Chapter 3: Back to myself (Vinyl)
Vinyl wasn’t able to think anymore, just running through Trottingham. As time passed by she slowed down, trying to gather her mind. Octavia didn’t care about her, not even in the slightest way. And now that she thought about it, it was rather clear she never did besides that one night, and that was surely because of her feeling guilty.
‘You were just too blind to see it’ her mind muttered. It was true, and Vinyl felt dreadful. Passing a small shop, she tried to get the time. A small clock behind the Window said ‘7:41 AM’. It was too early to do anything, and Neon told her to come to the club at around four in the afternoon. So what to do? She decided to move on and just walk, maybe clear her head. It was still full of Octavia and how detached she seemed to Vinyls suggestions this morning.
“Ugh, I’m doing it again! Stop thinking about Octavia!” she shouted at herself, causing different ponies on the street to give her irritated stares. “Oh great, now everypony thinks I’m crazy.”
Trying to maintain the last of her pride, she started to think about the future. What should she do now, without anything? Sure, Neon would have the apartment ready, but what about after that? She had no friends here in Trottingham to help her besides Neon and Baritone, and she dropped Baritones name pretty fast since he was too close to Octavia. But besides them? She had some really awesome friends back at the peak of her career, but most of them left her after the disaster at Sapphires party. To be clear, everypony but two. Vinyl stood frozen for a moment.
‘Oh, I’m so dead’ she thought, while running through the City. Her destination was a small, but glowing white building downtown. Ignoring both guards outside she rushed in, just to stop in front of a small desk, the mare behind it looking up at her.
“How can I help you miss?” she asked. “I have a message for Captain Spitfire, reason twenty-two-b-dash-seven and it is to convey immediately” Vinyl said quickly, not even trying to explain more. She used a code Spitfire told her years ago, just hoping it was still in use.
The mare behind the desk watched her closely and sighed “twenty-two-b-dash-seven? Quite a long time since I last heard that code, especially from a citizen, but I guess there is a reason that you know it. I will take care of it, don’t worry. Please write the message down here and sign it.” she placed a small piece of paper in front of Vinyl. The message was short, but Vinyl hoped Spitfire would understand.
‘Club Flashing Lights, Trottingham. You’ll find me there’
Back in fresh air, she shuddered. Nearly one year, would Spitfire still recognize her? Maybe she forgot everything in anger of a Vinyl that never wrote or visited. But that year ago, Vinyl was pretty sure she lost everyone. Thinking back now, she had been really stupid, remembering one sentence Spitfire told her years ago:
“I’ll never leave you hangin’ Vinyl, no matter what happens or what you do!”
That is exactly what she was hoping at the moment, although Spitfire would be mad at her for sure after all this time. She continued her walk and reached the club Flashing Lights nearly automatically, wondering if Neon would be already there. Heading to the door, she was soon stopped by the bouncer.
“The club is about to close, please stay outside” the silver-coated bouncer grumbled, blocking the door with one wing. She remembered that voice, along with everything else about the pegasus and it made her smile.
“Let me in Silver Wing, or I might have to push you off a raincloud again, right?” she joked. Silver Wing stared, looking like he could pass out at any moment. “Vinyl? Wow, it’s been quite a long time since I’ve last seen you! Come in, come in! Neon should be in his office.” “Thanks Silv’, and congrats on the promotion. See ya!” she said as she walked in and took a look around.
Even though it was near curfew, there were a lots of ponies dancing and partying. The dancefloor was pretty crowded. Vinyl smiled as memories from her time back in the best clubs came up. It was really nice to be back in her element, even after what happened and how long it had been. The thought of joining the crowd crossed her mind for a moment, but she wasn’t in the mood for it so she continued to Neons office. Vinyl knocked and went in.
It was a large room with a big desk, which Neon was sitting behind. On the walls were a lot of records and the like, with a small couch and some file cabinets placed around the room, nothing special. Neon sat up and motioned to the couch, and Vinyl sat down on it.
“How about we bring DJ-Pon3 back?” he said, looking quite serious. “At least during shows and official meetings. I know you’ve changed, but this just isn’t you Vinyl.”
Vinyl looked shocked. “You can’t be serious about that! That image ruined everything in the end!” “Well not the whole image. We bring DJ-Pon3 back without the.. insane additions” he smiled a bit “It’s just some advice, but it may come handy”
She wasn’t really pleased by that advice, but thinking about how Octavia acted toward her it was clear that her old personality was quite… upbeat, along with other benefits. Besides that, Vinyl wasn’t sure if her old personality was buried completely. At least she could try it.
“Give me some fun and some drinks while I work, and you’ll get DJ-Pon3 back for sure Neon” she smiled devilishly, thinking about her ‘fun’ back in the old days. This made Neon laugh. “Oh, I can imagine that fun Vinyl. You’ll get everything you want. But first, take these.” He tossed a set of keys to Vinyl “Eight purple drive, fifth floor, the apartment on the right side. Everything is ready, plus a small gift from me to celebrate that you’re back”
“E-eight purple drive? Neon, that’s one of the highest-end buildings in all of Trottingham!” he just nodded as answer. “Wow, thanks… I don’t know what to say…” “Let’s just say I’m helping a good friend, Vinyl” he smirked “Now go have a look, I’ll expect you back here at around four”
Still a bit speechless, Vinyl left his office carrying the keys like diamonds. Her own apartment, without any worries left. Outside she nudged Silver Wing, making him jump. “Yeah Scratch?” he asked after he recovered “Done with the boss already?”
“Yup, but could you do me a favour? You know how I like a big entrance.” She smirked and raised an eyebrow, which was of course difficult for Silver Wing to see through her shades. He suddenly started to laugh. “Oh yes Vinyl, I know what you love and that won’t be a problem” he patted her on her back “See ya later, I’ve got some work to do”
Vinyl patted him back, then continued her way to her new apartment. Things were getting more awesome every minute! While walking, her mind snapped back to Octavia. What would she say now that Vinyl got her own apartment and an awesome job at Neons club? Maybe she would add another comment on her bad behaviour, or that it just wouldn’t fit her routines. Yeah, something like that. It sounded like Octavia.
Shaking her head, Vinyl got rid of that thought as she finally stood in front of the apartment complex. It was really huge. She walked through the entrance and a hallway, looking at all the mailboxes. Her name was pinned on one of them. ‘Apartment forty-three, Vinyl Scratch.’ Walking further, she saw a small door with a button next to it. ‘It even has an elevator, how cool’ she thought after pushing the button.
A small bell chimed and the door opened as Vinyl stepped inside and hit fifth floor. It was a quick, smooth ride before it came to a stop. The door open to a bright, blue corridor. She went to the right like Neon told her. “Forty-one, forty-two.. Ahh here it is, forty-three” she mumbled to herself, reading the numbers at the doors.
She used her magic to unlock the door with the key. It was quite useful to be a unicorn. Earth-Ponies had to do everything by hoof, even the trickiest things that seemed un-doable without magic. Opening the door she gasped, standing in a long blue corridor. The apartment seemed bigger than Octavias House, a corridor leading every direction. She took the right one till she reached two doors. The first one led into a big bathroom including a huge shower, a bathtub perfect for bubble baths, a toilet and a sink.
The second door opened the way to the Bedroom; leaving Vinyl completely speechless. At it’s center was a big round bed with space for at least four ponies, but it was the design that caught her breath. It was covered by a big blanket, on it was Vinyl’s cutie mark on white background. Getting this done in one day must had cost Neon a huge amount of bits. “I’ll pay everything back Neon, I swear” she whispered to herself while still staring at the bed.
After a while she broke off to investigate the rest of the apartment. Going back to the entrance and then turning north, she found herself in front of the kitchen. A huge kitchen with marmor counters, glasses, and a dining area. The table was personalized with her cutie mark like the bed. Everything just fit perfectly and the fridge was even already filled with stuff Vinyl loved. Seemed like Neon hadn’t forgotten anything about her and what she liked. The living-room was connected with the kitchen, so she just continued that way. It was big enough for a small party. Even the sofa was personalized with her cutie mark, and everything looked incredibly expensive.
Vinyl saved the thought to throw a big party for Neon once she settled in a big, long party. Going back the way she came, she noticed another corridor and followed it. It lead to three different doors. Behind one was an empty room, maybe a future guestroom or something. Door two led into a kind of storage room, filled with some shelves and other stuff. The third door was the by far most interesting one, holding a picture of her cutie mark. She took a breath and opened it. The room was empty besides a thin layer of material which Vinyl recognized as sound-proofing, and a big object in the center. It was gift-wrapped and huge, and Vinyl started to immediately unpack it out of impatience.
Vinyl passed out seeing what it contained and a voice behind her whispered: “Welcome back DJ-Pon3” She just had unpacked a brand new set of equipment, worth thousands of bits.
She opened her Eyes, laying on her new couch next to her was Neon. He grinned as he gestured around. “So how do you like it so far, including your gift?” “I honestly have no Idea what to say Neon, thanks!” With that she hugged her friend, falling from the couch. Neon looked at her, a small smile covering his muzzle “Now get ready. I took care over your “fun” you mentioned earlier, and I think you will like her”
“Her?” Now she was definitely confused, but thinking back on her old personality it was washed away as she got the hint. “Ooooh the fun! She’s here?” “Yes, she’s waiting outside while you get ready. Do you want a shower Vinyl? You don’t look too good at the moment” he smirked a bit.
The white mare nodded and made her way into the bathroom, taking a quick but hot shower. Looking into the mirror she saw her reflection. No spikes, her mane and tail waving perfectly down over her fur. The mare she always wanted to be a long time ago, but not today. She shook her head. “That’s not me” she muttered, while getting her mane back to her usual style.
Coming out of the shower, she went to the living-room again. This time Neon wasn’t alone. At his side sat a turquoise coated pegasus with vanilla mane and eyes full of a nice delightful orange. Vinyl knew this pony very well, maybe a bit too well.
A small hoofbump “Hey Vinyl, long time no see! Must’ve been ages since our mix in Canterlot!” Sassa had definitely stayed the same pony.
“Sassaflash, so nice to see you again! What are you doing here in Trottingham?” Vinyl smiled a bit. She had missed her a lot to be honest.
Sassa’s eyes went from Neon back to Vinyl “You know, Neon asked me if I would like to help bringing you back to the top. And you know what? I said yes right away! Besides that, we have a few things to catch up on, don’t you think so?” she said with a devilish grin.
‘This could only end well’ Vinyl thought sarcastically, remembering everything she went through with Sassaflash.
She wasn’t the ordinary mare from next door and everypony knew it. But despite that, Vinyl couldn’t help but smile back with a small wink. Not being lonely anymore was definitely a good thought, and a good chance to forget about Octavia.
A small cough brought their attention back to Neon, who smiled “Well Ladies, I would say have fun. Please arrive at the club in about two hours. Catch ya later!” he waved and left the apartment, leaving Sassa and Vinyl shifting nervously.
“How about having some coffee and talking for a bit Sassa? I know a small cafe down the street.” she started slowly, Hoping Sassa would stop the pacing she had started. She stopped and looked up “Coffee? Huh?.. Oh yeah of course, I would love to Vi” Sassa was one of a rare few ponies who could call Vinyl that and still have their heads on their neck.
Vinyl opened the door, leaving it open for Sassa to step through, then followed her. They went outside the building after a small elevator ride; into the chilling cold. It wasn’t snowing anymore and the day showed some beautiful signs of blue sky and sun. Both mares walked down the street heading towards a small cafe where they could talk; Vinyl was curious how Sassas live had been the last months.
They sat opposite the small table, watching around. No mare had broken into a word since the waitress delivered their coffee. It was a beautiful day and they both hesitated to ask the final question; until Sassa found her words.
“Do you think it can be like it was Vi?” she smiled sheepish, obviously blushing. Vinyl never thought about it since everything broke down. It was no love that bounded both mares; Vinyl didn’t even thought she would know what the feeling was, since she never discovered it. It has been always just a heat or some kind of attracted. Yes, she still felt attracted to Sassa in one way or another; but was she ready to bring everything up again?
Finally she spoke. “I don’t know Sassa, it has been a long time, and not everything went well. Sassa just lifted an eyebrow “C’mon, we both agreed it’s not love or something else going further into a relationship, so what should possibly go wrong? I want to be with you again Vi, every night and every day….” she was clearly sobbing now “I missed you so much Vi!!” she dropped her cup, rounding the table and hugging her tightly.
Suddenly Vinyl felt her muzzle also stained with tears “I missed you too Sassa!” Every weight seemed to drop off of her at this moment. She felt a small knot in her heart asking about Octavia, but she pushed it as far away as she could. Her best friend in the world was back and she planned on holding on to her this time. They sat down again, wiping all tears.
“Okay Sassa, please, tell me everything! What were you doing all those months? I really thought you left me alone.” Vinyl glanced at her friend. Sassaflash seemed like she had to think about that Question, but finally her gaze met Vinyls. “Do you remember how mad Sapphire was that night? She didn’t even bother to give me part of the fault. Instead she instantly said everything was your fault and only your fault.” she paused, a small tear running down her muzzle.
“I tried to convince her, told her you would never do such a thing on purpose… But she just wouldn’t listen. While she tried to talk with the sponsors, I decided to test my luck and get your equipment with me.” Vinyl’s eyes grow wide upon that “But sadly, she caught me while I pushed everything outside over the ramp. Told me it was hers now since she wouldn’t see a bit from your disaster.” Sassa grinned at Vinyl “She said i would have to leave too, doing all that silly stuff for you, and she even tried to walk me out.”
Vinyls ears twitched “What do you mean by ‘she tried’?” “I mean she accidentally tripped over something and rolled down the ramp into a small mud hole” she was laughing loud now and Vinyl joined in. “You should’ve seen her face, red and brown all over it. Sadly she wasn’t that nice anymore after that and the security threw me onto a garbage pile”
Together they laughed for a while before Sassaflash continued. “After that I went from gig to gig, even doing small things like birthdays and sing-o-grams. Well, until today as you know.” she finished with a smile. “Now, please tell me what happened after everything”
Vinyl sighed, trying to prolong it a bit, but there was no use. “Well you know about the night, the following day was a disaster. I went to my apartment just to find it prepared with a new lock. She took everything from me Sassa… After that I lived on the streets, trying to gather food here and there, also collecting a few bits. I’ve never really thought of you or the others and that was stupid of me.” I used my puppy-stare and looked into her eyes “Will you accept my apology?”
“Oh Vinyl, cute and unique as ever” the turquoise mare stated, causing us both to laugh. Just sitting there with a smile on our muzzles as time quickly sped by.
Sassa and Vinyl stood in front of the Club, grinning at each other.
“Back in business, huh Vi?” Sassa just started to laugh “Just like old times” “Yep, now let’s go inside. Neon will be waiting already for sure” Vinyl smiled and stepped in, giving Silver Wing a hoofbump. “Silver, this is Sassaflash. If Neon hasn’t had the time to explain it yet, she’s my stage help and gets VIP-access every time okay? “Of course Vinyl, have fun” Silver Wing said, focusing on the crowd in front of the door again.
Neon was already waiting in his office, walking around impatiently. When they entered he looked up. “Oh, there you are! Everything is ready, so I’m counting on both of you! Just do the same magic you did back the old days.” he seemed quite nervous. “If you need any drinks, just tell the Security to get some for you. And Vinyl if anything happens, don’t hesitate making use of Silver Wings and the others. They’ll help you stay safe.”
Both mares nodded, then heading off to the Stage. For Vinyl it was like being home again. The crowd, the lights, the bass, and Sassa at her side. She turned towards her, smiling. “Ready to wub like old times Sassa?” A small, devilish grin appeared on her friend’s face “Of course! Let’s show em how to do it!”
Together they ran the show like never before. Flashing lights and a hypnotic beat made everypony dance, even the employees started to enjoy it. The night went on and soon they called for their first drink, a small liquor to warm up. With every passing minute, the club got fuller until it was at it’s limit, bouncers blocking the door. After a few drinks Vinyl started to feel like herself again. Like a disguise was falling of.
Increasing the bass she yelled down at the dancing ponies “Yo, DJ-Pon3 wubbing your night with Sassaflash. Move your lame flanks, because we have all Night!”
Continuing with her wubs Vinyl missed that Sassaflash was getting close, really close. When both connected the spark of their music rose, causing them to feel the heat in every beat. Blinking, they leaned towards each other, falling into a long kiss.
It was exactly that moment Vinyl spotted a grey Earth-Pony at the bar, staring at her. It looked like Octavia but she didn’t cared anymore. This was her Night, and nopony would ruin it. Movement came into the crowd as the Earth-Pony stamped towards the stage, obviously furious and yelling something the whole time. Breaking the kiss she waved for Silver, who was at her side in an instant.
“Something up Vinyl?” he glared down the crowd. She just hoof pointed at Octavia “See that grey Earth-Pony with the bowtie? Get her out of here, now!” Silver seemed confused “But what did she do? As far as I can see she’s just trying to get closer to the stage, nothing bad if you ask me” Vinyl glared at him. “Get her out now, or I’ll do it by myself and you’ll joining her right after that” It wasn’t an idle threat.
Grabbing Sassa once again, leaning into another kiss she only saw Octavia surrounded by the security, who lead her out of the club after a small tussle. She instantly tried to ignore the screaming Earth-Pony, returning her attention to the pegasus, tasting her lips with her own.
It felt like a herd of buffalos were dancing on her head. Or like being stabbed in the forehead with an icepick. Vinyl slowly opened her eyes and saw that she layed in her bed. She gently stretched all her hooves, yawing out loud. Everything was still in it’s place, good. However, something definitely wasn’t right. She could hear steady breathing beside her. While turning over, Vinyl nearly fell out of her bed. Sassaflash laid on the other side, sleeping with a smile on her muzzle.
‘I can’t remember getting home with Sassaflash or if I slept with her’ she thought, instantly regretting it because her headache grew even worse. ‘Time for pizza and ice water to get rid of that hangover.’ She slowly stumbled on to her hooves, but tripped and fell on her snout. Vinyl tried it again and finally reached the kitchen to heat up some frozen pizza. Heading back to the bedroom she hesitated, wondering if she should wake up Sassa, then chose to let her sleep. The turquoise mare looked incredibly sweet sleeping. Besides that Vinyl could shower and getting some time to think about everything that happened last night. Shaking her head, she made her way to the bathroom.
She was trying to relax a bit when suddenly the doorbell rang. Muttering Vinyl dried her coat and mane while going to the door and opened it. In front of her was a pegasus with a light pink coat and a mane streaked with cerise and mint green.
“Oh.. hi! Hi DJ-Pon3, my name is Blossomforth! Could I have your autograph in my book, pleeeaaaaase?” Vinyl just looked at her before taking the mares pencil into her magic grip. “Sure sure, it’s always awesome to meet real fans.” she signed the book, giving the pegasus everything back. “Please excuse me, but it was an outstanding night and I’ve still got to figure out the end”
Blossomforth looked thrilled “Oh yay an autograph from you. I wanted to ask you last night, but you seemed too busy kissing that turquoise mare while heading home, so I thought I could surprise you today. Byeeeeeee, hope to see you again soon!”
“Yeah, bye” Vinyl paused “Wait…. what?” she shouted after the pegasus, but Blossomforth was gone already. “That answers one question, only one left” She made her way back into the kitchen, taking a seat and chewing on her pizza. Totally hangover food. Seriously, nothing better than pizza in that case. After a few minutes, Sassaflash stumbled in, looking really tired and done with the world.
“Mornin Vi.” she sighed. “Mind if I use your shower?” “Not at all Sassa. After that, you can join me for some pizza.” Vinyl said grinning “Best hangover food ever!” The turquoise mare laughed, trying to find her way into the shower. After some time she returned and sat down, grabbing a piece of pizza. “I don’t know what the heck happened last Night Vi. Total hangover!” Vinyl rolled her eyes. “Haven’t thought of that but, I think I know what was going on”
She nearly choked on her pizza “You do?” “Well yeah.. according to one of our fans, we made our way drunk and kissing to my apartment. Aaand we slept together” Vinyl ended, nearly whispering. “Come again?” Sassas gaze met Vinyls. “I said we slept together.” the white mare repeated, blushing visibly, not expecting what happened next.
Sassaflash stretched over the table and kissed Vinyl, smiling confidently “You are the only mare I would ever want to sleep with Vi, and you should know it” That made Vinyl feel better. “Thanks Sassa, I needed that” Suddenly, loud knocking startled the two mares. It came from the living-room. It happened again, this time even louder. Sassaflash looked at the white mare, quite confused, but made her way out of the kitchen.
A loud gasp made Vinyl’s ears perk up. “Vinyl! You should come here right now!” Wondering what in Luna’s name was wrong now, Vinyl stood up and slowly trotted over to the living-room. Sassaflash was staring at the glass door to the balcony, speechless. Behind the glass door stood a yellow mare with unique Mane Style that Vinyl knew well… well enough to try to hide behind Sassaflash.
“Vinyl Scratch, open the bucking door! I’m sooo going to kill you for this!” Spitfire yelled, seemingly about to go off. “Oh buck, I’m a dead mare” Vinyl sighed, leaning against the turquoise mare.
What a perfect Day.