//------------------------------// // They Could Never Be Partners // Story: Thirty Minute Express Train to Story Town // by Predhack //------------------------------// “Good luck with your new work with DJ-PON3!” another pony encouraged Octavia as they passed. Octavia winced and turned to correct them to find the pony had already turned a corner and gone. With an irritated huff she continued her trip home. So far that day no less than five ponies had congratulated Octavia on her new music collaboration with DJ-PON3. Vinyl Scratch’s agent had recently announced that Vinyl would be releasing new mixes featuring the help of a special guest. This and her getting along with Vinyl was enough for everyone in Ponyville to make the assumption that she had roped Octavia into helping with her DJ work. Octavia sighed and pushed her way into her apartment. The sound of food sizzling and the smell of stirfry struck her nose. Wandering into the kitchen she found Vinyl vigorously shuffling carrot slices, peas, onions, tofu cubes, bell peppers, apple wafers and water chestnuts in a large wok. Octavia wandered over and Vinyl flicked an ear in her direction as she manipulated the wok with her magic to toss the contents into the air over and over again, after a moment she floated a bottle over and added a tiny bit more oil to the work and continued stirring up the ingredients. “Bell peppers AND apples?” Octavia asked, arching an eyebrow. “Couldn’t decide between them,” Vinyl explained, plucking a fork up from the counter, “They’re both good I’ll bet they’re great together.” “Uh huh…” Octavia watched as Vinyl scooped out a forkful of the stir fry and blew on it, then leaped forward and snatch the bite off the fork before the unicorn could get it. “Octy!” Vinyl protested to the triumphant looking earth pony, “I was testing that to see if it needed anything!” “It’s fine,” Octy said, swallowing her stolen bite. “Well, How’m I supposed to know that,” Vinyl said petulantly poising the fork for another stab into the wok. Octavia stepped forward and pulled Vinyl into a deep kiss. They lingered that way for a moment before finally separating and Vinyl muttered, “Welcome home.” Then Vinyl licked her lips thoughtfully. “Needs more nutmeg and ginger.” “No, it’s fine you’ll overpower the chestnuts,” Octavia countered. “Hm.” Vinyl gave the stir fry a long look. “I guess I’ll take your word for it. I’ll dish this out, can you go feed Drop? I forgot to do it when I got home.” Octavia nodded and doubled back into the living room where one wall was dominated by a 100 gallon fish tank. Next to it a goldfish bowl half full of goldfish sized crackers sat on a stand next to it. Octavia plucked one of these out and dropped it into the tank where the water caused it animate and begin to swim around the tank like a real goldfish. Octavia watched for a moment until the gold fish passed between two suspiciously placed rocks in the tank and a large bass darted out and sucked the goldfish cracker into its mouth. Satisfied, Octavia returned to the kitchen where Vinyl had laid out dishes on the small table they used as an alternative to the dining room when they didn’t have company. “I still think that’s a silly name,” Octavia quipped, sitting at the table. “Bass and bass aren’t even pronounced the same way you know.” “Yeah, but like I keep saying if it’s written then the joke totally works,” Vinyl countered. “Remind me again when the last time you’ve introduced your pet fish in writing?” “For his third birthday. Remember? Pinkie helped me make up the invitations.” Octavia rubbed her face with a hoof. “Right. Oh, news of your collaboration appears to be getting around properly. And everypony is under the impression that I’m your new partner.” Vinyl laughed. “Hey the offer for that is still on the table.” Octavia waved the offer off. “Maybe after the music festival when Lyra and I are done with our own collaboration. What was the name of the pony you’re working with again?” “Crossfade,” Vinyl said around a mouthful of food, before swallowing, “My agent picked this kid up someplace and figured we could increase both out audiences by doing this joint thingy for the festival.” “Hm.” Octavia nodded. “It’s sound, though I do wish that your agent had been more forthright in the advertising so I wouldn’t have to correct every third pony I meet.” “Sorry. I’ll make it up to you.” Octavia smiled. “I’ll look forward to it.”