Crescendo and Sonata walked hoof in hoof directly ahead of Vinyl Scratch and Octavia on the walk through town. Ponies in gaudy holiday attire and foals making snowponies crowded the streets, filling the air with laughter and the smell of fresh pine and gingerbread.

Vinyl's stomach growled, and she looked desperately at Octavia, who nodded slightly. Vinyl disappeared in a puff of magic, and moments later she returned holding a large basket of hay-fries.

"Mmm," she said chewing. "Mother of Celestia, that's good. Such a glorious, delightful taste never met my tongue in all my life."

Octavia rolled her eyes. "Just make sure my parents don't see. They'd be terribly hurt."

Vinyl nodded, then glanced around briefly, before leaning in to nuzzle Octavia's cheek affectionately. "You're a great marefriend, you know that?"

"...a wonderful holiday this year, don't you think, Octavia dear?" Sonata said, turning her head to see them. "My stars, what are you two doing?"

"Uh, she was telling me a secret. Heheh. Yes, that's it. Something about, er, presents, yes!" Octavia babbled.

"I was, er saying that she will be a great marefriend, if she is one. That's all. See? Nothing to see, just a, er, a nice little compliment." Vinyl added, trying vainly to be helpful.

"I see," said Sonata, not quite buying it.

"Aw, leave them alone, 'Nata. You know how these young people are. Always with their little secrets. Don't bother them." Crescendo tried to smooth things over.

The rest of the day morning was spent in silence, as nopony really felt like talking. They took a very solemn picture in front of the big tree, with only Vinyl grinning, holding a caramel apple, seemingly oblivious to the tension. But Octavia could tell she felt it too.

"Well, so much for that brilliant idea."

Vinyl Scratch was lying flopped across Octavia's bed, her head on the other mare's stomach. They two were ready for bed, but they spent a few minutes talking over the day before actually turning in.

"I guess there's just no way we're gonna make this work out. Look. They hate me already." Vinyl said dismally.

"Don't say that," Octavia replied, stroking her mane. "It'll still work out. Promise."

"Excuse me, girls-- Oh! I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" Sonata appeared at the door, clad in a fluffy white robe and holding a candle. "I just thought I'd put this in here. It, er, adds to the holiday feel, you know?"

Sonata set down the candle backed out, looking vaguely triumphant behind her mask of indifference.

Vinyl had slid off of Octavia as soon as she heard Sonata's voice, but the both got the feeling she had been to slow. Sonata had been spying.

After they were sure Sonata had left, Vinyl bounce up.

"That's it. I'm leaving. You were right, 'Tavi. They do hate us.

"No, Vinyl. Wait. Maybe.... Maybe all of this will have blown over by morning." Octavia sighed, blowing out her cheeks as she exhaled. I certainly hope so.

She slid off the bed and blew out the candle her mother had left, closing the door to the hallway as well. "Good night, Vinyl. I don't know about you, but I'm going to sleep."

When Octavia and Vinyl Scratch came down to breakfast the next morning, Crescendo and Sonata sat next to each other, very straight, with identical looks on their faces. They were the sort of looks one gets from a teacher when she is trying to be kind, but in truth she is completely disgusted by your very existence.

Sonata stood up, obviously considering herself the leader. "Octavia, Vinyl Scratch, we need to talk. Cresh and I feel that you're hiding something from us, and we'd like to know why." She turned toward the door with a professional swish of her tail. "Eat something, then meet us in the sitting room."

Crescendo shrugged as he followed his wife, and Octavia thought she saw him mouth, "I'm sorry."

"So," Sonata said once they'd seated themselves. "Tell me, what in Equestria is going on here?"

"Octavia shrugged, eyes downcast. "Nothing, Mother."

"Nothing. Really now, nothing?" Seeing no response, Sonata changed her tactics. "Octavia, dear, remember that whatever it is, we won't blame you. You're our filly, and we love you, no matter what. Always remember that."

Octavia glanced at Vinyl, who seemed oddly calm. She nodded slightly, then began.

"Sonata, Crescendo, I want you to keep your promise. Octavia is going to tell you what's going on, but you have to swear not to freak."

The two older ponies nodded solemnly, seemingly bracing themselves for the worst.

"Mother, Father, I have to admit I wasn't being completely truthful in my last letter. Vinyl Scratch is the best friend I could ever ask for, and I love her with all my heart. So, four months back, when she asked me to be her special somepony, I said yes. No, not everything I said was true. But most is. Vinyl is the greatest friend a pony could ask for, and I do trust her completely. I hope you don't mind when I say that more then that to me. Vinyl is my marefriend."

"No!" Sonata let out a strangled cry, then collapsed onto her husband's shoulder. Then, suddenly dangerously calm, the pastel blue mare stood, drying her tears. "Octavia, I retract my previous statement. You are no longer my foal, no matter what anyone say. Now, before I lose my temper, get out."