//------------------------------//
// Prompt #400-It Keeps Happening 
// Story: Ponywatching 
// by ThunderTempest 
//------------------------------//

Vinyl Scratch sat in the bar, steadily working her way through her second hard cider for the night. Her drinking buddy for tonight was Pinkie Pie, and the mare was already on her sixth. The two had met up to discuss arrangements for the Royal Wedding reception later that week, and after their business had concluded, had agreed to go out for a drink together.

“I think you and that grey pony you live with would make a great couple, Scratchy!” slurred Pinkie, “You’re so fun, and energetic, and, like, the complete opposite of her. Plus, you both like music, right? You two should kiss.”

For a response, Vinyl just rolled her eyes, and took another swig of her cider.

“No, serioushly, you two would be great for each other!” said Pinkie, finishing off her eighth stein quicker than Vinyl could blink. “I’m not as think as you drunk I am. Hey, why can I see ducks?” and with that, Pinkie pitched forwards, and was asleep before her head hit the table. Vinyl sighed, took a few seconds to finish her own stein off, then deposited a small bag of bits on the table, enough to pay for their drinks, plus a tip. She then hauled the pink pony out of her seat, and began the process of taking the pony back to the castle, as the DJ remembered her saying she was staying there.

****

Octavia sipped her glass of wine as she sat in the lounge, steadily conversing with Rarity. The two had met at one of Fancy Pant’s soirees a few months back, and upon hearing that Rarity was designing the dresses for the Royal Wedding, Octavia had decided to see if they could catch up, and maybe get a performance there. Unfortunately, Rarity had revealed that she was not in anyway able to influence who was picked to play at the reception, but had at least promised to bring her name up.

Rarity, while not from Canterlot, was like a breath of fresh air when compared with the other unicorns around the city and Octavia always enjoyed anytime they managed to catch up. She was refreshingly pleasant, and always said what she meant. Octavia didn’t normally wear clothes for her performances, but she may just have to make the trip out to Ponyville to at least look at Rarity’s boutique, just for being pleasant company. It was the polite thing to do, after all.

“My dear, you and this ‘Vinyl Scratch’ sound just perfect for each other,” said Rarity, as she swirled her wine around, “Why, it’s a pattern I see all the time. Shy, reclusive but talented artist, meets loud, outgoing performer...It’s practically a done thing!”

Octavia gave a long suffering sigh, and was about to carefully interject with a rebuttal, but then Rarity glanced up at the clock.

“Oh my. We seem to have gotten a bit carried away, dear Octavia. I still have a great deal of work to do, but this was a welcome distraction.”

Octavia placed her glass down on the table, and nodded her agreement. The two shook hooves, and parted ways, Rarity heading back to the castle, and Octavia back to her apartment.

****

Vinyl entered the apartment she shared with Octavia, having hauled her drinking buddy, and now employer, she guessed, back to the castle. Octavia was already home, and getting ready for bed, which sounded like a fantastic idea to Vinyl right now.

****Time****

As Vinyl made her way towards her room, and her very comfortable bed, Octavia coughed to get her attention. As Vinyl looked over at the cellist, Octavia gestured with her hoof at a blackboard hung on the wall. The board was divided into halves, one side reading ‘Vinyl’, and the other ‘Octavia’. Vinyl rolled her eyes, and nodded once. She watched as Octavia put down another mark under the Vinyl column, and then add one to the Octavia side. Vinyl gave a chuckle, then moved into her bedroom, falling onto her bed, and was asleep within minutes.