Ever Growing Friendship

Written by: Cloudline Dasher

Edited by: Bytestorm

Chapter 18: The Pretty Pon-3 Toy

“Trace?” Lyra's voice called out, but to no avail, as she opened her eyes, the disappointing reality that she was alone in her own hotel room. A frown immediately formed on her face as she let out a sigh. Getting up from her spot on the bed, she immediately stepped over to the vanity dresser, using her magic to straighten her hair with a brush. Glancing over to her duffel bag in the corner, lay a stack of letters being held together by a rubber band. All containing Fluttershy's and Trace's written words to her. Most of the better ones had been read multiple times, just to keep herself from going crazy, and without her friends Octavia and Vinyl, she most likely would have already.

Looking over to the clock, it was only around ten am, which meant she had just about all day for whatever. Most of the gigs started around six or later, depending on the stadium, club, or whatever. The way Melodic Whistle apparently had it set up, they would go to one city and play one really large gig, and either the days before or after would be several private jobs. They would play for high class parties, or for club owners. All would pay very well, and they always ended with the band being pampered. Not to mention free booze if desired. Lyra wasn't one for getting drunk except for the rare occasion, but sometimes Vinyl would drag her and Octavia out for a night on the town. Which they always were given at least two days off a week, and one of those days often included the ride to the next town.

Throwing down the brush, Lyra turned for the stack of letters, slipping a random one from the pile before opening it. Often enough she started out looking at the words themselves, by now she was plenty familiar with both of her herd mates writing styles. This letter in particular was immediately recognized as one of the first letters they had sent her. About a week after she had been gone, she received this letter along with several others after cussing the mail carrier out and making sure these ones in particular made their way to her. Which was tough seeing as she received tons of fan mail a day. Often enough she wished dearly the things called phones existed that Trace had once told her about.

After slipping the letter back along with the rest, her attention was pulled over to the door, “Hey Lyra, you up?”

“Vinyl?” Lyra asked, shocked that Vinyl wasn't in bed with a hangover. She rushed over and opened the door, and sure enough there stood a fresh and clean Vinyl.

“Tavi and I are going out on the town, you commin’?” Vinyl grinned as she lifted her glasses to the top of her head so her eyes could be seen.

Looking at her with a bit of curiousness, she couldn't help the stutter, “S-sure thing.”

Once headed down the hall, Vinyl finally noticed the repeated looks she was receiving from her minty green friend, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Oh I don't know, maybe because usually you are fighting a hangover just about every morning...” Lyra stated with a raised and accusing eyebrow.

“I’m spinning a new record, Lyra. Tavi doesn't think I could be monogamous, so first step is no more getting dead drunk or wild herd parties.” Vinyl grinned even though she didn't seemed too eager to give them up.

“Well, just... keep it up. If you are serious, Octavia should see that.” Lyra smiled, unsure if she had faith in her wild and unruly party pal.

Upon ending her sentence, she noticed Octavia waiting in the lobby, her attention snapping over to them as they approached. Looking at the dark mare's expression, she also apparently took notice to the sober mare, but didn't seem to comment. Lyra looked to Vinyl and asked, “So, where too?”

“Trottingham has some of the best foods in John Bison’s bistro, so I was hoping to head over there.” Vinyl stated as she levitated a pamphlet from seemingly nowhere.

Octavia snagged the booklet from the air and looked it over, her expression immediately turning sour, “Bison's Bistro is awful fancy Vinyl... You need a reservation and you don't even like fancy places like this... Usually when you say go out, you mean a hayburger at some vending stand...”

A rather large grin formed on Vinyl's face as she looked over to both of her friends, “I know! I have reservations at every single town we are to visit. Melodic Whistle gave me a schedule plan for all the gigs, and I set each one for one day during our stay in that town. I've planned everything to a T.”

Lyra couldn't help but feel proud of the DJ playing party mare, she must be really serious about liking Octavia, and if she came through with staying sober enough to go to each reservation, Octavia just might give her a chance. Lyra's proud grin faded as she noticed the rather distasteful grin on Octavia's face as she spoke up, “Vinyl, this is going to cost a fortune to keep going to places like this, not to mention your enthusiasm when it comes to partying, I know you didn't go out drinking last night, but that doesn't mean you will stay sober enough to go to any of the others...”

A pang of hurt could clearly be seen on Vinyl's face, but instead of snapping like they both expected her too, she simply forced away the hurt with a simple grin before snapping the pamphlet from Octavia's hooves, “We'll see!”

Both Octavia and Lyra's eyes met in confusion before they followed Vinyl out the door. Vinyl was well ahead of both of them and Lyra could hear Octavia whisper over to her, “What is up with her?”

Looking up ahead to make sure Vinyl wasn't paying attention, Lyra got a little closer as she whispered back, “She's giving up herds and alcohol to try and impress you.”

“What!” Octavia's voice squeaked, gaining a few passerby's attention, but Vinyl had been slowly gaining distance ahead of them, so she didn't hear, “I thought she was putting that behind her?”

Upon catching her short burst, Octavia's ears had shot back, but slowly returned to normal as Lyra continued, “I really think she is serious about liking you! I would give it time just to make sure, but you should consider giving her a chance.”

“But what if it doesn't work out?” Octavia frowned as her pace slowed.

“Hurry up slowpokes!” Vinyl called out from far, far ahead.

Octavia shot Lyra a worried, 'we will talk about this later' glare as she quickened her pace toward Vinyl, “Sorry! We are coming!”

~~Apparentlythisisaline~~

Once in the room, many high class ponies could be seen noticing them. The waiter didn't even ask whom they were as he grabbed a few menus with his mouth and placing them into a sleeve hanging from his sides, “This way Madame Vinyl and party.”

Both of Vinyl's companions couldn't help but take notice that many in the restaurant were wearing formal attire, but that just seemed optional. Luckily there were others that were in the nude or in no more than just bow ties. Upon reaching the table, the stallion that had grabbed the menus lay them down at each of the seats, before turning to the three mares, “Your waiter will be right with you.”

Vinyl nodded before pulling out a chair, “Here you go Octavia, sit here!”

Grunting, Octavia went to a different chair and sitting down, “I'll sit here.., thanks...”

Lyra noticed Vinyl frown slightly before catching it and smiling, “I'll take this one then.”

Taking the last seat, Lyra glanced from each of her friends, before slowly levitating the menu open in front of her. The menu just like some of the more fancy restaurants had dishes to be suitable for just about any race, just if the need arose. However the meat dishes instantly made her mind wander to Trace, wondering which one he would choose. Thinking of Trace, eventually made her mind wander to Fluttershy, and could picture her freezing up, just as she had when they went to the Drink Coltsters and she spotted the meat dishes. A loud giggle escaped Lyra as the menu fell slightly back to the table. Looking up from the menu, a blush quickly formed on Lyra's face as she noticed both Octavia and Vinyl looking her way, as well as random ponies at nearby tables.

“Something funny?” Vinyl asked, a smile on her face, clearly not minding a good laugh.

A similar grin was on Octavia's face, but looked more like she suspected the reason was her minty friend was thinking of her herd, and her suspicion was right.

“Sorry, was just thinking of Trace and Fluttershy. Shy would always freeze up and get squeaky when she saw animals on the menu.” stated Lyra, hoping that explaining would ease the embarrassment, which it didn't.

“You miss them quite a bit, don't you?” Octavia asked with a caring look only a very good friend could ever hope to muster.

Lyra couldn't help but frown at her friend’s question, giving her a small affirming nod, “Yeah, we were all only recently getting really comfortable with one another, and then I had to leave. I love them to death, but I honestly didn't think it would be this hard.”

Both the minty mare's friends giggled, but it was Vinyl to speak up, “Don't worry, they will be there when you get back. Plus, didn't you say that they are coming to the Canterlot show? Melodic Whistle didn't book any private gigs before the show, so if you tell them to come early, you could spend the entire week with them.”

“Yeah! That's right! I'll have to tell them that in my next letter, plus they wouldn't have to rent a room. They could just stay with me in mine!” Lyra's expression picked up, to one of happiness. Whenever she got excited and thought about the Canterlot show, she would get impatient for it, but on top of the impatience usually brought a feeling of them being there with her. She managed a happy sigh as she picked her menu back up, “Thanks girls, you're the best.”

A small calming and gentle voice came from Octavia as she spoke, “Just know, we are also your family here, you're not alone.”

“Yeah! If you need to talk, you know where to find us!” Vinyl joined in.

~~Apparentlythisisaline~~

The waiter received their orders, and had served them. Upon ordering, both mares could tell Vinyl's reluctance to not order some champagne, but was proud that she was trying so hard. Vinyl seemed to have a hard time ordering, mainly since she preferred a simple hayburger or hayfries. Luckily however, the restaurant had simple alternatives for young colts and fillies, and she didn't seemed embarrassed in the least to be ordering a kids meal. Octavia even admitted she was surprised they offered kids meals at a high end place like this in the first place. Vinyl even seemed enthusiastic at the small toy she received.

A couple times Octavia swatted Vinyl's hoof when she started playing with the small pony that was very much resembled Celestia, but that didn't stop her from trying.

“You may like to drink and party, but you're just an overgrown filly, aren't you?!” Lyra giggled as she teased.

Vinyl couldn't help the opportunity to stick out her tongue at Lyra, but soon ended in a playful giggle. Vinyl's attention was soon snagged away when a hoof could be felt tapping her side. Looking over, Vinyl's eyes first made contact to a small toy hovering in front of her face. Upon further inspection, it was a mini toy her, encased in a pink aura. Looking down to her side, she noticed a young unicorn colt looking up at her. A smile formed on Vinyl's face as she asked, “Can I help you?”

“You look like my toy…” was all the young kid stated as he kept his eyes glued to the multi blue-maned mare.

“Butterscotch! Get back here this instance!” Scolded an older unicorn mare as she marched over to the table.

Before the mother could do anything, Vinyl tried to laugh, “It's okay ma'am, he was just curious.”

“Minding his manners, that is what he should be doing!” The mother growled as she grabbed hold of the young colt in her magic, “Now apologize to the nice lady!”

“I'm sorry pretty toy lady...” The young colt stated as he glanced down to the floor, sadness apparent on his face.

The colt was soon led away, and once Lyra's and Octavia's attention was released from the colt and his mother, their eyes landed on Vinyl and her rosy cheeks.

“Is the pretty toy lady flattered?” giggled the teasing Lyra.

“Shush!” Vinyl snapped defensively.

“What's wrong, not used to the colts coming up to you?” Octavia joined in, not usually one to join in on teasing, but couldn't help teasing her rowdy friend.

Vinyl grunted silently as her gaze lowered down to her food. Her magic pushing around some hayfries on her plate. She glanced up to see her friend’s smiles still on their faces, and a grin pried its way onto her own until they all ended up laughing.

~~Apparentlythisisaline~~

Later that night: 6:55 PM

“Five minutes until show time!” A random stage mare called out backstage. Her eyes remaining glued to the clipboard hovering in front of her.

Looking around the room, Lyra made a mental note at where all her band members were. This was the main gig of the town for them, which usually meant each of them playing a solo, before all of them playing together at the end of the night. They would always rotate who went first, and tonight, one of the newbies was up first. A stallion that had joined the band by the name of Harmony, and he played the electric piano. He was adept at playing just about any genre, which was the main reason he was chosen by Melodic Whistle. He could change the settings on his keyboard for Vinyl's wubby style, or play classical for Octavia's Cello, or whatever the time called for. Then next the minty unicorn would be up with her Lyre.

“Lyra Heartstrings!” A voice called out throughout backstage.

“It's not my turn yet, Harmony is supposed...” Lyra was cut off when she noticed it was a mail carrier pegasi that was calling her name. A single letter held in hoof right in front of her. Gently taking the letter, the pegasi nodded before he was off. Octavia and Vinyl gathered around her, knowing just whom the letter was bound to be from.

Vinyl and Octavia grinned along with Lyra, happy that the letter was apparently pleasing to their minty unicorn friend. Vinyl stepped forward as she gently asked, “What did they say?”

“They are getting along well and Shy wants to know if Trace and I would move in with her. Trace didn't want to leave me out of the decision, so he's leaving it up to me.” Lyra smiled as she gently returned the letters to its envelope.

“What are you going to tell them?” asked the smiling Octavia.

“I'm going to say yes, I'm so happy to hear they are getting closer to each other instead of drifting apart.” Lyra smiled from ear to ear.

To both of her fellow band members, it almost looked like Lyra was ready to cry, her eyes were glassy and her hooves held the letter along with her lyre tightly to her chest. Octavia eased her way over as she ran her cheek up against her green friends, “Pull it together, you're up next and you wouldn't want your fans to see you like this, would you?”

Sniffling and wiping her eyes with her hoof, Lyra nodded before swallowing, “You're right, the show must go on.”

~~Apparentlythisisaline~~

Fluttershy's Cottage:

Fluttering of wings could be heard rapidly nearing, but instead of gentle chirping of birds, sounds of animals scurrying away could be heard, followed by a loud, “BANG!” and then a “THUD!”

With the sudden sounds, Fluttershy and Trace hurried their way downstairs and outside. They halted when the saw a large gray butt marked with bubbles and stray letters sticking out of a bush. Using his dexterous hands, Trace wrapped his arms around the gray mail mare before pulling her from the shrubbery and gently setting her down.

“Are you okay Derpy?” Fluttershy asked calmly, placing her hoof on the mailmare’s shoulder.

“I came to bring you a letter, but I got dizzy and crashed...” Derpy admitted, her eyes skewing and trying desperately to focus. After a moment, her left eye focused on Trace, while the other remained focused on nowhere in particular.

Bending down to one knee, Trace began gathering letters and replacing them in Derpy's mailbag. Trace's hand paused for a moment as he picked up a letter that contained his and Fluttershy's names.

“Thanks for helping clean up, but I must be going!” Derpy smiled, trying to hide her embarrassment, before taking back to the air. Almost hitting a nearby tree branch.

Almost as excited as Trace was, Fluttershy couldn't help but hurry her stallion, “What's it say?”

Taking that as his cue, Trace hurriedly opened the letter and started to read aloud.

'Dear Fluttershy and Trace,

I'm so glad you two are getting closer, I was worried you both would drift apart. I would be happy for both Trace and myself to move in with you Fluttershy. Do as you will with the house Trace. Not much use of it if we're not staying in it. OH! And good news! If you come a week early before the Canterlot show, we can spend the entire week together! I have nothing except the Canterlot show booked that week, so I can have both of you all to myself!

Love,

Lyra Heartstrings

P.S. Octavia and Vinyl says hello'

Author's Note

*sighes* I know I said I would start doing these faster, but unexpected family showed up and stayed for a long time. I keep coming up with different excuses don't I? *slaps my left hoof with my right.* Bad Cloudline, bad, very bad pony.

Anyway, I hope that doesn't stop you ponies from enjoying the story. Ciao for now, and until next time!