//------------------------------//
// 1. Familiarity Breeds Contempt 
// Story: The Best Songs Come From the Soul 
// by Quicksear 
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Vinyl Scratch, the infamous DJ Pon-3, had always been known for being a bit of an eccentric. Her music was completely original; never before had its like been heard in the history of Equestria, and its popularity was matched only by her own.

And yet, she had decided to make her home in little Ponyville. Nopony really understood this, since she had been offered residences in really every major city in the land. And why she would decide to live in a small town two hours away from her radio station simply made no sense.

In fact, as I boarded our usual train headed for the K-Colt station just outside of Canterlot, I couldn't help but think that my roomate has been acting a bit off canter lately. It was probably a good thing that we weren't actually going to be airing today, since she was due for a holiday after three years of single-hoofedly managing the entire show, plus both my career and her own. Anypony could be forgiven being stressed by so much responsibility.

Today we were meant to give a tour to our first ever substitute DJ's and show them the workings of Vinyls massively complicated equipment. Of course I'd leave that to her, since only she actually knew how the damn things worked anyway. Instead I was due to have lunch with Beauty Brass to cover what would be happening in relation to our ensemble during Vinyl and my upcoming hiatus.

I spent the train trip in relative silence next to the unicorn that had done so much for me over the years. But knowing that did not help the awkward silence that had built up not only this morning, but over the past few months. There simply was nothing to say. I had always counted on Vinyl's garish behaviour to start anything, but lately she had been subdued, rather staring out the window, or spending all her time in our Cottage's basement with some equipment she had been working on.
I wasn't particularly interested in any of that, it would work itself out. Vinyl always found a solution to her own problems, and mine, in the end.

I got out of the train carriage once we stopped and with nothing but a cursory farewell I headed to the city centre and Beauty Brass.

Brass was at least easy to find. Not many ponies ordered a meal in a voice loud enough to make the waiter superfluous. "Brass! You're scaring the foals three blocks over!" I teased as I took a seat opposite her.

She quickly muffled her voice before greeting, "Oh, sorry...Hello Octavia."

I at least was well used to Brass's sousaphone voice, but it was a little over the top for others. The glares shot at us were tinged with recognition as the other patrons heard our famous names. With practiced poise, I ignored them, rather continuing with Brass;  "Well, I heard you order. I take it you went ahead and ordered my usual-?"

"Yes yes yes, now tell me...What is your plan for your...Holiday?" She said in what was for her a suggestive and conspiratorial tone.

I laughed a little, but mirthlessly, and replied, "Brass, really...Well, that may not be on the cards anymore, that is to say-"
"Oh? What happened! You two were getting on so well last time I saw you together!" She cut me off. Again.

I shook my head impatiently, "Brass, let me finish. Yes, Vinyl and I...Have feelings for each other, but what with working together, and all the pressure lately with our recording deals both coming through...No, I don't think it can work. In fact," I said cautiously, not sure if I should share this, "I'm thinking of moving out. Lyra has already offered me a place to stay."
Brass's eyes flared at the news. "But why? You love that cottage!"

I looked down, wishing the food would hurry up, and sighed. "Yes, I do...But lately Vinyl has been getting...Odd. Her music is getting better and better, but her head always seems to be elsewhere. She is short tempered and never makes jokes anymore. I...I am not very well suited to her at the moment. I tried to be affectionate, to help her, but she doesn't want it. She always used to try and get me into the basement with all of her old stuff, but now, I'm not even allowed to open the door. I don't know what happened, but we have drifted apart."

Brass cocked her head and looked at me thoughtfully. "I can't imagine you being affectionate, sorry Octavia. I'm sure you know the situation best, but shouldn't you try to just...stick by her? After your holiday, I'm sure you'll both feel much better and maybe you two can start over?"

I shook my head. "I don't think so Brass. This...Vinyl and I-" I tried to say, but Brass interjected.

"Just try! You two were so happy! Look at Harpo and me, we are completely different and we are okay-"

"BRASS!" I hissed over her speech, "I know that you have a wonderful relationship, but things aren't so smooth on the other side of the pond, understand?! Good day!" I stormed off, not hungry, just angry. Brass thought she knew so much just because she had found herself a nice colt. Well good for her, but things weren't so simple for me.

I should not have stormed away, but I could never go back and apologize, even if I was now terribly hungry. Instead, I ordered a few doughnuts from a vendor down the street and trotted around the streets of Canterlot.

When I fell into boredom, I returned to the K-Colt building. Vinyl noticed me and hurried to finish her tour, and immediately after seeing the interns off, she walked up beside me, “Hey,” she said, “When did you go to doughnut Joe's? Didja get me a cinnamon swirl?”

I felt momentarily guilty for forgetting to think of her, but maybe it was for the best; if I was going to go through with my decision, then it was time to begin parting. As such, I simply shook my head, and stood away from her, ignoring her confused look. We walked together back to the train station and got the first train back to Ponyville. Vinyl started explaining something to me about some or other pony she had spoken to, but I was too depressed by the days course  to pay attention, and eventually she drifted into silence as well.

When we arrived at our cottage, I stormed to the guest bedroom, too wound up to even think of sharing a bed.

Vinyl stood at the door behind me, a worried frown hiding behind her shades. "Hey, are you okay Octy-?"

I slammed the door and went to bed. I didn't need her then, and I ignored her presence.

"Oh...Okay, well...Goodnight..."