//------------------------------// // L'inverno // Story: Le Quattro Stagioni // by Cirrus Sky //------------------------------// Fall had turned crisp and slipped into Winter, a season of promise and warm affection that had instead turned to false hopes and cold guilt. She stood with just the slightest stirring of shame in her gut, in front of the school building. There was still snow on the ground, but her warm coat meant the shiver she felt was more guilt than temperature. It was the first day back after Winter break and it was the only now that Octavia felt able to approach her friend Sunset. As school had wended its way to the Holiday, instead of seasonal cheer and festive activities, the student body had been preoccupied with arguments and recrimination. Splitting bonds instead of celebrating family and friendship. All due to a web profile that published secrets aimed to hurt. Seemingly created by Sunset Shimmer. Octavia had seen the girl abandoned by her 'truest' friends and blamed by the student body. She had not suspected her friend to be the person behind the profile. Not least for the fact that her own secret had not been shared, one entrusted only to Sunset and one other stalwart companion. However, her fear of the other student's opinions and actions (Especially as her oldest friend had her doubts) had meant she left Sunset to her woe. Of course, Sunset had been proven innocent. The secrets sourced from virtually everyone at school and published by three unthinking and jealous younger sisters seeking petty triumph. Octavia had been guilt stricken for not standing by Sunset, in fact abandoning her. She had learned too that the girl was alone here, no family to speak of and yet she had still left the redhead to loneliness and misery in the season of Goodwill to All. Today she would set it right. Hopefully. “Alright Octavia. The gift is in your bag, you have girded your mind with an apology and stiffened your nerve.” She assured herself with clipped Trottingham tones. Before the motivation fled, she entered the school. It was early, but she knew Sunset liked to get in well ahead of the crowds and practise or simply play. It sounded like Sunset was in already, a mournful piece of music wrought from guitar strings trailed down the halls. “Albinino.” Octavia sighed. One composition they had both confessed to turning to in depressive times. “At least she can't lie about being okay.” The cellist muttered to herself. She followed the music to a now familiar place, passing a contemplative VP Luna, the teacher giving Octavia a quiet greeting. “It sounds like she needs a friend.” Was her comment, Octavia could only agree. The door to the room was ajar and Sunset sat in the centre of the room. Her eyes were closed as she played, not missing a note or flubbing her fingering despite what had to be turmoil in her head and heart. That was why she played, pulling emotions from the guitar and her psych to resettle her mind for the school day. As Sunset played the final notes she let out a breath and it looked like a tear sparked on her eyelash. “Hello Sunset.” Octavia said, her voice low. Seeing how upset Sunset had been and possibly still was had sapped her nerve. “Octavia. Hi.” Sunset said, her voice was tired and the smile she shared was weak. She placed her guitar down into a stand, it was a new one. A flying-V style with a sunburst finish. Octavia had thought the sound of Sunset's playing had been slightly different. Noticing Octavia's focus on the instrument Sunset smiled a little wider. “A holiday gift from my friends.” She looked happier a moment. “I had been coveting it a little when we visited the music shop.” “That is quite a lovely gift.” Octavia said, smiling and hoping that this meant Sunset wasn't quite as upset as she'd feared. “Speaking of,” She rummaged in her satchel and handed over a wrapped package. “I had meant to give this to you on time, but the... events before the holiday prevented me from doing so.” Sunset took the gift and examined the paper, snowflakes and music notes. “Yeah, all that mess where everyone hated me.” Sunset said, bitter a moment. “Thanks for not returning it.” “I feel awful for not sticking up for you.” Octavia admitted quietly. “I did not think you were behind the profile, but I was scared of the others. What they would think.” She sighed and looked at Sunset. “I am so very sorry. I hope you can accept my apology, but I will understand if you cannot.” Sunset laughed, it was not the lovely melodic sound Octavia had come to enjoy. No, this was self deprecating and still with a burr of sadness. “If I can forgive the girls for actively breaking my heart than I think I can let a little inaction slide.” She flicked the ends of the wrapping paper and slid the gift free. The gasp she breathed was one of wonder. “I spotted it in one of the shops I frequent and immediately thought of you.” Octavia said, proud that the gift was well received. A guitar strap made from sturdy black imitation leather, a fiery wing and a flaming feather sewn to the strap as decoration. The clips and buckle were gold coloured. It was a fortuitous match to Sunset's new guitar. “I love it! Thank you so much.” Sunset jumped up to grab Octavia into an embrace. It had surprised the more subdued girl at first, just how physically affectionate Sunset could be, but then her friends seemed to communicate much through contact. Now she was used to it, even looked forward to it, and easily returned the hug. “I am glad, it seems the pair are quite a match too.” Octavia chuckled and pointed to Sunsets guitar. The girl was immediately swapping the current rather worn strap for this well suited replacement. “Really, thanks Octavia. You've sort of given this day a bit of a boost already.” Sunset said earnestly making eye contact and sharing a true smile. “Of that I am glad. I hope it also goes towards an apology for leaving you in your time of need.” Guilt twinged again, however could she have risked this friendship? Octavia checked her watch, knowing to remain much longer she would risk spilling further emotions upon her friend. “I forgive you, honest. I was more hurt by people who actually blamed me.” Sunset was smoothing the strap between her finger tips, tracing the design of a phoenix wing that had made Octavia certain it would be perfect. “Alright then.” Octavia inclined her head. “Now I must be off. Vinyl will no doubt be expecting me for our morning trip to the coffee machine, though it produces something far and away from what I would call coffee.” She heard a laugh from Sunset, the sound one of true humour, as she left the room. Her gift had been well received, her apology accepted, but not everything was settled. There had been a confession to accompany the present. One that related to the regard she held Sunset in, the feelings she had for her fellow musician. The knowledge that at the moment when her mind had been cleared from anger and dissent fuelled competitive spirit by a strong voice, that Octavia had fallen for her friend. A confession that was to be followed up by a question, an invitation; for Sunset knew of Octavia's preferences in a partner. A request that maybe Sunset would be amenable to a date, a date that could possibly lead to a relationship closer than simply friends. But that was not to be, not now. Not when she had avoided helping Sunset, not when she'd left the girl without defence, crying in the halls. No, not now.