Hey Diddle Diddle, A Visit From Fiddle

Chapters

Paradigm Shift
Town Pony, Country Pony
Hard to be Humble
Vagabonds Don't Need Servants
Same Notes, Different Tempos
Reversed Routine
Being Good Sisters
Slaves of Routine
Mixed Feelings

Paradigm Shift

Octavia awoke to the familiar sound of dubstep being played at full blast emanating from the living room. She groaned and growled, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she shambled out of bed and into the kitchen. Vinyl Scratch was waiting for her, looking as energetic as ever.

"Good morning, Tavi!" she yelled, straining her voice over the stereo blaring in the living room.

"Mmph. 'Morning," Octavia grumbled. "Vinyl, it's Saturday. Can you please keep it down?"

"Huh?!" said Vinyl. "I didn't quite catch that, Tavi!"

Octavia sighed and marched right into the living room. She lowered the volume on the stereo and turned back to Vinyl. "I was asking you to keep it down."

"Sorry! Still can't hear you!" Vinyl hollered.

Octavia was not in the mood for Vinyl's shenanigans. "Don't do this to me, Vinyl Scratch," she snarled, making a beeline to the eccentric DJ. "I was up all night waiting for you, and I think I deserve to sleep in."

"Hey, I didn't ask you to bust me," Vinyl said without thinking. When she noticed Octavia's mood sour, she tried to backpedal. "Uh, wait. That came out wrong..."

"Just for that, it's your turn to get dinner on the table tonight," said Octavia sternly. "And you're using your own money this time."

"C'mon, Octy! Why do you gotta be such a narc?" Vinyl complained. "Can't you let me off the hook just this once?"

"Don't even try it, Vinyl," said Octavia, walking into the kitchen and taking out some crescent rolls. "You know I cut you a lot of slack. Heck, some would argue that I cut you too much slack."

"Yeah, I know," said Vinyl with a grin. "That's what I love about you, Tavi. You let me be me."

Octavia gave Vinyl a sideways glance and a dry smirk. "You can't sweet talk your way out of this one, Vinyl. You're in charge of dinner tonight, and that's final."

"Celestia damn it," Vinyl muttered. "Ah well, worth a try."

Octavia simply rolled her eyes as she made her way to the kitchen counter. When she got there, she became even more exasperated. "Ugh, Vinyl~."

"What did I do now?" asked Vinyl.

"How many times do I have to tell you?" Octavia said, pointing to an empty coffee pot. "If you insist on waking up at the crack of dawn, the least you can do is brew a fresh pot of coffee."

"Oh, yeah. I knew I forgot something," said Vinyl sheepishly. "Want me to make it now?"

"No, no. It's fine," said Octavia. "Knowing you, you'd just try to grind the beans with wubs or something."

Vinyl couldn't help but snicker. "You know, the thought hadn't actually crossed my mind until this second. Maybe I'll try that tomorrow."

Octavia slapped her face with her hoof. "I was kidding, Vinyl."

"Really? 'Cause it sounds like a good idea to me," said Vinyl with a laugh. "That's another thing I love about you, Tavi. You're so fun to tease."

"I am painfully aware of that," Octavia sighed as she prepared the coffee. "Now why don't you make yourself useful and see if the mail has come in yet?"

"Slave driver," huffed Vinyl, sticking her tongue out at Octavia as she made her way out the door.

Octavia sighed again and shook her head. "Why can't she ever act her age?" she mumbled to herself as she continued to make her breakfast. A few seconds later, the door slammed and Vinyl trotted back into the kitchen.

"Let's see here," Vinyl mused, sifting through the letters. "Bill, solicitor, fan mail, restraining order..."

"Who'd you piss off this time?" Octavia inquired.

"Don't know, don't care," said Vinyl indifferently, tossing the letter away. She then got to the last letter, and her eyes glistened with interest. "Ooh. This one's for you, Octy."

Octavia looked over at Vinyl. "For me?" she asked. "Who's it from?"

"No clue. There's no return address," said Vinyl, looking over the rustic yellow envelope. "It just has a picture of your Cutie Mark on it."

Octavia tilted her head. "My Cutie Mark? Are you sure?"

"Only one way to find out," said Vinyl slyly, eyeing Octavia's flank. "And hey, who knows where it'll go from there."

Octavia gave Vinyl a bemused look. "In case you haven't noticed, I don't have the patience to put up with your tomfoolery right now. Now, just give me the letter."

"Why?" said Vinyl.

"Um, because it's mine?"

"So?"

"So you should give it to me and let me read it."

Vinyl's lips curled into a foolish grin. "Why do you want it so badly, Octy? Afraid that I'm gonna read it?"

"What are you implying?" said Octavia, placing her hooves on her hips.

"Who, me? Nothing," said Vinyl coyly. "I mean, what do I care what you write to your little pen pal?"

Octavia leered at Vinyl. "Alright, now I know you're messing with me. Give me that letter this instant."

"Only if you tell me who your little pen pal is," Vinyl retorted.

Octavia snorted. "Vinyl, stop screwing around," she demanded, marching briskly towards the white unicorn.

"Aw. I thought you liked screwing around," said Vinyl seductively, using her magic to play keep-away with the letter. "C'mon, Tavi. You can tell me. Is it somepony I know?"

"Vinyl, I don't know who it is!" Octavia shouted, struggling against Vinyl and pawing for the letter. "I wasn't even expecting any mail today!"

"Oh ho ho! The plot thickens then," said Vinyl sinisterly, keeping the letter out of Octavia's reach. "Now I really want to read it."

"Don't you dare, Vinyl Scratch!" Octavia warned. "I swear to Celestia, if you open that letter..."

"I'll have to be in charge of dinner for a week. Yeah, yeah," said Vinyl dismissively, pushing Octavia away and opening the letter with her magic. "Hey, maybe you've got a secret admirer."

"Stop it right now!"

"Or maybe you've got a special gig lined up that you didn't know about."

"This isn't funny, Vinyl!"

"Or maybe..."

Vinyl trailed off as she read the letter. Her cockiness was slowly replaced with confusion. "You've got a twin sister?"

Octavia rolled her eyes. "Vinyl, I know it doesn't say that," she growled. "Now give it here."

"I'm not lying here, Tavi," said Vinyl, still staring at the letter. "That's really what it says."

"Oh, stop being silly!" Octavia snapped, snatching the letter from Vinyl's hooves. "I don't have a sister, let alone a twin. You know that."

"But Tavi..."

"Don't even start, Vinyl," Octavia grumbled, cutting across her roommate. "Now, let's see here..."

As her eyes scanned the page, her expression changed from grumpiness to surprise. She tried to say something, but the words were stuck in her throat.

"Sounds like you owe me an apology," said Vinyl complacently. "So, what does it say?"

Octavia looked over at Vinyl. "D-didn't you read it?"

"I only got to the part where it said you had a twin sister," said Vinyl with a shrug. "You took it away from me before I could read any more."

Octavia sighed. "Alright, I might as well," she said. "It doesn't surprise me that you have no respect for other ponies' privacy, anyway." She cleared her throat and began to read the letter aloud.

Dear Octavia:

You cannot imagine how hard it is for me to contain myself while writing this. You may not remember me, but that's because when we last saw each other, you didn't even have your Cutie Mark. So, I think it's only proper to reintroduce myself.

My name is Fiddlesticks, and I'm a traveling musician. Now, you might not believe it, but you and I are twin sisters. I know, hard to believe, right? But, it's the truth. And I aim to prove it.

See, after a certain performance, I got to thinking about you, and began to wonder how you were holding up. I heard on the grape vine that you live in Canterlot now (pretty fancy there, Sis), so I'm gonna drop in and set a spell. I'll be leaving Appleloosa this Saturday on the 7:25 train, so I should come in at around eight in the morning (hope that isn't too early for you). I'd give you a picture, but trust me, you'll recognize me when you see me.

Looking forward to seeing you, Sis. It should be fun.

Hugs and kisses,

Fiddlesticks

When Octavia finished reading the letter, Vinyl smirked.

"Well well. Life's full of surprises, huh Octy?" she said, nudging Octavia with her elbow. "So, what do you think your sister's gonna be like?"

"H-how am I supposed to know?" said Octavia. "Th-this has to be some sort of prank. I never had a sister growing up."

"Hey, you never know," said Vinyl with a shrug. "You can't just doubt everything, Octy."

"Even if it's something this outlandish?" said Octavia, pointing to the letter. "Vinyl, some things need to be treated with a certain amount of skepticism."

"Oh, you're just being a pessimist," said Vinyl. "Think of it as a good thing! Sure, it might be a bit sappy, but you like that kind of stuff, don't you?"

"This isn't a matter of me liking sappy stuff," said Octavia, getting annoyed. "This is a matter of somepony playing some sort of joke on me."

"Well, if you think it's a prank, why don't you go to the train station and prove it?" said Vinyl. "I mean, look at the time. She should be here by now."

Octavia looked up at the clock. Indeed, it was half past eight. Even so, her expression remained deadpan.

"Do you take me for a fool, Vinyl?" she asked. "I'm not going to rise to the bait like that. That's just stupid."

There was suddenly a knock at the door.

"I bet you twenty bits that's her," said Vinyl.

"Oh please," said Octavia, rolling her eyes and shaking her head as she made her way to the door. "That only happens on those late night sitcoms."

When she opened the door, her jaw dropped. Standing right in front of her was a mare that looked almost exactly like her carrying what appeared to be heavy saddlebags. She wore a rustic green shirt with a red cord for a sash, an orange bandana, and a white stetson. Her coat was bright yellow, and her mane was a deep blue. She had a large grin plastered on her face, and her sky-blue eyes glistened with delight.

"Howdy, Sis!" she proclaimed, spreading out her forelegs.

Octavia simply stared back at the newcomer in stunned silence. She didn't even blink.

"Hang on, I think my mixer has a laugh track," said Vinyl, making her way to her studio. "Oh, and by the way, you owe me twenty bits."

Town Pony, Country Pony

A heavy silence filled the air as Octavia continued to stare at the visitor with her mouth agape. This didn't seem to dampen the visitor's mood any.

"Oh, don't act so surprised," she said with a giggle. "Didn't y'all get mah note? Ah said Ah was comin' in to visit ya."

Octavia tried to say something, but her mind was too muddled to form a coherent thought. "I... That was... How is this...? You..."

"Whoa, whoa. Settle down there," said the visitor, becoming concerned. "Y'all look like you're ready to faint."

"That's, actually not a bad idea," said Octavia as she felt her constitution fail her.

"Whoop! Ah gotcha," said the visitor, catching Octavia before she fell. "Trust me, Sis. Ah didn't come all this way just to have ya pass out on me."

"Mmm," Octavia mumbled, slowly regaining her composure. "I-I thought that letter was just a joke."

The visitor flashed a warm smile. "Well, it ain't. Ah'm the real McCoy, alright. And Ah can prove it."

Octavia looked up at the enigmatic mare and raised an eyebrow. "How?"

"Hang on."

The visitor then reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a fiddle and bowstring.

"Tell me if y'all remember this," she said. She then began to play "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star" with slight variations. Octavia's eyes widened in wonder.

"Wait! I remember that!" she exclaimed. "I played that at my recital when I was a filly! H-how'd you know?"

"Well, that's easy," said the visitor with a smile. "Ah heard you practice it every day."

Octavia took a moment to process this. "S-so, you're really...?"

"Yeppers," said the visitor. "Ah'm yer twin sister, Fiddlesticks."

There was a pause as Octavia had to once again gather her thoughts. "W-well, I must confess, I'm finding myself rather speechless," she said. "I mean, I don't know what to say."

Fiddlesticks smirked as she put her fiddle away. "How 'bout y'all start by invitin' me in?"

"Oh! Right," said Octavia, her face turning red. "I'm, terribly sorry."

Fiddlesticks laughed and gave Octavia a hearty pat on the back. "Hey, stop bein' so nervous, Sis. There ain't nuttin' to worry about."

Octavia gave Fiddlesticks an odd look. "You do realize I'm greeting you in my robes, right? I mean, I just got out of bed."

"That so?" said Fiddlesticks. "Shoot, now Ah regret makin' such an early train. Good thing Hayseed bumped into me at the station an' told me where y'all live."

"Hayseed?" asked Octavia.

"Hayseed Turnip, a friend o'mine," Fiddlesticks explained. "We're actually pretty close, though Ah didn't know he did odd jobs around Canterlot. Heh, small world, ain't it?"

"I, suppose," said Octavia before clearing her throat. "Um, won't you come in?"

"Ah thought you'd never ask," said Fiddlesticks as she made her way into the apartment and took a look around. "Hoowee~. Pretty swanky setup y'all have got yerself here, Tavia. Y'all don't mind if Ah call ya that, do ya?"

"I-it's fine," said Octavia. "C-can I get you anything? I was just making a pot of coffee."

"Hmm? Oh, sure. Coffee sounds nice," said Fiddlesticks. "Is there anywhere in particular you want me to put mah saddlebags?"

"Oh, right. Just a moment," said Octavia. "Vinyl!"

Vinyl Scratch poked her head into the living room. "You called?"

"Would you mind making yourself useful and helping our guest with her bags?"

Vinyl raised an eyebrow. "First dinner, then the mail, now this? Octy, why must I do everything around here?"

"Please tell me you didn't just say that," said Octavia, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her hoof.

"I, didn't just say that," said Vinyl with a shrug. "Feel better?"

Octavia groaned. "Vinyl, this isn't a good time."

"Um, sorry. Ah'm a bit outta the loop here," said Fiddlesticks. "Who's this?"

"Oh, right. I should probably introduce you two," said Octavia. "Fiddlesticks, this is my roommate, Vinyl Scratch."

Fiddlesticks looked over at Vinyl and squinted. "Hmm. She looks mighty familiar," she mused.

"Familiar?" parroted Octavia. "Have you two met before?"

"Maybe," said Fiddlesticks. "But Ah can't put mah hoof on it."

"Oh, wait! I think I know what you're talking about," said Vinyl. "Just a sec."

She zipped back into her studio and emerged wearing her purple shades. Fiddlesticks's eyes went wide.

"Now Ah remember! You're that DJ P0N-3 gal!" she said. "Ah hear yer stuff on the radio all the time."

"Yep, that's me," said Vinyl with a complacent grin. "Very few ponies are oblivious to my awesomeness."

"And those few are very lucky," Octavia muttered.

Fiddlesticks beamed and walked up to Vinyl. "Well, howdy-do there, missy. Name's Fiddlesticks."

"Nice to meetcha," said Vinyl, shaking Fiddlesticks's hoof. "And if I may say so, you're kinda hot."

"Vinyl~! Don't you know any restraint?!" Octavia scolded. "I'm so, so sorry, Fiddlesticks. Vinyl can be a bit, rude sometimes."

"Don't sweat it. Ah like ponies that speak their mind," said Fiddlesticks. "Ah gotta say, Tavia. Ah never would've pictured a prim and proper pony like you bunkin' with the one and only DJ P0N-3."

"Yeah, life's weird like that," said Vinyl. "So, you're Tavi's sister, huh?"

"Darn tootin'," said Fiddlesticks.

"Cool. Got any embarrassing stories about her?"

"Vinyl, she just got here!" Octavia admonished.

Fiddlesticks chuckled. "Lighten up, Tavia. You're gonna dig yerself an early grave if y'all keep stressin' out like that."

"Trust me, if anything is going to drive me to an early grave, it's Vinyl," said Octavia dryly.

"Hey, I resent that!" said Vinyl with a pout.

Fiddlesticks laughed again. "Well, looks like Ah'm gonna enjoy it here," she said. "Oh! Y'all didn't have breakfast yet, didja?"

"Um, not yet," said Octavia. "Why?"

"Ah got some apple dumplings from Appleoosa," said Fiddlesticks, reaching into her saddlebag and pulling out a small sack. "Ah figured we could have that."

"O-oh. Well, thank you," said Octavia. "Let's retire to the kitchen so that we can enjoy them properly. Vinyl, could you please go put Fiddlesticks's bags in the hall closet?"

"Right away, my liege," said Vinyl facetiously as she used her magic to carry the saddlebags away.

"Ah like her. She's got a good sense of humor," said Fiddlesticks as Octavia ushered her into the kitchen.

"No comment," said Octavia, walking over to the counter and pouring three cups of coffee. "How do you take your coffee, Fiddlesticks?"

"Surprise me," said Fiddlesticks with a shrug.

Octavia shrugged as well as she got to work setting the table. "So, I take it you're living in Appleloosa now. How's that working out for you?"

"Huh? Oh, nonononono," said Fiddlesticks, shaking her head. "Ah don't live in Appleloosa. Ah was jus' passin' through."

"Oh. Then, where do you live?"

"Equestria."

Octavia gave Fiddlesticks a quizzical look. "Um, care to be more specific?"

"Well, it's like this," said Fiddlesticks. "Ah ain't the kinda pony who likes to settle down anywheres. Ah go wherever the wind takes me. One day Ah'm in Ponyville, the next Ah'm heading out to Gallopin' Gorge. Y'all might be content livin' here in the big city, and Ah respect that. But that life jus' ain't fer me. Ah prefer strollin' the roads of Equestria with a fiddle on mah back and a song in mah heart."

"Doesn't it get lonely, though?" asked Octavia, finally sitting down and helping herself to an apple dumpling.

"Not as much as ya think," said Fiddlesticks. "Ah know plenty of ponies all across Equestria, and quite a few of them are willin' to give me room and board whenever Ah need it."

"Hmm," said Octavia, unsure of how to respond to that.

"Oh, sorry! Ah'm doin' all the talkin', aren't Ah?" said Fiddlesticks. "Tell me about yerself, Tavia. What have y'all been up to?"

Before Octavia could answer, Vinyl walked in.

"I've put the saddlebags away, my liege," she said with a bow.

"Oh, cut it out," Octavia said in an exasperated tone.

Fiddlesticks snickered. "Ah guess you're the one in charge 'round these parts, eh?"

"Indeed she is, m'lady," said Vinyl, maintaining her act. "All hail Lady Tavi, Her Royal Snootiness!"

Octavia rolled her eyes. "Would you just give it a rest?" she groaned. "I don't think Fiddlesticks wants to hear this."

"Ah don't mind," said Fiddlesticks. "Y'all wouldn't be roommates if ya didn't get on each other's nerves once in a while."

"And Tavi says that's what I do best," said Vinyl, helping herself to an apple dumpling.

"Yes, you're quite the expert," said Octavia. "Um, Fiddlesticks? Do you mind waiting here for a moment? I need to speak with Vinyl in private."

"Hmm? Oh, sure. Ah'm not plannin' on goin' anywhere," said Fiddlesticks.

"Thanks," said Octavia. "Vinyl, meet me in the bedroom."

"I think it's a bit too early for that, Octy," said Vinyl. "At least slip into something more comfortable."

Octavia sighed. "That's not what I meant, and you know it. Now come on."

She then marched into the bedroom. Vinyl gave Fiddlesticks a shrug and followed.

"Yep. She's still the same ole Tavia," said Fiddlesticks, sniggering and shaking her head.

Hard to be Humble

"...And that should be everything," said Octavia as she concluded the tour of the apartment.

"Ah see. Well, thank you kindly, Tavia," said Fiddlesticks pleasantly.

"Oh, it's no trouble at all," said Octavia. "So, can I get you anything?"

Fiddlesticks titled her head. "We jus' had breakfast, Tavia. Ah reckon Ah'm good."

"Oh, yes! Silly me," said Octavia with an awkward laugh. "Well, just so you know, if there's anything Vinyl or I can do..."

"Ah'll let ya know," said Fiddlesticks. "Right now, we've got some catchin' up to do."

"Oh, right. Yes," said Octavia. "Um, shall we retire to the living room, then?"

Fiddlesticks took a look around. "Ah, reckon we're already in the livin' room, Tavia."

"Huh. So we are," said Octavia, looking a bit embarrassed. "Uh, please, have a seat."

"Sure thing," said Fiddlesticks as she made herself comfortable on the couch. "So, tell me about DJ P0N-3. How'd you two end up bein' roommates?"

"Oh, Vinyl? Well, I'm not sure I want to talk about it," said Octavia, casting her eyes downward as she sat down herself. "It's a little embarrassing."

Fiddlesticks chuckled. "Tavia, Ah'm yer twin sister. Y'all can tell me. Ah won't laugh or nuttin'."

Octavia sighed. "Alright," she said. "Well, I actually met her at my second job."

Fiddlesticks raised an eyebrow. "Yer second job?"

"Yes, I forgot to mention," said Octavia sheepishly. "I also work as Vinyl's co-host over at K-COLT Radio. We do a sort of celebrity gossip show with music."

"Hmm," said Fiddlesticks with a nod. "Ah'm actually not into those sorts of things."

"I wasn't either when I started out," said Octavia. "But, as time went on, I grew to enjoy it. Besides, somepony has to keep Vinyl from setting the studio on fire."

Fiddlesticks snickered. "Ah take it she's always been a wild gal then?"

"More than you can imagine," said Octavia, her cheeks beginning to match her bow-tie. "I actually didn't like her at first. I found her to be obnoxious, tactless, and completely insane."

"Sounds to me like sumthin' changed," said Fiddlesticks, looking at Octavia with interest. "What happened?"

"W-well, I just got to know her better," said Octavia, twiddling her hooves. "She's still obnoxious, tactless, and completely insane; don't get me wrong. But, she's more than that. It's all a matter of looking in the right places."

Fiddlesticks's lips curled into a sly smirk. "Let me guess. Y'all are carryin' a torch for her."

Octavia's face turned bright scarlet as she stared at Fiddlesticks in disbelief. "Wh-what?! F-Fiddlesticks, th-that's private!" she stammered.

"Oh really? The tabloids don't think so."

Octavia whipped her head around to see Vinyl Scratch making her way into the conversation. Fiddlesticks stifled a laugh.

"Ah reckon Ah hit the nail on the head there," she said.

"You sure did," said Vinyl with a sly grin of her own. "Although I don't know why Tavi here is so embarrassed about it. We agreed long ago that it's nothing to be ashamed of, despite what the tabloids might think."

"V-Vinyl, this is not the sort of thing you just bring up out of the blue," said Octavia. "I-it's a delicate subject, and should be treated as such."

"Pfft. Delicate, shmelicate," said Fiddlesticks dismissively. "It's not like Ah'm askin' fer the graphic details or nuttin'."

"H-how can you even mention that so casually?" inquired Octavia.

"Ah already told ya, Tavia. Ah like ponies that speak their mind," said Fiddlesticks with a warm smile. "Look, DJ P0N-3's right. It ain't nuttin' to be all worked up about. Personally, Ah'm very happy for ya."

"Your sister speaks wisdom, Octy," Vinyl chimed in.

Octavia took a deep breath to center herself. "Y-you're both right," she said with a sigh. "I'm sorry, I just wasn't prepared for that."

"It's alright, Tavia. Y'all jus' gotta loosen up a little," said Fiddlesticks.

"Trust me, Fiddle. Tavi's more difficult to loosen than a rusted screw," said Vinyl. "But, that's not to say it's impossible."

"Vinyl, remember what we talked about," Octavia said tersely.

"What? All you said was not to be rude to your sis," said Vinyl with a shrug. "You didn't say anything about teasing you being off-limits."

Fiddlesticks snickered and shook her head. "Sweet Celestia, you two are funny," she said between chuckles. "Maybe Ah should give that gossip program a listen-to."

Octavia cleared her throat. "W-well, enough about me," she said hastily. "What about you, Fiddlesticks? How has life been treating you all this time?"

Fiddlesticks shrugged. "Ah suppose Ah can't complain. Ah've been a lot of places and met a lot of ponies. Sometimes it's hard to find work, but Ah get by."

"How so?" asked Octavia.

"Usually it involves sleepin' under the stars."

Octavia gasped. "Y-you sleep outside?"

"Not all the time. Jus' whenever it suits me," said Fiddlesticks nonchalantly.

"B-but you said you know a lot of ponies that are willing to help you."

"Hey, Ah ain't no moocher. Ah'd feel bad if Ah stayed at a pony's place without givin' them sumthin' for their trouble."

Vinyl opened her mouth to make a snarky comment, but quickly clammed up when she caught sight of Octavia's disapproving glare. The grey mare then turned back to her sister and sighed.

"Fiddlesticks, I-I don't know what to say," she murmured.

"Then don't say anythin'," said Fiddlesticks with a soft smile. "Y'know, you're a very lucky pony, Tavia. Y'all got yerself this swanky pad, two jobs ya care about, and a roommate who loves ya. Ah'd actually be kinda jealous if Ah felt Ah needed all of that. But the fact is Ah don't. Ah'm a simple pony with simple tastes, and that's the way Ah like it."

Octavia was silent for a time. She couldn't comprehend this. Even though Fiddlesticks was her twin sister, she felt like they were worlds apart. She couldn't accept that anypony would be content with not having a roof over their head. Finally, she spoke up.

"Fiddlesticks, are you absolutely sure you don't want to sleep in our bed?" she asked.

Fiddlesticks smiled. "We've been over this, Tavia. The couch is plenty comfy."

"Yeah, Octy. Let her sleep where she wants," said Vinyl.

"Right, fine," said Octavia. "But just so you know, the offer's still on the table."

"In what universe?!" exclaimed Vinyl, placing her hooves on her hips.

Fiddlesticks gave a modest chuckle. "Honestly, Tavia. Ah'll be okay. Now, if ya don't mind, Ah reckon mah fiddle is due fer some tunin'."

"Oh. Okay," said Octavia. "Just be sure to let us know if you need anything."

"Will do," said Fiddlesticks, taking out her fiddle and adjusting the strings. Meanwhile, Vinyl pulled Octavia aside.

"Tavi, maybe I'm out of line for asking this, but what in the name of Celestia are you thinking?!" she hissed.

"Vinyl, Fiddlesticks is not only our guest, she's my sister," Octavia said in a harsh whisper. "It's not right that she has such a hard life. We need to make her visit as comfortable and hospitable as possible."

"I'm all for that, but I am not giving up the bed," Vinyl growled. "That wasn't part of our deal."

"I'm not having this discussion with you, Vinyl," said Octavia firmly. "I know it's hard, but I also know that you're capable of it. So think about ponies other than yourself for a change."

Before Vinyl could say anything else, Octavia went back to the living room. Vinyl sighed and shook her head.

FYI, I am thinking about a pony other than myself, she responded mentally. I'm thinking about you. And honestly, I don't think Fiddle and I need to drive you nuts. You seem to be doing that just fine on your own...

Vagabonds Don't Need Servants

As Fiddlesticks continued to tune her fiddle, Octavia started doing some cleaning. As she dusted off the coffee table and worked around Fiddlesticks, she couldn't help but hum to herself. Fiddlesticks stopped tuning and raised an eyebrow.

"Y'know, if Ah'm in yer way, y'all jus' haffta tell me," said she. "Ah can do this in another room."

"Oh, no need to trouble yourself," said Octavia, putting away her feather duster. "I can always do this room later."

Fiddlesticks shrugged and went back to tuning. "Hmm. Still sounds a bit flat. Maybe..."

There was suddenly a loud twang that got Octavia's attention. She turned to see that one of the strings on Fiddlesticks's fiddle had come undone.

"Aw, dagnabbit," Fiddlesticks growled. "Ah'll never understand why this keeps happening to me."

"Um, is there anything I can do to help?" asked Octavia.

Fiddlesticks pondered for a moment before playing a few chords. "Eh, it still sounds fine," she said.

Octavia tilted her head. "Fine? But that string is broken. Don't you think you should take better care of your instrument?"

"Well, Ah would if Ah had the tools," said Fiddlesticks. "Unfortunately, those tools are mighty expensive, and Ah find things like food and shelter to be more important."

Octavia shook her head. "Well, you don't have to worry about that here," she said. "I'll fix it for you."

"Tavia, y'all don't need to do that," said Fiddlesticks. "Ah play with broken strings all the time, and nopony has ever complained."

"It doesn't matter, Fiddlesticks. It's still important to keep your instrument in perfect condition," Octavia insisted. "I'll even give you some tools to take with you on your travels."

"That's mighty sweet of ya, but..."

"I know what you're going to say, and it's no trouble at all."

Fiddlesticks sighed. "Alright, fine," she said, handing Octavia her fiddle. "But only because y'all keep insistin'."

"Only the best for my twin sister," said Octavia sweetly. "Now, is there anything else you need?"

Fiddlesticks placed a hoof to her chin and struck a thinking attitude. "Hmm. Well, if it's all the same to you, Ah'd like to take a bit of a catnap. Ah usually like to nod off a bit before lunch."

"Of course, of course," said Octavia. "Vinyl!"

Vinyl Scratch poked her head out of her studio, and loud music burst from the room. "What's up, Octy?!" she hollered over the noise.

"Fiddlesticks is trying to take a nap! Would you mind keeping it down?!" Octavia hollered back.

"What?!" Vinyl asked.

"I said Fiddlesticks is taking a nap! Could you keep the noise down?!" Octavia repeated.

"Sorry, I still can't hear you!" Vinyl called back.

"I said Fiddlesticks is taking a nap, so keep the noise down!" Octavia shouted.

"You're still not coming through, Tavi! Hang on, let me adjust something!"

Octavia growled in frustration. "I SAID KEEP THE NOISE DOWN! FIDDLESTICKS IS TRYING TO..."

In the middle of her fourth attempt, she realized too late that Vinyl had already turned down her music. With a gulp, she turned towards Fiddlesticks, who had an annoyed look on her face.

"Y'mind, Tavia? Ah said Ah was gonna doze off fer a bit," she said.

"Um, sorry," said Octavia, her face turning a brilliant shade of crimson. "W-we're just sorting something out."

Fiddlesticks sighed. "Well, do it a bit quieter, would ya?" she said before placing her stetson over her eyes.

"Right, sorry," Octavia whispered before turning back to Vinyl. "Okay, I know you did that on purpose."

"What? Tavi, I promised to be on my best behavior," Vinyl whispered back. "I really couldn't hear you. Honest."

Octavia raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Alright, I'll let it slide for now," she said, keeping her voice low. "Now, I'm going to fix Fiddlesticks's violin. While I'm doing that, why don't you make yourself useful and prepare lunch for her?"

Vinyl's expression became deadpan. "Octy, don't you think you're taking this just a little too far? Besides, you know I can't cook."

"I'm not asking you to cook," said Octavia. "Just, make her a sandwich or something."

"Do you want me to read her mind and find out what kind of sandwich she wants, too?" Vinyl asked sardonically.

"Oh, stop being so difficult," Octavia hissed. "All I'm asking for here is a little cooperation."

"Alright, alright. I'll cooperate. No need to get pissy," said Vinyl. "But I still think you're going overboard."

Instead of responding, Octavia went into the bedroom. In the meantime, Vinyl made her way into the kitchen and took a look around.

"Hmm. Well, we've got some bread. That's good," she mused, using her magic to set out two slices of bread. "Now, what shall be the sandwich du jour?"

She took a look in the fridge and cringed.

"Yeesh. Maybe getting those pickled dandelions was a terrible idea," she grumbled. "Let's see, peanut butter, peanut butter... Ah, here we go!"

She procured the peanut butter, opened it up, and took a whiff.

"Huh. Doesn't seem too bad," she said. "Then again, maybe anything smells better compared to those pickled dandelions. Speaking of which, those things have gotta go."

She took out the smelly jar and tossed it into the trash. As she got to work making lunch, she heard something from the living room.

"Pee-yew! What the hay crawled in here and died?" Fiddlesticks groused.

"Sorry, Fiddle," Vinyl apologized. "Just doing some overdue fridge cleaning. Nothing to..."

She was interrupted by Octavia marching in and wrinkling her nose.

"Ugh! What's going on in here?" she growled.

"Well, turns out that hindsight can be a real bitch," said Vinyl sheepishly. "See, remember those pickled dandelions I bought because you said you were in the mood for gourmet food that one time?"

"Oh Celestia, those things?" Octavia exclaimed. "I thought I told you to throw those out weeks ago!"

"Yeah, I really don't know what I was thinking with that one," said Vinyl.

"Welcome to my world," Octavia groaned. "Great, now I need to get out the air fresheners."

"Ah'd be happy to help," Fiddlesticks offered. "Trust me, Ah can't stand this smell, neither. And Ah once accidentally slept near a skunk's den."

"You what?!" Octavia gasped. She then cleared her throat. "Um, I mean, you shouldn't trouble yourself. Just go back to sleep and let me handle everything."

Fiddlesticks shrugged. "It wasn't recently or nuttin'," she muttered before dozing off again.

As Octavia frantically searched the linen closet, Vinyl continued making Fiddlesticks' sandwich.

"Hmm. Now for the tricky part," she said. "Crusts or no crusts?" She stroked her chin as she held the knife with her magic and stared at the sandwich. "Well, she doesn't seem to be that picky, so I guess she likes them. But then again, she is Tavi's sister, and I already know how picky she can be. But on the other hoof, Tavi likes crusts herself, so maybe Fiddle likes them, too. Hmm, what to do, what to do?"

Vinyl's musing were interrupted by the sound of Octavia spraying the inside of the trash can.

"There. That should take care of that," she said. "Vinyl, how's Fiddlesticks's sandwich coming along?"

"Almost done," said Vinyl. "I'm thinking Fiddle won't mind crusts. What do you think, Octy?"

Octavia looked over at the sandwich Vinyl prepared and raised an eyebrow. "That's it? Just peanut butter?"

"You just told me to make her a sandwich, Tavi," said Vinyl. "Besides, I keep getting this 'beggars can't be choosers' vibe from her. I could've given her the pickled dandel— Okay, that's a bad example, but you get what I mean."

Octavia sighed. "Vinyl, just because her standards are so low doesn't mean we should lower our own."

"Yeah, but it doesn't mean we should be treating her like an alicorn princess, either," Vinyl countered. "Octy, I'm warning you right now. The more you keep trying to pamper her, especially since she clearly doesn't want it, the harder it's gonna be for me to keep my promise."

"I am not pampering her. I'm just, trying to be a good host," said Octavia.

"If that's what you think being a good host means, I don't want any part of it," said Vinyl.

"Vinyl, you promised!"

"I'm not planning on breaking my promise, Tavi. I'm just not kowtowing to your sis just because you're freaking out over nothing."

Octavia was about to comment when Fiddlesticks awoke from her nap.

"Mmm. Much better," she said as she stretched herself out and walked into the kitchen. "So, what's fer lunch?"

"Got it right here," said Vinyl, using her magic to give Fiddlesticks the sandwich. "I hope you don't mind peanut butter."

Fiddlesticks grinned. "Aw, shoot. Y'all didn't haffta make that fer me."

"Actually, I did," said Vinyl, giving Octavia a sideways glance.

Fiddlesticks snickered. "Ah think Ah see who wears the pants in this relationship," she said. "Well, thank ya all the same, DJ P0N-3."

"Yeah, sure," said Vinyl. "And by the way, you can just call me Vinyl."

"Right. Ah'll remember that," said Fiddlesticks as she bit into her sandwich.

"Oh, right! I should probably finish up fixing your violin," said Octavia. "I'll be right back."

"Um, Tavia? It's a fiddle," said Fiddlesticks, looking up from her lunch.

Octavia blinked. "S-sorry, faux pas. I didn't mean to insult you. I, just don't see the difference."

"Well, if it were a violin, mah name would be Violinsticks, wouldn't it?" said Fiddlesticks with a chuckle.

"She's got a point, Tavi," said Vinyl.

Octavia was too confused to argue. "I'll, just go and fix it now," she said before trotting off into the bedroom.

"So, you need anything else?" Vinyl asked.

"Hmm? Nah, Ah'm good fer now," said Fiddlesticks. "Don't fret, Ah'll let ya know when Ah need sumthin'."

"Looking forward to it," Vinyl mumbled under her breath as she went back into her studio.

Fiddlesticks shrugged and continued eating her sandwich. Just as she finished, Octavia reemerged from the bedroom.

"Alright, I'm back," she said. "Here it is, good as new."

Fiddlesticks looked over the fiddle in amazement. It wasn't just the one broken string that was fixed. It was also cleaned and polished, and all of the other strings were refitted so that they wouldn't come undone.

"T-Tavia. Ah-Ah don't know what t'say," said Fiddlesticks. "Ah mean, this is too much. Ah-Ah can't even begin to repay y'all fer this."

"Oh, you don't need to repay me," said Octavia. "And here, some tools so you can keep your vio— fiddle in good condition."

Fiddlesticks looked at the tools on the table, and then at Octavia. "Okay, Tavia. Ah'm very grateful an' all, but enough is enough. Ah know you want the best fer me an' yer tryin' so hard to make me feel at home. Nevertheless, Ah want ya to stop givin' me this fancy schmancy treatment. You're makin' me uncomfortable."

"I-I don't understand," said Octavia. "How are you uncomfortable? Surely, you must find this better than sleeping out in the elements and fending for yourself."

Fiddlesticks sighed. "Tavia, Ah told ya before. Ah don't need what y'all have got here. Ah like to keep things simple. And Ah certainly don't want nopony bendin' over backwards to do me favors."

"W-well, maybe I'm worried about you," said Octavia. "Maybe I think that nopony should deserve to have so little like you do."

Fiddlesticks lowered her hat over her eyes. "So, that's what this is all about, huh? Y'all feel sorry fer me."

Octavia cast her eyes downward. "W-well, perhaps a little..."

Fiddlesticks walked up to Octavia and placed a foreleg around her. "Listen, Tavia. Ah know this might be difficult fer y'all to understand, but Ah don't need no pity. Ah'm happy with mah life. Sure, it ain't glamorous, but Ah've got no use for glamour. If Ah did, Ah wouldn't have left."

Octavia tilted her head. "Wh-what do you mean by that?"

"Ah can't tell ya," said Fiddlesticks somberly. "It'd break yer heart."

"Fiddlesticks, I'm your sister," said Octavia. "If something's bothering you, I want to know."

"Nuttin's botherin' my, Tavia," said Fiddlesticks. "Look, you're tryin' too hard. Ah'll tell ya if Ah need anythin', but barrin' that, jus' let me be. Alright?"

Octavia sighed. "O-okay," she murmured.

"Good," said Fiddlesticks, giving Octavia a pat on the back. "Now, Ah think Ah'm gonna practice some. Tell Vinyl to keep it down, will ya?"

"Of course," said Octavia. Fiddlesticks then scooped up her fiddle and made her way to the living room. Before she left the kitchen, Octavia looked up.

"Wait."

Fiddlesticks turned. "What is it, Tavia?"

"L-listen, I don't doubt you or anything, but why can't I remember growing up with you?"

Fiddlesticks closed her eyes and shook her head. "It's probably better if ya didn't know," she said. She then looked up and offered her sister a weak smile. "Ah'm very happy for ya, Tavia. Don't lose that happiness by worryin' 'bout me."

With that, she left the kitchen. Octavia walked up to Vinyl's studio and knocked on the door. Once again, loud music blared as the door opened.

"Yo, Tavi! Does Fiddle need something?!" Vinyl asked.

Octavia gave Vinyl an icy glare and pantomimed turning down the volume. Vinyl used her magic to produce a sign that said "Okay" in rather poor hoofwriting. She then closed the door, and Octavia looked over at Fiddlesticks.

I don't want you to worry about me, either, she thought. I'm your twin sister. You can tell me what's on your mind. I won't laugh or anything...

Same Notes, Different Tempos

As the day wore on, Octavia kept trying to keep herself busy and her mind off of her enigmatic twin sister. No matter what she tried, however, she still found herself wandering back to the living room and waiting patiently for Fiddlesticks to ask for something. Fiddlesticks didn't mind all that much at first, but after it happened a few times, she started to get annoyed.

"Sumthin' ya want, Tavia?" she asked.

"N-no, nothing," said Octavia sheepishly. "I was just, listening to you practice."

"Ah finished pracitcin' a while ago," said Fiddlesticks, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh. W-well, how's the vio— fiddle?"

"Alright, Ah suppose," said Fiddlesticks, ignoring Octavia's slip-up as she looked over the fiddle in her hooves. "Ah'm kinda not used to it bein' like brand new an' all."

"Is that so?" said Octavia. "Well, if you want to, you can keep working at it. Take as long as you need."

"Y'sure? 'Cause Ah reckon y'all haffta practice, too. Wouldn't want ya to get rusty on mah account," said Fiddlesticks.

"Oh, I can do that any time," said Octavia pleasantly.

"So can Ah," Fiddlesticks countered.

"Well, your needs come first," Octavia argued.

"Ah really don't mind, Tavia."

"Maybe you don't, but I do."

"Well, ya shouldn't."

"And why not?"

"'Cause Ah don't want ya to worry 'bout me none."

"Hey, Octy! I was wondering what you and Fiddle wanted to din..."

Vinyl Scratch emerged from her studio right in the middle of the argument. Octavia gave her a stern look, and the DJ did an immediate about-face.

"Okaaaaaaay, I'll come back later," she said, slipping back into her studio and closing the door.

Octavia turned back to Fiddlesticks and sighed. "Fiddlesticks, I know you keep saying I shouldn't worry, but I can't help it. I don't understand why your standards are so low."

"Ah don't expect ya to," said Fiddlesticks with a shrug. "But at the same time, Ah didn't come all this way jus' to get the royal treatment. Ah came here to visit you. And it upsets me that y'all keep runnin' yerself ragged tryin' to please me."

"Wh-what am I supposed to do then? Ignore your plight because you tell me to?" said Octavia, becoming quite upset herself. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that. There's a difference between living modestly and going without food or shelter, Fiddlesticks. Can't you see that?"

Fiddlesticks obscured her eyes with her hat. "Ah don't criticize yer lifestyle, Tavia. Don't criticize mine."

"I only criticize it because I don't understand it," said Octavia. "And while I'm at it, I don't understand you. We're supposed to be sisters, aren't we? So why do I feel like you're a complete stranger?"

Fiddlesticks grew quiet for a time. She got up from the couch, her eyes still hidden under the brim of her hat.

"Ah need to step out for a bit," she said. "Ah'll try not to be long."

With that, she turned and walked out the door. Octavia stood there in stone silence, trying to process what had just transpired.

"You two done?" Vinyl asked, emerging from her studio again. "Huh? Hey, where's Fiddle?"

Octavia didn't respond. She simply cast her eyes to the ground.

"Don't tell me she left already," said Vinyl, sounding disappointed. "She didn't even tell me any embarrassing stories about you."

Octavia gave Vinyl a sideways glance.

"What? I wasn't gonna ask her directly," said Vinyl with a shrug. "I was just gonna let her bring it up."

"Vinyl, in case you can't tell, I'm not in the mood," said Octavia.

"So what else is new?" said Vinyl.

"I mean it, Vinyl," said Octavia sharply.

"Hey, I think I've been doing a pretty good job keeping my promise, Tavi. Don't take this out on me," Vinyl said indignantly.

Octavia sighed. "I'm sorry, Vinyl. I-I think I just need some air."

"Before you go, I've got a quick question," said Vinyl. "What do you and Fiddle want for dinner?"

"I-it doesn't matter," said Octavia. "Just, get whatever."

"Fair enough," said Vinyl. "I'll need twenty bits."

"Vinyl, we discussed this. You're using your own money this time."

"Yeah, but you also owe me twenty bits from that bet."

"Fine, I'll just deduct it from the money you wasted last night."

Before Vinyl could retort, Octavia was already out the door. Vinyl narrowed her eyes and smirked.

"Well played, Octy. Well played," said she.

***

Octavia found Fiddlesticks sitting on the stoop outside the building and staring off into space. Octavia took a deep breath and walked over to her.

"Fiddlesticks, I-I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"Ah know," said Fiddlesticks, not turning to address her sister. "Actually, Ah'm the one who should be sorry."

Octavia gave Fiddlesticks a quizzical look. "What? But you didn't do anything wrong."

Fiddlesticks breathed a deep sigh. "Tavia, Ah'm gonna tell ya a bit of a story 'bout mahself. Ah'm not gonna lie; it's probably gonna hurt ya. Do ya still wanna hear it?"

"Yes," said Octavia without hesitation.

"Alrighty then," said Fiddlesticks. "Ah guess it's best to start at the beginnin', back when we were jus' fillies. As ya probably know, Ah was born in Manehattan, same as you. But Ah didn't stay there fer long."

"What do you mean?"

Fiddlesticks turned to Octavia and raised an eyebrow. "What do y'all think Ah mean? Ah mean Ah left. See, even when Ah was jus' a filly, Ah knew city life wasn't fer me. But you, on the other hoof. Y'all felt right at home."

"Well, that's true," said Octavia. "But what does it have to do with you leaving?"

"Everythin'," said Fiddlesticks darkly, turning away from Octavia again. "Growin' up, Ah always felt like there was this expectation that because we were twins, we had to be the same. Ah didn't want that. So, Ah always avoided you."

Octavia tilted her head. "You, avoided me?"

"Jus' like Ah said," said Fiddlesticks. "Everywhere you were, Ah tried to be someplace else. Only time we were together was at supper, and even then Ah usually hid under the table."

"And all this just because you didn't want a twin sister?"

Fiddlesticks shook her head. "Don't go puttin' words in mah mouth, Tavia. Ah loved ya very much. Ah jus', didn't want to walk down the same path y'all were walkin'. It didn't help that Ah loved music as much as y'all did."

Octavia wasn't sure what to say to that. "So, what happened?"

"Well, one day Ah jus' got fed up with everythin'," said Fiddlesticks. "So, Ah packed up mah fiddle and left fer greener pastures."

"Just like that? Didn't Mother and Father try to stop you?"

Fiddlesticks sighed. "There's no nice way to say this. The day Ah left, Ah severed all ties with the Melody family."

Octavia gasped. "Y-you were disowned?!"

"Ah disowned mahself," Fiddlesticks corrected.

"And Mother and Father agreed to this?"

"Not at first, but they eventually figured that it was best to let me go. Don't know why they chose not to tell y'all 'bout me, but mah best guess is that they didn't want y'all to be upset 'bout me leavin'."

Octavia took a moment to process this. "H-how old were you? When you left, I mean."

Fiddlesticks smirked. "Ah didn't even have mah Cutie Mark, and neither did you."

"You're kidding!"

"Hey, you're actin' like Ah was the first pony to do this," said Fiddlesticks. "Lots of ponies leave home when they figure their destinies don't match their environment."

"O-oh. I-I wasn't aware of that," said Octavia. "But still, you didn't have to disown yourself!"

"Actually, Ah did," said Fiddlesticks. "It was to get out of yer shadow and become mah own pony."

"I-I see," said Octavia, still having difficulty processing this. "So, you've been traveling ever since?"

"Pretty much," said Fiddlesticks. "But that's not the end of mah story. Not yet."

"Oh? Well, what happened?"

Fiddlesticks leaned back on the stoop and sighed. "Ah traveled down the rode out of Manehattan fer a long time. Ah was tired, hungry, and many other things besides. But Ah didn't look back. Not once. Eventually, Ah ended up in Ponyville, half-starved and completely exhausted. And there, Ah met this wizened old mare collectin' an order from a bakery. Ah went up to her and asked her for a little sumthin' to eat. She asked me who Ah was, and Ah told her mah story."

"And?"

Fiddlesticks's lips curled into a whimsical smile. "She told me to come with her to a place on the edge of town called Sweet Apple Acres. Said that she was gettin' food fer a family reunion, and that Ah was welcome to join them."

"How very nice of her," said Octavia.

"Yeah, it was," said Fiddlesticks. "And because of that, Ah felt that I needed to return the favor. Ah mean, this wasn't mah family reunion. So after Ah got mah strength back from a few apple fritters, Ah did the only thing Ah knew how. Ah took out mah fiddle, roused up mah bow, and began to play."

She then sighed. "Tavia, y'all should've seen me that day. Ah played that fiddle hotter than a dragon's flame. Everypony looked at me in confusion at first, but once they heard mah melody, they cheered. Seein' all of them dancin' and hollerin' and just bein' so happy, well, it made me happy too. And Ah felt deep in mah heart that this was the music Ah wanted to play. That's how Ah got this little beauty right here." She concluded her story by pointing to her flank.

Octavia felt like she was starting to understand. "So, when you said there are a lot of ponies willing to help you, you were talking about..."

"You got it," said Fiddlesticks with a grin. "Most of those ponies are from that same family, the Apples. And ever since that first reunion, Ah've been dubbed an honorary member of the Apple family. Heh, they even joke with me sayin' that Ah should make it official and get mahself hitched. But, that ain't gonna happen. Ain't nopony gonna tame this mare."

There was a pause as Octavia finished mulling over Fiddlesticks's tale. "I, think I understand now. I just have one question."

"Shoot."

"Why did you come visit me?"

Fiddlesticks smiled sadly. "'Cause Ah missed ya, Tavia. And when Ah thought about it, Ah felt kinda bad about avoidin' ya and leavin' without saying goodbye." She then gave a self-mocking chuckle. "Alright, not jus' kinda bad. Ah felt like a regular jackass."

She then noticed a mule passing by and blushed. "Uh, no offense!" she called out.

"None taken," said the mule as he went on his way.

Fiddlesticks cleared her throat. "Anyway, Ah thought about ya from time to time, but Ah was more focused on gettin' from place to place and, well, survivin'. Only after a recent performance at a particular Apple Family reunion did Ah start to give it some more thought."

Tears then began to mar her vision, but she still wore a soft smile. "That reunion was pretty special, 'cause pretty much every pony carryin' the Apple name was there. It got me to thinkin' 'bout you, and how unfair and selfish Ah was. Ah wanted us to finally connect, like proper sisters. It's mah way of sayin' sorry fer bein' such a terrible sister."

Octavia got misty-eyed as well. "Oh, Fiddlesticks. I-I don't blame you for being frustrated. I-I understand now why I don't remember you. Not only did you avoid me, but I was focused on pursuing my own dreams to even look for you." She then giggled. "Although I always wondered who Father was yelling at when he went under the table at dinner."

Fiddlesticks sniggered herself. "Yeah, that was pretty stupid of me."

"It wasn't the only thing," said Octavia, regaining her composure. "While I understand your frustration, what you did, well, it wasn't the best solution."

"Ah know," said Fiddlesticks with a sigh. "But Ah was young and reckless. Ah didn't really think it through, y'know?"

"I'll say," said Octavia. "Actually, you want to know the really ironic thing?"

"What's that?"

"Even though you went through all that trouble to be separate from me, we still have the same Cutie Mark."

Fiddlesticks laughed. "Yeah, you're right. But, Ah'm not upset 'bout that."

"You're not?"

"Nope. 'Cause Ah earned mah Cutie Mark mah way, and you earned it yours. If anythin' it proves that no matter how far apart we are, we got a connection right in here." She then tapped her chest with her hoof.

"Indeed we do," said Octavia. She then gave Fiddlesticks a hug. "Thank you for telling me all this, Fiddlesticks."

"Y'mean ya ain't mad at me?"

"Not at all. I'm actually happy now that I understand you better, and I'm proud to call you my sister."

Fiddlesticks smiled and hugged her sister back. "Thanks, Tavia. Ah really needed t'hear that."

When the two sister released each other, Fiddlesticks looked out over the horizon. The sun had begun to set.

"Hey, Tavia. Y'know anyplace we can get a drink?" she asked.

"Well, a few," said Octavia. "Why?"

"How 'bout we have ourselves a bit of a night on the town, jus' the two of us? Ah reckon it'll help make up fer lost time."

Octavia smiled. "I'd like that."

Reversed Routine

When Octavia and Fiddlesticks returned to the apartment, everything was pitch black. However, neither sister seemed to care all that much. They were both too busy laughing.

"Sh-sho then Half Baked shtartsh hittin' on me again. Told me Ah wash the purdiest mare at the whole reunion," said Fiddlesticks as she stumbled into the apartment. "Now, thish here washn't anythin' new or nuttin', but thish time he wash gettin' a bit fresh. Askin' me what Ah wash doin' after the party, and sheein' if Ah wash intereshted in joinin' him fer a private convershation in the barn. He'sh alwaysh like that after a few chiders."

"Oh dear," said Octavia. "Wh-what did you do?"

"Well, Ah dechided to have a bit o'fun wit 'im," Fiddlesticks said mischievously. "Ah asked him if he wanted a taesht of mah pie. Y'know, all shexshy like. Now, bein' an Apple, he could've sheen right through me and left me alone. But y'know what they shay. Shometimesh, a shtallion thinksh with hish other head when he really shouldn't. Sho like a dope, he takesh me up on mah offer, and Ah grabbed thish apple pie Old Mare Appleshauche brought fer the reunion and shmashed it right into hish fache!"

Octavia degenerated into a fit of giggles, even though this wasn't typically her kind of humor. "Th-that'sh sho like you!" she guffawed. "I-I'll bet the Applesh were mighty shore at you for that!"

"H-hey, nopony can tell me that he didn't have it comin'!" said Fiddlesticks with a few snickers of her own.

Their revelry was interrupted by the click of a lamp. When the room was illuminated, they both saw Vinyl Scratch, sitting on the couch with her forelegs folded and a bemused grin on her face. Octavia's face became even redder than it already was.

"O-oh! Vinyl!" she said. "Wh-what are you doing here?"

"What time do you call this?" asked Vinyl.

Octavia paused for a moment, and then placed a hoof to her chin. "No, wait. We had thish dishcussion lasht night. I know thish one," she mused, racking her brain. "Um, uh... Oh, yesh! Half pasht one!"

"It's actually two o'clock," said Vinyl.

"Eh, cloesh enough," said Octavia with a shrug.

Vinyl raised an eyebrow. "And where exactly have you been, you little hypocrite?" she asked.

"Hey! Are-are y'all pickin' on mah shishter?" Fiddlesticks slurred, pointing an accusatory hoof at Vinyl as she wobbled back and forth. "'Caushe Ah don't take kindly to that! No, shir! In fact, Ah know fer a fact that y'all are usually the one partyin' all night long, sho you've got no leg to shtand on!"

"Actually, I do," said Vinyl in a very matter-of-fact tone. "Why do you think I called her a hypocrite?"

Octavia giggled. "Oh, Vinyl. You know I like to have fun every onche and again," she purred. "Don't be shuch a shtick-in-the-mud."

Vinyl opened her mouth to retort, but then stopped herself. "Too easy," she said with a dismissive wave of her hoof.

Fiddlesticks chuckled. "Actually, there'sh a reashon Tavia doeshn't go out ash much ash you do."

"Oh really?" said Vinyl, pretending that she didn't know. "And what's that?"

"She'sh a real lightweight."

Octavia gave Fiddlesticks a playful nudge. "Oh, now who'sh the hypocrite, huh? All it took wash one drink for you to try and shtart a hoedown!"

"Hootenanny," Fiddlesticks corrected.

"Whatever," said Octavia. "The shong you were shinging didn't even make shensh!"

"What?" said Fiddlesticks with a shrug. "It wash the shong Ah played at that reunion. Y'know, the one that convinched me to vishit ya?"

"Fiddle, we were drinking at a bar, not raishing a barn," said Octavia. "Everypony wash shtaring at you like you were crazshy."

"They weren't only shtarin' at me," said Fiddlesticks slyly. "After all, you choesh to join in."

"W-well, I didn't want you to get embarrasshed."

"Horshe applesh. Y'all were jush' ash tipshy ash Ah wash."

"Wow. Sounds like I missed quite the party," said Vinyl with a chuckle.

"Eh, could've been better if more poniesh joined in," said Fiddlesticks. "Ah knew Ah should've brought mah fiddle."

"You mean your violin," said Octavia.

"Are we really shtartin' on thish again?"

"Fiddleshicksh, there'sh no differench."

"Mah hoof there ain't!"

"Alright, tell me one."

"Fine! Piech o'cake," said Fiddlesticks. "Now lesshee, uh... Hmm..."

"I'm waiting~," said Octavia in a singsong voice.

"Hey, d-don't rush me! Ah'm a'thinkin'!" said Fiddlesticks. "Hmm... Well, it'sh like thish. When Ah play it, it'sh a fiddle. When y'all play it, it'sh a violin."

"Sho they're pretty much the shame thing."

"Exactly! No, wait..."

Octavia couldn't contain herself as she doubled over with laughter. Vinyl had a bit of a chuckle herself.

"Okay, as much as I could listen to your little comedy routine all night, I think you could both use some sleep," said she.

"Mmm. Shleep shoundsh niche," said Octavia with a light yawn. "But jusht one thing."

"What is it, Tavi?"

Octavia got onto the couch and pinned Vinyl down. "If you wake me and Fiddleshticksh up tomorrow with your wubsh, we are going to buck you sho hard, you won't be able to walk shtraight," she said in a semi-sultry voice.

Vinyl gulped. "Um, just so we're clear, do you mean the good kind of bucking, or the bad kind?"

"The ole fashioned Apple kind," said Fiddlesticks with a sinister sneer.

"Right, that's the bad kind. I'll just make a note of that," said Vinyl. She then used her magic to take up a post-it note and pen. She wrote down "Touch and Die" on the note and posted it on the stereo.

"Good girl," Octavia cooed. "Well, I'll shee you in the morning light, Marshmallow. Goodnight~."

She then gave Vinyl a kiss and staggered away. Fiddlesticks snickered, and Vinyl's cheeks began to bring out her eyes.

"Sh-she callsh ya 'Marshmallow?!'" Fiddlesticks asked between laughs.

"Only when she's like this," said Vinyl with a sigh. "Yeah, yeah, yuk it up. Man, I can't believe this. I was expecting you to embarrass Octy, not for her to embarrass me."

There was then a thump from down the hall.

"Who put thish door frame in the way?" Octavia's voice called out.

Vinyl forgot her embarrassment as she sniggered and shook her head. "Looks like I'll be helping her get into bed. G'night, Fiddle."

"Yeah, 'night," said Fiddlesticks, trying to control her laughter. As Vinyl left to help Octavia, Fiddlesticks settled herself on the couch and lowered her stetson over her eyes. As she drifted off to sleep, she was still giggling. "Eheehehehehe. Marshmallow..."

Being Good Sisters

The next day, Octavia and Vinyl Scratch brought Fiddlesticks to the Canterlot train station.

"Are you sure I can't persuade you to stay longer?" Octavia asked.

Fiddlesticks shrugged. "Sorry, Tavia. Ah wouldn't want to overstay mah welcome."

"But that's the thing. You wouldn't be," said Octavia. "At least stay until you find some work."

"Ah've got enough bits to last me awhile, Tavia. Ah think Ah'll be okay," said Fiddlesticks.

"Can you at least tell me an embarrassing story about Tavi before you go?" asked Vinyl. "I could always use the new material."

Fiddlesticks gave Vinyl an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Ah don't have any stories like that."

"What?" said Vinyl, raising an eyebrow. "But you're Tavi's sister. Aren't sisters supposed to annoy each other with embarrassing stories?"

"Maybe if Ah actually acted like her sister instead of hidin' from her," said Fiddlesticks with a sigh.

"Wait, you hid from her?" asked Vinyl.

"Vinyl, show some sensitivity," Octavia scolded. "This is a delicate subject for her."

"Nah, it's alright," said Fiddlesticks with a warm smile. "Ah can take mah lumps jus' fine. Ah've made mah share of mistakes, some of which can never be fixed. Ah jus' gotta live with 'em is all."

"Mistakes like hiding from your own sister?" said Vinyl, still feeling as though she was out of the loop. "Why would you do that, anyway? That's stupid. And not the good kind of stupid like a rock opera."

"Well, at first it was because Ah didn't want to be an exact copy of her," said Fiddlesticks. "But after Ah struck it out on mah own, Ah had another reason for hidin'. Ah didn't wanna hurt her."

"So, the whole you travel around is because..."

Fiddlesticks shot Vinyl a glare. "Jus' so y'know, Ah hate it when ponies get that idea," she said sternly. "Ah don't travel from place to place because Ah'm running from mah past. Ah travel because it's the lifestyle Ah choose to lead."

"Yeah, I don't think anypony 'chooses' to sleep next to a skunk's den," said Vinyl.

"Vinyl, I told you not to be rude to her!" Octavia admonished. "Honestly!"

"Hey, she's not staying with us anymore, is she?" said Vinyl smugly. "Ergo, I managed to keep my promise. So there." She concluded her gloating with a raspberry.

"She's got a point, Tavia," said Fiddlesticks with a snicker.

"That doesn't mean she has to act so childish about it," Octavia groaned. She then sighed and turned to Fiddlesticks. "Well, if you insist on leaving, there's something I have to say."

"What's that?"

Octavia looked Fiddlesticks straight in the eye. "I want you to know that whenever you find yourself in Canterlot again, my door is always open to you. And what's more, you don't have to repay me."

Fiddlesticks averted her eyes with her stetson. "That's awfully nice of ya, Tavia, but Ah couldn't..."

"Hear me out, Fiddle," Octavia interrupted. "This isn't a matter of me taking pity on you. You're comfortable with where you are in life, and that's fine. However..."

She paused, tears welling up in her eyes. "I don't want you to hide from me anymore."

Fiddlesticks nodded. "Ah see," she said somberly. She then walked over and gave Octavia a hug. "Well, don't you worry 'bout that. Ah'm through playin' hide-an-seek with ya. You're mah sister, and Ah love ya very much. And from now on, Ah'll try to show it more."

"Thank you," Octavia cooed, returning the hug. "And I promise not to fuss over you so much. As long as you're happy, I'm happy."

"Glad t'hear that," said Fiddlesticks.

"Sheesh, could this get any more sappy?" Vinyl grumbled.

"Hush, you," Octavia said with a giggle.

"And to answer yer question, Vinyl, it can," said Fiddlesticks, taking out her fiddle. "Before Ah go, Ah wanna play ya a little sumthin'. This is jus' improvised, so it might not come out that good."

She then started to play, and Octavia recognized it.

"Wait, isn't that the barn raising song you sang last night?" she asked.

Fiddlesticks grinned. "Jus' listen," she said, playing a slow, soothing melody. She then began to sing:

"Octavia, Octavia,
Ah love you,
It may not have seemed like it,
But trust me, Ah do.

An honorary Apple Ah may be,
But in mah mind, we're still family,
There are some things that Ah can't fix,
But Ah'll always be yer sister,
Fid-dle-sticks~."

Octavia grinned from ear to ear. "It's beautiful," she said, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Ah considered puttin' it to the tune of that 'Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star' piece y'all played at yer recital, but Ah reckoned that was goin' a bit too far," said Fiddlesticks with a chuckle. "Even Ah have mah sappiness limits."

"Thank Celestia for that," said Vinyl, rolling her eyes.

"Next train to Ponyville!" the conductor called out. "All aboard that's coming aboard!"

"That's me," said Fiddlesticks. "Y'all take care now, Tavia. Y'hear?"

"Of course," said Octavia. "You take care of yourself, too."

"Will do," said Fiddlesticks with a tip of her hat as she made her way to the train. "Oh, and Ah'll be sure to write."

"Wait, you don't have a return address," Octavia said quizzically. "How am I supposed to respond?"

"Ah'll tell ya where Ah'm headin' next so that y'all can send it there," Fiddlesticks said, getting on the train just as it was pulling out of the station. She then stuck her head out of the window and waved her hat at Octavia and Vinyl. "Adios, Sis! Ah'll be thinkin' about ya lots!"

"Goodbye, Fiddle! And best of luck!" Octavia called back.

"Yeah, don't be a stranger!" Vinyl chimed in.

Octavia gave Vinyl a sharp look. Vinyl shrugged as she and her roommate watched the train disappear over the horizon.

"So, did you two have fun last night?" asked Vinyl.

"Oh. Well, yes," said Octavia, casting her eyes downward. "I'm sorry about that, Vinyl."

"Aw, don't sweat it. You wanted some quality time with your sis. I get that," said Vinyl. "Just one question."

"Hmm?"

"While you were out partying with Fiddle, did any of that stuff about her being rowdy or you not knowing her past matter?"

Octavia paused to think. "Well, no. I, guess it didn't in the end."

Vinyl smirked. "I guess this is where I say 'I told you so.'"

Octavia couldn't help but giggle. "I suppose," she said. "Even so, getting to know her better did help, at least a little."

"Alright, fair enough," said Vinyl with a shrug. The two mares then started for home. All was silent for a time before Vinyl had another thought. "Hey, Octy?"

"What is it, Vinyl?"

"You think the next time Fiddle comes over, we can try out my threesome idea?"

Octavia gave Vinyl a bemused smirk. "Just for that, it's your turn to get dinner tonight."

"C'mon, Octy! That's three nights in a row!" Vinyl protested.

"Alright, tomorrow then. But it had better be special."

"Um, hello? I can't cook worth a damn? I don't understand how you keep forgetting that."

"I'm not asking you to cook, Vinyl. Just get something nice."

"So basically anything other than pickled dandelions."

"I think you can set the bar a bit higher than that, Vinyl."

"I'm just kidding, Tavi. I'll think of something extra special for tomorrow. Just one thing."

"What's that?"

"I'm, gonna need twenty bits..."

The End

Slaves of Routine

There was a loud crash as Vinyl Scratch stumbled into her apartment with the grace of a clumsy ox. Hastily and sloppily, she picked herself up and fixed the lamp she had knocked over.

Okay, here's hoping Octy didn't hear that, she thought, taking a quick look around. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that not a light was on in the apartment. As quietly as she could, she closed the door and began making her way to the bedroom, wobbling all the while. She didn't get far before bumping into a table and falling over again.

"Ow! Sunnova..."

Her musings were interrupted by the click of a lamp. Looking up, she saw Octavia sitting on the couch and dressed in her robes, looking rather cross. Vinyl swallowed.

"O-oh! Hey, Octy!" she said, trying to play it cool as she picked herself up off the floor. "Wh-what're you doing up?"

There was a heavy pause as Octavia stared at Vinyl coldly. "What time do you call this?" she asked, breaking the silence.

Vinyl gave Octavia a puzzled look. "Uh, I call it nighttime," she said with a shrug. "Why? Do you call it something else or something?"

Octavia folded her forelegs. "For your information, Vinyl, it's half past one."

"Ooooooh~! So it's technically morning then," said Vinyl, sheepishly rubbing the back of her head. "Heh, my bad."

Octavia didn't even bat an eyelid at Vinyl's comment. "Where have you been?" she inquired.

Vinyl's eyes darted around the room. "W-well, I was just at my gig!" she said nervously. "Y-you know I work late on Thursdays."

"It's Saturday."

"Well, yeah, now it's Friday, but... Wait, did you say Friday or Saturday?"

"Saturday."

"Aw, crap."

Octavia's expression remained deadpan. "That was quite amusing, Vinyl. I simply cannot contain myself," she said dryly. "Now, can we perhaps dally with the truth for a while?"

"O-oh, right. Yeah, sure," said Vinyl, racking her brain for an easy way out of this predicament. "Um, uh... I was caught in gridlock, then I was struck by lightning, and then there was this manticore, and you're not buying any of this, are you?"

"You know me so well," said Octavia in a mocking tone. She then sighed. "Vinyl, you and I both know that it was your turn to get dinner tonight, or rather last night. I gave you twenty bits in good faith. Now where's our supper?"

"Okay, just give me a sec," said Vinyl, searching her mind for answers. "Twenty bits, yeah, I remember that... Wait, that was today?!"

Octavia groaned and slapped her face with her hoof. "No, Vinyl. It was yesterday. We've already been over this."

"Oh, rightrightright," said Vinyl. "Yeah, the whole, midnight, thingamabobber."

Octavia gave another sigh. "Every single time, it's always the same song and dance. Your turn to prepare dinner comes up, and you just scamper off to who-knows-where and forget all about it. What do I have to do, tie a ribbon around your horn?"

A sneaky grin formed on Vinyl's face as she cocked her eyebrow seductively. "That might not be a bad idea, Tavi," she purred, making her way over to Octavia and pinning her to the couch. "You can give me the ribbon, and when I get home, you'll unwrap me like a Hearth's Warming present, and then..."

"Stop right there, Vinyl. That's not going to happen," said Octavia, wrinkling her nose as she took a whiff of Vinyl's breath. "Ugh, just as I suspected. You've wasted my money treating yourself to a night on the town. Again."

"Hey, that's not fair, Octy," said Vinyl with a pout, sitting up and placing her hooves on her hips. "I don't do that every night."

"No, just whenever you feel like it," said Octavia, rolling her eyes.

"And that's not every night. So ha!" said Vinyl smugly.

Octavia was not amused. "Vinyl, this has to stop. I don't mind you being out during all hours of the night; that's just your wont. But you have to stop spending my money on frivolous things."

"Well, maybe you should stop giving it to me then," Vinyl countered. "Ever think of that?"

Octavia raised an eyebrow. "If you're trying to get out of doing errands, it's not working."

Dammit, she's onto me, Vinyl thought. C'mon, Vinyl Scratch. You can get out of this. Just put on that ole DJ P0N-3 charm.

She then leaned down close and stroked Octavia's mane. "Y'know, you're cute when you're mad. Have I ever told you that?"

"Yes. Yes you have," said Octavia plainly. "It's getting quite old, actually."

"Crud. W-well..."

"Save it, Vinyl," said Octavia, pushing the white unicorn off of her. "I honestly don't know why I put up with you sometimes."

"Oh, that's a load of horse apples," said Vinyl coyly as she sat up. "We both know it's because I'm sexy."

"For the record, that one's getting old, too," said Octavia. "Alright, I've had just about enough of this nonsense. It's time we both went to bed."

"What? Are you crazy?" said Vinyl. "I don't need to put no hay in no sack and hit it with forty winks or whatever."

"That's a mixed metaphor."

"I'd like to mix your metaphor, if you know what I mean."

"I rarely do."

"Good, 'cause I don't know what I meant, either," said Vinyl with a laugh. "Thank you, Manehattan! Goodnight!"

And with that, Vinyl finally passed out. Octavia sighed.

"The ironic thing is that she's going to be bright eyed and bushy tailed come daybreak," she muttered, dragging Vinyl to the bedroom. "I'll never figure out where she gets all her energy."

As she laid Vinyl into their bed, a small smirk crossed her face.

"Heh. It's the same as always," she whispered. "She has her fun, and I keep everything from falling apart. She might be a terrible roommate, but at least she enjoys herself. Now if only I could teach her to behave herself, too..."

"Only when you stop acting like a prudish stick-in-the-mud."

Octavia's face turned bright red. "V-Vinyl! I..."

Vinyl chuckled. "It's like you said, Tavi. I'm the pony who has fun, you're the pony who maintains order. Honestly, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."

Octavia smirked. "Only because you're the sole beneficiary of this arrangement."

"C'mon, admit it. You get something out of it, too."

"Like what?"

"Like me! I'm one-of-a-kind, baby!"

Octavia snickered. "Well, I can't argue with that. And actually, I'm very grateful you're so unique."

"See? Told ya!" said Vinyl as Octavia crawled into bed. Vinyl then narrowed her eyes. "Waaaaaaait a minute. Was that a shot?"

Octavia giggled. "Goodnight, Vinyl," she said, promptly falling asleep.

Vinyl chuckled a bit and shook her head. "Yeah, 'night," she said, falling into a peaceful slumber herself.

Mixed Feelings

"Look, Octy. I don't see the problem. Your sis actually seems pretty cool."

Octavia gave Vinyl Scratch a look as she sat down on the bed. "Vinyl, I know you have a brain in that head of yours. Use it. What do you think the problem is?"

"What it usually is: Me embarrassing you in front of other ponies by speaking the truth and having fun while doing it," said Vinyl with a shrug. "And to that I say that you're worrying over nothing."

"This is not nothing, Vinyl," said Octavia sternly. "This is a twin sister I never knew I had visiting us."

"And, that's a bad thing?" asked Vinyl, tilting her head. "Heck, I'd be pretty psyched if I were in your horseshoes."

"Of course you would, Vinyl. But that's because you wouldn't think about the implications," said Octavia with a sigh. "I honestly have no memory of a sister growing up. I have no pictures of her, and my parents never said a word about it. And yet, she talks to me like we were old friends. I-I really don't know how to feel about this."

"Well, I know how I feel," said Vinyl with a smirk. "I feel like you don't know a good time when you see it. This is your long-lost twin sister we're talking about. Think of the possibilities!"

"What possibilities?"

"Well, a threesome comes to mind."

Octavia's expression became deadpan as she folded her forelegs. "Vinyl, will you get your mind out of the gutter for just a few minutes and stop joking around?"

"You thought I was joking about that?"

"Considering that I can read you like an open book even when you have your shades on, yes."

"Huh. Touché," said Vinyl with a chuckle. When Octavia didn't join in, she sighed. "Tavi, I'm still not seeing the problem. I mean, I get that you're all confused and junk because you're thinking about this way too much, but what does that got to do with me?"

"Let's just say you're not helping," said Octavia.

"I'm not exactly hurting, though," Vinyl argued. "Your sister doesn't seem to mind."

"Yes. And that's exactly what I'm afraid of," said Octavia firmly.

Vinyl lowered her shades and raised an eyebrow. "You lost me."

Octavia groaned and shook her head. "I can't believe I have to explain this," she muttered before turning back to Vinyl. "Listen, it's more than just her simply tolerating you. I do that every day. The problem is that Fiddlesticks actually embraces your boorish nature."

"Okay, what're you basing this on?"

"Oh, I don't know. How about the fact that she barely batted an eyelid when you called her hot?"

"Well, it's true," said Vinyl. "She is your twin, after all."

"You're missing the point," said Octavia, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her hoof. "I have a bad feeling that she's going to turn out to be a lot like you."

"What, you mean she's gonna end up living with a mare who constantly has a fork up her flank?" Vinyl teased.

"I'm being serious, Vinyl," Octavia growled. "If I have to deal with two ponies who don't take anything seriously and act like childish foals, I am going to have to check myself into a mental ward."

"Do you really think you should be saying that about your sister?" asked Vinyl with a knowing smirk.

Octavia gave Vinyl a stern look. "Vinyl, for once in your life, I want you to take this seriously and do me a huge favor."

"Is this the good kind of favor where we go back to my threesome idea, or is this the other kind?" asked Vinyl.

"I want you to promise me that you'll be on your best behavior while she's here."

"Yep, it's the other kind," said Vinyl, rolling her eyes. "Octy, I still think you're..."

"I am not kidding, Vinyl Scratch," Octavia interrupted. "I want Fiddlesticks's stay here to be as incident-free as possible. That means three things. One, you won't be rude to her. Two, you'll be a good host and get her whatever she needs. Three, do not, and I repeat, do not do anything stupid. Is that clear?"

"Uh, just one problem," said Vinyl, feeling a bit intimidated.

"What is it?"

"Define 'stupid.'"

Octavia shot Vinyl a bemused glare. "You know what I consider stupid, Vinyl. You figure it out."

"Yeah, no," said Vinyl with a bemused look of her own. "Knowing you, the meaning of that word is pretty broad."

Octavia sighed. "Vinyl, I'm not asking you to change who you are. Nopony can do that. I'm just asking you to show some restraint. Please?"

Vinyl thought for a moment. "Alright, fine," she said reluctantly. "I'll be on my best behavior."

"Look me in the eye a promise me," Octavia ordered.

Vinyl sighed, and stared deep into Octavia's stern, purple eyes. "I promise that I'll try to be on my best behavior," she said.

"You'll try." Octavia parroted.

"That's the best deal I can give you, Octy," said Vinyl with a shrug. "Take it or leave it."

Octavia paused for a moment, and then gave a sigh of her own. "Well, it's better than nothing, I suppose," she said. "Thank you, Vinyl."

"Yeah, no prob," said Vinyl. "Listen, Tavi. I want you to think about what I said."

"What, the threesome?"

Vinyl sniggered. "No, Tavi. I'm talking about how you're worrying over nothing. I know that you can enjoy yourself when you put your mind to it, so do that and stop sweating the small stuff."

Octavia smirked. "I'll, think about it," she said, giving Vinyl a peck on the cheek. "Now, let me just get dressed, and then we can have a proper breakfast with Fiddlesticks."

"Sounds like a plan," said Vinyl with a cocky smile. "Unless you're actually considering the..."

"Don't push it," said Octavia with a sly smirk, cutting across Vinyl.

***

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Fiddlesticks," said Octavia and she and Vinyl reentered the kitchen. "Vinyl and I had a lot to talk about."

"Ah figured," said Fiddlesticks with a chuckle. "Shoot, the way y'all took yer sweet time in there, it's like ya both were married or sumthin'."

"Do you want to tell her, or should I?" asked Vinyl.

"Vinyl..." Octavia growled through gritted teeth.

"Right, maybe later," said Vinyl sheepishly. "Let's just dig in. I'm starving."

"Took the words right out of mah mouth," said Fiddlesticks. As they began to eat their breakfast, Fiddlesticks caught a glance of Octavia's Cutie Mark. She did a double take, and her expression brightened.

"Hmm? What is it, Fiddlesticks?" asked Octavia.

"Well, string me up and stick me on a roof. Y'all have got the same Cutie Mark Ah've got!" Fiddlesticks exclaimed gleefully. "Ah must've not noticed it before because of yer robe."

Octavia's eyes went wide. "R-really? You have the same Cutie Mark as me?"

"Darn tootin'!" said Fiddlesticks with a wide grin. "Here, take a gander!"

Fiddlesticks stood up and pointed to her flank. Indeed, her Cutie Mark was that of a treble clef. The only difference was that hers was blue while Octavia's was purple.

"I am suddenly glad that I'm not colorblind," said Vinyl, wolfing down an apple dumpling.

Octavia couldn't help but laugh at that one. "Wow. I suppose we really are twins."

"Sure looks like it," said Fiddlesticks. "So, y'all pursued yer dreams to become a musician, Ah take it?"

"Well, yes," said Octavia, taking a sip of her coffee. "I play the cello for my ensemble."

Fiddlesticks raised an eyebrow. "The cello? Ah mean, Ah know that's the instrument y'all got attached to when y'all were a filly, but why the hay is yer Cutie Mark a treble clef? Shouldn't it be a bass clef or sumthin'?"

"You're actually not the first pony to ask me that," said Octavia apprehensively, her cheeks turning a rosy pink. "I'm actually well-versed in all sorts of string instruments. I just prefer the cello is all."

"Huh," was all Fiddlesticks said before going back to her breakfast. The three mares ate in silence for a time until Octavia cleared her throat.

"Um, actually, Vinyl and I were discussing your arrangements," said she. "Do you have a place to stay while in Canterlot?"

Fiddlesticks looked up and placed a hoof to her chin. "Well, Ah was initially plannin' to bunk with you, but that was before Ah knew y'all had a roommate."

"Oh, no need to change your plans," said Octavia. "You can stay in our room."

Vinyl spat out her coffee and looked at Octavia as if she had three heads. "Wait, what?!"

Fiddlesticks gave a lighthearted chuckle. "Y'all don't haffta do that fer little ole me, Tavia."

"I insist," said Octavia. "Vinyl and I will be fine in the living room."

"Um, hello? Octy? I didn't agree to this," said Vinyl, sounding rather frantic.

"Tavia, Ah appreciate the gesture. Really, Ah do," said Fiddlesticks. "But seriously, Ah don't wanna impose or nuttin'."

"Nonsense. You're not imposing at all," said Octavia sweetly.

"I think you're the one who's imposing, Tavi," Vinyl grumbled.

Fiddlesticks sighed. "Well, if y'all insist on me stayin' here, at least let me get the couch. Ah'll be comfortable, Ah promise."

"Tut tut, none of that," said Octavia, shaking her head. "We want only the best for you, Fiddlesticks. You're our guest, after all."

"You're using the royal 'we,' I assume," Vinyl muttered bitterly.

"It's mighty kind of ya, Tavia. But Ah'm used to roughin' it," said Fiddlesticks. "Trust me, Ah'll be more comfortable on the couch."

"Well, all the more reason you should have a real bed to sleep in for a change," said Octavia.

Fiddlesticks raised an eyebrow. "Y'know, Ah sleep in real beds plenty."

Octavia's eyes widened and her face turned bright red. "Oh, sorry! Faux pas. I, didn't mean to..."

Fiddlesticks snickered. "Relax, Tavia. Ah ain't mad," she said. "Really, Ah'm glad y'all want me to be comfortable, but Ah wouldn't be able to sleep none knowin' that Ah'm in mah sister's bed while she's out on the couch."

Vinyl breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank Celestia."

Octavia twiddled her hooves. "W-well, I guess that's alright," said she. "I-I mean, I could go see if I have a cot lying around or..."

Fiddlesticks smiled, and placed a hoof on Octavia's shoulder. "Tell ya what. If y'all find a cot or sumthin', Ah'll be much obliged. But until then, Ah'll be alright on the couch. Deal?"

Octavia smiled back. "Alright, deal."

"Good t'hear," said Fiddlesticks, giving Octavia a friendly pat. "Ah'll jus' go unpack the rest of mah things."

"Oh, yes," said Octavia, getting up from her seat. "Here, let me give you a bit of a tour; just so you know where everything is."

As the twin sisters left, Vinyl couldn't help but stare at Octavia in disbelief.

Did I miss something? When did Tavi lose her Celestia-damn mind? she pondered to herself. If that's what she considers being a good host, this best behavior business is gonna be incredibly painful...