“So why are we going to this night club again?” Lyra asked as the String Ensemble, consisting of about seven or eight ponies total, walked towards the Night Pony. “Because Vinyl has a show, she came to ours so we go to hers...besides, she has a friend here and we have some news that we want everyone to hear.” Octavia said. “What is it?” Connor asked. “You'll see.” Vinyl said. They entered and Tom greeted them. Vinyl started the show, which was scheduled to end short, and order her and Vinyl's drinks. “are you sure I should be drinking?” Octavia asked when Vinyl handed her a glass. “Helen just said no smoking or drugs, but Alcohol is fine as long as you don't get shit faced drunk every night.” Vinyl said. “Who's Helen and why shouldn't you be drinking?” Connor asked. “That's the news we were going to tell you. Tom get over here!” Vinyl finished with a yell. Tom let his assistant take over the bar and then came over.
“Alright... so you all know we've been together for a month now right?” Octavia asked. They all nodded. “Well...I...Something amazing happened.” Octavia said. “What? Did one of you propose?!” Bon Bon asked. “No...close, but no...” Octavia said. “Octy's pregnant.” Vinyl said. All of them kind of froze. “She cheated on you?” Tom asked. “no, I'd never do something as stupid as that. Magic is...weird...” Octavia started and the two explained everything. “Wow...I never knew magic could create life...” Lyra said. “You say you're going to Canterlot?” Conner asked. “Yes, we're visiting Trottingham and Edinspur on the way to meet each other's parents...we should be back in about two weeks.” Vinyl said. “Well good luck to you all, when did you say you're leaving?” the Violinist asked. “Tomorrow morning, so we have to go...that's why tonight's show is shorter.” Vinyl said. “Makes sense. We'll miss ya Vinyl, Octavia.” Tom said. “As will we.” Conner said. “it's only for two weeks.” Vinyl said. “To raging fans that's like an eternity.” Tom said. “See you two later.” the bartender said and he took his place back at the bar. “We'll make sure you'll still have your spot when you get back.” Lyra said. “I don't think that would be necessary. If anyone does fill in for her she would need to audition again at the most, but I have never seen a better Cellist.” Conner said. “Thanks you guys.” Octavia said. “We gotta get some sleep...you know how I am when I don't get enough sleep...” Vinyl said. “Right...and you know how I am when you don't get enough sleep.” she said. Vinyl normally got smacked when she was cranky or something like that to wake her up when she's too tired to do anything.
“So...Parents huh? I'm not too sure whether I'll be the fun parent or not.” Vinyl said on the Carriage the next morning. “What's that supposed to mean?” Octavia asked. “Well normally I'd be the fun parent and just let the kid do whatever it wants...but it's my kid you know?...I would be as serious as I am with my music and food combined.” Vinyl said. Octavia was utterly surprised at that. “That's a whole lot of seriousness...even for you...I never knew how much this meant to you.” Octavia said. “Glad to see how strong your faith in me is.” Vinyl replied with a grin. “Oh shut it.” Octavia said.
They arrived in Trottingham on the second day of their journey. “Don't worry Ma'am, we get money to get a hotel room for long trips like these.” the driver said. “Alright, we should be back tomorrow.” Octavia said. The driver tipped his hat and they split up. “”Here we are love, home sweet home.” Vinyl said, adopting a more stereotypical Trottinghamian accent. Octavia rolled her eyes and looked at the house. Her jaw almost dropped. “You said they were rich, I didn't know this rich.” “Ya, besides...tehy'd appreciate your talents with the Cello...it's not all wroth nothing lugging it with us.” Vinyl said, meaning the Cello that she was floating next to them as she leaned it against the wall as she knocked. A brown Stallion in a black suit answered the door. “My, Madam Vinyl...you have returned.” he said with a smile. “Hey Kurtis, been too long.” Vinyl said, shaking the Butler's hand. “Who might you be?” Kurtis asked Octavia. “Octavia Philharmonic. Pleased to meet you.” Octavia said. Kurtis's jaw dropped. “Vinyl, you KNOW Octavia Philharmonic?!” he exclaimed. “I have all of your records, I rather enjoy them and Master Arthur enjoys your music as well. We have the record for your latest concert's songs pre reserved.” he said. “Well isn't that something...Octy I think you're getting more popular than me. So Kurtis is Mom and Dad home?” Vinyl asked. “They are, follow me.” he said, getting over his excitement.
“Who was it Kurtis?” a pure white Unicorn Mare with blue mane and tail asked. “Guests madam.” Kurtis said. “I think you'd like to see them both.” he continued. The Mare looked up. “is that Octavia Philharmonic and?...wait...Vinyl?!” she exclaimed and practically tackled her daughter. “Kurtis go get Dad.” Vinyl said around her mother's crushing embrace. “What is it Elizabeth?” the Stallion said, coming down the stairs with Kurtis. She saw Vinyl and a wide grin appeared on his face. “Vinyl Ramona Scratch...ten years and rough as ever.” he said when she got up. “hey dad...” Vinyl said and they hugged. “Is that?” he asked when he noticed Octavia. “yes it is.” Vinyl said. “How do you know her?” he continued. “That's what we're here to explain.” Octavia said, taking a step forward. “Well please do.” Elizabeth said. “You guys might want to sit down for this.” Vinyl said. They all took a seat in the living room. “So...We met at a club I was performing at and we hit it off...we're dating, been dating for a while.” Vinyl said. Her parents kind of looked at her. “We're not like the other Rich ponies here, you're our daughter and we support your decision...why would we need to sit down for this?” Arthur asked. “it's the reason we're here.” Vinyl said. “Octy's pregnant...with my Foal.” Vinyl said nervously. The three gave her a very surprised look. Elizabeth feinted, Kurtis managed to rouse her after a few moments. “So...wait...how is that even possible?...the only way that could have happened...is if she cheated on you...” Kurtis said. “It was magic...the Doctor showed us a book Celestia's student published about the finer magics.” Vinyl started and explained everything.
“That is wonderful news...Our daughter with such a good partner...and they are having their own Foal...” Elizabeth said. “You two must be exhausted after the trip...You will stay here.” Arthur said as dark began to fall. “I will go prepare the room.” Kurtis said. They all chatted for the rest of the night and they went to sleep after the clock struck 11. “have a safe trip, make sure you contact us when you're safe back home!” Elizabeth yelled as the carriage left. Vinyl waved out the window to confirm she had heard. “Celestia...I have no idea how my parents will react...they're definitely very lenient towards things...but I'm not entirely sure.” Octavia said as they rode. “So what are they like?” Vinyl asked. “Well, my Mother is Equestrian... but my Father is from Russia.” Octavia said. “Ah so that's why you like Vodka.” Vinyl said. Octavia shrugged. “Anyways last I heard from them they were in the middle of a crisis of the mayor getting sick. But that was a few years back right before I moved into my apartment.” the gray mare said. “So you're just as bad as me when it comes to keeping in touch.” Vinyl said with a smile. Octavia just sighed and looked out of the window, watching the land crawl by.
“This is a nice and cozy little town...it seems more like a Village though.” Vinyl said as they walked down the dirt road. “Ya, it seems even more so after living in a big city like Manehattan for a while.” Octavia said. “My, is that little Octavia?” an older Mare said. She looked around and spotted the blue Mare and smiled. “Mrs. Dela...so good to see you again.” Octavia said, walking over to the old Mare. “Who's this Octy?” Vinyl asked. “this is Mrs. Dela, she was my nanny while my parents were out doing town duties or working.” Octavia said. “Last time I saw you was the day you left...I see you still wear that Adorable bow tie.” she said with a smile on her old face. Octavia smiled. “hey...do mom and dad still live in the same place?” Octavia asked. “Yes they do. They'll be home this time of day so I imagine you'd be welcome.” she said. “Thanks a lot. Great to see you again.” Octavia said and they moved on.
They were standing in front of an old wooden door, the house was styled after an older age but it was rather big, two stories. Octavia knocked on the door. A Gray stallion answered the door, his brown mane short and rough along with his tail. “Da?” he said. “Wait...Octavia?” he said with a Russian accent. “Hello otets (father).” she said and tackled the Stallion in a hug. He laughed and returned the hug. “It's been far too long Octavia...much too long.” he said. “Hey, your Equestrian is so much better than when I left.” Octavia said. “Da, I tried very hard to learn it. Did you forget your Russian?” he asked. “Not at all.” she said in Russian. “Good, Very good...so who is this?” he asked as he stood up and looked at Vinyl. “Vinyl Scratch.” Vinyl said, shaking the Stallion's hoof. Mira I. Voiny Philharmonic. Any friend of my Daughter is friend of me.” he said with a smile. “Come, Come...your mother will be very happy to see you.” he said. “Why didn't you tell me you spoke Russian? You don't even have an accent like I have for Trottinghamian.” Vinyl whispered. “I don't have an accent because my first language was Equestrian from my mother, and I never thought it relevant that I spoke Russian to somepony who only spoke Equestrian.” Octavia said. “Marilyn, guests.” Mira called. “Who are they?” a Mare's voice called. “Come see for yourself.” he said. “Oh you stubborn...Octavia?” a Gray Mare said, entering the room. Her jet black Mane was indiscernible from Octavia's as they collided in a hug.
“You need to give us your new Address, sense you moved we haven't been able to write you.” Marilyn said as they all sat down in the living room. “I did send it...I guess the letter never got through...” Octavia said. “So who are you dear?” Marilyn asked. “Vinyl Scratch.” she said, repeating her name and shaking hoofs for a second time. “So, I am guessing you two are either roommates or Vinyl is your Marefriend.” Mira said. The two looked at him, bewildered. “It has been obvious sense I saw the two of you together. Only a very close friend or a lover is that close to another, I can see it in the way you look at each other...that alone shows how strong the bond is...so...which is it?” Mira asked. “You always saw right through me Otets...we have been dating for a while now.” Octavia said. Mira smiled and put his hoofs on their shoulders. “Thank you for telling me without any trouble. I do not see you any differently Octavia, and you Miss Vinyl, you have been raised in my opinion for caring for my Daughter's heart.” he said with a smile. “R-Really?” Octavia said. “Of course Dear, we could never look down at our own Daughter and the Pony she loves.” Marilyn said. “Though you had better adopt a Foal, I want to be a grandfather.” Mira said with a grin. Both Vinyl and Octavia were overjoyed they were accepted by both parents. Octavia's joy was quickly reversed as her breakfast and lunch combined threatened to find a new home on the floor. She quickly bolted off towards where the remembered was the restroom and sounds of Retching could be heard. Before Vinyl could get up and take a step Marilyn was already rushing to her sick Daughter.
“Octavia was never prone to sickness...the Russian blood in her giving her a great resistance to cold and viruses...Is there something wrong with her?” Mira asked. “Uh...well...that's actually why we're here.” Vinyl said, rubbing the back of her head. “She is with a Foal isn't she.” Mira said. Vinyl was absolutely dumbfounded on how this Stallion could deduce these things so quickly. “Uh...yeah...” Vinyl said. “I don't get it though, She would definitely not be with a Stallion while in love with you...and you have been together for a while yet she does not look like she has been with Foal for longer than a few days, perhaps just over a week...” Mira said. “It's my Foal...” Vinyl said. “Really? Interesting...do explain...” Mira said. Vinyl didn't see how he could possibly be taking this so seriously, but she explained it. “I always thought magic was a way for Ponies who were lucky to get a Horn to be lazy...but to Create new life like that?...I need to rethink a few things.” he said. “Well not really, I do use my magic to be lazy all the time...but it's not like I can't do the things myself.” Vinyl said, earning a laugh from Mira. Suddenly they heard a gasp and a thump from the bathroom. “What was that?” Mira asked himself. “Otets!” Octavia called. Vinyl and Mira rushed to the bathroom to find Marilyn had feinted. “Marilyn, I thought you had gotten over that Tendency...” Mira said with a light smile as he shook the Mare lightly to rouse her. “You told her?” Mira asked. “Uh, Yeah.” Octavia said as she used some toilet paper to wipe her mouth and she spit into the toilet before flushing. “My, what beautiful scarlet eyes...” Marilyn said when she came to. Vinyl realized her shades had fallen off when she bounded off of the couch she was sitting on. Vinyl's cheeks tinted with pink a bit and she took a step backwards. “Come on Vinyl, you shouldn't be so shy about your eyes.” Octavia said as she walked up to the Unicorn.
“Please, keep them off.” Mira asked politely when Vinyl went to return the shades to her face. “Such pretty eyes should not be hidden...at least not around family.” he said. Normally Vinyl would have argued, but him saying she was family warmed her heart and she couldn't refuse so she put them on the coffee table. “So you are on your way to Canterlot to learn more about what's happening?” Marilyn asked. “Ya, we plan to be back in Manehattan in just over a week, there's still a day until Canterlot.” Vinyl said. “Good, when you arrive back at home you should write us when you have the time, musicians can be very busy...I know this.” he said. “Do you play anything?” Vinyl asked. “Da, I play the Viola.” he said. “I would have guessed something bigger.” Vinyl said. Mira laughed a bit. “Yes Perhaps you would. But there are two things that turn me into a cozy little critter and that is Octavia and Marilyn, and Music.” he said. “I know the feeling, I may be just a DJ that doesn't play my music live but I still create the mix discs and tweak them and set them up and stuff.” Vinyl said. “She can blend Classical, modern techno and Rock music to sound like one Genre.” Octavia said. “That is quite a Talent. Perhaps if I am ever in Manehattan again I will come see a show from both of you. I miss the sound of your Cello almost as much as I missed the sound of your voice Octavia.” Mira said. “Hey maybe you two can do a duet, Octy brought her Cello.” vinyl said. “That sounds like an amazing Idea.” Marilyn said.
“I love the sound of them playing.” Marilyn said as they started a duet. “before I heard her music Classical music used to put me to sleep, and not in a good way...but I got my hoofs on one of her records and started liking it...after going to a few of her concerts I can honestly say I love her sound as well, and Mira just adds to that.” Vinyl said. “I wish I had my recording equipment, this would be at the top of the Classical music market in hours.” Vinyl said. “Perhaps you should bring it then next time you visit.” the Gray mare said. “maybe I will.” Vinyl said. “It is getting late now...we have been talking and playing for so long...Octavia your room is always ready for you.” Mira said. “Thanks Otets.” she said, hugging him. “Any funny business you should keep it down, Marilyn is a light sleeper.” Mira said, just loud enough for Octavia to hear as well as he shook Vinyl's hoof. Octavia's face went red and she quickly went up the stairs as Vinyl laughed. “Don't worry, this isn't our place so we wouldn't do anything like that here.” Vinyl said. “It may not be yours to own, but this is your home now. You are Family.” Mira said. Vinyl couldn't help but crack a wide grin at that. “Thanks, that means a ton to me.” Vinyl said and followed her Marefriend up the stairs.