surprised her with how much it hurt still, despite already losing him. But reading this letter, it was like she was a sixteen-year-old mare all over again. It was as though nothing had changed. Her heart still shattered. Her face still paled. Grief still overtook her whole being.

"Hey, Tavi. Was that Derpy? How's she doing? Did she have something to deliver, or was she visiting on her break? I only ask because she still has my headphones I let her borrow and it's already been like, two months. Which is cool if she still needs them, I was just…" Vinyl stopped when she noticed her marefriend was just sitting in the doorway, the door wide open. She barely reacted when Vinyl walked in.

Vinyl walked closer until she was just behind Octavia. "Tavi? Tavi, is everything okay? Tavi?"

Octavia slowly turned her tear-streaked face towards Vinyl, her eyes red from the silent tears. "Vinyl…" She started, her voice hitching from a broken sob. "It's my father. He's…he's…" Octavia broke off into a sob, tears gushing from her eyes.

Vinyl gathered her up in her hooves, holding her as she sobbed into her chest. Vinyl had no clue what this was about, but she didn't need to. All she needed was to be there for Octavia, however she needed her to be. That was love. That was what she promised when they became a couple a decade ago.

So, without asking why, without any hesitation, Vinyl held Octavia close as she sobbed into Vinyl's chest, Vinyl's heart breaking right along with hers. She hated seeing her Tavi so hurt, so upset, and she just wanted to take away her pain. So while that was impossible, she took on as much of her marefriend's pain as she could, hoping to relieve the burden it created, a burden Octavia feared would crush her at any moment.

And that was how they stayed for a long while. The two of them curled on the floor in front of the open front door, Octavia in Vinyl's hooves, sobbing her heart out, Vinyl doing her best to comfort her grieving marefriend…

"Your…your father's dying?" Vinyl asked, her mouth open in shock. Octavia only nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks.

After about ten minutes of sobbing, Octavia had told Vinyl they needed to talk. Octavia knew this was going to be a long talk, so she had taken Vinyl to their bedroom and they were both sitting on the small bed they shared.

"Your father's dying…" Vinyl repeated, her eyes still wide with shock.

"Yes, Vinyl. I got that the first three times I read the letter." Octavia mumbled sarcastically.

"Sorry, Tavi, it's just that…I thought your parents were already dead?" Vinyl said though she stated it as a question.

Octavia sighed. This was exactly why she didn't want Vinyl asking about her past. Why she avoided any questions about whether she was okay or not. She didn't want to bring up her dream, thus bringing up her parents, and…everything. It was something that'd only hurt Vinyl by bringing up and something that'd do neither of them any good.

"They might as well have been…" Octavia muttered. At Vinyl's confused look, she clarifies. "When I was sixteen, my parents and I had a…falling out. Let's just say…I was kicked out and we haven't spoken to each other since."

It took a moment, but Vinyl's eyes widened with realization. "That day…when…when you came to my apartment in tears…back in Canterlot…"

Octavia sighed before nodding. "Yeah. They had just kicked me out."

"But…why? What happened between you and your parents? Why would they…?"

Octavia swallowed, blinking back tears as she thought about that day. How much her parents broke her heart all because she loved somepony else and was willing to act on that love. Because she didn't want to be stuck in a loveless marriage that had been planned out for her for the 'good of the family'. She wanted more from life. And now that she finally got it, it was at the price of her father.

"I…I made my own choices. Choices my parents didn't…necessarily agree with. Choices they said would stain the family name. They said that as long as I continued making those choices…I'm no longer welcome in their lives."

"Whoa…so your family is like…nobility?" Vinyl asked, raising both of her eyebrows.

"Yep," Octavia responded with another heavy sigh. "The Sonata Family."

Vinyl's eyes widened as she gaped at Octavia. She's heard of the Sonata Family. Sure, she wasn't well-versed in classical music and the only famous ponies she ever really cared to follow up on were those who knew how to work a turntable, but even she'd heard of the Sonata Family. Every musician of any genre of music has heard of them. The only way somepony couldn't have heard of them and still play music is if they've been living under a damn rock. And even then…

"B-but your last name's Melody. Not…not Sonata!"

"Yes. My father made me change it. He said if I couldn't open my damn eyes and do what's right for the family name, I didn't deserve to have it."

Vinyl was silent for a moment before she finally asked, "So if you don't mind me asking, what was it about? The argument, I mean. What was it about?"

Octavia looked down at her hooves, taking a deep breath. She almost told Vinyl it wasn't important. That it didn't matter. But she knew Vinyl had a right to know. Besides, they were dating. If Octavia couldn't trust Vinyl with this, why the hell were they still together?

"Well…I umm…I found love. My parents didn't approve of her, and instead of putting my family first, that's where I put my heart. And since my parents didn't want me staining their name or embarrassing them with my relationship with her, they disowned me."

"Tavi…" Vinyl whispered, sympathy and heartbreak for Octavia's loss tearing her up inside. Vinyl leaned in and hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry…"

Tears filled Octavia's eyes, but she smiled through them, wondering how the hell she got so lucky. "Don't be, Vinyl. It turns out that she ended up being the love of my life, so…I don't regret it one bit."

Vinyl froze as realization hit her. She separated herself from Octavia. "It…it was me, wasn't it? I'm the reason your parents ditched you."

Octavia quickly shook her head. "No. No, you're not. It was their own blindness and stubbornness that caused them to push me away. Not you, Vinyl. You just made them show their true priorities, that's all. I don't blame you, nor will I ever. I love you, Vinyl, and nothing will change that."

Vinyl sighed, running a hoof through her mane. "Still, though, I'm sorry. I…I never meant to get in the way of you and your parents…"

"You didn't, Vinyl. They did. It was their decision to push me away, not yours." Octavia sighed, looking back down at the letter in her hooves. "That's…that's actually what I wanted to talk to you about. You see…my father actually wants to make amends. Well, according to my mother, at least. He…he has regrets and…he wants to see me…"

"Do you?" Vinyl asked softly.

Octavia closed her eyes. "I…I don't know. I just…I know I have to. If…if my father truly wants to make amends and regrets what he did, if there's even the slightest chance, I know I have to at least hear him out. I'd never forgive myself if I didn't. Even if he doesn't, I have to face him one last time before…before he's gone forever."

Vinyl was silent for another moment before she took a deep breath. "Alright. Fine. I'll come with you."

Octavia snapped her head up, looking at Vinyl with wide eyes, caught off guard. "What? No. Vinyl I…I can't let you do this…I–"

"Luckily, you didn't ask. I offered." Vinyl corrected with a loving smile. "What? You thought I'd let my bae go see her stiff parents after ten years of radio silence by herself. Never."

"B-but…Vinyl. You…you have a life here…your gig tomorrow night…you can't just uproot that all because–"

"A life that can be put on pause for a bit. As for my gig tomorrow, it's no biggie. It's just for one of Pinkie's parties. I can just record the set I planned on playing and give her the disc. I'm sure she can handle the rest. Besides, she'll understand."

"B-but my parents hate you…" Octavia argued, desperate for any reason why Vinyl shouldn't go. She loved Vinyl, and she loved the idea of Vinyl accompanying her, but…it was a lot to ask of her. Especially considering who her parents were.

Vinyl waved a dismissive hoof. "I'm a DJ. Dealing with haters is in the job description." Vinyl then grabbed both of Octavia's hooves, looking her directly in the eyes. "I love you, Tavi. All of you. And no matter what, whatever trials come our way, I'll be by your side through every single one. Even if those trials are hateful parents with multiple sticks up their asses." Octavia giggled at that last part. "Nothing will ever change that. You're stuck with me until you say otherwise. Promise."

Tears filled Octavia's eyes as she smiled up at Vinyl, her heart warming as she remembered why she even fell in love with Vinyl in the first place. This small gesture meant the world to her, and she wished Vinyl understood just how happy it made her.

So, she hugged Vinyl tightly. "Thank you, Vinyl. You have no idea just how much it means to me. You have no idea how much I need you there."

"I'll always be there for you, Tavi. No matter what."

Author's Note

New story…

I know that I already have two uncompleted stories still, but…a recent event in my life inspired this story. Someone I thought I'd never see again came seeking reconciliation and the way they left things the first time I saw them…didn't end well. So…it stirred up complicated feelings, inspiring this.

Hope you enjoy it. I might be focusing on this story for a bit while emotions are a bit more raw.

Hakuna Matata

Welcome Home

"What is this place?!" Octavia yelled just to be heard over the loud, ears-splitting music that threatened to make her deaf.

The place was dark, except for the flashing, multi-colored lights. Bodies ground together on the dance floor as they danced to the beat of the music, ponies reaching for their drinks on the bars for a sip without missing a beat. Deep bass flooded her ears, her heart pounding to the beat. The smell of smoke assaulted her nostrils, making her cough and clear her throat.

"We're in a nightclub, silly! Haven't you ever been to one?!" An aquamarine unicorn replied, dragging Octavia by the hoof deeper into the building with flashing lights that threatened to make her go blind.

"No…these aren't the kinds of places my family frequents. Actually, we try to avoid these places as much as possible!"

Lyra Heartstrings dragged her to three different unicorns, all laughing with drinks in their hooves. One had a light yellow coat with cerulean hair. Another had a grayish-blue coat and a mane that was a couple of shades darker, and the final one had a tanish-white coat with a pink mane.

"Octy, these are my friends, Lemon Hearts, Minuette, and Twinkleshine. Girls, this is Octavia Sonata!" Lyra said, overenunciating her last name a little too much. "She's a cellist from the same orchestra I'm in. You know, the Philharmonic Symphony."

Octavia just rubbed the back of her head, chuckling nervously, her cheeks blushing. She really had to stop giving strangers her last name.

That was when Lyra seemed to notice something. "Where's Moondancer and Twilight?"

The one named Minuette waved a dismissive hoof. "Twilight said she had a final to study for and Moondancer said she had some studying to catch up on."

"You know, their typical responses." Twinkleshine finished.

Octavia was quickly getting overwhelmed by, well…everything. She could barely think straight with all this chaos. She was not used to this kind of setting. She attended dinner parties and galas, not…nightclubs.

"Umm…Lyra. I, um…I need to head to the umm…bathroom real quick." Octavia said, leaning into Lyra.

"Oh, okay. Don't take too long!"

Octavia hurried towards the bathroom, where she thankfully got a reprieve from the blaring music. She shut the door, the music outside echoing in the walls. She went to the sink, breathing heavily, looking at her reflection in the mirror.

She wasn't sure why she accepted Lyra's invitation to this nightclub. Her parents definitely wouldn't be happy if they knew she was here. She'd be grounded for, like, a month. She just needed a night of freedom from life as a stuffy elitist.

Suddenly, Octavia heard what sounded like a mare heaving in one of the stalls. Octavia hesitated before going to it and knocking on it softly. "Umm…excuse me…are you okay miss?"

"I'm fine!" A voice called out weakly. "Just…go away!"

Octavia hesitated when she heard the mare in the stall heave again, but respected her wishes and began to walk away. But she stopped when she heard the mare's voice.

"Actually, lady, you can help me! Mind getting me a cup of water?" The mare said right before she heard the toilet flush.

Octavia hurried out of the bathroom, and back into the chaotic club, only to return with a glass of water. When she did, she saw a white unicorn with an electric blue mane, sweaty and pale, leaning against the wall at the back of the bathroom.

Octavia quickly approached the mare with the glass of water and the mare picked it up with her magic, taking a long deep drink, and sighing when she was finished.

"What's wrong? I-if you don't mind me asking." Octavia asked, sitting in front of the mare.

"Nothing too serious, if that's what you're asking. Just a little too much to drink on an empty stomach. Rookie mistake. A stupid one. Something I knew, didn't care, and am currently regretting."

"R-right. I'm…I'm not all that well-versed in drinking. Well, unless you're asking about wine. That I'm pretty familiar with."

"Who are you? Some rich Canterlot pony from the high end of town?"

Octavia's eyes widened briefly before answering. "N-no. Just…just a regular earth pony who likes playing the cello. I'm Octavia, by the way. Octavia…" Octavia hesitated, racking her mind for an alias. She just wanted to be a normal pony, even if it were just for one night. "Melody. Octavia Melody."

"Fancy name. I'm Vinyl. Vinyl Scratch. Nice to meet you, Octavia…"

"Tavi, you sure I shouldn't just go as DJ PON-3? You know, break the ice by impressing them with my wicked turntable skills." Vinyl asked, pretending to turn a record with her hoof as the Ponyville Express approached the Canterlot station.

Octavia chuckled softly. "I'm quite sure. They hate your kind of music. You'd just be confirming what they already think of you."

"And what, pray tell, do they think of me, if you don't mind me asking?" Vinyl asked in the same accent Octavia used, though hers was a bit more dramatic with a little more flare.

Octavia chuckled a bit again. Vinyl did always know how to make her laugh. She sighed heavily, leaning against her seat, her head against the cushioned headrest, and turned to look at the mare next to her.

"That you're a lowlife drunk or con artist, they go back and forth, that scratches their hooves on chalkboards and dares to call it music."

"Yikes. That's…a bit harsh. Where the hell did they get that idea?"

"Vinyl. We met in the bathroom of a nightclub just after you threw up from drinking too much, I was disobeying my parents just by being there, and you just so happened to bring me to your apartment drunk. Where do you think they got that idea? Not to mention I was a tad bit underage when I got in, so technically, we were breaking the law."

"Hey, it's not my fault you couldn't hold your liquor. Plus I've been sober for nine years. Plus, I didn't know you were underage. Their opinion of me is a total misfire." Octavia raised an eyebrow. Vinyl was silent for a moment before she reluctantly amended, "Okay, so maybe it wasn't completely off. But I've changed a lot since we met. I matured."

"I know you have Vinyl. Just…try to act more…"

"Respectful?" Vinyl asked with a raised eyebrow. "I'm not a barbarian you know. I know how to act."

Octavia nodded, taking a shaking breath and looking out the window to the passing countryside.

Vinyl noticed this and put a hoof on Octavia's. "Hey, you okay, Tavi?"

Octavia blinked back tears, before looking up at Vinyl. "I'm fine. I'm just…nervous is all."

The truth was, she was absolutely terrified. She still wasn't sure why she decided to come back after all these years. Maybe it was out of spite. To prove that they were wrong about her and Vinyl and that she was capable of living a happy life without their money, fancy name, or arranged marriages. That none of it mattered.

Or maybe it was because, despite everything that happened, she still missed her family. That even though she wouldn't trade her life with Vinyl, she still felt alone in the world. Because even though they made a horrible mistake sending her away, she knew that deep inside, they still loved her. Because, once upon a time, they were good parents. They kissed her goodnight and read her bedtime stories to help her go to sleep. They helped her discover her love of the cello. They supported her dreams to become the best cellist in Equestria.

Her mother taught her how to put on makeup and taught her what it means to have a good coltfriend who would treat her right. Lessons she applied to Vinyl when Vinyl asked her out. Her father brought her to parks and pushed her on the swings. Despite the suffocation of the family name, she had a good fillyhood. They were amazing parents. But they were only ponies, just like her. Should they really be judged and condemned for one mistake? Especially if they've shown regret? Should she really hold one mistake against them when she's made plenty of her own?

But then again, this wasn't just an everyday mistake. This was huge. For ten years, they casted out their own child. They made her choose between them and her own happiness. They put their family name over their own daughter. Did they really deserve the chance to make things right?

Octavia didn't know what to do.

"It's okay to be, Tavi," Vinyl said, ripping Octavia from her thoughts. "Considering how things ended, I'd be nervous too. But don't worry. I'll win your parents over with my sick beats."

Octavia chuckled, but it was shaky and wobbly. The train pulled into the train station, screeching to a stop. Slowly, Octavia and Vinyl stood up from their seats, grabbed their saddlebags, and exited the train, Octavia's heart racing until it threatened to burst out of her chest.

They walked through the station, Octavia staying close to Vinyl's side, her body drenched in a nervous cold sweat. She couldn't believe she was actually doing this. After all these years, she couldn't believe she was actually going to see them.

They exited the station only to see a giant gold carriage, with six stallions dressed in tuxes pulling it, a footcolt at the door, and a driver at the reins. The Sonata crest was engraved on the side of the carriage, a swan with two single eighth notes coming out of its beak as though it was singing.

"Wow, talk about flashy," Vinyl muttered. "You're parents are not ones for subtlety, are they?"

"No, they are not," Octavia responded before walking up to the carriage.

The footcolt gave a small bow, saying, "Lady Sonata", before opening the door of the carriage with his magic.

"I‐I prefer Melody, good sir," Octavia corrected, stepping into the carriage.

"O-of course, Lady Melody. My mistake." Vinyl approached the carriage, only for the footcolt to look at her as though she were crazy. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but whatever you're selling, we're not interested."

Vinyl opened her mouth to retort, clearly looking offended, but Octavia had already stuck her head out and was already answering before Vinyl could say a word. "It's okay sir. She's with me."

The footcolt hesitated briefly before nodding. "Very well, Lady Melody."

He stepped aside and allowed Vinyl to enter, Vinyl mumbling "rude" as she did. The footcolt closed the door and stood on the little platform at the back of the carriage, holding onto the bar that was there with his magic. The carriage took off, leaving the station behind.

"Sorry, Vinyl. The ponies around these parts can be a bit…stuffy." Octavia apologized.

"Stuffy's one word for it." Vinyl muttered grumpily.

"Hey, you're the one who insisted on coming. You didn't have to. And I warned you this wouldn't be easy."

Vinyl sighed, putting a hoof around Octavia. "I know, Tavi. I'm sorry. You're right. I'll try and have a better attitude."

Octavia smiled and kissed Vinyl as the carriage rode off to the Sonata Manor.

"Dude, this is your house!" Vinyl asked as she gaped up at the mansion with open-mouthed shock.

The mansion was huge, approximately the size of, like, fifty of their houses back in Ponyville. Actually, probably more like one hundred. Vinyl was surprised there weren't torrents sticking up out of it.

"It was my house," Octavia stated flatly, looking up at it with flat eyes. "My home is now back in Ponyville."

"More like a castle," Vinyl muttered as she stared out the window of the carriage.

The carriage approached the door to the manor following a stone road through an expertly manicured front lawn that's almost as big as the mansion itself. The carriage pulled to a stop and Vinyl was about to open the door to step out when Octavia shook her head, giving her a look that told Vinyl she should probably sit back down.

Vinyl did so, and only a few moments later, the door opened revealing the footcolt. He helped both of them step out onto the stone porch that was bigger than a pool and closed the door behind them. He jumped onto the back of the carriage, as though he was just along for the ride before the carriage pulled away.

The two mares turned to see a silver unicorn stallion with a sky-blue mane. He was old, probably in his mid to late fifties though he looked pretty spry despite his age. He stood next to the massive front door, dressed in a tux, watching them carefully with a small smile.

When Octavia caught sight of him, her face instantly brightened. "Mr. Platter!" She exclaimed, running up to hug the stallion, grinning ear to ear.

She couldn't be happier to see that he still worked here. Silver Platter was their butler since before Octavia was born, and when her parents were busy with writing music or attending parties she was unable to attend, it was Mr. Platter who watched over her. He had a hoof in raising her as much as her parents did.

It was Mr. Platter who was the first to find out about her and Vinyl's relationship when she first started seeing Vinyl in secret. He had supported their relationship and even encouraged her to follow her heart. When her parents casted her out, it was Mr. Platter that gave her enough money to make a fresh start when she and Vinyl wanted to move to Ponyville, without her parents' knowledge. She was so happy to see him here.

"Madame Melody. It's wonderful to see you again." Silver Platter said, his voice in the same accent as Octavia's, but his was slower and more articulate. "And, as I've said time and time again, you may just call me Silver, if you wish. We're definitely past formalities."

"Mr. Platter, if that were true, you'd be calling me Octavia," Octavia responded with a small smile. "Oh, it's so wonderful seeing you again. You have no idea how much I've missed you! How have you been?"

"Oh, not much has changed since you left, m'lady. I trust you've been happy in Ponyville? When I received your letter telling me you found a nice place to live there, I was immensely relieved. I worried you…well, let's just say, it's good to see you so happy." Silver Platter turned to look at the white unicorn standing awkwardly behind Octavia. "And who is this, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh, yes, Mr. Platter, this is my marefriend…" Octavia started before Vinyl interrupted, stepping up to hold out her hoof to the silver unicorn.

"Vinyl Scratch. Pleasure to meet you, sir."

Silver Platter shook Vinyl's hoof. "Ah, so you're the mare I've heard so much about. Pleasure to finally meet you in pony. I'm Silver Platter, the butler of this estate."

Vinyl chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her head. "I'd like to say the same, but, to be honest, I haven't heard all that much about you."

"Well, to be fair, seeing you here, most of what I've heard isn't true, I can tell you that much. So, I suppose I don't know all that much about you. I hope you've been taking good care of Lady Melody."

Vinyl smiled, glancing at Octavia. With the way Octavia dragged on about her parents, this wasn't quite what she was expecting. "Umm…yes, well…we kinda take care of each other. Though, she's looking after me most of the time."

"Mr. Platter here has been our butler for…well as long as I can remember. He helped raise me. He's like my grandfather and practically part of the family. Well, to me he is."

"That is very kind of you, m'lady. Your mother informed me to lead you to your room, and allow you to get ready for the gala."

Octavia froze while Vinyl looked confused. "Gala? You mean the Grand Galloping Gala?"

"No, Miss Scratch. A gala is simply a fancy party to mark an occasion. In this case, the gala is to honor your father. Even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are said to attend."

"Yo, the Royal Sisters are attending?! Just how important is this gala?" Vinyl asked, looking between Octavia and Silver Platter.

"It's not how important the gala is. It's how important my father is." Octavia mumbled, twisting her lips.

"Lady Melody is right. They are coming to acknowledge Mr. Sonata's attributions to music. It changed the direction of music as we know it. Just like every Sonata generation."

This was one of the reasons Octavia gave Vinyl a false name when they first met. Another reason that made it easier to choose her heart rather than her family when she was forced to. The pressure that came with having the Sonata name was enough to crush anypony, and it almost crushed her. It was the same reason she went to that nightclub that night so long ago. She wanted to be free of that, even if it was just for one night. She wanted to be free of the high expectations of being a music prodigy, just like every Sonata generation before her. She wanted to be free of the fear that she'd never live up to those expectations. That she'd never be good enough.

But coming back here had brought back all those emotions. Seeing this manor, being on this estate, going to this gala that'd be full of ponies asking her about her musical accomplishments when she had none was too much of a weight to have on her shoulders. And she doubted playing in the symphony of small town Ponyville counted as an accomplishment. And she missed her chance to be seen by the scouts from the Canterlot Symphony when she dropped everything to see her parents. And she doubted playing at the Grand Galloping Gala counted either. As a Sonata, she should've been attending it, not playing at it like some commoner.

She might as well face the music. Since leaving behind the Sonata name, she's been nothing but a failure.

Vinyl looked at Octavia, seeing her distasteful look. A look that bordered on fear. Or perhaps it was the distaste that masked the fear. "Hey, Tavi. You alright?"

Octavia looked up at Vinyl as though startled before clearing her throat. "Huh? Yes, I'm fine. It's just…it's weird being back here after all these years." Octavia chuckled bitterly. "Mr. Platter was right. Nothing's changed. It's just as soul-crushing as I remember."

Octavia laughed loudly as she tripped over her own hooves up the stairs. She fell into Vinyl, nearly making her fall from the weight of the golden grey earth pony.

"Tavi! Quiet! You're gonna wake up the whole building and my landlord's gonna kill me for it!" Vinyl hissed in a whisper.

She still wasn't sure why she brought this rando mare to her apartment. It wasn't like she owed her anything. But…well…the mare was drunk off her ass and it didn't feel right to let her fend for herself. The mare's friends came over a couple of hours earlier to say they were leaving, four different colored unicorns, but Octavia was a little tipsy by that point and opted to stay.

So…Vinyl offered to watch her and make sure nothing happened to her before she got home. So now Vinyl was stuck with her. Vinyl tried asking where she lived so she could drop her off, but the mare refused, saying she was taught to never give her address to strangers, which technically, Vinyl was. Though, she clearly had no qualms about going to a stranger's house drunk, since going to her apartment was Octavia's idea.

"Yesss Veenil! Ssshhh! You need…to be…quiiiieeet," Octavia said loudly, the only word she actually whispered being the last one.

Vinyl rolled her eyes. She almost felt bad for this mare. She was gonna have a nasty hangover.

"Whatever you say, Tavi." She muttered.

"Ma name'sh not T-Tavi. Itsh Oct-Ta-Vi-A," Octavia corrected, overenunciating her name, as though to make it clear how to say her name.

"Yes, ma'am," Vinyl muttered sarcastically. She definitely like the sober Octavia a lot better than the drunk one. In Vinyl's mind, there were three types of drunks, at least in her experience: the angry drunks, the fun ones, and the annoying ones. Octavia fell into the last category.

Octavia gasped in concern. "Oh…no…is…is shomepony all gwumpy?" Octavia leaned into Vinyl as she helped her down the hall to her apartment. "I hep you feel…bet…ter."

Octavia leaned in to kiss Vinyl on the cheek, but Vinyl quickly pushed Octavia away, ducking to avoid her kiss, causing Octavia to stumble over her own hooves and fall against the wall of somepony else's apartment. "Whoa there, lady. You're drunk and…not to be rude or anything but…you are so not my type."

"B-but…why not?" Octavia slurred in a pout, looking more like a three-year-old who didn't get the cookie they wanted than a grown mare.

Vinyl raised an eyebrow, not sure how to react to…whatever this was. "Well, for one, I prefer somepony who can hold their liquor."

"I…I can control me…licking…whoa…why's…why's the werld shpinning?" Octavia asked, suddenly seeming very unstable on her hooves. Well, more so than before.

"Yeah, no, you can't and…you know what? I'm not having this conversation right now?"

"Why…not?!" Octavia whined loudly, stumbling on her hooves, but Vinyl caught her in time. "I wanna know why you don't wanna date me…becuse you…you hot. Hey, why do you wear thoshe sunglashesh?"

"Because you're drunk, Tavi. And…Whoa, you doin' alright there?" Vinyl asked as Octavia dropped her head on top of Vinyl's.

"M'tired…your head feelsh like a…whatsh that thing called again…itsh white and…floofy…an…" Octavia's voice trailed off as she closed her eyes.

"No, Tavi. Tavi. Wake up. Tavi! You are not passing out on me dammit!" Vinyl panicked as she suddenly felt the entire weight of Octavia on top of her, nearly making her fall to the floor.

Vinyl lit her horn, using her magic to help hold the now snoring Octavia. She hated using her magic after drinking since it was always a little unstable, but she supposed she had no choice.

Suddenly, a door behind them opened, making Vinyl jump and turn around, seeing a tan stallion who had a grey mane and beard. "What the hell's goin' on out here?" He asked in a Manehattan accent.

Vinyl clenched her jaw. "Umm…sorry, sir…it's just that…umm…well…my umm…" Vinyl racked her head with an excuse, saying the first thing that came to her mind. "Marefriend here got a bit too much to…uhh…drink and now I'm trying to get her back to…our apartment but she uh…passed out halfway there…"

The stallion narrowed his eyes at her, silent for a moment before muttering. "Damn kids these days. They don't have any responsibility when it comes to these kinds of things." He shook his head and said louder, "Here, why don't I help ya out a bit? You look like you need it."

"Thanks," Vinyl said gratefully, quickly accepting the stallion's help, while in her mind she thought about how much she couldn't wait to be rid of this damn mare.

"My apologies, m'lady, but I'm afraid I don't have a room prepared for Miss Scratch." Silver Platter said as he led Vinyl and Octavia up the stairs of the mansion and down the hall, up another flight of stairs, and down more hallways, each one more decorative and elaborate than the last. "Her coming here was an…unexpected surprise. While a welcome one for me, if I'm being honest, I'm not quite sure how you're parents will react after, well…" Silver Platter stopped and glanced at Vinyl before continuing. "Everything."

Vinyl waved a dismissive hoof. "Oh, it's fine, Mr. P. I already know everything. And besides, Tavi and I can share a room. I mean, we already have for the past decade." She leaned into Octavia, brushing her lips against her cheek, making Octavia chuckle.

Silver Platter cleared his throat, and the two quickly jumped apart. "While I have no qualms about such an arrangement since you two are grown mares…you're parents may have…mixed feelings about it…to say the least." He turned to Octavia, making it clear he was solely speaking to her. "M'lady, I urge you to consider this when making your decision. If you want your visit to go as…" He glanced at Vinyl. "Smoothly as possible."

Octavia bit her lip, before sighing heavily. "Yes. I suppose you're right." She turned to Vinyl, who looked a little surprised and even a bit hurt. "Vinyl, your presence here already complicates, well…everything. I think it's best if we don't share a room…for now, at least. Just until my parents get used to the idea of us being together."

Vinyl rolled her eyes, knowing Octavia was right. "Fine. Lead on to the guest room Mr. P."

Mr. Platter gave a small smile. "What would you prefer, Miss Scratch? The front yard view, the backyard view, the lake view, or the ski resort?"

Vinyl turned to Octavia with wide eyes. "Holy shit, Tavi! Your family owns a lake and a ski resort?!"

Octavia chuckled, the first one that was genuinely happy, with no deeper negative emotion tied to it. "That's Mr. Platter's idea of a joke. My family doesn't own a lake. Though, my family does own a ski resort up in the mountains, but not only is it closed for the season, it's also a couple hours' ride from here."

Vinyl scoffed, blushing, and waving a dismissive hoof. "I knew that. I…I was just playing along. Whatever. I'd like the closest guest room to Tavi's."

"Perfect. I shall lead you there. Once you are settled, you two can get ready for the gala." Mr. Platter looked to Octavia. "I'm assuming Miss Scratch will be your plus one."

"You assumed correctly, Mr. Platter. And, mind doing one thing for me. Don't tell my parents or anypony that Vinyl has come yet. I want her to make her great debut during the gala."

Mr. Platter smiled deviously. "It would be my pleasure, m'lady."

Author's Note

Sorry this took awhile. I've had some things to deal with, the very things that inspired this story. At the author's note of the last chapter, I'll give some more details, but for now, let's just say I'm full of emotions and I feel like I could sleep for days from emotional exhaustion.

Something To Prove

Harmony Sonata was one of the greatest composers the Sonata family had ever known. She composed over seven hundred works, counting just orchestral arrangements alone. She was born into the family, Treble Cleff Sonata being married into it. Of course, because the name was so great, Treble Cleff took on Harmony's name.

At least one of her pieces has always been played at every Grand Galloping Gala for the past thirty years. The only ponies in the Sonata family that had surpassed her accomplishments are Leopold Sonata, who was Harmony's great-great-great-great-great-grandfather, and Aria Sonata, her great-grandmother. Leopold Sonata composed over eight hundred symphonies and the music he wrote was still played today and was still played in the Grand Galloping Gala. Aria Sonata wrote over seven hundred and fifty orchestral pieces, and her work was still considered that of a musical genius. Which made Harmony Sonata the third most successful Sonata to exist.

But none of that ran through Octavia's head as her eyes laid on the tan unicorn with a dark brown mane with yellow streaks and mulberry eyes. No. The only thing that ran through her mind was that absolutely nothing about her mother changed in the last ten years. She still looked exactly like she did ten years ago when she cast Octavia out.

Harmony Sonata glided down the staircase, every pony in the gala stomping their hooves in applause. Even the Royal Sisters, who stood in the back with ponies crowded around them softly stomped their hooves.

Harmony Sonata's contributions to music would outlive her for generations. More so than Treble Cleff Sonata's. This gala was a filly's birthday party compared to the ball that would be thrown in her honor. Her work overshadowed any of Treble Sonata's, and everypony knew it. And while it was something they all knew, not one of them dared to voice it aloud.

Harmony stopped halfway down the staircase, addressing all of the guests that attended, her voice echoing throughout the whole room. "'Music is the great uniter. An incredible force. Something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common.' Melodia Sonata said those words over two hundred years again, and they still ring true today. It's why we are all gathered here, to honor and cherish a musician who has brought great music that has been heard all over Equestria. One, I'm afraid, is close to his passing. And while he may leave us physically, not only will he live in the hearts of his family, but he will live on through his music. He'll leave behind a legacy, one he knows his son, Bittersweet Sonata, is on his way to fulfilling. My handsome son, please, join me by my side."

It was then Bitter stood up, bowing as the whole audience applauded. He quickly and elegantly walked up to the staircase, stopping to stand next to Harmony. Perhaps Octavia should've predicted what was about to happen, but it still blindsided her as her mind didn't even go there.

Harmony continued, blindsiding Octavia. "And one he hopes his beautiful daughter will carry on. From generation to generation. Octavia Sonata, my beautiful, darling daughter, will you please join me as your brother has."

Octavia froze, staring at her mother before glancing at Vinyl. Vinyl seemed at a loss too, not sure what to do. It had been ten years since Octavia had seen any member of her family, and now her mother was asking her to stand by her side, as though nothing had happened.

Octavia glanced around at the surrounding audience, her mind and body at a loss, not sure what the hell she was supposed to do. What she could do. Without making the conscious decision to do so, she slowly stood up, letting go of Vinyl's hooves, and walking towards the staircase.

Vinyl started to stand up, ready to follow Octavia so she wouldn't have to do this alone, but Octavia glanced back at Vinyl, softly shaking her head. Reluctantly, Vinyl sat back down, but it was clear she was anxious for Octavia, wanting to be right by her side in case she needed her.

Octavia walked up to her mother, standing by her side, her heart racing and her breath heavy. Her mother barely glanced at her, still playing the charade of the happy family. Her father may figuratively be the head of the household, but it was her mother who truly dictated things in the family.

"Join us as we all honor a master of music." She then turned to Bittersweet Sonata. "Bitter, please continue with the music. After all, that is why we are all here!"

Obediently, Bittersweet teleported onto the stage, beginning the music once again, resuming the song he ended with before Harmony entered. Everypony else dispersed, chatting amongst themselves as they had done before.

Octavia swallowed nervously, turning to face her mother before she was quickly enveloped in a hug, caught completely by surprise. Octavia's eyes widened as she glanced down at the unicorn mare that was currently hanging around her neck.

"I'm so sorry, my love. It was a mistake to do what we did." Harmony whispered in Octavia's ear.

Octavia was at a loss for words, completely dumbfounded. Sure, the letter said her father was regretful, but this was her mother she was talking about. Her mother was a million times more strict than her father ever was. It might've been her father who said the words that cast her out, but ultimately, it was her mother.

"Mother…I…" Octavia started before Harmony interrupted her.

"Not now. This is a discussion for later. Now is not the time." Harmony pulled away, watching her daughter with kind eyes. Octavia couldn't decide if it was real, or if her mother was a very good actress. Both were equally possible.

Octavia sighed, knowing she was right though. Now was not the time. It wasn't just her mother being manipulative, it was how she was raised. There were two rules that her family operated by when it came to private life and public life: Firstly, what happens behind closed doors stays behind closed doors, and secondly, your private life is not something that is put on display. Though, they were all going to have a very long talk when this was over.

"For now though, I want to know, how have you been? We must simply catch up."

"O-of course. But umm…first…there's…there's somepony I want you to…to meet."

Harmony smiled. "Ooh, a special somepony? Please, lead the way."

Octavia nodded, her nerves a fraying mess. She led the way, slowly walking down the stairs walking towards Vinyl, glancing at her mother. To a stranger, she had a look of anticipation, looking around the ballroom, her eyes lingering on every stallion, as though mentally trying to figure out who it was Octavia wanted to introduce her to.

But Octavia knew that look. She wasn't stupid. She knew Harmony was judging every stallion her gaze came across. Weighing the pros and cons of adding them to the family, her face showed the briefest hints of relief if they passed a stallion she didn't approve of, or the slightest flashes of disappointment if they passed a stallion she really approved of.

Octavia's heart raced as she thought back to her life with Vinyl. It wasn't anywhere near as successful as her brother's. He had everything while she was…what? Struggling to make ends meet in a small town in Ponyville? She played in the local band? Her marefriend turned records at foals' birthday parties?

Octavia came to a stop, standing next to Vinyl who had promptly stood up. "Mother, this is…is Vinyl." Octavia could hear her own voice shake.

Harmony was silent for a moment. "Vinyl…that name sounds famili–" Harmony stopped midsentence, her eyes widening as it hit her, causing Octavia to tense. "You're Vinyl?!" Her mother exclaimed in shock, gaining the attention of the ponies closest to her. They all turned to look at the three of them, forcing Harmony to swallow her words and clear her throat. "I-I mean, how…" Harmony paused before continuing, as though searching for the right word. "Delightful."

The ponies that had turned to look at Harmony stared at them for a bit before returning to their previous conversations. Harmony clenched her jaw, leaning into Octavia to whisper harshly in her ear, "You seriously brought her here? Now? That was ten years ago, did you really have to add insult to injury."

Octavia stepped back, stepping closer to Vinyl. "I didn't bring her here just to spite you, Mother. We're…we're together." Octavia said firmly, grabbing Vinyl's hoof, who quickly stepped closer to Octavia in silent support.

"Oh. You're…together." Harmony looked at their necks, seeing them empty. "So are you just dating or is it like an on-and-off thing?" She asked, her voice full of judgment. "You know, at your age, your brother wasn't fooling around with ex-marefriends. He was already married and had a successful career."

Octavia froze for a bit, her mind grappling. This wasn't what she intended. She wanted to show her mother how wrong she was, but Octavia could practically see the thoughts going through Harmony's head. Harmony was thinking how right she was and that if Octavia had just stayed, she'd be married by now. Just like her damn brother.

Well, maybe a white lie wouldn't be too bad. It's not like Vinyl didn't want to marry. She already tried proposing. And Octavia already knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Vinyl. So, where was the harm? Especially if it'd make this trip go easier.

"Actually, no. We're married," Octavia stated effortlessly, praying Vinyl wouldn't be mad and would understand.

"You're what?" Harmony asked at the same time Vinyl said "We're what?"

Octavia gave Vinyl a play-along look before clearing her throat and answering her mother as confidently as she could, hiding the tremor in her voice and praying her mother couldn't hear its remnants. "Yes. We are."

Harmony blinked. "Well…what…what about children? How do you intend to carry on the Sonata name when you can't even bear children? Honestly, Octavia, you've never been one to think these kinds of things through. I mean, your brother was already expecting his first child when he was a year younger than you."

Octavia clenched her jaw. There her mother went again comparing her to her damn brother. Would she ever be enough? The thing about being the youngest child in the family? Her brother was always raising the bar ridiculously high.

"We can have children. Right, Vinyl?" Octavia asked, turning to Vinyl for support.

Vinyl, not yet processing anything, just nodded. "Uh…yeah. O-of course?"

Harmony rolled her eyes. "Oh, let me guess. Adoption?" Harmony rolled her eyes. "Octavia, dear, do you know what makes the Sonata name so great? It's us. We carry the gift of music in our blood. How do you intend to pass on the gift to a foal who's not even related to you?"

Octavia bit her lip before blurting, "Our foal will have the Sonata blood. Because…because we were thinking about going the donor route. Yes. I'm going to be the one carrying the foal so that…it still has the Sonata blood."

Vinyl blinked, about as lost as Harmony was, or more so for that matter. "Umm…yeah. We…were…"

"We just wanted to focus on our careers. I was just about to be offered a spot in auditions for the Canterlot Symphony. And…and Vinyl here was asked to be conducted into the…DJ hall of…fame?"

The three of them stood there in silence for a moment. "That's a thing?" Harmony finally asked. Octavia had no clue.

Vinyl leaned into Octavia. This was getting out of hoof. "Hey, Tavi, mind if we have a quick chat? You know, alone?" She asked in Octavia's ear.

Octavia nodded in relief and the two of them left the ballroom, leaving through a side entrance that led to the gardens outside. Once they were outside, Vinyl glanced around as though making sure nopony was around before turning to Octavia.

"Okay, Tavi. What the hell was that?" Vinyl asked and Octavia could tell she was on the verge of anger.

"W-what do you mean?" Octavia played stupid. She knew exactly what this was about, but she didn't know how to explain herself so Vinyl would understand.

"What the hell do you think I mean, Tavi? Marriage? A donor? DJ Hall of Fame? That's not even a thing!"

"Okay, so, maybe I panicked a bit. I'm sorry. But…they weren't all lies. I…at least, the marriage part wasn't."

"What do you mean?" Vinyl asked with a sigh.

"I love you, Vinyl. I want to marry you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to have a family. I'm ready. It'll just be you and me. If you want, you can have my last name too. Vinyl Sonata! C-can you imagine it? You could be a great musician. We…we could be great together! You could be the greatest DJ in Equestria! I love you." Octavia leaned into Vinyl for a kiss.

Vinyl took a couple of steps away from Octavia, putting some major distance between them. "What the fuck, Octavia?!" Octavia flinched. Vinyl only called her by her full name when she was pissed, choosing to use her special nickname for Octavia most of the time. "Where the hell did this come from?! Just a couple of hours ago, you were worried about what your parents might think of me and now you're…what even is this? Some…some half-baked proposal?"

Vinyl was completely lost. She was so worried about Octavia being overwhelmed about…well, everything, only for her to end up the one completely confused. Everything was just happening so fast, that Vinyl could barely process any of it. One minute, they were dancing and completely in love, and the next, Octavia was telling her mother that the two of them were married and thinking about having kids when the two of them barely even touched on the subject because it'd always overwhelm Octavia whenever Vinyl tried even talking about it for the distant future, and now Octavia was proposing to her out of the blue. What the hell was going on? It was like, as soon as Harmony started talking to them, their life suddenly went full speed run.

"Vinyl, this isn't some half-baked proposal. I really do want to marry you. It…it was a realization I made while we were dancing. I love you. I…I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Octavia explained, taking a step closer towards Vinyl. "We can be happy."

But Vinyl just took a step back. "Are you sure about that, Tavi? Because I thought we already were happy. At least, I was." Vinyl stopped when the realization hit her, her eyes widening, her heart starting to crack. She took another step back. "This…this isn't about you realizing how much you love me at all, is it? This is all about getting your parents' stupid approval or proving to them your life's great or whatever it is you're trying to prove!" Vinyl yelled, trying to hold back the tears.

"Vinyl, no. O-okay, so maybe at first, but I really do want to marry you. I really–"

"No! I…I don't care about that right now! Why did you lie to your mother about our life?! Is it…is it because you don't think our life's good enough?! That you can only prove how good your life is by making up some picture-perfect world?!"

"What?! No!" Octavia yelled back, tears filling her own eyes "Vinyl, that's not true, I swear. I just–"

"Oh, no, I get it. It was because you thought I wouldn't good enough, wasn't it? That they'd think they were right about me all along because I couldn't do what they planned for you. Like…like marriage and…and kids and…a great musical career!"

"Vinyl, that is not true!" Octavia said firmly. "It doesn't matter whether my parents think you're good enough or not, because I love you. I don't care about what they think! It doesn't change how I feel about you!"

Vinyl blinked back tears. "Could've fooled me. Because if you truly didn't care, you wouldn't have made that shit up back there! You would've told the truth!" Vinyl paused as another thought came to her, breaking her heart. "Unless…unless you were afraid they were right about me all along. This…it wasn't their opinion you were worried about! It was yours! You…you think they were right, don't you? That…" Vinyl shook her head, stepping back, tears in her own eyes.

"No, Vinyl, please, listen! I…I just panicked. You have to believe me, it's not about that at all!" Octavia pleaded.

"I want to believe you. Really, I do. But, you see Octavia, if that were true, you wouldn't have needed to panic. You wouldn't have needed to lie about our life. You would've been proud of the life we already have, no matter how imperfect it is. But…I guess that doesn't really matter to you, does it."

"Vinyl, no. Please–" Octavia started, tears streaming freely down her face.

"Well, newsflash, the problem isn't me! We could've had EVERYTHING you lied about in there!" Vinyl yelled, leaning closer into Octavia's tear-streamed face, pointing towards the gala. "YOU rejected ME, remember! I tried proposing, but you said no! We could've been married and talked about having kids by now! But YOU said no, not me!"

"Vinyl, don't do this. Please. I love you! I…I don't want to lose you!"

Vinyl shook her head. "You should have thought about that before you lied about our life! I've been nothing but supportive with this whole situation, because, Celestia forbid, I felt guilty! I thought I was the one who got in between you and your parents! I thought it was the least I could do because you chose me so completely! Because you loved me! I felt honored because I thought that you loved me so much, that you chose me without any regrets. Turns out, you already regretted choosing me. I just wish I knew that, to begin with. I could've made all this easier for you."

"Vinyl, please, you don't mean that!"

"Yeah, I do! Because no matter how much you deny it, if you thought our life was worth choosing, if you thought I was worth choosing, you wouldn't have panicked and lied about it so easily. You made your thoughts on us quite clear." Vinyl shook her head, turning to walk away. "I'm outta here. I don't need this."

Octavia hurried after Vinyl, tears in her eyes, grabbing her shoulder with one of her hooves. "Vinyl, wait. Don't go!"

Vinyl pulled out of her grip. "Don't touch me. Just…just stay the hell away from me."

Vinyl stomped away, anger and heartbreak mixing in her blood. Tears streamed down Octavia's face. "Vinyl…" She cried softly, her breath hitching.

She slowly collapsed to the ground, her legs suddenly feeling weak. She tried to breathe, but with all the sobs, she couldn't seem to find air. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to stop the tears, but it was useless. They'd never stop. It felt like she was broken into a million pieces around her hooves and scattered across the ground. She wished she was anywhere but there. She tried to gather her thoughts, but without Vinyl, it felt like fragments and pieces were lost.

Vinyl was wrong. She had to be wrong. She just had to be.

But, if that was true, why did she lie so easily to her mother?

But, no. She loved Vinyl. She loved her life with her, and wouldn't trade it for anything. A sob burst from Octavia. Vinyl was right about one thing. She was trying to get her mother's approval. It was just a habitual thing. Something she strived for her whole life. And now that she saw her mother again for the first time in ten years, she fell into old habits. She just wanted to prove so much that she was as good as her brother, but she failed to realize it was costing her the most important thing in her life. Vinyl.

She stood up, determination set deeply in her features. She had to make this right. She just had to. She wouldn't lose Vinyl. Not over something like this. She knew what she had to do.

She had to tell her mother the truth, no matter the cost.

Dreams

Octavia woke up alone in bed for the first time in ten years. She lay there for a bit, her heart breaking. She turned to face the picture on her nightstand. It was of her and Vinyl when they moved into their little house in Ponyville.

"Hey, Taivi! Check this out!"

"Vinyl! Put that down before you break it…!"

She softly closed her eyes as tears filled them. She tried to tell her mother, really she did, but she just…couldn't. There were ponies she just had to meet, news she just had to hear, catching up she just had to do. Harmony was a chaotic whirlwind, dragging Octavia all over the ballroom, barely allowing Octavia to speak. She didn't even ask where Vinyl was or if she was okay. She didn't even seem to notice she was gone.

"Vinyl, stop! That tickles!"

"Sure, I'll stop. Once you admit I'm the best musician in all of Equestria!"

"Okay, okay! You're the best…after me, of course…!"

Octavia shook her head, hoping to clear the memories with it. She slowly sat up, climbing out of bed to get ready for the day. She wondered if Vinyl would forgive her, or even allow her to apologize. She hoped so. She wouldn't forgive herself until Vinyl did. And if she didn't…Octavia shivered. She didn't even want to think about that.

"This is it, Taivi. This is where all of our dreams come true. This is where it all starts. Right here in Ponyville. You're going to be part of the Canterlot Symphony, and I'm gonna be the best DJ in all of Equestria. I can see it now. Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch, the best musicians in all of Equestria."

"Vinyl, you know you're my only dream. I don't care where life takes us, as long as you're by my side, all my dreams have come true. You are all I need."

"Same here, Taivi. Same here…"

Octavia walked down the stairs, wiping tears away, and into the kitchen. She knew her mother and brother were waiting for her in the dining room, but she didn't want to face them. Not now. She was worried. She hadn't seen Vinyl all morning and she worried Vinyl left without her.

However, once she got to the kitchen, she stopped, gasping, her heart breaking all over again. She saw Vinyl there, pouring herself a cup of coffee and making herself some toast, much to the chagrin of the staff.

But it wasn't that that made Octavia sad. It was the purple sunglasses Vinyl was wearing. Whenever she put her purple sunglasses on, mentally, she'd have the DJ PON-3 persona. While it was mostly how she kept her work life separate from her home one, they also came on when Vinyl was…emotional. Vinyl struggled to be vulnerable, and these sunglasses were her armor. DJ PON-3 was a mute DJ who only loved to turn records and party till the sun came up.

She'd often put them on after she and Octavia had a massive fight, and while that wasn't all that common, it did happen once in a while. All couples were bound to fight. But when Vinyl put on those glasses, it was a clear sign Vinyl was in no mood to talk or show any emotion whatsoever. It'd usually piss Octavia off. She was the kind of pony who liked to deal with a problem head-on, and get it solved quickly so they could move on. Vinyl was a…put it off as long as possible mare and usually, the day would end with Octavia ripping those damn glasses off and forcing Vinyl to deal with whatever fight they were having.

Today, though, it was only a reminder of how much she hurt Vinyl last night when she lied about their life.

"Vinyl…" Octavia started, walking up to her marefriend.

But Vinyl didn't even flinch. That was when Octavia noticed the headphones on Vinyl' head and heard the blaring music coming out of them. Octavia was about to take them off, when she noticed the song playing in the background. It was one of the songs that was playing in the nightclub the night they met. It was a playlist Vinyl had put together for Octavia for their fifth anniversary. It was an anniversary she remembered clearly.

"You know what, Taivs. I'm just gonna cancel," Vinyl said, raising her hooves in the air.

"Vinyl, no. You need to do this. We need the money," Octavia said, helping Binyl pack for her gig.

"It's our fifth anniversary. It's big. We should be celebrating." Vinyl insisted, clearly uneasy.

"And we will. Remember, I'm coming with. Just…play your set and when you're done, we can party all night long."

Vinyl rolled her eyes. "Aren't anniversaries supposed to be romantic. I don't think your idea of romantic is partying up in Ponyville's underground club with Derpy and Doctor Whooves on their first date."

Octavia smiled. "Okay, one, it's not just a first date, it's a group date. Lyra and I set Derpy up on a blind date but she was too nervous to go alone so we decided to make it a group date. Bon Bon and Lyra are going too and you'll be there once you're done." Octavia leaned towards Vinyl, whispering seductively. "Plus, if partying up in Ponyville's underground club with Derpy and Doctor Whooves on their first date isn't romantic enough, I'm sure I can fix that when we get home."

"Are you sure you don't mind?" Vinyl asked, biting her lower lip, still not fully convinced.

"Positive." Octavia pulled away, dragging Vinyl up the stairs from the basement, balancing the case of Vinyl's records carefully on her back while Vinyl carried her table, her amps, and other such equipment with her magic. "Now let's go. We're gonna be late."

"Sure, Taivi. I'll be right up. I just gotta check on something. Make sure my baby is ready to play the best show ever tonight."

Octavia rolled her eyes. "DJ's and their equipment, I swear." She muttered as she walked up the stairs.

Vinyl smiled after her, deciding to let Octavia have this one and not mention how she calls her cello her precious baby. She walked over to her shelf of records, all neatly organized in their sleeves and pulled out on particular one. A record she had very carefully put together to play tonight, as a surprise for Octavia. It took months to perfect, but she thought she got it just right. She quickly put the sleeve in one of her equipment boxes so Octavia wouldn't see it and quickly hurried up the stairs, with Octavia calling after her to hurry up.

Octavia sighed, before bracing herself. She had to do this. It was now or never. She took a deep breath to steady herself before she ripped off Vinyl's headphones, grabbed her hoof, and began pulling her to the dining room.

"What the hell…!" Vinyl exclaimed, so shocked for the first time in her life that she actually broke character. This was so unlike Octavia that it truly surprised Vinyl.

Octavia stopped right before they entered the dining room. "Look, Vinyl, about last night–"

"Taivi, I'm not in the mood to–"

"No. You are DJ PON-3. Which means you are done talking. Now you're going to listen. Besides, you did plenty of talking last night for the both of us. Got it?"

Vinyl was silent, her mouth twisting in displeasure.

Octavia took that to mean that she won, for now, at least. So, she continued, before Vinyl could change her mind. "As I was saying, about last night, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so quick to lie about our lives because, truth is…you were right. Being back here, it made me worry that maybe my parents were right. Not about you but…well…about how good our life really was without the family name. Looking back on our life, I worried that I had held you back. That I had held us back. When we first bought our house in Ponyville, the day we moved in, you said that was where all of our dreams were going to come true. That was where it was all going to start. And none of it ever really did. Because I was scared for it to. I was scared that if I opened myself up to the possibility, and it all failed, my parents would be right. And I didn't want that. At least when none of it went to plan because of me, there was the hope that if I just let it all happen, it would work out. But if I did and it didn't, then what?"

Vinyl took a deep breath and pulled off her glasses, looking Octavia in the eye. "Taivi, you know I never cared about that. Any of that. Not really. Sure, it'd sweeten the deal, but the only thing I really cared about was you. I just…thought that was all you cared about too."

"It is. I just…I'm sorry. I just…I wanted you to have the life you dreamed of. I wanted to give that to you." Octavia looked down, tears filling her eyes.

"Taivi," Vinyl put a hoof under Octavia's chin. "Don't you know? You are my dream." Vinyl sighed, looking away, rubbing the back of her neck. "Though, a lot of it is my fault. I guess coming here, I felt insecure. I worried that you coming back here, you'd realize how much you missed this life and that you'd realize your parents were right and that I wasn't good enough. I guess I've never been too good at expressing myself and overreacted instead of just talking to you about it."

"Oh, Vinyl. You are and always have been enough." Octavia reached up and kissed Vinyl. "You needn't ever worry about that. You are my soul mate and nothing can ever change that."

Vinyl smiled. "Soul mate, huh? I like the sound of that. Whatever made you go there?"

Octavia shrugged, thinking back to her talk with Bon Bon all those years ago. "Oh, nothing. Just a realization a good friend helped me come to." Octavia took a deep breath, before grabbing Vinyl's hoof and turning towards the dining room. "Alright. Ready to face my parents?"

"As ready as you are." Vinyl smiled softly. "You sure you're ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be. More ready than I was last night."

Octavia didn't know what was to come in the future, or what was going to come in the next hour, but she was no longer afraid. Because, she knew, that no matter what came of this visit, she'd have Vinyl by her side, no matter what.

She and Vinyl kissed one last time before turning towards the dining room and walking through the doorway, holding hooves in solidarity.

No matter what, Octavia and Vinyl had each other, and that was all that mattered…

Author's Note

Okay…before any of you start bashing my head in for ending it here…no I didn't rush anything, nor did I change the ending last minute. This is how I planned for it to end since the beginning. Kind of. Since the second chapter. For a reason…

Okay, the explanation you have been waiting for…

So, I have a half sister. The only time I really ever met her was when I was seven, and that ended…poorly.

Over ten years later and she comes knocking on our door, stirring up all these emotions. Which is where the idea for this story came from. It was originally meant to be about Vinyl and her brother coming over for the first time in years, yada yada, but…well, it didn't end there.

Recently, as in last year, I got into contact with my grandmother for the first time in my whole life. That part is a little more complicated.

As some of you have said in the comments, you guys can't exactly imagine casting out a member of your family and you don't get why others would. Well, here's a reason. Religion.

I'm not gonna go into all that stuff since religion can be a very sensitive topic, and if there are any comments about who's religion is wrong and who's is right and blah blah blah, any comments on religion that are not directly related to the story will be deleted by me.

To put it simply, my grandmother is a jehovah witness. She raised my mother in the same religion. Long story short, my mother was disfellowshipped and for those of you who don't know what that means, it's a lot less brutal form of an Amish shunning. Have any other questions, look it up.

Anyway, my mother and grandmother haven't spoken in decades. Until, one day, I was curious and decided I wanted to get in contact with her. She wanted to get to know me, and since I technically was never baptized in the religion and then disfellowshiped, her religion would allow her to without consequences. The day my sister came, my mom had called my grandmother to see if she's had any contact with my sister and whatnot, again, complicated, but let's just say, that phone call ended with me meeting my grandmother in person for the first time in four days from then, since the only contact we had was over the phone.

For me personally, I need time to process things. So, it was all very overwhelming, emotions were high, I was sick with nerves, (gotta love having an anxiety disorder), it felt like the day was coming too quickly and yet not quick enough…it was a lot…especially with my sister coming and how things ended with my mom and my grandmother and among other things I'm not about to unhash right now…

I ended the story here because ultimately, it was all too much and I ended up canceling the day before. Well, the night before and we agreed that the next time we planned to meet, it will be with more forewarning so I have time to process it. So…that's the story behind the…story. Now that you know, you can probably start understanding why the story played out as it did. And as I'm writing this, I'm finding more nuances between the story and real life that I didn't even realize existed.

Welp, now that those feelings are all reopened, I'm gonna deal with them the best way I know how to deal with emotions which is by completely avoiding them and watching Once Upon A Time on Disney Plus.

Hakuna Matata everybody.