Vinyl had, true to her word, spent the intervening time between Octavia’s departure and subsequent arrival eating roughly half her body mass in chocolate fondue treats. It had, essentially, culminated in a conveyor-belt like motion with the waiter simply depositing a pile of marshmallows, fruit and sweets next to the fountain, and leaving her to it. She was in the very careful process of levitating a stick made of three skewers held together by marshmallows coating every millimetre of its length into the cascading confectionery goodness. Who would have fruit with chocolate anyway?
It was in this precise zone of concentration, that rarely came to Vinyl, that Octavia found her. Or, more accurately, Octavia sidelined into her a full-body-tackle-come-crushing-hug. After recovering the air from her lungs with a few gasping breaths, Vinyl looked up to see the overbearing grin on Octavia’s face.
“You..got the...place, then?”
Octavia nodded her head in a rapid manner that seemed capable of snapping it off with the force. “Yes! Mr Zimmer said me and Lyra got the place and he wants me to join him next week for a practice session I just can’t wait it’s gunna be great!”
Vinyl gave Octavia a moment to recoup her breath after the verbal tidal wave. She laughed at the sheer joy across the pony’s face and the massive excitement that caused an uncharacteristic wave of glee through her speech. Octavia soon found herself giggling too, though whether it was giggling at the good news, or giggling at Vinyl giggling, she didn’t know.
Inevitably, though, Vinyl felt a little uncomfortable with Octavia bearing down on her so much. Although it took Bonbon’s interventions to snap her into action. She spied the beige mare out of the corner of her eye, casting a final wink and a wave before leaving with Lyra in tow.
“Hey, Octy. Mind getting off me a sec, the waiter’s looking at us funny.”
Octavia blushed, Vinyl noticed she seemed to blush quite often nowadays. She carefully stepped off Vinyl, lightly coughing into a hoof to clear her throat. She waited for Vinyl to resettle on her hooves, before tentatively trying the conversation again. This time without the glares from the waiter, who had begun to pat the chocolate stains from Vinyl’s marshmallow log with irritated huffs.
“So, what do you wanna do to celebrate, Octy?”
“Oh, ahh...” Octavia stared at her hooves, lightly swinging a leg to scuff at the shag-pile carpet. “We could always...go back to my place, if you’d like. I promise to lock those Gargle Blasters away.”
“Hey, I’ll drink whatever you’ve got, so long as I don’t wake up in your bowtie again!”
Octavia’s head shot up, smiling lightly despite the solar heat radiating from her cheeks. “Okay! Shall we..then?”
Vinyl reached out a bent foreleg, taking Octavia’s and interlocking them. “We shall, m’lady. Lead the way.”
Octavia almost snickered at the gentlemarely gesture, before the pair trotted out of the doorway. The waiter glanced up after them, ensuring they were gone. He sighed, lightly stroking his dark-brown mane before procuring a small, metallic stick from a pocket in his uniform. He clamped the stick between his teeth, releasing a blue light and a buzzing noise from the tip as he set off on his mission.
“Allons-y!”
* * * * * *
Octavia unlocked the door, holding it open for Vinyl to pass through. She followed suit, lightly closing the door behind her and showing her guest to the living room. The cello was placed on her favourite chair with extreme reverence, while she flung herself onto the couch next to Vinyl. The day had been thoroughly trying, to be fair.
She noticed Vinyl’s curious expression, eying the cello case from afar. It took a moment for her to pluck up the courage to ask the question, given what Bonbon had implied to her during the fifteen minute set that had passed in a heartbeat for Vinyl.
“Hey, Octy...what song was that you played at the audition, then?”
Octavia once more took up the habit of looking everywhere but at Vinyl. “Oh, it was just...a little piece I wrote. I just felt like writing something...happy.”
“I liked it.”
Octavia’s face turned towards Vinyl with a soft smile. “You did?”
“Yeh...can you...play it for me again?”
Octavia blushed, she wasn’t often one for private concerts and had never really played to anypony but herself, and her audiences. To herself it was more science than art. Perfecting notes, pitches and keys, fine tuning and refining her work. To an audience, it was simply replaying what she had written. Less a thinking pony and more a high-class gramophone. You couldn’t intimately play with a theatre full of ponies; the emotion is generalised across the whole, not focused on the one you play to in private.
She nodded hastily and went to grab the cello case. Carefully unpacking, tuning the pegs, and readying herself. She sat down next to Vinyl, who watched the sheer care and devotion she put into her work with intense fascination. Octavia would have stood, she was more used to it now, but the fifteen minutes of playing earlier had given her achy calves, and she preferred to sit down next to Vinyl this time.
She focused her breath, her heart pounded inside her ribcage, and Vinyl’s attempts at motivating smiles only made it worse. She had erupted into a blush that could be considered a biological marvel, scientists would likely comment the pony body didn’t even have as much blood in it as Octavia’s cheeks appeared to be bearing.
She closed her eyes, recalling the notes, playing them as she did for Hoofz Zimmer, her idol. Yet, here she was, more nervous, glancing to see the smile on Vinyl’s face as she watched her play, those little ruby eyes watching her command the cello. Why did she need the acknowledgement from this mare to play, why did she even care about her opinion?! She was the first pony she had played privately to since her father had taught her the cello, she normally waved most requests away and told them to see her in concert.
But, there was something about those eyes, something in them she didn’t want to disappoint, never to let them down, lest they shimmer over with tears. The very idea of imagining them like that almost choked Octavia, almost prompted tears of her own.
She felt a soft hoof on her back, looking to see that the ruby eyes were etched with care. Was she showing her emotions so freely to Vinyl? Did she think she was...weak?
The hoof turned to a caring foreleg across her back, the sensation calming Octavia instantly. She found her head, naturally, leaning towards Vinyl as she played, and was surprised to find Vinyl’s shoulder already awaiting her head to lean on it. She gently rested herself on Vinyl, still playing on as the other mare gently held Octavia close to her.
* * * * * *
Vinyl barely breathed, hardly even dared to blink her eyelids. It wasn’t a tense silence when Octavia’s cello finally fell silent, her private concert completed with a fluttering crescendo. No, it was the calmest silence Vinyl had ever experienced, a moment which neither pony wanted to break.
She could almost sense the fine, spidersilk-like strands that bonded her and Octavia together for that one, infinite moment. The moment that simply hung time in the air, the sensation of the bond feeling stronger, sturdier, yet one soft whisper would blow the moment away. She simply lay were she was, Octavia’s head resting on her shoulder, that adorable little manedo she had falling across Vinyl’s chest. She wasn’t even sure if she was awake, she seemed as peaceful as a pony in the deepest realms of sleep.
However, Octavia was, in fact, of this waking world. She still felt detached from it, like Equestria was rushing past around them, while they experienced everything each second could offer to them. Vinyl’s heartbeat came thick and fast, she could feel it through her shoulder. She found herself sliding, resting her head on her chest for a close listen as Vinyl leaned back to accept her. The hoof that had lain comfortingly across her back now tousled with her mane, gently stroking it in a manner Octavia was almost embarrassed to admit she enjoyed. Almost.
The heartbeat itself, only one instrument, two notes, ever-repetitive, yet fuller, and more vibrant than the grandest ensemble that even the Royal Court could offer her. She imagined the infinite complexity of the being she rested upon, only further complicating itself as she increased the microscopy of her imagination. The millions and trillions of tiny pieces, processes and pulses that made up Vinyl Scratch. This machination of so much effort and detail, for what purpose?
Octavia smiled, burying her head further into Vinyl’s fuzzy coat. The hairs tickled her snout, causing it to wrinkle in a way Vinyl found adorable to watch. This prissy, cultured mare, reverting to a filly in her presence. Vinyl found it too enjoyable to even describe. There was something about Octavia when she got excited, or angry. The little cracks showed in her armour, and beneath it was a pony who Vinyl had more than liked getting to know.
For her own part, Octavia finally realised all she had ignored, all she had forgotten. Vinyl’s body was the epitome of art, a contrived effort of some divine entity, to create something impossible, create something so complex that it gave pony scientists a headache. What purpose was there in art? It only exists to be marvelled at, something to cast your adoration upon, and one day hope that you can claim it as your own; to one day, experience the art yourself.
From Mozcart to Beethoofen to Maretisse, none of them had ever tried to tell a story or change the world. They simply created something beautiful and watched in marvelled amazement as the world changed towards it. As it changed to accept the new views, the inspiring symphonies, the emotive paintings. A tear welled in her eye as she realised the foalishness of her own mind. What she felt for Vinyl wasn’t there to be quantified, understood or rationalised. It was simply a force of its own nature, an appreciation of an art piece she finally understood. Love and life don’t exist for a purpose, she should simply enjoy what they offered, and cast her adoration upon them as they deserve.
She felt a peace wash throughout her whole body as she finally understood. All this time she had tried to change Vinyl, and make her more cultured to suit her old views. Maybe she, as the observant, simply needed to tilt her head, and look at this pony in a new light?
Or, maybe, she thought as she slid her forelegs around Vinyl’s torso and embraced her in a close hug, she simply needed to make the most of it while she still had the opportunity to peruse its perfection. She felt Vinyl’s shuddering breaths as her lungs heaved slowly and silently, the heart pounding more gloriously than ever. It sounded like the deepest, most bass-heavy drumbeat Octavia could imagine. Vinyl was as scared to break this one, perfect moment as Octavia was.
Octavia pondered for a long moment as Vinyl reciprocated the hug. What could she do or say that wouldn’t break the moment, that would bring it forward to new horizons? She smiled as a not-so-new idea came into her mind, back from the ether where it had been repressed to. She slowly loosened her grip on Vinyl’s torso, feeling the subtle uncertainty as Vinyl’s forelegs relaxed their embrace slightly.
She crawled up to look Vinyl in the eye. In those strange, little, red baubles. Completely incapable of hiding any emotion, always relying on the trademark shades to have a hope at going incognito. Asking her to remove them was the best decision Octavia had ever made, it was like removing a paper bag from her head. Now, she could actually see Vinyl.
The red eyes quivered with uncertainty, unsure, but unwilling to break or release the eye contact. Octavia’s own eyes simply stared, delving deeper and more intrusively into Vinyl’s mind. The millimetres between them disappeared under the trance, eyes closing on one another as the lips took their first tentative touch. Delicate at first, but then, Octavia found herself pressing down passionately on Vinyl’s muzzle.
And to her final, internal glee, Vinyl pushed back just as hard.
That is the most heartwarming thing i've ever read.
There is only one problem I have with this story, and it's an easy fix: You tend to have run-ons and sentence fragments. I recommend using semi-colons in some cases. That aside, well done.
Oh Yes, Contact at last : D
It's funny. I was brought to this site by stories like "Traveler", "Pony Psychology Series", and "The Empty Room", all tales of adventure and darkness. Sure, they were about pastel ponies, living in a fairy tale land where nothing seems to go wrong, but they all possessed that dark air that I loved to read, had an atmosphere that would send chills down my spine.
But, after hanging around here for close on three months, I've come to realize something: There are few experiences better than reading a masterfully written romance. And this story is truly a masterpiece. Eight chapters of slowly developing two characters, of building their relationship up from dust, all leading up to a single moment of tender intimacy. If this was the final chapter, I think that the ending would be perfect. However, since the incomplete tag is still hanging around, I shall be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
CoffeGrunt, well done.
I think I have already read this chapter on EqD, but it was just as amazing the second time!
That was so romantic! you are truly gifted.
31040 Wait, what? You think I wrote those? ...I'm not sure if I should feel complimented or insulted.
First, no, I didn't write those. I agree with you, advertising your own story in someone else's comment section is a horrible practice, one which I have not, nor will ever participate in. No, the stories I mentioned, like I said, were the stories that brought me to this site, the ones that convinced me that MLP fanfiction could be something worthwhile after all. They are exemplary examples of writing, ones that I am sadly not capable of matching with my own limited skills and work ethic.
Second, it's unbecoming to accuse someone without first checking your facts. If you would have taken the time to examine my profile, you might have noticed that NONE of those stories are mine. Now, I'm feeling rather pissed off, people who read your comment will likely think less of me for it, and, again, I'm rather pissed off.
However, I do suppose I could have further specified that I did not write those stories. It's possible that my earlier comment could have been misinterpreted so that I was trying to garner more page views, and I'd like to apologize for giving you that impression. I assure you, that was not my intent. I was only trying to compare CoffeeGrunt's writing to that of some of my other favorite authors, ones that should be particularly well known on this site (I'm fairly certain that they've all been denizens of the featured menu in the past). I did not think I needed to specify that I did not own those stories, and apparently misled you. Again, I apologize.
.
I love this story so much! One of my favorite fics of all time! Keep it up! :)
31006 Couldn't agree more, it's fanastic.
Im just gonna come staight out and say it. This is the most beautiful thing I have ever read, and I read a lot. I think Im gonna cry.
Ah... The well written romance is a sight to behold... I love this story so much that it's keeping me up late reading it and thinking were it could go from here. Well done coffee, well done
31162 There there, I don't feel less of you. Here's a hug to help you feel better. :D
-hug-
31181 He's right. The chapter isn't added on here yet but in a future chapter, Bon Bon starts trolling herself. It's rather hilarious if you ask me. You'll see.
No.
No story can be this good.
Let's see here... Doctor who reference weaseled in without being over bearing, along with a hitch hikers guide to the galaxy reference actually driving the plot? Perfectly executed romance development?
I have quite litterally died and gone to whatever heaven may await me for I have seen a masterpiece.
No.
No story can be this good.
Let's see here... Doctor who reference weaseled in without being over bearing, along with a hitch hikers guide to the galaxy reference actually driving the plot? Perfectly executed romance development?
I have quite litterally died and gone to whatever heaven may await me for I have seen a masterpiece.
Gargle blasters!
this story is perfect in so many ways!
31566 Yay for hugs! They make everything better.
31162 you are right, and I am sorry. I should have checked first,. and even then it was not my place to post annoying on it for everypony too see. I am sorry. and I will ask that my comment be removed.
It's like art with out a paint brush.
That.. was a really good revelation.
32609 Art is formed in many ways....
AND THIS IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF ALL!!
Dawwwww....
This is the first time in a long time I have found something I could read for over 3 hours straight, only to stop reading because it was 4am on a school night. If I could read this for weeks I would.
Awwwww-dorable
This was so "dwaaaa" moment at the end.
The amount of d'awwwwww I am experiencing is immense.
some dam cute
from the start i was thinking they just need to kiss then they'll stop hating eachother.
from the start i was thinking they just need to kiss then they'll stop hating eachother.
"For her own part"...
Mood Music
And now I feel tranquil
The Doctor Who reference is awesome
I love it when The Doctor shouts Allons-y
One of the reasons the 10th Doctor was so awesome
Oh and of course an amazing love story
fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/023/6/8/dr__whooves__keep_calm_and_allons_y_by_th3m0vingshad0w-d4nfdk1.png
This chapter... Wow. Absolutely, wow.
my god that was beautiful
I have no words to describe the effect this had upon me...
Please tell me you write professionally, because this is just, incredible. Most beautiful thing I have ever read.
YYYEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!! SSSOOOOO MUCH WIN!!!
I fucking love this fic
I love the Whooves jokes!
Also, for the first time. I collapsed from D'aw..... ALL THE HEARTS!
31181
i haven't read this story in about 3 months but let me say that i now remember why this was amazing and is my favorite.... great dialog and chatter that develops the characters making them feel real that never deviates from it (unless you count the drunk scenes but thats the alcohol talking), some of the funny parts like the end of part 4 which made me laugh so hard i actually had to get a drink and finally the way you describe each little thing so beautifully like the love scene here (chapter 9) as i doesn't seemed forced it's like these two actually love each other.
you were the one to make me start/want to write fan-fics (and mine are average at best) but let me say thank you and may all your stories be great.
You coffeegrunt have taken my manly tears and I hope you treat them well also I am happy to have surrendered them to you also again very fabulous chapter
They better enjoy it while they can, because if the Doctor's involved, something is bound to screw up at some point.
Ugh. this story makes me depressed because I know I'll never be able to write this well in all my living days.
great story, though. it just makes me jealous. silly me.
google.ca/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbnid=eRyxl65aHqt5eM:&imgrefurl=http://mylittlefacewhen.com/search/%3Ftag%3Dand%2520then%2520they%2520kissed&docid=nVZz9dHjrsCQgM&imgurl=http://mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw4627-Discord.gif&w=553&h=457&ei=CTYlUO2fEZC0qAGqtICICg&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=461&sig=115242086945891201732&page=1&tbnh=134&tbnw=170&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:0,i:101&tx=111&ty=99
And then they kissed
DAWWWWWWWWWWWW
Oh no...Too, much...D'awww!
HHNNGG!!
"From Mozcart to Beethoofen to Maretisse, none of them had ever tried to tell a story or change the world. They simply created something beautiful and watched in marvelled amazement as the world changed towards it. As it changed to accept the new views, the inspiring symphonies, the emotive paintings. A tear welled in her eye as she realised the foalishness of her own mind. What she felt for Vinyl wasn’t there to be quantified, understood or rationalised. It was simply a force of its own nature, an appreciation of an art piece she finally understood. Love and life don’t exist for a purpose, she should simply enjoy what they offered, and cast her adoration upon them as they deserve.
She felt a peace wash throughout her whole body as she finally understood."
Beautiful.
Beautiful work my friend oh and love the doctor reference allons-y
One of the most beautiful love confessions I have read so far :3
"Four to two" does it in a little... more 'forced' way. Not to say that it's forced but it isn't as silent and subtle as this.
It's just really really cute :3 there's nothing else to say
This is Houston...we have touchdown