//------------------------------// // Chapter 3-Quit Pitching // Story: A Due // by StarkyShy //------------------------------// “This isn’t working out,” Octavia stated flatly.         “Well gee, I never would have guessed,” you snapped, rolling your eyes. “I don’t understand, why can we never get this part right?” You paced across the room in an attempt to calm yourself down.         “I don’t know why...” your partner mused, “...We should be getting better by now...”         “The concert is coming up, we need to get this done!” you muttered, beating your head on the wall. You swiped your sheet music and made your way to the door.         “Where are you going?” the mare called out.         “I’m taking a break, again,” you replied, pushing the door. “I can’t believe this...” As soon as you walked outside, you slammed the door, cringing as the thud indicated you used a little too much force.         You stared out the window, the rain still pounding down on the streets.         “It’s so close...” you groaned. Looking at the almost-flooding Canterlot. You decided to give it another shot. This time at a slower pace. You were alone for the moment, and all that mattered was the music. Puting the violin to your chin, your hoof started to tap as you faced the pouring rain.         “One...Two...Three...” You muttered to yourself. Playing the notes one by one, you played each one with grace. Not even missing an accent with the slower pace. As the impossible part approached, you felt your heart rate increase. Eyes closed, you took a deep breath, and concentrated.         You blinked. Did you really play it without a hiccup? You were about to double-check, when suddenly your ears twitched. You picked up another instrument’s sound.         Following your ear, you were led back to the room you recently stormed out of. Although it seemed rude, you put an ear to the wall to eavesdrop. Shutting your eyes, you heard the unmistakable sound of a cello. It was definitely your partner Octavia playing. You recognized what she was playing. It was the part that you two always had trouble with. Wondering how well she faired, you took a peek at the mare through the glass window in the door.         Your eyebrows furrowed, you were confused. Her eyes were completely closed, as if she memorized it already. Still observing, you watched her play. Your eyes widened, she was playing the infamous impossible part, full speed, with her eyes closed.         Your eye twitched. Has she been able to play this flawlessly the entire time, and she didn’t tell you? You were confused, furious, and had half a mind to just burst in and yell at her. You took a deep breath and kept it at the back of your head. You snuck back to the window, questions still plaguing your mind.         Why in Equestria would she hide this?         You took the bow in your hoof.         How long has she been doing this? You started at the beginning of the piece.         Why wouldn’t she tell me?         You started breathing faster.         What could she be hiding? Your eyes shut tight, teeth clenched. You placed your instrument on the floor. “I’m not gonna take it anymore,” You growled, and started stomping towards the practice room. Before you burst in the door, you stopped.         “What if she just got it right now?” Your mind started creating a scenario. “Yeah, she probably just made it right this moment. I must’ve overreacted...”         You started laughing to yourself for not being rational. You decided to spy through the window just to be sure.         Yep, there she is, still practicing. The earth pony was still playing her piece, hitting every note flawlessly.         “Well, it seems alright so far...” You blinked, continuing to spy on her.         As she finished, you smiled a bit, maybe she just found out how to perfect it. You started to turn around to walk back to your instrument, until your ear twitched again.         “Now if only he could master this part as well as I did...” the voice spoke with a twinge of arrogance.         Your eyes narrowed. Yep, now you have good reason to suspect her faking it. You ejected a large amount of air out of your nostrils, wondering what to do next. Putting a hoof to your chin, you decided to act.         You snatched up your materials, and stood outside the practice room door. Taking a breath to gain composure, you lightly rapped on the door. “Octavia?” you called out. “Mind if I come back in?” The mare sounded delighted to hear you. “Certainly!” You gave a gentle tug on the doorknob, making your way in with your equipments. “Do you mind if we try once more?” Octavia smiled, “By all means.” she replied, picking up her bow. You faked a smile back. You were onto her little secret, and you wanted to investigate. “So, four measures before the dreaded Presto?” “On your count.” You nodded, for now, the focus is on perfection. “One, two, three, four. One, two, ready, go.”         The two of you began to play. Your heart began the unmistakable thump-thump of nervousness. But you continued to make music. Your mind and hooves worked fast, struggling to hit every note. For a split second you took your focus off the music and onto Octavia.         She seemed to be struggling, her tongue stuck out like she usually did when the two of you practiced. It was small information, but you didn’t want to mess up now.         It seemed like a few seconds before you were at that flurry again. You were filled with more confidence this time. You were gonna make it happen.         You glared, hooves itching to play it right. This time would be the one. You started to play.         You shut out everything but the music. Your hooves shifting on the strings to get in position, you slid the bow hair across the strings so fast, you swore they were smoking. Pressing down harder on the chin rest, you felt the end coming until the next measure number. Your eyes gleamed, and you put the instrument at your side.         “We did it,” You stated.         Octavia gave a simple smile. “It would appear we have. Can’t believe we managed to pull it off.         You tilted your head. “Really? I would assume you would’ve pulled it off rather nicely.”         She blinked. “What exactly do you mean by that.”         You gave a casual shrug. “Oh, nothing. I just thought you out of all ponies would’ve perfected this a long time ago.”         Octavia gave a weak grin, “Oh, you’re just saying that...”         You took a step forward, “No, no...I think you’ve been practicing for longer than I think you have...” She bumped into the wall, your glare growing stronger. “...You already perfected the entire song, haven’t you?” “...I...Well...”