//------------------------------// // Chapter Five- Redux // Story: The Music that Binds. // by Johnfreemanwepon //------------------------------// Vinyl was wandering, her ‘interview’ ending abruptly after the host got uppity about her being a fillyfooler and she stormed out. People who act like their opinion is the only one that matters deserve to observe that alone. It made her see something important, though. She had to tell Tavi how she felt, no matter what- Tavi hadn’t even really been into mares when they first met, but she was willing to try. All for Viny. Even if Vinyl was the last pony she wanted to see right now, she had to find her. Over the last few hours, Vinyl had been working up the nerve to do just that- pacing back and forth, between her home and Tavi’s apartment. Eventually, she got the courage to walk up the stairs and knock on the door. It opened, with the same stallion as before. “You again?” “Yes. This time, I want answers- where the hell is Tavi?” “Who’s asking?” “Who’s asking me?” He smirked. “Fair point, I’m Duke- a friend of Octavia. We were in high school together. Now, I answer, you answer.” “I’m Vinyl Scratch” He just stared, blinking as if he’d just had his first kiss. In response, I stared him down. At long last, I spoke: “So, are we just going to stand around, staring like morons, or are you going to actually tell me where Octavia is?” “... I think you might want to come in. This situation just got a hell of a lot more complicated.” *** In Ponyville, Octavia was getting ready for the party. It had been an exhausting day so far, and she hadn’t even gotten a chance to eat today- totally unrelated to the moving here for absolutely nothing. Hopefully, the party would have enough food and drink to make it worth it. She sighed, noticing that this is practically the first time she had been to a party without having to play for the guests. Hopefully, the formality of this party would be absolutely zero. She removed her collar so she would be less noticeable- her charcoal coat really helps in this situation, keeping her anonymous, and her collar would really be the only recognizable item she would’ve worn keeps her out of the spotlight. Just to be safe, she even let her hair down to make her even more faceless. Looking at herself in the mirror, she didn’t even recognize herself. Perfect. *** Vinyl sipped on her tea, noting the fact that the sun had already gone down. “So... What you’re telling me is that Octavia moved to Ponyville for me at the exact same time I moved to Canterlot for her, and you bought her apartment for a cut rate without any questions before she even put it on the market?” Duke nodded. “Interesting. So, do you think Tavi’s figured it out by now and left Ponyville?” “Doubtful, she would’ve called first.” Vinyl nodded, before saying “Okay. Thanks for the information. I guess I’ll be going now.” “Aight, good luck. Hope you are able to find Tavi.” Vinyl walked out and whispered under her breath “Me too...” *** Octavia was bored. The party had plenty of ponies there, but nearly all of them were either to wrapped up in the party or to bored to worry about Octavia: In fact, the only one who had was Pinkie when she commented on her appearance. Now Octavia was content with drinking herself into oblivion- something she had never though she would do. She sighed, feeling cold toward her surroundings. ‘So this is what it feels like to be depressed,’ She thought, downing another shot and screwing up her face. ‘Interesting, I always figured it would feel... darker. I just feel nothing.... As if I don’t care, but I know I do.’ Instead of further contemplating this, she just downed another shot. Snickering, she thought to herself ‘Drinking myself happy. Wherever I saw myself 10 years ago, this sure as hell ain’t it.’ She hardly noticed a single white unicorn with striking red eyes enter the room. Her hair was also let down, kept in front of her eyes like a shroud over a mirror. *** Walking in the room, Vinyl looked around. If Tavi had met Pinkie Pie (and honestly, everyone who came to Ponyville did,) she’d be at the party. Pinkie still noticed Vinyl, despite the lengths she went to disguise herself- thankfully, she understood her situation and simply pointed to where Octavia was sitting at the bar. Walking over, breaking through the throngs of ponies dancing to the (unfortunately) unmixed music. Sitting down near Tavi- but not quite next to her- she sighed. Right now, Octavia looked forlorn and was staring into her drink like it was a magic mirror. She looked helplessly beautiful, her hair mussed up and let down... she lacked the sophistication she usually carried, instead being beautiful in her own sadness. She felt like Odysseus seeing Penelope for the first time in 20 years. After a few minutes, she stood and placed a hoof on the back of Octavia. “What do you want? I don...’t...” She stopped as she turned around. Vinyl smiled. “‘sup?” Octavia jumped at her, pulling her into a tight hug and kissing her on the cheek. When she finally pulled away, she asked “How did you know where to find me? You obviously weren’t here earlier... Pinkie would’ve noticed.” Just then, Pinkie bounced over saying “I knew it! Pinkie sense never fails!” “... What?” they both asked under their breath, while Pinkie smiled brightly. “My Pinkie sense told me that somepony would be getting back together and I WAS RIGHT! You two are such a cute couple!” They both blushed and backed away from each other a little bit. She kept smiling, seemingly ignorant to the awkwardness that they were basking in right now, at least until she giggled and said “Oh girls, you don’t need to hide yourself! If you don’t act embarrassed, nopony will notice that something embarrassing is going on!” They couldn’t deny the logic of the pink pony. Vinyl still felt decidedly awkward, turning to Octavia and asking “... Do you wanna...” “Get out of here? Yeah. I was just about to ask the same thing. Although, I didn’t expect you to be the one to leave, what with the party and the musi...” “This music’s terrible. If I wanted to stay, it would be to fix this.” “THAT’S A GREAT IDEA!” Pinkie suddenly interrupted. Both Octavia and Vinyl stared, slightly shocked at the sudden interruption. “Don’t you get it? If Vinyl stays and DJs the party, Tavi can help, you guys can make all these ponies happy, I pay you, you get either of your old houses back, or a better house, and everypony’s happy!” They blinked and looked at each other and shrugged. “Why the hay not.” *** Vinyl stumbled along, giggling wildly. Octavia followed, planting a long, drunken kiss on her lips. Vinyl smiled, Pressing back into it. Eventually, Tavi pulled away, still smiling at her partner. She had done rather well on the turntables, even thinking up a few puns as they went along with their routine. They decided to head towards Tavi’s new home, which happened to be Vinyl’s old home. It was strange- Vinyl had wanted to get to Canterlot so quickly that she didn’t think to check who the buyer of her home was, letting her agent handle everything. Little did she know that who bought it would be the most crucial piece in her search. Now was not the time to ponder these things. She was drunk, hell, TAVI was drunk- rare enough in and of itself. Tonight could get very interesting. *** As they entered the house, Vinyl could hardly restrain herself. She didn’t need to for long, though- Tavi made the first move, pulling her into a deep kiss; something Vinyl had missed since they parted company last time. Even though she was inexperienced, she was still a hell of a kisser. Vinyl laid down on Tavi’s sofa- strangely close to where she had hers, come to think of it. Octavia followed, laying on top of her rather... suggestively. “Uh... Tavi...” “Mmmhmm?” “You know I’m a virgin, right?” “So am I. Is there a problem?” “... Are you prepared to do this? It... It’s a bit of a big leap...” “Vinyl, I would never have it any other way. I... I love you, Vinyl Scratch. I’ve never had a chance to say it... but it’s true. If you’re going to be my first, I’ve sure as hell done something right,” she said, smiling gently. “... You have never been sexier to me than right now. For lack of a better phrase, take me. Now.” Octavia didn’t need to be asked twice. (A/N- I’m sorry about the loooong time between the last chapter release and this. Stuff happens.)