//------------------------------// // V – A Little Talk // Story: Frequency // by PaulAsaran //------------------------------// Chapter V A Little Talk “You mean he actually ate it?” “Yep! Legs and everything.” Vinyl made a gagging sound even as she turned her head to follow the motions of the scrubbing sponge and cleaning spray through her shower. The microphone was hovering nearby, its cord stretching taught towards the nearby door. “You couldn’t pay me to try that.” “I know!” Adi’s playful laugh echoed into the bathroom from the stool on which the radio sat just within the kitchen. “I told him, I’m all for celebrating my heritage, but that’s going a bit too far.” “I’ve never heard of a pony eating spiders.” The very thought sent a shiver down Vinyl’s spine. “Creepy things. A griffon might do it, but that’s still just… no.” “Mada said it was actually pretty tasty.” “He can have all the spiders he wants.” Vinyl stepped back from the shower and turned on the faucet, using her magic to splash water on the tiles. “You’ve got one weird family, Adi.” “Yeah, I did. What’s that noise?” “Just cleaning the shower.” Adi’s trademark sigh of exasperation rose through the radio. “Still on the bathroom, huh?” “Hey, give me some credit.” Vinyl stuck her tongue out. “I actually keep my bathroom a lot cleaner than the rest of my place. I use it regularly, after all.” “Right.” Adi’s tone grew teasing. “How black is the water?” “Only a little,” she hurriedly replied, eyeing the dark tint to the liquid flowing down her drain. “It’s not a tenth as bad as the sink in the kitchen was.” “Uh-huh.” “It’s true, honest!” Adi laughed. “Alright, fine, I’ll believe you. I can’t imagine you’d use it every night if it was that bad.” The faucet shut off and Vinyl began spraying the tile with cleaner again, targeting the spots she’d missed the first time around. “I’m just glad this is the last room. Cleaning this place was a pain in the flank.” She focused on the work, noting how Adi had gone silent. There was no need to speak up; the pony sometimes left the radio for a few minutes. She had the water running again by the time Adi spoke. “Hey, you got any siblings?” “Nope.” Vinyl focused her sponge on a particularly stubborn bit of grime in one corner of the shower. “I had to get my exciting stories on my own.” “Really? That’s too bad, I bet you would have had some funny sibling stories.” “Not a chance.” She peered at the sponge, noting the gunk that had built up on it after several minutes of scrubbing. A glance at the corner showed it was still a little dirty. “I think I gave my dad enough trouble on my own.” Curiosity lacing her tone, Adi said, “You don’t talk about your parents much.” Vinyl turned off the shower faucet and turned on the one in the bathroom sink, using her magic to pry the grime off the sponge. It was her last one, and she had no intention of going out to buy more when she was so close to being finished. “Vinyl?” “Sorry, I’m a little distracted.” Vinyl pressed her tongue against her cheek and squinted at the sponge. She carefully worked her magic to not cut off too much of the springy mass. “There’s not much to say about my parents, really.” “So where are they?” “Dead.” “Oh… I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—” “Ah, don’t worry about it.” At last a thin line of the sponge had been cut away, leaving the rest of it mostly clean and ready for use. She turned her attention back to the corner of the shower, jaw set with determination. “If you don’t mind my asking...” Vinyl sighed and shook her head. “You wanna know how they died?” “N-no, forget it.” She shrugged as the sponge resumed scrubbing. “Dad died about three years ago. He had a stroke, nothing fancy. He was happy, which is all I care about.” “Oh.” A long pause. “I suppose that’s good?” “It is.” A frown hit Vinyl’s lips. “It’s a lot better than my mom.” “How so?” The sponge paused. Vinyl stared at it, her focus lost. “She put a noose around her neck and threw herself out of her apartment window. I was four.” It was several seconds before Adi’s voice rose over the static. “I see.” “Dad left her because she gambled away all their money.” Vinyl resumed her scrubbing, this time putting a little more force into it. “She got a lot of debt. Didn’t help that she started using Pure.” “Pure?” She raised an eyebrow, but recalled her promise and pushed down her frustration. “Pure Poison Joke extract. Not the distilled stuff in the sticks, the kind ponies snort. I hear it does some bad crap to your brain.” “Oh…” Adi seemed to think on this. “Sounds like heroine. Or maybe cocaine?” “Dunno about that. Bad stuff in general.” The sponge rose, revealing a pristine shower corner. “Family debts. Gambling debts. Drug debts. The mare made almost every bad decision she could. Apparently she decided it was easier to just jump.” “I’m so sorry, Vinyl.” She gave a derisive snort and flung the sponge into the trash bin. “I’m not. I’m glad I didn’t get dragged down with her, glad Dad had the good sense to leave and take me with him. He only barely managed to pay off the last of the debts she’d foisted on him before he died, and you can’t imagine how grateful I am for that.” “But I thought it was your mother who incurred the debts?” “Well, yeah, but Dad still had to take care of the debts she’d gained while they were married.” She put away the near-empty bottle of cleaner and stepped back to study the bathroom as a whole. It all but sparkled, which made her smile. “Adi, you won’t believe this, but I am officially done cleaning this place.” A huff of a laugh came from the speaker. “The bathroom or the whole apartment?” Vinyl rolled her eyes. “The whole apartment.” “You’re right, I don’t believe it.” “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” “Anytime.” As Vinyl set the radio on her back and worked to move the stool to its place in her tiny closet, Adi spoke up, “So your dad dealt with all the debts. Did you help with that?” “You mean like getting a job?” Vinyl closed the closet door and took a moment to survey her newly-pristine kitchen. The sight gave her a warm, pleasant feeling. “Nah, Dad wouldn’t let me ‘till I finished school. I stayed with my uncle ‘till I was twelve while Dad worked three jobs trying to make the financial load manageable.” “Wow. Talk about determined.” “A labor of love, as he called it.” She sighed pleasantly and returned the radio to the table. “Dad was a good stallion. He worked hard to give me an easier life. I might not be rich, but I’d be a hell of a lot worse off if it wasn’t for him.” Adi was silent for a few seconds as Vinyl sat on her cushion. “It sounds like you really admire him.” “Yeah.” Vinyl let her eyes play over the fruits of her labor. “Yeah, I do.” The room went quiet, save for the static. Vinyl wondered what was going through Adi’s mind. The pony still hadn't revealed so much about herself, not really. It seemed a bit unfair, but Vinyl told herself to be patient. She rested her cheek on the table and sighed. After a long period of nothing, she abruptly frowned. “Adi? We might have a problem.” “Oh?” Her eyes rolled up to the radio. “Now I need to find something else to do for the next two weeks while we talk.” Adi laughed yet again. “Maybe you can find a new hobby!” “Maybe.” She sat up and rubbed her chin. “Or maybe I can work on that new album. Haven’t touched it much in the last couple weeks.” “You could. Maybe I can be your impromptu audience and tell you how bad it is.” “Gee, thanks.” Vinyl flinched as knocks resounded through the apartment. “Hold on, Adi, somepony’s at the door.” “’Kay.” She approached the small hallway leading to her door, noting with satisfaction that she didn’t have to step over anything. She never should have let the place get so messed up to begin with. Another knock came by the time she reached the door. Upon opening it, she was surprised to find herself gazing upon a very familiar blue-maned pegasus. He offered her a charming smile, to which she could only stare loose-jawed. “Flash?” He grinned and reached under a wing, from whence he produced a loaf of sliced bread. “How’d you like some toast?” Her shoulders sagged. “Toast.” “Yeah, I figured you wouldn’t remember.” He cocked his head with a blush and rubbed the back of his head. Vinyl eyed the bread in his hoof, then him. “I don’t even have a toaster.” He shrugged. “Hey, you’re the one that asked for it.” She frowned, her eyes once more dancing from the toast to his face and back. At last she facehoofed. “This is about when you dragged my flank home from the club, isn’t it?” “Yep.” He tucked the bread back under his wing. “I made a promise. I know you don’t remember, but I have every intention of keeping it.” “You’re right, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She considered him for a couple seconds, but finally shrugged and stepped aside. “Come on in. You can explain things to me.” Flash stepped past her with a nod. As she closed the door, she heard him gasp. “Sweet Spitfire on a Spread, is this the right apartment?” She raised an eyebrow and followed him into the kitchen. “What are you talking about?” He stared at the bottom of his hoof, eyes wide, then touched it to the floor a couple times. “Look, it’s not sticking!” Vinyl whacked his shoulder with an exasperated scoff, to which he only grinned. “Hold on, ya jerk.” She went to the table and took the mic in her magic. “Adi? This guy’s gonna take a little time. Call ya back?” “Sounds good.” Adi replied. “I need to get some exercise in before bed, anyway. Talk to ya later, Vinyl.” Flash set the loaf of bread on the table. “Who was that?” Vinyl considered the question, staring at the radio as she pondered just how to describe Adi. “She’s… a friend.” She turned to him. “So what’s the deal with this promise you claim you made?” He blushed and rubbed the back of his head again. “Well… I dunno if you’re gonna want to hold me to it. I mean, you were totally smashed and I felt so bad.” “Bad?” She cocked her head. “Come on, I’m a happy drunk. I have dozens of witnesses to prove it.” “You weren’t happy when I brought you home,” he replied with renewed seriousness. “I promised to come here next time I was in town and we could talk.” Vinyl considered this, straining her admittedly feeble brain for some recollection of the night in question. “Talk about what?” He shrugged. “I dunno. Just talk.” She gestured to the loaf of bread on the table. “Over toast?” “Something like that.” He chuckled. “I was hoping it would jog your memory.” Vinyl whacked her hoof against the top of her head a couple times. “Sorry, it’s too empty and lazy for jogging. If you listen closely, you might hear the echo. Here—” She leaned forward, turned her head sideways and knocked a couple more times. “—see if you can hear it.” “I’ll pass, thanks.” They shared a grin, but then he patted the bread. “Like I said, this was really just a hopeful play to make you remember. I was thinking we could have a late lunch together or something.” She looked to the bread, then raised an eyebrow his way. “Are you asking me on a date?” Though the change was subtle, there was no mistaking how Flash’s entire body grew rigid. His eyes widened just slightly and his wings tensed. “N-no… no, I was just… trying to be nice and keep my promise. I mean, I did make a promise, and you did say you’d like me to keep it, but I mean you were drunk, y’know? So m-maybe this was a bad idea and I should… um… should…” His mouth slowed down, almost as if it were succumbing to paralysis. His eyes, however, were darting wildly about, perhaps in search of an escape route. Vinyl couldn’t help giggling. She pressed his jaw closed with a hoof. “Breathe, soldier.” He did as he was told, sucking in a deep breath and relaxing. “Thanks.” She grinned and knuckled his head. “I like you, Bolt Butt, you’re fun to torment. So where ya wanna eat?” Flash blinked, his feathers ruffling. “You mean you actually wanna go?” “As a wise mare once said—” Vinyl raised her hoof in a stately pose, “‘—sharing food with another pony is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly.’” There was a pause as Flash stared at her raised hoof. His eyes went cross, then he shook his head. “And that means what, exactly?” She shrugged with a grin. “How should I know? I read it on the back of a book in a bathroom stall.” She grabbed his hoof and made for the door. “C’mon, Bolt Butt. You’re buyin.’” Vinyl pulled her sunglasses back, set them atop her horn and took in the ornate surroundings; lacquered wood banisters on broad balconies, marble columns, servants with ties and cuffs on their hooves, a stone floor polished so perfectly she could see her own reflection. Her ears lowered and her tail tucked between her legs as Flash spoke to the host behind a solid wood podium. “Come on, Vinyl.” She followed close beside him, her eyes roaming to the other guests, all of whom sported flashy clothing, perfectly styled manes and upturned muzzles. Raising hers to his ear, she asked, “What the hay kind of place is this?” He glanced back at her, face marred by cluelessness. “What? You don’t like Cibolian?” “It’s not that.” She clamped her mouth closed and forced a smile at the servant as he invited them to sit at a booth against the wall. She all but sank under the table. Flash ordered a drink, and when Vinyl failed to respond to the servant’s query he also ordered one for her. As soon as the servant had gone, he leaned forward with ears perked and eyebrows raised. “Vinyl, what’s wrong?” “What do you mean, ‘what’s wrong?’” She couldn’t stop looking around at the other guests. She felt so blatantly obvious, despite the fact that nopony seemed to be paying them any mind. “This isn’t exactly what I was expecting when you offered to buy me a late lunch.” He scratched behind his ear with a perplexed frown. “I don’t understand.” At last Vinyl sat up properly so she could give him a glower. Before she could say anything, though, his wing reached over the table and took the glasses from her head, setting them on the table. She stared at them, then pointed at the glasses with an eyebrow raised in his direction. He shrugged. “It’s considered rude here.” Vinyl facehooved. “This is exactly what I’m worried about. I don’t belong in a place like this, Bolt Butt.” “It’s just a restaurant,” he replied, waving for her to keep her voice down. She needed no extra prodding, her eyes once against casting over the scenery. “It’s not just a restaurant, it’s a ‘high end’ restaurant.” She shook her head frantically. “Not only can I not afford this place, it’s obvious to everypony here that I can’t afford this place. I’m a Lower Level pony.” “It’s not ‘high end,’ and I don’t see what the big deal is.” He began unfolding the napkin before him, setting the silverware down in a specific order as he did. “I’ve been eating at places like this all my life.” She blinked and took a closer look at him. “Are you rich or something?” “Rich?” He chuckled. “I’m ‘middle class.’ Also, I’m one of Princess Cadance’s personal guards, which means good pay, and I’m alone. No family to spend money on means the bits pile up.” “Must be nice,” she grumbled, ears lowering once more as she took a look at the menu. The names of all the entrees were written in some fancy mumbo jumbo spelling, and it took her three or four reads to figure out what each item actually was. “Goddess, I feel like trash.” “Do you wanna leave?” “No, no.” She shook her head frantically, forgetting that it was hidden behind her menu. “I said you could pick the place, and I ain’t backing down.” She noted the price tag on the appetizers and wilted. “I just can’t believe you’re spending this much money on me.” He sighed and reached across the table to unfold her napkin and set her silverware, for which she was very grateful. “I’m sorry. I picked poorly, didn’t I?” At last Vinyl felt she had found something she might like. She set the menu down and tried her best to look as proper as she could. “Not to get you jumpy again, bro, but are you sure you’re not trying to impress me like it’s a date or something?” He chuckled and made a show of appearing confident, though there was a touch of pink in his cheeks. “Positive. Honest, this is just a regular restaurant to me. If I wanted to wow you, we’d be going somewhere with an actual dress code.” Vinyl whimpered and stared at her hooves. The servant returned with a glass for each of them. Vinyl eyed hers; it was a tall wine glass with something purple and bubbly inside. She sniffed it and detected a strong aroma that reminded her of plums. Taking the glass in her magic, she carefully sipped the beverage. It had a taste as strong as the smell, but it wasn’t bad at all. She noted the slightest touch of alcohol beneath the fruity flavors. The server took their orders, Vinyl wincing with the understanding that she’d butchered the pronunciation of her meal. The server took the slip in stride, though, and was soon off with their menus. Seconds passed in silence, Vinyl staring at her hooves and wishing she could sink into the cushions. With her electric blue mane, red eyes and lack of any clothing, she had to be the most eye-drawing pony in the room. For a pony with a reputation for trying to stand out, she sure wasn’t enjoying the opportunity. “So,” Flash leaned over the table, “let’s talk.” She fidgeted and couldn’t meet his eyes. “About what?” “About whatever.” He gestured invitingly and smiled. “I’m here to listen.” “Okay…” She thought for a while, tapping her hooves together and trying not to look around the room for judging eyes. At last something came to mind: “Why are you in Canterlot?” “Oh, making this about me, eh?” Flash leaned back and rubbed his chest with a self-satisfied smile. “I understand. Who doesn’t want to know about me?” He met her raised eyebrow with a smug grin. “Just answer the question, Bolt Butt.” He chuckled and took a sip of his drink. “Princess Cadance is to meet with the ambassador from the Diamond Dog tribes and Minotaur kingdom for trade negotiations. They insisted on doing it in a ‘neutral’ location, but she was able to talk them into having them here.” “Huh.” Vinyl leaned against the table to peer at him. “So you’ll be in town how long?” “Ten days.” “Ten days.” She grabbed her glass and took a sip. “Does that mean you’re gonna bother me every day for the next week?” He scoffed. “I do have a job, y’know. I’ll be sticking to the princess’s side most of the time.” She smiled over her glass. “One of those eternally young, easy-on-the-eyes princesses, right?” “H-hey, low blow.” Red colored his cheeks, his eyes darting about the room. “I’m over Twi—P-Princess Twilight.” She smirked. “Yeah, sounds like it.” His eyes narrowed. “And what about you? Still laying in your bed at night and wishing you had somepony to talk to?” A shard of ice lodged in her chest and her stomach seemed to drop into her hooves. Vinyl stared at him, her lip trembling and her hooves shaking. “H-how… how did you—” “Ponies tell certain truths when inebriated,” he said, hooves crossed and eyes hard. “Why do you think I’m here, Vinyl?” “Because you… Well…” She set her drink down and fidgeted, her eyes once again going to her hooves. “I have no idea. I figured you were just being friendly.” He leaned forward once more, tilting his head in an attempt to look her in the eye. “I’m here because I thought you would like some company for a change. I think you’re lonely. So am I.” She scowled turned her head away. “So what, we’ll spend time together, fall in love and then we won’t be lonely anymore?” He sighed and sat back. “You’ve got a serrated tongue, you know that?” “What do you want me to say?” He let out a small groan. “That’s just it, Vinyl: it’s not about what I want. That night you told me you were tired of being alone. I promised you, solemnly, that I would help with that.” “I was drunk,” she grumbled, grabbing her glass and taking a long sip. “You shouldn’t have taken me so seriously.” “I strongly believe that we are at our most honest when we’ve had a few drinks in us, and you had more than a few that night.” He was at last able to lock eyes with her. “Come on, Vinyl. Stop hiding behind the tough mask.” “Well aren’t you my knight in shining armor?” She took a small bit of pleasure in his wince. “If I wanted help, I’d have asked for it.” “You did.” Her eyebrow twitched. She glanced at the glass in her magic and slowly set it down. “I’m never getting drunk around you again. Fine, you got me; I was lonely.” He cocked his head. “‘Was?’” “That’s right.” Now it was her turn to lean forward and peer at him. “I’ve got a friend now. We talk regularly.” He thought on this for a moment. “Was it that pony on the radio?” “Yeah, she’s the one.” Vinyl forced a broad smile to her lips. “We’ve been at it for a couple weeks now. The girl’s crazy.” Flash stared at her, his lips pursed and his ears low. She could see he had a question on the tip of his tongue, knew that he was almost desperate to call her bluff. In the end, however, he just smiled and nodded. “Is it the good kind of crazy?” Vinyl relaxed, but she lost her smile. “I… don’t think so.” He shifted, muzzle wrinkling as he took in this response. “What?” More silence. Vinyl considered him, wondering just how much she should tell him. Then she realized that there was no reason not to talk. “She’s got this nutso story, says she’s up in space and lost.” He stared at her with a dry frown. “In space. What, is it some sort of game she’s playing?” “I don’t think so.” Vinyl sighed and rested her cheek against her hoof, eyes on her drink. “I get this impression that she’s in trouble. Like, real trouble.” “What kind of trouble?” “I dunno.” She used her magic to stir the drink, watching as the liquid swirled about. “Like… maybe she’s got an abusive father or something like that. Or maybe she’s just really lonely. I can’t tell, she’s pretty entrenched in her little fantasy. Even by the standards of that fantasy, she's refusing to open up to me.” “It sounds… ridiculous.” Flash leaned over the table to study her. “It also sounds like you’ve grown attached to the idea of saving her.” Vinyl gave a weak nod. “You should have heard her on that first night. She was talking about killing herself.” His eyes widened a touch. “Whoa.” “I know.” She sighed and sat up again. “I’m trying to help her out. She needs—” “A psychiatrist.” Flash made an imploring gesture. “Vinyl, why are you taking this on by yourself? Get some professional help.” “I can’t,” she snapped, leveling a harsh glare his way. “I’ve got my reasons, but I can’t. This is my responsibility.” He matched her stare, but said nothing as their food came out right at that moment. Vinyl tried to relax as she stared at the large plate of steaming pasta; white sauce, asparagus, tomatoes and a sprinkling of basil. There were other things that her uncultured mind couldn’t identify, but a careful bite told her she’d love to find out more. The beginning of an argument faded rapidly as they each delighted in their respective meals. After a few bites, however, a thought came to Vinyl. “Y’know, in a way I am seeking ‘professional’ help.” Flash took a moment to swallow his mouthful. “Really? How so?” “I’ve set up an appointment to see Princess Luna. I’m gonna ask her to disprove Adi’s story.” He cocked his head, chewing his food slowly as he thought. “How’s she going to do that?” “Beats me.” Vinyl shrugged. “She’s the Princess of the Night, not me. I figure if anypony can do it, it’s her.” “Hmm…” His fork dangled from his mouth for a few seconds. “Guess that makes sense. What happens after this ‘Adi’ gets her story blown up?” “Then I’ll finally get the truth and know what to do to help her.” Flash’s eyebrows rose. “You really think it’ll be that cut and dry?” She paused, not sure what to think about that statement. “You think it won’t be?” He rubbed the back of his head with a deep frown, his wings ruffling. “Well, no. It’s just… I’ve been around the princesses quite a bit, and if there’s anything I’ve learned from such close proximity to royalty, it’s that very few things go as well as planned.” She bowed her head. “So… you think I should plan for the worst?” “Something like that.” He shrugged and took a sip of his drink. “What if, for example, your friend has been at it so long she actually believes her own story? How would she react to having that little bubble of security popped?” Her jaw dropped as that idea swam around in her head. “I never thought of that.” “That’s exactly my point.” Flash pointed his fork at her. “Every time it seems like everything’s going to go right, something comes along to smash it in your face. It’s good that you’re helping this pony, but have you even considered what comes next?” “I’m not exactly known for planning ahead,” she admitted with a chuckle before taking a big bite of her pasta. She chewed slowly, savoring the taste while also biding her time. “Honestly?” He smirked. “That doesn’t surprise me.” “Shut up.” She stuck her tongue out. “I get what you’re saying, but I think I’d rather take this as it comes. You don’t want me trying to come up with plans for the future. That’ll end badly.” Flash sighed from around his mouthful and nodded. “Well, if that’s what you think is best. Let it not be said that I didn’t try.” “‘Let it not be said?’” Vinyl chuckled. “And who are you supposed to be now, Shakespony?” His cheeks went red and he crossed his hooves with a huff. “Leave me alone, I’ve been hovering around Twi—Princess Twilight a lot lately.” Vinyl’s lips curled upwards. “I thought you said you were over her?” “It’s part of the job, okay?” he replied with ears low. “She’s in town. There’s no way Princess Twilight and Princess Cadance will be in the same town and not have a friendly get together.” “You gotta learn to stop being so defensive, soldier.” Vinyl waved her fork at him before using it to nab one of his oatballs. She tried it and let out a small groan. “Dude, are you gonna make this a regular thing? ‘Cause I could eat here daily.” “Would you like me to?” She blinked, abruptly aware of… Flash. He was watching her, his manner calm, his expression curious. Her instinct was to hit him with another jab of wit, but she couldn’t kick the words off her tongue. Why did his manner make her so… nervous? She fidgeted, set her fork down and took a sip of her drink to calm her nerves and buy time to think. “You… you really mean it, don’t you?” Flash said nothing. He merely waited patiently. For some time, she could only stare. She closed her eyes, and in her mind she saw herself running from club to club, bar to bar, concert to concert. Always playing, always laughing and smiling. She was in a sea of anonymous faces, all of them looking at her and none of them seeing her. They talked about nothing. They knew nothing about her, said nothing about themselves. They just existed. Aimless. Pointless. “Vinyl?” Her entire body gave a reflexive jerk and she opened her eyes to find Flash still watching her. She blushed and lowered her eyes to her half-empty plate. “I’ve met so many ponies, and I can’t claim to know any of them.” He shifted with a small, uncertain frown. Vinyl tapped her hooves together, sinking a little lower in her seat. “I… I want to get to know somepony. Adi’s the first pony to really talk to me, y’know? Yet even then, all I’m getting from her is a mad as hay story that, Celestia forbid, she might actually believe.” Silence passed between them. Vinyl refused to look at him, instead focusing on how her stomach was churning. She didn’t really care to eat anymore, but the circus act in her midsection wasn’t the only thing she felt; there was a cold unpleasantness in the back of her mind. She wanted to snap at Flash, to take back what she’d just said and rip the words apart, to laugh in his face and accuse him of being desperate for a date. There was so much her brain told her she needed to do to get out of this situation. Her lips trembled with the urge to unleash the words, to ensure she’d never see Flash again. She had no idea what was holding her back, but it was powerful and made her feel like dirt. “Tell me about yourself.” Air she didn’t know was being held burst from her lungs. She looked up to find Flash smiling at her. “What?” He gestured invitingly. “Tell me about yourself.” She gazed at him, then glanced around the room for inspiration. Her mind swam in random directions as she tried to process what he’d said. “Like… like what?” Flash rubbed his chin thoughtfully before regaining his warm smile. “How’d you get your cutie mark?” Vinyl considered the question, and everything she’d have to talk about to really tell that story properly. The idea made her smile. “That’s gonna take time.” He leaned forward, elbows on the table and hooves pressed to one another beneath his chin. “I’ll listen.”