“Hey, Octavia,” I said as I cracked the door open and entered her hospital room. They had moved her to the recovery wing after her cuts had healed. Octavia sat up in her bed, the blankets rolling forward as she did. She still wore the hospital gown they had given her.
“Vinyl! The doctor came in today, he said I can go home! He said I’ve been doing a lot better about keeping my hoof well cared for. He suggests that I wear boots or socks but I don’t think it’s necessary.” Octavia’s smile made it hard not to smile at her.
I walked to her bedside and sat on the floor, my head even with her lap. That smile… How I wish I could just lay my head on your lap and fall asleep. “I already know. The doctor called me this morning and told me you’ve improved so much in the last week.” The anti-depressants have been the reason why.
Octavia tossed the blanket off and went to stand but I stopped her by placing a hoof over her heart. “Actually, you’re not allowed to leave this hospital-”
Her gasp cut me off, “But the doctor said-”
“I know what the doctor said, and he said that I have to push you out in a wheelchair.” I winked, stood, and walked over to the wall where a wheelchair had been waiting for use. Pulling the chair away from the wall with my magic, I moved behind it and pushed it towards the bed. Octavia stood and took a seat in the chair. She sighed and laid her hooves in her lap, letting her tail hide them.
“If you’d like, you can take the gown off. I brought your bow tie and collar,” I said as I fished them out of my bag. She smiled over her shoulder and took it off. She tossed it onto the bed and allowed me to tie her bow tie around her neck. After that I pushed her out of her room.
Once we reached the main lobby, I stopped and she stood up on her own. Her leg wavered as she put her weight on it. Her leg subsequently gave in and she stumbled, catching herself against my shoulder. I smiled over at her and she blushed in return. “You got it?” I asked as she stood on her own hooves and began walking.
I smiled; it was nice to see her on her feet again. Looking her over, she seemed perfectly fine, except that she limped as she cautiously placed her hoof. “Tavi, can I ask you something?”
Octavia paused and turned to look at me. My mouth went dry and I could feel my stomach clench tight. She tilted her head, waiting for me to speak but I just sighed. “You can ask me anything, Vinyl. You should know that by now.”
I sighed. We’ve already talked about our relationship and how this whole ordeal will affect us both, but right now, I need to focus on her. “Well uh... I was wondering if you’d like to go to a restaurant… I mean, when was the last time we went on a date?” I smiled sheepishly.
She smiled and her eyes lit up. “Real food does sound good, where did you have in mind?”
“Well, I was thinking we could go to the place we first met.” Even though we technically met four floors above the restaurant. We started walking again as she thought about it.
“Didn’t we meet at that charity event? That was at the top floor in a lavish suite. Something tells me that’s not what you meant.”
“That’s exactly what I meant. The bottom floor of that building is the Meiz restaurant. Everything above that is the Meiz hotel. We can even get a room there if you’d like.” Figuring she would take the bait, I had already placed a reservation for two, two weeks ago.
Octavia smiled her usual small, soft smile before giving me a light kiss on the cheek. “I’d honestly rather just go home and take a relaxing bath,” she said with a wink.
How could I deny her that? After spending so long in a hospital taking medicines and dealing with ponies teaching her how to walk again. Eh, can’t blame her. A bath does sound relaxing. I nodded in agreement. “So, um… Tavi, there’s something you should know about.”
“What would that be, Vinyl?” Octavia asked me, her eyes catching mine as I smiled. “I dove deep into my work while you were away. You remember that album I had to recall and remaster? I finished it off…” I trailed off, not sure how to continue the sentence.
“Well?”
“Well… When the newspapers found out we broke up, every reporter in Canterlot was on my doorstep for nearly a month straight. And then again, when they heard about your suicide attempt. I don’t know why, but everyone was buying the album and I had to find some pony to run my club; the place has been on fire for the last few weeks! I just can’t keep up with it. I hired a pony to run the club while I was here with you.”
“I see.” She looked at the ground for a moment. “So you gained popularity because of my stupid decisions.”
“It’s not like that, Octavia,” I said in a hushed voice.
“So then what is it like?” Octavia asked in a gentle voice to match mine.
“Well, yes, you did give me a boost in recognition and popularity, but the entire time I was working you were on my mind, and even as I tried to find you, ponies just kept getting in my way… Eventually I gave up and released the album with your song in it; ;that one you were playing on your cello. It’s one of the top ten songs this year.” I paused and looked over at her as we walked in silence for a moment. She didn’t reply so I continued. “I’ve signed into a couple record deals, so I’ll be doing a lot of business meetings as well as having to keep up with the club. I won’t let that take away from my time with you, though. I’m just happy to have you home!” I smiled and looked up to see Octavia’s bow windowed studio.
Octavia smiled and kissed my cheek lightly. “Vinyl… let’s go take our bath now, okay?”
“Sounds good,” I said, laughing a little. I galloped up the steps to the front door before thinking. I looked back down to see Octavia carefully taking her time climbing the stairs. “Sorry, wasn’t thinking…” I said quietly, before my ears pricked with an idea. I opened the door and held it for her. She smiled and kissed my lips softly before going inside.
Octavia lead the way into the dark hall and through the living room. As if everything had gone back to how things used to be, she walked passed the couch, opened the towel closet, withdrew a towel, and continued on towards the bathroom. She paused and turned back to me. “Vinyl? Don’t be too long, ‘kay?” She smiled and winked before disappearing inside.
It didn’t take long for me to hear the water. Once I did I veered off into the kitchen, withdrew a very old bottle of champagne, along with two wine glasses. I chuckled to myself as I started back towards the bathroom, stopping briefly to get a towel from the closet.
Octavia was already settled into the oversized bathtub (which I did upgrade). It was large enough now for the two of us to lay next to each other. "Oh, is that for me?” she asked as she sat up, the bubbles sticking to her wet mane as she moved.
"Only the best, for the best!" I placed the wine and my towel on the counter before stepping into the tub. Octavia moved her back hooves to the side and I laid down next to her.
She took the glass I offered to her and settled down into the tub. "Vinyl..." She laid her head against my shoulder and close her eyes. "I'm so happy to be with you again." She took a small drink of her wine and smiled.
"Same here, Tavi." I responded quietly.
Taking another drink of my wine, I moved my hoof from Octavia's shoulders to her back, rubbing it gently. "Tavi? Why did you sleep with him?"
Octavia let out a small sigh but shrugged. "He was a nice guy. He showed interest in my work and was a sweet talker. I didn't mean to do anything with him... But I can't say I didn't want to." She repositioned her head and nuzzled my neck, just under my chin. "I guess I was jealous of the mares giving him so much attention that night, I must have had too much too drink because I knew I could have him whenever I wanted... But I love you, Vinyl, I could never love a stallion like him the way I love you."
She finished off the last gulp of wine in her glass. "Would you like more wine?" I asked, levitating the glass from her hooves.
"No thanks, one's enough for now," she said quietly. I nodded and placed both our glasses on the counter with the wine. Mine was still half full.
I moved a hoof over her chest and pulled her close to my side. "I love you, Octavia... I don't want to lose you again." I pressed my lips against her dry cheek and smiled, "Time to bathe!"
As she began to protest I dunked her head under the water before slipping beneath the water’s surface, soaking my head as well. As I came back up and took a breath, I was facing Octavia now and she was ready. She splashed me in the face and laughed.
"Soap in the eye! Soap in the eye!" I said immediately feeling a sharp pain shoot past my left eye.
Octavia laughed again, "You deserved it!"
I stared at her dumbstruck, "I deserved it?" I smirked and splashed water back at her, aiming for her face.
She blocked it with her hoof, "Of course you do! Just like you deserve this." Octavia moved forward and pressed her lips against mine, her tongue quickly found its way into my mouth.
I laid back slowly and Octavia crawled over me, laying down on top of me. Octavia broke the kiss as her ears perked up, she smiled down at me. "Kinky, Vinyl?" she asked in a hushed, seductive voice.
Cocking my head to the side for a moment, I hadn't realized the top of my tail had been pressing up against her marehood this whole time. I kissed the side of her neck in an attempt to hide it, so I pressed my muzzle against her ear. "I blame the beautiful mare that's laying on top of me."
"Do you want her?" she asked, punctuating herself with a quiet snicker. She leaned away for a moment, making eye contact with me.
"Of course I want her... She just got home," I whispered before passionately kissing her again.
I felt something brush against my inner thigh as Octavia shifted on top of me. A moment later, a shock of surprise and pleasure shot up my back and forced a moan from my lips and into her mouth.
I felt her smile as she continued kissing me, so I returned the favor by lashing my tail against her. She moaned in reply, breaking the kiss and laying her chin on my shoulder. "That's just mean," she muttered as she took a shaky breath.
I smiled, trying not to moan again. "And you're not being a complete tease?"
"Fair enough," Octavia replied with a sigh before rolling off and laying next to me. "Just wait until we dry off."
I squeezed my eyes tight, not wanting to wake up. Vinyl was snoring like usual, so there was no hope of falling back to sleep. I slowly moved my hooves out from around Vinyl's waist before crawling out of the covers. Vinyl continued to snore as I stood. Putting weight on my dead hoof felt weird but I ignored it.
I couldn't help but lean down and kiss her cheek before leaving our bedroom and heading for the kitchen. I paused, feeling the urge to pee. I groaned; spinning on my hooves, I made my way to the bathroom.
As I finished my business I washed my hooves off and inspected my left hoof closely, making sure it had no cuts or scrapes. When nothing was found, I shrugged and headed for the kitchen.
I wonder if Vinyl has kept the liquor cabinets stocked... I thought as I started the coffee pot. Afterwards, I spun around and opened the cabinets in question. To my delight, there stood row after row of unopened spirits. As I sifted through the bottles, I stumbled upon exactly what I craved.
Pulling the bottle of imported Isle Cream from the shelf, I spun on my hooves dancing with the beloved bottle held against my chest. Landing on my good front hoof and finding my balance, I made my way back to the counter and prepared my cup of coffee.
I opened my Isle Cream and poured a good shot or so into the cup and stirred it in. I carefully carried the cup to the table and sat down.
After a small drink and a agh a tranquil satisfaction, I closed my eyes and listened for a moment.
Three...
Two...
One...
"Good morning, Vinyl!" I shouted just as I heard the bedroom door cracked opened.
I watched with a smirk as a very ragged looking Vinyl Scratch limped into the kitchen. "I smelled coffee..." she mumbled on her way across the kitchen.
"Aren't I supposed to be the one limping about?" I asked with a snicker. Vinyl's tail was tucked between her legs and one of those legs were being held awkwardly against her side.
"Too soon..." Vinyl said, finally taking a seat across from me. She took a drink of her coffee and glanced at the open bottle on the table.
I followed her gaze then looked at her. Vinyl had that look on on face, complete with a cocked eyebrow. I shrugged. "It isn't what you think."
"Octavia. You know I'm all for a drink or two in the morning, but you? You don't drink. I... I don't want to lose you again. Not when I just got you back." Vinyl looked down into her coffee cup, leaving me in a daze.
I'm not a drunk, am I? I looked down at my own coffee, allowing the silence to dominate and taint the room’s atmosphere. I am not a drunk! I don't need alcohol, I don't need to be wasted. I don't need to be lectured by her. "Just because I wanted to enjoy an Isle Cream coffee!" I shouted without even realizing it. That is, until I looked up at her and heard a small sniffle.
Vinyl looked up, small tears glistening on her cheeks. "I've got a breakfast meeting to get to..." With that, she stood and limped back to the bedroom to get ready for her day.
Glancing down to my cup, my eyes began to burn and a tear broke the surface of my coffee. I lifted the cup to my lips and drank half of it before getting up and refilling the cup with Isle Cream.
I managed to finish the cup off before Vinyl reemerged from the bedroom. She came back into the kitchen, and wrapped her hooves around me. “I’m sorry, Tavi. I didn’t mean to be that harsh on you… I know you’re going through a lot, and I do want to help… but I know you don’t drink… and I know you began because of me… I can’t help but feel responsible for everything you’ve put yourself through over the last few months.”
“It’s alright, Vinyl.” I said quietly into her ear, gently pressing against her chest with my good hoof. When she moved away enough, I kissed her. “You have someplace else to be right now though, I don’t want to be your reason for being late.”
“But Octav-”
“No buts, Vinyl.” I smiled trying to reassure her that I would be alright while she was out. Finally, after what seemed like forever, she nodded and kissed my forehead before turning and leaving. After she was gone, I stood and made my way to my studio. It was left just the way I had left it; everything had gathered a noticeable layer of dust and it looked as if no one had entered it since the last time I had stepped inside.
With a sigh, I took my prized cello off its throne and opened the case. There she stood, my prized instrument. The one piece in this entire world I missed more than any other.
I carefully stood it up and stood next to it, then I looked at the instrument, which I held upright with my good hoof. I glanced down at my bow, which still laid perfectly in its spot inside the case. I can’t play… The thought flourishing in my mind until it dominated my imagination. I can’t fucking play!
With that, I threw the cello at the ground in front of me. Anger flaring in my stomach as my body temperature drastically rose. Using my good hoof, I plucked the bow out of the case, stared at it for a few seconds before throwing it at the wall with enough force to knock my violin’s case to the floor.
I stormed out the door, slamming it as hard as I physically could. I heard more cases fall from the wall and hit the floor as I walked into the kitchen and grabbed the bottle of Isle Cream. I took a swig before popping the cap back on it and tossing it and a bag of bits into a satchel and leaving the house.
Oh man, I can't wait to tell her the big news! I'm so stoked! She opened the front door and walked into the living room. The lights had been left on in the kitchen, but there was no sign of Octavia anywhere.
"Octavia! Where are you?" After checking the bedroom and bathroom, I came to Octavia's study. I opened the door and was shocked by the scene. Octavia's instruments were scattered across the floor, her prized cello had been broken in half, only the strings keeping its neck attached.
I backed out of the room, rushed into the kitchen and searched for that bottle of Isle Cream Octavia had opened. It was nowhere to be seen.
I ran out of the house, plucking my satchel from the couch with magic as I passed by it. Running out into the street, I looked up. Damnit, Celestia! Can't you stop lowering the sun so early?
Looking down both ways I tried to think of where the closest bar was. I shrugged, turned right, and started running. I finally slowed down as the housing suburbs melted into small business buildings. Finally, I spotted the bar I'd been looking for. A little place with nothing more than an open sign hanging in the window.
As I approached the building, a pony stepped out of an alley and started walking towards me. "Vinyl? Is that you?"
The stallion stepped into the light of a street lamp. His black mane, long and ratty, and his pale fur, covered in mud and dust. But it was his glasses that made him immediately recognizable. "Neon Lights." I couldn’t help but notice the icy sting my tone carried.
Neon Lights immediately bowed before me. Without raising his head, he spoke in a shaken voice. “Vinyl, can… can you... ever forgive me?”
Trying to keep my voice from shaking up or choking out, "Stand up and repeat yourself," is all I could say without stomping on the back of his head.
He did as I commanded and repeated himself, while staring straight into my eyes. "Can you ever forgive me?" he asked pitifully.
My brow furrowed and I gripped his body in magic before stepping forward until we stood nose to nose. I punched him. A lot harder than I intended to; something in his nose cracked and blood began to drizzle from his nostrils. He cried out in pain and began to shake, squeezing his eyes closed for a moment before looking at me again.
"You did this to her! You drove her away! You drove her to drink and pop pills! You fucked her up inside and now she's suffering because of you!"
Tears began streaming from my own eyes as images flashed through my mind, images of Octavia and I together, the night she vanished. All the searches that had taken place, all the lonely nights after she was gone, the newspaper fronting her attempted suicide. All of it.
"It's all your fault! You took everything away from Octavia and in the end she paid the ultimate price!" Finally, I dropped him back onto the ground to keep myself from flinging him around like a ragdoll.
"I'm sorry! I didn't know she would kill herself over it!" He panicked but didn’t dare run away from me. He knew I was holding back on him, if only because we were once friends.
I stood over him. "She isn't dead, but you've taken away her meaning to live! You've stripped her of her music, she can't play anything now because of you! She gets to live but at the cost of her passion! Do you realize how important music is to her?"
He looked away from me, so I continued, "She lived to play her cello, as well as every instrument she had in that room. They were all her babies, and now over half of them lay on the floor, broken and abandoned."
He looked at me with remorse. "Look, Vi-"
"No, Neon. Go, get out if Canterlot. Because if I see you again... I will kill you." I walked passed him and swiftly kicked him just below his tail. He curled into a little ball as I walked away from him.
As soon got closer to the bars entrance, a couple who had witnessed it stepped towards me and held out a cigarette. "Wow, I can't help but feel a little sorry for him," said the stallion with a calm, quiet voice.
I accepted his cigarette as well as the light met his companion offered me. "He took advantage of a drunk mare and ruined her life. He deserves much worse."
"So why let him off so easy?" the mare asked me just as calm as the stallion.
"Because... We used to be best friends," I said quietly before taking a drag.
"Makes sense. One last favor, I suppose. Oh! By the way, I'm Alister and this is Parish."
I furrowed my brow immediately. "You're the two who tricked Octavia."
The white mare bowed her head. "Actually, it was this guy and Trixie Lulamoon who did that. I was not involved."
Parish glanced at Alister as if she wanted him to speak. When Alister finally noticed her staring at him, he quickly made a silent gesture towards himself mouthing the words, "Me?"
When she nodded he pointed his hoof at the ground, "Right now?" he mouthed again.
She nodded again and he rolled his eyes before looking back at me. "Look, I'm sorry, Vinyl. I tried to tell Octavia that I was sorry before she had us kicked out."
"Octavia's inside?" I asked, feeling a little dumbfounded.
"Yes, though she's not in a very good mood," Alister said as he rubbed a hoof against the back of his head.
I didn't say any more to him as I felt my rage melt away. Giving them a snort of distrust, I started for the door.
Parish turned and walked along side me. "I'm terribly sorry for what those two did to the two of you." The white pegasus sounded sincere with her apology.
"Look, your friend needs to just go away. I doubt you would know the pain I've been through. Though, I know you have no idea just how much pain Octavia is in." I glanced at her. I could see the hurt in her eyes and knew I said the wrong words out of pain and agitation.
"Believe it or not, Vinyl, I know what it feels like to lose someone... Not to death, but to herself. I also know what it's like to run away from my problems. Good luck saving her for her own..." She opened her wings and quickly glided back to Alister's side.
Ignoring them, I opened the door, and sitting there on a stool with her back turned towards me was Octavia. She was talking to the bartender, a dark blue unicorn with a light blue mane. A smile washed across my face as relief flooded through my body. I calmly walked through the bar until I came to stand next to her. The bartender stopped talking and simply looked at me. Without saying a word, Octavia glanced over her shoulder then back at the bartender and nodded. He smiled. “What can I get for you tonight, miss?”
I took a seat next to Octavia, noticing that her glass was nearly empty. “Two Apple Ciders, please.” He nodded and fetched the drinks, it didn’t take him long to return with them.
Octavia finished off what she had been drinking before pushing the glass aside and reaching the fresher drink. She looked into the glass. “May we have a moment, please?”
The stallion nodded again and walked to the opposite end of the bar where he began to wash dishes and clean the counter. Octavia looked over at me. “How’d you find me?”
“I saw your studio and noticed that my bottle of Isle Cream was gone. So I figured I’d start checking bars nearby. Luckily, this was the first one I checked.”
“So you knew I’d be out drinking…” She lowered her head as if she were ashamed of herself. “I don’t know what I should do, Vinyl. Music’s been a part of my life as long as I can remember. My mother used to play music for me when I was a foal, and when I was old enough she bought me my first instrument: a violin. After that, she taught me everything I know about music. She even went as far as to get me enrolled in the same musical schools she attended when she was my age. Now, I can’t even play the most basic of notes on any stringed instrument. I can’t play the piano because I can’t roll my hooves over the keys effectively… I just don’t know what to do anymore… I lost everything…” She choked on her last few words and began to cry.
The bartender glanced over as I lightly wrapped a hoof around her shoulders. “You may not be able to play anymore, but you haven’t lost everything, Octavia.” Kissing her cheek got her to look up at me for a moment. “You still have me by your side, and together we can find something to give you meaning again.”
The bartender's ear twitched and he came back down to us. “You must be Vinyl Scratch. Lady Octavia was telling me about you. How wonderful you are and how much help you’ve been. I know it isn’t my place to say anything…” He paused and looked at Octavia who simply nodded her agreement to let him continue. “She has been here since you left. She’s been here all mornin’, noon, and now night. She’s been here since you left for work, apparently.”
“Really? That long? Has she been drinking the entire time?” I couldn’t help but ask, because it was extremely out of character for her.
When he nodded, I felt my heart drop. “She told me she never used to drink, and when she did it was only on special occasions, but when she was out of town she apparently developed quite a nasty habit. She recognizes her problem and wants help, but it isn’t my place to do so. I told her-”
Octavia finally cut him off. “Vinyl, I told him everything. I needed someone to talk to, someone who wouldn’t try to break me down again. I don’t know if I can trust this stallion, but he hasn’t given me any reason not to.”
“She wants help, she wants to get better, but she can’t do it on her own. You have to help her,” he said, chiming in immediately after her.
Taking a drink of my cider, I looked at the bartender, then at Octavia. “Tavi, I think it’s almost time we head home. Okay?”
She nodded and drank the rest of her drink before standing up to leave the bar. She looked at me, nodded and started towards the door, only stumbling into the door frame once.
I caught up to her and pressed my shoulder against hers. I glanced around and there were no signs of Alister, Parish, or Neon Lights. I sighed in relief and kissed Octavia on the cheek.
Augh... My head's killing me... The pain that pounded against the back of my eyes as the headache roused me out of my dreams.
I slowly pulled myself out from under Vinyl's foreleg and quietly made my way out of the room. As I walked into the kitchen I stopped and looked at the liquor cabinet. Do I really want to make this headache worse? Wait ... didn't somepony used to say the best cure for a hangover is a shot of whiskey with your coffee?
With that, my mind was made up. I opened the cabinet and pulled out a bottle of whiskey, poured a shot and took it. I reloaded the shot before capping the bottle and placing it back where I had grabbed it from. I started the coffee pot before leaving the kitchen and entering the bathroom. Best part of the morning…
As I made my way back into the kitchen, I found Vinyl pouring two cups of coffee. She levitated the sugar and milk over the cup before stirring them. Vinyl finally turned around and seemed to be humming happily to herself.
"Good morning," Vinyl sang as she placed the two cups on the table across from each other. "Hung over? I can see why you had a shot sitting ready. You can take it if you really want... But honestly? Do you need to?"
She smiled and took a drink of her coffee, when I didn’t say anything, Vinyl continued. "So, how are you doing this morning… uh, besides being hung over."
I took a seat across from her and took a drink from my coffee. I couldn't help but smile as I looked at her. "I'm doing better though I really wish I could play my music again..."
Looking away from her and into my coffee, I could see my own reflection. "Octavia? Want to go out for breakfast? I don't have any meetings until later tonight, but I do have one place I gotta be at and they said they wanted you to come with me."
"Why would any of your business partners want me to attend a meeting with you?" I curtly asked as I glanced up at her.
She laughed and levitated the shot glass over to her. "That's beside the point. The question was if you'd like to go get waffles with me."
I nodded and she smiled, which made me smile. Vinyl took the shot and stood up as she slammed the shot glass onto the table, upside down. "Well, I'm going to go get ready. Gimme fifteen."
"Alright, I'll be ready to go." I watched as Viny disappeared into the bathroom and I simply looked at the now empty shot glass. Why didn't she try to stop me?
I looked down at my coffee then at the liquor cabinet, sighed, and took a drink of my coffee. Pressing a hoof against the side of my head, I looked down at the cup. I wish I could feel you again...
Emptying the cup and placing it back on the table, I heard the bathroom door open. I turned to look and saw her walk out. Her mane was down, which was incredibly rare for her. She had it straightened and parted down the right side of her head, and her tail had also been straightened.
"Vinyl, what's the occasion?" She ignored my question, simply giving me a wink before disappearing into the bedroom. I stood up and followed her. She was digging through our closet and eventually pulled a white shirt, a tie, and a black vest out of it.
"Get a dress or something on. Something nice but not too fancy. 'Kay?" she said without turning to look at me as she got dressed in front of the mirror.
"Okay." And exactly what are you up to... I quickly dug out a short red dress that was fairly tight around the hips and shoulders. It was sleeveless and had a small ring on its back for a mare to slide her tail through to help keep the dress in place. "Vinyl? A little assistance, please?"
Vinyl finished readjusting her tie before she spun around and used her magic to help put me on the dress. She also threaded my tail through the ring before holding it up for a moment. "HEY!"
She dropped my tail and blushed. "Sorry, saw something I liked."
This caused me to blush and then smile. It's nice to feel wanted again.
"C'mon, if we want to eat we'll have to hurry," she said, starting for the door.
"Wait, I'm not all that hungry just yet. Maybe we should just eat afterwards. I really don't want to get dirty while trying to eat, and to be honest I will probably get it all over myself."
Vinyl nodded. "Okay, well then let's go. We're going to the castle."
I nodded and followed her. "So that's why we're dressing up like we are."
"Yes, now come on, we might still be late if we can't catch a taxi and have to walk."
We made our way outside and Vinyl halted a taxi by stopping its wheels in her magic as it tried to speed past us. The driver looked angry. "Release my cart!"
"Look, get us to the palace, and I might pay double your charge," Vinyl said without missing a beat.
The driver sighed and stopped struggling. Vinyl and I climbed into the cart and she released the wheels. He took off at a decent trot, grumbling to himself. "Sir, why were you trying to speed by two very wealthy clients?" I asked, feeling like he may have a good answer.
He glanced over his shoulder. "My son's in the hospital and my shift just ended. I was on my way to him when you two stopped me."
"What happened to him?" I pressed, feeling a ping of sadness.
"He lost control while he was flying and ran into a building. His mother was a pegasus." The driver began running faster and I could see tears streaming off his cheeks. I’m lucky… to even be alive… This driver just got stopped by me… on way to the doctors to see his son, who is like I was and could be left much worse off than me.
“I’m sorry for our sudden inconvenience… How much do you make on the night cab services? Including tips.”
Without glancing back, he gave an answer. “About thirty percent of however many customers I transport. So about 100 to 200 bits a day, though I only work three nights a week, I’m on the day shift for two days a week. Those help me more. Even at twenty percent per passenger. Roughly 400 bits a day… So about 1,400 bits a week.”
I didn't know what to say. He was making a good living here, but his world was all kinds of fucked up. Suddenly Vinyl spoke up. "Sir, our meeting at the castle won't last longer than ten minutes. If you are willing to wait for us and give us a return ride, I can pay you 2,000 bits worth in gemstone. It'd be exchangeable with most any fashion designer or jewelcrafter in the city. Though, that's if you wish to actually carry that many bits around."
He looked back at her. "Ten minutes?"
"Yes, I'll even pay 500 in gems in advance, for the initial ride. You don't have to stay if we take too long." Vinyl's voice was smooth and sweet.
"Vinyl, do we have that much to throw around?" I whispered to her.
She smiled back at me and pressed her muzzle to my ear. "Of course we do. Besides, if we tip the drivers every once in awhile, they'll treat us with more respect and will actually help us out in the long rum."
"You mean 'run'."
"Oh, right... What'd I say?"
"You said 'rum'."
Vinyl laughed a little and it made me smile. "But still, don't you want to help him? He's fallen on hard times. What better way to make his day complete? He'll have more than enough to cover his son's hospital bills and possibly help his son recover faster."
I nodded and glanced up ahead, we were nearing the palace gates. As we approached, the driver slowed and came to a stop as two unicorns halted us.
Vinyl looked at the guards. "Ms. scratch and Ms. Melody here for a meeting."
The guards nodded and opened the gate so we could pass. The driver carried us through the gate and up to the main doorway. He unhooked himself from the cart and looked back at us. "You'll really pay me 2,000 bits to wait for you?" he asked, hope ringing in his shaky voice.
"Yes, kind sir. It's the least we can do to compensate for your time. I truly hope your son won't mind," I said sweetly as Vinyl helped me out of the cart.
"C'mon Tavi, we have a meeting to attend," she said as she started towards the front door. I quickly caught up and as we neared them they opened for us.
Once we were inside I glanced around. It hadn't changed at all in the months since I had last stepped inside. I followed Vinyl as she walked through the long corridor. Eventually a guard met us. "The princesses are waiting for you, ma'am."
He turned and walked away, so we followed. I glanced at Vinyl, unsure of whom the guard was speaking to. He lead us into a small room where three ponies sat. Princess Luna on the left, Princess Celestia in the middle, and Professor Strum on the right.
My jaw fell open when I saw him: the professor who teaches every high end musician. The only way to become a part of the Royal Orchestra. Him and I used to have coffee together before Orchestra practice... Until I disappeared.
Celestia smiled kindly and invited the two of them to take seats by gesturing towards them. We accepted them, of course, but I was still stunned by this rather pleasant delight. Although,I couldn't help but feel a ping of guilt for not having told him a word of what had happened. To him, a friend had just simply vanished. No trace left behind but a newspaper article.
"It's lovely to see you alive and well, Ms. Melody," said the professor in a somewhat raspy voice.
I bowed. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, sir. I’m sorry if I caused you any worry.”
He smiled at me. "Octavia, I would like to be the first to tell you that this isn't one of Vinyl's business meetings. I met with her shortly after you awoke in the hospital. I asked her to bring you here this morning for a very important reason." He paused for a moment to take a drink of his tea. "I've decided it's time I choose a successor!" he exclaimed with a chuckle.
"Wait, you’re giving up your position?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing!
"Not quite. I want you to be my successor. So I'll have to teach you everything I know, that is, if you accept my offer."
I glanced around until my eyes met Vinyl’s. They were bright with happiness. "Tavi, I know you always thought of Professor Strum as one of your idols."
I nodded, feeling my eyes begin to burn. Before I could speak, Celestia spoke. "I'd love if you were to take this position. However, I feel it's only fair if you know exactly what you're signing up for. If you choose to accept this offer, you'll need to know this is a lifelong career."
I nodded. "I accept your offer and would be delighted to study under your guidance again. Though, am I really qualified? I can't play anything anymore..." I looked down at the table, feeling a little ashamed of myself.
The professor coughed and grunted. "Octavia. That doesn't matter. Let your students be your hooves. You have the knowledge and the experience for this position. In fact, your disability just makes you more qualified."
"Then I accept your offer." I smiled, feeling tears roll down my cheeks. I stood and walked around the table. The professor also stood and faced me just in time to receive my hug.
"Octavia, I'm sorry to rush this, but our rides still waitin'," Vinyl said as she stood.
"Right, right. We should be off. Thank you again for this honor!"
The professor smiled. "Come here tomorrow afternoon, around two; we'll begin by revisiting subjects I've already taught you. I'm curious to see how much you remember."
With that, I followed Vinyl out of the room where a guard met us and guided us back to the entrance. The cab driver was still there, waiting. When he saw us, he laughed. “That took a little longer than ten minutes.”
“But you still waited for us,” said Vinyl, skirting the stallion and climbing into the cart. She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a good sized sapphire. “Sorry for not giving this to you when we went in. The meeting we had to attend was very important, and I guess I lost track of priorities.”
The stallion took the sapphire and dropped it into his “tip” drawer near the front of the cart. “Back to where you found me?”
“Yes please,” I said with a sniff, casually trying not to cry again.
I gave the stallion his sake of gemstones. “There you go, and thank you so much for your assistance. I hope your son gets well soon.”
Octavia smiled and nodded towards the front door. It didn’t take long for the stallion to peek inside the bag before nodding and leaving. I turned and and walked up the stairs and followed her inside. “Vinyl, I don’t even know where to begin! I mean, I’m so happy right now… I just…”
I pulled her tight to my chest and held her close. “I know, babe. I know. It’s a lot to take in, and it is a life changing decision. I’m just glad you’ll have a purpose again. You may not be able to play music, but you can teach your music to those students that pass under your guidance. Just like Professor Strum did for so many of his students.”
She pulled away. “I’m still hungry, by the way. You promised me waffles,” she said, smacking her tail against my cutie mark. “Get to cooking while I find us a movie on TV.”
I smiled and kissed her softly on the lips. “Two waffles with maple syrup comin’ right up!” I spun on my hooves and headed for the kitchen. I pulled out the waffle maker along with a bowl and the ingredients I’d need.
After a few minutes of making a batter worthy of only the richest hobos, I heated up the iron and dumped some of the batter into it. "How do you want 'em?"
"Golden!" she answered cheerfully. "What kind of movie do you want?"
"A comedy, and breakfast is almost done!" I placed two waffles onto a plate and dumped the rest of the batter into it. After I finished preparing her plate, I sat it on the table before taking my waffles off.
Octavia appeared in the doorway. "I got a movie ready, it's on pause." She took a seat and began eating.
I took my seat and began eating as well. "Hey, are you worried? I mean, I know it's a big choice and I think you should take the job, but-"
Octavia cut me off. "Vinyl, I'm going to take the job. One, because he's the one that taught me almost everything I know now, and two, because I know I can do this. It'll let me play my music and teach others how to, too." She ate the last few bites of her waffles and stood up to get herself a drink. I saw her pause and glance at the liquor cabinet before continuing to the fridge to get some water.
"Grab the wine; time to celebrate your new career!" I said as Octavia swung the fridge door wide open and found the wine. I levitated it along with two glasses out to the living room.
Taking a seat and gripping the remote, I checked the movie. "The Everlasting." Not sure what to think, I quickly read the movie bio.
As Octavia walked in and took a seat beside me I looked at her. "This isn't a comedy."
She shrugged and kissed my cheek. "I wanted to watch a romance."
I rolled my eyes and smiled. "Whatever you want, babe. Tomorrow, your new life begins. I guess I can give ya’ this one this time." I poured our drinks before I started the movie.
I got comfortable and so did she, laying down with her head and hoof on my lap. "I can't wait," she said, taking a sip of her wine.