Explorer, Scholar, Gentlecolt
A few hours have passed since Octavia and Vinyl had checked into their room and the two found themselves having difficulty sleeping for completely different reasons. Octavia's mind was racing with worries and thoughts about their current situation and the day to come. “How should I reintroduce Vinyl as my fiancé? What if Vinyl and I mess up playing as a couple? What if she finds out my true feelings about her and leaves?" Octavia opened her eyes a bit and saw how close her muzzle was to Vinyl's. Blushing a bit, she swiftly rolled over to face the other way. "Ohhh why did Bon Bon have to give us a room with only one bed? She knows how I feel about Vinyl...she did this on purpose... This would happen right after last night.” Thoughts of what she and the DJ might have done together flooded her head. “Did we really do...that?... Was I any good?... Accursed ale, I will never drink you again.” She rolled back over trying to shake those thoughts out of her head, however, was unable to when the pony of her affections was right there. “How can she fall asleep so easily?”
It was then that Octavia started to hear mumbles coming from the white unicorn. "Hmmm, no....Octy come back... I love yo-" a yawn interrupted the DJ's sleep talking.
The Cellist began listening closer. “Could... could she be confessing to me in her dream?” thought Octavia as the mare stopped yawning and continued.
"your pancakes..." Octavia shot the sleeping mare an angry glance before rolling back over in annoyance taking the bed sheets with her.
Not long after, Vinyl woke up feeling a bit cold. She never had a hard time falling asleep before, in fact, she prided herself on the skill of being able to pass out immediately. However, the constant shifting and rolling that Octavia was doing made it next to impossible. It seemed that every time she did manage to fall asleep, she'd get hit with a pair of grey hooves from a certain mare rolling over for the hundredth time. She looked over at Octavia and realized that she had taking the bed sheets. Vinyl just sighed and decided to get up and go to the bathroom, stretching in the process.
The white unicorn walked into the bathroom, and upon finishing her business, she began looking around. She was kind of surprised and impressed by what she was seeing. “Heart shaped hot tub, a shower for two, heated floors. It almost seems too fancy to be a love hotel...I wonder if they got free toothpaste in here?” She asked opening one of the drawers. She looked inside, gasped, and quickly shut it, face now bright red. “Nope, it's definitely a love hotel." said Vinyl, turning off the lights and continuing to quietly explore the other room in their suite.
Vinyl walked in and dimly turned on the lights to see that this room had a desk in it. “Love hotel or not this place is really nice.” She thought to herself talking a closer look at the desk. The DJ tapped a hoof to her chin for a second and smiled as she remembered something that she wanted to do earlier. She sat down and reached into the desk pulling out a pile of scrolls and a writing quill. The scrolls were as pink and full of hearts as the rest of the room. She reached for the ink to begin writing an angry letter to the dream wrecking conductor’s supervisor but almost knocked it over. Quickly catching it, Vinyl peaked her head around the corner to see if she disturbed Octavia. “Hey Octy, you still asleep?” She said just barely above a whisper.
“Yes Vinyl, I’m sleeping. That is how I am answering you right now.” Octavia hissed as she pulled the pillow over her head to cover her ears. “Can’t you hear it?” asked Octavia.
The white unicorn paused for a second. “Hear what?”
Octavia took the pillow off of her head and replied “All the debauchery that has taken place in this room, I can’t sleep just knowing what somepony must have done in this bed. Just thinking about it is …” her face quickly turned bright red as thoughts of her and Vinyl partaking in such improper, undignified, and tempting acts together fill her mind. Octavia quickly hid underneath the sheets to hid from the curious looking unicorn. She wanted Vinyl to hold her, to kiss her, to embrace her but it was all just a filly’s dream right now.
“You know Octy, debauchery is the best part of staying at a hotel. You don’t even have to clean up afterward.” replied the DJ with a sheepish grin on her face knowing what her mare friend was thinking about.
With a slight bit of annoyance, the cellist uncovered herself and asked. “How is it you know the definition of debauchery but not betrothed?”
“Do you really want to know?” asked the DJ with a suggestive look on her face.
“N-nevermind” sighed Octavia putting her head back down.
Vinyl got up and walked over next to the cellist “Come on Octy, try and get some rest. You’re going to need it when we meet your folks tomorrow.” she said giving Octy a small hug and with a grey glow, she straightened out the tangled bed sheet and re-tucked her in.
“You’re right Vinyl, thanks.” She yawned again closed her eyes though her heart and mind were racing. Thoughts of Vinyl, some pink fluffy hoof cuffs, and a can of fluffy whip. Octavia knew that at this point she wouldn’t get a wink of sleep, she couldn’t let Princess Luna see what she was going to dream that night.
Vinyl walked back to the desk to get to work on her letter. Levitating the quill, she dipped the tip into the ink and thought about what to write. “Dear Manager of the Buckface Conductor of the Friendship Express…” After writing that she crumpled up the parchment and tossed it to the side. She grabbed a new piece of parchment and tried again. “To who it may concern? Or is it whom?... Why am I writing my thoughts?” She once again crumpled the paper and tossed it aside. This had happened multiple times through the night as she tried to get the best letter. She was down to her last piece of parchment and she sighed. “This is the last one I better make it count.”
Vinyl would dip the quill into the inkwell one last time her magic making it very easy to write what was on her mind. She smiled as she finally had the perfect way to word her letter.
“Dear Owner of the Friendship Express,
I have several complaints about a particular Buckface conductor you hired for the Friendship Express. There I was waking up from a nice nap to find the mare of my dreams cuddling with me. It was a dream come true, I mean, she was laying on me in the cutest way. But before I had a chance to relish it, that FLANKHOLE had to wake her up. Now I don’t want to cost somepony their job but that bucking dream wrecker deserves a good talking to. I mean, nopony should have their dream of cuddling with their special somepony wrecked so that a train conductor can leave right away.
P.S. I suggest that there be an awesome sound system added to the train as it is a rather boring ride. Feel free to contact me for detail about the sound system, I can hook you up with some wicked stuff. The wubs need to be shared.
P.P.S. Please ignore the pink heart covered parchment, it was the only one I had available and shouldn’t be seen as a way to lighten the message. Reprimand that conductor now so that no other ponies' dreams will be wrecked.
P.P.P.S. Follow me @theazurebuckr.
Sincerely,
DJ Pon-3
It had taken the DJ all night to come up with that perfect letter. The floor was covered in the remains of the fail letters but she chuckled softly after sealing the letter with a stamp. A groan from the bedroom made her ears perk up.
Octavia slowly got out of bed and stretched, her mane a mess from all the tossing and turning she did. “Vinyl I couldn’t get a wink of sleep because of this place. *yawn* what about you?” asked the cellist walking to the bathroom.
“Same, every time I did, you’d roll over and smack me with your hoof... and not in the fun way.” replied the unicorn.
“Vinyl if you're going to be so crude, please save it f-.” Octavia started and was cut off by Vinyl.
“For the bedroom?” Vinyl said with a wink pointing at where they were. This comment earned her a tired groan and facehoof from the grey mare. Vinyl smiled and walked over to the cellist and softly poked her nose. “Come on Octy, let’s find a place to get some breakfast. Coffee would do us both good right now.”
“I agree but where can we even find a place that would serve breakfast at this time?” Octavia asked pointing her hoof to the clock that showed how early in the morning it was.
“Not sure, but there has to be a place in town that has breakfast.” The DJ replied and with a quick adjustment of her glasses up her muzzle she walked towards the door the letter she wrote in her saddlebag and Octavia following in tow.
Having noticed the massive amount of parchment that riddled the floor the cellist was confused and looked to the DJ. “Vinyl why is that room littered with parchment?” She asked as she looked from the crumpled-up letters back to the DJ.
“Do you want the long version or the short one?” Vinyl asked and Octavia just shook her head and kept walking.
“You know what, I'm just going to let it go. Yes, let it go.” Octavia said more to herself than to the Vinyl.
“And here I thought you couldn’t hold it back anymore.” The unicorn said with a snicker before she followed the grey earth pony to the lobby. Right as they were about to head out the door, Octavia suddenly stopped causing Vinyl to bump into her with a umph. “What the buck Octy? Why'd you stop?” She asked to which the grey mare pointed to a pony standing at a podium.
“Look Vinyl that mare seems to be letting ponies into a place that looks like a restaurant.” Slowly walking over, she looked around confirming that it was indeed a restaurant. “What kind of love hotel has a kitchen, let alone a restaurant area?” She asked not noticing Vinyl sneaking off to mail the letter and quickly returning.
The yellowed maned mare smiled and laughed a little and she heard the comment from her new guests. “Oh, this isn’t a love hotel. This is actually a normal hotel and as our hotel’s name suggests, a hidden gem of Canterlot. This hotel is just like any other one outside the red-light district. We built here because it is cheaper for us and we pass the savings on to you ponies. My name is Sunflower Shine and I will be taking care of you today. Can I get you ponies a table?” She asked with a smile.
“Wait but if this isn’t a love hotel why are the rooms themed?” Octavia asked standing in shock.
“The hotel is modeled after a casino in Lost Pegasus. Plus, the themed rooms get us more visitors.” answered Sunflower.
“That explains it, and yes, table for two please.” replied Octavia.
“I just need a room card to check you ladies in.” said the yellow mare.
“Ok, here you go” said Vinyl levitating the card to Sunflower.
The mare looked at it and blushed. “O-oh, you two are staying in that room. Okay, you newlyweds are all checked in. Enjoy your continental breakfast.” She said returning the keycard with a small chuckle.
“What was that about?” asked Vinyl
“I don’t want to know.” replied Octavia as they made their way to their table. On the way, the cellist saw the object of her desire sitting on the burner. She walked over and grabbed the entire pot of freshly made coffee, sat down at the table, and started drinking it. As she lowered the pot, she saw Vinyl levitating a cup in front of her
“Mind topping me off their pal, be a friend. ha, ha, ha....” asked the DJ looking at Octavia who gave her one of those “mine” looks. “On second thought, I’ll just get it from the other pot.” she walked over and pored some in her cup sat back down and took a drink from it with immediate regret “Hoooot!” exclaimed the DJ waving her hoof at her tongue.
The cellist chuckled “What’s the matter Vinyl? Can’t handle your drink?”
“About as well as you can with Alicorn Ale Octy” replied the white unicorn earning her swift hoof to the back of the head. “Ow, Apples Octy. How do you still have so much energy after last night?”
“It wasn’t my fault that we didn’t get any sleep.” replied the gray mare.
“The way you kept shaking the bed I’d be surprised if you didn’t keep the neighbors up.” commented the unicorn.
Octavia was about to comment when she noticed not only Sunflower Shine blushing with a hoof up to her face to hide her smile but the other ponies around them as well. Thinking for a second the cellist realized how their conversation must have sounded to every pony else. This caused her to turn bright red.
“I mean seriously Octy, I didn’t know you could be so-” Vinyl got cut off by a grey hoof covering her mouth.
“Shhhh” said Octavia nudging her head to the other ponies.
“What?... O-oh.” replied the DJ understanding how this must have sounded to the other ponies.
“I swear Vinyl, you're going to have me die of embarrassment one of these days.” commented the cellist. “Now, let's get some food.” She said before walking to the tables looking over the spread.
Vinyl followed her and began looking over the assortment of food. “Continental breakfast huh? What is this? The pit of the donut obviously from Yakyakistan, and what do we have here? Tiny plums, these must be imported from the Badlands. And what is this strange tool? It’s not a fork and yet not a spoon, but something in-between, a Fopoon. Haha, what will you think of next Saddle Arabia?” Said the DJ making her way down the line levitating each object onto her plate as she commented.
Octavia groaned “Vinyl what in Celestia’s name are you talking about?”
“It’s continental breakfast, so the food is obviously from all around the world.” The DJ smiled as she looked at the cellist who just face hoofed in response.
“You know full well that Donuts were first made in Equestria, and those are grapes. The only one that confuses me is you calling a Spork a Fopoon.” replied the grey mare shaking her head. “Come on Vinyl, let’s just eat and go shopping.” said Octavia trying to ignore Vinyl’s antics.
After they collected their food, they sat back down at the table and began eating. At a certain point in their meal, they both began taking turns drinking from the pot of coffee sitting at their table. They were surprised to see that Sunflower Shine kept replacing the entire pot when it got low without any questions. When they had finished their breakfast, the mares left the hotel and made their way out of the red-light district to start shopping.
“Okay so the only thing I want is the latest record from Mystery Skulls, but it’d will be nice to just look around. I haven’t been here in a long time so it’d be cool to check out some of the new shops.” Suggested Vinyl pointing a hoof at the main district in Canterlot.
The two mares looked around from shop to shop though most of them weren’t open yet. Octavia showed the DJ some of the places that she’d frequently attend when she was a filly. “That is where I went to school and learned how to play the cello. My parents thought that instrument would make an Earth pony like me stand out in the music world. Well, at least they were right about one thing, despite being a pain in my flank.” Said the cellist looking at the school with found nostalgia, remembering a time when she admired her parents. A sigh left her before she moved on to the next area.
It was a park she used to play at but had to stop, something about needing to uphold a public image. “I used to come here often with my parents until they decided to forbidden it. I haven’t seen this place since. I always wondered what it looks like now.” She commented and started to walk away before being stopped by a tug of her tail.
“Well, they can’t stop you now Octy. Let’s go explore the park.” The DJ said with a smile and dashed to the park making Octavia run after her.
“Vinyl no. That park is…” The grey mare protested but it fell on deaf ears. Once inside the small park, she looked around at the flowers and trees. A small fountain with the royal sisters shooting water from their horns stood in the middle of a small pond. The pond led to a river that traveled over the side of Canterlot itself. The park was simply stunning and seeing the white unicorn resting her forelegs on a railing as she watched the water rush towards the edge of the city plate Octavia couldn’t help but feel calmed and a little romance in the air.
“This park is awesome. Look at the waterfall over there and the statue in that pond there. Why wouldn’t they let you come to this park?” Vinyl asked.
“They didn’t want me associating with the common ponies, we had to keep a public appearance so I just stayed at home practicing the cello as all my old friends would be here.” The grey mare sighed as she looked around. “I, just listened to them thinking they knew what was best.” She said and looked around the beautiful park. The white mare followed alongside her as they wasted time before that they would go shopping.
Vinyl noticed that there were more ponies on the streets now and smiled pointing it out to Octavia. “Look every other pony is up and about. The shops must be open by now. I tell you what, I’ll let you pick the first shop to cheer you up.” She said putting a foreleg around the grey mare in a half hug.
“Cheer me up? I’m not upset.” replied Octavia
“Sure, anyway let’s ditch this scene, we got shops to explore!” said vinyl pointing enthusiastically to the streets of Canterlot.
“That will be your biggest mistake of the day Vinyl Scratch.” The cellist said with a devilish grin. She pulled away from the DJ and took her to a rather small shop that was full of glassware.
The unicorn’s face dropped the moment she noticed Octavia walk into the shop. The shop was full of tea sets and other expensive China that Vinyl really didn’t care for. She knew if she walked in there that Octavia would ask her what tea sets, they should get that would match their home. She quickly looked around trying to find a way out when she noticed something. Her eyes lit up seeing a particular shop right across the street from the China shop. The white unicorn double checked that the grey mare was distracted and made a dash into the other shop to look around.
The cellist didn’t notice the DJ’s absence at first, not until she picked out a new tea set and some decorative plates. She turned and looked around to get vinyl’s opinion and noticed that she wasn’t there. Octavia sighed “Somehow, I just knew she was going to do this. Oh well, I’m getting these anyway.” she said with a smile walking to the check out.
The cellist left the shop careful not to break her new items which she had in her saddlebag. As she was leaving the China shop, she bumped into the DJ. “Get lost in front of the door?” Octavia asked a bit sarcastically knowing that Vinyl hates these kinds of places. It was then that she noticed a small object floating next to the white mare in a grey aura. “Vinyl.” Octavia said face dead panning. “I thought I told you to leave that rubber chicken at home.”
“Don’t worry Octy, this one is new and he is a hundred times better than the one I left at home.” Vinyl said with a smile giving it a hug.
“Vinyl Scratch I told you that we are not doing that plan.” Octavia said in annoyance.
“Come on Octy this little guy was begging to get bought, I mean, look what he’s wearing.” The DJ said moving the toy between them to give her a closer look. The chicken sported a black tuxedo coat with a small monocle and top hat that would flip up when squeaked and lastly, a mustache painted on the beak.
“Look what he’s wearing?!” Exclaimed the cellist.
“It’s classy.” replied the DJ making the chicken give Octavia a small bow.
“Oh okay.” Octavia said seeming to calm down only to flip right back to annoyed. “No, no it’s not okay.”
“Come on Octy, check this out.” said Vinyl squeezing the chicken.
To the grey mare’s surprise, it didn’t squeak but instead said “I say.” in a posh Canterlot accent causing the unicorn to laugh like a young filly. Octavia grabbed the chicken and squeaked it herself chuckling a bit hearing after hearing it go “I say.” again.
“Ok, I’ll admit that’s cute however, I demand you return it. I don’t want you getting any more ridiculous ideas from it” said Octavia hoofing the chicken back.
“Return Sir Reginald? Never.” replied Vinyl hugging the rubber chicken protectively making it squeak again. “Besides, I couldn’t even if I wanted to. You see I spotted Sir Reginald in the window of a store called Chicks R’ Us and went inside to buy him. Sure, there were other kinds of rubber chickens there but I just had to get him. And well long story short, after I left the shop, it mysteriously vanished, leaving only an empty lot and a bit of tumbleweed.” The DJ smiled sheepishly as she noticed that Octavia was looking right behind her.
“Ok, I’m not going to question why you went into a shop called Chicks R’ Us but the shop is literally right behind you Vinyl.” The cellist said pointing her hoof at it. “Now, let’s go and return it.” She walked up to the store and noticed a sign in the window in big red letters. “Per the Owner Marcus Moneybags: NO REFUNDS. Octavia turned to face the DJ “You knew about this didn’t you?”
“Ha, ha, ha... well you see, that detail was in the long version of my story.” answered the unicorn with a silly grin on her face.
Octavia face hoofed “Fine, but he stays at the hotel. Do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal. Hear that little buddy, your part of the family now.” replied Vinyl giving him one last squeak before putting him away in her bag with a smile.
The two musicians continued making their way around Canterlot stopping at random shops along the way. They visited some music shops, a candy shop, a dress store, even a parts place that many DJs would go for new equipment. Octavia had some fun learning about some of the parts that made up Vinyl’s turntable and what caused it to make distortions.
As they continued their small escapade Vinyl noticed something that got her excited “Hey look Octy, there’s a new movie out. Dangeresque 1: Dangeresque, Too?” said the DJ looking at the sign.
“Why did you say that as a question?” Octavia asked raising an eyebrow.
“No that is the title. Dangeresque 1: Dangeresque, Too? It’s the new film by Matt and Mike Canterman, you remember, they are the same ponies that directed Trogdor the Burninator. You loved that movie.” The DJ said looking at the movie poster eyes lit. “We have got to see this one.”
“No, I remember Trogdor, that movie was horrible. It looked like the whole thing was drawn by a pony wearing boxing gloves. You lost your movie picking rights for a year because of that, are you sure you want to risk that again?” asked the grey mare with a smile.
“Oh, come on Octy, live a little. Oh?... The Cutie Mark Crusaders are credited as co-directors and set designers? Huh, they really were into everything.” commented Vinyl. she turned back and looked at Octavia with puppy dog eyes and asked “So, we’re not going to see it then?”
The cellist sighed as she thought to herself. “If Vinyl only knew the pain, she puts me through to make her happy. Though I will admit, as terrible as Trogdor was, it was entertaining in a funny sort of way. Plus, Vinyl was so cute bouncing around waiting for the tickets.”
“Octy?” Vinyl asked a little concerned as the grey mare didn’t respond to her right away and it was odd. The silence was making her nervous as she stepped away from the poster.
“Fine, we can see it, once it comes out on video.” Octavia replied in defeat "I can never say no to those ruby eyes of hers”
The DJ was ecstatic and with a quick lunge hugged the cellist tight and repeated again and again. “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.”
Shaking her head with a small chuckle Octavia pushed Vinyl away slowly. “Yes, yes you are welcome Vinyl. Now I think that we have a record to buy. As much as I would love to continue avoiding my parents, I think it would be best to get it over with. We’ll tell them about our engagement and be on our way home before dessert.” She said holding her head up high having faith that their plan would work. “Now then, where is this store anyway?” asked Octavia
“Hold on, let me check” said Vinyl pulling out a flyer for a record store called 4y-Records from her saddle bag. “It says here that it’s right across the street from the train station” she answered, placing the flyer back in her bag.
“Well, at least we don’t have far to go.” replied the cellist as they made their way to the store.
Upon entering 4y-Records the two musicians branched off each looking around at different genres of music. As Octavia was looking at different orchestral ensembles to listen to in her free time, she overheard a pony at the register talking to the shop keep. “Hey, buddy, dude, guy, stallion, friend I need some new music.” he said in a saddle Arabian accent. The grey pony couldn’t help but giggle upon hearing that.
Meanwhile, Vinyl was intently looked for the record she wanted. Upon finding it, she saw to her dismay that it was already being listened to by another pony. This Earth pony looked very out of place inside the record shop. His coat was a light brown color, his mane was wild and onyx in color with sideburns that lead to a rather wild and bushy mustache. His front right leg was metal and he was wearing an explorer hat with a tan safari vest and a monocle. His cutie mark was a compass with a mustache over it just like the one he sported. Clearly, not what any pony would expect to see in a record shop. It surprised Vinyl enough to walk over to Octavia and point this stallion out.
“Hey Octy, you have got to check out this weird posh-ish looking pony listening to the record I was going to buy.” The white unicorn said with a pout.
“Uh huh.” The grey mare said still looking at the records only half paying attention to what Vinyl was saying at this time. “Sounds nice.”
“Wh… Octy, come on look at him. He has this wild mustache and funny looking explorer hat.” The DJ said pointing.
The description made Octavia snap her head up and look “Wait, could that be?” the moment she saw the stallion Vinyl spoke of a very uncharacteristic scream left Octavia’s mouth. “UNCLE TROTTERLOT!!!” The scream made everyone in the shop stop what they were doing, and look as the grey mare dove clear over the stand of records and tackling the explorer looking pony in a hug.
Vinyl just stood there as an awkward silence that filled the shop. The DJ’s bag dropped to the floor and the silence was broken with a “I say.” from Sir Reginald.
After that, the other ponies in the shop went back about their business and the white unicorn smiled and looked at her bag and said. “Thanks Sir Reginald.” and then walked to the pair of ponies.
The stallion stood back up and straightened out his hat as he looked at who caught him off guard. “Dear me, is that you Octy? I know I told you that silence is the best way to caught your target but that scream knocked even me off my guard. What brings you to this neck of the woods?” Trotterlot asked looking from her to the white unicorn that just walked over.
“Oh, Vinyl was looking to buy a new record from an artist she admires” said Octavia releasing her grip from her uncle to point at the DJ looking baffled.
“I see, so this must be your special somepony, and this must be the record your looking for.” deduced Trotterlot spinning the disk on his hoof
“Okay Octy, three questions; who is this guy? why is he calling you Octy? How do you know that we're special someponies? And lastly, how do you know I like Mystery Skulls?” asked DJ both confused and amused.
“How rude of me I haven’t introduced myself. It’s a pleasure to meet you Vinyl Scratch I am, Sir Trotterlot, at your service.” Trotterlot said with a wide-smiled and a salute to Vinyl with an odd twinkle coming off his mustache.
“Did his mustache just twinkle?” The DJ asked as she looked to the cellist.
“It is best to not bring attention to it.” Octavia said and smiled. “Also, I send him letters all the time.”
“Octy is very good at keeping correspondence. She writes about you a lot Miss Scratch and I knew that you just had to be her special some pony the moment I heard about the wedding. In fact, I was going to buy you this record as a wedding gift.” Octavia’s uncle said putting the record back in its sleeve.
“Really?” Vinyl said eyes lit up “But I gotta say, I am shocked that a pony like you digs the wubs, or believes Octy into mares.” commented white mare.
Trotterlot let out a small laugh before replying “Well I should know that, I practically raised her after all Miss Scratch. Her parents entrusted Octy to me over most of her younger years. I started to call her Octy when she started to play her cello and she hated it for a while. I just loved watching her get so worked up and the stunts she would try and pull to get back at me, but that’s a story for another time.” He said with a boisterous laugh.
“Uncle Trotterlot...” The cellist groaned in embarrassment as she looked down blushing.
“Not to worry Octy, I’ll keep those stories between us.” Trotterlot said with a wink before continuing “As for my liking of those wubs it reminds me of the tribal beats I heard in the Marezon. The Marezonians really knew how to boogie.” He stated as he began walking to the check out. "And as for Octy’s preference in pony's, you would have to be blind as a bat or in complete denial to not know.”
“Uh, well...” Octavia started and was cut off by her uncle who finished paying for Vinyl’s new record.
“This calls for a celebration. We are going to one of the finest drinking establishments that I know. Any pony who know anything about fine drinks knows that Celestia’s Castle is that best place to go.” The stallion stated.
“You are got it get us into the Princess’ castle?” Vinyl asked in excitement.
“What no, Celestia’s Castle is a hole in the wall establishment that I discovered years ago. It is the perfect place to celebrate your betrothal.” Sir Trotterlot said with a smiled leading the way to that hole in the wall he was talking about.
As Sir Trotterlot led the way, Octavia couldn’t help but notice that they were heading in the same direction as the red-light district. This worried Octavia for a second until her uncle turned and took them a different way more towards the castle itself. Just across the street from the castle was a building with an entrance that was a hole in the wall stood with the sign Celestia’s Castle. “So, it is a hole in the wall Uncle?” She asked confused.
“Indeed, it is pretty clever don’t you think?” Her uncle said with a smiled as he walked in. “They use magic to keep the temperature and weather controlled, pretty clever if you ask me.”
“That is cool and all Troty but why are we celebrating all the way out here when Octy’s parents are in the other direction.” The DJ asked as she followed Sir Trotterlot inside with Octavia bringing up the rear.
“Vinyl don’t call my uncle Troty, he hates it when ponies call him by that name. But she’s right uncle, we should really get going, Mother and Father will be furious if they find out we have been avoiding them all day today.” The cellist said concerned that she would get scolded for not reporting to them as soon as possible.
“Not to worry Octy, if this mare was good enough to strike your fancy, then Miss Scratch has well earned the right to call me Troty. And as for Harmony, you two just leave that to me. As much as I love spending time with my dear sister, I can’t see myself spending a full day with her much less an evening. Drinking will help make it bearable, and besides each time my sister speaks I feel my brain cells committing suicide one by one” He said taking a seat and looking through the drink selection.
Octavia and Vinyl did the same and looked over the drinks. Octavia didn’t want to drink too much after what happened last time. “At least I am not the only pony that finds spending time with mother unbearable at times.” She thought as she looked over the wine selections as she wanted to treat herself.
“Hey, look Octy, they have Alicorn Ale.” Vinyl said in a teasing tone.
“Never again Vinyl.” replied the grey mare giving the unicorn a look to end that conversation.
“Spoilsport.” retorted the DJ as she continued to look over the drink selection. “I think I will Minotaur Harvest. It says that it is an import.” She said smiling.
“I think I will stick with red wine tonight.” said the cellist.
“That is the spirit Octy, and I will try that Alicorn Ale you mentioned earlier. I will retrieve these drinks for us at once, Fun times hoooo.” Sir Trotterlot said as he walked to the bartender.
Once he was out of earshot Vinyl waved a hoof to get the grey mare’s attention. “Hey Octy, does your uncle know that the marriage is arranged or that it is too a stallion.” The white mare questioned
“I don’t think so, knowing uncle Trotty he probably invited himself unbeknownst. After all, he and mother don’t get along.” answered Octavia.
“Ok, then second question. how come you never told me you have a cool Uncle?”
“Vinyl my uncle is always away on explorations and researching the animals of this world and I knew you would want to meet him as soon as you heard about him. It is almost impossible to interrupt his research so I never said anything.” The cellist admitted sheepishly.
“Well, he seems like a cool pony. Why don’t we fill him in on what's going on and what we are doing, maybe he’ll help us out.” The DJ said thinking of ways he might help them out.
“You are right Vinyl but let me tell him okay. It needs to be broken to him gently.” The grey mare said softly as he was returning with the drinks.
“Fine, but if you take too long, I will step in and tell him myself.” The white unicorn said talking her drink from Sir Trotterlot.
“Did I miss something, tell me what Octy?” Troty asked as he looked at the two mares. He slid her wine over the table to her as he waited for her response.
“Well, it is complicated.” The grey mare started to say. She started to lose her nerves so she took a sip from the wine glass. The small sip turned into half the glass in a second before she tried to speak again. “You see the wedding that is happening next week is... Well, you see.” She said having a hard time getting the words out.
“Her parents arranged for her to marry a stallion. We don’t know his name or what he looks like. The only thing I know is that Octy is disgusted by the idea so me and some friends came up with some ideas to sabotage it. That’s why we’re pretending to be engaged to break off this yak shit wedding.” Vinyl blurted out causing Sir Trotterlot spit out his drink.
“You must be joking. Her own parents are trying to marry her off to a stallion? How can they not know?” He asked in shock as it was clear to anypony that Octavia wasn’t into stallions.
“They thought it was just a phase Uncle and think that if I marry a stallion, I will stop loving mares. I still love mother and don’t want to lose her so my friends are helping me find a way to break it off in a way that won’t upset her too much.” She said looking down at her glass nervously.
“I see” replied Sir Trotterlot taking a drink of his ale before continuing. “Well if there’s one thing I know, it’s that I will not stand idly by as my niece is wedded off to some undeserving pompous pony. You two just let me know if there is anything you need from me.”
“See Octy I told you Uncle Troty would help us out.” said the DJ putting a hoof around Octavia’s shoulder smiling.
“Thanks Vinyl, you really are the best roommate I could have ever hoped for” replied the cellist giving Vinyl a small nuzzle on the cheek.
“That reminds me, Miss Scratch mentioned earlier that you two had some other companions helping you out with this plan. Who are these ponies?” inquired Sir Trotterlot as he finished his drink.
Vinyl finished her drink before answering “Let's see, we have Lyra, Bon Bon, annnnd” the DJ scanned the bar for a second and smiled “Trixie.”
“Trixie?” questioned Octavia setting down her empty glass.
The DJ winked at the grey mare from under her glasses and began walking over to another table that had a blue unicorn sitting down enjoying a drink. “Trixie, I knew you would help us out.” Vinyl said wrapping a foreleg around Trixie and pulling her over to the table.
“The Great and Powerful Trrrixie, does not know how you keep finding her but Trixie will not be-” started the blue show pony before getting cut off by Sir Trotterlot introducing himself.
“A pleasure to meet you Miss Trixie I am Sir Trotterlot. At your service” said the explorer having his mustache twinkle again.
“That is the Great and Powerful to you simpleton.” replied the increasingly annoyed blue unicorn.
“My apologies young miss. Let me make that up to you. Barkeep, another round for us and the Great and Powerful Trixie!” Said Sir Trotterlot waving down the bartender.
The blue unicorn sighed “The great and powerful Trixie will have this one drink with you, but Trixie does not want anything to do with your plans”
The bartender brought the drinks to the table and walked back. Sir Trotterlot lifted his mug and said “Here Here, to Sabotage. Cheers!” And with the sound of clinking glasses they began to drink.
The four ponies had a few more drinks before Trixie left. Sir Trotterlot left the table to go and pay off the tab when Vinyl noticed Octavia looking a bit worried. “Hey, what’s up Octy?”
“Oh, nothing... I just wanted to apologize to you Vinyl.” answered the cellist
“Apologize? What the buck for?” questioned the white unicorn.
“Ever since I received that stupid letter, I have been so stressed and worried about everything. You must think of me as some silly filly for not wanting my life to change form what it is like now.” She said leaning on Vinyl’s shoulder for comfort.
“Octy, you’ll never be alone, not as long as I’m here with you. I am nervous to, but look at every pony that is here to help you. Trust me Octy, if there is one thing I know, is that I don’t ever want to lose you, and I’ll do everything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen.” Vinyl said in reassurance, resting her head on Octavia’s. For a moment, the two stayed like that and all their worries started to vanish.
“Well then, as much as I’d like to delay the inevitable, let’s make haste to get your idiotic parents. I for one...Oh...Sorry...am I interrupting?” Sir Trotterlot asked, just now noticing the how the two were perched up together like lovers.
Octavia blushed and pulled away from Vinyl as affection in public wasn’t something she was used to. She felt like everypony was looking at them. She looked around and her uncle laughed. “That isn’t funny Uncle Troty, you know full well that public displays of affection are frowned upon in Canterlot high society.” She looked down blushed wildly.
“Oh, to Tartarus with the high society. If you want to be affectionate with your marefriend then I say do it Octy.” He said with a smiled.
Octavia was going to say something but drink from her wine glass and sighed. Her stomach growled which caused her to look at the clock and sighed. “We should probably get going to Mother and Father’s house. Dropping in on them without notice will be worse if they started dinner before we got there.” She said.
Vinyl was about to protest but her stomach growled as well. They hadn’t eaten since breakfast and she was finding herself hungrier than she thought. “Yeah, as much as I don’t want to deal with your parents at this time, I am getting very hungry.”
“Agreed, but family does eat together.” Sir Trotterlot said as he looked thoughtful for a moment. “How silly of me, I forgot to bring your gift Octy, it’s a family heirloom I’ve been holding on to until your special day. I know we are not planning on having this wedding go through but I think you're ready to have it. I will accompany you ladies to the manor and part ways with you. Fret not, I shall return before dessert though I hope to make it back before dinner is over.”
The three ponies started the walk towards the area of Canterlot where the richer ponies lived. This made Octavia feel like a young filly walking home after school again but something inside her was telling her that she didn’t have to worry. Something about having her cocky DJ at her side gave her all the courage she needed. Holding her head up higher she took a deep breath and exhaled. “No matter what they say I will not go through with this. I am not a little filly anymore and I know what I want...and what I want is Vinyl.” She thought to herself, draping her tail over the other mare’s side.
Upon feeling Octavia’s tail draping over hers, the DJ smiled and walked closer to her cellist. The two leaned on one another as they walked toward the house and this didn’t escape the notice of Sir Trotterlot. He left the mares at the front door and turned to the two mares. “Ladies this is where we part ways for now. Give your parents no doubt that you and DJ Pon-3 are engaged.” the explorer said galloping off as to make it back before dinner was over.
The two waved goodbye and Octavia turned to face the DJ with a smile “Well, it’s now or never Vinyl. Please remember what we practiced on the train. Quiet dignity and grace.” said the cellist reminding the white unicorn as she tended to forget things, she didn’t deem relevant.
“Don’t worry Octy I got this.” The DJ said straightening her glasses with an evil grin. There was no time for Octavia to react as Vinyl reared up both hind legs and kicked open the two huge doors leading into the manor. She stepped inside and yelled out. “DJ Pon-3 in the house... Yeah, Yeah, Yeah.”
Octavia facehoofed after hopelessly watching the events unfold. “What part of that was quiet and graceful?” She asked in a groan.
“The lead up to me kicking the door open was pretty quiet and me not breaking anything walking in was graceful.” The blue-maned mare said holding her head up proud. It wasn’t until she heard the sound of glass shattering that she stopped and her ears dropped. “Okay, so I broke one thing but it’s not like it was anything priceless.” She said smiling sheepishly.
“’Octavia Melody!” Came an extremely displeased female voice from the upstairs. The two mares looked towards the inside of the house where the voice was coming from. The hardwood floors lead to a large white marble staircase that branched off to the right and left near the top leading to separate hallways. The place was blazoned with red and gold as it had been all her childhood. “You were meant to come alone. The letter didn’t tell you to bring your... so-called friend.” Harmony said as she walked down the stairs. She was about to continue when she noticed a shattered vase behind the white unicorn and gasped. “T-that was a priceless Steinway vase!” She said glaring at the DJ.
Vinyl looked at the vase and back at Harmony “Not any more...ha, ha, ha...I’llll stop talking now” The white unicorn said walking back next to Octavia.
The cellist nudged Vinyl and whisper “Say you are sorry.”
“Sorry mom, I didn’t mean to break the vase.” Vinyl said with as must sincerity as she could muster looking down.
“Did you just call me mom?” Harmony asked as she stepped back and scuffed. “That can’t be what I heard because you are not my daughter.” She shuddered at the thought of it.
Octavia knew she heard what her mother had heard. “Vinyl you have to be one of the dumbest ponies I have ever fallen in love with.” She thought and there was only one thing to do. Octavia hit the DJ hard in the back of the head.
“Ow, Octy you’re embarrassing me in front of mom.” Vinyl said and was once again met with a hard whack to the back of the head. This punch knocked her glasses down her muzzle. “Okay Octy, I get it. I’ll stop. Oww” Winced the DJ rubbing the back of her head with a hoof.
“I knew this would happen when you moved to Ponyville, we gave you too much freedom and this ruffian has begun to turn you into a violent pony. Octavia, you should move back at once, lest you turn into a ruffian yourself.”
“No, I will not return to this place and it isn’t what you think. It is just the only way Vinyl will stop talking about things she shouldn’t. I am not a violent pony Mother.” Octavia protested.
Alto Tempo walked into the main hall looking a bit annoyed at all the commotion taking him away from reading the paper. “Oh, Octavia you’re home.” He said in a rather far off tone. Alto never was the type of pony that took an interest in much but the news and his daughter when he had the time. Despite his career as a conductor he preferred to avoid having conversations with ponies outside of conducting his orchestras. He would mostly only talk with Harmony, while everypony else just got short comments or quick replies. He turned and looked at Vinyl “Oh, it's you.”
“Hey, what's that supposed to mean.” asked the DJ with a pout.
Octavia just facehoofed. “Vinyl, you are not helping matters right now” thought the cellist as she looked back at Harmony. “Look Mother, I brought Vinyl here to tell you that we are engaged.”
“How convenient that you would tell us of your betrothal after we had arranged for you to be wed. Your father and I went through great pains to find you a great stallion worthy of the Melody name.” replied Harmony, not buying it for a second.
“But we are, the timing was just coincidence. Look Mother, can’t we talk about this over dinner?” asked the cellist.
“Alto tell the chief to make extra seeing as our daughter brought along an uninvited guest.” said Harmony, a bit annoyed at the situation.
Alto nodded “Yes, whatever you want Dear.” and walk away.
Octavia’s mom looked back at the two “I can’t wait to hear the story of how you two got engaged. I trust there won’t be any inaccuracies in the stories you have.”
Harmony led the two into the dining room, Octavia and Vinyl sat down next to each other. Alto came back from the kitchen and sat next to Harmony on the other side of the table. One of the service ponies walked out caring some salad. After setting them down in front of every pony at the table he made his way back to the kitchen to prepare the next course.
“So, Miss Scratch was it? I thought that I wouldn’t have to deal with you again after our first encounter. Assuming this is not a charade, what made you fall in love with my daughter.” Questioned Harmony, looking at the two intently.
“Oh, that is an easy question. It was back when I got really sick after one of my tours. I came home exhausted and became really sick from eating nothing but hay burgers, drinking coffee, and getting little sleep. She took care of me as I was recovering but it stuck with me seeing how that was first time since I was a filly that any pony took care of me. That's when I started to have feelings for your daughter.” Said the DJ, digging into her salad.
“That’s right, I almost forgot about that, it was a little bit after you two came over to visited our house out in Ponyville. I thought it was the medications that were making you say that you loved me.” said the cellist chuckling at the memories of Vinyl over exaggerating her condition to get Octavia to keep bringing her hot coco and pudding in bed.
“So, you didn’t know when she fell in love with you Octavia? How odd for a pony not to know that.” Her mother commented.
Octavia, becoming increasingly annoyed at this interrogation answered “No Mother, I did not fall in love with Vinyl right there and then. I found her behavior to be foalish and annoying, and it stayed that way for the first few months we lived together. She was loud, messy, and if left to her own devices, would find new ways to prank me or change something in the house.”
“Octavia, if you are trying to sell me this farce of you two being engaged, then you are doing a poor job of it. Those seem like awful qualities for you to like from any pony in any sort of relationship.” commented Harmony.
“Yes, Mother but if you would stop interrupting me and just listen.” snapped the cellist before recomposing herself “I know those all seem like bad qualities but it was different with Vinyl. It’s how she acts about everything that attracted me to her. Carefree and yet caring, Cocky and yet sincere, she was so different from what I was used to that everyday seemed like a new adventure with her. I just didn’t realize it until she left for another one of her tours leaving me alone in a quiet empty house, just like how you raised me mother.”
Vinyl sat there shocked but didn’t show it any pony. The inside of her heart was fluttering like crazy hearing Octavia go on with the story. “This is just her acting? There is no way that is what she thinks. Or is it? I-I've never seen Octy like this before.” She thought to herself, finishing her salad.
“Watch you tone Octavia Melody, the disrespect your showing us is unacceptable.” Said Harmony looking over at Alto for support only to see him continue to eat his food. Octavia’s mom jabbed her father in the side to get his attention.
“What? Oh, right. Listen to your mother Octavia.” replied Alto, causing Harmony to facehoof.
“Stay here, we will be right back” said Harmony standing up and gesturing Alto to follow.
As Octavia’s mother disappeared from view the DJ turned to face her cellist. “Um, Octy it doesn’t seem like she's buying it.” She said in a whisper.
The grey mare shook her head and whispered back “It’s not that she isn’t buying it, it is that she won’t buy it.”
“Oh. But buck you were doing some good acting, I'm not sure how anypony could not be convinced that you love me.”
“Yeah, acting.” Octavia said quietly. Though she looked calm on the outside, the inside was a blender of mixed emotions. She wasn’t acting at all, the affection she felt for Vinyl was all too real...Not that she could tell the unicorn...couldn’t she? “What if she leaves... Vinyl I-I can’t lose you” thought the grey mare before her train of thought was cut off by a hug.
The white unicorn let go, hovered her glasses on top of her horn and looked the cellist in her eyes. “Octy I know it was a good try, but don’t think that this is your only hope of getting out of this arranged marriage. Even if they don’t believe us now, I’ll find a new one, after all, I made you a promised and not even Princess Celestia can make me break it.” The DJ said and then thought to herself “I won’t lose you Octavia.”
Feeling reassured, Octavia looked back at the DJ and chuckled a bit “You, you got a bit of lettuce on your nose Vinyl.”
“What, awww why didn’t you tell me sooner Octy.” said the DJ wiped off her nose and continued “And here I was trying to be cool.”
Octavia finished giggling and wiped a tear from her eye and said “Well, it worked. Thanks Vinyl.”
Harmony and Alto finished their conversation and walked back into the room and sat down just in time for the main course to arrive. A big bowl of spaghetti was placed at the center of the table and four new plates laid out before every pony. Each pony filled their plates and began to dig in.
“So, Miss Scratch what are you really doing here?” Harmony asked and looked to Alto for support only to see him not noticing once again as he was about to dig into his dish. The older mare groaned and facehoofed before jabbing her husband with a hoof “Alto, we just talked about this.”
The DJ chuckled and whispered to the cellist “I see where you get it from now Octy.”
“Um y-yes, why are you here Miss Scratch?” asked the stallion rubbing his side.
“I already told ya, to ask for your daughter’s hoof in marriage. Just because we are engaged doesn’t mean I can’t ask for permission.” Vinyl said still trying to salvage the plan.
“That’s nice in all but I’ll have you know that our daughter is straight Miss Scratch.” Harmony said through almost gritted teeth.
“So is spaghetti until you get it wet.” The DJ retorted waving a hoof over the dish before her. This comment earned her yet another hoof across the back of her head. “Ow apples, Octy. apples.”
“The only thing that this relationship has shown me is how this country musical charlatan has changed you.” Harmony said with great distain for the white unicorn.
“Frankly, Mother I don’t give a buck. You are disrespecting my fiancé and I will not be part of this wedding unless it’s to Vinyl.” Octavia said very clear to her mother.
“Sorry Octavia but that isn’t how this will go. Our family’s reputation is on the line and I will not have you ruin it.” Harmony said standing up and looking over at them. “So, I demand you stop pretending to be a fillyfooler and follow the plan your father and I have made for you.” she said
“Look Mother, you just have to accept the fact that I am not into stallions and don’t want to marry this mystery pony you picked out.” The cellist replied trying to be civil about it.
Alto cleared his throat as he prepared to say something to his daughter and Vinyl, but was interrupted by the door to the dining room busting open. In the door stood Sir Trotterlot with a saddle bag on and he smiled.
“Ah Octy, Miss Scratch, I see I made it back just in time for the main course.” Sir Trotterlot said as he walked over to the table and pulled the plate away from Alto. “Alto old boy, how are you?”
“Well, I...” Alto started but was cut off by the other stallion again.
“That’s great let’s catch up again later. Dear sister, what is this I hear about you trying to force Octy to marry a stallion? You can’t be that blind to not know she likes mares.” Uncle Trotterlot said and causing his sister to scowl.
“Troty what I do with my daughter is none of your business.” Harmony stated.
“Don’t call me Troty, Only, my closest of friends and fondest enemies may call me that, and you are neither.” The gentlecolt said to his sister. “Plus, I raised her more then you two ever did so it is my business.”
“That was an epic entrance Uncle Troty.” The DJ said clapping her hooves together and looked to Octavia but she had facehoofed from embarrassment.
“The only way to make an entrance is to make it big and loud right Miss Scratch.” He said with a hearty laugh.
“I thought you hated being called Troty.” Harmony said and eyed him for his reaction.
“By you dear sister yes, but Octy and my new niece over there have my full permission.” He said.
Harmony’s face grew red as that was taken as an attack on her. “Well I hate to burst your bubble Brother but you weren’t invited to the wedding.” She said in a cold tone that caused an uncomfortable silence to spread over the room.
The silence was unbearable for Vinyl so she started to fidget in her chair. She happened to kick her saddlebag knocking it over a familiar chicken squeaked upon falling. “I say.”
“Thank you, Sir Reginald.” The DJ said as she looked at the saddle bag.
Octavia looked around the room and slammed her hooves on the table. “Mother this is ridiculous. I can’t believe that you would even think that an arranged marriage would be a good idea.” She stood and walked over to her Uncle and hugged him. “He stays because he is family, just like Vinyl so get used to it.” Octavia said waving a hoof for Vinyl to join in on the hug which the white mare walked over and joined the hug.
“Octavia...” Alto started to say but was cut off by his wife.
“Octavia you will do as your told. I am your mother and I know you are lying about liking Miss Scratch and you are not engaged to this Ruffian!” She exclaimed in a fit of anger.
“How can you say that sister? It is as plain as the muzzle on your face. The only reason they are pretending to be engaged is because they haven’t worked up the courage to tell each other their true feelings yet UMPHH....” He was stopped by a hoof from both Vinyl and Octavia connected with his stomach. He gasped and groaned out holding his stomach. “I’m...I’m sorry Octy, I just got carried away.” Sir Trotterlot fell to the ground.
Vinyl stood there looking at Octavia a blush on her cheeks. “Octy I...”
“No, Not now Vinyl. Let’s just go back to the hotel.” She said and started walking to the door before turning around with a tear forming in her eye “It’s like I don’t even know you any more mother.” With that, she took off out of the manor in a gallop not wanting to be there anymore. She knew she would go back because they were her parents and no matter how upset she was at them, all she really wanted was their love and acceptance.
Vinyl helped Sir Trotterlot up and he dusted himself up. “Thank you, Miss Scratch. I guess I will have to give Octy her gift tomorrow. I believe that you and my dear Octavia have some things to talk about. Remember Vinyl, never let your target out of your sight.” He said with a smile and patted the DJ on the head softly and leaned in whispering. “I will do my best to change their mind.”
Nodded the white unicorn took off after the one she loved. It was out there now and it hadn’t come from her. Many thoughts ran through her mind as she galloped back towards the hotel. “Was Uncle Troty right? Did he see something through our act that we didn’t? Is Octavia really in love with...me?” She was out of breath by the time she reached the lobby. Slowly she made her way back to the honeymoon suite. She pushed open the door and would see Octavia sitting on the bed holding a heart shaped pillow, and a few tissues thrown about the room though she seemed to be done crying.
“Look Octy about what your uncle said...” The DJ stated but stopped when the cellist put up a hoof.
“No more lies, no more secrets. Vinyl I need to say something before I lose my nerves.” The grey mare started. While the DJ opened her mouth to speak, she just nodded. “Good, Vinyl earlier when you said I did some good acting when I was talking with Mother. Well, it wasn’t acting, I meant every word of it. You annoyed me so much when we first moved in together and you still do Vinyl but... whenever you went away for your shows, I found the house not as lively. I found myself missing those annoying things you did.” She paused and her ears fell flat on the back of her head. “Vinyl I miss hearing you in the house when you are gone, I miss your voice, your wubs, I miss everything about you when you are not with me.” She said and took a deep breath. “Do you know how hard it feels to hide your true feelings from a pony you love with all your heart but are scared that she will reject you because you are complete opposites.” Octavia buried her face into the pillow.
Vinyl stood there listening to Octavia till she was done talking. The unicorn walked to the bed slowly and sat next to the cellist and gave her a soft nuzzle at her neck. “Octavia I... I know exactly how that feels. I wasn’t acting either during that talk. I never told you my feelings because of the same fear. You took care of me with more care and love than I thought I deserved. I also found myself missing you when I left home. I started to bring a small cello key ring with me to make it feel like you were there with me when you were not. I agreed to this whole plan because the only pony that I wanted to see you marry was me.” She said stroking Octavia’s mane.
The cellist dropped the pillow and pulled the DJ into a tight hug. Her ears were no longer against her head but alert and listening to the pony she cared about most. “Vinyl, I know this seems a little silly question to ask now but... Will you be my special somepony?”
“Oh Octy, that is a silly thing to ask. Of course, I’ll be your special somepony. I have been since that day you took care of me. So, don’t worry Octy, you are the only pony for me, and that’s one don’t worry you can count on for life Octy.” The two mares looked into each other’s eyes and shared a tender kiss. Octavia leaned back on the bed pulling her marefriend with her into a warm and tight embrace. A weight was lifted off their chests no longer having to keep their feelings secret now. Their cares would melt away in the embrace that was long overdue.
“I love you Vinyl.” Octavia said with a tired smiled.
“And I wub you Octy.” Vinyl said sleepily the day finally catching up with them and they fell asleep in a loving embrace.