//------------------------------// // Let it Rock // Story: Broken Record // by Scourgeous //------------------------------// Vinyl look a long, deep sip of her soda, then focused on the clock, her eyes following the second hand around in circle. She tapped one hoof on the bench to the ticking sound. She seemed to drift into a dreamlike stance, just her eyes and hoof moving, but after a long time, she slowly began to hum to the beat. "I picked up some supplies, just enough food to last the both of us." Octavia reversed into the house, the bright morning sunshine falling in through the doorway. Her saddlebags rustled in the sounds of paper bags inside, and she began to unload onto the counter. She looked dreadfully tired, and her mane was messy and ungroomed. Vinyl glanced at her, her voice catching in her throat as she lost the beat. With a small mutter of annoyance, she trotted over to the other mare, eyes wary. "I owe you so much, Tavi." She breathed, looking down at her hooves. "No, you don't Vinyl. You pay me enough with your friendship." She smiled widely and looked up to see Octavia grinning too. She helped get the groceries away quickly, then they both went outside to enjoy the fresh air. It was warmer than the previous days, and Vinyl purred like a cat as the sunshine warmed her pale fur. She turned around and around in circles, then hurried after Octavia before she lost her. Shouldering her lightly, she smiled. "Thanks a heap, Octavia. Really. I couldn't ask for a better friend." Octavia blushed at Vinyl's praise, and she chuckled, setting her eyes back on the path. New doors were finally opening in her life, and Octavia was the one she wanted to go through them with. There was a twinge of pain inside of her when she wondered if Tavi felt the same way, and even more so at the feelings she was gathering. I haven't even known her that long, yeah she is really nice, but I shouldn't feel this way! Specially about a mare... She sighed and shook her head clear, putting a skip back into her step as they walked. They passed the Canterlot gardens, and Tavi stopped to chat with a few of her other, posher, musical friends. Vinyl lingered at the side, not enthusiastic about talking to the tartly Canterlot citizens. They soon passed them by, and stopped at the bakery for a treat. She munched into her cinnamon bun, staring off into the distance. Her mind was alive with thoughts of Octavia beside her, her breath and warmth so close. "It's a wonderful day," Tavi's voice broke her concentration. She blinked, then nodded. "Yes, it is. Much nicer than the cold." "I wonder why the Pegasus ponies decided to make it warm today. Winter Wrap Up isn't soon, is it?" "No... it's not." Vinyl found herself feeling less and less alert, and she rubbed her eyes, setting the other half of her bun on the plate. She felt Tavi staring at her inquisitively, and she laughed nervously. The walk home was calming, but Vinyl could feel her stomach turning over and over restlessly. She groaned a little under her breath, feeling her fever sicken her deep down. Once back at Octavia's, she hurried for the bathroom and splashed cold water in her face. Looking up at the mirror, she focused on making her breath even. Her reflection look bedraggled and exhausted, so she made a getaway for her room. She lay on top of the sheets, tossing from side to side from how hot she felt. Later into the night, she slipped down to a cool sweat, then dozed off into sleep. The next morning woke Vinyl with a start. A beam of light was escaping from between the curtains straight into her eyes. She muffled something into her pillow and turned over. She felt cold all over, besides a strong heat between her legs. She bit her pillow and growled, thrashing her tail. "Good morning, Vinyl." Octavia said, trotting into the room, smiling down at the groggy white mare. Unable to even say hello, Vinyl rubbed her hind legs together and pushed herself up. Tavi was opening the curtains, and she squinted at the bright light. Her legs continued to tingle, and she pressed her knees close together. Please don't tell me I'm on heat! "You okay, DJ Pon3?" Tavi mused, giggling to herself about the nickname. Vinyl forced herself to laugh a little. "Yeah, I'm fine." As soon as the mare was gone, Vinyl arched her pack and slid a hoof across her sweaty stomach, down to her crotch for the slightest moment, then placed it back on the floor. She was damp all over, and sticky and hot between her legs. She hurried for the shower and cleaned herself off in cold water, leaning against the glass and breathing in the moist air. She dried herself off roughly, trying to place the twinging feeling in her loins at the back of her mind. She stepped awkwardly down the hall and into the kitchen, when Octavia was making sandwiches for them both. Vinyl smiled and sat down by the table, grateful for the cold lino under her fur. They sat together quietly, just the sound of their chewing on the bread and tomato breaking the silence. Vinyl finished first, in a hurry to leave and find out how to quieten her body's calls. Tavi noticed how edgy she was, and kept glancing at her. The gray mare seemed less enthusiastic, her tail constantly flicking. Vinyl rose to her hooves and walked stiffly past Octavia as she did the dishes, hoping to leave the scene without a trace. But she paused as she passed her flank, feeling a familiar heat radiating from the mare. She snorted with content, glancing at Octavia's rear and noticing how she twitched ever so often as he forehooves worked on the dishes. "Vinyl?" She hissed, turning to glare at the white unicorn, disturbing her from staring. "S-s-s-sorry!" She yelped. She expected Octavia to lecture her about being rude, or be insulted and storm off, but she simply shrugged and allowed a small smile. "You too huh?" Vinyl's eyes widened, then she breathed a sigh of relief and nodded. "It's the worst feeling." "I know right? I wish I could control it." She nodded, still smiling from how open Octavia was with her. At least they could relate, and she wasn't just off with the fairies. Tavi looked up, eyes swirling with a mix of emotions. She looked as if she was about to jump off a bridge, scared, yet full of adrenaline. "And you know... the only way to make it feel better is do what it is telling you to do." Octavia suddenly put her hooves on either side of Vinyl, then closed her eyes and kissed her.