> Scratching the Surface
>  by Johnny_Bell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1 (There she goes)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Light seeped through the curtains as the morning sun rose slowly into the sky, streaking across the bedroom, landing softly on the pillow of one blue maned mare. Slowly, as the sun rose higher, the light moved, right into her eyes. The white pony awoke with a jolt from the sudden bright light.
“Awe, man..” she spoke, then yawned. “I was having such an awesome dream too.” She slowly rolled out of her bed, onto her hooves, then proceeded to walk herself to the bathroom, tripping over the mess in her room along the way. She stood after taking her morning shower, looking at herself in the mirror for a little while.
“Wow, Vinyl. You need to fix your mane. It looks a little..messy.” She flipped her electric blue mane back, then forward again. “Perfect.” Grabbing her shades, she stretched then walked outside, where her ears were flooded with the sounds of Manehatten. She casually walked to one of the nearby clubs where she was pretty well known.
“Ah, Ms. Scratch!” a dark brown unicorn stallion wearing shades greeted her. “Didn’t know you even woke up this early.” He joked with her. “Here for an early gig?”
“Nah, Just here to sit and socialize for a bit, Mark.” She said with a smile.
“And I few drinks too, I presume?” He asked, opening the door for her.
“You know it.” She laughed as she walked inside.
“Just don’t cause trouble!” Mark called in after her.
“Me? Pony please. I never get in trouble.” She said to herself, then walked up to the bar.
The club was full, fully empty to say the least. A faint electronic beat could be heard, and none of the lights were off, making the club brighter than the afternoon sun.
“Well, looks like the place is just packed.” Vinyl joked as she approached the bar.
“Oh hello Vinyl. Yeah, it’s always this full during the mornings.” A cyan pegasus turned and greeted the unicorn. “What are you doing here so early, if I may?” Vinyl placed one hoof up on the bar.
“Well, actually, I’m here to talk to Tony, I have.... Bad, kinda, news for him.” She said in a low tone. “Is he here, Spark?” The pegasus nodded, then walked into a back room. Vinyl looked around the club while she waited. Noticing another bouncer Pony in the corner looking back at her. She gave him a nod, and he did the same.
“Spark tells me you have some bad news for me, Vinyl?” Tony’s sudden brute voice made the unicorn jump.  She turned to see Tony, an earth stallion who’s pelt was green and had a black mane to give him that rough look. She knew it was only the looks that were meant to scare ponies, because on the inside, he was really nice.
“Yeah, I’m afraid I have to stop doing shows here for a bit. I’m moving.” She said with a small frown.
“Ah, but that don’t mean ya have to opt out completely, right?” He asked, smoothly.
“Oh hell no. I love this place,” She took another quick glance around. “well, more at night then right now.” She giggled.
“Ha, I don’t blame you. And if you don’t mind me asking, where are you moving to?” He placed an arm on the counter, giving his full attention to the unicorn. Vinyl also placed an arm on the counter, mimicking Tony.
“If I told ya, I’d have to kill ya.” She said in her deepest voice, then laughed. “No, I’m moving to Ponyville-”
“That little town out by Canterlot?” Tony asked. Vinyl nodded.
“The apartment I’m getting there is way cheeper than here, and I’m just running out of money here.” She said, turning her head slightly.
“Move in with your parents?” The earth pony suggested. Vinyl turned back at him and glared out above her shades.
“No way in hell I’m going back to my parents.” She said coldly.
“But-”
“No, and that is final.” She flared, then pushed her shades up on her nose more, covering her eyes more. “Besides, I’ve been told I will have a roommate, thus lowering the cost even more.” 
“I see.” Tony said as he poured a glass of cider. “Want a cup? It’ll be on the house today.” Vinyl nodded.
“Sure, if you’re offering like that.” Tony poured another cup for Vinyl and they sat in silence for a little while.
“ When you gonna be heading out?” Tony asked. Vinyl  downed her mug.
“They say the train is leaving tomorrow morning, and that it’s a 2 day trip.” She sighed.
“You don’t seem too happy to leave.” Tony poured another cup for the unicorn.
“It’s just, I’ve been here a long time, and I’ve made friends.”
“Ooohh, the whole ‘Leaving loved ones behind’ ordeal?” 
“I guess that’s the closest we’re gonna get.” She sipped her mug this time. Again, they sat in silence for a bit. Tony finally turned to her.
“Just promise me one thing, eh?” Vinyl faced her bartender.
“What’s that?”
“Do come back. Don’t tell the others, but you’re the favorite DJ of this club.” He smiled. Vinyl placed her mug down.
“Don’t be getting all lovey-dovey on me now.”
“But Viiinyyyl, We looove yooooou.” The green pony tilted his head slightly.
“Oh Celestia, stop it. Stop.” They shared a laugh.
“But all joking aside, we will miss you.”
“And all honesty on the table, I’ll miss you guys too.” Tony pulled Vinyl’s mug away from her.
“Now, I think you should get back to what you were doing before you came here.”
“Waking up?”
“I was hoping for maybe a packing up kind of answer.” Tony smiled.
“Ah yes. I should pack my things.” Vinyl snatched the mug out of Tony’s hoof and downed it. “Thanks for the drinks, mac.”
“No problem. Now get going.”
“Yes mom.” Vinyl laughed as she walked out the door, waving goodbye to Mark.

Vinyl was back at her apartment in no time, boxes were scattered across the whole room. She sat in the middle of the mess, giving her DJ table and speakers a blank stare as she used her magic to sort all her small things in boxes.
“How in Equestria am I going to move those?” She thought to herself, lowering her ears. “I might have to get new ones, probably selling these. But who would want them? And who would want them with MY name on it?” She gave a sigh, then her ears perked.
“Maybe I can get somepony to haul it to Ponyville for me!” She slumped again. “But who?” She pushed the thought to the back of her mind for later and continued packing up her things. The day quickly evaporated into the evening as she spent the rest of the day packing, and getting ready for the early departure tomorrow. She had already talked to the landlord about this being her last night here, and she found a storage place where she put her musical equipment until she could come back for them, she paid the storage owner what she owed and then returned to her apartment. She sat at the window, watching the sunset over the city line.
“Tomorrow’s a new day.” She said to herself. “Tomorrow’s a new day.”



____________________________________________________________________________________________________



Now I know many countless GOOD Vinyl x xOctavia stories are out there, but I'm only typing this up because I wana join it and have fun. Maybe even gain a few likes in the process. More to come, as I'm writing it riiight now.
> Chapter 2 (Going off the Rails on a Crazy Train)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The alarm went off, buzzing it’s non-existent brains out. Vinyl groaned as she turned over and slammed her clock with her hoof, shutting it up. She blankly stared at the flashing clock. She had about 3 hours until her train departed and she had to be at the station at least an hour before it left. She closed her eyes for a few minutes, planning her next actions. She sighed then lifter herself off her bed and proceeded to walk into the bathroom. She shut the door out of habit, and slowly made her way over to the shower. She turned on the hot water, then tested it with a hoof, waiting for it to warm up, her mind drifted.
“What if I’m not welcome in Ponyville? What if I don’t make friends? What if no one likes what I do?” The thoughts suddenly stopped as scalding hot water hit her hoof and she puled it away.
“Ow! Bucking-A! That’s hot!” She waved her hoof in the air, trying to cool it down, then turned up the cold water, making the water the perfect temperature. She relaxed a bit, then stepped inside, shutting the curtain with her magic. The water pulsed on her body, relaxing the unicorn even more. She closed her eyes and tilted her head up, allowing the water to rain down on her forehead, soaking her to the bone. She made a small, pleasurable moan as the water made her mane go flat. She lowered her head again and opened her eyes. She then used her magic to bring over her shampoo and she lathered it up in her hair.
“Might as well look good for a two day trip.” She muttered to herself. One rinse and repeat later, she stepped out of the shower into a foggy bathroom. She shook out her tail, while it was still in the shower part of the room, and it instantly poofed into her signature look, although still dripping with water. She grabbed a hanging towel with her magic and wrapped it around her lower body. She then took the other towel that was next to the first and wrapped her mane in it. She opened the door and the fog vapored into the hallway.
“Making her way into the Apartment hallway, please Welcome DJ P0n-3!” Vinyl announced herself as she stepped into the hallway. She made audience cheering noises, and smiled.
“Yeah, that’ll happen one day.” She told herself, then went back into her room and finished drying off. She finished packing the big stuff, including her bed and her shower items. She then placed her glasses on her face and used her magic to place the items on a cart she rented for a few hours. She sighed at the sight of her packings: not a bunch of boxes, but it was still going to be heavy. She shook the thought out of her head and used her might to pull it the few hundred blocks to the train station. She arrived and fell over, exhausted.
“Well, at least I have about an hour to rest up and wait for the train.” She huffed, trying to catch her breath.
“Um, excuse me, did you say you still had an hour to wait for the train? Are you perhaps heading to Ponyville?” Vinyl looked up to see a light grey mare, looking down at her. She had a long dark grey mane and tail, and beautiful purple eyes. She was wearing a white collar held together with a pink bow. Her cutie mark resembled a pink treble clef.
“uh, why, yes, yes I am.” Vinyl quickly rose to her hoofs. “Names Vinyl Scratch.” She held out a hoof for a hoof-bump, but the grey earth pony muttered something and shook her hoof instead.
“I’m Octavia, charmed I’m sure.” She returned her hoof to the ground.
“Octavia huh? Nice. So why are you heading to Ponyville?” The unicorn asked through her shades, smiling. The grey mare looked at the ground.
“I’d rather not talk about it.” She said in a hushed tone. Vinyl dropped her smile.
“Oh. Well I see you have a musical..mc-thingy as your cutie mark. You good with music in any way?” Vinyl searched to find something to continue talking to the earth pony, for some reason, she found her interesting.
“The musical term for my cutie mark is a treble clef, and yes, I play the cello.” Octavia raised her snout.
“That, big violin looking thing?” Vinyl noticed the pony’s luggage, a large case, possibly holding her instrument inside. The cellist sighed.
“Yes, the big violin looking thing.” She took the cello out from her case, and carefully stood on her hind legs. That alone amazed Vinyl, she had never seen anypony stand like that.
“Wait, before you do anything, can I ask a question?” Vinyl looked up at the grey mare.
“Certainly.”
“How long did it take for you to learn to stand like that?” Vinyl sat, still at awe at the amazing stance of the cellist. Octavia smiled.
“It took roughly a month and a half. I realized I could use the cello ever so slightly to balance myself.” She said with a hint on accomplishment.
“That’s bucking amazing.”
The cellist took her bow in her wrist and slowly played a note. The note turned into five notes and pretty soon, she had an elegant song flowing. Vinyl cringed up, then covered her ears. A crowd gathered around the cello playing pony, all in a relaxed state, enjoying the harmony created by just one instrument. That is, all but one pony. Vinyl grunted in discomfort.
“Uh, Octavia, not to be a jerk or anything, but stop. That’s not music.” The cellist stopped at once, then glared down at the white unicorn.
“What in Equestria did you just say?” She gritted her teeth. Vinyl shook her head.
“I said that’s not music. Well, ok it IS music, but it’s like, old and out-dated.” Vinyl shifted her mane out of her face. Octavia continued to glare at Vinyl as she got down from her stance, placing the cello in it’s case once again.
“First you compliment me, then insult my musical taste? How DARE you! I would LOVE to see what YOU call music.” Her gaze slowly dissipated, as she turned her nose. “I bet it’s nothing but a bunch of garbage anyway.” Vinyl snorted at the remark.
“Well, at least everypony who’s anypony knows how music today should entertain folks, not put them to sleep.” Vinyl lowered her shades slightly, not too much to give away her eye color though. “Apparently YOU missed the memo.”
“Why I NEVER!” Octavia turned and walked away as the crowd dispersed.
“Never understand what music is, that’s for sure.” Vinyl shook her head., then turned to look at the station clock, still about half an hour till the train shows up. She sat on a bench and waited patiently for the train to arrive. Suddenly about ten minutes into her wait, Vinyl started feeling guilty.
“You know Vinyl, she appreciates music as much as the next pony. What happened between you tow was just unfair to you both.” 
“I know, brain. Shush.” 
“But listen for a sec.” Vinyl sighed. “You like music, right?”
“I can’t believe I’m talking to my own brain. Yes, I like music.”
"And that pony, Octavia, she seemed like she liked music too. Even though it was an older generation of music, it’s STILL music.” Vinyl flattened her ears. “You understand what I mean?”
“Yeah... Oh man, I feel horrible. I should find her an apologize.” Vinyl mumbled to herself. Right then the train pulled up, fifteen minutes early. “Oh man, now I’ll never see her again and she’ll think I’m some sort of douche her whole life.” Vinyl sighed, as she lugged her luggage to the holding car and carefully placed her things in. She then found a car, gave the train pony her ticket and sat, wondering about the grey pony. She lowered her head and waited patiently for the train ride to end.

About an hour or so into the train ride, Vinyl looked up to see Octavia looking at her, causing her to jump in surprise.
“Look, I’m not too thrilled about this, but there aren’t any seats open, other than the one next to you.” Octavia kept a blank stare as she talked to the white pony. “So, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to sit for this two day ride.” Vinyl nodded.
“There’s actually something I wana-” Octavia held up a hoof.
“I don’t want to hear anything stupid from a pony like you, so if I could, I’ll sit here in silence.” The grey earth pony took her seat next to Vinyl and they sat there in silence for hours. It wasn’t until about sundown Vinyl finally spoke.
“Octavia, I’m sorry for what I said.” She said quietly. Octavia turned to the unicorn.
“I’m... Sorry, what was that?” She asked, holding back a yawn.
“I said I’m sorry for what happened back at the station. I... I was wrong. What you played was, in fact music.” Vinyl slowly looked up at the grey pony. “It might be old music, but it’s music nonetheless, and I was wrong for saying what I said.” Octavia looked at her with surprise.
“And, I was wrong for calling whatever you listen to garbage. I don’t even think you told me what you listen to Ms... Oh I’m terribly sorry, I’ve forgotten your name in that fit of rage.” Vinyl gave a small smile.
“Vinyl Scratch.” He held out her hoof again, this time for a hoof-shake. They shook hoofs. “Charmed, I’m sure.” Vinyl mimicked Octavia, and they both giggled.
“So, tell me more about yourself, Ms Scratch.” Octavia returned a smile.
“Well, first of all, you can just call me Vinyl.” Vinyl replied. “And, I’m a DJ, maybe you’ve heard of me. I go by...” She looked around the train quickly, leaned in and whispered in the grey mare’s ear. “DJ P0N-3.”
“I’m sorry, I haven’t heard of you.” Octavia frowned. Vinyl returned the frown.
“You go clubbing at all?” Vinyl asked. The earth mare shook her head.
“I mainly stay inside, and practice my cello.”
“Oh, so that’s how you got so...” Vinyl choked up. “Good.” she slowly said. “You know you and I aren’t that different, because I also stay inside most of the time practicing.”
“Oh? What do you play?” She asked, intrigued. Vinyl scrunched up her face a little.
“Everything?” She squeaked out. Octavia gave her a confused look.
“I’m, sorry?”
“Well, I’m a DJ so I make my own music.”
“Using?”
“A computer, mostly.”
“Do you play an instrument?”
“Is mayonnaise an instrument?” Vinyl asked cheekily. Octavia gave her a blank stare. “Sorry. It seemed fitting.” they both shared a small laugh. “Actually I have been learning to play the Triangle.” Vinyl joked again.
“You’ve GOT to be kidding, Vinyl.” They laughed again. Vinyl then yawned.
“Yeah, I don’t really play anything, only records and make my own stuff and stuff.”
“Stuff and stuff. Must be getting tired, Vinyl. Here.” Octavia leaned over and pulled out a travel pillow and handed it to Vinyl. The unicorn used her magic to hold it.
“Are...are you sure?” She asked. The other pony nodded.
“Think of it as an apology from me.” She said with a smile. Vinyl smiled back and rubbed her hoof over Octavia’s head.
“Thanks, but what about you?”
“No problem, I can sleep without one.” She said, smile dropping a little. 
“You’re sure?” Vinyl asked again.
“Vinyl, I insist.” Vinyl smiled, placing the pillow behind her head and leaned back against it.
“Thanks, friend.” Vinyl mumbled before falling asleep.
> Chapter 3 (Find Out Who Your Friends Are)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vinyl awoke with a scream as the train loudly screeched to a halt, also waking the mare who was dozing on her side.
“Now arriving in: Phillydelphia, next stop: Canterlot. Time to next stop: 15 hours.” The conductor came on over the speakers, waking up everypony in the train. Vinyl blinked, trying to calm herself down from the sudden terrifying moment. Octavia yawned and turned to the white unicorn.
“Morning Vinyl, how’d you sleep?” She asked, rubbing her jaw.
“Not bad until I thought we were going to die.” She stated, watching other ponies leave the train, while others came on. “How about you?” Octavia got off the seat and stretched.
“Well it seemed I fell asleep on you, and locked my jaw in the process.” She moved her jaw around, trying to free it. “It’ll loosen when it wants to.” Vinyl looked out the window, noticing a vending machine with breakfast items in it.
“Tavi, when does this train depart the station to continue?”
“I’m sorry, what?” Octavia looked at Vinyl. “Did you call me ‘Tavi’?”
“Sorry, I’m used to giving people nicknames.” Vinyl shrugged.
“Oh. Well, to answer your question, the train leaves in...” She checked her schedule. “Right about...” The train doors closed and the train started to move. “Now.”
“Damn. I’m getting hungry.” Vinyl held her stomach.
“I’m sure they have a food car on this train. It’d be ridiculous if they didn’t.” Octavia smiled as she helped Vinyl off her seat. “Shall we go look?” Vinyl nodded as the pair walked up the middle of the train car to the next one. After about 4 different cars, one with a screaming couple, the pair found themselves in the food car.
“Oh thank Celestia, I’m starving.” Vinyl said with satisfaction, walking up to a table.
“Ello Miss! I ze creator of zis vounderful waffles vous zee before vous.” A pale yellow stallion with a hook style mustache cheerfully greeted Vinyl.
“Yeah yeah, you’re french, I’m hungry, give me six of them with no butter.”
“Vinyl! No need to be rude!” Octavia frowned at the white unicorn.
“Sorry, ‘Without butter please.’ Better?” Vinyl turned to Octavia.
“Hardly.” Vinyl turned to the french pony again.
“Oh oui, right away.” The yellow earth pony turned to a few waffle-makers behind him, pouring in batter and letting them sit. “Anything else, mademoiselle?” He asked with a smile. Vinyl shook her head.
“And the name’s Vinyl, not Manwezel” She turned at sat on the other side of the car, and waited patiently. Octavia shook her head, and smiled.
“Je vais devoir tout deux de vos gaufres, je vous remercie.(I'm going to have any two of your waffles, thank you.)” Octavia spoke in a sweet manner. The Yellow pony tipped his hat, and turned to two more waffle irons.
“Puis-je savoir votre nom, mademoiselle? (May I know your name, miss?)” He said, turning over his shoulder.
“Mon nom est Octavia. Enchanté de faire votre connaissance. (My name is Octavia. Nice to meet you.)” Octavia smiled then turned and sat next to Vinyl.
“I didn’t know you spoke spanish.” The unicorn said, yawning.
“It’s French, and I learned a little bit of it while in the University.” Octavia stated. Vinyl gave a grunt of understanding, then looked back outside. She watched as the landscape flew by, cactus here, and a cactus there, nothing too special to really watch.

Roughly five minutes passed and the yellow stallion turned to the two girls.
“Ze waffles are fini!” He watched as Vinyl and Octavia walked up and took their plates.
“Gracias.” Vinyl nodded slowly, still half asleep. The gray mare took her plate.
“Merci.” She smiled, then walked after Vinyl to a table. “Again, french, not spanish.”
“So sue me, I’m still not awake.” Vinyl muffled with a mouthful of waffles. She swallowed the mouthful, then looked at her new friend. “Did you say you went to a university?” She asked, pointing a fork at the grey pony.
“Yes. The University of Manehattan.” Octavia stated after wiping her mouth with a cloth.
“What did you study in?” Vinyl asked, cutting into more of her waffle, then added: “If you don’t mind me asking, that is.”
“Actually, I’m glad you asked.” Octavia smiled. “I started studying Music Theory and History of Music, Music Practice, a few AP programs, and an Art Class to pass the time. I really enjoyed the Music Practice class, because I got to be physically connected to my instrument.” Octavia gave a happy sigh, and stood to get a drink.
“Nice. You stay for the full.... However long you had to stay?” Vinyl asked when the pony returned to her seat. Octavia shifted.
“It’s not an easy thing to talk about.” She frowned.
“Wait... You said something similar yesterday. Does this ‘Thing’ have to do with you moving to Ponyville?” The unicorn asked, putting down her fork. Octavia looked at Vinyl.
“I encourage curiosity, most of the time, Vinyl, but I really don’t want to talk about it.” She gave a gaze at her unicorn friend. Vinyl squinted at the mare for a little.
“Alright, I can respect that, though, one day, Tavi, You’re gonna have to tell me.” Vinyl smiled slightly. Octavia sighed.
“I guess when it comes to that point, I won’t have a choice, will I?” She gave a chuckle.
“Nope!” Vinyl smiled, closing her eyes. They both finished their waffles, and threw away the disposable plates and forks, then returned to their seats. They continued to ask questions back and forth, passing time for the rest of the day.
“And you told me, Vinyl, that your instrument is a computer?” Octavia laid on the open seat next to her, as did Vinyl, their heads practically touching.
“Well it’s a little more than just pushing buttons.” the unicorn replied.
“You also click that mouse, right?” The grey pony hinted at a joke.
“Wow Octavia, I didn’t see you as much as a joker.” Vinyl laughed.
“I have my moments.” They both chuckled. Vinyl flipped over, facing the grey mare.
“You know, I thought yesterday that you’d hate me forever, with me being... Vinyl and all.” Vinyl said in a slightly hushed tone. Octavia looked up out the top of her eyes, looking upside-down at Vinyl.
“And I was thinking this train ride was going to be a nightmare. I honestly never saw the apology coming.” Octavia smiled. Vinyl twirled the dark grey mane of her friend’s around her hoof.
“Well, my brain told me that I was being an ass. I also realized we had something in common.”
“Oh? And what might that be, Ms. Scratch?”
“Well duh. We both have a passion for music.” Vinyl released her hair.
“If that’s what you call music...” Octavia started, then smiled at the white mare. Vinyl snorted.
“Har har. Yes, our taste in music is different, but we have a taste in music nonetheless. You get what I’m saying?” She gave a smirk. Octavia nodded.
“So, what are your plans when you get to Ponyville?” She asked, looking back down. Vinyl rolled back over and stared at the celling through her shades.
“Well, I hope to first get a place to live in. I have an apartment already for me and a roommate. Then I plan to get my name out there, play for a few ponies, maybe a few live events, maybe get like a party manager.”
“Sounds like you have a plan, all I have planned is move into an apartment, and apparently I’ll have a roommate as well. They haven’t told me who, though.” Octavia looked out the window to watch as the sun slowly dipped below a mountain ridge.
“Yeah, same deal. You think we’ll see each other again while in town?” Vinyl asked, shifting in her seats a little.
“Well I’ve read up on Ponyville a little. It’s not huge like Manehattan is. It’s more of a small community of..oh what was the number.. Four hundred residents?” Octavia scrunched up her face while she thought.
“Still that’s a pretty good number for a small town.” Vinyl shrugged. There was a long silence, except for the train rolling over the tracks and the occasional “clack-clack” of the new rail segments.

“Vinyl?” Octavia said after a while.
“Yesms?” The unicorn responded.
“I’ve been wanting to ask you, why do you always wear those shades?” Vinyl laid there, staring at the celling, and stayed silent. “Vinyl?” Octavia rolled over to face the white pony.
“Because it’s who I am.” She smiled, after a little of a delay.
“You’re a pony who doesn’t want to show her eye color?” The grey mare leaned a little closer. Vinyl tilted her head towards Octavia.
“I kinda like to keep it a secret.”
“Well, may I see them? I promise not to tell anypony else.” Octavia gave Vinyl her best cute face she could.
“Well, I suppose...” Vinyl said, wrapping the glasses in her magic. She slowly lifted them up, when suddenly the train went into a dark tunnel, blaring it’s horn.


“They are lovely.”


____________________________________________________________________________________________________


Hey readers, thank you so much for reading what I have so far, and any feed back will be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to keep a "Chapter a day" kind of schedule, so you might be seeing more as it develops, frequently. Anyway, thanks again for reading, and don't be afraid to leave a comment. :D
> Chapter 4 (Easy Life)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The train left the tunnel and Vinyl quickly re-covered her eyes, a semi-embarrassed look on her face.
“You can’t tell anypony what color they are. I still want to keep my fans guessing.”
“Oooh, the Mare-Do-Well of the DJ community, I see.” Octavia giggled. The DJ pony stuck out her tongue.
“Canterlot arrival time: two hours.” A voice came over the loud speakers.
“That means only two hours and fifteen minutes until we reach Ponyville.” Octavia stated. Vinyl glanced out the window. The sun was pretty low in the sky, though not setting yet.
“So it’s gonna be dark when we arrive. Sweet. I love the night.” Vinyl shot a toothy smile at the grey mare. Octavia smiled and rolled her eyes.
“I can only imagine why.” Vinyl kept smiling. They later sat up again together and watched the sun slowly set in the distance. They arrived in Canterlot shortly after the sunset.
“Canterlot. Wow I haven’t been here in a long time.” Octavia stated, looking up at the massive castle.
“It’s amazing how close to the Princess we are at this moment.” Vinyl gazed at the castle with her friend.
“From what I’ve heard, there is another pony who actually was taught by her.”
“Wait,” Vinyl turned and looked at the mare. “You’re saying somepony was actually lucky enough to be taught by Celestia? Wow, I’d be so honored.”
“To be honest, Vinyl. I really don’t think the Princess would want to teach either of us anything. Becides, the pony she taught had, something special with her magic. I don’t remember most of the details.” Octavia patted the unicorn’s back. Vinyl gave a smile, then it suddenly widened.
“Hey Tavi, I have an idea.”
“I told you... I don’t like nick-”
“Yeah yeah, but we don’t have time, quick go get your cello.” Vinyl cut her off.
“Why?”
“Just, I’ll tell you when you get back with it. I have an idea.” The earth pony shrugged and walked out of the train car. She returned a few seconds later, carrying the cello in its case on her back.
“Alright,” Octavia said as she set the Cello case on the ground and took the large musical instrument out. “What’s your idea then?” The DJ looked around the now empty train car they were in.
“Play something.”
“Pardon?”
“Just, play something... Anything at all.” The doors to the train closed and they started moving once again.
“Next stop: Ponyville. Time to arrival: fifteen minutes. Current time: 10:30 night.” Vinyl nodded at her friend.
“I promise not to insult you this time.” Octavia smirked and stood up, using her cello as her balance, adjusting a little bit to deal with the jerky movements of the train. She took her bow and rested it on the strings of her instrument.
“Give me a few seconds to think.” She said, closing her eyes.
“I’m still honestly amazed on how you stand like that.”
“Shh.” The cellist took a deep breath, then pulled her bow slowly across the strings, making a low, long and wobbling note. She then opened her eyes, and pushed against the strings, continuing her harmony. Vinyl pushed her shades up, revealing her strong, ruby-red eyes and watched the grey mare play carefully, after a while she started bobbing her head, as if to a beat. Octavia picked up the tempo and speed leaning back and forth in flow to her music. The DJ stared at the cello, then dropped her glasses back over her eyes.
“Yes. Perfect. Mmhm.. I like that..” She mumbled every now and then, still bobbing to the symphony of the cello. “PERFECT!” She screamed, startling the cellist and causing her to hit a sour note. “Well, up until that part.” Vinyl giggled.
“Would have come to a soft ending if you’d let me finish.” Octavia glared.
“Sorry, I just... You helped me find my next big hit! Well, it’d be our next big hit, but yeah!”
“Wait, what?” Octavia slid her bow lightly across the strings again, making a soft, quiet note.
“My idea had to do with a recording, listen, uhm, once I get my musical equipment to my apartment, whenever that’ll happen, you wana come over and we’ll record something?” Octavia got a smile on her face.
“What, like a date?” She replied. Vinyl’s face turned red.
“What? I-I... No see.. I wasn’t.. I wouldn’t..” She covered her mouth, trying to hide her embarrassment.
“Relax DJ, I was kidding. Little surprised to actually see you respond like that.” Octavia  raised an eyebrow, still holding a smile. Vinyl turned her still red face.
“Sorry..” She responded quietly. Octavia dropped her smile, and put her cello away before walking up to the unicorn.
“Vinyl...We’ve only really known each other for about a day...how?” She asked.
“I get attached to ponies easily, okay? Just...do you wana do a recording, when I can, or no?” Octavia hugged Vinyl tight.
“I would love to do a recording with you. Now about your attachment problem...” Vinyl shook her head.
“Just... drop it. It’ll eventually solve itself.”
“No can do. Even if it takes a while, we’re gonna talk about it, okay?” Vinyl shrugged, then lifted her glasses once again, this time setting them on her horn. The slight embarrassment left her face and was replaced with a determined look.
“Kay, Octavia. Can you play that cello once more? I wana make sure I get it stuck in my head.” The grey mare was taken back.
“You actually WANT to hear me play again? I’m...shocked. I thought you absolutely HATED listening to me play.” Vinyl ran a hoof through her electric blue mane, and gave a nervous giggle.
“Doesn’t mean I can’t try new things, right?”
“Guess I can’t argue with that.” Octavia stood with her cello, eyes closed once again and started playing what she had done before. She came up to the part where Vinyl had interrupted her before and opened one eye. The white unicorn had her shades back on and was bobbing her head with the beat, staying silent while she took mental notes. Octavia played on, raising the speed, then slowing it back down, scrunching her face every time she came to an intense, fast part. She used every ounce of her concentration, building up to the end, then slowly releasing a low, long final note. She opened her eyes and looked at the unicorn, searching for any type of message the pony was trying to send. Vinyl sat there, shades on, head still bobbing to the no longer existent music. After a while the DJ stood, and hugged her friend.
“Thanks, I think I got what I needed. And look, we’re almost to the Ponyville station!” Vinyl smiled a huge smile. Octavia yawned.
“Why yes, yes we are. I can not wait to get some sleep in a bed.”
“I know, right? I mean, don’t get me wrong, sleeping on a chair is fun and all..”
“And you don’t make that bad of a pillow, Scratch.” The girls laughed for a little bit until the train pulled into the Ponyville station.
“Well, looks like we’re here Octavia.” Vinyl smiled at her friend.
“It appears so.” Octavia smiled back, balancing the cello on her back. They walked out of the train, and looked at each other.
“Was a fun train ride, and I really hope to see you around.” The unicorn hugged her friend. 
“Yes, quite. And I’m very sure we will.” Octavia responded as she hugged back. “Well, it’s dark out and I’m getting tired. Think we both should get home and get some rest, as I’m sure we both have a bunch of unpacking to do.” Vinyl nodded as they broke apart.
“As much as I’d like to, I don’t think I’ll be able to stay awake all night tonight.” Vinyl smiled as they both walked to the luggage car and pulled out their luggage.
“That’s got to be a first, right?”
“Hey, I was asleep last night, wasn’t I?” Vinyl lightly pushed the cellist. They shared a laugh and hugged once more.
“Well, I should go now.”
“Yeah, same. You still up for recording later when I can, right?”
“Absolutely.” The mares hugged once again, then walked off in different directions, calling out “goodbye!” as they walked.

Vinyl, holding up her boxes with her magic, set then gently on the ground, and pulled out a piece of paper and studied it.
“I hope this is the right place.” She said, as she looked up to the small building. It was small, but large enough to hold two ponies, a kitchen and a bathroom. Vinyl opened the door and walked in, turning on the lights. She noticed a  note taped to the wall.

Hello, I’m Roofus. I’m your landlord. I understand you will probably get in here late, so come talk to me in the morning at SugarCube corner in Mrs. Cake’s cake shop. We’ll have coffee and talk about you and your roommate. Enjoy your stay in Ponyville!

Vinyl shrugged, then called out.
“Hello? Is anypony there? I’m Vinyl, your new roommate.” There was no answer. “Hmm. Guess I’m the first one here. Damn, if only I had my musical equipment. Oh well. Guess I’ll wait for my new roommate to arrive to discuss who will be sleeping where.” She placed all her boxes in one corner, then explored the house a little. There was the living room, then a kitchen off the the side. A small hallway lead down to three rooms, two of them bedrooms, one a bathroom. She entered the bathroom and turned on the lights. The bathroom was smaller than she was used to, but it had a sink, a toilet next to it, followed by a bath/shower mix. There was a towel rack to hold two towels. She entered one bedroom, nothing too special, just an empty room with plugs all around and a window letting in the night sky on one wall. 
Vinyl’s stomach growled and it lead her to the kitchen. She looked around the corner to see a typical stove, a few counters going around it, then a refrigerator, and on the other side was a dishwasher. Next to that was a sink.
“Pretty bare.” Vinyl noted to herself. Just then the front door opened and her roommate walked in.
“Hello? Is anypony here? I'm your new roommate.” The voice said.
“Funny, I said the same thing when I-” Vinyl popped her head around the corner of the kitchen and gasped.
“No way.” They said in unison.
“Octavia! I didn’t know you were my roommate! This is gonna be so AWESOME!”
“Oh wow! Vinyl! Who would have guessed we are roommates?” The two mares hugged, after Octavia put her cello up against a wall.
“Long time no see, right?” Vinyl smiled.
“It’s been a while, indeed.” Octavia went right with the unicorn’s joke. “So, getting on the matter of the sleeping arrangements..” Octavia started.
“I already scoped out the place, there are two bedrooms down the hall, both the same size, and both have a window. It’s just, whichever one you want, go for it.” Vinyl lead her friend down the hall.
“I guess this one will be fine with me, if that’s fine.”
“No I want that one!” Vinyl laughed. “Kidding, sure. Now I can move my bed in the other one.” The girls spent a few minutes, getting their personal belongings into their own rooms.
“Well,” Octavia said, leaning on her cello. “Guess I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Speaking of which, we need to meet out landlord at a place called SugarCube corner.. Uuuuhhhh, Mrs. Cake’s shop, or something like that.” Vinyl remembered the note.
“Ah, so an early tomorrow then.” Octavia nodded. “Then bed time it is. Good night Scratch.” She said, placing the cello in her room.
“G’night Tavi.” Vinyl yawned, entering her own room. The girls shut their doors in unison and soon their lights went out.
> Chapter 5 (Any Other Day)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vinyl covered her ears as her roommate’s alarm went off and groaned. She took a peek at her own clock, sitting on the floor. It was flashing seven in the morning. Vinyl groaned again when a knock came to the door.
“Vinyl, come on, wake up. We need to go meet our land lord down at the cake shop.” Octavia sounded happy to be awake. Vinyl grunted loudly. “Hey now, I’ll buy you breakfast while we’re there.” Vinyl bucked off her covers.
“Fine. Hey, you gonna take a shower this morning?” She said, rolling over to her hooves.
“I already did, the shower is all yours, Vinyl.” The unicorn listened as the mare trotted away down the hall. She shook her head.
“I really need to find a day to sleep in. I don’t think I’ll be able to wake up early again.” She opened a box and pulled out a towel, then headed to the bathroom. She hung her towel up next to her roommate’s nice and neat towel, without a second thought of it. She then opened the translucent door to the shower and turned on the hot water, followed by the cold as soon as it got too hot for her. She looked around for her shampoo.
“Oh right...It’s still in a box.” She mumbled as she stepped out of the shower and into her room.
“Vinyl! Towel!” She heard the shriek of her friend as she stepped in her room. Vinyl turned her head to see Octavia at the end of the hall, covering her eyes with a hoof. The unicorn pressed her upper body close the the ground, lifting her flank in the air.
“What? Is something wrong, Tavi?” Vinyl said in a playful voice, then laughed and used her magic to take a bottle of shampoo from a box. “Cheer up, you’re possibly gonna see more where that came from.” She said, walking into the bathroom once again.
“Celestia forbid.” The grey mare, still covering her eyes, walked into the kitchen.
Vinyl stepped back into the shower and used her magic to close all the doors behind her. She lathered up some of her shampoo and scrubbed it into her mane. She gave a happy sigh and laid down in the tub, wishing she had time for a bath. The warm water pulsed slightly on her body, giving her a slight massage. She finished up what she had to do in the shower, then met her grey friend in the living room.
“Ready?” She asked with a smile.
“Ready when you are.” The earth pony stood up.
“Oh wait a second.” Vinyl rushed back to her room, then came back wearing her purple shades. “Alright, now I’m ready.” Octavia shook her head and opened the front door.
“After you, DJ.” She said, suppressing a laugh.
“Hey, do you even know where this Cake shop is?” Vinyl asked a little bit later as they walked down a street.
“Oh, are you looking for Mrs. Cake’s shop?” A purple unicorn came up to them.
“Why yes we are, could you hel-”
“WOW! She has a baby dragon on her back!” Vinyl cut off her friend and rushed over the the unicorn. “That’s so rad! Does he have a name?”
“Yeah, my name’s Spike.” The dragon spoke. Vinyl looked closer at the purple and green dragon.
“You are so awesome.” She spoke. Octavia grabbed the white unicorn’s tail and pulled her back.
“I’m sorry about that.” She apologized. “but yes, we are lost and looking for Mrs. Cake’s shop.” The purple pony giggled.
“It’s not a problem. Not the first time it’s happened. The shop is actually right down this road, not too far. In fact,” she pointed with a hoof down the street. “You can see it from here.”
“Oh yes! I see it now, thank you Ms....” Octavia waited.
“Twilight Sparkle. And your friend already met Spike here.” The purple unicorn responded.
“Hiya!” Spike waved.
“Hello to you both. I’m Octavia Philharmonica. This here is Vinyl Scratch.” The grey mare smiled. “We’re new in town.” Twilight smiled.
“Good to hear.”
“Now, we really should get going, we have an important meeting.” Octavia waved at the unicorn and her dragon, while pulling her friend.
“She seemed nice.” Vinyl said, getting on her own hooves and walking next to the mare.
“How would you know, you were gawking at her dragon.”
“Because I’ve never seen one!” The unicorn moaned.
“Hurry up, we’re already late.” Octavia dropped back and pushed Vinyl forward, using her head.
“Hey! Whoa! Wait a second! Personal space!” The unicorn lifted the earth pony into the air, causing her to flail her arms and legs about.
“Vinyl! Ah! Wait! Put me down! Seriously! Stop!” Octavia cried. Vinyl gently set her down then ran off. “You’re so DEAD!” Octavia chased after her.

“Okay! Okay! I’m sorry! Truce!” Vinyl said, bursting into the cake shop, laughing.
“Vinyl, don’t you EVER use you magic on me like that again.” Octavia followed the unicorn into the shop, the fixed her bow tie.
“Did I hear you say Vinyl? As in, Vinyl Scratch?” An orange pegasus stallion with a brown and dark blue mane in a ponytail walked up to the two mares.
“Uh...yeah, I’m Vinyl.” The unicorn faced the pegasus.
“Well that’s good, I’ve been waiting for you two. I’m Roofus. Come, sit and we’ll talk.” Vinyl looked over to Octavia, who nudged the unicorn as she walked by. The white pony giggled, then followed her friend and sat at the table Roofus had already sat at.
“Nice to meet you, Roofus.” The grey mare spoke once everyone was sitting.
“And it’s good to finally talk to you both, other than over the phone that is.” He chuckled. “And I hope you’re finding the place comfortable?”
“It’ll be perfect once I get my musical equipment in there.” Vinyl said with a smile. The pegasus smiled back
“Ha, well good thing I love music, and that’s why I thought you two would actually have a great time together. Both of you are music enthusiasts, from what you’ve told me anyway. So I hope having you both as roommates hasn’t caused problems.”
“It’s funny actually, we were friends before we even entered Ponyville.” Octavia looked at Vinyl.
“Oh, so you two met on the train ride over?” Roofus smiled  at the duo.
“It was a rough start...” The grey pony started, but was blocked by Vinyl’s white hoof.
“Let’s just say we both said things we shouldn’t have said, and made up for it.” Vinyl aimed a cheeky smile at her grey friend.
“So this musical equipment of yours Vinyl, how heavy is it?” Roofus asked, turning his attention to the unicorn.
“Heavy.” She pushed her shades up. “Too heavy for me to carry with my magic. I was hoping to actually maybe get help to get it down here, but I don’t know a pony strong enough to actually haul the monsters down here.”
“Interestingly enough, I think I know a certain family that has a very strong stallion. He will probably be glad to help.”
“But if it was a two day ride on a train, it would take at least a week for him to walk it all the way down here from Manehattan.” Octavia stated with a concerned look.
“It’s fine, I can wait a week.” Vinyl chipped in.
“I was talking about the stallion. Would he really want to carry something for somepony he didn’t even know?” Octavia placed a hoof on the table. The pegasus laughed.
“Well, because He’s nice and will do favors like that.”
“Wait...” Vinyl said. “Why don’t we just have him take it to the train station, then bring it to our apartment. It’d be faster and easier for him.” The other ponies looked at her in silence.
“I didn’t even think of that.” The pegasus opened his wings as he smiled. “In fact, I’m going to go ask him right now, see if he will do that for us.”
“Wait.” Octavia stopped Roofus from leaving. “What about what we have to owe you for the apartment.”
“Oh right. Sorry.” The orange pony sat back down. “Getting ahead of myself. Right. I’ve gone through this in my head and how about three hundred bits a month?” Vinyl looked over to the grey pony. Even through her shades, Octavia could tell that her friend was thinking the same question.
“Is that for both of us, or each?” The grey mare asked, turning to the pegasus.
“That price would be for both of you. So, two ponies, three hundred bits at once.” Octavia gave Vinyl a nod.
“That’s only one hundred and fifty bits each. I can do that.” Vinyl said, nodding back at her friend. “As soon as I start getting paid...” She added.
“Yes, that will be a problem. At the moment Roofus, we’re a little low on funds. I can’t make the first months-” Octavia started her own thought.
“Then don’t worry about it.”
“-payment...... Sorry, what?” The grey pony shook her head.
“I said don’t worry about it.” The pegasus gave a friendly smile at the girls. Vinyl blinked, completely unsure of what to say. They looked at each other, then back at the land lord. Octavia opened her mouth, searching for words. Finally Vinyl spoke.
“So.. Like.. The first month is free?”
“Sure, why not? Shoot, I’ll give you both the first two months free. I know it could take a while to get your names out there, so yeah, I can take two month credit.”
“Wow.” Vinyl said blankly.
“Two months? That’s very generous of you.” Octavia tried to smile, but the shocked look stayed on her face.
“Yeah, well I want to keep the two ‘stars-to-be’ happy. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if I can get Vinyl’s musical stuff here soon.” The pegasus stood, nodded at the two mares then walked out the door, nonchalantly. 
“Wow.” The unicorn repeated.



Hey readers! just want to thank you all again for reading! and I don't know if you all noticed, but I thought I'd point it out..
Have you noticed, that all the chapter titles are in fact song titles? that's right they are! (at the moment, mostly country songs, but eh.) and I plan on keeping it that way too. it's fun to see what song titles actually fit the chapter. Again, any input is appreciated!
> Chapter 6 (Tryin' Not to Love You)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been a few weeks since the two mares moved into their new home. All the boxes were now unpacked and folded away. The two rooms now fit the personalities of the different ponies. Vinyl’s room had her favorite records up on one wall, her different headphones all hung up on another wall, her window was covered by a fan-made poster, that was given to her, showing Vinyl at her DJ table with sparks coming out of the speakers and large letters saying “She drops it harder than GRAVITY.” Her shades were in a glass display case, and her DJ table was in one corner of the room, thanks to Roofus’s friend Big Macintosh, while the speakers were in the opposite corner, facing the table. Vinyl smiled as she took a record from her turn table and set it in a blank record sleeve.
“Finished.” She spoke softly, using her magic to take off her headphones. The unicorn walked over to her poster and moved it slightly, showing it was night outside, her favorite time of the not day. She walked out of her room into the dark apartment, looking to see if light was coming from under Octavia’s room. There wasn’t any. Assuming she must have gone to sleep, Vinyl turned off her light, grabbed her shades and walked out to the living room. She grabbed keys to the front door, headed outside, and locked the door behind her.

Surprisingly, there were a bunch of other ponies who also loved the night time in Ponyville, there were groups of three, even four around at times. Vinyl gazed up at the stars through her shades, enjoying the peace as she walked. When suddenly she bumped into another pony, knocking them both to the ground.
“Oof! Hey! What are you doing, not watching where you’re going? You could have hurt somepony.”
“Oh, sorry. I was...engaged in the night sky.” Vinyl rose to her hoofs and helped the other pony to her feet. She was all pink, cotton-candy looking mane and tail. Three balloons of blue and yellow were her cutie mark.
“Well if you weren’t wearing shades at night, silly, you’d be able to see better.” The pony suddenly gasped. “Wait, do you wear those shades because you’re a super-hero?”
“No, actually-”
“What are your powers? I bet those shades hold back a powerful laser that comes from your eyes! Oh! Are you new in town?”
“Yes, I-” Vinyl tried to say, stepping back.
“Oh super! See, I knew you were new here because I know everypony in Ponyville and I didn’t recognize you, so you just HAD to have moved in! I’m going to throw you a huge party! Oh, I’m being missy rude pants, aren’t I? Hi! My name’s Pinkie Pie!” She hugged Vinyl. “We’re gonna be awesome friends.” Vinyl gave a nervous laugh. “So what are you doing out here at this time of night anyway, silly willy?” Pinkie took a step back, smiling a huge smile.
“Uhm..Well I guess I was enjoying the stars. It’s been a while since I’ve seen them.” Vinyl looked up at the night sky again. “and I think I was maybe looking for a club to maybe check out.” Her gaze returned to the pink pony again, who was still smiling.
“Clubs? Oh, we don’t have any in this town.” Pinkie frowned a little.
“Oh.”
“You looking to have fun?”
“More like looking for a place to work.”
“You’re a bouncer!” The pony made a “grrrr” face. Vinyl laughed. Even though this pony was out there...WAY out there, she was actually pretty funny.
“Actually, I’m a DJ. You know, I play songs for people to dance to for a small price.” Vinyl smiled.
“Oh! Fun! You have your own musical play things?”
“Turn table?”
“Yeah! That! You have that?”
“ As a matter of fact, I do. I use it at home for practice.” Vinyl then remembered her record she just finished recording. “I actually have a song I’d like to use somewhere.”
“Oooo! I have an idea! Lemme talk to a friend of mine, Rarity. She has a fashion show coming up soon, maybe you can play a song at that!” Pinkie jumped with excitement, then hopped off.
“But.. Wait.. Uh.. Ok..” Vinyl said, watching the pony bounce away. “Strange.”

Vinyl continued to walk around the town, looking at buildings, and surveying which roads lead to where. She found SugarCube corner again, followed buy the library, then a place called Rarity’s Boutique. She guessed that was the pony Pinkie was talking about. The unicorn pressed her face to the window and looked in. The place was filled with beautiful dresses of all colors. 
“All of them pretty, none of them my style.” Vinyl thought to herself. “Besides, why would I want a dress?” She shrugged and continued walking in the night, humming a familiar beat to her self. 
“One trick pony’s only got one song and One trick pony plays it all night long. One trick pony never tries something new, One trick pony could be me or it could be you.” She sang the song to herself quietly while walking dow the street back to her apartment.
“Mic the Microphone and JackleApp. Nice.” She heard another pony compliment her choice of song.
“One of my favorites!” She called over her shoulder, smiling and continuing to walk. She walked past a library, finding it interesting that it was built in a tree. Crossing past the town’s center, she saw a podium from a town meeting that happened a few days ago. Not really taking interest in that, Vinyl decided she should get back to the apartment before Octavia wakes. She picked up the pace of her walking, and went back to the apartment.

She carefully closed the door, then turned around in the dark room, sighing in relief she had successfully got in the place quietly. Vinyl walked down the hall to her room and checked to see if her roommate was still sleeping. She smiled as she saw Octavia, sleeping soundly in her room. She slowly shut the earth pony’s door, and entered her own room, setting her shades in the case. The unicorn then flopped on her bed and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Vinyl awoke in the morning, feeling refreshed. As far as she knew, she didn’t have anything planned today, and neither did Octavia. 
“Heck, Tavi always does the dishes. I should do them this morning to give her time to sleep in.” She thought to herself, smiling. She quietly snuck into the kitchen, and started doing the dishes. She placed them in the dishwasher, then loaded it up with cleaning agents, softly humming to herself. She closed up the dishwasher after filling it up, then turned it on and listened to it hum for a little while. She started to think of a melody, then a drum line, followed by her head bopping and adding little “wub wub wub” every now and then. The unicorn grinned, coming up with her next hit song.
“Oh, this sounds awesome.” She said to herself.
“Next thing I know, you’re going to be cleaning them with wubs.” Octavia’s voice sounded from behind her. Vinyl turned quickly.
“Hey there.” The white pony scratched the back of her head. “I was gonna let you sleep in this morning.”
“That’s kind of you, but you should know I don’t sleep in much.” The grey mare walked past her roommate, smiling. Octavia sat on the couch, closely followed by Vinyl.
“So how did you sleep?” The unicorn asked.
“Not too bad, but I did hear you leave last night.” Vinyl dropped her ears.
“I didn’t wake you, did I?”
“Not at all, I was already awake. So what did you do last night?”
“Just walked around, getting used to the streets. I ran into an interesting pony.”
“Yeah?” Octavia suddenly stood. “Coffee?”
“Sure. And yeah, she was a little on the.... How do I put this kindly... Weird side.”
“You’re gonna have to tell me more!” Octavia called from the kitchen, starting up the coffee pot. “How do you like your coffee?”
“Surprise me, babe.” Vinyl covered her mouth upon releasing that word.
“What the buck did I just say? Oh no...did she hear me? Shoot! What will she think? Wait, just act calm, maybe she didn’t-”
“Okay.” Octavia responded. “Hey, you got anything planned for today?”
“Uhm..” Vinyl sighed in relief. “Not that I can think of, you?” Octavia returned with two cups, and walking on her hind legs. “and that STILL gets me.” Vinyl took a cup with her magic and sipped.
“I’m only thinking of finding me a job.”
“Oh yeah, I think I have a gig coming up soon. It’s a small one, but hey, bits is bits.” Vinyl said, taking another sip. “This is good.”
“Thanks. So what’s the gig?” the earth pony sat on the floor under Vinyl.
“I think it’s playing songs at a dress show.”
“So, you’re going to play songs at a fashion show then.” Octavia leaned her head in between Vinyl’s legs, looking up at her.
“That’s the word.” The unicorn nodded.
“Where at?”
“I have no clue.” Octavia gave the white pony a blank stare. “What?” Vinyl asked.
“You agreed to a gig, and you have no clue where it is?”
“I didn’t really agree to it...” Vinyl sipped. The grey mare continued to stare blankly. “She kinda...ran off before I could say yes.” Octavia returned her head to looking forward.
“But you’re still going to take it, right?” She asked, taking a sip of her own coffee.
“Well yeah, a gig is a gig. It’s money I can use to help pay for the apartment.” Vinyl smiled, patting her friend’s mane.
“So that means you have to find her.”
“Yeah, I guess I do. Should be easy, she said she knew everyone in town.” Vinyl said, setting her empty mug on the side-table. She patted Octavia’s head again, and stood on her hooves once the mare moved.
“Well, mind if I go with you?” Octavia stood. The unicorn smiled.
“Not at all.”
“Dear.” The earth pony gave a smile.
“Oh... You heard that.” Vinyl grabbed her shades and frowned slightly at her friend.
“Don’t worry about it. Nicknames are fun sometimes.”
“And yet, you won’t let me call you ‘Tavi.’” Vinyl opened the door for them both.
“Notice I said sometimes.” The grey mare bumped into Vinyl before heading out the door.



Hey readers and fellow MLP FIM fans and artists! I have a favor I kinda wana ask. ok so, this is the sixth chapter (duh) and I can't help but notice...
every time I look at the recent updates page, there are some stories that do have a picture for their story. no big really I don't mind not having a picture, but this is where I want to see if any y'all wana get involved in the story.
and there's a simple way to do it: if you are or know an artist who would gladly make up a.. i guess I'll call it cover photo... who can make up a cover photo please PM it to me (links are nice) and which ever one really stands out for me, I'll pick it, and (if you have one) I'll add your ponysonia to the story in some way. not really important, but if you want to, give it a shot. thanks in advance!
> Chapter 7 (The More I Drink)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The two girls were sitting in a loft, watching other ponies talk and walk around town, when suddenly a cyan pegasus sporting a rainbow colored mane flew down from the sky.
“Hey! Everypony in Ponyville listen up!” She gave a yell. After a small amount of time, Vinyl noticed ponies gathering around, and others that were in houses, opening windows and awaiting what the pegasus was going to say next.
“Come on Vinyl, let’s go see what  she wants to tell us.” The two girls stood and joined the group that was still forming.
“Alright, listen up, because I’m only going to tell you all once. I, RainbowDash, give you all news from CloudsDale. There will be a planned downpour tomorrow, so I want you all to prepare yourselves!” She nodded as the group of ponies accepted the news, and slowly dissipated. The mares took time to wait for the majority of the crowd to leave, then walked off towards their apartment themselves.
“I didn’t know they plan the weather here.” Octavia stated.
“Oh yes! Dashy and her pegasus friends up there all work together to control the weather!” The grey mare jumped as Pinkie Pie came out of nowhere. “Oh hey! I haven’t seen you around!”
“Hey Pinkie.” The unicorn didn’t even glance in the direction of the bouncing pony.
“Hello! You’re the superhero I met last night, right? I still think you have lasers as your power.” Octavia gave a confused look at her roommate. Vinyl could read that look, it was a ‘The heck is she talking about?’ look. She giggled and stopped, causing the other two ponies to also stop. The unicorn placed a hoof on her shades.
“Pew pew pew!” She screamed, jerking her head as if she was shooting actual lasers from her shades. Pinkie jumped up, then laughed.
“You’re funny.”
“You’re both odd.” Octavia laughed, then continued walking.
“Hey Pinkie, I wanted to ask. When is that.. Uh..” The white mare placed a hoof under her chin. “What’s the word.”
“Fashion Show.” The grey pony called over her shoulder. Vinyl ran with Pinkie to catch up to her.
“Yeah, that’s it. So, when is it?” Vinyl finished her thought.
“Oh, right. Well, Rarity says soon. She’s really busy making our Galloping Gala Dresses just the way we want them!” The pink pony bounced around the two girls.
“Wait. This pony is actually kind enough to give you a dress?”
“Wait... ‘us?’” Vinyl turned to the pink earth pony.
“Well yeah! There’s AppleJack, RainbowDash, Fluttershy, Twilight, and myself!”
“This pony is taking time to make five different dresses?” Octavia’s jaw dropped. Pinkie Pie smiled.
“Yeah! I mean at first they were bleh, but when she gets them the way we want them, they’ll be awesome!” Vinyl stopped, and looked over at Octavia.
“Wow. I think her making the dresses would be a gift enough.” The grey mare blinked.
“Let alone, make them the way you want. She must be a really good friend.”
“Rarity’s the best!” Pinkie shouted, then hopped off in a different direction.
“You have some weird friends, Vinyl.” The grey musician laughed.
“And you’re one of the best.” Vinyl grinned. Octavia stopped and blinked.
“What do you mean by that?” She hollered after the unicorn. Vinyl kept walking. “Hey! Don’t you walk away from me! Answer me! Vinyl!”

Vinyl listened in their apartment at her cellist friend gracefully played her cello, bobbing her head in sync with the slow progressions. She stood slowly, catching the grey mare’s attention. The unicorn signaled for her to keep playing, and she walked to her bedroom, grabbing a microphone and a stand. She plugged it into her turn table in the corner and went back out to the living room. Octavia stopped.
“What’s this?” She asked, bow in hoof.
“I want to try something.” Vinyl ran back and forth, connecting wires and doing a full system check. “Tavi, give me a note!” She yelled from her room.
“Which one?” She asked, then paused for a second. “And don’t call me Tavi!”
“...I dunno..an.. A?” Vinyl scrunched up her nose. Octavia shrugged and moved her bow across her strings, playing a long A note. Vinyl watched her musical equipment register the note perfectly. “Yes, perfect. Octavia, when I say so, start playing whatever you want, for however long you want.” The grey mare blinked.
“Uhhh.. Okay.. Give me a few seconds...” She gave a sigh, then started going over musical notes in her head.
“Ready?” Vinyl cried out. Octavia opened her eyes.
“Let’s do it.”
“Start!” Vinyl said, hitting the record button on her table. 
Octavia took a breath again, then slowly ran her bow across the strings, giving a low, mellow tone. She held the low note for a while, letting it calm, then she gave another slightly higher, slowly picking up the pace. She really got into her music, swaying in time with her playings. Vinyl closed her eyes, adding her own beat in her head to the wonderful deep cello sound. She took a deep, quiet breath, then opened her eyes just as Octavia finished. Vinyl stopped the recording, then put down her shades and walked up to her roommate.
“How was that?” the cellist smiled.
“Beautiful. I was really wrong the first time I listened to you play. You’re amazing with that thing.” Vinyl smiled as the grey mare blushed.
“I still haven’t heard you play something.” She said as she placed her cello in its case. The unicorn wrapped a hoof over her friend.
“Trust me, in due time, you will.” She then stood on her own hooves. “Hey, how good are you with your drinks?”
“I’m not sure what you mean, Vinyl.”
“Can you handle your alcohol?” The white mare shortened her meaning. Octavia looked at her with a funny look.
“You want to go out drinking?”
“Yeah. You want to go?” The cellist placed a hoof under her chin in thought.
“Hmm.. I’m not sure. Do I go with you to go have a few drinks, or do I let you go out alone and possibly not make it back.” She squinted. Vinyl rolled her eyes.
“You coming or not?” The DJ asked, using her magic to bring her shades to her.
“I will on one condition.”
“And that is?”
“If I go with you, you have to leave your shades here.” Vinyl froze.
“I’m... Sorry? You know I don’t go anywhere without my shades.” Octavia held herself against her roommate.
“But no one knows you here, Vinyl. You’re hiding nothing. It’s not like we’re in Manehattan anymore. You can be you.” She ran her hoof under Vinyl’s jaw. “For me?” Vinyl sighed, then took off her shades once more, showing her ruby eyes. She slowly set her shades on the table, then looked at her friend.
“It’s like you know my weaknesses.”
“Well I think your eyes are lovely, and you shouldn’t hide them.” Octavia opened the door for them both. “Shall we?” Vinyl nodded and walked outside, then waited.
“I think we shall.”

Vinyl sat next to Octavia and covered her face. They arrived just moments earlier at a bar in Ponyville, and to their surprise, the bar was pretty normal. Not too full, but not empty either. 
“Vinyl, lift your head, you look silly.” Octavia poked the unicorn. Vinyl sighed and lifted her head, just as a waiter pony walked up. Vinyl took one look at the pegasus stallion and hid her face again, making a squeaking noise.
“So...I’m going to guess you’re not ready?” The pony folded his wings.
“No no, we are. She’s just....shy about her eyes.” Octavia placed a hoof on Vinyl’s back.
“I don’t see why. I thought they were lovely. They really compliment your mane.” The stallion smiled, then looked at the cellist. “So, what’ll be your poison?”
“I’m...what?”
“What are you going to have to drink, is what he’s asking.” Vinyl rose her head again, eyes open.
“Oh.” Octavia quickly looked at the drink menu. “I’ll have a Cider please.”
“And up it.” Vinyl finished. The stallion nodded, then looked at the unicorn.
“And for you?”
“Same, just a little stronger.”
“Coming right up ladies.” The stallion turned and walked back to the bar.

While waiting for the drinks, the girls started talking about everything under Luna’s moon.
“My parents actually expected a bunch out of me.” Octavia stated. “They always wanted me to be the top of my class, get the straight A’s. They pushed so hard, and I’m happy they did. As a reward for succeeding in class one day, mom took me to a music store and told me to pick out an instrument.” The cellist laughed. “I saw the cello and loved it. Years of practice followed.”
“Is that how you learned to stand like you do?” Vinyl asked, surprisingly interested in the earth pony’s story.
“Actually yes. I tried playing it by laying it down. Needless to say, that didn’t quite work. So I lifted it, and used the cello itself for support. Yeah, it took a while to get the hang of standing on my rear hoofs, but I’ve done it so many times, I now don’t need support.”
“Get out. No way.” Vinyl straightened up in her seat.
“Well, I don’t like to brag...”
“Show me. I don’t believe you.” The grey mare giggled, then got off her seat.
“Alright. Watch.” She said, then pushed against the ground with her front hoofs, lifting her upper body up in the air. She moved one rear hoof back to balance herself, then placed her front hoofs on her hips. “Ta-da.” Vinyl looked up at her.
“I want to try that when we get back to our house.” She said, offering a hoof to help her friend back on all fours. Octavia then sat back down right as the stallion returned with their drinks.
“Sorry it took so long, I got swamped with other ponies. Hope that’s alright.” He apologized. 
“It’s fine.” The grey mare smiled. The pegasus set the drinks down, then smiled back.
“Anything else ladies?”
“I think we’ll be good for now, thanks.” Vinyl said, taking a drink. “Damn, that’s good. Try yours Tavi.”
“I’ll leave the couple alone.” The stallion said, walking away. Octavia, in mid drink, took a spit take.
“But we’re not-”
“Ah, he can’t hear you. Just let it go.” Vinyl said.
“But Vinyl, he thinks we’re...together.”
“And that’s a bad thing? I mean, I wouldn’t mind if we were.”
“Vinyl, I’ve never had a....marefriend...I haven’t even had a stallionfriend.” Vinyl blinked, surprised.
“You’ve never been with another?” Octavia shook her head.
“Sadly, no. I’ve always been on the shy side, and never really built the courage to ask anypony out. And to be honest, and nothing against you, Vinyl, but I just cannot see myself going with another mare.” Vinyl took another drink, then gave a half-effort laugh.
“I totally understand.” She smiled. 
“Ouch.”

Octavia was halfway through her second drink, while Vinyl was on her fifth.
“My cutie mark story is actually embarrassing, well to me anyway.” Vinyl said, after taking a drink.
“I’d love to hear it.” Octavia smiled as she sipped her drink, then giggled.
“Well, alright. So, I had tickets to a show, backstage passes.” The unicorn hiccuped. “And so, I was watching the show from behind the curtains and the musician went to intermission, making the front curtains close for a while time.” Octavia let out a laugh.
“While time.”
“Shush. I’m trying to think clearly when my head isn’t.” The unicorn scrunched up her nose and stuck out her tongue. “Anyway, after a while I actually stepped out and came face to face with the turntable. I looked at it, studying the buttons and knobs. I wasn’t gonna touch it, but I slipped and my hoof hit a record on the table, causing the scratching noise. I heard the crowd start going nuts, thinking the musical pony was back. I panicked and hit play on the table, starting up the next record. They loved it, and it only egged me on. I started twisting knobs and pushing buttons, making more noise. Then I found a lever, and pushed it up, turning up the volume. The crowd screamed their heads off, until the curtain rose, then the stadium was filled with gasps, and one filly who just kept going. It wasn’t until A voice behind me caused me to stop.” Vinyl paused, taking one last drink of her cider.
“Then what happened?” Octavia set down her empty mug. The unicorn burped, covering her mouth.
“Let’s just say, he was confused, then saw my backstage pass, then my new cutie mark. After that, I was like a guest of honor, standing next to him through out the rest of the concert.” The pegasus returned.
“Another, ladies?” The unicorn looked at her friend and smiled.
“If I have another, I’m not gonna make it home.” She laughed.
“I think we’re fine. I’ll just pay our tab.” Octavia pulled out a couple of bits and placed them on the table.
“Awe, crap. I knew I forgot something. I was going to help...” Vinyl hiccuped again. “you pay.” Octavia shook her head.
“Don’t worry about it. For now, let’s get home.”
“Agreed.” Vinyl stood from her seat and immediately hit the floor. “Ain’t no way in Equestria.....I’m gonna..” She stood again. “something...” The grey mare supported her friend.
“Something?”
“I can’t remember. Let’s get home.”








Hey hey! so yeah, I'm a little late on this, oh well. Life be busy at times. ANYWAY, the offer from last chapter still stands. if you are a good artist, or know one, it'd be pretty cool to have a cover photo for this story. as a reward, I'll put in your OC (if you have one) in the story at some point.
but thanks again for reading, hope y'all are enjoying the story so far. More to come, and maybe a surprise next chapter. MAYBE.
> Chapter 8 (One Step Closer)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vinyl opened her eyes and moaned, headache setting in.
“Ow my head.” She held her hoofs against her head, then looked around. She wasn’t in her bed. She wasn’t even in her room. She was in a room that was colored white, had a few pictures of her roommate Octavia on the walls. She soon figured she was in the grey mare’s room, but why? There was a slight movement next to her. She looked to see Octavia, looking back at her. Octavia’s mane was a mess, probably from sleeping, or so she hoped.
“Well, good morning.” The grey pony greeted the unicorn.
“Morning... Why am I-”
“You walked in here, thinking it was your room, then passed out.”
“So...nothing funny-”
“Nothing that I recall.” They sat there in silence for a little.
“Are you sore anywhere?” Vinyl asked, holding her head again.
“I beg your pardon? I’m fine. It looks like you’re the one who’s a little sore.” Octavia laughed, then stood.
“Just a normal hangover.” Vinyl said, also standing.
“Well, if you don’t mind, I’m going to take a shower and fix my mane.
“And I’m gonna...” She closed her eyes. “Find headache stuff.” They both left the room, Octavia into the bathroom and Vinyl headed for the kitchen. She opened a cabinet above the stove and pulled out a bottle. Taking only two pills, with a small drink, Vinyl proceeded to walk out of the kitchen.
“Ugh... Head is so cloudy...well, I still have time to brush my teeth this morning before Octavia gets in her shower.” The dazed unicorn walked down the hall and into the bathroom, to see a surprised grey mare.
“Vinyl! Out! I’m in here! Get out!” Octavia screamed. Vinyl covered her ears.
“Oh that’s right.... You were already in here.”
“OUT!”
“Ow! Easy! Don’t have to scream my ears off.” The unicorn used her magic to grab her toothbrush and closed the door behind her. “I mean it’s not like we’re the same gender or anything.” She added sarcastically.

“You invaded my privacy!” Octavia wasn’t done yelling at the unicorn, who still had a headache, for the morning’s accident. They were once again walking the streets, heading to a building that was holding musical auditions. The grey pony was carrying her cello, balanced on her back.
“Great Celestia, mare. You act like it’s something new to me.” Vinyl said, wearing her shades to block out the sun instead for looks.
“No, It’s the fact that you knew I was in there.” The grey mare stated blankly.
“Tavi, baby, I forgot. My mind was so clouded-”
“That you forgot a conversation that occurred less than two minutes BEFORE that?” She huffed. “And don’t call me Tavi!” Vinyl sighed. They stayed silent the rest of the walk.

They reached the building, and Vinyl looked over to her roommate.
“Now or never.” The unicorn thought to herself, then quickly leaned over and kissed the earth pony’s cheek. Octavia froze instantly, and Vinyl whipped around in front of her.
“Look, what happened this morning was an accident. Let’s put it behind us now. I want you to have a wonderful time in there. It’s what you need.” Vinyl lifted her shades, squinting due to the bright light and smiled. “It’s what you want, yes?” Octavia put a hoof on her own cheek.
“I...Vinyl.” The unicorn shifted to her side.
“Just remember Octavia, whatever happens, I’ll always be here for you.” The white pony snugged against her. “Because I care.”
“Vinyl...” The cellist stuttered, still surprised.
“Shhh. Take your thoughts, turn them into wonderful music. I’ll wait for you out here.” Vinyl shoved Octavia to the door. “And knock them out of their hooves!” She shouted as the earth pony reached the door. Octavia stopped, then turned to look at the smiling unicorn. She smiled back, then proceeded inside, mouthing “Thanks Vinyl.”
“Ya done good Vinyl. Ya done good.” The unicorn stated, then sat on a bench outside the building. She looked around, noticing hardly anyone on the streets and wondered why. The crack of lightning reminded her.
“Oh that’s right....rain.” Vinyl stated as the rain started coming down. It was nice and cool, but not cold. She sat there, enjoying the nice temperature of the rain, letting it soak into her mane. She let out a happy sigh. Something about natural water just made her feel like herself. The rain slowly picked up the pace coming to a heavy downpour. She closed her eyes and listened to the soothing sound of the rain for a while.
“Hey silly! What are you doing out here?” Vinyl opened her eyes to see Pinkie Pie out on the street, wearing a rainbow umbrella hat.
“I’m uh, waiting for a friend. She’s inside, wowing some other ponies with her music.”
“Okie dokie lokie! Oh, I do have news for you. Rarity’s show will be this weekend at her shop, are you still going to be her DJ?” The pink pony bounced over to Vinyl.
“Yeah, of course. Do I need to make my own track?”
“I think she said something about that. So yeah, I would. Oh! I remember! Yes, you need to make your own track, but it needs to be mellow.” Pinkie bounced around.
“Mellow. Alright, I think I can do that.”
“Cool! I’ll go tell Rarity now!” The pink pony  then bounced away in the downpour. Vinyl shook out her mane, just to have it immediately soaked again, and started thinking of a calm song for her first gig. She sat there for hours in the rain, just bobbing her head, creating music in her mind.

“Oh my goodness, Vinyl, how long have you been out here?!” Vinyl’s concentration was suddenly cut by Octavia’s voice. The unicorn blinked out of her daze.
“Huh? What....Oh, right. Your audition thing.” Vinyl said, picking herself up off the bench. “I dunno, how long were you in there?” Octavia’s eyes widened.
“About four and a half hours.” Vinyl lowered her head.
“Wow. And I’m not even close to coming up with a good song for the show.” She then straightened up. “Speaking of which, how did your...thingy go?”
“Let’s get home and dry you off first.” The grey mare placed an extra umbrella on Vinyl’s back. The white mare sneezed.
“Thanks.”

The two mares reached their apartment, and Vinyl walked down the hall.
“Hey, Tavi. Come, we’ll talk while I warm up in a bath.” She motioned for the grey mare to follow her.
“Uhm, isn’t that an invasion of your privacy, Vinyl?” Octavia hesitantly asked. Vinyl turned around, and took off her wet shades.
“It’s not invasion of privacy if I ask you to join. Besides, all I want to do is talk about how you did.” The grey earth pony looked at her roommate, then shrugged.
“Well, I suppose you’re right. I’ll join you after you’re in the water.” Vinyl rolled her eyes and smiled.
“Whatever make you feel comfortable.” She added as she walked into the bathroom and turned on the hot water. She watched her rippling reflection as the water slowly rose in the tub. The tune came back to her head, slowly making the unicorn bob her head with the beat again. She then got in the tub once it was to her liking, and called for her roommate.
“Alright, I’m here.” Octavia said, walking in with her night-mask on. Vinyl burst out laughing.
“You’re kidding, right? Please tell me you’re kidding.” the grey mare sat on a seat she had also brought in.
“What?” She looked around, unable to see anything. Vinyl used her magic to take off the blindfold, and she dunked it in the water between her hind legs. “Hey! Vinyl! Not cool!” Octavia reached for the blindfold, but stopped when she saw where it was. She held her mouth in a gasp.
“Now that you can see my EMOTIONS while we talk, let’s start.”
“Vinyl! My night-shade! It’s wet! I can’t sleep with something wet in my eyes.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure it’s dry before you sleep. Now, how did your audition go?” The unicorn sank lower into the bath water, letting the water set in around her neck. Octavia sunk a little in her chair and frowned.
“They said my musical talent was too...”
“Too...?” Vinyl sat up a little, looking over at her roommate.
“Was too ‘emotional.’ They wanted it to be less...flowing.” Octavia met Vinyl’s blank stare.
“That makes absolutely no bucking sense. ‘Too emotional,’ how in Equestria-” vinyl stopped herself when she saw the grey mare blush a little and her jaw dropped. “No way. I caused it, didn’t I?” Octavia looked down.
“The cheek kiss threw me off a bit, and when you told me to put my emotions into music, I did. I thought it was beautiful, long, passionate, and put together nicely, but the judges thought it was too much.” Vinyl ran a hoof under the mare’s chin.
“And I told you I’d be here for you. I promise we’ll get you an awesome gig.”
“Thanks Vinyl. You’re an awesome mare.”
“You know me, I try.” Vinyl placed her hoofs behind her head, then sneezed. The two laughed.

“I have to say Vinyl, that was a brave move.” Octavia and the white unicorn were now in the living room, watching a murder mystery on TV.
“What was?”
“Asking me to join you in the bathroom. At first it sounded...awkward, but I’m actually glad we did talk.” Octavia leaned against Vinyl. “I was actually in a sad mood once I was told I wasn’t picked.” Vinyl placed a hoof around her friend.
“And I knew you were, that’s why I wanted to talk.” Just then the phone rang. “I got it!” The unicorn let Octavia sit back up and she grabbed the phone, holding it with her magic. “Yo, this is Vinyl Scratch.”
“Miss Scratch, is your roommate, Octavia, there?” A voice said on the other side of the line.
“Who wants to know?” she asked, turning to the couch. There was a laugh on the line.
“That’s an interesting way to talk to your Princess.” Vinyl’s eyes widened.
“Celestia! Oh my, I’m so sorry! Yes, she’s here give me a second.” Vinyl gently set the phone on the counter, then ran up to the grey mare.
“What?” She asked, shocked.
“Celestia! Phone! FOR YOU!” Vinyl shouted. Octavia’s eyes dilated.
“No way!” She ran up to the phone and held it to her ear.
“Wow. Lucky.” The unicorn mumbled to herself.
“Hello?...yes, this is she.....Hello princess! It’s an honor!......yes?......oh you did?......You want me to what?.......Why of course!.....yes.....yes.... Lovely! I shall practice right away!.......thank you so so so somuch, Princess Celestia.....alright, I’ll see you there.....yes of course...thank you again, goodbye.” She hung up the phone and stayed still.
“Tavi?” Vinyl walked up to her. “What was that about?” The grey mare slowly turned around with a huge smile on her face.
“Celestia wants me to play at the Grand Galloping Gala!”
> Chapter 9 (Any Way You Want It)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You’re serious?!” Vinyl dropped her jaw.
“Yeah! She says a letter containing the tickets are arriving by mail!”
“Wait, tickets? As in plural? More than one ticket?”
“I’m pretty sure that’s what she said.” Octavia bounced around the living room. “Oh this is so exciting! I’m going to be playing at the Gala! I’ve only been there once, and it was when I was just a filly, and I don’t remember much from it.” Vinyl just smiled, unable to really think of anything to say. Figuring that more than one ticket meant that the princess knew Vinyl lived with the cellist, and there was a possibility that they were both going to the Gala. The excitement slowly died as Octavia ran out of steam. Bouncing around a room for half an hour is tiring after all. She laid down on the couch with a smile stuck to her face. Vinyl walked up to her.
“Well, now that the excitement is over, I have a track I need to create for my first gig. I’ll be in my room.” The unicorn smiled at her roommate. The earth pony nodded, still smiling. Vinyl giggled and shook her head, then walked into her room and stood behind her turn table. She produced a smile on her face as she used her magic to float her purple shades over to her face and rest on her nose. She took a pair of over ear headphones and placed them on her head, plugging in the jack so she wasn’t blasting her friend out of the apartment. She set a blank record on the table, followed by more musical mixing equipment. She set into motion, trying to keep a good beat, while also keeping it calm. The hours seemed to whizz by, all filled with music. 

Vinyl yawned as she finished the now-complete track, some six hours later. She looked out the window, the sun was long gone, and Luna’s moon shone bright. She took off her shades and placed them in their case. Shaking her head, the unicorn took the track and carefully placed it in it’s own case.
“I’ll save you for the show.” The tired unicorn then laid on her bed and looked at the ceiling for a short while, thinking only of Octavia. She gave a happy sigh, then turned to her side and pulled up the covers over her body. Warmth set in and she slowly drifted off to sleep.

She awoke in the morning to what sounded and smelled like eggs being cooked. The unicorn leapt to her hooves and raced to the kitchen to see Octavia, humming and moving her flank back and forth with a melody in her head. Vinyl smiled.
“Feeling cheery this morning?” The unicorn wrapped her roommate in a hug. To her surprise, Octavia hugged back.
“Yeah, I’m still a little hyped about the invitation to the Gala.” She returned to making breakfast. “The best part is, I just might be going with you.” Vinyl smiled.
“But you do realize the Gala isn’t for another month or two, right?”
“Oh of course.” The earth pony replied with a smile. “Still, it’s something to get excited about.”
“Agreed. Now, I think I’m going to talk to Rarity real quick to see what time I have to arrive for her show this weekend.” The DJ grabbed her shades, a saddlebag holding her newly made record and hugged Octavia again.
“Be sure to let me know! I might want to come watch!” She called after her roommate. Vinyl nodded as she walked out the door, closing it behind her.

The unicorn soon found herself at Rarity’s dress shop and saw it was open. Proceeding inside carefully, she saw another unicorn, with a lovely purple mane and tail, sitting at a table, sipping on a drink of some sort. She stopped and looked over at Vinyl and set her cup down.
“Oh HELLO darling~” She walked casually over to Vinyl. “How can Rarity help you? You look like a mess.” The unicorn started putting ribbons in Vinyl’s mane, uttering to herself now and then.
“Uh, yeah. I’m Vinyl Scratch and..uh Pinkie said you were looking for a DJ for your fashion show?” The DJ lifted a hoof as Rarity looked her over.
“Oh yes, of course. You make your own music, sweetie?” The fashion pony lifted her head. Vinyl nodded.
“Sometimes. I mostly just play other pony’s music in clubs.”
“I see. Well I don’t want any of that fast stuff at this show, darling, oh no, that just won’t do. It need to be elegant, soft.” Vinyl nodded. “And it needs to be done by THIS weekend.”
“Way in head of you.” Vinyl used her magic to bring out her record.
“Oh my! Done before schedule. I enjoy that. You live in town, correct?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. Need my address?” The purple maned unicorn smiled and nodded.
“Yes, please!” Vinyl took out a pen and paper and wrote down where she lived, then floated it over to Rarity. 
“Oh, and what time should I show up for the show?” Vinyl asked.
“I’d say around the time Celestia’s sun rises.” Vinyl nodded again.
“I’ll be there, you can count on me.”
“Thank you so much, darling! I’ll stay in touch, but for now, Rarity is busy with dresses. Ta Ta Vinyl.” Vinyl walked out the door to leave the fashion mare to her work. She shivered a bit.
“Oh mare, that was...awkward.” The white unicorn walked away from the shop, messing with the ribbons in her mane.

Reaching her apartment once again, Vinyl let out a sigh as the ribbons won the battle of staying in her hair, and opened the door. Octavia rose her head from the couch, took one look at the white mare, whom showed no amusement in her face at all, and burst out laughing.
“Oh my goodness, Vinyl! What in Equestria are you wearing?!” The grey mare finally found her hooves and trotted over to the still unamused DJ.
“It wasn’t my doing!” The unicorn took her shades off and placed them on a table.
“Well, come sit on the floor in front of the couch, I’ll get them out of your mane.” Octavia got back on the couch, giggling to herself, while Vinyl closed the door behind her and sat in front of the grey mare. 
“So, tell me how it went, Vinyl.” Octavia started taking the silly ribbons out of her friend’s mane, while also striking up a conversation. The unicorn sighed and rolled her eyes.
“Was going great, I met Rarity, talked about the show and my own musical skills. Then suddenly the next thing I know I’m walking out of her place with ribbons in my mane..”
“It does compliment your color though.”
“Not my point, sweet cheeks. But I do know when to be there. She said at the sun rise, so I can get prepared.”
“This weekend, correct?”
“Mmhmm.” Vinyl answered as her friend pulled out the last ribbon.
“There, done! I still think you looked good in them.”
“Not gonna continue this, Tavi. Now, how about we go out?” Octavia placed down a ribbon and looked at the white mare.
“You mean.. Like, friends, right?” She asked, slowly standing. Vinyl blushed a bit.
“Well, yeah, it’d just be weird if I asked you out on a date to start a relationship.” She ducked away from the grey mare. “at least not yet..” She added silently.
“I’d like to hang out with a great friend like you Vinyl. What do you have in mind?”
“Actually,” Vinyl turned back to her roommate, hiding the blush. “I was thinking we could do what you wanted.” Octavia’s face lit up.
“Oh, I know JUST the place to go!”
“Oh boy.... What did I get myself into?” the unicorn asked herself.




Hey everyone! sorry for the looooooooong wait, but I just so happened to get a job that takes up 90% of my week. But I'm still writing the story, no need to worry. Updates will now resume as usual, just not as soon as they used to. Hope y'all are enjoying it!
> Chapter 10 (Love in The First Degree)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Alright, alright, you win, Tavi. You were right, I was wrong. Your thought of a good time..” Vinyl hiccuped. “It was actually a good time.” Octavia giggled.
“Only because you found the mini-bar.” The unicorn sniffed, then stopped her roommate.
“No... It was because I got you to have a few drinks as well. I’ve never seen you loosen up like that.” Vinyl wrapped her in a hug. “Can you believe we were just strangers no more than a few weeks ago?”
“Yes, it’s a miracle I’ve lasted this long.” The earth pony joked.
“Oh, that’s cold.” Vinyl said, bumping into the mare.
“Come on, let’s get to a place where we can rest for the night. No way in Equestria are we making back to our house this late.” The grey mare looked around the streets. “ah! There’s a hotel over there.” The girls started walking to the building.
“I already forgot... Where are we again?” Vinyl asked as they walked in the door.
“Canterlot, silly. Don’t you remember the train ride?” they stopped at the front counter and waited for somepony to assist them.
“To be honest, I don’t.” Vinyl said, pushing her shades up on her nose.
“I’ll be right there to help you.” A voice came from behind the lobby.
“We’re in no rush, take your time.” Octavia responded, then turned to the white mare. “What, exactly, DO you remember?” Vinyl placed a hoof under her chin in thought.
“I remember... Getting a few drinks with you..”	
“More than a few, but okay.”
“Then suddenly I’m waking up to you telling me we have to leave.” The grey mare nodded.
“Hello ladies, how can I help you tonight?”
“Hello sir. Can we get one room with two beds for just tonight please?” Octavia turned her attention to the clerk. 
“Awe, two beds?” Vinyl groaned.
The white unicorn who had a black mane that had a slight red stripe in the middle, nodded, then looked down at a book.
“I’m so sorry miss, but I only have a room with one bed open for tonight.” Vinyl smiled and gave off a “squee” of happiness as Octavia spoke.
“I guess it’s better than nothing. We’ll take it.” She pulled out a purse from a saddlebag. “How much for tonight?”
“That will be one hundred and five bits.”The stallion said with a bit of strain in his voice.
“Ouch.” Octavia whispered to herself, then pulled out what she had left and placed it on the counter.
“You’re still twenty bits short, ma’am.” The unicorn said after counting. Octavia flinched a little, then looked at Vinyl.
“Can you help a little? That was all I had.” Vinyl walked up to the counter and placed the remaining bits on the counter.
“And I assume you serve breakfast in the morning, correct?” She asked through her shades.
“From six in the morning to about nine.”
“What about room service?”
“What about it?”
“Do you have it, or not?”
“We do.”
“Wake up calls?”
“We can arrange to make one if you wish.”
“Internet service?”
“Vinyl, you don’t have a computer on you.” Octavia interrupted.
“True. But still, you have it?”
“Yes we do.” the stallion blinked.
“Perfect.” Vinyl slid the twenty bits over to the unicorn. “ I don’t want ANY interruptions in the morning, so no, we will not take a wake up call.” The stallion slid over a key and she took it.
“Vinyl, I..”
“TO THE ROOOOOOOMAH!” Vinyl shouted at the top of her lungs, grabbing Octavia and walking into the elevator.

“I can’t believe you did that, Scratch.” Octavia said, turning out the lights.
“What? I’m just happy to finally spend a night in the same bed as you.”
“You mean again, right?” Vinyl got under the covers.
“Okay, let me clarify: Happy to be able to remember a night in the same bed as you.” Octavia giggled.
“No funny business though.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Vinyl said, wrapping a hoof around her. Octavia gasped at the warming touch of her roommate. It was starting to get chilly in the room, considering the heater was broken from what looked like a powerful kick. She wasn’t sure if Vinyl was actually coming on to her, or also just felt the chilliness, and wanted to stay warm. Either way, it felt nice. Octavia gave a weak smile, and placed a hoof over Vinyl in return.
“You know, for a while now... I’ve kinda wished we were more than friends, Octavia.” Vinyl broke the long silence in the most sincere tone the grey mare had ever heard. It was a whisper, but Octavia could still hear every word. She opened her mouth to say something back, but was cut off. “It saddens me to know that it won’t happen. For a couple of reasons: I know for a fact your parents would not approve, and I honestly don’t know how you would react.”
“Vinyl.” Octavia whispered very quietly
“And I’m scared of rejection. I want to be yours... But I’m scared what will happen to our friendship if I ask too early.”
“Vinyl.” she said a little louder. It was apparent the unicorn was now just gushing her feelings.
“I don’t want to loose somepony as awesome as you. I want to hold on to you for as long as I possibly can. I want-” Octavia turned quickly in the bed and landed her lips on the white mares.
“I want to love you.” Vinyl finished as they separated. Octavia could see, even in the dark room, Vinyl had tears running down her cheeks. She wiped what she could see away from the white mare’s eyes. Vinyl’s red eyes seemed to glow in the darkness.
“You’re right about a few things, Vinyl. My parents will probably disapprove, but I think that I’m old enough I don’t need their permission for any of my choices.” She felt Vinyl fidget next to her.
“So, what’s your choice?” She asked in such a way, she sounded like a filly again.
“Honestly, I want to say yes. I really do, but I’m gonna need a little bit of time to think this over.” Vinyl leaned forward and kissed the grey mare’s cheek.
“I’m not gonna push your decision.” She said, smiling. “I just had to let you know. It was eating me up inside.”
“And thank you for telling me, Vinyl.” She nosed her. “But for now, how does sleep sound?”
“Sounds like a fantastic idea.”

Vinyl slowly opened her eyes the next morning, looking around the room, confused. Where was she? What was she doing here? Then it came back. She was in a hotel with... OCTAVIA! 
“Oh no... I told Octavia how I felt about her last night. I spilled it all... How did she react? I bet she hates me, or thinks I’m disgusting, or... Or.. Or she kissed me.” She relaxed a little bit, then looked over to see the grey mare still sleeping, mane a mess. Vinyl sighed happily, then carefully got out of the bed, careful as not to wake the other pony. She slipped into the bathroom and then got in the shower. Endless streams of water and thoughts filled the room. She let the warm water soak her slowly, as she stared intently at the wall. A smile slowly found its way to her face.
“She didn’t reject you. She said she just has to think.” Vinyl let her happiness overwhelm her as the rest of the shower continued. She stepped out sometime later, not even worrying about her wet mane, which was dripping all over the floor. She opened the bathroom door and walked a little bit to see Octavia, still on the bed with the covers half over her body. She was facing the direction Vinyl was coming from.
“My my, you look different with your mane down.” She said, smiling. Vinyl couldn’t help but smile back. She used her magic to place a towel on her head and she dried her hair.
“I didn’t wake you, did I?” She asked, tossing the towel back into the bathroom.
“No, I’ve actually been up for a long time.” Vinyl froze.
“Any reason why?”	
“Mind has been racing all night. I got some thinking done.” 
“About?” Vinyl slowly turned to the grey mare, she had a feeling of what she was thinking about, and she honestly was scared to hear an answer. Octavia just giggled as she stood. She slowly made her way over to the still wet unicorn and hugged her.
“I’m sure even you can figure that out, Vinyl.” They both smiled.
“So, you come up with an answer yet, then?” Vinyl flinched upon letting that out. “Not trying to force you to decide, that is.” Octavia laughed.
“I will admit, the pros outweigh the cons so far, but I still need some time to think. That okay, Vinny?” Vinyl nodded eagerly, almost breaking out into a jumping circle.
“Vinny. I like the sound of that.” She thought to herself, hugging Octavia.
“For now though,” The grey cellist smiled. “Let’s go check out and go back home.” Vinyl cleared her throat and grabbed her shades with her magic.
“Agreed.” She said, placing the shades on her face.
“Besides, don’t you have a gig tomorrow?” Octavia bumped the unicorn out the door.
“SWEET CELESTIA! We have to go! NOW!” Vinyl yelled and bolted down the hallway to the main lobby.
“Vinyl Scratch.” Octavia laughed to herself. “You are one strange pony.” she turned and locked the room. “But I love that, and I love you.”









Hey readers! Just giving you something else to read for a little bit while I continue working on this and something else.
what's that other thing? well, turns out I also have a Tumblr account. Perhaps you would like to Check it out? 
Chapter 11 is probably gonna be longer. I'm trying to push past the 1K word limits I've been doing. so Chp. 11 might be about 3K if I play my cards right.
> Chapter 11 (You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So?” Octavia asked as Vinyl walked in the front door of their apartment. “How did your little gig go?” She stood and greeted her roommate with a hug.
“It went....” The unicorn paused and blinked, taking off her shades. “Different.”
“How so?”
“Well.. Let’s just say the “fashion” that was being shown... How do I put it lightly... It sucked.”
“Vinyl! That’s rude.”
“Octavia.. One mare had eggs on her head... EGGS. For a dress? Really? Another was wearing a star consolation cloak. One had BOOTS on.”
“Well.. You put it that way..”
“And I didn’t really get paid for it, either. Rarity pretty much ran home after the “show” was over, and I don’t really blame her.”
“Well, at least there wasn’t anypony important there.” Octavia smiled. The unicorn shot her a look. “I mean.. Uuh..”
“I know what you mean, and you’re wrong. Hoity Toity was there.” Octavia gasped.
“Hoity Toity? That fancy pony from Canterlot? Oh dear, I hear he’s harsh. How did he rate her work.”
“Not good, it looked like, and I quote: ‘a piled-on mish-mash of everything but the kitchen sink.’”
“Ouch.”
“I.. I just.. Never seen anything like that before.” Vinyl walked over to the couch and laid down. “Anyway, how was your day?”
“Not too bad. I got more thinking done.” She smiled as she walked over to the unicorn.
“Mmm.. I don’t want to be pushy, but... And?” Octavia leaned over and kissed Vinyl. They both closed their eyes, enjoying and savoring every moment of it.
“And I’ve come to the conclusion,” The grey mare spoke after they parted lips. “That I love you too. I want to stay with you, and never want anything bad to come between us.” Vinyl smiled and pressed her lips against Octavia’s once again.
“You have no idea how happy I am to hear that.”

“No, seriously! I’m taking out out on a date tonight. My treat.” Vinyl smiled as she pushed a hesitant Octavia out the door.
“Vinyl! Wait!”
“I’m not taking no for an answer, Tavi.” She closed the door behind them. The grey mare whipped around to meet the smiling unicorn.
“Look, I’m still very self-conscious about this. Please, if anything, don’t make it too obvious.” The white mare kissed her lover’s nose.
“I promise.” Octavia sighed in relief.
“Thank you. By the way, where are you taking me?”
“I thought I’d try to be classy tonight.” Vinyl smiled.
“That didn’t answer my question.”
“Oh, you’ll see Tavi baby. You’ll see.”

“A dancehall? Do you know how to slow dance?” Octavia asked as they entered a huge dance room.
“No, but I can learn, right?” Vinyl bumped Octavia. “Besides, I have a great teacher to teach me.”
“And just who is that?”
“You silly.” Vinyl stood on her back hooves, taking Octavia by surprise, and reached out a fore-hoof. “Dance with me?”
“How.. How did..” The grey mare took her hoof and they started to slowly dance. “When did you learn to stand, Vinyl?”
“After watching you on your cello time after time, I tried it myself, bracing against a wall. After about falling eighty times, I got it right. I wanted to surprise you.”
“Well, you certainly did just that.” the cellist got closer to the unicorn, making the dancing easier for both mares. They danced slowly to the music that was being played buy a small band. A couple songs passed as the mares gazed deeply into each other’s eyes. Vinyl quickly kissed Octavia, almost losing her balance.
“I’m such a klutz.” the unicorn gave a nervous laugh. 
“Vinyl..” Octavia said as a slow country song began to play. She knew the tune, and figured it would be perfect way to tell her emotions.
“Yes Tavi?” The white mare smiled. Octavia laid her head on Vinyl’s shoulder and sang softly.
“I got a funny feeling the moment that your lips touched mine. Something shot right through me. My heart skipped a beat in time.” Octavia sang along with the song in Vinyl’s ears. “There's a different feel about you tonight, it's got me thinkin' lots of crazy things. I even think I saw a flash of light, it felt like electricity.” Vinyl gave a happy smile and kissed the mare again, right before the chorus kicked in. Octavia continued to sing right along with the song. “You shouldn't kiss me like this, unless you mean it like that. Cause I'll just close my eyes and I won't know where I'm at. We'll get lost on this dance floor, spinnin' around and around and around and around.” The couple had gone into full dance mode, locked eyes and slow, agile movements to the tempo of the love song. “They're all watchin' us now, they think we're falling in love. They'd never believe we're just friends. When you kiss me like this, I think you mean it like that. If you do baby kiss me again. Everypony swears, we make the perfect pair, but dancing is as far as it goes. Vinyl, you've never moved me quite the way you moved me tonight.” Vinyl sniffed, trying her best not to show any tears, but failed as one ran down her cheek. “I just wanted you to know. I just wanted you to know.” The solo kicked in and the mares once again locked lips, still spinning and dancing slowly. Before Octavia could continue the song, Vinyl cut her off and finished.
“You shouldn't kiss me like this, unless you mean it like that. Cause I'll just close my eyes, and I won't know where I'm at. And We'll get lost on this dance floor, spinnin' around and around and around and around. They're all watchin' us now, they think we're falling in love. They'd never believe we're just friends. When you kiss me like this, I think you mean it like that. If you do baby kiss me again. Kiss me again.” The song came to an end and the two mares stopped. Suddenly the whole dance floor erupted into applause, as they had been watching from the first chorus.
“That, was so brave of you two.” A light green mare walked up to the pair, who had gotten back on all four hooves. “Never once have I seen two mares just get up and dance like that in front of a whole ballroom.” Vinyl blushed and giggled.
“It just... Felt right.” Octavia said.
“Well, you two were tonight’s biggest show, and you showed us all that it’s fine to be who you are out in public.” The green mare smiled.
“Thank you.” Vinyl wrapped a hoof over Octavia. “Thanks for not reacting harshly.”
“We should get home now, been a long night of dancing.” Octavia whispered to the unicorn. Vinyl just nodded, as they had been there for half the night, and the girls said their goodbyes as they left the dancehall.

“I’m going to hop in the shower.” Octavia said as they entered their apartment. Vinyl stopped her, by gently holding Octavia’s tail in her mouth, then spun her around. Octavia squeaked a little as they came face to face. The unicorn gave a sly smile and undid Octavia’s bow tie with her magic, letting it hit the floor.
“Have a relaxing one, dear.” She spoke softly, then let her go. The grey mare kissed Vinyl on the cheek and trotted over to the bathroom, humming and closing the door behind her. The white DJ walked to her room and turned on the lights, a smile spread on her face. For the first time in what felt like forever, Vinyl was truly happy. She had a job she loved to do, a place to call home, another who loved her and a great friend at that. She listened for a while to her humming marefriend and the sound of water, then laid on her bed. Octavia was right, it HAD been a long dance session, and the unicorn was wore out. She yawned, trying to force herself to stay awake and wait for the grey mare to get out of the shower. She shook her head and walked to the bathroom door, knocking.
“Who is it?” Octavia joked.
“The only other pony in this house... I mean.. Service!” Vinyl said, opening the door. Octavia laughed and looked at the unicorn through the tempered shower glass.
“How can I help you?”
“Just wanted to let you know sweetie, I’m gonna head to bed. I’m dead tired.”
“Alright. I’ll have to get something to eat before I go to bed, I’m hungry. But I’ll see you in the morning!” Vinyl smiled and shut the door, then got back on her bed and flopped on it.
“Sleepy time.” She muttered to herself before passing out.

Rolling over the next morning, Vinyl landed on something soft, and it jerked her awake. She looked over to see Octavia, sleeping soundly in her bed. The DJ calmed down and smiled, this was such a sweet thing to wake up to in the morning. She leaned down and kissed the grey cellist between her ears, causing one to flick out of instinct. She carefully got out of bed and walked sleepily to the kitchen. She pulled out a pan and some batter from the refrigerator.
“I have no idea what I’m doing.” She muttered to herself, as she poured the batter on the pan. She turned on the stove and waited.
Octavia awoke to the smell of smoke and the fire alarm going off.
“Oh BUCK me!” She heard Vinyl yell from down the hall. Octavia threw herself from the bed and ran down the hall to meet Vinyl, who was holding a box of cereal, milk, two bowls, and spoons with her magic.
“Vinyl, what’s on fire?” Octavia asked, concerned.
“Failed pancakes. Want some cereal?” Vinyl walked over to the couch and poured herself a bowl.
“How... How do you light pancakes on fi-.. Nope, never mind.” Octavia looked in the kitchen to see black smoke rising from what looked like a pan.
“It’s fine, I extinguished it.” The unicorn said through a mouth of cereal.
“Just worried about the smoke damage.” The grey mare said, turning on a fan that sat in the window. She then sat next to her friend..no..her love, and also had a bowl of cereal.
“Got any plans today, Tavi?” Vinyl asked, gulping. The cellist shook her head, chewing softly. 
“I don’t really have any plans until the Gala, Vinyl.” She spoke, swallowing her meal.
“Then how about we take a relaxing day? We went dancing last night, how about we just relax?”
“Sounds good. I need to practice anyway.”
“And I should try and get my name out there.” Octavia looked up at her. “but I’m sure that can wait.” Vinyl stood as a voice came from outside.
“Mail Call!”
“I’ll get it.” The unicorn said, opening the door to see a grey pegasus with yellow mane flying away, she had bubbles as her cutie mark from what Vinyl could see, telling her it was her favorite mail-carrier, Ditzy “Derpy” Hooves. The white mare took the mail from their box and brought it inside, closing the door with her magic. 
“What’s in the mail?” Octavia asked, taking her bowl to the still smoke filled kitchen. She coughed a bit.
“Bill...bill..junk.. Something from the Princess.. Junk...bill..wait. What.” She shifted the mail back to the letter from the Princess. “Oh, it’s for you Octavia.” She handed the letter to her.
“Wow. Okay, let’s see what she has to say.” The grey mare opened the letter and red it out loud.

“Hear ye, hear ye” 
Vinyl snorted and Octavia shot her a look.
“Sorry. Continue.”
“Hear ye, hear ye: Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce The Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot on the twenty first day of......Moving on.......Cogently extends an invitation to Octavia Philharmonica.” Octavia nodded and continued to read. “Octavia, I hope to see you playing with other ponies for the Gala, as I seem to see your style fit. Please arrive at least two weeks prior to the gala so you can meet and practice with the other musicians.
Your Princess,
Celestia of Equestria”

“Wait, two weeks before?” She read the last lines again. “That’s not a lot of practice time, but alright.” She looked over at Vinyl.
“She only sent one ticket.” the unicorn said silently, holding up the envelope. A hint of sadness washed over her voice. “Does she not know I live with you?”
“I’ll write a letter to her and ask if it’s a mistake.” Octavia re-assured her. “But you do realize the Gala is an uppity event. Everypony there is high class.”
“I can be fancy.... At times.” Vinyl ran a hoof over the carpet. The grey mare chuckled and kissed Vinyl’s cheek.
“I’ll see what I can do, dear.” She then walked into her room, closing the door behind her. A few minutes passed and Vinyl could hear her on her Cello, warming up. The unicorn sighed and walked into her own room, setting up her turn table to get ready to make a new mix, just because she could.
> Chapter 12 (Spitfire)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, Vinyl was used to being alone, but this just felt weird to her. It had been a week since Octavia left to stay in Celestia’s castle to prepare for the Gala, and the unicorn had already cleaned everything in the house. She now sat, upside down, on the couch, staring at the ceiling, bored out of her mind. She blew a feather, she had found under her bed, up into the air and watched it float back down before repeating the process. The white mare found out a few days before Octavia left that she couldn’t go to the Gala because the Princess had given out the last of the remaining tickets to five other ponies. Although Celestia’s apology was sincere, Vinyl couldn’t help but feel forgotten. After all, She WAS the one who picked up the princess’s phone call the first time. She sighed and blew the feather up in the air once again, pushing the feelings away.
“Somepony’s got mail!” A familiar voice sang from outside. Vinyl flipped as fast as she could to her hooves and rushed to the door, opening it to find her favorite mail carrier, placing mail into the box.
“Thanks Ditzy!” The unicorn called to her as she flew away.
“Just doing my job!” The grey pegasus called back with a smile and her trade-mark eyes that made her so lovable. Vinyl took the mail from the box and returned inside, placing it all on the table. She turned to her laptop and began to play a song, just to make some noise in the apartment. It was too quiet for her liking. With the music playing in the background, Vinyl took the stack of mail in her magic, and began going through it.
“Bill...bill....bill..” she repeated, tossing the envelopes to the floor behind her. “Junk...junk...oh! Muffin.” She took a bite of the complimentary muffin and continued through her full mouth. “Junk...bill..wrong address....” She gasped, almost choking on a mouth full of muffin. “Letter from Tavi!” The unicorn tore open the envelope and ran back to the couch, flopping on the cushions, as she read the letter out loud.

“Dear Vinyl,
Just writing this letter to let you know I’m here in the Princess’s castle and I’m all settled in. I met the other musician ponies whom are preforming with me. One’s a pianist, then there’s tuba and harp players. I got to talk to Celestia to see if there was any other way I could get you to the Gala, unfortunately the guards at the castle will not let anypony in without a ticket, and it turns out the princess didn’t have anymore, she gave away the last three to the other musicians I’m staying with. I’m terribly sorry Vinyl.”

“Darn it to Luna’s moon.” Vinyl mumbled, dropping her ears. 

“I will write to you again if I get the chance, I promise. Stay safe my unicorn.
Love, ‘Tavi’”

Upon reading the last lines, a smile found it’s way onto the white unicorn’s face. She stood up and took the letter to her room, pinning it up on a wall with her records.
“You’ll have your own frame one day.” She said, with a smile. Vinyl looked out the window to see it was a nice, quiet, sunny day. She picked up her shades and her music player, placed the purple glasses over her eyes and proceeded to strut out the front door, locking it behind her.

Vinyl couldn’t even try to hide the smile on her face. Sure it was a bummer that she couldn’t go to the Gala, but she figured as long as Octavia is having fun, she’ll get to hear all about it when she got home, and just knowing that her marefriend was having a great time cheered her up a little.
“Vinyl? No way. Vinyl! Over here!” A voice rang out suddenly. The unicorn turned her head in the direction the voice came from to see a pony in a Wonderbolts outfit flying up to her. She blinked in confusion, she didn’t know anypony in the Wonderbolts, how did this pony know her?
“I’m sorry, do I know you?” Vinyl asked once the pony landed. The orange and yellow mane and tail looked familiar, but she couldn’t place her hoof on it.
“Oh, silly me.” the pegasus lifted goggles off her face, to show her orange eyes. Vinyl gasped as she instantly recognized her old friend.
“Spitfire! Ohmigosh, it’s been so long!” The mares hugged. “You’re in the Wonderbolts? How did you accomplish that?”
“Long story.” The mare rolled her eyes.
“I have time. Want to, like, get a cup of coffee and catch up?” Vinyl nodded to a coffee shop on the street corner.
“I would like that, just let me fly home real quick and get out of this outfit. Been in it all day practicing.”
“Sure, I’ll wait for you inside. Don’t ditch me.” She added as she smiled. Spitfire laughed.
“Promise, kid.”

“....And I guess it was really just determination that kept me going.” Spitfire explained. Vinyl sat in total awe, admiring her story.
“So did they give you a test for you to join the Wonderbolts? Was it hard? Can anypony join? What are the rules? ARE there rules?” The unicorn fired off questions.
“Whoa, Vinyl.” The yellow pegasus giggled. “Easy there. Yes, there was a test, it was pretty difficult, anypony, as long as he or she can fly, can attempt to join by taking said test, yes there are rules.” She answered them all in one shot. Vinyl slumped a bit in her seat.
“I’m honestly so jealous that you are able to fly.” Spitfire gave a relaxed smile.
“I know Vinyl. I know. I still remember our fillyhood.” Vinyl’s ears perked.
“You still remember...”
“The tree incident, yes.” She giggled. “I think of it now, it’s actually the sweetest, dumbest on your part, action I’ve ever heard somepony do for me.”
“I missed you, that’s why I did it.” Vinyl shyly smiled.
“Oh, I know Vinyl. I missed you too, but jumping out of a tree with make-shift wings?” Vinyl blushed a bit.
“I wanted to surprise visit you, I thought it would work.” They both laughed a little.
“Was pretty stupid of you.”
“Well, if you think breaking my leg just to try and visit you was stupid, I see how you are.” The unicorn playfully joked.
“Oh you know it, baby.” Spitfire joked right back. They both shared another laugh.
“So, other than the Wonderbolts, what have you been up to?”
“Living.” Was her only answer, followed by a sly smile.
“Short and sweet.” Vinyl smiled back.
“What about you  Vinyl? You up to anything good?”
“Not at all.” she chuckled. “Actually I’m trying to get into a good DJ career. Did great over in Manehatten, not so well over here. It’s hard to get noticed in a small town, believe it or not.” A smile slowly crept onto Spitfire’s face. “Oh oh.. That’s your idea look. Whatcha thinking, Fire?”
“Well, I think I know how to get you noticed.”
“I’m listening.”
“If it’s cool with the other ‘Bolts, I’ll see if you can DJ at one of our shows. With a little added pay and maybe an honorable mention at the end of the show.” Vinyl’s jaw dropped and her shades slid down her nose.
“No....way. Really?!” 
“Wow, I’ve almost forgot your eye color. You always hid them behind those shades.” Vinyl pushed the shades back up. “And yes, but only IF it was cool with Soarin’ and the others.”
“I would like that! Wow! That’d be so..wait how would that work? I’m not a pegasus, I’d fall right through the clouds..”
“I know a unicorn that can do a temporary wing placement, but it takes away your horn for that time too.” Vinyl placed a hoof under her chin.
“That might be worth it.”
“Well, it’s not settled yet, we still need to see if the other ‘Bolts are cool with it.”
“Yes, of course.” Vinyl laughed.
“If we are cool with what, Captain?” Vinyl turned to see two other pegasi, one a blue maned stallion and the other a white maned mare, walking in the door, still in uniform. She then scrunched up her nose.
“Wait, ‘Captain’? You failed to tell me this.” Spitfire just shook her head.
“Later.” She whispered. “Hey Soarin’, Fleetfoot. I wanted to see if you were cool with Miss Scratch,” she pointed at Vinyl. “playin’ at our next event.” The white maned mare lifted her goggles and looked over the unicorn.
“Spit, you seemed to have failed to noticed..”
“She’s a unicorn, yes I know that. She’s also my fillyhood friend, Fleet.” Spitfire explained.
“I see.” Fleetfoot nodded.
“So, Ms. Scratch,” The stallion also lifted his goggles and met Vinyl with a soft look.
“You can call me Vinyl, sir.” The male pegasus laughed.
“No need for the formalities, Vinyl. Call me Soarin’.” He held out a hoof. Vinyl took his hoof with hers and shook.
“If you can find a way to keep her on the clouds, I’m cool with it, Spitfire.” Fleetfoot smiled.
“Yeah, I can find a way.” She turned her attention to Vinyl. “So, you up for that?”
“Am I ever! When is your next show?”
“We have a small one coming up within the week, before we go to the Gala, wana do that one?”
“Man, EVERYPONY got invited to the Gala but me...” Vinyl thought to herself, but quickly pushed it away.
“Sure! Need fast tracks?”
“Yeah, that’ll help, right?” The yellow pegasus turned to the other Wonderbolts. They nodded, then Soarin’ leaned in and whispered into Vinyl’s ear.
“I’m a fan of that electro, myself.” He then winked and turned back to Spitfire. “Back to practice?”
“If you want, I’m gonna keep catching up with Vinyl here. I’ll meet you all at the ‘Bolt Station’ later tonight, okay?” The two other pegasi nodded and walked back out.
“Wow, I feel honored.” The unicorn smiled.
“Why’s that?”
“You just blew off practice to hang with me?”
“What can I say? Friends and.. What’s left of family.. Comes first.” She smirked a little, then it faded fast.
“Whoa, deep.” Vinyl said after a short silence, she stood up and sat right next to her friend. “Flare,” she said.
“I can’t believe you still remember my nickname, Vin.” She smiled a bit.
“Spitfire, I’m your friend. If there’s anything you need to talk about, you talk to me. I’m here for you, understood?” Spitfire nodded. “It may have been what seemed like forever since we talked, but I’m still the same Vinyl, and I’m still your friend.” 

“You sure you want to do this, Vinyl?” The yellow pegasus asked as the two mares walked towards Twilight’s library.
“Absolutely positive. Doing a gig for the Wonderbolts? Shoot, if I turn THAT down, everypony would think I’ve gone mad.”
“If you say so.” Spitfire said as she knocked on the library door.
“Hello?” A small purple dragon, Vinyl recognized as Spike, answered. “Oh, Vinyl, right? I met you way back with Twilight?”
“The one and only.” the unicorn puffed out her chest a little.
“Easy there.” Spitfire rolled her eyes at the unicorn. “Anyway, is Twilight here? We need to ask her something.”
“Yeah, uh, hold on.” Spike said, slowly closing the door. After a few moments the door opened again, showing Twilight.
“Hello Spitfire, hello Vinyl. What’s up?”
“Hey Twi. We kinda have a favor to ask you.” Spitfire spoke.
“Sure, what is it?”
“Well, considering you’re like the best in town when it comes to magic, we were wondering if... Well you see...” Vinyl searched for an explanation.
“Basically Vinyl is going to do a show for the Wonderbolts but we need her to be able to walk on clouds. You have like, a transformation spell?” Spitfire finished the mare’s thought.
“Not exactly,” Twilight said, using her magic to float a book over to her. “But I do have one where it allows her to walk on clouds for a day or so.” The yellow pegasus looked over to her friend.
“That sounds way less complicated then changing you into a pegasus.” She smiled.
“I agree. I can comeback and ask you to do that spell when I need it, right?” the white unicorn asked.
“Just as long as I’m not busy, sure!”
“This show is going to be awesome.” Vinyl smiled.
> Chapter 13 (Working for the Weekend)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vinyl sat, hard at work, at her turntable. She had her laptop open, with her favorite music making program up and running. She held her shades with her magic as she squinted at the screen.
“No...that sounds weird...hmmm.. Yeah.. Yeah! Yes!.... No... Not fast enough...” were only some of the grunts that came from the unicorn as she worked on making the perfect song for her upcoming gig. Yawning, she looked at the time. Just after midnight. She shook herself and stood up.
“I guess I can put this on hold for the rest of the-” The DJ was interrupted by the sound of her stomach growling. “Heh,” she laughed. “Should get something to eat.” She trotted down the hall to the kitchen and opened the fridge. “If Tavi was here, she would have cheerfully made me dinner while I was hard at work.” She opened the freezer. “How hard can it be to cook something?” She asked herself, taking out what looked like a TV dinner. Suddenly the unicorn remembered the pancake incident that happened before Octavia left. 
“Oh. Right.” The mare placed the tray back in the freezer and looked around the kitchen. She frowned, only feeling more lonely. Thinking, Vinyl levitated her phone over to her.
“What places are even open this- I’m not in a city.” She sighed and dropped the phone. Her stomach growled again. “Yes, I know. Shush.” She re-opend the freezer, only to see the same stuff as last time. She noticed a tub of ice cream. “Well I guess this’ll have to hold me over till breakfast.” The unicorn grabbed the tub out of the freezer, followed by a spoon from a drawer.

A sudden knock at the door woke Vinyl up. She lifted her head off the couch, causing an empty tub of ice cream to hit the floor, followed by a spoon. The unicorn groaned.
“Just a second.” She said, then rose to her hooves. Pain hit her head as she reached the door, but she managed to fight it back somewhat and open the door. “Hello?” She asked weakly. The mare was greeted by the sudden, and loud, sound of trumpets. The unicorn held her ears, trying to shut out the pain, until they stopped.
“Your highness, Princess Celestia, has requested your audience, Vinyl Scratch.” A guard said. Vinyl slowly opened her eyes. To see the princess pushing her way past the guards
“Thank you, but I can talk to her from here.” She said in a sweet tone. The guards nodded and stepped aside.
“Y-Your highness!” Vinyl quickly bowed. Celestia chuckled.
“And here I thought you’d be mad to see me.” She gracefully smiled.
“Why in Equestria would I be mad at you?” The DJ rose to her hooves once again, then quickly looked around. “Oh I’m being rude. Please, do come in!” Celestia nodded and stepped inside, closing the door behind her. “I’m sorry for the mess.” Vinyl said, picking up the fallen ice cream tub and spoon.
“Mess? I really wouldn’t call two items on the floor a mess, per say.” She continued to smile. “Anyway, you’re probably wondering why I’m visiting.” The white unicorn trotted to the kitchen, throwing away the tub.
“Yeah, I kinda am.” She responded, as she re-entered the living room. “What brings you here, Princess?” She offered a seat to Celestia. “Is it about the Gala? If it is, don’t worry about it. I understand.”
“Actually, thank you.” Celestia sat. “Actually, it is. Firstly, I want to apologize for not even realizing, or remembering for that fact, that you and Octavia are living together.”
“Ah, don’t worry about it, Princess. I realize you have a lot on your mind for this event. I’m not that important anyway.” Celestia stood, but kept a soft tone in her voice.
“Ah ah ah, Don’t ever tell yourself that, my little pony. You ARE important, in your own special way.” She smiled a little. “I bet you’re important to Octavia.” Vinyl flattened her ears and blushed. Celestia then continued. “Now, Secondly, why I’m here, is to give you this.” She used her magic to float a Gala ticket over to the DJ, who held it with her own magic.
“I...I.. Thank you! You have no idea how bored I’ve been here. I get to see Tavi play!” Celestia chuckled again.
“Tavi? That’s a new one.” She smiled. “Should I tell her of your arrival?”
“No!” Vinyl shouted. Celestia looked at her with shock, wings open in surprise. “I mean.. No.. I want it to be a surprise.” Celestia returned to her smile. 
“Understood. Then I will see you in a week.” The princess walked outside and Vinyl stared at the ticket. She listened as Celestia and her guards flew off, then cheered as loud as she could.
“WOOOOO HOOOO!”

“So, you ready to do this?” Spitfire had visited Vinyl a few days after Celestia visited, ready to get the show started. They were in Twilight’s library, waiting for her to quickly look over a spell.
“Am I ever. Thanks again for allowing me to do this, Spitfire.”
“Hey, don’t mention it. Besides, you need more publicity. You’re a great DJ from what I remember.”
“Ah! Here it is!” Twilight walked up to them. “The Cloud Walker spell. It’ll allow you to walk on clouds for three days. Hm. Looks fairly simple to do.” Vinyl couldn’t help but jump a little in excitement. Spitfire giggled.
“I’m ready.” The white unicorn said, calming down a little.
“Alright, hold still.” Twilight directed, her horn starting to glow a slight purple. Vinyl closed her eyes and waited. There was a loud “FLASH” noise a little while later. She opened her eyes again to see Twilight smiling.
“So... does it work?” Spitfire asked, looking Vinyl over.
“Like I would know... I can’t get to clouds to test it out.” Vinyl said, frowning.
“I got this.” The yellow pegasus flew out the door.
“Spike.” Twilight looked over to her assistant.
“Yeah, Twi?” Spike asked, picking up a few books.
“Take a note.” She smiled. The baby dragon dropped everything and took out a  quill and paper.
“Ready.”
“Come on Vinyl, let’s see if you can stand on clouds.” Spitfire flew above her friend, then out the door.
“Thanks Twilight!” Vinyl said, walking out the door.
“Dear Princess Celestia...”

“Wait, you sure you can do this?” Vinyl asked, looking up her harness that was connected to the hovering yellow pegasus.
“I’m the captain of the Wonderbolts.” she boasted.
“That’s not really answering my question...” The unicorn blinked a few times. Spitfire sighed.
“If I can’t do it alone, I’ll just ask for assistance. I’m pretty sure though I can do this on my own, trust me.” Vinyl smiled and shrugged
“Well alright.”
“You all hooked up and ready?” Spitfire landed next to the unicorn.
“Yup.” Vinyl nodded.
“Good I had some DJ equipment shipped to us up there, and it’s a special kind that can sit on clouds... It cost us a lot, so this show better be a success.”
“Wow, you didn’t have to spend that much for me.”
“Ah, but I did. You’re like, my best friend, Vinyl. I couldn’t just leave you hanging without the best equipment.”
“Thanks Spi-”
“Now let’s leave you hanging while I fly us up to the clouds!” Spitfire interrupted. Before Vinyl had the chance to even laugh, they were both flying up at a fast pace.
“Huh. Well I shouldn’t have doubted her.” She chuckled as she held her shades on her face to keep them from falling off. She looked down to see Ponyville slowly getting smaller and smaller. It didn’t take long for the two mares to pop through the clouds.
“Okay Vinyl. Here’s the test.” Spitfire said, hovering the unicorn above the cloud top. “I’m going to release you, if the spell works, you’ll land safely right on the cloud below you.”
“And if it fails?” Vinyl bit her tongue. “WHO would ask that?!” 
“Don’t worry, if it fails, I’ll be able to catch up to you and prevent you from becoming DJ-sidewalk-soup.” Vinyl gulped.
“Alright... Let’s see if it works.” She said, voice shaking a bit. Spitfire turned and tugged on the strap, that was binding the mares together, and it came untied. Vinyl closed her eyes as the feeling of herself falling set in, but it stopped a short time later. She re-opened her eyes to a smiling yellow pegasus.
“Hah... Wheew. I’m not dead.”
“Nope, but this is as close to the heavens as you can get.” Spitfire landed next to the unicorn. Puffs of cloud flew slightly into the air. “Come on, I’ll show you where we are going to be performing.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Vinyl giggled as she tossed a bit of cloud above her head. “This is amazing.”
> Chapter 14 (Airwaves)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The unicorn raised a hoof as the Wonderbolts flew over her head, leaving behind a trail of smoke.
“AAAAWWWWWWWEEEEYYYYYEEEEEAAHHHHH!” she screamed over the loud, fast-paced music, grinning as big as she could. Pegasi all around here were watching in amazement. After all, it is a rare site to see a unicorn up in the clouds. She put her focus back on her turntable, concentrating on the right musical effects to go with the show pegasus movements. She had already played the original fast-paces mix she came up with for the intro and was now just winging it, and it was sounding damn good, considering the positive vibe from her winged crowd.
“Got to time this just right...” She said to herself, watching the Wonderbolts fly up high, as they did so, she lowered the volume of the music. “eeaassssyyy... Eeeaaasssyyy...” He mind, racing at the speed of sound, was waiting for Spitfire’s signal. It was the signal just before they broke formation in a spectacular way, all eight ponies would fly off in different directions. That’s when the show would start. She watched through the top of her shades, slowly matching the volume to their hight.
“Come on Spitty.. I don’t have that much more...” Just like that Spitfire gave the signal, a slight wave of her tail. “NOW!” Vinyl’s mind screamed at her. She cranked the volume up all the way, and gave one of the most spectacular bass drops she had ever preformed. The Wonderbolts split in sync with the amazing drop and the crowd LOVED it. The DJ continued to test her DJ’ing skills as the pegasi in the sky continued their show.

The ending came after about three hours of the Wonderbolts showing off and then doing a little play they created in the sky. The ending was great, as Vinyl played the last of her on-the-go track, the ‘Bolts broke off once again, this time ending the show, spelling “Musical performance with the aid of DJ P0N-3” which took three minutes to write in the sky. Vinyl felt all eyes swoop to her, and all she could do was smile. Suddenly she was swamped with other ponies, giving her “congratulations” and “good job.” Some even asked her for an autograph.

After all the excitement died down, the Wonderbolts personally thanked the DJ by taking her out to see the rest of Cloudsdale. 
“That was, by far, the BEST musical performance we’ve ever had!” Soarin’ said as they entered a small drink shop. Vinyl couldn't help but smile.
“Well, I have to admit, after the intro song, I had no more pre-made mixes. The rest was just my judgement and your movements.”
“That’s amazing.” Fleetfoot complimented.
“And I was wondering, at the start of the show, how did you time that drop so perfectly?” Spitfire asked. The unicorn smiled.
“Well I over-heard you guys talking before the show, and you said something about a signal with your tail. So I just very carefully watched for it.” She said, sitting at a booth.
“Smart.”
“I try.” Vinyl smiled. The group of ponies continued the tour of Cloudsdale, ending it as the sun started to set. The other Wonderbolts split after saying their final thanks and goodbyes, leaving the Captain and the unicorn alone.
“Vinyl, I want to thank you again. Without you, the show wouldn’t have been as big of a hit as it was. I owe you a lot.” The pegasus smiled as she spoke. Vinyl smiled back, pushing her shades away from her eyes.
“It’s the least I can do for an old friend, old friend.” They both shared a chuckle and Spitfire placed a wing over the white mare, pulling her a little closer.
“We really need to hang more, tonight’s been fun.”
“That it has, Spitty. That it has.” The pegasus nuzzled the unicorn.
“Need a ride home?” She asked, showing a slight blush. Vinyl didn’t understand the reason for the blush, but answered.
“That would be lovely.” She then looked over the cloud’s edge. “Considering the fall to my house would probably kill me.” She turned her attention back to the orange mare, who was now flying above her.
“Then let’s get you down there.”

It was a short ride, but still fun, nonetheless to the musical unicorn. Spitfire landed next to Vinyl.
“Again, thanks for everything tonight, and I don’t mean just the show.” She smiled again, then laid a kiss on Vinyl’s cheek. “I’ll call you later to hang out more, yeah? Good!” She flew off before Vinyl had a chance to process what the pegasus had just done. She shook it away.
“It was just a friendly kiss, nothing behind it.” She laughed nervously to herself. “Not like an old friend could.. Fall for me.. Ugh, I need sleep.” She entered the small apartment, and slowly made her way to her room, picking up her phone to look at the time. 
“9:45 PM. I wonder if ‘Tavi’s still awake.” She blasted through her contacts, Finding Octavia’s number almost immediately. She hit the call button. There was ringing on the other side, shortly followed by a hushed: “Hello?”
“Tavi? Shoot, did I wake you?”
“Vinyl? No, no. You didn’t wake me, I’ve been awake for a while. Why are you calling so late, if I may ask?”
“Well I would have called earlier, but I was doing a show for, get this, the Wonderbolts earlier today.”
“The Wonderbolts?” The mare on the other side snorted, not believing a word the unicorn spoke. “Right. How in Equestria did you manage that?”
“I know Spitfire, the Captain.” Vinyl said blankly. There was silence on the line.
“How do you know Spitfire?”
“We were Fillyhood friends. Up until she had to go to Flight Camp. Enough on this subject, how are you doing?”
“Not too bad, I suppose. The other players and I are getting a lot of practice time in. I’m still a little.. Oh how would you put it Vinyl... ‘Bummed out’ that you can’t be here.” The unicorn smiled and chuckled a bit.
“Well you never know, darling. Surprises do happen.”
“Vinyl, in all seriousness, even if you could come, you don’t have the proper attire.” The white mare blinked in thought of this. Octavia was right, if she was to surprise her lover at the Gala, she would need to dress up nice.
“Awe shucks,” The unicorn spoke into the phone, coming up with a plan. “You’re right, ‘Tavi-”
“As usual when anything involves you, dear.” the earth pony cut her off.
“I...hey.. That’s not...” She scrunched her face.
“Hmm? You were saying?” Octavia said, a hint of singing in her voice.
“Alright, you got me on that.” The grey musician laughed a little.
“Hey, it’s been good hearing your voice, Vinyl. I miss you.” Vinyl smiled.
“I miss you too ‘Tav. I miss you too.”
“I have to go now. See you when I get home, alright?”
“Yeah, when you get home.” Vinyl said, smiling. Octavia hung up the phone. “Or, possibly sooner.” Vinyl finished her own thought. She put down her phone and climbed into her bed, getting under the covers. She sighed and closed her eyes, placing her shades on a desk next to her.
“You’re in for one hay of a surprise, Ms. Octavia.” The unicorn said to herself, before drifting off to sleep.









Hey hey readers! sorry for the late.. latelatelatelatel update, things have been coming up where I'm noting that I have WAY LESS TIME than I had. So, it's kind of a small update, just to let you all know, I'm still alive. Until next time~ 
> Chapter 15 (At The Gala)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vinyl looked over her dress one last time.
“I don’t see how anypony could wear something like this.” She said to herself, placing her deep purple shades on her face. Her dress was a midnight blue color, with a pale white lining around the outside. She had her cutie mark on both sides of the dress, in a lighter white color, and other smaller musical notes around her entire dress. She slowly walked up to the front entrance of Princess Celestia’s castle, where she stopped. Six other ponies were also at the entrance, singing. 
“Been dreaming, I've been waiting, To fly with those great ponies. The Wonderbolts, their dar-” A light blue pegasus with a rainbow mane, sang. Vinyl tried to keep a straight face as she snuck past the six other ponies and made it inside. She looked around in amazement, she’d never been inside a royal castle before. The white unicorn kept looking around when suddenly she turned to see a stallion’s flank right in her face. She blinked in surprise.
“I say!” The stallion said, with a heavy accent.
“Oh.. Sorry dude..just.. Enjoying the sight?” Vinyl facehoofed when the sentence came out.
“I beg your pardon?!” The stallion drew back.
“I’m just... Going to go now..” The unicorn quickly walked off. “Smooth Vinyl. Real smooth.” She frowned, but quickly re-gained her smile upon seeing the Princess at the top of a stairs, greeting her subjects in a very peaceful, and kind, manor. The unicorn made her way up the steps. Luckily, not many other guests had arrived yet, so it was a short trip.
“Ah! Ms. Scratch. Glad you could make it. I was afraid you wouldn’t come.” the Alicorn leaned down for a greeting. The unicorn returned her greeting and nuzzled her cheek as he princess did the same. “No hard feelings, right?”
“Never.” Vinyl smiled.
“Then Welcome to the Gala, and enjoy yourself.” The princess opened her wings with pride.
“I shall, your highness.” The unicorn said as she walked past the princess.

Vinyl sat at a table for a while, drinking punch every now and then. She wasn’t really having fun waiting for Octavia to appear on the stage with the rest of her players.
“Well you don’t look like you’re having fun.” A familiar voice said. The unicorn quickly turned her head to see Spitfire sitting across from her.
“Yeah, I guess fancy stuff isn’t really up my alley.” Vinyl said, turning her attention back to her empty glass.
“Well, why not make your own fun, Vinyl? I hear this next ensemble coming up is in the classical era.” The white mare perked her ears. 
“Tavi and her band.” She thought.
“I don’t see how classical can be fun...” She said after a pause.
“That’s why I said make your own fun, silly. Come on, I’ll take you to dance.” the yellow pegasus offered a hoof.
“I dunno, Spitty..”
“Oh trust me.” Spitfire grabbed the unicorn and dragged her out to the dance floor, where other couples were dancing already. Spitfire took the lead, dancing with the unicorn. Vinyl looked through her shades, trying to see if Octavia was on the stage yet, she wasn’t so the mare kept dancing.
“Shoot, sorry.” She said, stepping on Spitfire’s dress. The pegasus giggled.
“I take it you don’t dance often?” 
“Not.. Really.” Vinyl said, her voice dropping.
“It’s okay, just follow my lead.” Spitfire whispered. The two mares danced, a little awkwardly, but they danced nonetheless. The band that was playing slowly stopped, and was given a large applause.The two mares also joined the group in applauding, until the new ensemble walked up to the stage. Vinyl gasped when she saw Octavia walk on the stage first.
“Tavi.” The unicorn said with a smile. Spitfire looked at her.
“Something wrong”
“Oh, no no.” Vinyl said, turning her attention back to the pegasus. “Just... Okay look, I’m here to surprise a friend. She doesn’t know I’m here, and I want to keep it that way until she’s done with-”
“I’m at the Grand Galloping Gala, I’m at the Grand Galloping Gala!” A pink pony with a candy coated dress started bouncing around the dance floor.
“Oh no.” Vinyl sighed, her shades slipping down her nose.
“Look, Vinyl, I’d love to stay, but I really should go back to the Wonderbolts. I’m expecting to meet a fan, and I’m sure she’ll love to see me in my suit.” Spitfire said, then  trotted away. The pink pony bounced around the room, singing the same tune, she then jumped up on the stage, and scared the harp and tuba ponies, then appeared behind Octavia, who dropped her bow off her cello in disappointment. The earth pony kept singing, her voice getting higher, and higher, and higher, catching everypony’s disapproved attention. There was an uncomfortable silence.
“It’s all I.....ever.....dreamed?” She said sadly, as the ponies all went along their way, making annoyed remarks. Vinyl sighed as the short-lived interruption died down, and the pink pony made her way over to a table. The unicorn turned her attention back to Octavia and her band, as they started up again. The grey mare starting them up.
“And one...two..one two three.” She counted, and they started their nice and peaceful song. Vinyl watched her mare play her heart out.
“Tavi’s worked so hard for this, she deserves to be here.” The unicorn thought. She was right, Octavia was really in her element, playing as if nopony would judge her, and by the looks of the crowd, nopony was. They were all enjoying themselves now. Vinyl looked over to the pink pony again as the name returned to her.
“I’m at the Grand Galloping Gala..... And it’s not what I dreamed.” Pinkie sighed sadly. Vinyl couldn’t help but frown, even seeing a happy-go-lucky pony like Pinkie in that kind of mood. Suddenly the pink earth pony stood up straight and mumbled something, followed by “By making this the best night ever!” She then dropped her smile and walked to the dance floor again. “But how...?”
“Oh Pinkie, don’t do something.....pinkie pieish...” Vinyl groaned. Pinkie then gasped and took to the stage, whispering to each of the players. Octavia listened, but didn’t seem very thrilled, then again, no way was she going to mess up her only shot at being a famous cello player. The tuba player blew into her tuba, clearing it out a little. The pink pony then made her way to the microphone and tapped it with her hoof.
“Come on everypony! I know what will make you shake those groove things!” She shouted excitedly, then motioned to the band.
“Oh Celestia... Not the...”
“You reach your right hoof in, you reach your right hoof out~” She started singing.
“Pony..pokey...” Vinyl finished her thought and laid her head on the table, waiting for the intimate disaster to happen.

As the song escalated out of control, The DJ looked out the window to see a yellow pegasus in a green dress chasing animals around the royal garden, finally stomping on the ground.
“You do the pony pokey, you do the pony pokey,” PInkie continued to sing, first messing up the pianist, then taking a hold of Octavia, and moving the bow across her cello really fast, causing her to fall over. “You do the pony pokey and that’s what it’s all about! Yeah!” She finished, landing on the stage. Vinyl looked on in shock, as Octavia laid there, fury building.
“No no no.. Tavi.. Don’t blow it...” the unicorn pleaded.
“Young lady! This is not that kind of party!” A purple pony with golden mane said.
“Oooooooohhhhh...” Pinkie realized, rolling her eyes around. “They don’t want to party.. These ponies want to paaaar-tay!” She exclaimed. Vinyl sighed as she looked out the window real quick to see the same yellow pegasus, hanging in a net.
“What the-” The DJ was cut of by the sound of heavy beats. She looked up to the stage to see Pinkie behind a DJ table.. “How the.. Wait.. That’s MY table!”
“Come on everypony!” Pinkie shouted, the jumped off the stage. “You wanted a par-tay? Now let’s PAAAR-TAY!” She shouted, then started messing with the other guests, tossing some up in the air. Vinyl rested her head in her hoof as the antics continued and started to get crazier and crazier. She looked up to see Pinkie back on the stage.
“STAAAGE DIIIVE!” She yelled, then jumped off the stage, landing on a cart that was carrying a cake, an orange pony with a yellow mane, had pushed in. The white mare watched as the cake flew through the air. She heard a door open, and saw another white unicorn mare and a white unicorn stallion walk in. The stallion pulled the white mare in front of him to protect himself from the air-born cake. The mare turned, furious.
“You, sir. Are the most UNCHARMING prince I have EVER met! In fact the only thing ROYAL about you, is that you are a ROYAL PAIN!” She screamed, pieces of cake flying off of her every now and then.
“Ew! Stay back! I just had myself groomed!” The Prince shrieked. 
“Afraid to get DIRTY?!” The mare yelled, then proceeded to shake more cake off of her on purpose at the stallion.

Vinyl watched as the white stallion stumbled backward and crashed into a statue. Her eyes widened as the statue started to fall. Suddenly a rainbow blur shot past her and landed under the statue, saving a few ponies in the process.
“Yes!” A blue pegasus with a rainbow colored mane exclaimed. She then started wobbling back and forth, loosing her balance from the heavy statue. She colided with a pillar, which fell into another, then into another, creating a domino effect. The dust settled, and the pegasus stood in the middle of the wreckage, the statue broken. Vinyl turned to see the Princess herself with a purple unicorn, Vinyl recognized as Twilight walk in. Her face had shock written all over it, upon seeing the chaos that had just happened.
“Well, it can’t get any worse.” Vinyl found herself speaking at the same time Twilight spoke. Suddenly the floor started to rumble, and Vinyl lifted her shades off her face, and hung them on her horn. The crowd in the room looked around in confusion when the door suddenly burst open, wild animals running everywhere in fright. The yellow pegasus that was in the net earlier was now in the doorway.
“You’re...going to LOVE ME!” She screamed. The room was now in a frenzy, ponies and wild animals running everywhere, all in fright and terror. There was a whistle and the six ponies all ran out the door near the princess.

It was a good fifteen minutes before the chaos died down, thanks to Celestia. She calmed the animals down, apologized to everypony, telling them they could stay if they wanted and they all left the room. Vinyl stayed at her table, blinking in confusion.
“What... Just happened.” She got up and walked to the stage, to see Octavia, still laying down, holding her hooves over her head in terror and shame.
“I.. Played... The Pony Pokey...” She repeated over and over. “No pony will ever invite me to play again.” Vinyl frowned.
“Tavi?” She asked. The grey mare opened her eyes and looked up at the DJ in surprise.
“Vinyl! Wh-what are you doing here?!” She asked, both in shock and happiness.
“Surprise? I was gonna surprise you by showing up... But... It looks like it was a disaster...” The unicorn helped the mare to her hooves.
“How much did you see?” Octavia asked, looking at the ground.
“All of it unfortunately.” Vinyl said shyly.
“Vinyl?”
“Yeah hun?”
“Let’s get home.... I’ve had a rough night.”
“Yes, you have.”
“Oh. And I love your dress... Looks good on you.”
> Chapter 16 (Lover, Lover)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been a few weeks after the Gala, and talk of the event had finally died down. Octavia hadn’t left the apartment the whole time from shear embarrassment. Vinyl kept trying to convince the grey mare that everything was fine, but Octavia wouldn’t move outside the apartment. Well, at least she was moving now. For a while, Vinyl had to take care of the grey mare while she stayed in their room, in the dark. She had been really upset over the event, even enough to push the supportive unicorn away at times. Still, it cheered Vinyl up a little bit to see her lover finally moving again. The unicorn stopped for a second.
“Lover.. That’s the correct term, yes? I mean.. We are kinda dating now..have been for a while. Am I the same to her as she is to me? I should ask.” She trotted over to the grey mare and kissed her cheek.
“Why are you so happy?” The cellist asked in a snappy voice. Vinyl sank a little, causing Octavia to sigh. “Sorry, dear. Still a little upset.”
“I see.” The unicorn sat beside her. “I just wanted to tell you I loved you, is all.”
“Oh. Thanks.” Octavia got up and walked into the kitchen, as Vinyls face went blank.
“You’re....welcome?” She said after a bit, a little confused at the mare’s response. Octavia returned with a cup of coffee. She sat and nuzzled the unicorn.
“You know I love you too.”
“Well, that answers that question.”
“Vinyl, if I may?”
“If you may what?”
“Ask a question.”
“You just did.” Vinyl smirked.
“Ha ha. Smart-ass. I wanted to ask,” She paused as Vinyl took a sip from her coffee. “What’s your thoughts on... Us?” Vinyl looked at her with a confused face, taking another sip. “Most importantly...about how we’re gonna.. You know.... Mate and stuff...” The gray mare asked, shyly. The question alone caused Vinyl to spit the coffee out.
“I’m sorry, what?” the unicorn asked, after she was done choking.
“You.. You heard me.” Octavia cleared her throat and sipped on her coffee.
“Are you.. Instigating something?” Vinyl asked, fully paying attention to the calm, grey mare.
“It depends on how you answer that question, Ms. Scratch.” The unicorn looked out to the distance, thinking of an answer.
“As much as I’d love too... Can we like... Wait?” She finally said.
“That’s what I wanted to hear. I’ve been thinking about it for sometime.” She gave a sigh. “But I agree, we should wait to think about this until a later date.”
“But... Not too late right?” Vinyl asked, keeping her voice low.
“What do you mean?” Octavia set her cup down.
“Well.. This is something we need to talk about.. And we’ve been together... What..several months?”
“I’d say about five or six, but yeah.” She sounded so calm about the topic now. Vinyl scratched the back of her head.
“How about tonight?” Octavia turned to face her.
“I do hope you do mean talk about it.”
“Yeah, not actually do it... But yeah.. Talk..Unless we wana try...” The unicorn trailed off. Octavia smiled for the first time in weeks.
“You’re so cute when you’re confused.” She nuzzled the white mare, then walked down the hall. Vinyl sat there.
“What.”
“Oh, don’t worry about it, hun.” Octavia called out with a slight laugh.
“I will worry about it.” Vinyl joked. “Hey Tavi, you wouldn’t mind letting me borrow a few bits, would you?”
“For what?”
“I was going to go buy us lunch.”
“Was?”
“Well I can’t if I don’t have money.”
“Touché.” Octavia came back in the room and tossed a few bits to the DJ. “I would like the change back, if you would.”
“No.” the white unicorn smiled as she walked out the door.
“Don’t you ‘no’ me, miss! You’ll have to come home sooner or later.” Octavia returned the smile.
“Yes, master. Whatever you want, master. I’m a good pet for you, master.” Vinyl turned and said in her most raspy voice, causing both the mares to laugh.

Vinyl returned sometime later, levitating two bags with her magic.
“Back!” She called into the house, closing the door behind her. Octavia got up from the couch and hugged the white mare.
“Everything go well?” She asked.
“Swimmingly.” Vinyl levitated Octavia’s lunch over to her. “Oh, and your change madam.” She said as she floated a couple of bits to her.
“Thanks, dear.” The grey mare took the bits and placed them on the counter.
“Shall we eat?” The DJ asked, her stomach growling.
“It’d be an insult if we didn’t.”
“Was that even supposed to make sense?” Vinyl asked, lifting her shades.
“Not one bit.” She laughed. Vinyl swatted at the grey mare with her tail. They sat and began munching on their lunch.
“So... Mating.” Vinyl said suddenly, after finishing her meal.
“Vinyl.... Really?”
“What?”
“Alright. Lets get this talk over with.” Octavia threw away the trash left over.
“Where do we begin?” The unicorn asked, moving over to the couch.
“Well,” Octavia followed her. “We both know we love each other very much... And I’m sure we’ll just...”	
“Do what comes naturally.” Vinyl finished with a blank look. Octavia nodded.
“Right.” She looked at the white mare. “But if we are going to try, I want it to be as romantic as possible.” Vinyl blinked for a few seconds.
“I can give that a shot. Romantic is my middle name.” She smiled, then laughed.
“Yeah, I’m sure it is.”
“Actually it’d be foreplay.”
“Vinyl!”

The rest of the day went by silently. Wasn’t until later that evening, that Vinyl convinced Octavia to go outside with her.
“Come on Tavi. We’ll just be out on the back porch, gazing up at the stars.” The grey mare gave a sigh, then smiled as she met Vinyl’s gaze.
“Alright. I’ll do it for you, and ONLY for you.” She kissed the DJ’s cheek. They walked out onto their back porch and Vinyl laid down, looking up at the cellist, who giggled at the sight of the fully grown white mare laying on her back. The DJ flailed her hooves.
“You gonna join me?” She asked, throwing out her best sexy smile. Octavia huffed with a smile, then laid down next to her partner. They sat there in silence for a little bit.
“Hey Tavi.” Vinyl finally broke the peaceful silence.
“Yes dear?” The grey mare responded with a smile. Felt great to say that out loud.
“Your performance, you know, at the Gala...” Vinyl stated. Octavia groaned and dropped her smile. “No no, before everything went crazy. From what I saw and heard....” She looked over to the cellist, who met her gaze. The DJ’s ruby eyes seemed to glow in the dim light. “It was beautiful.”
“The music, or me?” The grey mare joked.
“Both.” The white unicorn Kept her gaze steady. This was the first time Octavia had ever seen her so concentrated on something that wasn’t music related. The dark-maned mare took a deep breath.
“Oh V-Vinyl..” She stammered, moving closer to Vinyl. She moved in closer, slowly landing her lips upon the DJs. They stayed there for a bit, lips locked together in a passionate and romantic kiss that seemed to last forever. A shooting star flew above them, as if a signal from the heavens themselves. Their lips parted and Octavia wrapped Vinyl up in a hug, tearing up a little. “I love you so much.” The unicorn returned the hug, smiling.
“You you know what you deserve after a stressful week of panic and worrying?” Vinyl petted the earth pony’s mane.
“What?”
“You deserve to be treated right.” The Dj kissed Octavia again, then kissed her neck.
“Ah, Vinyl~!” Octavia’s face turned bright red in a deep blush. The DJ stopped and giggled.
“Somepony’s a bit sensitive.” She kissed the cellist’s neck again.
“Ah~! N-No.. I just.. I’ve..” She went silent, looking away.
“You just what?” Vinyl asked, giving her a soft gaze.
“I’ve never been.. Oh how did you put it... ‘Treated right’ before.” She slowly lowered her voice. Vinyl smiled.
“Then allow me.” The DJ whispered before kissing the cellist’s neck again. Octavia closed her eyes and gave a muffled squeak. The white unicorn continued to kiss her neck, making her way down to her chest. She focused on the grey mare’s chest for a while, before gazing up at her. Octavia already seemed to be out of breath, either from sheer embarrassment, or the fact she was having the best moment in her life. Vinyl took the chance and licked the mare from her chest to her chin, then deeply kissed her. They parted a few minutes later, gazing softly into each other’s eyes, Octavia completely out of breath. She was breathing so hard, the crisp autumn air showed each breath she exhaled.
“Hey! Get a room you two!” A voice called from across the street. Vinyl looked up in the direction of the voice, then back down at the grey mare. They both erupted in giggles.
“Hey Tavi, I agree with the voice. Let’s go inside.” She stated, standing up, and offered a hoof to help her marefriend up. Octavia gladly took the hoof and also stood up.
“Thanks Vinyl.” She kissed her cheek and they both walked inside. Vinyl lightly swatted at Octavia’s flank as she walked by.
“H-Hey!” The cellist exclaimed, turning a bright red again.
“Oh, get inside the house, you.” Vinyl smiled. Octavia returned the soft smile.
“Meet you in the bedroom?”
“Oh you know it.” Vinyl laughed, following the grey mare inside.




Hey hey! new chapter WOO!
Anywhoo, The next chapter is possibly a little to... *ahem* "sexy" for the content rating of this story, so I miiiight just put it on a sperate one-shot story later. Not too sure on that. Should let me know if that's a good idea or not.  anyway, See you next update!

EDIT: chapter 16.5 located HERE! BE WARNED, NSFW, I guess. I dunno.
> Chapter 17 (We Got Time)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Octavia was the first one to wake up in the morning. Rubbing her eyes with her hoof, the grey mare looked around her room everything was still the same, Vinyl laid sprawled out, making a mess of the covers. Octavia giggled and pulled the covers up over the white unicorn, whom mumbled a little then rolled over. The cellist looked outside, it was a sunny day and everything seemed normal. Stretching, she felt a slight pull on her haunches, the memory of the previous nights activities rushing back to her. A slight blush flushed her cheeks as she walked out the bedroom door. The mare stopped in the living room and stretched her front legs, lifting her rump in the air.
“Well this is a nice way to wake up. Normally I’d prefer to wake up next to a lover and gaze into her tired eyes, but I guess seeing this is awesome too.” Vinyl’s cheery voice came from the hallway behind Octavia. The cellist turned around quickly, her red face of surprise looking the DJ in the eyes.
“I was...stretching!”
“Like that?”
“D-didn’t you get a good enough v-view last night?” Octavia stumbled on her words. Vinyl lifted en eyebrow, then looked down at the grey mare’s hooves, then back up at her face.
“If I did, why did you just show your flank to me again?”
“Vinyl! I was stretching!” The grey mare went back to her previous statement. Vinyl laughed then walked up and gave Octavia a kiss.
“Good morning to you too.” The grey pony shook her head, laughing a little.
“Yes, good morning Vinyl.” The DJ levitated a bowl over to to the cellist, along with a spoon.
“Cereal for breakfast?” She asked, moving her rump to a beat in her head. Octavia couldn’t help but giggle at the almost-spastic movements of her filly-friend’s rear.
“I would love that.” She said, walking over to their table. The DJ levitated two bowls and spoons over to her cellist. Vinyl set the items down and looked up at Octavia, whose soft gaze met hers. The white unicorn seemed to get lost in the mare’s purple eyes. How could a fancy pony like herself even come near the DJ that she is? Vinyl didn’t even know that ponies from Canterlot even visited such a small, rural area like Ponyville. She started to worry.
“What happens if she starts to get bored, or worse, thinks of me too childish? Over time will I have to change? Is she accepting me for myself? Oh Celestia, what if-”
“Something wrong, Vinyl?” Octavia’s voice broke the unicorn out of her worried trance. “You’ve been staring at me for five minutes, and  your smile slowly dropped. Plus, you didn’t answer me.”
“Sorry... Was just thinking.” The White mare shook her head.
“About?” The earth pony trotted over to her.
“Nah, it’s stupid.” Vinyl gave a weak smile, which didn’t impress the cellist.
“Vinyl, hun, you know you can talk to me.” Octavia nuzzled under the DJ’s chin. “And I’ll listen.”
“I was just worrying if... Well, if you’d think of me too childish... You know, with the way I act and stuff. I was just thinking that if you do, then I would change for the better, for you.” The cellist blinked, then lifted her head to meet Vinyl’s look. There was a short silence between the two.
“Sweet Celestia, I hope not.” Octavia finally said.
“I... Wait what?”
“Vinyl. If I didn’t like how you are now, I wouldn’t be here with you today. I’ve stayed this long with you, haven’t I? I mean shoot, nine months just living with you probably would have been hell if I didn’t love you like I do. Vinyl, my little DJ, I love you for you, and I don’t want you any other way.” Octavia leaned in and kissed the unicorn. “I mean, you wouldn’t want me to change, would you?” She added in as they parted.
“Well, maybe if you were a little more fun...” Vinyl said, jokingly. The grey mare smiled and pushed the unicorn slightly. “You know I don’t want you to change, sweetie.”
“You’re a jerk, but you wouldn’t be you.” Octavia turned, flicking Vinyl’s muzzle with her tail.
“I’m not a jerk! Just spontaneous.”
“Spontaneously a jerk!” the cellist cried from down the hall. Vinyl laughed.
“What does spontaneous mean, anyway?” She blinked. There was laughter down the hall. “Wait, what about breakfast?”

“I dunno Tavi, you sure that’s today?” Vinyl asked her fillyfriend, levitating her bow tie to the mare, who was in the bathroom, making herself look neat.
“Vinyl, it’s my first invitation to do a show with my ensemble since... The pink incident.” There was a hint of a growl in the cellist’s throat. “So of course I know it’s today.”
“Darn, I wanted to spend time with you.” Vinyl kicked the ground with a fore-hoof.
“Well why don’t you go to that usual club you go to and do a surprise show there? Don’t the ponies love you down there?” Octavia asked, tying on her bow tie.
“They did.”
“What happened?”
“My last gig there, I caught the place on fire.” She looked away and mumbled. “Like I knew the curtains were super sensitive to laser lights...and fireworks...” The grey mare stopped.
“You lit fireworks off, inside the building?” She turned to look at the DJ.
“I thought it’d be a cool effect!” Octavia rested her forehead on a hoof with a small sigh. “So where are you playing again?” Vinyl quickly changed the subject.
“The Royal Garden at Celestia’s castle. There’s a small get together there and we were asked for some simple, calming background music.” She adjusted her bow. “Perfect.”
“Oh. Well since I’m not doing anything, can I tag along? I won’t cause trouble, promise.” The grey mare adjusted her mane, then turned and looked at the DJ.
“Alright. You can come. Just, clean up a little. You know, fancy.” Vinyl groaned. “Oh come on, I’ll help you out. Starting with that mane.” The DJ placed a hoof over her head.
“No cutting.”
“Only gel.” Octavia promised as Vinyl joined her in the bathroom. The cellist started placing gel in the unicorn’s mane, smoothing it back and forth, parting it and placing a hair band near the top. She took her time, making the messy mane into a work of fancy art. After about forty five minuted the grey mare stepped back.
“Well? How do I look?” Vinyl asked, one eye brow cocked in wonder.
“Like royal Canterlot birth, my dear.” Vinyl gave a smile.
“May I see?” Octavia gave her a nod. The DJ turned around and looked in the mirror as Octavia quickly fixed the unicorn’s tail. “Wow.. I don’t look like myself at all..” She tilted her head to a side, then smiled.
“And I did what I could with your tail.” The cellist nuzzled Vinyl’s cheek. “You clean up nicely.” She said, complimenting her own work.
“Oh, you know, personal hair specialist back at home.” Vinyl nuzzled back.

“Remember Vinyl, fancy or small talk.” Octavia said, carrying her cello in a case on her back.
“Lovely weather today, isn’t it?” Vinyl said in the best snooty voice she could.
“And less of.. That.” The cellist chuckled with the unicorn as they walked into the most formal place Vinyl had ever seen. She looked up to see the celling, or rather, what wasn’t the celling.
“Wait, this place is like..”
“A big bowl, yes. The construction of the building helps amplify the sound of the music played. I’d thought you would know about this, Scratch. You told me you DID take musical theory in college.” The unicorn looked at the grey mare and did a slight roll of her eyes.
“Well...”
“You totally just blew it off, then aced the final because it was easy.”
“Basically.”
“Vinyl..”
“At least I pass-”
“Octavia?” A lime yellow mare with a cobalt mane walked up to the pair, the biggest smile a pony could manage.
“Fiddlesticks!” Octavia ran over and gave the mare a hug. Vinyl watched in confusion as the two started talking.
“Wow, s’been a long time since I saw you last. How’s the cello workin’ for ya?” The yellow mare turned slightly to see the unicorn walking up next to Octavia. “and who’s yer friend?”
“Oh! Fiddlesticks, this is Vinyl. Vinyl, Fiddlesticks.”
“Charmed.” Vinyl said, getting the practice in for her fancy talk.
“Wow, you’re a pretty one.”
“I could say the same about you.” Vinyl nudged Octavia slightly.
“Yes, we know we look the same.”
“Sure ain’t easy being related and lookin’ the same.”
“Thank goodness for the color difference.” Octavia laughed.
“Well shoot, not like Ma and Pa didn’t get us confused anyway.” Fiddlesticks laughed back.
“Sisters?” Vinyl asked, looking back and forth at the two identical looking ponies.
“Oh no no no. ‘Ma’ and ‘Pa’ is what she calls out grandparents.” Octavia re-assured Vinyl with a smile.
“Cousins!” Fiddlesticks pulled the grey cellist in and gave her a hug. “and what about you, Vinyl? You just a friend of Octavia’s?”
“Ye-” The unicorn began.
“Actually, she’s my fillyfriend.” Octavia cut off the white mare, causing her to blush a deep red.
“Lovers? Wow, never saw that coming in you, Occy.”
“Yeah, well, find the right pony, and they might change that in you.” Octavia bumped against the DJ-in-disguise. Vinyl gave a fake cough and smiled.
“Anyway, I should be getting ready for our performance. Have you seen Frederic Horseshoepin anywhere?”
“The pianist? He hasn’t shown?” Octavia took a quick look around. “Can’t say I have...”
“Shucks.. Oh well, we might have to start without him if he doesn’t show.” Octavia nodded.
“Looks that way.” Suddenly the  yellow mare turned with a smile.
“Unless your friend here can play something!” Vinyl’s eye widened at the thought of this.
“Uh, I really don’t do fancy.” She stated, looking down at her shades which were around her neck.
“But yer still a musical arteest, right? It counts!” She grabbed Vinyl’s hoof and started dragging.
“Uh..!” Vinyl couldn’t find the words to stop the mare.
“Fiddle! Wait! I don’t think that’s a good idea!” Octavia chased the two down.

The Yellow mare came to a halt at the stage, pulling the fancied Vinyl with her.
“Well, there she is! Think you can handle playing in front of two hundred ponies?” Vinyl dusted herself off.
“Only two hundred? Pfft, I can do that in my slee-” Octavia came up and bumped the unicorn.
“Civilized, remember?” She whispered. Vinyl nodded and cleared her throat.
“Well, two hundred doesn’t seem to be that difficult to play for.” Vinyl closed her eyes and nodded.
“Well, I hope you’re up to it, Scratch!” Fiddlesticks patted the unicorn on the back. “What do you play, anyway?”
“Well, it may not look like it, but Vinyl is a modern music pony.”
“I’m a DJ.”
The yellow Octavia look-alike looked at Vinyl.
“How’s this gonna work?” She mumbled to herself, frowning a little and placing a hoof under her chin.
“Well, give me a few minutes on stage with you, I can create a beat in my head while you play. Then mash it in at the right time and make it sound beautiful.”
“Our music is already beautiful.” Octavia playfully scoffed at the white unicorn. Vinyl only stuck out her tongue.
“If only the weather was as beautiful as our music.” Fiddlesticks stated, pointing to the sky.
“Are those.... Pink clouds?” The cellist squinted at the sky, placing a hoof over her forehead to block the sun's rays.