//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: Dinner and Two Musicians // Story: For a Fresh Start // by Azure_Flame //------------------------------// The town was a lot different at night than during the day. Some lamps lit up the streets, but the shadows still covered much of the area. Some places were very well lit, and were inviting. Others were closed for the day, and seemed to absorb all the darkness. High in the sky was a blanket of stars, each giving off a soft glow. Azure scanned through the streets, searching every lit storefront. He settled on a simple diner, and headed on in. A stallion was at the front. "Good night, sir. Would you like a table, or a seat at the bar?" "The bar." "I see. This way, please." He proceeded back, and Azure followed. He sat down at his seat, and started going through the menu. There were many things on the menu, from salads to burgers. As he went through, A pair of ponies entered through the door, rather loudly. He looked over his shoulder to the noise that started. "See, I told you it would be fine. Table for two, sir." "Right this way, ma'am." The voice came from a white unicorn, with a mane of blue. Behind her was a gray mare, her black mane styled to hold. The two took up a booth right behind him. The gray pony looked around nervously. "Vinyl, are you sure about this?" "Of course I'm sure, Octi. It's not like Manehattan. You know that." "Yes, but we might be noticed. We are pretty popular." "That doesn't mean we can't have a good time! I know this place is delicious." "It better not be like that one restaurant you recommended. That was horrible." "I'm telling you, they got a new guy in there! I remember it was so much better." Their bickering was starting to turn the heads of other ponies. If they kept this up, they would get noticed. Azure decided he had to say something. "Excuse me, you two." The two of them stopped arguing and looked at the stallion. The gray mare quickly adjusted her bow and regained some composure. "Yes, what is it?" "The two of are starting to turn heads. You might want to keep it down." "Oh, thank you for noticing. My partner over here has some... questionable ideas." "Hey, it's not like I'm the only one with questionable ideas, Oct–" A hoof met her mouth. "Not here, Vinyl!" Vinyl shoved the hoof away. "Why not? I don't recognize anyone in here." "Yes, but even still, you shouldn't use my full name. We are known, and if they hear my name, we may have problems." "Relax. If it comes to that, I'll figure something out." She sighed. "You never plan anything. If something goes wrong, you better have something good." "Of course!" A wide grin appeared on her face, a sign of problems. Azure turned back to notice the bartender right in front of him. "And what will you be drinking tonight?" "Just some cider, please. No alcohol, I have work tomorrow morning." "Coming right up!" He turned and went to the dispensers. Azure looked back to the menu, and waited for his drink. "Here you are. Are you ready to order?" "Sure am. One mondo-burger, please." The bartender went off to the kitchen, and Azure waited some more. After he was all done, Azure got up to go. An argument started up just as he grabbed his bags. "Vinyl, I thought you said you wouldn't be drinking tonight!" "Hey, you were drinking too!" "At least I held back. How many of those mugs did you have?" "I lost count after four." "And when was that?" "I dunno. Maybe a half hour ago?" "My word. Let's get you out of here." Azure spoke up. "Hey, do you want some help with her?" "That would be much appreciated." Vinyl waved a hoof, obviously drunk. "No, I can take myself home. I don't need any help." Her partner sighed. "You are just as stubborn as you always were. Come on, let's go." Vinyl slowly came out of the booth, and started walking. The other came to her side, and assisted her. Azure went to her other side, and she put her hooves on the both of them for support. "So, where are we off to?" "The apartment complex on 23rd." "Oh, that's where I am. That makes it easier." The three of them started shuffling, and proceeded towards the complex. "So, how long have you been in town?" "The two of us have been around for a couple days. Vinyl was called for an upcoming party." "Oh, are you two musicians?" Azure's head turned to look at the flanks of the two. Vinyl had a black eighth note on her, and the other a purple treble clef. They were both musical symbols, so it made sense. "Yes. I am a cellist, and Vinyl here is a DJ." "Those sound like two very different professions." "Indeed. I play classical, and Vinyl plays modern music." "You know I can hear you?" Vinyl had her head down, but she was still conscious. "Yes, but you went and had too much to drink. Stop talking before you puke." "So, why are you two together? It seems the two of you are direct opposites." "We may seem different, but we have a lot in common." "Huh. Well, that's good for you." "Agreed." They continued onwards, with a few stumbles. Eventually, they made it to the apartment complex. "Well, we're here. I think we can manage from here." "I've been here long enough, let me at least take you to your door." "Alright. I won't stop you." They proceeded down the hall on the right. They went and stopped at the fifth door on the right side of the hall. "Well, here we are." Azure looked at the plate next to the door. On it was the name Vinyl Scratch. "So this is Vinyl's place?" "Yes. I moved in with her a while ago." "Okay. Maybe I'll see you around?" "Perhaps." Azure turned around and pulled out his key as the mare did the same. "You live right there?" "Yeah. I'm surprised as well." "Well, then it's all the more likely we'll see each other again." "Yep. You have a good night." "Same to you." They went into their own doors, and both of them shut with a resounding thunk. Azure put his bags down and went off to his bed. This town seems to get more and more interesting the longer I stay. Maybe I actually found where I should be. I can't tell quite yet, though. I did say I would stay for that party, so I guess I have to stay for a week. After that... I'll make my decision. He sighed with relief, then slowly relaxed his body. A simple sound started up. He had heard this sound before, last night even. It was the pony above him, singing the same lullaby. There was no lyrics, only sounds. They were so warm, so inviting. He relaxed further, and once more lost consciousness.