> Can You Find It In Your Heart? > by Tavi Scratch > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The Letter > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vinyl's eyes sprung open in the morning when she heard a knocking at the door. Reaching over, she noticed that Tavi wasn't by her side and pouted. Vinyl hated waking up without Octavia there. With a groan, she crawled out of bed and took a look at the clock. 8 o'clock, really?! Why is somepony here this early?! With another groan, she walked sluggishly towards the door and opened it with her magic. A light-grey Pegasus mare with a yellow mane stood before her. "Good morning Vinyl, I brought you a letter!" Derpy said cheerfully. Taking the letter from the mail mare, she began to speak. "Couldn't this wait ‘till later, Derps? You know I don't wake up this early!" "Oops my bad, it's just..." She looked down at her hooves, "You might find this letter is important, so I brought it here early." Looking at the return address Vinyl grinned. "Oh my gosh, could it be?" Quickly tearing open the letter, Vinyl read the last lines cheerfully. "We would like to hire you as our regular, nightly DJ! I did it! Tavi is going to be so happy for me." "Congratulations Vinyl, see you later." The grey mare flew away before Vinyl could thank her. Vinyl closed the door and did a little victory dance. "Yes! My first night club! I finally am getting a steady paying job and possibly a better chance of getting noticed!" Vinyl looked back at the letter now that she was a little more awake. "It looks like I will be starting tomorrow night. that gives me time to celebrate with Octy." She smiled and cantered into the kitchen and began making some coffee and started to write a letter. ‘Just in case I'm not here when you get back, I'm letting you know that I wasn't ponynapped. After all, nopony could pony nap me and get away with it. I have some big news that I have got to tell you tonight, over dinner. So, could you please be ready to eat at 7? I have to go and DJ another party with Pinkie till about 6, so I will see you when I get back, I promise.’ -Vinyl Vinyl quickly hung the note on the only place she knew Tavi would look, her cello. Quickly grabbing her coffee, she took off out the door. The moment Vinyl got outside she went looking for a nice place to eat dinner later. She checked out a few restaurants and decided to settle on a place called ‘Le Poney Fantaisie.’ ‘From what I remember, it’s not that expensive but, it’s not cheap either. I just hope she'll like it.’ Vinyl thought to herself. Walking into the restaurant, Vinyl placed a reservation for later, at 7, then looked at a clock. ‘How the buck is it noon?! Oh well I guess I'll have to hurry to go and help Pinkie Pie set up for this party.’ She thought, as she dashed off. Around noon, Octavia had found herself wandering home to her and Vinyl's apartment. She had just got back from an audition.. They had a cello in the back stage so Octavia didn't have to bring hers, thankfully. As much as she loved her cello, she had to admit the worst part about it was how much it weighed. It was awful having to lug her cello on her back where ever she went. She envied Vinyl for being a unicorn and having magic. ‘Oh, my life would be so much easier if I were a unicorn and not an earth pony. They have it so easy! They have their magic which they can use to fix nearly anything if they are attuned to the right spell. I would be overcome with joy if I could just use a simple levitation spell.’ While ranting to herself she managed to walk right up to her home and opened the door. "Vinyl! I'm home!" Octavia walked into their bedroom and looked at the bed. "Well that's strange, normally she's still asleep." A small pout pulled on her muzzle. as much as Vinyl got on her nerves, she loved being around her. Turning around she saw a note stuck to her prized cello. "Oh, the nerve of that mare." She walked up to her cello, pulling the note off, reading it. "Oh? I wonder what's so important that Vinyl wants to tell me over dinner... I hope she hasn't gotten into trouble again. I swear if she is trying to sweeten me up so I'll go easy on her, she is dead wrong." Sighing, Octavia picked up her cello. "Well I have until 6 to get ready, so I might as well practice for a while.” She stood up on her hind legs and placed the cello in between them. With a deep breath, Octavia drew her bow across the strings starting with a simple tempo, and moving into a whole song at a moment notice. She never needed to look at sheet music, Octavia always played from her heart or memory, and it showed in her music. Of course, before she met Vinyl, one can argue that her playing seemed mechanical and emotionless. Truth be told, she didn't know how to express herself all that well. After meeting Vinyl, she began to figure out how to convey her emotions a lot better than she ever could have before. Vinyl saved her from a rather emotionless life, granted it was far less stressful. Laughing a little Octavia came to a stop and placed her cello delicately back down on its stand. "I suppose I should hop in the shower, before Vinyl gets home." Octavia stretched out her limbs popping a couple joints in the process, got up and entered the bathroom. She started the shower allowing the water to run over her hoof testing the water before she hopped in. Sparing no time, she got right to work lathering her mane and coat, and rinsing off. After cleaning herself, Octavia reluctantly got out of the shower. She always found it hard to get out of a shower and often had the water turn ice cold before she realized how long she was in it. Looking at the clock when she entered the bedroom, she noticed she had about an hour before Vinyl got home from her gig, as she would call it. Octavia went into her closet to find a dress for the evening. Vinyl quickly made her way into her home drawing deep breaths as she closed the door behind her. "Hehe.. I was almost late getting back cause of Pinkie, damn, that mare knows how to throw a party." "Vinyl? Is that you?" "Yeah Octy, I'm home, sorry I'm late. Pinkie was talking my ear off at the end." "Oh, is that so? Well I'm glad you made it home." Octavia stepped out into the living room wearing a purple dress. "Well hey there, don't you look beautiful today." Vinyl said, as she winked at Tavi. Octavia blushed. "Thank you, Vinyl. Now hurry up and take a quick shower so we can go and eat." "Okay! We'll leave as soon as I get out." Vinyl rushed up into the shower without a second thought. She was notorious for taking extremely fast showers when she had to. Before Octavia knew it Vinyl was already out of the shower and dry. "Not going to wear anything, Vinyl?" "Nah, you know I hate wearing clothing, but you pull it off." "Thanks. Shall we get going, now?" Vinyl nodded, and opened the door for Octy. "Milady." Octavia walked out the door. ‘Oh yeah, she's definitely done something. I just wonder what it is.’ Most of the walk to ‘Le Poney Fantaisie,’ Vinyl was walking close to Tavi. Vinyl could feel the warmth under her coat and she loved it more than anything. "So, Vinyl?" "Mmmm..." Vinyl came out of a daze. "Yes, Tavi?" "What's the big news, and where are we eating?" Octavia asked. "I can't tell you yet, and we’re eating at ‘Le Poney Fantaisie.’" "That's a little expensive for us right now, Vinyl. Are you sure?" Octavia said, doubt clear in her voice. "Yes, I am." Vinyl replied. "Did you do something idiotic?" Octavia asked, almost dreading the answer she thought she would get. "What, me? No, never." Vinyl grinned. She knew Octy had felt odd about this since she got home, but now she was toying with her. "Vinyl, if are trying to butter me up, I'm telling you now, it won't work." "If you say so. Oh, look. We’re here!" Vinyl walked into the restaurant. "Reservations for Scratch." Vinyl stated, clearly. "Ah yes, for two, at 7. Right this way, Madam." The waiter took both mares to a table in the back of the restaurant. Octavia and Vinyl took their seats. "Are you going to tell me now?" "No." "Vinyl! Come on already." "Nope. Look at the menu Octy, so you know what you want." Vinyl picked up her menu even though she knew what she wanted, and looked it over, Octavia doing the same. A waiter trotted up to them. "Hello, my name is Horte Cuisine, and I shall be your waiter this evening. What can I start you mares off with?" Vinyl quickly spoke up before Tavi could. "A bottle of red wine, it doesn’t matter what kind. I’d like some Hay Fries, also. What about you, Tavi?” she asked, as she looked over at Tavi with a smile. "Uh… for me, I'd just like a salad really." ‘I'm just going to eat cheap for the both of our sakes.’ Horte wrote down their orders and trots off to the kitchen. "Vinyl! A whole bottle of red wine?! Are you sure you can afford this?" Vinyl simply nodded and grinned. "Anything for you, Tavi." "Vinyl.. Seriously did you do something bad?" Vinyl looked Octavia right in the eyes and took her hoof in her own. "No Octavia, I promise on my love for you that I did nothing wrong." Octavia quickly looked away with a blush on her cheeks. "O-ok Vinyl, I believe you. Now please tell me why you've brought me here?" Horte walked up, placing the wine in-between them and pouring them a glass each, and then headed back towards the kitchen. Vinyl took a sip of the wine and grinned. "I guess. I got the job at Choltsterli. they want me to be their regular DJ!" Octavia hugged Vinyl over the table. "I'm so happy for you, Vinyl. I know you've been trying to get a regular DJ-ing position for a while now, and you did it!" Before sitting back down, Octavia pressed her muzzle to Vinyl's and smiled. > An Uneventful Morning > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neon lights flashing everywhere, a pounding bass could be heard throughout the whole town. The club was alive, and the reason was Vinyl. She had a huge grin on her face, her signature glasses placed on her horn, as she bobbed her head to the music she was playing. Nothing could make her feel more alive. Suddenly one of the stage lights shined bright into her eyes blinding her. She quickly put her glasses over her eyes, but they weren't helping much. Opening her eye, she could make out that the curtains on her bedroom window were left wide open. "Mmph... Darn you Octavia, leaving our curtains open and things." Using her magic she placed her glasses over her eyes and closed the curtains as she rolled over on to her side. Just as she was about to fall asleep, she caught a whiff of eggs and Prench toast. "Yummy! My favorite!" Slowly getting up from their bed, Vinyl fought with the bed sheets trying to pull her back down. They had managed to wrap around her hind legs. It was as though they were trying to pull her back to bed. Finally getting loose, Vinyl hit the ground with a loud thud and rubbed her head. She began to head downstairs towards the wonderful scent of food coming from the kitchen. "Vi, what happened up there?" Octavia asked when she heard Vinyl coming. "T-the bed... It attacked me and tried to hold me hostage from your wonderful cooking." Vinyl mocked a sniffle and pout, looking at Tavi. "Oh come here, you." Octavia walked towards Vinyl and threw her hooves around her in a soft embrace. Then she let go and faced the stove. "Your food will be ready in a moment, my wonderful DJ." She smiled, placing the food on a plate for Vinyl. "Thanks for the food, Tavi." Vinyl used her magic to quickly shovel her food into her mouth, awarding a giggle from her marefriend. Vinyl didn't notice, as she was far too enveloped in her food. It had been a while since Tavi would make her a nice breakfast like this. "Wait a minute... Octavia, what are you doing home so early?" "I had nothing to go to today. No rehearsals or anything for the next couple of days, so I'm waiting for call backs." Octavia sighed. "Oh, okay. I'm going to go to Choltsterli early to check it out before I DJ tonight. I figure I can get a feel for the place." "That's a good idea. Will you be coming back, or are you going to stay there until your gig?" "Actually, I was hoping you would come with me." Vinyl pouted, looking at Tavi and lowering her glasses so she could look into her eyes. "As I said, Vinyl, I have nothing to do. I mean I could practice some more, but I have a feeling you wouldn't let me." "You got that right!" Vinyl shouted nearly slamming her hoof on the table. "Besides I plan to support you in any way I can." Octavia smiled and pecked Vinyl's cheek. "Want to head to the bedroom before we go, then?" Vinyl grinned. "Not right now, there will be plenty of time for that later. Now go shower so we can go to the club." Octavia sighed. "But why do I have to shower? I took one last night before we went out!" Vinyl whined, staring at Octavia. "Ugh." Octavia facehoofed. "That’s because of what we did afterwards, Scratchie." "Alright." With a grunt, Vinyl slid herself out the chair she had been sitting on and went to the bathroom. 'I always hated that nickname.' She thought to herself, closing the door behind her. Vinyl started the shower as her mind drifted off to last night’s events. Then an idea sprung. She quickly opened the door and yelled downstairs to Octy. "What about you? You need a shower too!" "Sorry Vinyl! I took one this morning, before I made breakfast!" Tavi yelled back. Vinyl's ears fell flat on her head, and she closed the door again. "Oh well. There goes my fun." With a soft sigh, Vinyl jumped into the shower. She just stood there motionless under the water for a while, letting it pour off of her. She'd hate to admit it to anyone, but she was feeling a little nervous about performing tonight. After all this is her first real professional gig in a way, sure it wasn’t high paying, but it was steady income. After pondering the greater mysteries of life for a little bit longer, she slowly began to wash up before stepping out and heading back downstairs. Her mane was dripping wet, so naturally the wooden floor beneath her became slippery and she slipped into a wall awarding her with a loud whack. "Ugh, who put that wall there?!" Vinyl half-glared at the offending wall, and then just went into their living room to relax for a little bit. She quickly flicked on the TV to see if it had anything interesting on. Almost immediately after the TV was turned on, Octavia walked up and sat next to Vinyl, nuzzling her neck. Vinyl smiled back and threw her foreleg over her. "How are you feeling Vi? Be honest." Octavia asked in a soft tone, looking up at Vinyl. Vinyl muzzle began to feel warm as her blush grew. Gently rubbing the back of her own head, she looked down at Tavi. "To be completely honest, I may feel the slightest bit nervous." She sighed. "You'll do fine, I believe you." Octavia gently pressed her muzzle to Vinyl's with a growing smile. Vinyl wrapped her hooves around Tavi deepening the kiss. Pulling apart after a minute to breath Vinyl looked back at Tavi, "Before we go, could you play your cello a little for me?" "I thought you didn't want to let me practice." "It's not practicing. Think of it as a private concert for the second most beautiful mare in all of Equestria," Vinyl grinned. "Oh alright, so who is the most beautiful mare then?" Octavia smiled knowingly. Almost instantly, Vinyl nearly yelled, "Luna!" Next thing she knew, Octavia smacked the back of Vinyl's head with her hoof. "Ouch! Spouse abuse!" Vinyl called accusingly. "Vinyl, we'd have to be married." Octavia deadpanned. "Mare-beater." Vinyl shot back. "We are both females, Vinyl." Octavia was glaring at her now. "Fine," Vinyl let out a sigh. "Besides, Luna has nothing on you, babe." "Mhm..." Octavia rolled her eyes and gently grabbed her cello from their room upstairs. "Oh, Vinyl, that reminds me!" Octavia trotted down the stairs, cello in tow. "Place a note on my cello again, and I'll have your hide." "But-" "No buts!" "It was the only place I knew you would see it." Vinyl pouted. "One more time Vinyl," Octavia gritted her teeth. "It won't happen again. I promise on my glasses." Vinyl said solemnly, but with the slightest bit of a smirk. Octavia let out a soft laugh, "Any song requests?" "No, just play what's in your heart." With that, Octavia stood up and balanced her cello between her legs gently drawing her bow across the strings and began to play. What seemed like hours later, after playing several songs, Octavia set her cello down in the corner and kissed Vinyl. "If you want to get there early, I suggest we leave now." "Alright. Oh, and Tavi?" "Hm?" Octavia responded "Nopony can play like you." Vinyl smiled as she pulled herself off the couch and headed for the doors with Octavia close behind. "Next stop, the Choltsterli!” Vinyl cheered.