//------------------------------// // Meet the fiery Wonderbolt // Story: Inconvenient Roommates // by Harmony Split //------------------------------// Chapter 5: Meet the fiery Wonderbolt “Open the damn door, or I’ll fly through it so I can finally kick your flank!” Spitfire was still raging outside, Vinyl felt like passing out would be a good thing. Still resting on Sassaflash to hold herself up, she was considered her options. “You can’t run away from everything Vi, open the door or I will.” Sassaflash smiled at her seriously. “Well its my fault anyways because I wrote her the letter so.. I don’t really have a choice.” with this and a nod Vinyl stepped back, waiting for the doom she knew she deserved. Sassa moved towards the door, keeping Spitfire in view, her eyes warning to be careful but Spitfire just snorted and jumped in once the door was unlocked, tackling Vinyl down. Gasping for breath, Vinyl tried to get her off, but Spitfire was way too strong for her. “You little, incompetent, fraudulent idiot! I should kill you right here and now! Do you even have the smallest idea how scared I’ve been about you? How much I’ve missed you? Of course not, because thinking isn’t your greatest strength Vinyl Scratch!” Spitfire started to hit Vinyl with her wings and hooves, giving her feelings free reign. The white mare felt her breath struggling while Spitfire beat her, Sassaflash now sitting on the couch and watching them. It was all her fault and she deserved it, so Vinyl just tried to cover her face and let Spitfire run out all of her emotions. After a while her ribs began to hurt, every muscle ached from being hit. She could even taste some blood in her mouth. She swallowed it down and removed the cover from her face, looking directly into Spitfires eyes, her vision already blurring. “Please stop it Spits, I’m sorry.” It was barely more than an audible whisper, causing Spitfire to stop and looking worried at her. “I know it’s my fault and I’ve missed ya too.” Vinyl raised her hoof, touching Spitfires cheek gently that was covered in tears now. Sobbing, Spitfire fell onto her, letting the rest of her feelings free and squeezing Vinyl until it hurt. “I’m sorry Vinyl, I guess its just my anger and me being scared and…” she stopped, looking down at the white mare that closed her eyes. “Vi? Vi can you hear me? Vinyl!” she screamed the last word, but to no use. The last thing Vinyl felt was the wind on her coat, while hearing the flap of powerful wings through air. Spitfire felt like she would fall down into emptiness, she wasn’t sure if it was really her moments ago. Vinyl laid under her, breaths short and eyes closed. Taking a closer look now, the yellow mare realized what she had done, Vinyls coat was covered with blue and red markings. She started to cry again, not caring at the moment about her strong and powerful personality she usually showed. Spitfire wasn’t able to think before feeling a hoof on her shoulder. “Spits? Please stop crying, we should bring her to a hospital now.” Sassaflash seemed calm, holding her while helping her up on her Hooves. Spitfire couldn’t understand how she could stay calm under those circumstances. “But I hurt her, I just couldn’t hold back everything after all that time! I’m so sorry Sassa!” another bunch of tears made their way down Spitfires muzzle to finally drip on the floor. “Spits, please focus! If you want to help Vi now, help me getting her to the hospital, I doubt she will come back anytime soon after your.. outburst.” Spitfire nodded and tried to wipe all tears away. “The best option would be if you fly her to the hospital, I’m barely strong enough to get her there on my back.” The yellow mare tried to calm down and stretching her wings while Sassaflash pulled Vinyl to the balcony. Spitfire followed them and settled herself down, helping Sassa to get Vinyl on her back so she wouldn’t fall off during flight. Seeing Vinyl on her back, lifeless and with blood dripping from her muzzle, she wished for the past where everything was perfect. Once the white mare was settled on her back and they made sure she couldn’t fall off easily, Spitfire started into the air, quickly heading for the hospital. She wasn’t aware that the neighbours had watched everything on the balcony, even a mare with grey coat and black mane followed her movements until she wasn’t visible anymore “What happened to her, Captain?” the doctor looked at Spitfire, recognizing her uniform instantly.         “I-I don’t know. I went to visit her and found her on her couch, hardly breathing.” Spitfire felt bad about lying, but she wasn’t sure how her outburst would be handled by the princesses and the press. She didn’t know if Vinyl would cover her story but she had other things to think of at the moment, primarily about the white mare on the gurney beside her that got carried to a small room by the medical staff, letting the door shut in front of her.         “I am so sorry” a nurse behind her said “but since you are not part of her family, I have to ask you to stay at the waiting room.”         Spitfire hung her head, but trotted over to the waiting room, hoping Vinyl would recover fast. Still, it was her fault and she couldn’t explain everything, maybe she just missed her too much? While hoping for the best for Vinyl, Sassaflash arrived, sitting down beside Spitfire and smiling a bit.         “You are damn fast Spits, feels nearly like old times, huh?” the turquoise mare grinned.         “What the buck went into you that you could remain that calm? Usually you’re the first to freak out Sassa, and don’t give me with any lines about knowing she could stand it. Maybe you’ve known her longer, but I know more about her, trust me” Spitfires voice grew louder and louder, causing Sassas gaze to met hers.         “If you believe it or not, Vi knew this was going to happen, she even allowed me to open the door. You may think she’s cold hearted after everything, but I assure you she’s not! She’s a mare that got thrown back into her old life, including a bunch of extra problems.” Sassa’s stare changed more and more into a daunting one. “I care about her at least the same as you do, but she knew what she had done.” They kept silent the rest of the time while the waiting room got more and more crowded. It seems like a while before Sassaflash sighed and stood up, looking at Spitfire. “I’ve got to go, we had a gig this evening, but with Vi down here I doubt theres anything to do. I’ll just head to Neon and tell him the great news, I’m sure he’ll be ecstatic. You stayin here? I’ll be back in a few hours.” Spitfire nodded, she wouldn’t leave Vinyl hanging even she had her own commitments. Now alone, she started to feel uncomfortable, many of the other ponies in the room were starting to recognize her. To her luck, nopony asked for an autograph, at least not at the moment. Just as she started to think about a nice long walk, the nurse from earlier stepped in, looking for her. “Captain Spitfire?” she asked around, seemly not seeing her right around the corner. Spitfire face hoofed and walked towards her “I’m here.” “Oh there you are. Your friend is feeling better now and is conscious again, you can visit her now if you want.” The yellow mare nodded and followed the nurse down a long corridor to various rooms. They stopped at room 31, the nurse giving her a small smile before leaving her. Taking a deep breath Spitfire knocked and went in, instantly seeing it was an single room and Vinyl laying on a bed by the window, looking outside. “Vi?” she whispered. No answer, she didn't even turn around to face her. Folding her ears back Spitfire moved towards the bed, sitting down next to Vinyl. Both mares stayed quiet, watching the life in the city going on and some pigeons flying past the window. The yellow mare felt guilty, yet she wasn’t sure if Vinyl was serious with what she had told Spitfire before wenting unconscious. Just as she tried to say something, no matter how dumb it would be, Vinyl sighed. “No I’m not angry and yes, I meant it when I said I deserved it.” “Then why are you staying silent? It’s not quite fitting for you Vi.” Spitfire whispered, still a bit afraid and guilty. “I was thinking about Tavi.” shuddering, she followed a pair of pigeons towards the skies with her eyes. Spitfire had no Idea what she was talking about “Who the hell is Tavi?” “You have some time? It’s not a long story but explaining might still take some time.” receiving a nod as answer Vinyl turned her gaze towards Spitfire “About one week ago I met a young, grey earth-pony with black mane. Well, maybe not really meeting her. Argh I guess I start from the beginning. You remember anything after the horrible night?” Spitfire nodded “Sapphire wanted to talk to you, and a few minutes after that you were gone. Misty and I searched for you Vi, you just were gone.” A tear rolled down her muzzle. “I thought everypony would hate and avoid me, so I left nearly instantly. After remembering what you said to me the night we made love, I felt stupid and wrote you the letter a few days ago.” Vinyl sighed “Maybe I was a bad mare, but I’m back and trying hard to keep the drugs and other stuff away.         Another tear “And I thought Sapphire lied to us as she told us you were beaten down by all those drugs.” “It was true Spits, but back to my story. I paced around in various cities to recover but never got the chance. One day I decided to go to my old home, Trottingham, and there I found a small add in the local paper, saying a classical mare was searching for a roommate. I still don’t know why, but I tried took the chance and went there with little preparation, which was a mistake.” Vinyl paused and Spits waited for her to continue. The white mare gulped “I’d been wandering around in town for quite some time and so I wasn’t able to make smart decisions anymore. Shivering, freezing and nearly passing out I went to her House and knocked. It was early in the morning and it took her some time to open it, but in the end she let me in. Sadly I passed out in her hallway.” “That was stupid. If I remember some of the coldest wintesr here in Trottingham you could have been dead” Spitfire glared at her, but Vinyl only waved with a hoof. “I’ll come to that”. Turning around to see outside the window again, she shrugged “I woke up next to her fireplace and told her that I wanted to be her roommate, then everything got… worse. Her accent was so beautiful, but she told me I wouldn’t meet her requirements and some words more I can’t remember. At the end I was going in rage and just left, without even grabbing my stuff from her floor.” “And you went around the city again, this time without anything” Spitfire closed, receiving a nod from Vinyl. “The next few things are blurred memories again, I got myself drunk and then I froze to death in a small alley.” “You’re here, so you weren’t frozen to death Vinyl.” Spitfire looked at her with a worried expression. “Trust me, for a while, I was dead.” Vinyl answered, leaving the part with her mother unmentioned. “Next time I woke up, I was in the hospital and Octavia was at my side. Never guessed that would happen so I moved in at her place after she told me to.” “And why are you on your own again?” Spitfire could guess the answer but she wanted to be sure. “She nearly kicked me out after some stupid things so I left, and Baritone and Neon helped me. Making the rest short: I sent the message to you, met Sassa, got a new Job and now I’m here.” the white mare sighted “But still, I’m afraid, I can’t seem to forget Octavia” “You sure there’s not much more to tell?” Spitfire’s teased her. The white mare blushed, her cheeks reddened. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “I would say you like that grey mare a lot more than you are willing to show Vi, although I can ‘see’ it while you talk about her.” Spitfire giggled, pointing at her cheeks. If it was possible, Vinyl's cheeks even gotten redder than before, making her try to cover it with her hooves. “Stop it Spits.” “Aww but that could have been fun! You’re no fun Vi!” the yellow mare pouted, trying to sound disappointed. “You are such a tease Spits, and you know it.” Vinyl shook her head while laughing. “Hey, but you love me for it! You are one of the few, well I have to admit one of the only six ponies on this world that see my 'real' me, not my show or my Captain personality” Spitfire said while pointing at her hoof six times to count the ponies. Vinyl now laid along the bed, laughing and holding her side because it started to hurt while she couldn't stop laughing. After a few moments, she stopped, wiping tears from her eyes and facing her friend. “You know, I actually love your wonderbolt personality in certain situations.” “You do?” Spitfire blushed slightly, but was also curious. Vinyl grinned, looking directly at her “Yep, it can be kinky sometimes.” The yellow mare blushed more, now unable to hide it from Vinyl. “We better keep off of that topic or we'll do something we might regret.” Spitfire jumped up as Vinyl laid a hoof around her neck, leaning forwards to whisper into her ear “I will never regret those things with you and I’m not in a relationship, not even with Sassa.” She sighed “You know that I love you both, but what we have is fun, we can do whatever we want whenever we want.” The wonderbolts ear twitched while Vinyl started nibbling on it, causing her to feel a cold but nice shiver down her back. “Don't put any Ideas in my head Vi, you know it could end badly.” “I would say you still owe me something and I will take it once I'm home Spits.” It wasn't a threat, it was a promise from her and the yellow mare knew it, gulping down hard. They continued to sit together, thinking about different things before Spitfire laughed. “What's so funny Spits?” “Nothing, just thought back to when we met” Her eyes were shimmering at her thought. “You do remember, right?” she turned her gaze to look at the white mare. “As if I could forget that Spits....” About five Years earlier in Canterlot Vinyl laid down her bed, thinking about her life. She had everything, a more than nice job, gigs, fans, friends, yet something was still missing. Her alarm went off and she groaned, reaching over to tap the snooze-­button. Only four hours until work and she felt like a ton bricks had hit her. “I should stop getting that drunk the night before work.” she mumbled before crawling out of the bed and getting on her hooves. Walking slowly towards her kitchen, Vinyl tried to gather her thoughts. 'A good breakfast and a nice shower should help me through the day' She reached her kitchen and searched for cereal and some milk. Everything looked clean but not due to Vinyl being tidy. It was more the fact that the white mare just couldn't cook for her life. Sitting down and chewing on some cereal, her mind started trembling again. She still wasn't sure about the thing 'missing'. Just as her mind proceeded, the doorbell rang. Groaning, she made her steps to the corridor while shouting “I'll be right there.” She really hoped it was important enough to disturb her. Opening the door, in front of her stood a stallion with a light-blue coat and a black mane. It was her friend and student in music, Neon. “Yo what's up Scratch” “Nothing at the moment, I'm afraid. Come in Neon” She stepped back to let him in and closed the door afterwards. “Shouldn't you set up the equipment tonight? Or did Ace do something stupid again?” Neon grinned, sitting down next to her in the kitchen “First, but I'm already done so I figured I would come here to give you some company.” “Okay?” Vinyl continued with her cereals, guessing it was really Neon's destiny to become a DJ like her if he was that fast with the equipment. “We should go soon, but first I need my shower.” Vinyl threw the empty bowel into the sink, slowly trotting to her bathroom. “And no peeping, you hear me?” Her words were punctuated by a door being shut and locked. She knew Neon very well, including his small crush on her. But she was the only DJ that wanted to really teach him, without any further thoughts in using his blind trust. As long as Neon wouldn’t cross a certain line he was welcomed by her at any time. It wasn’t like Neon wouldn’t be a good stallion, more that Vinyl was attracted to mares. She was a fillyfooler, and just couldn’t get interested in any Stallion in more than a friendly way. ‘Ah what am I worrying about, he’s a nice stallion with good manners’ she thought while entering the shower and flicking her shades off with her magic, placing them at the edge of a small cupboard. She reached for the valve, turning the shower on and enjoying the water running on her white coat. It helped her relax a bit also, helping her focus on her gig that day. It was her Idea to open the club all day and night, throwing a giant party to celebrate her ownership of the club. She bought it four days ago from Sapphire, who seemed happy to get away from it. With her bouncer and security-chief Ace, she ran it quite successfully the last few days. It could only get better over time. Vinyl turned the shower off, grabbing the nearby towel with her magic and rubbing her coat dry. Looking at the mirror she sighed at her mane, laying glossy around her neck again. “This might take a bit work again.” she mumbled to herself, trying to get her Spikes back up with magic. “I think I just need the special music styling again..” Vinyl sighed, knowing her mane would lay just like that until she was at the club. She left her bathroom, and headed back to the kitchen, just in time to catch the turquoise pegasus that snuck in. “Should I regret giving you the keys to my apartment Sassa?” Vinyl asked with some amusement in her voice. She sat down to see that Neon had left. “Uhm, where did Neon go to?” “You won’t ever regret it Vi, and I don’t have any clue. He spotted me and quickly left.” Sassaflash smiled at her and sat down. “Why is he so scared of you Sassa? You didn’t do anything bad to him, did you?” Vinyl tried to look serious, but the gaze of the turquoise pegasus quickly made her smile. “Well, I may have threatened him one time when he looked at your flank, and I’m not sorry for it.” Sassa shrugged and reached for the cereals and milk. “Jealous?” Vinyl winked at her. “Not at all Vi, I know you can’t resist my flank for long.” she smirked and filled a bowl. “Besides, I also know you’re a fillyfooler all through your heart.” It was time for Vinyl to blush as she shot back. “Says the mare that can barely stand a gig without touching my flank with her wings or biting my neck.” “I thought you liked it.” “I do Sassa, now could we leave that topic, at least for while we’re sober? Work calls, and we don’t have time for anything like that.” Vinyl sighed, trying to adjust her shades.. that were still in the bathroom. Grumbling, she stood up to get them while Sassa grinned at her. Quickly returning with her shades on her snout the white mare went to the door, waiting for the pegasus. “C’mon, we gotta go Sassa, and you still have to apologize to Neon.” “Why should I apologize for that?” the turquoise mare groaned. “Because it’s fun, and I won’t kiss you for a week if you don’t.” Vinyl stuck her tongue out and left the apartment, directly followed by a grumbling pegasus that muttered about unfair actions. Canterlot was busy, even at this early time. Not even noon, and both mares had to manage their way through crowded streets the whole length to the club. As usual, Ace, a big unicorn with black fur and a silver mane, stood in front of the club, keeping the few already waiting ponies outside. Vinyl was surprised. She intend to open the club in two hours and there were already ponies in front of it.  Once they were in reach, Ace waved for them. “Yo Vinyl, Sassaflash, get your flanks in here and prepare everything! Neon asked for help a few minutes ago, can’t seem to lift your equipment with his weak magic, that poor boy.” “He told me he was done with everything just a few minutes ago Ace.” Vinyl felt the bad inkling that the stallion had tried to impress her and lied about the equipment earlier. “I don’t know about what he told you Vinyl, but go inside and look around, it’s a mess.” Ace shrugged and continued his work. “Thanks Ace. Give me a note if you need anything” Both mares walked in, much to the protest of the waiting ponies. “Sure boss.” then Ace went to the waiting Ponies. “Shut up, all of you! She owns this place so stop bickering!” he shouted and everypony went silent. The inside was as Vinyl expected after talking to Ace. None of the lights were operational and her equipment stood in front of the stage but sadly not on it. Quickly looking around she spotted Neon who was trying to hide between the speakers and Vinyl sighed. “Come out Neon. Why the buck didn’t you tell me that nothing was ready? I could’ve helped you damn it, but now it’s nearly too late…” she tried to keep her voice down but it was nearly impossible. “Sassa, help him get everything done in one hour and please, no complaints.” with that she lifted her equipment in a blue aura up to the stage. “The rest is up to you, I’ll be in my office preparing.” Her mood was at a dangerous low point now, so she decided it would be better to get ready. Trotting to her office, she remembered her mane. “Damn it, my mane is still undone” the white mare cursed and looked around for her small music station.         It seemed like a normal player, but the speakers were as big as the one on the stage in the club. Her biggest invention so far, and it made her hair go up in it’s usual spiked manner. She turned it on and the loud sound nearly made her ears scream, but she was used to it. She felt her mane whirling up and stopped the player after five minutes, looking into her mirror at the door. It wasn’t perfect but nothing a bit of magic couldn’t fix. While she was busy with her mane, Ace stomped in, breathing heavily. “B-boss you should come ou-outside right now.” his voice nearly skipped itself, trying to speak really fast.         Groaning, the white mare styled the last spike. “What’s going on Ace? Can’t handle a bunch of ponies?”         He just shrugged and waved for her to follow. Vinyl made her way out of her Office after him, going through the mainstage to the entrance of the club. Most of the lights were operational now and she saw Sassa with Neon working on the top stage with some wires. Happy about the progress, she followed Ace outside where he quickly got out of the way and left Vinyl speechless.         “Hello miss Scratch” In front of her stood a yellow mare with orange mane, most of her body covered by a uniform Vinyl would recognize in any situation. “Captain Spitfire. I’m surprised to see you. What brings you to my Club?” “We should talk about that in your Office if you don’t mind” Spitfire looked serious, starring a glance at Ace. “Your bouncer insisted to get you outside instead of letting me in” “He’s just doing his job, follow me please.” Vinyl went inside again, but not before nudging Ace on his side. ‘What the buck is the Captain doing here’ she thought while walking back to her office, Spitfire following her. ‘Is she here because of the music I played at their show a few weeks ago, or is it something else?’ Vinyl wasn’t sure how to react to this, but she motioned to a chair in front of her desk, inviting Spitfire to sit down. “So, what brings you here Captain Spitfire?” “Spitfire is just fine, and basically, I’m here with an offer.” the yellow mare opened her saddlebags, grabbing some papers with her wings and giving them to Vinyl, who took them into her magic. “Lifetime contract?” Vinyl looked through the papers, her jaw falling down. “The wonderbolts want me to perform my music at every one of their shows or events?” “Well, to be honest, I want you for it.” Spitfire showed a sign of smile around her muzzle. “And why, if I may ask?” Vinyl still couldn’t believe it. “Okay Vinyl, enough of the playing. You are the best DJ in Equestria if you ask me, so it’s just natural to ask you. Besides that, everypony enjoyed your music at our last show.” “Captain, you’re bootlicking me.” the white mare stated flatly. “It has been weeks and nopony came to ask me for it, so why now and why you?” “That doesn’t matter at the moment Vinyl. Do you accept?” Spitfire’s Voice was different now, Vinyl thought she could hear a pleading tone in it. “I’ll decide after my gig, and that will be after the night once I’ve closed the club. Will you be in town at that point?” Vinyl wasn’t really sure about this, she would figure this out later with Sassaflash. “Got a better Idea Vinyl. I’m staying here and enjoying it.” Spitfire stood up and showed her a soft smile. “I hope your longer gigs are as awesome as everypony says.” she left the office, leaving a confused Unicorn inside. Just a minute later Sassaflash stormed in, looking at Vinyl that still sat at her desk, mouth open wide. “What the hell happened Vi? Was it really Captain Spitfire?” she walked to Vinyl’s side, unfolding one wing and hugging her. “Vi? Everything alright?” Her soft voice snapped Vinyl back to reality. “Yeah.. yeah I’m fine Sassa. It was Spitfire and she just offered me a lifetime contract for every wonderbolt show and event.” “Weeks after the show? Why now?” Sassa seemed leery. “That’s exactly what I’m asking myself, but that’s not all. She’s stay during the whole gig, says she’ll just enjoy it and that she hopes the rumors about my longer gigs were right.” “Well, you should take the opportunity and do your best.” she gave Vinyl a small peck on the cheek before walking outside. “You’ll be great Vi!” Vinyl wasn’t afraid of the gig, she was more afraid of the meaning of what Spitfire said. She wanted her for the shows and events, so it sounded like nopony else of the wonderbolts wanted it. But why? Shaking her head, Vinyl left her office, heading for the stage. Sassaflash was still working on the wiring, looking up at her smiling. “We’re nearly done Vi. The lights and the fog machine still need some work, but your equipment and the speakers are ready.” she stopped once she saw the expression on her friends face. “Everything alright Vi?” Sassa stopped her work and met Vinyls gaze. “I’m fine Sassa. That you’re here means a lot to me, thanks” the white mare leaned forward to kiss the pegasus and it lasted a while before they were interrupted by a harrumph. “I hope I’m not disturbing at anything.” a voice called from the dancefloor. Both mares jumped and looked down, seeing Spitfire looking at them, her expression unreadable. “Uhm Spitfire? What do you want now, I thought you’d just enjoy the gig and we’d talk about the contract later?” Vinyl asked, seeming nervous. “Sorry, but I felt bored, is there something I can help with?” Spitfire smiled awkwardly, shifting from one hoof to another. “Y-you could help Sassa with the wiring.” Vinyl looked at the turquoise pegasus. “Show her what’s left to do, I’m preparing my stuff” Sassaflash gave her a small peck on the lips before jumping down to Spitfire, motioning to follow her. While Vinyl prepared her deck Sassaflash showed Spitfire how she had to connect the wires to the lights above the stage. The wonderbolt got it quickly and started her work while Sassa watched her, maybe too intensive. “Is there a problem?” Spitfire returned the gaze, raising an eyebrow. “I was about to ask you the same. You looked rather interested while disturbing Vi and me, and I just can’t help but feel that there is more behind your simple visit here.” Sassa didn’t even try to sound friendly, her voice dripping with hostility. Spitfire muttered something as answer, to quiet to be heard and continued with the wiring until Sassaflash stopped her with a wing. “I would do anything for Vi to see her happy, and right now you’re hiding your what you really want with her. It might be unfriendly of me, but I want to know it and I want to know it now!” “I’m not taking orders from you!” Spitfire yelled, freeing herself of Sassas grip. “I don’t have to tell you anything!” Both mares glared at each other, not willing to give up. Sassaflash felt there was more, but she just couldn’t guess what it was until her brain started putting one and one together to reveal… “You’re jealous!” it was a plain statement, letting Spitfire gasp for air. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” a slight blush made it’s way to the yellow mares cheeks. “Whatever you say.” Sassaflash turned away and continued working. “If you’ve got a crush on her you better stop hoping” “Because you two are together?” Spitfire looked at her, almost hurt now. “No we’re not.” Sassa answered, a small tear rolling down her muzzle. “But you two were kissing full of passion and-” the wonderbolt continued, but was soon stopped by a hoof. “Stop it. We might kiss and enjoy each other, but it’s for fun only. While Vi might be into mares she never loved anypony and you won’t be an exception, trust me.” Sassa just couldn’t stop the tears around her muzzle. “I’ve tried several times to get her feelings to grow more for me, but I accepted a while ago that I won’t be more than friends with benefits with her.” “So you gave up?” Spitfire just stood there, shocked by what the turquoise pegasus just had revealed. “There’s no need to fight for something that you’ll never receive” Sassaflash wiped her tears away, continuing with her work. “I also won’t risk our friendship by pushing her further than I already have.” she ended, making clear that the topic is done. The yellow mare, still shocked, tried to continue with her work. She thought about what could happen if she told Vinyl that she liked her. Maybe it was like Sassaflash said and she should just hope for friendship. Vinyl never heard any of this conversation, she was too busy with her equipment. She saw both mares glaring at each other, but thought Spitfire was just doing something wrong and she went back to her turntables. Today would be her longest, and she was sure, best gig ever. Time flew by, and soon the time for opening the club had come, Neon tapping on her shoulders. “Vinyl? It’s time to open the club, Sassaflash and that yellow pegasus are done with the wiring too.” he seemed nervous. “Great to hear.” Vinyl pushed some buttons and the lights above the dancefloor went on. “Good work, you’re working with Berry Punch on the bar today. Tell Ace he can start to let them in and Sassa that she should get her flank up here.” the white mare smiled, putting her headphones on and starting with a slow beat. While the club was slowly filling with ponies, Sassa got up to her side and planted a small peck on her muzzle “Ready to wub Vi?” “Sure Sassa, let’s wub those ponies and give them the best time they’ve ever had!” With a scream she increased the pace, dragging the switches and knobs with her magic and dropping the beat. Everypony cheered down on the dancefloor, and a few switches later the lights started flashing to the beat given by Vinyl. Looking around, the white mare even caught the view of Spitfire, dancing to her wubs. It was an awesome sight and Vinyl couldn’t help but smile at it. The day started excellent, and it was about to get better and better. As time went by Vinyl started to feel tired. It was her longest gig ever, already lasting several hours, and she just wasn’t used to it. After a while Ace motioned for her, so Vinyl left the turntables to Sassa while heading to the black stallion. “You seem tired Vinyl, need a break?” he looked seriously worried. “Nope, can’t leave everypony hanging and we still got nine hours to go Ace.” Vinyl said, but her hooves were already shivering slightly. “Maybe I got something for you in your office.” The white mare stared, but decided to follow him. Anything he had to make her survive the gig was a good thing. In her office Ace showed her a small, blue bottle with some purple and grey pills in it, her favourite colour. “They will keep you awake Vinyl. You should really try them” Ace smiled. “What are those? Adrenaline pills?” Vinyl tried to get a good view on the pills, but Ace laughed. “Trust me and take two of them Vinyl, you’ll love them!” She was still leery, but decided it couldn’t be that bad. Grabbing her water bottle and two pills from the bottle, she settled herself down in her chair. Anything that made her survive was a good thing, right? Gulping she threw the pills in, letting them flow down with some water. “Now just stay here for five minutes and let them work, I’ll head back to the entrance.” the black stallion smiled at her before leaving the office. She tried to relax as much as possible, thinking about the day so far. It was awesome, but she never thought it would exhaust her in that way. Meeting Spitfire was also one thing she would never have guessed for the day, and she seemed pretty nice. While her mind worked, Vinyl felt the exhaustion leaving her body, adding adrenaline and warmth to it. Those pills were really good. After a few minutes she felt much better, so she stood up and moved back to the stage, a smile covering her muzzle. “You feeling better Vi?” Sassa looked at her, worried that everything would be too much today. “I’m fine Sassa, just needed a small break!” with that Vinyl took control over her turntables again, bumping Sassa away playfully with her flank. The turquoise pegasus blushed, but smiled seeing her best friend recovering that fast. Soon even Neon joined them, looking at the work of the white mare on the tables. He was always fascinated by it and wanted to become a DJ himself later. Vinyl didn’t recognize most of it, she just enjoyed Sassa on her side while wubbing beats for the crowd. She looked around the dancefloor and soon spotted a familiar orange mane. Spitfire stood in front of the stage, dancing excessively to her beats. Vinyl grinned, noticing that the yellow mare wasn’t wearing her uniform anymore. She looked just like any beautiful mare, enjoying everything she received. Maybe what she did next was dumb, but Vinyl didn’t care. Reaching with her magic while still focussing part of it on the tables, she lifted Spitfire in a blue embrace up to the stage, ignoring the surprised yelp of the mare. “I thought you would like to enjoy the party from up here.” the white mare told her once she placed her down gently next to her. Spitfire only grinned and continued to dance, her styled mane whipping through the air. It was a view that made Vinyl smile and even giggle a bit. The white mare was feeling more and more warmth and some other feelings, her mind slowly fading away. She didn’t knew that the pills were now fully working and she wasn’t really thinking anymore at all. The next she knew, there where the soft, but firm lips from the wonderbolt on her own. She never remembered how long it was, but at the end she stopped the music, sweating and wishing everypony a good night before slowly trotting down the stage towards the bar. Some drinks, that was what she needed now. Sassaflash and Neon packed everything up while Spitfire followed the white mare to the bar where they sat down next to each other. “Damn nice party, huh?” Vinyl’s voice was raucous from all the screaming and she breathed heavily. Spitfire wasn’t feeling different and answered in nearly the same voice “Yup, more than nice. You thought about the contract?” Vinyl hadn’t even spent one more thought about it, but she answered nearly instantly “I’ll sign it.” she was surprised by her own voice “Any conditions I should know about?” “Only one” Spitfire unfolded one wing and grabbed the white mare gently, turning her towards her. “We’ll spend some more time together. I really like you and that’s the reason why I convinced everypony at the bolts that you would do a fine job.” Her mind trembled, trying to focus on the mare in front of her. What was her plan? Spitfire was nice and Vinyl indeed wanted to get her know better. It couldn’t end worse, could it? “Deal” Vinyl smiled and ordered two ‘specials’ from Berry Punch, who placed two small glasses filled with a purple liquid in front of them. Both mares drowned their drinks and enjoyed the rest of the Night full of laughter and joy. Vinyl felt exhausted and tried to keep her Eyes closed. Going after the sunlight that tickled her muzzle, it had to be already far past noon. Her entire body hurt, every single muscle, and she only remembered part of the night. She remembered Spitfire, the gig, the kiss with the wonderbolt and then everything went black. ‘One hell of a party.’ she groaned in her mind, trying to get up. Right at this moment she felt something heavy but soft on her back which caused her eyes to crack open. Her heart started to beat faster once she recognized the orange mane that laid over her body. Spitfire was resting on her back, a smile on her muzzle and snorting quietly ‘Oh buck, what the hell else happened last night?’ her mind went into panic mode. While Vinyl was still busy with her own mind, Spitfire started to move and groan before an eye shot open. With a loud shriek the yellow mare jumped up and fallen off the bed. Now looking around Vinyl recognized her apartment, although she had no bucking Idea how she came in here. Spitfire laid next to the bed, breathing heavily before sharing a look with Vinyl “What happened Vinyl? Did we.. did we, you know? Vinyl shook her head, then groaned because it only caused more pain. “I don’t have any Idea what happened, sorry.” The yellow mare shifted nervously from one hoof onto another before stopping and smiling sheepishly “Would you mind going out for a coffee?” It was the last thing Vinyl expected to hear, she was certain that the wonderbolt would have escaped as fast as possible but she smiled, happy that she stayed. “I would love to Spitfire.”         After freshening up, both mares walked outside of the apartment, finding a note in front of the Door. It read the following: Good Morning Vi. If you two wonder, I carried you two last night with Neon to your apartment. You two were so drunk and making out, we thought it would be better for you to sleep a bit. Rest a bit, I’ll run the club tomorrow night so you can recover, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do too! Hugs and hoofbumps Sassa         Spitfire blushed heavily. “That explains how we got here.” she said, receiving a nod from Vinyl. They continued their way out and headed towards the city to a small cafe. Sitting down, both mares stayed silent until the waitress came to pick up the orders. Spitfire just ordered coffee while Vinyl ordered espresso and a fried hay sandwich. “How can you eat something fried just after getting out of the bed?” Spitfire laughed. “Meh, I’ve had worse, trust me” the white mare just shrugged and looked at the wonderbolt “I remember the kiss behind the turntable.” Gulping, Spitfire blushed a bit before returning the look “Me too, and I don’t regret it.” “I’m not into relationships” she tried to look serious at Spitfire, thinking about her whole actions. “It’s nothing against you, but I simply can’t.” The wonderbolts gaze turned nearly sad “Is there a reason for it.?” “I just haven’t discovered anything that is near love yet. Sure, I love Sassa, but more as a friend and I’m feeling kinda the same for you.” Vinyl said, looking uneasily to the ground. It was a lie, but how could Spitfire know? “I can work with that Vi” It was an simple sentence, but it surprised the white mare in a positive way. “You can?” “Of course! I would love to know you better and if you want I would also love to be your friend.” She smiled wholeheartedly, knowing that she could at least do what Sassa said and be her friend. “And I thought that you wonderbolts are tough and serious Spits.” She laughed while the wonderbolt blushed again. “I’am. As Captain, during shows and in certain situations. But why should I play a personality that isn’t mine towards a friend Vi?” “I don’t know, but I love it Spits.” Both mares giggled, looking forward to a nice day, getting to know each other more. The Present They still stared out of the Window, a small smile covering Vinyl’s muzzle. “I’m damn glad that we met Spits. I don’t know where I would be without you, and it’s been a wonderful time. Can you forgive me for all of the stupid things I’ve done?” “Of course I can Vi, you’re really important to me.” she hugged the white mare with her wing, enjoying it completely.         “Spits?”         “Mhhm?”         “Do you still have feelings for me?” it was a slow question, nearly hesitantly spoken.         “They are more based on friendship now. Maybe I rushed things back then but I’m really, really glad that we’re such great friends Vi.” a tear made it’s way down her muzzle, but she tried to be honest about it, even if it was a lie.         Both mares went silent and enjoyed each other in the warm embrace. Vinyl was indeed glad to have Spitfire as her friend, and she couldn’t really remember the time when she wasn’t her friend. At the same time, Spitfire was glad to have Vi, and that the white mare never assumed that her feelings were more than expected.. “Do you think I will see Tavi again? a whispered question cuted through silent. “I don’t know Vi. Do you feel something for her?” Spitfire could predict the answer, but somehow she was glad for Vinyl. “I felt warm around her, protected. My heart pumped faster and stronger than ever before. I just don’t know if it’s love, but I do know for sure that she’s more than important to me.” the white mare sobbed a bit, burying her muzzle deep into her friends fur. “Then I think you’ll see her again Vi, and this time you should stay at her side.” the wonderbolt was surprised by her own answer, but she knew it was the truth. “Thanks for everything Spit.” “I’ll be always there for you Vi, just like I promised…” Both mares enjoyed the time together, Spitfire glad and confident that she could help Vinyl while the white mare thought about the grey earth pony and her feelings towards her. “I’m coming for you Tavi” It was only a small whisper before Vinyl fell asleep, a small smile of hope and happiness covering her muzzle while she fell into dreams about the grey mare.