The Soundtrack to Love

Hello everypony! I am Octavia

And I'm Vinyl!

If you're reading this, then you must have come from reading Lyra and Bon Bon's story. Sweet, wasn't it?

Yeah, totally. I'm not usually one to like the sappy, mushy stuff, but their story touched me. Those two really love each other!

Just like we do, love

Hey! What about me?

Oh sweety! We're terribly sorry! We just got caught up in the moment. Everypony, this is our daughter Tambourine Melody Scratch. First of her name

Also known as Tamby, Tamby-cat, T-Bo, Tambo, and the Queen of Snuggles!

But mainly Tamby...

Yes. And yes, we, VINYL and I, have a daughter. Legitimate. Biological. But we will get to that later. Do you want to see a picture?

Isn't she the most adorable thing you've ever seen?! That picture was from when I tried to make Tamby look prim and proper, but she didn't like it. She likes the messy, bedhead look Vinyl has...

It's because it's easy to maintain!

*SIGH* Yes, both for the same reason... Oh well.... At least Tamby seems to lean towards liking classical music more so than modern, so I'll take that victory with a grain of salt

Why are you making this a competition? We're supposed to be raising her together!

I'm not! I'm happy with whatever choices she wants to make and is free to like whatever tickles her fancy! Oh dear, I slipped back into my parents' old teachings again, didn't I? I thought I had shaken that habit...

Eh, don't worry about. Besides, we've got a story to tell, don't we?

Oh yes! You're absolutely right, Vinyl! I think it is about time we started our story now!

Can we just skip to the good parts though? Everypony knows the bluemillion different ways we've met

.........What?...... Sorry, you lost me there, Vinyl....

You know, the generic "We met at a bar" or "We were forced to live together at the music conservatory". Oh! And don't forget the classic "One's parents kicked us out and the other took us in off the street." Let's skip all that. That part is boring and slow. I wanna get to the good stuff!

............Do you have a modicum of an idea of what your mother is talking about, Tamby?

No clue, Mommy...

Very well though, since Vinyl is so insistent that we move this along that she is near ready to blow her top off. We met at, what Vinyl previously mentioned, a bar, and our story includes pretty much everything what Vinyl just went on a tangent about. So I guess that is where we'll start. It all began in a bar in Canterlot, where we were both living at the time...

Oh! By the way, our story will be told in a bit of a different "format" than Lyra and Bon Bon's. Hope that isn't too much off a throw-off

.........Huh?..... Oh..... right....

o.0.o

(OCTAVIA's POV)

My name is Octavia Melody. 19 years old, and playing my cello at a bar, giving the barren place somewhat of an atmosphere as ponies enjoy their drinks with interspersed mingling between sips. The bar was located on the more.... let's say "undesired"... part of Canterlot, but a mare has to start somewhere, right? Anyway, I was about ready to finish my piece, Beethoofen's Third if I recall correctly, when I saw this little flash of white enter the bar. I had been informed prior to my performance that I was not the only act that would be on stage tonight. I thought to myself if this was the mystery mare that would be playing after me as my piece slowly decrescendo-ed to nothingness.

I bowed as the few ponies whom had the decency to pay attention to such a wonderful performance applauded my efforts. Afterwards, I began packing up my cello. As soon as I was ready to strap it onto my back and collect my payment for the night that same flash of white from earlier approached out of my peripheral vision. I glanced over to notice that it was indeed a mare with a white coat, but that was not the only thing that threw me through a loop about her.

Her hair was.... electric... to put it simply. Like, if I were to touch it, 50,000 volts of electricity would rush through my system. Dark blue, with streaks of light blue, was the color, and a pair of oddly hypnotizing goggles slash glasses covered her eyes.

They're glasses...

I know that now, love! Hush! I am telling the story through my mind of when I had first met you!

Whatever you say... dear... huehuehue

Continuing on, I noticed that she was constantly bobbing her head. I had no idea why she was doing that other than the reason that popped into my head, which was she had some sort disability or an odd form of tourettes. I immediately sympathized with her and felt a bit sorry for her. However, I didn't bring it up as she stopped right in front of me, still bobbing her head, and had the biggest grin I've ever seen on a pony.... in Canterlot at least.

"Hey, you played pretty good up there. Not too often you see an earth pony musician, huh?" The mystery mare said.

First off, I have to point out that her use of the Equine language was absolutely atrocious. I played pretty "well" up there, not good. Heroes do good. Second, her public appearance shouted "I just don't care", what with her spiked hair and such. But she did make an attempt at complimenting my skills, so I allowed these few inconsistencies to slide as I smiled back at her and bowed slightly.

"I thank you for your kind words, Miss....?" I replied, allowing time for her to answer my implied question.

"Scratch. Vinyl Scratch. Or, aka, DJ-P0N3 on stage," she replied happily, still bobbing her head.

"Octavia Melody. Or, aka, Octavia Melody on stage. The best earth pony cellist in Canterlot!"

More like only

Shush!

He He He!

"Well met, Vinyl Scratch," Not really, I added as an afterthought as I held up my hoof for her to shake.

"Likewise!" She replied, bumping my hoof instead of shaking it. I immediately jumped to the conclusion that hoofshakes were a foreign concept to her.

"So what brings you to this.... fine establishment?" I asked, discretely wiping my hoof off against the floor.

"I recently got a gig here," Her word for "job", "and decided I'd arrive early to see what my competition looks like. I've gotta say, you play one mean cello. Probably even better than a unicorn could. I applaud you!"

I couldn't tell if she was being sarcastic or not, but I accepted her supposed compliment with caution and smiled again.

"Thank you, Miss Scratch! I must say you are one very polite pony considering your appearance." Her head stopped dead in its tracks as her smile dropped.

"What is that supposed to mean?" She asked, sounding a bit hurt. This is where our conversation began to derail. Luckily I was able to recover before things got out of hoof.

"I-I didn't mean any offense by it, Miss Scratch! I just meant that your... outfit... could be intimidating to some ponies and they might think you to be some type of brute!"

Did I say recover? I meant make things worse...

She regained her smile within a second and continued her head bobbing. "Cool! Never thought this look could make me look tough!"

I breathed an internal sigh of relief as I was able to somehow recover from that near tragedy. To prevent further damage from occurring, I decided that now was a good time for me to say my farewells and go home to an expensive apartment that not even a homeless pony would want to live in.

"Well, I suppose I better be on my way, Miss Scratch. I don't want to keep you held up from your performance," I said as I was strapping my cello case to my back.

"Please, my friends call me Vinyl. And aren't you going to stay to watch me? It's cool if you don't, though. I understand if you have places to be."

I briefly considered her offer. I mean, what else was I going to do? Go home, make a one-pony meal, and eat in a sad, dark silence? I hopped off my train of thought as I arrived at my decision. I looked into where I believed her eyes were behind her goggle-glasses, avoided getting hypnotized, and smiled.

"I shall stay and listen, Miss Scratch!" She was taken aback somewhat at my response. "I mean, it is only fair, is it not? You listened to me play, now I think I should hear what you have to offer. Is that alright with you?"

She happily nodded her head.... or just increased her rate of bobbing. She turned around to walk backstage before stopping right at the curtains and looking back over her shoulder at me.

"Oh? And Octavia?" She asked, catching me at the bottom of the stage's steps.

"Yes?"

"Call me Vinyl," she said to me, lifting her glasses with her magic and giving me a wink. The white mare then continued on backstage, leaving me with a raised eyebrow and confusing thoughts running through my mind.

I suppose she considered me a friend? But I hadn't talked to her up until three and a half minutes ago. Apparently her definition of a friend is a pony who doesn't show obvious disdain for you after one small conversation with them. Oh well, I will take it as a victory. She did seem nice, and there was something oddly alluring about her that I couldn't place my hoof on. Plus I didn't have that many friends to begin with, so I am taking what I can get.

I happily trotted over to a bar stool humming a happy tune, which I have never done before. It scared me, but the jovial feeling it brought me masked my fear. I set my cello down carefully beside my stool, ordered an apple cider, turned towards the stage, and waited patiently for my new friend to perform.

"Thank you Canterlot Watering Hole and good night!" Vinyl Scratch shouted in the microphone after finishing her quote unquote "set".

I sat in my stool, hair slightly disheveled, pupils the size of pinpricks, and my heart hammering inside my rib cage as the rest of the patrons applauded her performance. Her music was.... different than what I was used to. I can't even begin to describe what I just heard. The only musical thing I could understand throughout her entire performance was an utterance of the bass "dropping", and even then I am still at a loss as to what I just heard. It didn't sound like "music", it just felt and sounded like waves in the air. But still, I applauded as a proper lady would do as Vinyl packed away her "equipment".

After she got everything put away, Vinyl started towards me, but was quickly cut off by the manager who handed Vinyl her pay and congratulated her on a fine performance. Funny, I only received one of those two. Anyways, I took this opportunity to fix my mane and straighten my cravat as Vinyl was being distracted by the manager. I don't understand why it was so important to me that I look as prim and proper as possible when I spoke to Vinyl, it just was.

Continuing on, I smiled at Vinyl as best I could when she approached, hoping it didn't look too forced. She smiled back and stopped in front of me, still bobbing her head.

"So... what did you think?" She asked me.

I cleared my throat. "Well, it... um... certainly was, err... interesting! To say the least!" I finished with a nervous smile. She bobbed her head more slowly, as if nodding in understanding.

"What could be said the most about it?" After hearing this question, I knew she was going to be a hoof full if we continued our friendship. I thought on it for a moment, choosing my words very carefully so I did not offend or upset her, as I was prone to do. I smiled again and sat up in my stool.

"I can honestly say I have never heard anything like it before," I replied, hoping it sounded enough like a compliment rather than a true statement. She seemed to accept the response by smiling even wider and bobbing her head even faster.

"Awesome! Thanks Octy!" Oh no, is that her attempt at giving me a nickname? I think this is moving a bit too fast...

"Vinyl, dear, I hate to be this kind of pony, but could you just call me "Octavia" please? For one, it is proper, and two, I prefer my birth name be used to address me by rather than... that...."

"Sure, no prob," she replied happily, head still bobbing. I sighed a bit, it seemed like nothing could kill her good mood, could it? Not that I was trying too! I was just pointing out the fact that she is oddly high-spirited. One doesn't usually see that much around here.

"To sum it up Vinyl, you did.... spectacular (I guess?) up there, but now I think it is about time I head back home. It is nearing midnight and I have yet to eat dinner, so I suppose I will see you here again sometime?"

She stopped bobbing her head. "Sounds cool to me." She placed her hoof under her chin as it appeared that she got lost in deep thought. She looked to me, seeming a bit more serious than usual. "Want me to walk you home? The streets are pretty dangerous at night."

I thought over her offer for a moment. She was right on that account; the streets WERE dangerous at night. On one hoof, I was not sure if I was comfortable with her knowing where I lived at the moment. I did just meet her after all. On the other hoof, the streets at night TERRIFIED me! I would always look over my shoulder to see if I was being stalked and/or followed. I never saw anypony, of course, but I still could not shake my paranoia. I smiled, believe it or not, a TRUE smile, something I rarely do, as I came to my decision.

"Your offer is very generous, Vinyl. I would be honored for you to escort me to my abode," I said with a bow to show my great appreciation. Vinyl snorted at my actions, causing me to lift my head with an upraised eyebrow. "What?"

"Chill, dude. I'm just walking you home, not leading you on an expedition to El Dorado. I do appreciate the bow, though. Makes me feel like a somepony," she replied, very dismissively if I might add. It was at this time that I began to question the integrity of my new friendship. Sure she seemed stable-minded, and was very polite, but I could not get over her manner of speaking. Not once have I ever been referred to as 'dude' by any other pony. This was not boding well for the future...

I was a bit incorrect with my way of thinking back then...

She put on another smile and continued her head bobbing. "So are we going or what? As surprising as it may sound, even this hyper-getic DJ needs to recharge her batteries too, and I've got to get SOME sleep to do that."

Hyper-getic. Her own creation. A mixture of 'hyper' and 'energetic'. A little redundant if you ask me. Anyways, let's continue with the story.

"Yes. Let us be on our way. Do not worry, I live fairly close to here. Within the mile, at least."

"Cool."

And so we exited the bar. Me with my cello strapped to my back, and her, with her goggles slash glasses secured to her head.

Glasses...

We made it about ten hoofsteps from the bar until we heard somepony calling out to us from behind. My paranoia froze me in place as every possible scenario that ended with me face-first on the ground flashed through my mind. Vinyl, however, was unaffected. She didn't throw caution to the wind, she, excuse my uncouth vocabulary, 'punted' it out a five story window without a second thought and happily greeted the pony trailing us. After some odd seconds I was able to calm my racing heart enough to where I could breathe somewhat normally and turn to meet our follower as well.

An out of breath stallion stopped just short of a foot from Vinyl and I as he struggled to refill his lungs. As for his health, he was obviously out of shape. As for his physical appearance he had a slicked-back jet black mane, greenish-blue fur, an odd pair of sunglasses, and an unbuttoned button-up shirt. After a short while, he was finally able to recompose enough to properly introduce his self.

"Hello ladies, my name is Neon Lights. It's a pleasure to meet you," he began, holding out his hoof. I tentatively took it with my own and shook it, still recovering from my fright from earlier.

"The pleasure is all mine," I responded, releasing his hoof. He then held it towards Vinyl, which she bumped with her own hoof.

"Likewise," Vinyl said happily. Neon Lights put his hoof back on the ground and grinned at the both of us.

"I must say ladies, those were some fine performances you put on tonight. You are both very talented, but I think with a little bit of extra training, you could both become legends in your respective musical fields."

"Why thank you, Mr. Lights. That is very kind of you to say," I began, "but how exactly do you suggest we do that?"

"I was just getting to that. And please, call me Neon," he replied quickly, reaching into his inside-shirt pocket and pulling out two business cards. One for each of us. "I am a recruiter for the Canterlot Music Conservatory and we are always on the lookout for fresh, new talent in any field of music. And you two have really caught my attention. I think with a bit of convincing, the "Higher-Ups" would be willing to give you two a full ride at the Conservatory. Yep, a free tuition. Of course, you would need to cover the costs of your meals and room, but I don't think that will be an issue."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. A FULL ride to the CMC?! My parents usually told me that unless I got better I wouldn't I have a snowball's chance in Tartarus of being accepted into the Conservatory. It was almost like I had died and went to Elysium. Which I very well could have. It's a dream come true!! I prayed that I wasn't asleep, and if I was, that I never woke up. I turned to Vinyl; she looked to me as well. My face beamed with joy.

"Vinyl, I know this is an odd request, but could you pinch me so I know I'm not asleep?"

"Can do!"

I yipped in pain as Vinyl actually wrapped a small portion of my side in her magic and squeezed the two areas together.

"Ouch! It was a rhetorical question, Vinyl! I wasn't being serious!"

Neon Lights chuckled in front of us, catching our attention.

"You two are funny! The Higher-Ups love to laugh! I have a feeling you two will be accepted with no trouble whatsoever!"

This little detail caught Vinyl's interest as she cocked her head to the side in confusion. "You mean there usually would be trouble?"

"Well, normally, yes. Only if the Higher-ups found you boring during the interview, but you two would be interviewed at the same, and with the chemistry you share, there is no way the Higher-Ups wouldn't say yes!"

"Interview?" Vinyl asked. "I thought you were recruiting us to join the Conservatory. I didn't know there was an interview process. So you're saying there is a slight chance we won't be accepted?" I sighed internally and pinched the bridge of my nose at Vinyl's ignorance. Nothing is THAT easy, Vinyl...

"Um, well... yes," he said hesitantly, "But with your witty banter and extreme talent, there is no way they would turn you down." There was a long, silent lull in the conversation, allowing the awkwardness to grow between all of us. "Look," Neon continued, breaking the dreaded silence, "Nothing is set in stone yet. Just... think over my offer and let me know of you are interested or not in about a week. If you are, then my contact details are on the card I gave the both of you. Get in touch with me and I will set up an interview with the Higher-Ups. If you aren't interested, then just ignore it. I seriously recommend that you two do join though. It would be the most fun and educating two years of your life. And CMC Alumni usually never have to worry about whether they will be able to eat this week or not anymore. So, just think about it. And let me know or not in a week. Have a safe night, ladies!"

And with that, he turned tail and trotted in the opposite direction of us. Vinyl and I looked to each other, me still beaming, but she looked.... unsure. We continued on our way to my apartment, talking as we walked.

"That guy sure was enthusiastic about us joining this Conservatory. I'm not so sure, though...." Vinyl said.

"Why are you unsure?" I asked. "You did hear all the other parts about getting a good education and receiving high pay days from then on out after graduating, didn't you?" She nodded her head, but it didn't seem as... enthusiastic... as the other times. I also noticed that she had quit bobbing her head. "Then what are you so worried about? He practically said we were guaranteed to be accepted."

"It's just...." Vinyl sighed deeply, "I don't want to talk about it..."

"Why not? This is one of the most prestigious music conservatories in Canterlot, no, in all of Equestria!! Ponies and other tribes of creatures come from all over to try and join the Conservatory. You'll get the best education know to Equines, so why are you so reluctant?"

"Because I never graduated high school!" Vinyl shouted into the night. I stopped dead in my tracks and tried to rub the ringing out of my ears before turning to my new (and so far, hoof full) acquaintance. I saw little streaks running down her cheeks. It took me a second for me to process that she was crying. "I dropped out to pursue my dreams of becoming a DJ. My parents were supportive of me and my dream until I made the "grown-up" decision of quitting school. So instead of allowing me to stay in their home until I hit the big times, they kicked me out and said 'You're a grown up now. You can make your own living'. I..." Vinyl broke down right there on the sidewalk and began bawling into her hooves.

And I just stood there, like a putz, not sure of how to deal with the situation. Her case kind of reminded me of my parents, but they never really kicked me out per se. They were just really withholding. And strict. And absolute perfectionists. But back on the topic of Vinyl, it seemed this all started because of the fact that she never graduated high school. It was odd to me as to why she would worry about that so much. The Conservatory didn't even require that you graduated hi-

The realization struck me like lightning to a metal rod. Vinyl was worried she wouldn't be accepted because of her.... lack of education. I adopted a determined mindset and attempted to console my new, grieving friend. I sat down beside her, placed a gentle hoof on her back, and rubbed softly. Up and down. Up and down. Friends did that for each other, right? Bare with me, I am still a rookie when it comes to this stuff.

"Vinyl, I am sorry to hear about what happened between you and your parents and wish I could do something to make it better, but you must not worry about the Conservatory. They don't care if you've graduated high school or not."

Vinyl's bawling trickled down to a few sniffles here and there. She looked me straight in my face, bewilderment apparent on her's. "Really?" She asked like a lost little foal.

I nodded. "Absolutely. They give ample opportunity to every living thing that wishes to pursue a career in the music industry. That includes those with little to no education. Although they would prefer it, it isn't a requirement to join. They are only looking for those who are musically inclined. And believe me, you are." I said comfortingly, even if I had to lie a bit there at the end, but it seemed to have worked.

Vinyl stood up on all four hooves, wiped her nose with a fetlock, the sight of it absolutely revolting me, and smiled timidly. "Thanks Tav-, I mean, Octavia. Thank you for reassuring me. And sorry about what just happened. I don't usually lose my cool like that, especially in front of others. But I don't know what it is about you. It is like I could just tell you anything and you'd be okay with it." She smiled at me, which I returned and patted her on the shoulder. We then continued on towards my apartment in silence.

Five minutes later we arrived at my apartment. I invited Vinyl inside, which she graciously accepted. I swiftly placed my cello in my room then set off to preparing my dinner. I asked Vinyl if she cared for some water or a quick snack, but she politely declined and allowed me to cook my dinner in peace, and I use the term "cook" a bit extensively. It was really just me putting a ready-to-make dinner in the microwave for 2 minutes and waiting patiently for the plastic tray to quit rotating so I may partake in the meal.

My apartment was pretty much all one room. As soon as you walked in, there was the kitchen on the left, the living room with nothing but a sofa and coffee table for decoration on the right, and two doors against the back wall. One for the bedroom, and the other for the bathroom. It wasn't much, but it was a place to sleep, if only for as long as I was able to scrape enough bits together to get by on paying the ridiculous rent for what little I had. It did come with a walk-out terrace though, which was nice for gazing out at the city before going to bed.

After I finished "cooking" my dinner, I sat down beside Vinyl on the couch and gingerly munched on my "quick and easy one-mare meal". I will not go into detail on the contents of the dinner because not even I can begin to decipher the make-up of its contents. I am not even sure if half of everything I am eating is edible. But sustenance is sustenance, no matter what form.

I devoured the small portion within ten minutes of unbroken silence. During that time not a single word was passed between me or Vinyl. She must not be as abrasive or crude as I initially thought. She must have a sliver of good decency if she knows not to disrupt somepony while they are eating. Anyways, I threw away the plastic container the meal came in, during which I learned that the garbage desperately needed to be taken out, and washed the fork I had used, placing it in the drying rack.

I reclaimed my seat beside Vinyl and sat in another uncomfortable silence for another five minutes. I just did not know what to say. This mare was like a puzzle-cube wrapped in chains and locked in a maximum security safe. She couldn't be cracked, unraveled, or solved in any way. If it was going to be this hard to communicate with her then I think I may need to rethink this friendship. I was shocked out of my current thinking stupor as I heard the familiar chime of my clock.

12:00. Midnight.

I immediately felt a fake yawn overtake me with a fake stretch accompanying it soon after. I glanced over to Vinyl and rubbed my somewhat (but not really) droopy eye.

"Well Vinyl," I said through another fake yawn, "I suppose it is time we said farewell for now. I hope I was able to convince you earlier to join me at the Conservatory."

She nodded. "Yeah, you did." Huh.... that was odd. She said that so.... solemnly. Like the life force was sucked right out of her. I gently put my hoof on her shoulder.

"Excellent. Good night, Vinyl. I am positive you won't regret this decision. Please be safe on your trip home."

She flinched at that last part and hitched, almost like she was trying to hold something back. Like a shudder. Or tears. She slowly slid off of the couch and mumbled a quick "see ya" as she cantered over to my apartment door. I frowned as I watched her go. It was so sad. She did it with absolutely no trepidation, or energy. What made it even worse is that she kept her head hung during the short journey from the couch to the door. Something inside told me that a friend wouldn't just let another friend walk out into the night. Alone. In the dark. I may be new to this whole "having friends" thing, but I am fairly certain that friends help each other in times of need. I had to do something. I spoke up right as she grasped the door knob with her magic.

"Um, Vinyl?" She looked over her shoulder towards me; her magical grasp on the door knob still active as she arched an eyebrow.

"Yeah?" I swallowed hard and cleared my throat in preparation to answer her question.

"Per.... P-Perhaps I could allow you to stay here for the night. On the couch. So you wouldn't have to brave the dangers of the night. Does that sound okay to you?"

My brain was unable to process what happened next because everything occurred too fast. All I know is that there was a giant flash of white followed immediately by my barrel being constricted by what felt like a pair of forelegs. This effectively cut off my air flow and I had to battle to breathe in order to stay conscious. If I wasn't awake before, then getting my airway blocked sure did the trick of waking me up. The grip was eventually (and quickly, thankfully) loosened and allowed me to draw in a deep breath, but the now apparent hug Vinyl was giving me still lingered.

"Thank you, Tavi! You have no idea how much this means to me! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!" Her grip tightened up once more, but I was still able to choke out a muffled "You're welcome". After hearing me, however, Vinyl must have realized what she was doing and released me from her death grip. I drew in a few deep breaths to get my lungs back up to capacity and to also calm myself. Vinyl rubbed that back of her head and displayed a sheepish grin. "I'm, eh, sorry, Octavia. It just meant a lot that you are allowing me to stay here. I hope you don't have too bad of personal space issues because I am a VERY physical pony."

Very physical indeed!

Vinyl... SHUSH!!

Heh Heh Heh

"It is quite alright," I responded, dusting myself off a bit, "Some warning will be in order next time though."

I may have been chastising her somewhat, but on the inside I thought the hug wasn't that bad. Granted it was pretty much the only real hug I had ever received, but it was still nice in a way. It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside knowing that I had helped somepony in their time of need and made them happy, and their way of expressing their gratitude was a big, heartfelt hug. Unbeknownst to me, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips as Vinyl nodded her head.

"Understood. Affirmative."

I giggled slightly to myself, also something I hardly ever did, as I walked into my bedroom and dug through my closet to find an extra pillow and blanket for Vinyl to use. As I made my way back to the living room, I thought on the actions that had just taken place tonight. I performed at a local watering hole, met an uncouth but extremely sweet mare and befriended her, got recruited for the Canterlot Music Conservatory by recruiter Neon Lights, and was now allowing my new friend whom I had JUST met tonight to stay on my couch because I would feel terrible for some unknown reason if I allowed her to wander out onto the streets alone. All I did was smile though. I smiled because I looked forward to the future. I smiled because tomorrow Vinyl and I were going to contact Mr. Lights, or Neon, and schedule an interview with the "Higher-Ups" and be accepted into my lifelong dream school. I hummed softly as I set the couch for Vinyl.

"Hey, that's pretty good!"

I looked to Vinyl with a cocked eyebrow. "Huh?"

"Your humming. You sound like you have a voice. And a really good one at that. Have you ever sung before?"

I blushed slightly for whatever reason at her compliments and looked away due to my shyness. "I have sung to myself sometimes, yes, when I was little. My parents were usually too busy to pay me any mind, and being privately tutored, I never had any friends to play with. So I sang to myself when I was alone to fill the silence. I never thought I was any good though. It was just something to do so I didn't sit in silent boredom." I bowed slightly to Vinyl. "Thank you, though, for your kind words."

Vinyl waved her hoof dismissively. "Hey, I just call talent when I see it. And you've got it. Maybe whenever we go to that interview you can put down on your resume that you are a cello prodigy AND the next singing sensation!"

I giggled out loud at her kind words. The kind of giggle that forces me to hide my mouth behind a hoof before they can get any louder. Then, by the almighty powers that may be above, it happened.

I snorted.

I actually giggled so hard that I snorted. This stopped my laughing in one split second and made a hot flash of burning shame creep up my neck and nestle itself in my cheeks. I wanted to nothing more at that point than to just crawl underneath my bed and never come out. I tried hiding my face behind a hoof, but I soon realized that idea was idiotic since the witness to my snort had already seen my face. I lowered it back down to the ground and decided to stand my ground and take the backlash like a mare. I braced myself for impact, but instead of a receiving a few sarcastic remarks that I figured out Vinyl was prone to making, she instead let out a snerk.

Pardon my street language, I do not know the actual term for it, but she let out a small snerk. I sign that she was trying to hold back laughter. Which, to be honest, was a lot worse than the snarky remarks I was expecting. Her attempt at holding back her laughter soon dissipated as she let out a few giggles of her own. I cautiously joined in on the reverie with a few nervous chuckles of my own. I swore to myself that I would never laugh again so long as I live. With Vinyl in my life though, I don't think I was going to be able to keep that promise.

Our laughter eventually died down to nothingness, leaving us stranded in the dreaded silence once more. This did, however, give me the perfect opportunity to properly examine my new friend in some good lighting. She was by no means ugly. She seemed like she could compare to my own beauty. Perhaps even surpass me. Her mane was very unkempt and unruly, so that gave me the upper hoof in the style department, but she was all around a very beautiful mare.

I felt myself growing hotter and my heart beating faster in my chest the longer I looked. What was it with this mare? Why was I feeling this way? Was it something I ate? It very possibly could have been. It wouldn't be the first instance I got food poisoning from those dinners. I would buy something else if I could, but they were all I could afford! Anyways, back on track, it was almost like I was destined to meet this mare. I shook my head to clear it and put on a warm, disarming smile.

"Well, goodnight Vinyl. I suppose I shall see you in the morning," I said quickly, turning tail and trotting to my room.

"Yeah, *ahem*, thanks! Goodnight!"

I just barely caught her words before I slammed my door shut. I breathed a sigh of relief and moved from my door to the safety and comfort of my bed. This friendship was going to be tough to maintain, but I felt that it was somehow worth it. Even if the first real friend I ever had was a roller coaster of emotions.

o.0.o

I'm gonna take over for a bit. That cool, Tavi?

I suppose so

o.0.o

(VINYL's POV)

I watched as the mare I called my new friend shut her door (a little too quick and hard if you ask me) and left me to myself. I breathed a deep sigh and flopped up on the make-shift bed she had made for me. As cramped as her apartment was, the couch was actually pretty cozy. I snuggled down into the covers, removed my glasses with my magic, set them on the coffee table, and rubbed my now-cerise eyes. I closed my eyes... but sleep wouldn't come to me that easily. Not much does. I instead opted to think about my life up to this point until sleep finally overtook me.

"Octavia doesn't seem like such a bad pony. She probably just gets a bad rep because of who her family is," I said to myself out loud and turned on my side, staring at my glasses on the coffee table. I sighed again and turned back over to stare at the ceiling.

Where was my life going? I am 20 years old and have nothing to show for it. Maybe my parents were right all along. Maybe I should have listened to them and gone to school instead of doing what I thought was right. I can't go back home to them because then they would win. But what choice did I have? This arrangement with Octavia is only temporary... Only for tonight...

I let out a small yawn and finally felt the firm grip of sleep taking me, pulling me in. My eyes began to drift close as I let out a smaller, deeper yawn.

"Tomorrow is another day. Another opportunity," I said to nopony in particular as I used the last bit of my strength to grab the light switch with my magic and flick it off, sending the room into a void of silent darkness.

(OCTAVIA's POV)

The morning came way too early. I yawned and stretched in a most unladylike manner as I sat in my bed, but I didn't care. I was too tired to care. Something out of the ordinary, however, did catch my attention. More specifically, the attention of my nose and taste buds. There was such a wonderful, aromatic aroma wafting into my room and filling my nostrils with the promise of an actual good morning! My hooves practically moved on their own as I got up out of bed, walked to the door, and opened it to see... Vinyl? Making breakfast? I didn't see how that was possible since the only food item in my apartment were ready-to-make single dinners. I put up a wall of caution as I inched closer to Vinyl. She was using her magic to do.... something.

"Vinyl, um... do you mind if I ask what you are making? And where you got the ingredients to make it?" I asked tentatively.

She shook her head. "Nah, I don't mind. I hope you won't be TOO upset, but I used a few of your single's dinners to make some breakfast. Go ahead and grab whatever you like. It is YOUR food after all!"

She spoke so merrily. I don't know how considering some of the more... sadder... details she shared with me last night. I did not argue, however, as my grumbling stomach and the delectable aroma from the food forced my hoof to grab a pastry of some kind (I believe it was a beignet?) off the plate it rested on and take a larger-than-necessary bite.

It. was. AMAZING!! Not to be TOO much like a squealing filly on her first date with a colt, but I almost could not handle how DELICIOUS it was. It was as if every taste-bud on my tongue was being given a shiatsu massage by the savory pastry. The sugar complimented the yeast after-taste just right. And even as I munched away happily, enjoying the best tasting breakfast I've ever had since I moved into this retched apartment, I still couldn't help but wonder where she got the ingredients to make these treats. I eyed her suspiciously as I took another smaller, daintier bite.

I swallowed it quickly before speaking, like a proper lady would. "Vinyl, forgive my prying, but where DID you say you got the ingredients from exactly?"

She stopped chewing in the middle of her bite of food and smiled widely at me around a mouthful of pastry. "It wush juss shom shpell I cam' upf wiff awoll awgo."

I cringed at her lack of manners. "Vinyl, could you please not talk with a mouth full of food? Not only is it rude, it is also disgusting as you are spitting food particles all over the place."

She nodded at my request and swallowed her food. "It's a spell I came up with. I use the contents of your dinners as a base, and then I cast the spell on them, which changes their chemical composition and trans-morphs them into the food of my choosing. You have a fancy nature about you, so I thought only a breakfast to match would be in order." I looked down on the counter at the small spread of quote unquote "fancy" breakfast items and back to Vinyl, perplexed.

"But why? Why go through all of this? It must take a lot out of you to perform such a spell.... Not that I'm saying you are a weak unicorn or anything!" She chuckled at my words, glancing over to me for a brief second before returning her attention to the beignet held aloft in her magic.

"It's just a little thank you for allowing me to stay the night here. That must've felt like a pretty big risk considering you hardly know me, but you said to heck with it anyway. So I figured I'd treat you to a breakfast that doesn't involve peeling plastic off a tray and popping it in the microwave for a few minutes."

I took in her words and could hear the sincerity in them. Her appreciation permeated my ears and found their way down to my heart. I never knew allowing practically a stranger to stay in your house for the night would be such a big deal. It just seemed like an (un)common courtesy. I smiled and bowed to her once more.

"I am just glad I could make you happy," I said, straightening back up. She laughed a bit under her breath. "What?"

"You've got to stop doing that. You only bow for royalty. If you keep doing that it will go to my head. Then everypony would be in trouble!" She covered her mouth as she began to laugh. Obviously she was only joking, so I blew a stray strand of hair out of my eyes while at the same time rolling them.

"It was something my parents raised me to do. It teaches humility and humbleness. It lets other ponies know that you aren't above them and appreciate what they do for you. But it is strange now that I really think about it. I've never seen my parents bow to any other ponies before.... Huh...."

Our conversation lulled into another uncomfortable silence. Vinyl began to whistle a nonchalant tune to fill the void, but it was not working. Her lack of understanding different keys only made the silence worse. It was like silence with noise, if that makes any sense. I cleared my throat, breaking the awkwardness and Vinyl's off-key whistling.

"I am going to go contact Mr. Lights and ask him to set up an interview with the "Higher-Ups' since I assume we are both in agreeance with joining the Conservatory, correct?" She nodded. "Excellent! I shall go contact him. You may stay here if you wish, or you could come with me? I think I can trust you to be here by yourself for a few minutes seeing as how you went a full eight hours without stealing something from apartment and running."

She simply nodded her head. She did that quite a lot now that I think about it. "Yeah, I'll stay here. I don't want to slow you down any."

I bowed to her. "Then I shall return within the hour. Ten minutes or so. Remember, I am leaving my trust completely with you. Please don't betray it?"

She turned to me and gave a mock salute. "Of course, milady," she said with a bow of her own. I giggled at her antics and headed out the door before my laughter could evolve into something more. With a quick "Farewell" I closed my apartment door behind me and went on my way to the nearest quick-message delivery system.

Vinyl and I were in luck. After I had got in contact with Neon Lights and told him Vinyl and myself were interested in joining the Conservatory he told us that the next available interview day was tomorrow at noon. I thanked him for his assistance and went back home to tell Vinyl the good news. And to my surprise, not a single object was out of place when I returned, not that there was much to BE out of place to begin with. Afterwards, I said goodbye to her and allowed the mare to return home to prepare for our interview.

And now there we were. Sitting at a table in a dimly lit room across from two hooded figures; they were supposedly two of the five ponies that consisted of the ones known as the "Higher-Ups" at the CMC. I shifted in my chair. I was nervous. Anxious. But also giddy. Vinyl didn't seem to be phased by the scenery or the situation we were in. If I didn't know any better, I would say we were being interrogated. And with some of the questions they asked of us, it almost felt like we were. Thankfully, after an hour or so of getting to know us and listening to a sample of our music that Neon said we would have to provide, it seemed that the "interview" was winding down to a close.

"Okay," the hooded figure on the left began, "everything seems to be in order. You are both obviously extremely talented musicians in your respective fields and would make an excellent addition to the Conservatory." I nearly fainted right there in my chair from those words. "Now we just need to know a few basic things before we wrap this interview up. First, please state your full names for us and my colleague shall write them down. This will be for the next curriculum course that shall begin within two months."

I stated mine first. "Of course. I am Octavia Philharmonica Melody, first of my name." The hooded figure on the right nodded as they wrote down my name with their magic on a piece of parchment. The hooded figure on the left then looked to Vinyl, who was on my right. She swallowed audibly and cleared her throat.

"I-I-I'm Vinyl S-Scratch." She cleared her throat again. "DJ-P0N3 on stage and to my fans." I looked at her, un-amused. She noticed my staring and chuckled nervously. "You know, just in case," she added sheepishly. I sighed and shook my head. The two "Higher-Ups" chuckled at our exchange.

"I like the chemistry between you two," the "Higher-Up" on our left commented. Her playful tone left as quick as it came as she moved on to the next question. "Second, we must know of your choice of housing. Will you be staying at the Conservatory, or do you have another residence you wish to live in and commute to the Conservatory? Remember, this is a free-tuition offer only. Rooming at the Conservatory will be extra."

I nodded in understanding. "I have my own apartment I will be residing in during the two years at the Conservatory."

"Alright, may we have the address?"

"Of course. It is the apartment building on the corner of Mane and 5th on Shetland Street. Room number B-6."

"Noted. And you?" She said, looking to Vinyl. The room went dead quiet. Then out of nowhere Vinyl began to sputter incoherent nonsense.

"Oh, um, yeah! That.... um, well, you see, I, uh......" Vinyl buried her head in her hooves and began to softly weep. The two "Higher-Ups" looked to each other in confusion and back at Vinyl. I didn't get what was wrong. Why didn't she just tell them where she lived? I had to get to the bottom of this before Vinyl ruined it for the both of us.

"One moment please. I am terribly sorry about this," I said, trying to disarm the metaphorical bomb that was about to blow up in our faces.

"Please, take your time. We don't have another appointment until three."

I nodded and dragged Vinyl off to a corner of the room where we could talk in private. Her silent weeping showed no sign of stopping soon.

"Vinyl, what in the HAY is your problem? Do you WANT them to deny us? Why didn't you just tell them where you live?"

After a few minutes of weeping she was able to calm herself enough to answer.

"B-B-Becau-ause, I... I d-don't...." She then broke down AGAIN before she could give me a proper answer. But from that simple utterance she was able to mutter it suddenly clicked in my mind. Guilt immediately washed over me from when I was scolding her a few moments earlier and from yesterday when I didn't offer to let her stay the night at my apartment again. I felt like crying too, but I didn't. My parents always told me it was a sign of weakness. Instead, I was going to make things right for this poor soul. I dragged Vinyl back to our seats at the table, her still continuing to cry.

"Well?" The "Higher-Up" on the left said.

"Same address," I responded. The room once again went quiet. Vinyl's weeping ceased as she looked over to me, astonished.

"Huh?" She asked me.

"Same address," I said again, looking to my friend. "You shall be living with me Vinyl."

For a few instances, nothing occurred. Vinyl only stared at me, slack-jawed. Unable to say or do anything. The impromptu staring contest between Vinyl and I was broken when the "Higher-Up" on the left cleared her throat.

"Well, I think that about wraps it up." She said, gathering up her parchment and notes. "Thank you both for coming into this interview. We will look forward to seeing you around the school grounds in two months. Congratulations, you two. You are free to leave and go celebrate, or do whatever it is you may need to do."

Vinyl and I stood up and shook hooves with the two hooded figures, exchanging a quick "thank you" before departing. Vinyl seemed to be in an unbreakable stupor. She was silent the entire trip back home to my- to OUR apartment now. It wasn't two seconds when we stepped inside that I felt a pair of forelegs wrapping around me and crushing me in a tight embrace. Vinyl wept into my shoulder, uncontrollably shuddering as the hug tightened every few seconds. I never have been in this situation before except that one other time Vinyl hugged me. So I did the only thing that I could think of.

I hugged her back.

I do not know what came over. It was like an old instinct that I thought was gone forever. But here I was, returning the embrace with intense vigor. I allowed my eyes to drift close as I rested my chin on the top of Vinyl's head, rubbing her back to soothe her. I tried (and failed) to coo her; to relax her. My shoulder continued to grow damp as she cried into it. She whispered out a barely conceivable "why" to which I already had an answer for.

"Why didn't you tell me you were homeless?"

She tensed up at that. Slowly, she removed herself from the safety of my shoulder and stared into my eyes. I mean, I guess she was staring into my eyes. It was hard to tell what she was looking at with those goofy goggles, or glasses, or whatever they were she wore.

"I know I come from.... let's just say not the most "charitable" family there is in Canterlot, but that doesn't mean I don't have a heart. You have been very sweet and trustworthy, at least from what I have seen these past couple of days I've known you." I paused to take a deep breath, thinking on my next words carefully. "I don't know what it is about you. You are rambunctious. Your music is loud and not what I'm accustomed to. You don't keep your mane looking neat or clean or take pride in your personal appearance whatsoever and yet still..... Looking past all that, I am honored to call you a friend. And friends help each other in their time of need, correct?"

She sniffled slightly and nodded with a smile, which I returned.

"Excellent! Because this will work out in both of our favors. You have a home. I have a friend to talk with instead of practicing my cello all day to clear the dreaded silence. Plus, I never have to worry about getting food poisoning from those Celestia forsaken dinners anymore. You can just change them into something that is ACTUALLY edible, yes?"

She nodded, but didn't smile, and instead drooped her ears. I wasn't certain about it, but something else donned on me too that I felt I needed to clear the air of as well. I licked my lips to moisten them, nervous to ask my next question. I took another deep, shuddering breath.

"Is that why you created that spell? So you didn't have to eat straight garbage?"

She hesitated for a moment, but eventually gave in and nodded her head "yes". This time I pulled HER into my forelegs and squeezed as tight as possible, not leaving even an inch of space between us. I think my resolve for personal space was beginning to quickly break down thanks to this mare.

"Well you'll never have to worry about that ever again," I whispered sweetly into her ear. Vinyl relaxed into my grasp and slowly brought her hooves up to wrap around my barrel. The next two years were going to be the bumpiest of my life. And I couldn't decide whether I cared or not.

"First thing tomorrow, I am purchasing you a toothbrush and a bucket of mouthwash as a welcoming gift."

o.0.o

And our friendship only grew from there! It took some subtle training, but I was able to get Octavia to become less stuck-up and prissy. You didn't see it much before, but trust me, after I got settled in and we got used to each other, it was non-stop BLAH BLAH BLAH from this mare!

If you wouldn't have been obnoxious there would be no reason for me to "educate" you on what and what not to do in the apartment. I still loathe the Conservatory somewhat for loaning you that DJ equipment to use

I had to practice somehow! And I didn't own any of my own equipment! All the places I performed at had to provide a setup for me! The only things I had to my name were some classic records to spin with, and maybe one or two originals I mixed when I had the chance, but that was it!

Yes, yes, I know love. I don't regret the decisions I've made. Especially since they gave me this sweetie right here ~!

Awwwwww... Moooommyyyy... not in front of the "others"!

Hey! Speaking of Tamby! Can we get to the "good" parts now?

*SIGH* If you so wish, be my guest...

Awwwwwwwwwwww yeeeeaaaaaahhhhh! Sit back and relax ladies and gentlecolts, Vinyl's taking the reins now! Um, no pun intended.... Hee Hee...

Yes it was. It was very much intended....

Anyways! Getting back to the story! Over the first year, even though we drove each other completely bonkers, we became closer and closer. You may want to prepare for some time jumps and a bit of skipping around. We need to start winding this story down a bit!

Just get on with it!

Okay! Jeez! It's the end of our first year at the Conservatory. I'm now 21 and Octavia is 20. We are having a celebratory dinner at the apartment in honor of the occasion. I bought something "special" for us to share now that I had the.... capabilities.... to do so

o.0.o

(VINYL's POV)

Octavia and I clinked our glasses of wine together in honor of completing our first year at the Conservatory. It was a long and bumpy road, but the sense of accomplishment was well worth it. The classes were tough, but I was learning a lot and having fun while doing it! I finished this first year in the top ten of my class! I never even got in the top fifty percent when going to high school.

Me and Octavia sat across from each other at a normal wooden table that we'd bought together with our money so every meal wouldn't have to be on the couch. With our incomes being combined now, we were able to afford better luxuries, such as better furniture and GOOD food. While I was more than happy to trans-morph Octavia's single dinners, it DID take a lot out of me. She agreed that we should just start buying better food.

And that is what we ate for our one year accomplishment at the Conservatory. Steamed celery, sauteed mushrooms, all sorts of spices with names that I can't even pronounce sprinkled on top. And to wash it all down? A glass of Chardo-Neigh. The fanciest and classiest drink I could think of for such an occasion (and that was within our budget). Between us, Octavia was just a *bit* too young to drink, but I won't tell anypony if you won't!

We smiled at each other and dug in, content with eating in the peaceful quiet of Octavia's apartment. We could have put on some background music with the new stereo we bought, but I wanted it quiet. I needed to think. I needed to think about my life up to this point now again. I needed to think about how much my life completely one-eightied ever since Octavia brought me in. I needed to think about Octavia...

I glanced up at the mare in question, who was daintily dabbing her mouth with a napkin. My breath hitched in my throat. I couldn't look away. Everything she did was graceful, even something as simple as wiping her mouth. My pulse began to quicken as I continued watching her.

"She's so beautiful..." I thought to myself.

I shook my head to clear the thoughts away and focused back on my barely-touched food. I felt guilty for having these feelings for her. I wanted to tell her because bottling all these feelings up made me ache in my chest. But what else could I do? I may be hyper and care-free on stage, but to tell the truth, I was extremely shy and reserved when it was just one on one. It may have been different with Octavia, but only slightly.

I sighed loudly and took a bite of my food. Apparently Octavia picked up on my troubles.

"Is everything alright, Vinyl dear?" She asked, concerned. "You seem a bit troubled."

Uh oh. I had to think of something, and fast! "Oh, well, I, ummm.... wwwwwaaaas just a little depressed is all! Only one more year until graduation! I sure am gonna miss that place, but at least I'll have the memories and experiences from going there! That's it! That's all it was!" I gave my best wide, toothy grin to try and play off the obvious lie. She didn't go for it.

"Alright Vinyl, tell me what's bothering you," she said, placing her napkin on the table and staring me down. "I've known you for a good while now and I can tell when you are lying. Ever since that big shampoo incident at the beginning of the year I can read you like sheet music." She shivered slightly before continuing her verbal barrage, assumingly thinking back to the mentioned accident. "Now spill it!"

There was no arguing with that. I let out a shaky breath and steeled my resolve... which immediately melted away once I saw her look. I sighed again and allowed my ears to drop down. "I... I want to t-tell you, but I just can't. I'm too afraid it will ruin what we have going on. I want to tell you that I.... I....-"

"Have feelings for me?"

My head shot up and looked at Octavia, sweat starting to form on my brow. She gave me a knowing smile. It was almost a smirk. "Oh I've known that for quite a while now, Ms. Scratch. You weren't exactly subtle about it. You didn't try to hide your feelings very well, or at all. Even with those silly goggles on I could tell that you were ogling me. After I got out of the shower is when you stared the most, I noticed."

.....Busted.....

"I can't say I'm not a little flattered, but staring is rude. But you have been so good to me that I think I can allow it to slide. And to be honest, I have found from time to time that it is hard for me to tear my eyes away from you as well. I can't pinpoint exactly what it is, but there is something about you that is just so... alluring."

At this point, Octavia has gotten out of her chair and made her way over to my side of the table. She forcefully turned my chair towards her and glared at me with a fierce intensity in her eyes... her beautiful purple eyes.... She smirked again, picking up a napkin and wiping the corner of my mouth with the cloth. I had been drooling. Her smirk dropped to a friendly smile, almost.... loving.... and leaned in closer to me. With my back completely forced against the back of my chair, I had nowhere to go. I was trapped. I tempted fate and just went for it.

"So.... how do you feel?" I said hesitantly.

She seemed to think on it for a moment, rolling her eyes from one side to the other while tilting her head slightly in the direction her eyes went, humming as she did so. "I have played with the idea of dating another mare for some time. Whether it be my actual sexual orientation or just a way to rebel somewhat against my parents, the feeling has always been there."

"Why would you want to rebel against your parents?"

"Because they tried to arrange a marriage for me. With a colt of course."

"Was he ugly or stupid?"

She sighed. "No, he was actually quite handsome and charming... and came from a good family."

"Then why didn't you go for it?"

"Well, back then I was about 16 or so, and I wanted to marry because of love. Looking back on it now however, I realize that it was just a power move concocted by my mother and father. If I had agreed to the marriage it would have given my family a substantial wealth and political gain. They didn't care whether I was happy or not, they just wanted more power. I am sure he would have made me happy like a proper gentlecolt would, but I just didn't feel a spark with him. Thankfully, my parents had given me the option as to whether I wanted to enter into the contract or not. So I suppose I am a little grateful they gave me a choice, even though I saw disappointment and anger in their eyes whenever I looked at them after."

I thought to myself how wicked and awful her parents must be, but I grinned up at her slightly, her face making my heart flutter. "Well all I see in your eyes is love and caring."

She smiled even wider. "Speaking of eyes, I have never gotten to see yours. Why do you insist on always wearing these... things? Is it like an icon for you, being a DJ and all? You do realize you can take the eye wear off after you get home, right?"

I swallowed. "No, I really can't." This seemed to shock Octavia.

"Huh? Why not?"

I breathed another deep sigh. "I have a special eye condition. I don't remember what it's called because I was too young to care about remembering the name, or too traumatized. One of the two. But my parents got it diagnosed and there were only two options: Surgery, or corrective lenses. You can guess which path they went with. Whether it was they couldn't afford it or just didn't want to pay for the surgery, I'll never know."

Octavia remained frozen in a stunned silence inches away from my face. She loosened her jaw and lightly cleared her throat, sweat beginning to form on her brow. "And what is the condition?"

"Say wha'?"

"Your condition? What is it that ails you?"

"Oh, yeah, nothing too major. I was born with overactive red color receptors in my eyes. Without these glasses everything would have a reddish tint to it. See, look."

I removed my glasses and stared at Octavia, unblinking. She blinked back at me, as if she were confused. "I don't see anything wrong with them. All I see are a pair of beautiful eyes that are a lovely shade of cerise!"

I blushed at her comment, but I needed her to pay attention. "Keep looking."

(OCTAVIA's POV)

I'm going to take over for a minute here, love. I am sure it would be better if my point of view was told for this part

Awwww.....

I continued looking as Vinyl had instructed me to. And as certain as the sun will rise tomorrow, her irises gradually shifted from a nice cerise to a very dark crimson. Looking a bit closer, I also noticed that a light-red film began to cover her pupils. It was most likely unnoticeable from a distance, and you would probably have to be looking for it in order to notice, but it was there. I backed off from Vinyl a little bit to give her some space because somehow we had gotten nearly snout to snout with each other during that conversation. I blushed slightly, the blood warming my cheeks as embarrassment washed over me.

Vinyl's ears drooped and turned her head away from me, looking ashamed. "I got called a freak in school because of my eyes, and the glasses kept them hidden, so that's just what I did. Kept them hidden." She closed her eyes, tears beginning to swell. I felt a ping in my chest. "You'll probably think I'm a freak now too! Ghoul! Demon! Succubus! Just to list a few names I was called in school!" Tears were now freely flowing down her cheeks, staining them with the evidence of her despair. "Why couldn't my parents be more supportive of me?! Why did they kick me out!? Their only daughter!? WHY- MMMPPHH!?!?!"

Vinyl squealed as I shushed her blabbering muzzle and forcefully turned her head to face me. She looked absolutely pitiful with her tear-stained cheeks, but also so beautiful as well now that I could see her eyes. I felt my heart going into a tizzy within my chest. I can't explain what happened next. All I know is that our faces grew closer, our muzzles inched nearer and nearer until we could feel our breath on one another. And then.... contact.

My mouth lightly brushed against Vinyl's before taking the plunge and pushing them together completely. The kiss was long, light, and passion-fueled. It was the most tender (and only) kiss I ever had. It was odd at first. Kissing another mare. But I quickly melted into it, closing my eyes and enjoying the moment. I reached a hoof up and brushed Vinyl's static-blue mane, pressing deeper into the kiss. I massaged her mouth with my own; her lips felt like the softest cloud to ever have been formed. I could stay this way until the end of days. Unfortunately, my lungs burned for oxygen, as well as Vinyl's I'm sure. We pulled away, staying connected as long as possible before our lips severed. A string of saliva connected us still before eventually snapping off.

I panted hard, out of breath, as did Vinyl. I smiled warmly at her, staring into her gorgeous crimson eyes. She smiled back and pulled me into a tight hug. This time I didn't even resist. I felt a strange swirling around my body, then an immediate pressure applied to my barrel as Vinyl landed on top of me and I sank into something soft. I opened my eyes and saw that Vinyl had teleported us to the couch.

She gazed down at me, her eyes half-lidded and filled with want. I smiled up at her and blew her a smooch. She brightened up in an instant and reconnected our lips, falling off to the side. She massaged my mouth with her own, stroking my mane as I had done hers. She would break away for a split second every few moments to re-position her mouth on mine for a better angle. Our barrels were pressed together. I could feel her heart beating wildly inside her chest, just like my own. She broke the kiss and snuggled into the crook of my neck. I stroked her back with one foreleg and hugged her close with the other, making sure she could not escape. I buried my muzzle in her mane, inhaling her scent.

"I'm sorry about what happened between you and your parents and I have faith you will be able to reconcile with them one day. I hope you don't despise them too much," I said, attempting to console her. She chuckled a little at that. That was not the reaction I was expecting.

"You know what the funny thing is? I don't. I still love them, despite everything that's happened between me and them." She hugged me tighter, stomach hitching. "I just can't bring myself to hate them."

I was astonished, to say the least, at that revelation. After all her parents had put her through she still held onto the love she felt for them. I felt her smile through my fur. She moved her mouth to my ear and whispered, "I love you, Octavia. I've loved you for such a long time. Knowing you feel the same way fills me with such joy!" I giggled.

"I love you too, Vinyl! You are such a beautiful and loving mare! I don't know how you did it, but you've captured my heart!" I whispered back.

She planted a quick peck on my cheek before snuggling into my side once more.

"Oh, and Vinyl?"

"Hm?" She asked, looking up at me. I gave her a swift kiss on the nose and stared dreamily into her eyes.

"Call me Tavi."

o.0.o

And our relationship blossomed even further now here we are today!

Viiinylll...

Psyche! We still have more story to tell!

Yes, but we should abridge it somewhat. As much as I would hate to, we really need to start wrapping this up so the others can have their chance to tell their story

Alright fillies and colts, gather around as Aunty Vinyl explains to you where foals come from!

Vinyl!! Keep it PG!

Why? You afraid we'll lose our E rating?

Wha-?

Hey! No breaking the fourth wall! That's my thing!

Lyra!?

What in the world are you doing here? You and Bon Bon already told your story!

I'm just here to warn Vinyl to back off from the fourth wall breaking! That's my schtick!

Lyyyyyraaaaa? Where are you?

Uh oh! Bonnie's calling for me! Just remember Vinyl, I've got my eye on you!

Bye Aunt Lyra!

Goodbye sweet Tamby! Have fun telling your story!

.............................................................................................................

That was...... strange. To say the least...

Can we get back to the story now?

Yes, we shall. Vinyl?

Yeah, yeah. I've got this

Then please set up the next scene for us, love

Everypony has to understand first that, before I continue, Octavia took the initiative on EVERYTHING! From starting the relationship to the more.... private.... moments! It was a shock to me too! She didn't seem like the kind of pony to be so.... so..... abrasive, I guess? But jeez, man, just like.... wow....

For Celestia's sake Vinyl just tell the story. I'm not AS abrasive now. I guess it is mostly because I got it out of my system early. I was a bit of a deviant when I was younger because my parents repressed me. I think you brought out the worst in me back then. I never acted like I did until I met you. I am better now, and I still love you with all my heart, Vinyl!

D'awwww!!

Oh shucks, Octavia! You know I blush easily! Anyways, back on track. Three months into our relationship is when Octavia and I.... got our 'groove' on. Wink Wink Nudge Nudge!

Ugh.....

Gross..

Whatever!.... And yeah, that is when we discovered that unicorn horns can make a different kind of magic happen ;)!

Celestia strike me down now! Please!

Well it was your idea!

I know! But.... uuuuuuggggGGGAAAAAHHH!

Jumping ahead six months! We find ourselves on the couch enjoying each other's company. This is when we hear the good news...

o.0.o

(VINYL's POV)

Me and Octavia are canoodling on the couch, our arms wrapped around one another in a warm, tight, loving embrace. I am kissing Octavia on a spot right behind her ear that I discovered makes this mare completely melt under my hooves. I brought my muzzle back around and gave her a good, deep smooch. Then I rested my head right next to hers, our noses pressing together as I got lost in her beautiful eyes. She had convinced me to keep my glasses off when I'm home, then put them on when I assumed the roll of DJ-P0N3. I suppose they were an icon instead of just corrective lenses after all. I sighed in content and rubbed our noses together.

"I love you so much Octavia!" I whispered. "You are the most beautiful mare in Canterlo- no, scratch that- the ENTIRE WORLD!" I placed my hoof on her chest, right where her heart was beating. "I especially love this about you. It's such a steady rhythm. Almost hypnotic. It's a beat I can really get into." I accentuated my words with a swift kiss.

That put a smile on her face. "You are so sweet Vinyl! Back before I had met you, I never would have imagined myself falling in love with a mare, much less a mare of your caliber. But you entranced me somehow. You stole my heart and I now.... I couldn't imagine being without you. I feel like you are the one for me. And that actually brings me to the next topic I wanted to discuss with you."

Octavia forced herself up to be sitting on her haunches, pushing me up along with her. After we were upright, me on the left and her on the right, she let out a bit of a shaky breath before taking in a deep one. She seemed nervous. Why would she be nervous though? I just knew this couldn't be good. I gulped as her mouth opened.

"You remember that time a few months ago when we engaged in... well, you know...." I nodded, blushing. "As it turns out, horns have an "extra" special property to them. You know how ever since then I have been having mood swings, eating a lot, and putting on "extra weight"?"

I had noticed. But if I told her THAT it would definitely end with me sleeping on the floor that night or, if I was lucky, on the couch. However, I played it smart. I shook my head. "Nope, can't say that I have. You are as perfect as the moment I met you." I grinned to put a cherry on top of the whole thing, but she wasn't buying it.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but I KNOW you have. Your sweet words have saved you from the consequences of lying to me, though. So consider yourself lucky." She gave me a quick smooch on the cheek to let me know she wasn't ACTUALLY mad. "Continuing, I have noticed those things too. So I went to the doctor the other day for a checkup, and what he found shocked me." She leaned in closer to my face, never breaking eye contact. "Those sparks I felt did more than just tickle me inside, Vinyl." Octavia grabbed my head in between her hooves and brought my ear down to her mouth. "I'm pregnant." She whispered.

Those two words.

With those two simple words my whole world was flipped upside down forever. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. Not even when Octavia tried waving her hoof in my face to get my attention. My mouth just hung open in stunned silence. Octavia began to look discouraged... and sad. Her ears drooped and she buried her face in her hooves. Her wails filled the apartment and sent a sharp pain through me chest all the way down to my hooves.

"Ooohhh! I knew I should have waited! I was just so excited to tell you! I didn't even consider how you would react!" Octavia brought her head up and tried wiping away the tears that were now flowing freely down her face. Her efforts were left in vain, however, as fresh tears replaced them as fast as she could rub them away. "I'm such an idiot! I should have asked if you would even LIKE to be a parent in the future! It's ruined now.... everything's rui-MPH!"

I cut Octavia off from her hysterical ranting by planting my lips on hers and tackling her down into the couch. I kissed her anywhere and everywhere that I could. On her mouth. The corners of her mouth. Her cheeks. Neck. Collarbone. Wherever I could until her crying subsided. I manifested a tissue and wiped her runny nose for her. She sniffled and looked up at me with curious eyes. I smiled down at her and kissed her again. This time it was slow, and meaningful. I broke it off and collapsed on top of her, being extra careful of her belly.

"Octavia... this is the best news I've ever heard in my entire life!" She perked up at that, filling my chest with warm fuzzies. "I had always wanted to be a parent. Granted I didn't think it would happen this early in my life, not until my career took off at least. But I don't care, I'm just glad it's happening. And it'll be ours. To call our very own. I love you Octavia. I love you soooooooo much that it hurts!"

That last part wasn't a lie. Even as I resumed kissing her with all my love and passion, there was a bit of discomfort in my chest. I didn't really focus on that right now though. All that was important to me was me and Octavia. Right there. In that moment. Our hearts beating right against each other. They pumped in tandem, and were getting faster and harder as time went on. And as time went on, the pain in my chest grew. The weird thing was, I wasn't even worried about it. I mean, it was like it was just there. Nothing in my head told me "Hey, this ain't good!" Instead, I kept focused on my beautiful marefriend.

Octavia.

(OCTAVIA's POV)

I didn't understand what was happening to me. My chest seared with an almost unbearable pain, but I for the life of me could not bring myself to care. All I could focus on was Vinyl, who currently had her mouth planted on mine, showing me how much she loved and adored me. I noticed something bright glowing at the bottom of my eyelids. I looked down to see where the light was coming from and noticed a bright pinkish-white gleam radiating from Vinyl and I's chest and getting brighter. And with the light came even more pain. The pain was indescribable, but I could not focus on it enough to begin to describe it. All that was in my mind were thoughts of Vinyl and the feeling of my heart beating as one with hers.

Vinyl collapsed even further on top of me, her mouth right beside my ear, and vice-versa. I hugged her to me as tight as I could. By the look she had on her face it seemed as if she was feeling the same pain I felt. The light finally got so bright that neither I nor Vinyl could keep our eyes open as it flooded the apartment with its luminescence. With one more big squeeze Vinyl and I whispered into each others ears in unison, "I love you".

There was a bright flash and then... nothing. No pain. No light. Nothing. Vinyl and I were both panting madly. My marefriend lifted her head up, her front hooves straddling my head, and looked down at me. She had the biggest, goofiest smile I had ever seen from her on that cute little muzzle and a pair of half-lidded love-filled eyes to match. She leaned her head in closer to give me another kiss when something in our peripheral vision caught our attention. We both turned our heads and went slack-jawed at the same time.

There. Floating right there next to us were two hearts. The one on the left had a purple aura surrounding it and the other had a red aura surrounding it. Vinyl and I blinked. We didn't know what to do. What are you supposed to do when you see presumably your own heart floating before your very eyes?

The two hearts inched closer and beat twice right in front of us. I then heard a voice inside my head.

"Hello," it said.

Vinyl and I screamed.

Sometime later, after everything had gotten settled down, Vinyl and I were able to properly examine what had happened. I was correct with my assumption beforehoof. The two hearts that had appeared before us were our own. They were about the size of both our front hooves put together, give or take. The red aura-surrounded one belonging to Vinyl and the other, obviously, to me. They explained to us that the immense love Vinyl and I held for each other was so pure and untainted that they were freed from their sedentary confines. They were both identified to be female.

They also explained how they were able to talk to us. Their beats were carried up a special vein to our brains where a long-since-forgotten part of the Equine brain translates it into words. They made smaller, intrepid beats for the blood to continue to pump and weren't very noticeable, but when they spoke to us, the beats were more prominent. Vinyl was very adept to accepting this new knowledge. I, however, was still skeptical to this whole ordeal. I asked them "how" Vinyl and I were still alive and well if they were "outside" our bodies. They were apparently prepared for this question.

They explained to us that the blood was still flowing and being purified as it always has been, it just traveled through a "phantom" heart. The blood still traveled along the path and through them. Then once it when in, the blood came back out. They simplified it to the "magic of love". To dumb it down, we needed to be careful. If they were cut or damaged, it would spell bad news for both of us. I was content with the answer and continued getting to know.... my heart....

Afterwards, Vinyl and I swapped and we spent some time examining each others hearts. I must say, Vinyl's was actually quite beautiful. It didn't look disgusting or revolting, like one you would see in an anatomy book. It was very.... fragile looking. So red and full of life. Very smooth. A lot like mine was. I dared to take it further.

I reached up my hoof to stroke Vinyl's heart. She shied away at first, but after some reassurance and encouragement, she allowed me to brush her. The muscle was soft. Felt a bit squishy, but strong and sturdy as well. Like something that could bend, but would not break. Our hearts, however, were connected to Vinyl and I more than we thought. After the first rub, I heard Vinyl, who was on the other side of the room, take in a big, shuddering gasp. The mare shot her gaze at me and gave me a "what the heck was that?" look. I gave her a teasing smoochy face and continued to caress her heart.

Her face contorted once more from my ministrations. I didn't like the look she put on however once she recovered. It seemed a little payback.... -ish. She brought her attention back to my heart, grabbed it in her magic, and pulled her into her white barrel and wrapped her in a big, but caring, hug; Vinyl taking into consideration the tenderness of what she was embracing.

I instantly felt a big flood of... something.... filling my whole body. To best describe it, it felt as if something was wrapped around my heart, which something technically was, but it felt as if it were inside my chest! My body was also burning and I felt an extremely strong attraction to my marefriend. I wanted to do nothing more than hug her, kiss her, and make her happy. Her happiness was everything to me.

The intense feeling eventually dissipated, leaving me disappointed, but also competitive as I saw Vinyl smirk at me, still hugging my heart. So is that how you wanted to play it Vinyl? A "Love Off"? Two could play at that game.

Without a word, I turned back to her heart, firmly, but gently, grasped her between my hooves, and smacked a gigantic, love-filled kiss right in the center of her. No hesitation. I felt the speed of her beats increase dramatically, pulsing against my lips. Smiling, I pressed a little harder.

The response was immediate.

(VINYL's POV)

I had just given a big bear hug to Tavi's heart after she had stroked mine a bit earlier. The small caress had given me warm, tingly feelings inside my chest and a strong pull towards my amazing marefriend. After I had felt I won our exchange, I released her heart into the open. The little love muscle nestled in the crook of my neck for a moment to show her appreciation for my affections. What I felt next was unlike anything I had ever felt in my entire life.

My body completely locked up. Frozen in place right where it was. Nothing but unbridled, pure, and immeasurable love filled my whole body. The whole experience was intense, almost too intense to handle. Warmth spread out from my chest and into my limbs all the way down to my tail. Thoughts of Octavia clouded my mind and I could feel my pulse racing at a speed matching terminal velocity. I couldn't control myself. I glanced over and saw that Octavia was kissing my heart.

She had my heart.

And she was kissing it.

I couldn't stop staring at her. She was too gorgeous to not look! I wanted to do nothing more than hug her. Kiss her. Make her feel like a queen. Because that's what she was.

A queen.

MY queen. And I would die for her. I had to show my appreciation for everything she has ever done for me. I just loved her so much. I needed her to know that.

As fast as my hooves would carry me, I charged Octavia, grabbed her up in my arms, and crushed her to me. Something inside my mind told me to watch her belly because it contained precious cargo. I obeyed without argument.

It was as if my body were on autopilot. The only thing in my mind and sight was Octavia. I kissed the main artery that ran up along her neck and held firm, feeling it pulse against my lips at a blinding speed. I loved this mare more than I thought I could ever love anything... and she was all MINE!!

(OCTAVIA's POV)

I let out a fillyish squeal of delight and released the heart in my grasp as Vinyl lifted me up off the ground with strength I never knew she had. It seemed to compare to that of an earth pony. She kissed me right behind my jaw and whispered sweet words between every kiss. I gave in and smiled, resting my head on hers. I was careful to avoid her horn. Sadly, after a short while, her strength began to wane. We both collapsed on the couch in each others arms. I kissed her with all the love I had in my heart for her, never letting her go. I stared at her with a tired, but happy, smile. She did as well.

"Wow... *pant* that was.... intense...." I wheezed out. Vinyl grinned and kissed me again.

"Yeah it was!" She replied exuberantly. "What the heck were you thinking?!"

I shrugged and winked, smirking. "You wanted to play the game, so I only obliged."

Vinyl rolled her eyes and sighed in defeat. "Well, I guess it's safe to say you won."

We cuddled with each other on the couch and exchanged sweet words as the night passed on. Our hearts floated above us, giving off tiny flares of their luminescent glow as we continued our affectionate display towards one another. They hugged against each other, increasing the love and passion I had for my beautiful marefriend as they exhibited how Vinyl and I felt for one another. It was such a beautiful sight.

Vinyl gave me one final kiss then snuggled into my side, hugging me around the back with one hoof as the other rubbed my stomach. I wrapped a hoof around Vinyl's head and pulled her towards me, kissing the top of her unruly mane.

"Thank you Octavia," she began. "Thank you for this," she gestured towards my belly, "Thank you for everything. I love you so much that it drives me wild! There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you! I can never thank you enough for giving me a perfect life.... I don't care anymore if my career takes off or not. I'll be happy either way!"

I chuckled at her optimism and kissed her forehead. "I appreciate your words, love, and love you with every fiber of my being as well. But you better hope your career does take off! Do you know how expensive a foal is?"

She giggled and settled into my side even more. "So, did the Doc happen to mention 'when' this little cutey is expected?" Vinyl patted my stomach for emphasis.

I nodded. "Sometime next year around Spring. About a month or month and a half after we've graduated. I've got to be honest, I'm a little scared, but also excited! And that brings up another thing Vinyl..." I began stroking her mane so she wouldn't get too riled up. I took a deep breath to calm myself as well before saying what was on my mind. "I... I was thinking of moving AWAY from Canterlot after everything is said and done at the Conservatory." Vinyl didn't react as I had expected. She remained calm instead of going insane, which I was thankful for. "I don't want our foal to grow up in this city where he or she is open to becoming spoiled and snobbish. I want him or her to grow up happy with a plethora of friends to play with. I heard the little town just a bit away from Canterlot is nice. I've read articles about a well-paying Philharmonic that is established and have heard there is a party pony who is lacking in musical entertainment. Perhaps there would be perfect..."

She nodded her head. "I agree. This city is nothing but a bunch of stuck-up, snooty ponies. Plus a change in scenery would be nice as well."

I smiled and kissed the top of her head. "It fills me with such joy that you are so open to the idea, Vinyl! I think that is one of the reason's why I fell for you. Something about your brash nature and last-minute personality is so... charming...," I said, perhaps a bit TOO seductively. Vinyl chortled at my comment.

"What can I say? I'm a bit bi-polar I guess... One minute I'm the loosest cannon you'll see, then the next... I am about as reserved as you were when we first met." I blinked at her, un-amused. "No offense," she added as an afterthought. I smiled.

"None taken, Love."

Our hearts floated closer and beat rapidly right in front of us; the beats traveled up into my brain where the syllables were translated into words. They said, "We would like to rest now. While it isn't necessary for us, we'd think it best to give you both some.... umm..... privacy...."

A blush washed over my face in an instant after she had spoken. The two muscles then floated over to us, nuzzled Vinyl and I respectfully, and floated towards our chest, disappearing inside in a bright 'POOF' of light. Once they were safe and well, Vinyl and I shared another long and passionate kiss. Her want for me drove my love for her to impossible heights as the powerful lip-lock continued on. After we broke apart Vinyl rubbed her nose against my own and settled her head on my chest, listening to my heart pound within my barrel as she rubbed my stomach. I sighed in delight and reclined back on the couch.

"I really want to do well this year at the Conservatory," Vinyl began. "I mean, I did decent this year, but I REALLY want to do spectacular next year."

Curious, I prodded onward. "And why is that, love?"

Her head shot up so fast that I thought she had snapped her neck. "I have an AWESOME incentive this year!"

Sweat began to bead on my brow at the many possibilities this could pertain to. This couldn't be good. "And what exactly is that, my dear?"

Looking me dead in the eyes she answered me with a wicked grin. "Because the student in my field of music who graduates at the top of her class gets to keep their DJ equipment that the Conservatory loaned to them."

A sharp gulp found its way down my throat. "Celestia save us..." I thought to myself. A voice inside my head didn't do much to ease my fears.

Nopony can save us now....

So sweet. So loving, no?

Admittedly, yes, it is...

When are we gonna get to ME though??

We were just about to, sweet Tamby!

Yess!

To speed things along a bit, Vinyl and I finished up our last year at the Conservatory. I graduated in the top ten of my class. I believe I was numbeeeerrr... three? Yes? Perhaps? Anyways, continuing on, I was extremely proud, and at the same time, dreading graduation when Vinyl was announced as the top graduate of her class. And being so, at the graduation ceremony, she was gifted the.... DJ equipment....

One of the proudest moments of my life! The other is when I held this little cutey right here for the first time! *SMOOCH*

Ooohhh.... Mommaaaaa....

Oh how you both make my heart swell!!

Please, go on with the story, Tavi

Right! So as we had discussed in the flash back, a few weeks after graduation we moved out to Ponyville. My stomach was very rounded at this point and Tamby could be born any day now. We hunted down and found the perfect house. A nice one-story building that was just a few blocks down the road from Lyra and Bon Bon's place. It had two bathrooms, one upstairs and the other downstairs. Two bedrooms upstairs, a living room, and a kitchen. It was perfect. The ponies were all very polite as well. Some even offered to help us move into our new home, no charge. They must have saw that I was pregnant and felt sympathy for me. How sweet!

That actually reminds me of a good point we should clear up now before going any further

And what would that be, dear?

About how two MARES could have a foal, pretty much making stallions obsolete

Oh.... yes....

So here's the deal on that. Yeah, it pretty much makes stallions kaput now, but they are actually still necessary for reproduction. First of all, not all mares are going to be attracted to another mare. And even if they were, in order for two mares to have a foal, one would either need to be a unicorn, or one of them would have to be artificially enseme.... inseem-, instemena- whatever. You know what I mean....

Inseminated, love

Yeah, that too

Graduated top of her class. Outstanding...

Shushers!

Very well, consider me "shushered". But perhaps I shouldn't since our story needs to be finished. Unless you would care to tell it?

Sure, why not?

Then please. Proceed...

Got it. So after all the "moving in" bull was out of the way and everything was being unpacked, I unfurled a little "surprise" on Octavia. I told her to open up and get something out of a specific box. A special something I had planted there. The thing I had asked her to get was the picture we took together on the terrace of Tavi's old apartment in memory of our one year anniversary. When she opened it to look at the picture, I heard a faint gasp behind me while I pretended to tidy up a few items. She found something that I had put there with the picture. That's where we'll pick up from....

(VINYL's POV)

"Vinyl.... are... are you serious?"

Tavi and I stood in the living room of our new house, unpacking. I assumed she had found the thing I asked her to get for me. I turned around to see that she was sitting on her haunches, one hoof covering her mouth as the other held the double picture frame. Tears were falling from her eyes, but a look of love and adoration filled her beautiful irises. I approached her, breaking the love-struck mare out of her stupor with a soft kiss to her nose. I pressed my forehead against hers and looked her dead in the eye.

"You bet your musical flank I am," I finally responded. "Tavi, you make me the happiest mare in the world. You don't judge me. You love me unconditionally. You took me in. Cared for me. You did so many things nopony else ever did for me. Now you are having my foal, and that just clinched it for me in my heart."

I used my magic to levitate the object out of the picture frame that had sent Octavia into such a state of emotional distress. A marriage bond. Slowly, carefully, I tightened it around Octavia's left hoof, savoring each moment. After it was secure I kissed her hoof. She sniffled, making me look at her. She was the happiest I had ever seen her. A grin from ear to ear. Little trickles of water running down her cheeks. Eyes as wide as dinner plates. And a look that said, "I love you with everything I am and ever will be. Please kiss me." Being as chivalrous as I am, I happily obliged.

After tenderly placing the picture frame down I pulled her in. Our lips met with a crash of passion. I gently stroked her back as our moment together continued, her tears of happiness never stopping. She sobbed, but happily. It was happy sobbing. We broke away from our lip's embrace just to segue into a different one. I wrapped Octavia into a big, heartwarming hug, still stroking her back. She sobbed into my shoulder as I kissed her cheek and trailed my pecks all the way up to her ear.

"I can't imagine a more perfect mare to spend my life with," I whispered gingerly into her ear. "You are smart, sassy, charismatic, and have the kindest heart I have ever seen in a Canterlotian noble. I'm glad that I am yours, and even more glad that you are mine. So, as I sit here before you, all I ask is one simple question." I unfortunately tore Tavi away from me so I could look her in the eyes. She was resistant, but eventually gave in. I made eye contact, seeing nothing but wonder and anticipation in her beautiful purple orbs. Our hearts popped out of our chests at the same time I was popping the question.

"Octavia Philharmonica Melody, will you make my life complete and become my wife?"

For a second or two, there was no response. Then all at once, she jumped me. Pinning me to the ground, she planted her lips on my own and pressed as deep as she could, smooshing our muzzles together. My eyes drifted close, enjoying the moment. After a beat, Octavia slowly drew herself away and breathed, "Yes."

I kissed her once more before cuddling with my newly-made fiancee on the floor. I looked up and saw our hearts hovering right above us. Spinning in a slow, lazy circle as they pressed against each other. It kind of simulated how me Octavia were at that moment. I felt a big explosion of attraction and protectiveness over Octavia inside me. In response, I pulled her even closer, nuzzling into her mane.

"I love you so much Vinyl!" She whispered. "It will be the greatest honor of my life to be your one and only special somepony for the rest of eternity. You already make my life complete. My only hope is that I can do the same thi-nnNNNGGGHHHUUUUHH!!"

Octavia grunted in extreme pain and clutched her stomach. I switched to alert mode, sitting upright and draping an arm over her shoulder, trying to comfort her while also attempting to figure out what was wrong. She blew out a few deep breaths and opened her eyes, looking straight up at me. I could see fear, panic, and.... happiness... in her eyes.

"Vinyl," she wheezed. "I- OH!- think the baby is- GAH!- c-coming!!"

My pupils shrunk to pinpricks. "Oh! I! Um... what should I...?"

"Hospital!"

"Hospital! Right!"

And with that, I picked Octavia up in my magic, our hearts retreating inside our chests when I did, and made a beeline for the hospital. I had never moved faster in my life than when I carried my marefriend to the hospital to deliver our foal. It was almost as if my hooves never touched the ground.

o.0.o

So chivalrous! Carrying me to the hospital when I went into labor!

Anything for milady

Stop bowing Vinyl. Nopony can see it...

Oh... yeah...

*AHEM* So after we arrived at the hospital, Vinyl checked me in, I was wheeled to the ER for delivery, and after hours of grueling pain, contractions, and a non-stop string of "don't forget to breathe" being said to me, this little cutey popped out!

I can't help feeling guilty though...

Oh? Why is that Tamby?

Because you went through so much trouble and pain to bring me into this world. I don't think I was really worth it...

Tamby-...

Never say that again!

Woah! Octavia, cool your jets girl-

No Vinyl! She needs to hear this! Tambourine Melody Scratch, I don't give my sweet flank what kind of pain I had to go through to bring you into existence! Both you and Vinyl have the most special of places in my heart, and I would gladly go through everything again if it meant having you in my life! I love you with all my heart and soul, and everything that I went through was completely worth it. You are smart, talented, and the sweetest filly anypony will ever know. Please, love, never bring yourself down like that again... It hurts when you say things like that....

I... I'm sorry, Mommy... I promise to never speak about myself like that again..... I love you too!

D'aww!

Vinyl dear, could you please continue the story? Tamby and I are having a moment

No prob Octy! So getting back on track, it has only been about five minutes since Tamby was born, we're alone in the hospital room swooning over her, and then.... something unexpected happened...

o.0.o

(VINYL's POV)

There she was.

My daughter Tambourine Melody Scratch was there before my very eyes. It was both of our decision to name her that after months of continuous back and forth of what to name our baby girl. I guess the best reason for it is because I like loud, and tambourines can be loud, but they can also help keep a rhythm, which is what Octavia likes.

I couldn't stop staring at her. She was the definition of perfection, just like Octavia. She had an electric-blue mane and horn like me and Octavia's gray coat. Her eyes were a bit of a mixture between mine and Tavi's. If I had to describe it, they were most likely a pinkish color. Octavia said they were burgundy. I didn't feel like arguing, so I instead agreed with her because she was most likely right, and continued to feel the love I already had for my precious girl grow.

Tambourine was adorable, resting peacefully in Octavia's arms. The tiniest of breaths escaped our foal as my soon-to-be wife cradled her, staring down at the new arrival with love in her eyes. Octavia was obviously tired from all the struggle she went through to bring Tambourine into this world, as evidenced by the bags underneath her eyes, but she never looked more beautiful as she did right then, holding our child and crying tears of happiness. I was crying too. I wasn't afraid.

I leaned in and gave Octavia a soft, lingering kiss on her cheek before moving in closer and giving Tambourine a gentle Eskimo kiss. Octavia and I's hearts danced above us in love and elation, celebrating the birth of our daughter. Tambourine's nose crinkled a bit, her face squishing in the most adorable way possible. She sneezed, which immediately prompted a deep "Awwww...." from Octavia and me. Tambourine's eyes slowly opened and looked at the world around her. Her eyes instantly landed upon us.

It appeared as if she was examining us, studying us. We weren't sure what to make of her behavior. Octavia, however, just shrugged it off and brought Tambourine in for a kiss on the forehead. When our foal was brought to full view again her eyes were sparkling, a smile on her lips. She looked at Octavia and I with the cutest grin on her mouth and an even cuter giggle to match.

I could feel Octavia's heart beating against mine with intense ferocity. The overload of sensations I felt were too much as love flooded throughout my body. Nothing else was more important to me than wrapping Octavia and Tambourine up in a hug and never letting them go. After all I had been through, I never thought I could be this happy. I am so glad I was wrong. Resting my cheek against Octavia's, we watched as Tambourine looked about the room, discovering new things with each glance. This moment was so perfect I wished it would never end, but as fate or karma or whatever would have it, it did.

Tambourine began to wail and scream out of nowhere, scaring Octavia and I shirtless.

Shirtless?

Yeah?

Why did you say shirtless? We weren't even wearing shirts?

Because I don't think we could get away with saying shi-

Halt! Stop! You've made your point! Please, continue with the story!

K k then

Tears were running down Tambourine's cheeks. It was almost as if a dam had busted in her tear ducts and were now flooding her tiny, pudgy jaw. The worry was as plain as day on Octavia's face, as it was on mine as well, I'm sure. We didn't know what had brought this on. It was just out of the blue. I was about to call for a nurse until we both noticed a small glowing light coming from Tambourine's chest. That could only mean one thing...

(OCTAVIA's POV)

"Vinyl," I said with urgency. "Our hearts warned us a month or so back that this could happen. Ooohhh.... It hurts knowing that she is feeling that pain, but what can we do? Vinyl, I'm scared! I want to do something about it, but I can't! I hate feeling so powerless..."

I was crying again, but not from happiness. I was worried sick about little Tambourine. I wanted to make the pain go away, but how? I glanced about nervously, hoping that the solution to our troubles was within sight, even though I mentally chastised myself that it was a fruitless endeavor.

Perhaps we could help...

The voice of what I came to recognize as my heart's speech echoed throughout my head. I looked up just in time to see them descending in front of me and Vinyl. I looked at her quizzically, unsure of how they meant to help us. Without another word, the two of them floated in front of Tambourine and began... concentrating... I guess is the only way to put it. I could feel her focusing on Tambourine.

After a moment of silence, besides the extreme wailing coming from little Tambourine, the light from our little foal's chest began to fork into Vinyl and I's hearts. I immediately began to feel the pain we had experienced before when our own hearts were freed from their confines, but it felt... different. Somehow, it wasn't as painful as the first time. Instead of excruciating it was just a dull throbbing. I knew then exactly what my heart, along with Vinyl's, were doing.

They were absorbing the pain, taking it away from Tambourine so she didn't have to suffer. I smiled as I came to this realization. I gladly took the pain so our foal didn't have to. Tears of joy assaulted my eyes again as Tambourine began to calm down to the point where she only made nervous whimpers. I looked at Vinyl and was starstruck. I couldn't help but think how beautiful she was at that moment. I could see the pain in her eyes she was trying to hide, but I could also see the love in them as well, and it overpowered any pain she felt. I wrapped my hoof around the back of her neck and drew her in for a deep, sensual kiss as the light continually kept getting brighter from Tambourine's chest.

We both closed our eyes as a big flash of light filled the room.

o.0.o

We assume you can tell what happened next?

After the little ordeal in the hospital, Tavi and I took Tamby home, being sure to keep Tamby's little love-ticker hidden, just in case...

As much as we would hate to hide this, we can not really trust the reaction's of others to be... positive

So now we get to the best part! I'll take it from here, Tavi

As you wish

So, about four years later. Tamby has learned how to talk, at least a little, and walk. It begins with her walking down the stairs right before dinner...

Ooh! Ooh! Can I tell this part Momma?

Of course you can, my little snuggle bug! ~

So, as Momma was saying. I was coming down stairs right before dinner, and I called for them in the living room to ask both of them a question...

o.0.o

(THIRD-PONY POV)

"Momma? Mommy? W-Who is she?" Tambourine asked her mothers, pointing to the small, floating heart circling around her. The bright glow and tiny sparkles of what could only be assumed was magic emanated from the levitating muscle. Vinyl and Octavia blinked in tandem, looking to the other for any kind of explanation.

Octavia tried her best to answer, but it only came out a stuttered mess. "Umm... well Tambourine. She's a... she's your...-"

"Guardian Angel!" Vinyl blurted. Octavia jumped slightly at the sudden outburst, but was quick to agree with her in order to quell their curious foal.

"Yes! What your mother said, dear."

Tambourine glanced quickly at the floating love-muscle, seemingly accepting the given answer. "That makes s-sense, with aww the stuff she says to me."

Vinyl and Octavia's interest was piqued. "What does she tell you exactly, my sweet?" Octavia asked hesitantly. Tambourine scrunched up her face, attempting to remember the things her heart has said to her.

"She tewws me things wike 'how bea-... how beautif-... how beau..tifuw I am' and 'that I'm w-wucky to have mommies wike you'." She replied, albeit rather adorably and bashfully.

Vinyl and Octavia both breathed an internal sigh of relief. "And how do those words make you feel, honey?" Vinyl asked. Tambourine cracked a small smile when she recalled how the words affected her.

"I-It made me feew.... happy. Wike wittwe butterfw-... butterf-... butter..fwies were in my stomach." Octavia silently praised Tambourine for attempting to use such large words, and trotted over to sit beside the foal, shortly followed by Vinyl. She wrapped a hoof around the foal and gently hugged her from the side.

"It's wonderful to hear that her words make you feel happy and loved. You can only expect that from your Guardian Angel, after all." Octavia shot Vinyl a smug look, unseen by Tambourine. There was still one more question that was itching at the young foal's mind, however.

"What's her name?" Octavia and Vinyl froze, looking down at the small foal in between them, completely at a loss for an answer. Octavia bit her lip as Vinyl rubbed the back of her neck, unable to answer their foal's question, so Octavia provided her own.

"What would you like her name to be?"

Tambourine looked up at her mother, stars in her innocent eyes. "You mean I can name herw. Just wike you and Momma named me?" Octavia nodded her head.

"Yeah! Go for it, kiddo!" Vinyl added.

The two mares studied Tambourine's every movement; her face scrunched up in thought as she stared at her floating companion. Tambourine gave her a look over, quietly listening to the small thumps her heart made as she thought. The beats reached her ears and rang in her head, slow and steady.

Beat. Beat. Beat. Tambourine knew what her name would be.

"Tempo," she said, looking up at her mothers, "her name is Tempo." Tambourine's mothers were greatly in favor of the name.

"It is perfect, my sweet." Octavia praised, smiling happily. "She keeps the steadiest beat I have ever heard."

"Totally!" Vinyl interjected. "You chose a great name for her, Tamby!"

Tambourine grinned at her mothers, then turned her attention back towards Tempo who was spinning rapidly in what could only be assumed was joy. Tempo floated over to Tambourine and nuzzled into her neck, thumping rapidly. The grayish filly giggled at her heart's actions and tenderly hugged Tempo closer to her.

Octavia and Vinyl shared a quick, secret kiss above their daughter. The two mares stared into one another's eyes, hoping they never had to look away. They almost weren't about to until a sudden thought occurred to Octavia.

She looked down at her daughter that was sharing a moment with her companion. "My sweet, why don't you rush upstairs and wash up for dinner? It'll be ready by the time you come back down."

Tambourine looked up at her mother, eyes a little teary from her happiness. She nodded in response and a gave Tempo another quick hug. "Come on, Tempo. Wet's go!" Breaking in her heart's new identity, a quick thump answered Tambourine as she got up and rushed up the stairs, her heart following close on her tail. The two mares watched as they went until they were completely out of sight. Octavia then turned to Vinyl, dead serious the only thing able to describe her facial expression.

Vinyl's smile faded when she saw her wife's face, knowing this couldn't be good. "Love," Octavia began, sounding a little upset. "Why have we not named our heart's yet? All this time and we have yet to... I feel so ashamed..." In a quick flash from their chests, Octavia and Vinyl's own floating companions appeared and hovered over to the distraught mare, attempting to console her.

"I guess it just never came up until now. We are some pretty busy ponies. Between your Philharmonic practice and my night gigs we've never really had time to think about it because the rest of that time was either spent with each other or with Tamby...." Octavia sighed, genuinely upset with herself. Vinyl smiled and draped a foreleg over her. "Well, better late than never!" Vinyl gave Octavia a quick peck below her ear. "Come on, Octy! Right here. Right now. Let's do it!" Octavia perked up noticeably at this.

The two heart's in question levitated to the front of both lovers, excitedly anticipating their new names. "I'll name yours, and you name mine?" Vinyl suggested.

Octavia agreed with a nod. "At the same time?"

"On the count of three. I'll start."

"One."

"Two."

"Three!"

"Metronome!"

"Wubsy!"

The two lovers turned to face each other, the other mare the only thing in their vision as they thought about everything they loved about their partner. "You do know me. I love you so much," the two mares said in unison, sharing a tender, loving, and passion-filled kiss. Warmth spread throughout their entire bodies once their lips connected, pressing deeply into the intimate act. Their hearts danced away with each other as they shared this memory together; the fire crackled in the fireplace as the two mares, who through unimaginable odds, found love, composed the soundtrack to love.

o.0.o

I hope nopony's lactose intolerant because that ending was cheesy!

Aw, cut me some slack! I'm not the best at telling stories, ya know? And I only know what you and Mommy have told me!

I know, Tambs! I was just pokin' a little fun. You know I love you!

Yeah... I love you to, Momma!

And thus ends our story. PHEW! My goodness that was a mouthful!

Eh, I think it was worth it in the end. 'Leave no stone unturned' as they say

Yes. 'They'. The most reliable of sources

Why do you two banter so much?

Tambourine dear, we are only playing. Your mother and I love each other very much at the end of the day

Exactly. Couldn't have said it better myself!

You are absolutely correct, Vinyl!

Yep, we make a great pai-, hey!

Anyway, thank you everypony for listening to our story of life, love, and cliches! Please have a wonderful day, and remember. You will find the right pony out there, it is just a matter of searching for them. Please remain positive whenever times look their bleakest. There is always light at the end of the tunnel!

This ain't over, ya know?

Hush Vinyl, and say goodbye

Ugh... fine... see ya, everypony! DJ-P0N3 has left the building!

By everyone! I'll miss you!

Remember to love others, and yourself, no matter what!

Author's Notes:

Thus ends the second story to my "The Power of Love" series. The OC used in this little one-shot is Tambourine from a story on this site called A Tale of Two Mares by the extremely talented CharmingChaos. I recommend going to read that story. It. Is. AWESOME!! But don't read the sequel. Not because it is bad, but because the sequel hasn't been updated since December 2012. I wish CC would come back and finish it, but what can be done? I hope nothing happened to her at least. She is an amazing author! (Side note: The picture included in the story is a fan making of what Tambourine looks like by rainbowshy1241. Used without permission because I cannot get in contact with either author or artist. My version of Tamby has a mane and tail like Vinyl's though because I think she would look cuter that way!)

That's it for this time everyone! Thank you so much for reading and your continued support! I'll see you all in the next story!

Remember to Stay Beautiful!

The Power of Love: Music To My Heart

by ColossalParadox

The Soundtrack to Love