//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: The Move // Story: The Beat of Their Hearts // by Silentpegasus //------------------------------// Chapter 3 The Move Steady Beat and Vinyl made their way through the snowy street’s of Canterlot. Beat kept silent as the two walked taking in deep breaths to calm his ever growing nerves, Vinyl was there for moral support and in case things went sour. When they arrived at the apartment Beat hesitated as he went to knock on the door. He looked over at Vinyl and gave a final sigh. “You sure you want to do this? I mean we can always send for your stuff and-” she was cut off by him raising a hoof. “No, I have to do this. If I let this go then they win, I won’t let them have the last laugh.” Beat then opened the door slightly to see the inside chain lock drawn across, he gave a small grin. “Perfect.” he breathed out. “I guess we’ll come back later when-” she was cut off by Beat turning around and kicking the door open. Vinyl looked in surprise with her jaw hanging low. Beat looked back at her with a smile on his face. “I have always wanted to do that!” he said as he trotted inside. Soon a pink pegasus with a light blue mane came running out. “WHAT IN THE NAME OF CELESTIA IS GOING ON OUT-” she stopped as soon as she saw the blue stallion standing in the door way with a blank look on his face.. “Oh......Beat......I-” she said weakly. “I’m only here to collect my things.” he said coldly. His attention then turned to a familiar grey pegasus trotting out of the bathroom. Beat ignored the two and trotted over to his piano, his horn began to glow and the large instrument vanished. “I’ll be out of your manes soon, just a few more items.” the pink pegasus opened her mouth to talk but couldn’t find the words, the grey pegasus trotted over to him and started to shout every obscenity ever used by ponies. Lilly tried to calm him down but it wasn’t working. Beat continued to pack up his things without muttering a word, once he was done he had a small duffle bag and a guitar strapped to him. As he was leaving Thunderlane blocked his path. “When you die cold and alone I hope I’m the last face you see, just so I can laugh at your death.” Lilly was in tears, sobbing on the floor. “Thunder......please....that’s enough.” she begged. “No! This guy is so stupid that he couldn’t satisfy his mare friend and lost his only love to his best friend! What a riot, and he knows that he’ll never feel that way again. Not that any mare would go out with him.” Anger was burning in Beat’s eyes, his hoof was shaking in rage. He was about to clobber the pegasus until Vinyl came in wearing her sun glasses. The two pegasi looked at her in surprise. Vinyl trotted over to the blue unicorn and brought him into a kiss. Beat’s mind was racing he looked at the her, she gave him the ‘play along’ gesture. As they separated Beat looked back at the pegasi, their faces were in utter shock. Beat made his way towards the door. “Thanks for the concern Thunderlane but I think I’ll be fine. Good luck to both of you.” he said with a smug grin. Once the two unicorns were away from the building the two broke into laughter. “And they say I can’t act!” Vinyl said with a laugh. “I know, very nice touch with the kiss, that sold it.” he said with a smile. “It looked like you were about to kill him, so I figured just some psychological trauma would suffice.” she said with a grin. “I have no complaints, I think I preferred to see their faces like that rather than in black and blue.” “Yeah, I call it a ‘fake out make out’.” she said with a small blush. “Yeah....I know.......totally platonic.” he said with a small blush. “So where to now?” “Next stop, Ponyville!” Vinyl said as she raised a hoof. “Fantastic! Lead the way.” he said with a smile. Vinyl and Beat managed to make the train in time. Beat spent most of the time looking out the window admiring the scenery. He looked next to him to see Vinyl who had a pair of headphones over her ears and was snoring away. Beat gave a small grin and laid his head back to catch some sleep. He started to dream, about his parent’s and sister. Beat felt himself being jostled awake by the train stopping, he looked to his side to see Vinyl’s head resting on his shoulder, as he began to move he felt her grip tighten around his arm. He leaned in and took off her head phones and began to whisper. “Vinyl, wake up, we’re here.” the white mare’s eyes fluttered open. Her red eyes then fell upon the blue stallion, she got up and stretched for a moment. “Sleep well?” he asked as she rubbed her eyes. “Yeah. Well let’s go, time to meet the town folk.” she said with a smile. The two unicorns got off the train and walking through the snow covered town. He saw ponies bustling around, a pony was giving out red hat’s with a red band and white ball on top. Vinyl got two, as she put it on Beat couldn’t help but stare at the mare’s beauty. He quickly adverted his eyes and threw on the hat. “C’mon, follow me.” she said as she grabbed his hoof and pulled him through the street’s. “Want some lunch?” she asked. “Sure, any good places?” “Yeah, Sugar Cube Corner. I know the owners, they’re really nice.” “Sounds good to me.” the two unicorns entered the bakery. The smell of sugar and frosting filed Beat’s nostrils. They sat down at a booth and were greeted by a hyperactive pink mare. “Vinyl! You’re back!” the mare said as she hugged Vinyl. “Hey Pinkie.” she said as she broke the hug. “We’ll have the usual.” Vinyl said as Pinkie shifted her gaze to the blue unicorn stallion. “HI! I’M PINKIE PIE!” she said with a massive grin. “Hello, I’m Steady Beat. Nice to meet you Pinkie.” he said as he shook her hoof. “Cool! Are you Vinyls colt-friend?” the two unicorns looked at one another and began to laugh. “No, Vinyls’ just allowing me to crash at her place while I look for a job here in Ponyville.” Beat said as he finished laughing. Pinkie started to laugh as well. “Oh sorry, I tend to jump to conclusions sometimes. I’ll be back with your food.” the pink mare soon trotted away. “She alway’s like that?” Beat asked as he looked at Vinyl. “Oh yeah. Pinkie is our neighborhood party thrower. I suggest you prepare yourself.” “For what?” “For the party she’s going to throw you.” Gear rolled his eyes. “Could you please ask her not to I’m not really in the mood due to......you know.” Vinyls eyes shrank. “Oh right. I’ll see what I can do.” Vinyl said as she went after the pink mare. Beat continued to sit and wait for the mare’s return, soon he heard the door open, a lavender colored mare with a purple and red striped mane trotted into the shop. She trotted over to Pinkie who was still talking to Vinyl. The three mares then trotted over to him. “Beat this is Twilight our local librarian.” she said as she pointed to the purple mare. He gave a nod and then looked at Pinkie who had a sad look on her face. “Hey Beat, Vinyl just told me and I completely understand that you’re not in a party mood, right now. So we’ll party later?” Beat looked back at the mare who’s lower lip started to quiver. How can I say no to that look? “Yeah fine by me, thanks for understanding. I’ll let you know when I’m in the mood.” he said as he gave the group a smile. Pinkie grinned back. “Oh right your food! I’ll be right back.” she then zipped away from the group, Beat and the two mares sat down a the table, Twilight sat across from Vinyl and Beat. “So Beat what do you do for a living?” Twilight asked. “I’m in the music business.” “Really? So’s Vinyl.” “Yeah, she told me.” “So how did you two meet?” Twilight asked Beat’s eyes shrank at the question, he looked over to Vinyl with a nervous look. “I saved his life.” Vinyl said in a cocky tone. Vinyl please don’t. “How so?” “He got drunk and fell in the river, I jumped in and dragged his flank to shore.” Close call. “WHAT? How did you get that drunk!?” “I just found out that my mare-friend cheated on me with my best friend, so I wasn’t exactly in the right mindset.” he sat in a low grumble. “Oh....I’m sorry I had no idea!” Twilight said with a nervous look on her face. “It’s fine. You didn’t know.” “So what type of music do you like?” “All kinds.” “Do you know any-pony famous?” “Other than Vinyl? Yeah.” “What? Like who?” Vinyl asked. “Well, I sold Living Tombstone some amps. I met Pony Cash while I was learning guitar and I’ve met a few others.” he looked back at the mares who’s jaws were hitting the table. “Beat, can I be your best friend?” Vinyl asked. “What?” “We have so much in common!” Beat started to laugh and ruffled her mane. “You know when I woke up this morning I had a feeling that today was gonna be a total bust, but I got payback on the ponies who stabbed me in the back, found a nice town to live in and I’ve got a new best friend.” he said with a warm smile, Vinyl smiled back at him. “So do you play any instruments?” Twilight asked. “Yeah, I can play the piano and guitar.” “Can you sing?” “A little....I’m not that good though.” he said as he scratched his mane. Twilight then got to her hooves. “Well I’d love to stay and chat but I need to get back to the library. Nice meeting you Beat.” she said as she trotted away from the unicorns. Pinkie soon returned with their food and the two scarfed down their food. The ventured back out into the snow covered town, as they walked through the snow covered town something in the back of Beat’s mid was eating away at him. “Hey Vinyl can I ask you something?” “Yeah what’s up?” she said as she looked at him. “Are you only hanging out with me because you feel sorry for me?” he said in a flat tone. Vinyl looked back at him with surprise. “What? That’s crazy! You’re a really nice guy plus we have a lot in common, why are you asking me this?” “Before I jumped off the bridge I had a fight with Thunderlane at a bar, he ended up winning. While he was beating my face in he said that he only hung around me was because he felt bad for me. At first I didn’t listen but what he say’s make sense, he was my only real friend.” Vinyl put a hoof on his shoulder. “Before I met him, I was a loner, never talked to any-pony. I was even distant towards my family, and now that I know that it was all a facade I just don’t know if I can-” he was stopped by Vinyl who enveloped him in a hug. “Beat, you have nothing to worry about I would never do something that mean, not to any-pony and definitely not to you. I mean I’m letting you stay in my house, are you saying you don’t trust me?” she said as she gave him a sad look. “No! It’s just that....I........ugh....I just need some time to get over this whole situation. I do trust you Vinyl, I really do and I appreciate all you’ve done for me.” he said as the white mare started to smile. “But, I just need some time to sort everything out and get my head straight.” “Yeah I can understand that with everything you’ve been through and all. Let’s just get you settled first.” she said as she stopped walking and looked towards a two story house. “C’mon let me give you the tour.” she said as she trotted inside with a smile. Beat followed her inside, It was a little cold but nothing too bad, she trotted upstairs she opened the door to reveal a very well kept room, spotless and not a thing out of place. “This is my roommates room, she’ll be back in a week, I’m sure that we can figure something out by then.” she said with a smile. Beat put his bags and guitar down and followed the mare to the other rooms, the next one was in complete and utter chaos, clothes were scattered, some empty soda and beer can’s were left lying on the floor. Beat looked over at the mare with a look of shock, Vinyl scratched the back of her head in embarrassment. “Heh-heh, I guess I should clean soon.” “Yah think?” he said in a sarcastic tone. She frowned back at Beat with an angry look and led him downstairs, Vinyl showed him the kitchen and living room. he took a moment o examine the game consoles she had collected. “No way, you have a Pony-dream cast, and Ninten-pony 64!” “Yeah my cousin was really into this stuff and so am I. I also have a new P-Box 720, you play?” “Oh yeah. Big time, do you have a Pony-Cube?” “I had one but it’s long gone, I think I lost it when I moved here. Bummer too, my favorite game was still in it when I lost it.” she said with a disappointed look in her eye. “Why?” “What was the game?” “Ugh! Why can’t I remember? It ad a blue hedgehog and some fox thing as his side kick, and they were fighting against some water monster.” A grin appeared on Beat’s face as his horn glowed, a plastic sphere with wires running through it materialized next to the two unicorns, soon a small box with a picture of the blue hedgehog on the cover. Vinyl’s eyes went wide at the items. “NO WAY!” “Yes way, this is my favorite game too, I’ve had it since I was a colt.” he said as he put the items beside the television set. “We can play after the tour.” “Awesome!” Vinyl then pulled a lever and a hidden door appeared from the wall. She trotted down the stairs and turned on the light. Beat followed her, his jaw dropped at what he saw. Vinyl had a full recording studio complete with a sound proof room and switch board. “My own recording studio/office. Feel free to use it anytime you want. Now c’mon let’s go play!” Vinyl hurried back upstairs with Beat in hot pursuit. Beat plugged the console into the television, he summoned two controllers and the two began to play, by the eighth our of playing Beat was beating Vinyl sixteen to three. “Ha-ha. Score one for me!” Beat said with a laugh. “Give me a break! I’m rusty.” Vinyl complained. “Yeah so am I, I haven’t played this game in years.” “Why? This game is awesome!” “My ex didn’t approve of me playing video games.” “WHAT! This game is a classic.” “I know! This game is my foal-hood in a nut shell.” he said as he raised his hooves. “Yeah man Sonic is a classic. Who’s your favorite character?” Beat took a moment to ponder. “I’d have to say, Gamma.” “Why? Isn’t he like a bad guy?” she said as she raised an eyebrow. “More of a tragic hero he-” he was cut off by Vinyl grabbing his arm, he looked over to see the white mare shivering. “Vinyl? You okay?” “N-no....I’m fr-freezing.” her shivering increased and began to feel light headed. Beat grabbed a thermometer and put it in the shivering mare’s mouth, after waiting for a few minutes he examined the thermometer. “Oh no...you’re hypothermic. I’ll be right back.” he teleported away and returned with a large wool blanket, he wrapped both himself and Vinyl inside of it. Vinyl’s face started to blush. “W-what are y-you d-doing?” “Using my body heat to slowly warm yours. If your temperature rises to quickly.....you could have a heart attack and die.” he said as he wrapped the mare in his hooves with the blanket around them both. “Wh-where did y-you learn this?” “I payed attention in health class.” he said with a grin. Vinyl tried to grin but the shivering didn’t allow her to move that much. “Hang on.” his horn began to glow, he levitated a filled tea pot onto the stove and ignited it. “Do you have a fire place?” “Y-yeah, it’s o-over there.” she said as she pointed with her hoof to the back corner of the room. Beat’s horn started to glow and instantly the fire place was ignited, he moved himself and Vinyl towards the raging fire. “H-how did you d-do that?” “I may have been a roadie for a heavy metal band who had a penchant for pyromania.” he said with a weak grin. Vinyl’s shivering started to subside, Beat’s horn began to glow, he started to pour the tea into two glasses and levitated them over to them. He looked at Vinyl who tried to grab the tea cup i her shivering hooves. “Looks like you need a hoof.” he levitated the cup to her lips and she began to drink the tea. She felt the warm liquid move down her throat warming her body, she wasn’t sure if it was the tea or the stallion with his hooves still wrapped around her that was making her face turn red. Somehow she felt safe in his hooves, she leaned her head back against the stallions toned chest and gave a heavy sigh. Beat’s face started to turn red and looked down at the mare. “Looks like I owe you one.” she said with a smile. Beat glanced at the clock and realized how late it was. “Whoa, it got late quick. It’s 11:00 pm.” Vinyl glanced at the clock and saw he was correct. “Where does the time go?” as she got to her hooves she stumbled, Beat caught her and hoisted her onto his back. “Let’s call it a night.” he said with a smile. He shut off the television and proceeded to trot upstairs with the white mare hanging onto his neck. Vinyl’s face was bright red as she hung on to him. They entered Vinyls mess of a room, Beat put the mare down on her bed. “Goodnight.” he said with a smile as he left the room. Beat closed the door and made his way to the other bedroom, he spent the next hour taking in the day’s events. Eventually his fatigue took him and he drifted off to blissful sleep.