//------------------------------// // New Beginnings // Story: Paranoia: A Growing Bond // by FluttershyAllTheWay //------------------------------// The rest of Octavia's journey home in Vinyl's limousine was fairly peaceful and quiet. Neither pony spoke, both for different reasons. Octavia didn't mention anything because she had a long and rough day: all she desired was to slumber contently in the back of Vinyl's limo. She appreciated that her friend had given her yet another lift home: she was definitely in Vinyl's debt. On the other hand, Vinyl was quiet for an entirely different reason. Although there many things she could converse about with Octavia, fear kept her mouth closed as she held back the temptation to interrupt Octavia's delicate sleep. 'She deserves the rest after the events that have transpired recently.' Vinyl decided. As a consequence of the two ponies staying silent, the journey went by very slowly, especially for Vinyl. Octavia was too busy deep within the grasp of lethargy to notice the length of the journey, but Vinyl had nothing she could do aside from gaze nonchalantly out of the limo's window. Nothing spectacular came into her field of view. With an exasperated sigh, Vinyl slunk further into her chair. The day hadn't gone badly but she felt as if something was missing; something important. The identity of this missing thing was not present in Vinyl's mind until she saw something out of the window. The aforementioned "something" that Vinyl had seen was specifically two ponies. The ponies were sitting on a bench positioned on the pavement, placed carefully against a wall. It wasn't the two ponies that had caught Vinyl's eye, though. Instead, it was what the two ponies were doing. They were sitting side by side on a bench, gently gazing outwards whilst they watched traffic pass by. The two ponies were also holding each others hooves as they continued their drab but relaxing activity. Something had clicked in Vinyl, but she was unsure about what it was. The sight of those two ponies indulging in life's simple pleasures and enjoying each other's company... Wait a second. Vinyl didn't... Did she? With a brief peek to ensure she was still sleeping, Vinyl looked to his right at the sleeping lump that was Octavia. Her face showed happiness and contentedness as she pleasantly wandered through Dreamland. Over the last few weeks, Vinyl had always been there to help out Octavia but she had never thought much more of it. It seemed like a normal friendship to her. But it was the little traits that Octavia had that got to Vinyl: her professionalism, her voice, her approving smile, her empathy and understanding - just about everything about Octavia was perfect, Vinyl concluded. 'I- I think I love Octavia...' Vinyl realised, lightly blushing at the thought. Octavia stirred in her sleep, repositioning herself for maximum comfort. With one brisk motion, Vinyl broke her gaze from Octavia and back to the world outside her window: she didn't want to cause any commotion between the two companions. Just then, it all became apparent to Vinyl. She knew what was missing, but she couldn't force it upon Octavia. Heck, she probably thinks little of me, as if I'm just an accomplice. 'There was no way she could love me back!' Vinyl reassured herself. Still half giddy at the final realisation that she had feelings for Octavia deeper than she was previously aware of, Vinyl noticed that the limousine was slowing down, gently easing itself to a stop so the gates of Vinyl's mansion could open. They were home. "Hey sleepyhead!" Vinyl gently remarked. "We're home." "Ugh... What?" A groggy Octavia mumbled. Vinyl could clearly see that the poor cellist was still fatigued and she hated the fact that she had to raise her from her sleep, but the limousine was now tactfully making its way up Vinyl's gravel driveway and they had arrived at her humble abode. "Come on, Octavia," Vinyl said softly. "We're back at my place: aren't you hungry?" She added with a brisk chortle. Octavia looked up, rubbed her eyes with her hooves and exerted an extensive yawn. She was still tired but the mention of food had rekindled her previously hungry state. At the thought of food, Octavia belly audibly rumbled ravenously. With a bashful smile at Vinyl, Octavia blushed at her stomach's awkward outburst. Vinyl did little more than laugh teasingly at Octavia. Vinyl promptly exited the limo and nodded at the driver to express her gratitude. In an act of courtesy, Vinyl made her way round the limo and opened Octavia's door for her generously. Octavia slipped out of Vinyl's limo with ease and smiled with appreciation at Vinyl. The sight of Octavia's beaming face being directed at Vinyl sent her crazy inside. Vinyl's head went giddy with happiness, just as it had done earlier with the hug the two friends had shared. That hug marked the beginning of their friendship and Vinyl held it very close to her. That moment could never disappear. "Uhh, Vinyl? Are we going to go inside now?" Octavia questioned curiously, puzzled by Vinyl's reaction. Vinyl was absent-mindedly staring out into space with a contented look plastered across her face. At the sound of Octavia's sweet but sophisticated voice, Vinyl jumped and crashed back down to reality. Vinyl blushed and avoided eye contact bashfully. "Sorry, I- Uh-" Vinyl stammered, unable to locate the correct words to say. Octavia simply giggled gently at Vinyl's cute reaction. "Come on silly filly, I've had a long day and I'm famished! Let's get inside." Octavia requested playfully. Vinyl simply nodded in agreement. With that, the two ponies turned away from the limo and began the short trek to Vinyl's luxurious mansion. As the sun started to set on this Summer's evening, the birds nesting in the trees began chirping away softly. The two ponies were unhurried in their trotting; instead they were taking their time to enjoy the wondrous setting that engulfed them - above them, behind them and all around them. The moment was so memorable and romantic but neither pony spoke. Both of them just quietly looked around and appreciated the beauty of the setting. It was the beginning of a blossoming bond...