According to Plan!
Harmony woke up early and yawned as she got out of bed. She looked over at her still sleeping husband and smiled. The ruby mare wanted to treat Alto to some breakfast and his paper, seeing how he had not been able to read it while the service ponies were fixing up the manor. The singer looked around her place as she made her way downstairs. ‘Those ponies really did a good job; I can’t even tell that this manor was destroyed by my brother and Miss Scratch.’ She thought to herself. Opening the front door to the manor, she levitated the morning paper off the ground and made her way to the kitchen. She started a pot of coffee and looked at the calendar immediately sighing with quiet frustration. “That’s right, I have to attend the last night of Wubapollusa with Sir Trotterlot... I wonder if I could feign sickness...” Harmony started to think of a few ways to bail out but sighed knowing that she made a promise. “Cursid integrity.”
It was then that she heard her husband start to walk down the stairs. Casting her future problems aside for the moment, her horn lit up as she filled a cup with coffee and placed it on the table next to the paper. “Morning Hun, I made you...” The ruby singer paused seeing Alto wearing a tie and a fedora instead of his morning robe. “Alto? Are you heading out somewhere?” She inquired looking back at the calendar with her head slightly tilted to the side.
“Ah yes, sorry dear, I forgot to mention that I have some things to do this morning.” Said the silver stallion giving his wife a hug and began walking towards the door.
“Things? You don’t to things.” The ruby mare remarked as she looked questioningly at the stallion.
“Yes I do, I thank enthusiastic walk through the streets.” The conductor replied gaining a groan and facehoof from the mare.
“But what about your paper?” Harmony asked pointing a hoof at the table.
The conductor looked longingly at his issue of Equestrian Daily and shook his head “Sorry paper, not today. I have an important meeting that is long overdue and can’t be late for it. I’ll be gone for most of the day so if I don’t see you before you leave.” Alto kissed his wife and started walking to the door again “Have a good time at the show.”
The ruby singer groaned and sat at the table putting her forelegs over her head. “Don’t remind me.”
The stallion chuckled at his wife acting overdramatic. “Say hello to Octavia and Miss Scratch for me.”
“Will do.” Replied Harmony, still buried in her hooves.
Alto shut the door behind him and started making his way down the streets of Canterlot. The sun was shining bright and the birds were chirping as the conductor made his way to a small diner on the outskirts of town. He had agreed to catch up with an old friend of his while he was still in town. A small bell rang as he opened the door alerting the staff of his presence. A host pony walked over to greet the customer.
“Morning Alto, would you like your usual booth?” Asked the worker in a cheerful tone.
“Yes please, I’m expecting an old friend of mine. If he's not here already that is.” Answered the silver stallion looking around the diner.
“Oh, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you both here together.” Commented the host pony.
“Yes, well, when you're constantly ‘exploring’ breakfast tends to a bit challenging. Ah, there’s that crazy stallion now.” Alto commented looking back at the door.
The bell chimed and a brown earth pony wearing an explorer’s hat came walking in and spotted the conductor. “Alto old boy!”
“Trotty! Good to see you again!” Replied Alto Tempo giving Sir Trotterlot a unique hoof shake and a quick hug.
“It's been too long old friend.” Said Sir Trotterlot as the two took a seat at their usual booth.
“Can I get you two some coffee?” Asked the host pony setting down two menus and levitating a note pad to jot down their order.
“Yes, I’ll have mine with cream and two sugars.” Answered Alto taking off his hat and setting it down next to him.
“Same.” Added Trotterlot also setting his hat down. The host pony scribbled down their order on the paper and walked away to get their drinks. “So, what have you been up to Alto?”
“Dealing with all the contractors fixing up the manor as of late. I finally don’t have to worry about dropping the front door on guests anymore.” The silver stallion commented happily.
“Ha ha ha, somehow, I just knew that you were going to bring that up.” Replied the explorer.
“Don’t worry about it, I hated the décor anyways, you and Miss Scratch really did me a solid.” Commented the conductor.
The host pony came back and dropped off their coffee. “Are you two ready to order?”
The two looked at each other for a second and replied. “We’ll have the usual.”
“Ok, one giant stack of pancakes and two plates coming up.” Replied the host taking the menus off the table and walking over to the chief.
The two stallions took a sip of coffee and looked around the diner. “Sure has been a while huh?” Commented Sir Trotterlot.
“Yeah, we haven’t eaten here since our University days.” Added the silver stallion.
“Every day it seemed like we were planning some sort of prank, capper, or party in this booth.” Reminisced the brown explorer.
“Right, this booth is where I came up with my second greatest plan of all time.” Alto said.
“You mean the one that landed you a date with my sister?” Inquired Sir Trotterlot.
“Indeed, she was always playing hard to get. But enough about me, word on the grapevine says that you and Lora are an item now. Took you long enough mate.” Alto stated chuckling.
“Ahem, yes, well, I have Octy and her friends to thank for that. I never knew Miss Trof- I mean Lora was interested in me that way. I thought we were just close colleagues through and through.” The explorer commented.
Alto shook his head and laughed. “Trotty you wouldn’t know you were in water if you fell out of a boat.” The conductor stated taking another sip from his coffee. “Honestly, all the letters you wrote about her screamed that she liked you.”
“I had other things on my mind brother, like science!” Sir Trotterlot exclaim in excitement as the host pony came back and placed down two plates and a big tray of pancakes in front of the gentlecolts. “Enough about that, I think you know the real reason I wanted to catch up with you Alto. I’ve been dying to know why you did it ever since I received your letter requesting my help.”
“Wasn’t it obvious old friend, the rift between our family was growing bigger and bigger with each passing year. It was at the point where I had to do something to get us all back together, the hard part was figuring out what. Harmony was growing as uptight as all those Canterlot nobles she works with and Octavia was growing more independent with her friends in Ponyville. I had to come up with something drastic to get them both out of their comfort zones in hopes that they would have no choice but to hash out their feelings towards each other.” Explained the silver conductor taking a bite out of his breakfast.
“That may be true Alto but an arranged marriage in this day and age? What if Octy said no to begin with, or worse, listened to her mother and went through with it?” The brown stallion asked brushing a crumb off his mustache.
“That's why I asked you to come here on such short notice. I knew Octavia would at the very least humor our ridiculous request with a visit and find some way of saying no. Figured with you here, she would stay long enough to go along with my plan and I can always count on you getting your sister going. As for the second point, I didn’t think I had to worry about my daughter marrying a stallion anytime soon knowing she’s had a preference for mares since high school.” The silver stallion said taking a sip of his coffee.
“You knew? Because it seemed to me that you didn’t understand your daughter’s sexuality.” The explorer stated taking a sip of his own coffee.
“That’s nonsense and you know it Trotty. Just because I don’t care, doesn’t mean I don’t understand. It’s hard not to notice the way she blushed or felt bashful towards the other mares in her orchestra. I didn’t mind it one bit, Harmony on the other hoof was in denial because she didn’t want that ruining her reputation with her associates.” Alto replied and he sighed softly. “Honestly, the only thing that threw me off that whole week was when my daughter suddenly agreed to that wedding. Well, that and how destructive my daughter’s friends are.”
“Ha ha, yes they certainly do have quite a knack for mischief, don’t they? Kinda reminds you of some ponies doesn’t it?” The explorer quipped with a smirk
“Ha ha, yes indeed it seems history does repeat itself.” The silver stallion commented with a chuckle.
“But still old boy, how did you ever convince my sister to agree to an arranged marriage? I didn’t think I was gone for that long and she surely wouldn’t have gone for something so ridiculous before.” Replied Sir Trotterlot
“Convincing my wife was the easy part, all it costed me was a bit of pride. Just thinking about how I had to act in front of her-” The conductor shivered in disgust remembering how he had acted before Octavia showed up. “No, the hardest part was finding a pony so repulsive that not even Harmony could stand him for long. I needed somepony who represented the ugly side of the Canterlot nobles and thank Celestia that I was able to find Monotone, talk about the perfect pawn.”
“And what if my sister didn’t come around in the end?” Inquired the mustached pony.
“Really? Between you constantly berating her on her actions and Monotone being... well Monotone, you’d have to be Prince Blue Blood not to change.” Alto replied and ate a little more of his breakfast.
Sir Trotterlot chuckled a bit before commenting. “Surely, you didn’t orchestrate everything that happened.”
“Not at all...And don’t call me Shirley.” Added the silver stallion getting a smirk from the Explorer “No, after getting everypony together, I had to stay in the background to not raise suspicion with my wife. All I could do was nudge everypony in the right direction and let events unfold. Honestly, if it weren't for you Trotty, things would have gone a lot differently.”
“Not to sound condescending old boy but what did you all do, after getting us all here that is?” Asked the brown stallion.
“Let me think here. Well, I felt really bad for putting my daughter in this situation so I pulled some strings with the owner of A Restaurant to let Miss Scratch get a reservation on Hearts and Hooves day. I gave him two tickets to the next symphony that I’m conducting and told him not to mention me when Miss Scratch called. Harmony and I went there so I could hoof over the tickets and when the bill came back, he gave me the two tickets to Wubapolusa that Miss Scratch tried to bribe him with.” Alto stated.
“You mean the ones you gave me?” Asked Sir Trotterlot.
“Indeed, I laughed when I heard you were taking Harmony as your plus one. Funny how things play out. After that, Miss Scratch came in wearing my daughter’s bowtie and kept bugging me for Octavia’s location. I tried being subtle and flashed the circled article in the paper about The Boating Pony in her face to no avail.” The conductor chuckled a bit before continuing. “I literally had to hit her on the head with it for her to get the hint.”
The explorer shared a laugh with his friend. “Yeah, that seems about right. From the little time that I have been acquainted with Miss Scratch, subtlety is not her strong suit.”
“After that, I had to get tickets for the Skytanic but something happened between Miss Scratch and Octavia that night. I had to hoof write a letter to Octavia’s friends pretending to be one of the service ponies that work at our manor. Figured I could use all the help I could get if things didn’t go right. It was a good thing I did too, thanks to whatever those mares slipped in his drink, I was able to wave all the castle repair costs on Monotone. His parents weren't too happy about that and cut off his allowance, you might be able to read more about it in the paper.” Alto commented and sighed. “I can’t wait to read the paper again.”
“Well, I have to hoof it to you Old Boy, it definitely seems like you truly brought the family together.” The brown earth pony said smiling.
“I’m just happy that everything went according to plan.” Alto stated as she finished his breakfast and coffee. “Thanks again Trotty, I really couldn’t have done this without your help. Now then, I am sure you have a rave to attend.”
“That I do brother, just do me a favor next time and fill me in on your plans before hoof.” Sir Trotterlot requested putting down some bits and getting up from the table. “Breakfast again tomorrow? I’m sure Lora would love to get to know you and my dear sister.”
“It would be a pleasure.” Alto replied tipping his fedora as he nodded.
“What do you plan to do now that it’s all over Alto?” The brown stallion asked.
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m going to read my newspaper.” He put some bits down for himself. “Try not to tease Harmony too much.” He joked leaving the diner to take a walk around the city.
“No promise their old boy, I plan on making her pay for all the trouble she put me through.” Trotterlot replied making his way to Lora’s place to grab a few things for Wubapollusa.
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There at a yellow house with black shutters, the adventurer was standing there with Sir Trotterlot’s saddlebag. “There you go, your tickets, a few glow sticks, and the tee shirts you wanted.” Said Lora Troft holding up one of the shirts for him to see.
The explorer looked at the shirt and smiled “Thanks Lora, these are perfect.” He commented giving the tan mare a kiss. He placed the shirt back in the bag and dawned it on his back.
“Don’t stay out too late, we have to leave first thing in the morning. King Midas’ golden hoof won’t find itself.” The tan mare explained.
“That will indeed be a most excellent adventure, after breakfast of course.” The mustached pony responded.
“Breakfast? You know we can eat on the boat.” Commented Lora.
“Yes, but Alto and Harmony would like to meet you officially before hoof. I’m sure King Midas can wait for pancakes.” Trotty said.
“Alright, but we leave right after.” Replied Lora giving the explorer a quick slap on the flank to send him on his way. The brown stallion smiled and waved as he left for a night of bass, family, and no doubly, complaining.
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Harmony was pacing around the front hall of the manor waiting for her brother to arrive. “Surely, he’s joking, there’s no way he’s serious about taking me to a... rave.” She said shuddering at the thought. Though a loud and confident knock on the front door seemed to reaffirm her worse fear. She slowly opened the door and folded back her ears at the sight of her brother. He was wearing a neon green shirt with the words ‘I know this’ on it and had tied two glow sticks on his explorer’s hat. ‘Sweet Celestia... He is serious.’ Thought the ruby mare.
“Greetings dear Sister, I hope you are prepared for a night of lights, dancing, and amplified Tribal Beats. I believe Miss Scratch calls them Wubs.” Sir Trotterlot exclaimed holding out his hoof in hopes that Harmony would take it.
The singer rubbed her foreleg and hesitantly asked. “U-um...Brother... C-can’t we do anything else? Other than this I mean.”
“Now now dear Sister, you promised me anything and I agreed to those terms. Are you trying to go back on your word?” Sir Trotterlot asked.
“No, I’m just not sure about this rave thing, can’t you make an exception just this once?” Inquired Harmony.
“I meant what I said and said what I meant and a Trotty is faithful one hundred percent.” The brown earth pony replied gaining a facehoof from his sister.
Harmony looked at her brother’s attire and had to ask. “At least tell me the meaning of your shirt. I know this...what?”
Sir Trotterlot smiled reaching into his saddlebag and pulling out a neon pink T-Shirt with the words ‘Pretty Rave Girl’ on the front. “You like it? I had Lora get us matching shirts for tonight's festivities.”
“No, No, No. There is no Bucking way I’m wearing that in public Brother.” Complained the ruby singer.
Sir Trotterlot chuckled. “Come on Harmony, it’s an old school song for some old school ponies... What are you doing?” Inquired the brown stallion seeing his sister bury her head in her front hooves.
“Please Princess Luna, wake me from this Nightmare.” Stated the ruby mare in hopes that she would open her eyes somewhere else.
“Nightmare? Don’t be silly sister, I bet you’re going to have a tremendous amount of fun. More fun then you have had in the past several years I wager ha ha...” Sir Trotterlot cut himself off after seeing Harmony raise one hoof to shot him a glare. The explorer coughed in his hoof “Ahem, anyway. The point I’m trying to make is that if you just relax and take in this new experience with an open mind, you may actually enjoy yourself. And besides, I’m sure Octy and Miss Scratch will be thrilled to see us there, so what do you say, dear Sister?” Asked the explorer holding out the pink raver shirt.
The ruby singer stood up and thought about it for a second before sighing in defeat. “Fine, Let’s go.” Harmony grabbed the T-shirt with her magic and put it on.
“You won’t regret this dear sister, Electronic music hoo!” Exclaimed Sir Trotterlot leading the way to the train that would take them to Wubapolusa.
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Vinyl was backstage with Octavia looking through her records trying to figure out what kind of mix she should play tonight. “Hmm, what do you think Octy? Should I keep playing my usual stuff or should I switch things up a bit for my last set?” She asked levitating a few of her older EDM records for her marefriend to see.
“Oh, you want my opinion?” The cellist asked playfully walking over to the records that Vinyl had pulled out. “Let’s see what you have.” The gray mare looked over Vinyl’s selections and noticed that all the songs she picked out were classics for the genre. “Feeling a bit nostalgic?”
“Ha ha, so you noticed?” Answered the DJ, feeling a bit bashful for her choices but loved them nonetheless.
“I think anypony who listens to music has heard of these songs at least once... What’s got you in such a retro mood?” Asked Octavia.
“Don’t know, just seems like a fun way to wrap up Wubapolusa.” Vinyl replied.
“Well, I for one, second that idea Miss Scratch.” Said a voice walking in behind them.
“Mother, Uncle Trotterlot!” Octavia exclaimed and rushed over to greet them with a hug. “So good to see you again.”
“Hello to you too Octavia, I hope you are well.” Harmony said returning her daughter’s hug.
After they broke each other's embrace, the white unicorn couldn’t help but notice the bright shirts that the two were wearing. “I know this – Pretty Rave Girl? Ha ha ha, I love it. We need to get one of those Octy.” Vinyl said pointing a hoof at the two.
“A-Absolutely not. There’s no bucking way I’d wear that in public.” Replied Octavia who was now blushing like Harmony.
“Like mother like daughte-” Started the brown stallion who was cut off by a hoof to the gut. “Humph...Okay, you made your point.”
“Did I miss something?” Octavia asked tilting her head slightly.
“Nothing at all.” Replied the ruby mare, trying her best to maintain her composer.
“Anyhow, I’m glad you two made it just in time for my set. I wanted to play some old hits that got me into this genre, any here that strike your fantasy Harmony?” Asked the DJ floating a few records in front of her in a gray aura.
“Me? I don’t think I know any of these...songs...” The singer stopped when she noticed a record that she once owned.
Sir Trotterlot looked over the mare's shoulder and saw what she was eyeing up. “Oh, I remember this one. If memory serves me right, I caught you singing along to this song when I had forgotten my saddle bag years ago.”
“Y-you heard that?” Harmony asked wanting to bury her head in her hooves.
Vinyl lifted up her glasses revealing a pair of now sparkling red eyes. “You can sing ‘One More Time?’ by Daft Pony?”
Right as Harmony was about to interject, Sir Trotterlot spoke up. “Well, of course, she can, my sister can sing anything after hearing it once.”
“Then it’s decided, I’m doing a retro set.” Replied the DJ turning back to her records to finish selecting her tracks.
“...What are you up to Vinyl?” Octavia asked seeing her trademark smirk that always leads to trouble.
“Nothing at all Octy.” Replied the white unicorn as she slid her shades back down and winked at the gray mare.
Before Octavia could continue Sir Trotterlot spoke up. “Do you hear that Sister? Did Lora pick out the right shirts or what?! Come on Harmony, let's make our way to the front of the crowd.” The brown stallion grabbed his sister’s hoof and started making his way to the crowd though the ruby mare let go. “Huh, what’s up Harmony?”
“Thanks for the invite but I’d rather watch the show from here.” The ruby unicorn answered, uncomfortable with joining the crowd.
“Suit yourself, I’ll meet you back here after Miss Scratch’s show.” The explorer said cracking the glow sticks on his hat.
Harmony sighed in relief as her brother made his way through the crowd of ponies. “Thank Celestia.”
“So, how's everything back in Canterlot Mother?” Octavia asked.
“Huh? You mean our manor?” Replied the ruby singer trying to figure out what her daughter was asking.
“Well, that, and everything else. Vinyl and I had to leave in such a hurry after all.” Clarified the cellist.
“Yeah, what happened to Minitone?” Inquired the DJ.
“Well, after the wedding, Monotone’s family was billed for all the damages that happened to the castle. His folks cut off of his allowance and he lost his only two fans after news spread of the Canterlot conflict.”
“He had fans?” Octavia questioned trying to think up of anypony who could possibly listen to something so devoid of emotion.
“Let me guess, Snips and Sails.” Commented Vinyl.
“Yes, I do believe those were their names, how did you?” Harmony started to ask before the DJ replied.
“Obvious choice is obvious.” Vinyl responded.
“Anyway, he tried to earn his money back with his conductor job but was fired for showing up each day drunk. He’s currently working at McHayburger cleaning up the foals play center. Apparently, he’s the only one small enough to do it.” Explained Harmony causing the other two mares to laugh.
“Oh, that’s perfect.” Stated Octavia.
“I know right?” Agreed Vinyl. It was then that the DJ notice somepony she had requested to aid her final set. “Oh, I’ll catch up with you ponies later, there’s something I need to take care of. Yo Trixie! Glad you could make it.”
“Let's get one thing straight, The Great and Powerful Trrrrixie is only here to help you with the special effects. It’s not like Trixie likes you ponies or anything.” Replied the Magician.
“...Well, that’s certainly an interesting pony.” Commented Harmony as the two walked away.
“Yes, she certainly is... umm, mother. May I ask you a question?” Octavia asked softly.
“Of course, what's on your mind dear?” Inquired the ruby singer.
“W-well, there's this thing I’ve been avoiding doing since I got here b-but it didn’t go so well the last time I tried... I know things are different from before but I can’t help but think that I’m rushing things again...” Octavia said nervously looking down at the ground rubbing her hoof on the ground.
“Is this about Vinyl?” Harmony asked trying to figure out what might be troubling her daughter.
“Shhhh, not so loud mother.” Replied the cellist looking quickly looking over to her marefriend to see if she heard anything. To the cellist’s relief, the white unicorn was still talking over the details of her stage with Trixie.
“Okay, so what exactly have you been avoiding with the mare in question?” Asked the ruby unicorn.
“W-Well, you see, I... I mean, after everything that happened over last week, I know she’s the pony I want to spend the rest of my life with but...but after what happened last the time... I-I just don’t know if I’m rushing things again. I mean, just how will I know when the time is right mother? What if she gets scared off again? What if she-” The cellist was cut off by her mother putting a hoof over her mouth.
Harmony took her hoof off the gray mare’s mouth and held her in a hug. “Octavia, sweetie, I am certain that if you tell her exactly how you feel, anytime would be a good time. Stop worrying about what happened in the past and talk with her.”
“B-but what if she feels like I am rushing things again?” Octavia questioned feeling a little more relaxed in her mother's embrace.
Harmony began brushing her daughter’s mane before replying “Shhhh. Octavia, I said don’t worry, about a thing.” The ruby mare put her hooves on Octavia’s shoulder moving her back a bit so she could look her in the eyes. “Because every little thing, is gonna be alright.”
Octavia smiled and put her hoof over Harmony’s. “Thank you, mother.”
The music stopped as one of the DJ’s finished up his set. He grabbed the mic and pointed to the crowd “Thank you everypony for coming! I’m DJ Kelb and yall have been-”
“Kleb-tastic!” Shouted the audience.
“Oh, looks like Vinyl’s up next.” Octavia said pointing a hoof to the stage.
Harmony turned around in time to see the announcer walk up and grab the mic from DJ Kelb. “Mares and Gentalcolts! Make some noise for one of your favorite Bass Droppers, DJ Pon3!”
Every pony in the audience started cheering while stomping their hooves on the ground. Vinyl got on stage and walked behind her turntable waving at the crowd. She levitated the mic from the announcer and shouted. “What up every pony!” She waited a bit for the crowd to finish their cheers before continuing. “For my last set, I plan on mixing things up by bringing you guys back some classic Wubs! That’s right, I’m talking all your favorite tracks from years past. And as an added bonus to all my fans out there, I’m bringing in a special guest singer to start us off, Harmony Sung!” Vinyl pointed a hoof at Octavia’s mom as a spotlight shined on her.
Harmony’s ears folded back. “W-wha-” She started but before the singer could protest, the announcer pony gave her a mic and pushed her on stage as Vinyl started playing Daft Pony. The ruby unicorn looked back at her Daughter for help but she just started clapping her hooves. Now standing on center stage in front of DJ Pon3, Harmony shook her head sighing, took in a deep breath while undoing her hair clip and started singing. “One More Time!”
Octavia chuckled seeing her mother going from never seeing a rave to being a part of one. Looking back over to her marefriend, the cellist noticed that she was completely focused on her turntables. The gray mare slowly reached in her saddleback and pulled out a small black velvet box. She opened it up revealing an engagement ring fitted with a ruby engraved with Octavia’s and Vinyl’s Intertwined Cutie marks. Inside the top was a hoof written note from Bon Bon: ‘Lyra and I loved your idea so much that we couldn’t help it. Call it a thanks for helping us get together. Love, Bon Bon’.
Octavia smiled taking Bon Bon’s note out of the box and placed both items back in her bag. “Okay Octavia, no more stalling. Tonight, you’re going to ask Vinyl properly.” She thought to herself looking back at her marefriend on the stage. Between the Music, Lights, and Trixie’s fireworks, Vinyl and Harmony were actually drawing in a huge crowd with ponies coming in from all over the place.
“Music’s got me feeling so free, we’re gonna Celebrate, Celebrate and dance so free.” Harmony finished the song bowing to the audience. As a bell in the song chimed, a Trixie smoke bomb engulfed the ruby mare as she unknowingly fell through a trap door and was caught by Sir Trotterlot.
“Nice of you to Drop in.” Commented the explorer setting his sister safely back on the ground.
“Mark my words I’m going to find a way to legally murder that mare.” Harmony said irritated for being put on the spot for something she never wanted to do.
The brown stallion laughed at her frustration. “Ha ha ha, you said the same thing to me years ago.”
“I am still working on it.” Replied Harmony brushing herself off. “So how do we get out of here?”
“Right through here dear sister” Answered the explorer opening a door that led into the crowd.
“...This is going to be one of those nights, isn’t it?” Commented the singer.
“If you are referring to a night of fun then yes! Onwards dear Sister, I hear my song playing!” Sir Trotterlot said dragging Harmony into the crowd that was dancing and jumping to Vinyl’s music.
Octavia watched as her uncle gave Harmony some glow sticks and proceeded to dance. Looking at a clock, the cellist saw that she had enough time to go to a stand that was selling flower headbands. The cellist knew it might be a long shot, but she hoped that they would have some hydrangeas to make a bouquet.
As the cellist approached the stand, she noticed Derpy Hooves buying a flower headband. Dawning the headband, the gray pegasus turned around and noticed Octavia. The mailmare smiled and waved at her “Hi Oct-” The pegasus was about to greet her friend only to trip over a cup causing her to fall in a summersault.
The cellist helped the mailmare back on her hooves “Are you alright Derpy?”
“I’m fine, thanks, Octavia.” Said the gray pegasus patting her head noticing that her head ban was no longer there. “Uh-oh, have you seen where my flower band went?”
The cellist pointed her at the mare’s neck. “It appears to be a necklace now.” Derpy looked down and smiled at her new accessory. Thanking Octavia once more the gray pegasus flew off to the main stage where DJ Pon3 was playing.
“That mare is certainly something.” Commented the pony behind the stand.
“Roseluck? What are you doing here?” Octavia asked, surprised to see another familiar face from Ponyville at this event.
“Oh, just making a few extra bits. Glow sticks, flowers, and drinks sell well at these kinds of events. So, what can I get you, Octavia?” Replied the florist.
“W-Well, I was wondering if you happened to have any blue hydrangeas on hoof?” Inquired the cellist.
The red-maned mare reached under her stand and pulled out a box filled with all sorts of hydrangeas. With a smirk, the mare looked back at the cellist. “We got ya covered. So how would you like them arranged?”
Octavia blushed a bit as she reached into her saddleback and pulled out the black velvet box. “Could you make a bouquet with this in the middle?”
The onyx maned mare gave the box to Roseluck who opened the box and smiled when she saw a ring. “So, who’s the lucky pony?” The cellist bashfully pointed Rose’s attention to the main stage.
“What? You and Vinyl are an item now?” The flower seller inquired.
“Y-yeah. A lot has happened over the last two weeks and, well, I’m hoping she’ll be my fiancée by the end of tonight.” Replied the gray earth pony.
“Say no more. I’ll make this bouquet right away.” Said the florist immediately getting to work. Octavia watched as she skillfully arranged each hydrangea in the bouquet in such a way to allow the velvet box to sit on the inside. For the final touch, Roseluck added a small pink bow tie onto the velvet box so it would stand out a bit for the special pony to see. “There you go Octavia, hope everything goes well.”
“Thanks Roseluck, I can’t thank you enough.” The cellist said giving the red-maned mare some bits and headed back to the main stage.
Vinyl just finished her set as the announcer came back on stage “Alright Everypony, Let’s hear it one more time for DJ Pon3!” The audience cheered as Vinyl left the stage. “And now for our final act, Stomp your hooves for the Princess of the Night, DJ LUNA!”
“HAZA! The Wubs shall Last Forever!” Exclaimed the black alicorn starting her mix.
“Good Show Miss Scratch! Wouldn’t you agree Sister?” Asked Sir Trotterlot.
“I-I suppose...” Answered the ruby unicorn.
“Come come now, it wasn’t that bad was it Harmony?” Questioned the brown stallion.
“No, it was rather enjoyable. That’s the problem.” Replied the singer.
The explorer chuckled. “Well if you want, I can drag you along to the next one.”
“Don’t push your luck Brother.” Stated Harmony giving him a stern look.
“Oh well. In any case, it’s getting rather late. We should say goodbye to Octavia and Miss Scratch.” Said Sir Trotterlot as he started walking towards their direction only to be stopped by his sister.
“No, I think it’s best if we make our leave here. Octavia probably has some private business to take care of.” Commented the singer lowering her hoof back on the ground.
Sir Trotterlot thought for a brief second before piecing together what his sister was talking about. “Ah, very well. We will be on the way then; I wouldn’t want us to oversleep and miss breakfast tomorrow.”
“About that, exactly what kind of mare is this Lora Troft?” Harmony questioned as the two made their way to the train station.
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As Vinyl left the Stage, she noticed her marefriend waiting for her. “What’s up Octy? Did ya like the show?”
“Y-yeah, it was lovely Vinyl.” Replied the cellist, trying to think of what to say to the white unicorn.
“Huh, is something wrong? Your acting kind of weird.” Inquired the DJ, wondering what was going on with her marefriend.
“What? No. T-there’s nothing wrong... I just, have something that I wanted to say to you is all.” Octavia said trying to muster up all her courage. ‘Oh come on Octavia. Now’s not the time to become nervous. Mare up, you can do this.’ She thought trying to psych herself up.
As Vinyl watched Octavia trip over her own words, she noticed something blue behind her marefriend’s back. “Hey, what's that Octy?” The DJ asked pointing a hoof at the bouquet of flowers.
“T-this is.” Octavia paused taking a deep breath to calm herself down “I wanted to give you these.” The onyx maned mare said holding out the hydrangeas while gaining the confidence she needed to tell Vinyl her true feelings.
Vinyl, not knowing what the gray mare had in mind, was excited to see the little arrangement. “Thanks Octy, how’d you know these were my favorite flowers?”
“Oh, a mare has her ways.” Replied Octavia smiling and waiting in anticipation.
Vinyl leaned in to smell the blue flowers when she noticed something weird sitting inside of the bouquet. The DJ’s horn lit up in a gray aura as she lifted a small velvet box with a small pink bow tie out of the flowers. “...Octy...is this?” Vinyl took off her glasses and opened the box revealing the ruby engagement ring.
“Vinyl, I know that you don’t want to rush things between us... And I know that I can be a little selfish sometimes, but hear me out. After everything that we’ve been through, I can always count on you to help me overcome any obstacles that life throws at me. I just wanted to remind you, that you can count on me to do the same. And if your still not ready, I’m willing to wait however long it takes. But trust me when I say that there is no other pony I’d rather spend the rest of my life with than you. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is. Vinyl, will you marry me?” The cellist shut her eyes after the confession, not quite knowing what to do next. But after a brief moment of silence, Octavia wondered what was going on so she opened her eyes to see Vinyl crying and smiling at the same time. “V-Vinyl?”
“Yes.” Uttered the DJ wiping the tears from her eyes.
“I’m sorry, what did you say?” Asked the cellist, not hearing her over the music.
“Yes!” Repeated Vinyl quickly wrapping her hooves around Octavia and giving her a long, passionate, kiss. The gray mare was a bit shocked at first but soon began reciprocating her fiancée's raw emotion. The music seemed to fade as fireworks lit up the sky, marking the end of the two mare's perfect night.
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We expect you both to be there so we will be in touch with the date.
-Love Octavia
Harmony had finished reading the letter that just arrived this morning from her daughter for the third time. The ruby mare placed the letter on top of the latest copy of Equestrian Daily as a small smile formed on her face.
“No bucking way, no bucking way. Alto! Alto get down here and read this letter from our daughter.” The joyful mother yelled out.
Alto Tempo was grumbling as he made his way into the room. “What is with all the yelling Harmony? I finally get some peace and quiet and you start yelling.”
“I can’t help it look at the letter.” Harmony pointed to the parchment resting on his morning paper.
“Can’t I read the Equestrian Daily first?” The stallion asked yawning before fear completely overtake him noticing the death glare his wife was giving him. “O-okay honey, let me see this letter.” He said picking up the parchment.
Dearest Mother and Father,
I am pleased to inform you that Vinyl and I are engaged and plan on getting married soon. There are still a number of things that we need to do before hoof and I was hoping you both would be able to help. Vinyl is working out a date for us to properly meet her parents for dinner, FYI, she also invited some of our close friends as well as Uncle Trotterlot and Lora Troft. Knowing Vinyl, I expect her family to be an interesting bunch of ponies but don’t you dare make that an excuse to not show up. You need to meet my friends and Vinyl’s parent’s formally before our wedding. We expect you both to be there so we will be in touch with the date.
-Love Octavia
Alto smiled as he reached the end of the letter. Octavia was once again reaching out to her family and Harmony seemed excited to hear from her. “Well, that will certainly be an interesting party. We’ll have to pick up a nice gift for the couple beforehoof.” Alto said setting down Octavia’s letter. ‘And now, time for this.’ The stallion thought to himself reaching for his paper.
“Sweet Celestia you’re right, we have to find the perfect gift for those two... We should talk to that yellow pegasus that I noticed following the girls for ideas. She seemed close with them. Come along dear.” The ruby mare responded pulling Alto away from the table.
“B-but my paper.” The silver stallion whined as he was pulled away.
“The paper will have to wait till later dear, we have things to do.” Harmony replied dragging her husband out into town to find a Sunflower Shine.
“Bucking running gags.” Alto muttered under his breath knowing that he wouldn’t get to read his paper today.
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Octavia opened the door to their home taking in a deep breath and letting out a sigh of relief. It was finally over and they were home to stay for a while. She walked to the couch and flopped down on it. With everything that has happened over the past two weeks, the gray mare was exhausted.
Vinyl walked in shortly after carrying her records and equipment. “Buck I can’t wait to just lay on the couch and pass out.” As the DJ walked to her room, she noticed her fiancée had the same idea “You too huh?”
“Uh-huh.” She muttered, face still buried in the pillows.
Vinyl finished levitating all her stuff into her room and walked back into the living room falling back onto the couch across from the Octavia. “Ahhh, time for some R and R.” After a brief bit of silence, a thought struck the DJ “Hey Octy?”
“Yes Vinyl?” Replied the gray earth pony.
“With the two of us being engaged now, who's bed are we sharing?” Asked the white unicorn.
Octavia thought about it for a second before answering. “I’m not sure... I guess we could talk about it over tea, I have been craving some earl gray for a week. Would you care for a cup?”
“Sure, why not.” Replied the DJ.
Octavia got up and walked into the kitchen to get the pot started. The cellist opened up the cabinets to grab some teacups only to notice that they were running low on dishes. “Hey Vinyl? Did you run the dishwasher before leaving?”
“No, I thought you had it.” Answered the white unicorn feeling like she was forgetting something.
“It’s okay, I’ll just start it now...huh... That’s odd, I don’t remember the dial going up to eleven before.” Octavia commented.
“Eleven huh... No, Octy wait!” Shouted the DJ but it was too late. The cellist turned on the Dishwasher but instead of the normal noises of water spraying, loud music started blaring out of the unit. The kitchen shook as the Dishwubber proceeded to clean their plates.
“VINYL!!!!” Octavia exclaimed in anger.
Vinyl giggled at her fiancée's reaction before replying. “Don’t worry Octy, I got this.”
The End