Inconvenient Roommates

by Harmony Split


Two halves complete the whole

Chapter Nine: Two halves complete the whole


      


There was an awkward silence hanging in the room, making Octavia shift unsteadily from one hoof to another while the turquoise mare still held her. She stared at Vinyl who was covered in some bandages, but in most places you could see the bruises fading to a slight blue and yellow.

        “What the buck is going on here?” Vinyl replied, nearly shouting in anger towards them. “Octavia, why are you here?”

        The grey mare was about to give up, but she noticed the look in Vinyl eyes, not matching the anger in her voice. Her eyes looked nearly pleading to her, as if to make her stay. Octavia hoped Luna was right.

        “We have to talk about the past Vi.” she started, hoping Vinyl would realize the topic quickly.

        As she called Vinyl by her lovely nickname, the turquoise mare pouted and tried to tackle her again, but a raised hoof from Vinyl made her frown and stand in place.

        “What makes you think that I would want to talk?” the voice of the white mare sounded unsteady now, quieter.

        Octavia hesitated. Could she say anything? She was afraid that Luna wouldn’t approve of her sharing details with anypony besides Vinyl and herself. She got an idea, but she didn’t know if Vinyl would get the hint.

        “The moon likes you Vi, and it seems like she likes me too.” Octavia whispered, trying to stay as vague as possible.

        Silence, the thing Octavia was always afraid of, before Vinyls expression softened. She nodded with a smile towards her before turning her next words to her friends.

        “Would you two mind leaving us alone for a bit? I’ve got to talk about a few things with Tavi alone.” she said, still staring at the grey mare. Both pegasi hesitated, so Vinyl faced them for a quick moment. “I’ll be fine, now go, please.”

        They shared a look and left the room, another wave of silence washing into the room, while Vinyl and Octavia stared at each other. The white mare couldn’t do anything about her feelings, seeing Octavia in front of her. The mare seemed a bit tired, but she was as beautiful as ever. Viny just hoped that Luna was right.

        At the same time Octavia caught herself looking over Vinyl again, noticing even the smallest bruise or bandage on her white fur. She felt sorry about everything that happened, feeling it was somehow her fault too and just tried to open her muzzle as Vinyl spoke first.

        “You talked about Luna?” a small nod. “Well, then I guess you know everything.”

        “No Vi, not everything. I’m slowly remembering some parts, but for the most part… Luna said that we would have to talk.” Octavia sounded almost sad.

        Vinyl shuddered, trying to remember exactly what Luna had said to her about her concerns over Octavia. “Well, what did she tell you?”

        Octavia’s expression completely frowned now, and she started hesitating. “She… she told me that there were some incidents that kept you busy. That you did really stupid things that day, and that they would be the most likely reason that you forgot about me.” Tears were making their way down her muzzle.

        She heard a small sigh, and Octavia noticed tears on Vinyl’s muzzle as well.

        “Tavi, we’ve known each other for over a decade. We went to school together and everything. I was so dumb… I realized too late that I missed you.”

        The grey mare blinked a few tears away, confused by the warmth inside her. Maybe what she did next was stupid, at least for doing it so early, but she hurried forward and hugged Vinyl tightly.

        “I missed you too Vi.” she said, her voice muffled, nuzzling Vinyl's neck and causing both to blush. “Uhm, I’m sorry Vi.”

        “It’s alright Tavi.” the white mare replied with a cocky grin. “But I do have a question though.”

        Octavia backed away a bit and mustered her courage for a few seconds before nodding. What could Vinyl want to know?

        “Can we be roommates again? she asked and Octavia’s eyes widened in surprise.

Did she really just ask that? After everything she did, the grey mare wasn’t quite sure if this was just a joke or not. Thinking about her feelings the time Vinyl left her, she was more than eager to get her roommate and oldest friend back.

“Of course Vi, the spare room will be always there…”

Vinyl interrupted her. “No Tavi, not your house. I want you to move in into my apartment, forget the past and start over again.”

“W-what?” the grey mare stuttered. “I-in your apartment? I don’t know Vi… I like my house.”

“You have everything you need at my apartment too Tavi. Please, let it be like back in our past.” her voice was almost high and pitchy now, pleading to her with tears in her eyes.

“Please let me think about it Vi.” with a small hug Octavia turned to the exit and left the room, only to hear a whisper behind her.

“I’ll wait for you.”

Did Vinyl really just say that?


Spitfire was dragging Sassaflash out of the building by her mane into the cold night to let her catch some air. After her reaction, she was too close to going after Octavia, and that was a risk Spitfire wasn’t eager to face. The turquoise mare still struggled, making the wonderbolt groan.

“Sassa, stop it! Didn’t you see the look in Vi’s eyes? She was glad to see her, happy! Let them talk peacefully while you cool your temper.”

The turquoise mare still was in a rage, full of desire to beat that grey mare because she hurt Vinyl. “I don’t have to calm down or cool my temper. I’m perfectly fine, now let go!”

“Think back to the times we hurt Vi, and then ask yourself why we should be allowed to punish a mare that Vi likes if we always made the same mistake! We are not better than her. If she makes Vi happy, then it’s nothing of our concern!” the yellow pegasus held her tighter, carrying her onto the streets. “Stop struggling already, everypony is looking at us!”

Finally, after they put some distance between them and the hospital, Sassaflash calmed down a bit. “We will lose Vi.” It wasn’t a question, it was a fact for the turquoise mare.

Sighing, the wonderbolt put a wing around her friend while they walked along the street. “We’ll never lose her as a friend, and you know what my aunt always told me? There is always love to find, you just have to keep your eyes open. While I don’t think that any mare can be like Vi, I don’t doubt that we both will find somepony that makes us happy, whether it be sooner or later.”

Sassaflash smiled at her friend while they hurried along the streets, gathering their thoughts. Seeing Vinyl happy was suddenly a heroic target to chase for, even if it was with that grey earth-pony and a choice to abandon their own feelings for the white mare.

“I guess I’m happy for her Spits… maybe.”

They continued on their way until the soft thump of a pony landing behind them startled both pegasi. Spitfire turned around, eyes wide.

“Soarin’! What the hell are you doing here? You should be watching over the academy while I’m gone!” the yellow pegasus approached him, poking in his chest. “Now speak!”

“Uhm, hey there Captain. Well, we’ve got a little problem, and you have to come back to the Academy!” he said, looking awkwardly to the ground.

“Hey, eyes over here if I’m speaking with you, Lieutenant. What is going on at the Academy?” Spitfire’s voice nearly automatically switched to her usual commanding tone.

Soarin’ just looked around, trying to find the right words. “Do you remember that rainbow-maned mare?”

“You mean the one that saved our flanks at the best young flyers competition?” Spitfire shuddered. That mare was in her dreams and thoughts more than she wanted to admit. The only mare besides Vinyl she admired, as much as she tried not to.

“Exactly, that one. Don’t know the name right now, but she made it through all of the preparatory tests. She’ll be one of the new recruits, and the training starts tomorrow Captain! Fleetfoot refused to lead the group this year, so we need you.” Soarin’ tapped on the ground. “We should go now so we can prepare.”

“Her name’s Rainbow Dash, and I can’t right now. A friend needs me!” Spitfire tried to forget her excitement about Rainbow joining the Academy.

“Captain! You can’t just let the Academy down, we need y-” he was stopped by her hoof.

“Look Lieutenant, I’ve got something to do before I can go. Please go back to the Academy, and I’ll follow in the morning.” she said, not in the mood to argue.

Sassaflash in the meanwhile just stared at the yellow pegasus. She was definitely good at command.

“But Captain!” he started, but didn’t get far.

“No buts! Now move!” she said to him, her voice booming just like at training.

“Yes Captain!” A quick salute and he took off.

Spitfire turned around, looking into the grinning face of her friend.

“What?” she asked, confused.

Chuckling, Sassaflash continued to walk. “I just barely see your Wonderbolt-personality. It’s interesting, and I think you’re good at command.”

Cheeks turning red, the wonderbolt tried to keep up. “Hey! Wrong way, Sassa. We have to go back to the hospital. I have to talk to Vinyl before I go.”

Together they turned and made their way back to the hospital. At this moment Spitfire disliked her position, she would rather be at Vinyl’s side longer, but she knew she couldn’t disappoint the Academy, and definitely not Rainbow Dash.

“Rainbow…” she barely whispered while they walked.


Octavia left the Hospital, telling the nurse at the entrance that she would come back the next day. There was a lot for her to think about, mostly about Vinyl’s invite. She’d lived in her house for years, and was quite used to her big bathroom and the comfortable practice room. The grey mare doubted that a small apartment could stand up to a comparison.

        She sighed and hurried towards her house. Some practicing to think about it quietly, that would definitely help! Trotting down the streets, she walked along a special alley that she could remember too well. It was the one where she saved Vinyl. Stopping, she looked at the place besides the bench. There was no sign of the painful night, but it still caused her to stop and think.

        ‘Is Vinyl that important? We have been friends for so long, even with the long time not seeing and apparently not knowing each other… besides that she is one of a kind. But… is she worth it?’ Octavia’s mind rumbled.

        The grey mare shook her head and continued her way home. After some practicing, her mind would be definitely clearer. After some time, her house came into sight and she relaxed a bit, speeding up her trot again. While getting closer, she looked over the small building. It wasn’t really big, but it was her own, and also very first home she bought with the money from her appearances. Could she leave and sell it? She opened the door, quickly shutting it behind her and going straight to her practice room.

        Octavia took her cello out of it’s case, stood on her rear legs, and started to play. She just played, her mind wandering around without a specific song chosen. Just playing as all of the tension from the last few days let go of her, her mind truly at peace once again. What happened next surprised her. As her thoughts turned towards Vinyl, she smiled, feeling warmer and more protected. After a while, she even recognized the song she was playing, an old piece she learned back in school. It was called ‘Falling into Darkness’, a wonderful piece written by Princess Luna and nearly two thousand years old. She loved it with every fiber of her body, and she loved to think about Vinyl while playing it.

        ‘What is wrong with me?’ she thought and stopped playing. ‘Maybe I need her more than I thought.’

        As she tried to calm her feelings and continue, there were three knocks on her door, causing her to jump up slightly. Sighing she laid her Cello down, left the room and turned towards the front door. Opening it her eyes widened.

        “Hey Octavia! I hope you don’t mind us visiting you?” Lyra said before hugging her tightly.

        “O-of course not Lyra, b-but it has barely been two hours since I left your apartment.” came the stuttered answer while hugging the mint-green unicorn back who giggled.

        “Uhm, sorry about that but we were just too excited and eager to know how it went. Soo wanna share?” the unicorn asked, her eyebrow risen slightly before giggling again.

        “Please, come in. Maybe you two can help me figure out all of this… stuff.” the grey mare replied and stepped aside to let her friends in.

        They went in, but not without a serious look from BonBon. “Seriously Octavia, you’re really starting to talk like Vinyl.”

        “Excuse me?” Octavia shrieked, but followed them to the living room after closing the door.                        

        Both mares sat down, sharing a look before turning towards Octavia and Lyra sighed. “Octavia, we can see that you like her, as we’ve already told you. Now please tell us how it went.”

        The grey mare sat down and opened her muzzle, but hesitated. What should she tell them? It wasn’t like they wouldn’t know already, but still something in Octavia resisted, trying to defend against all feelings and thoughts. An impatient look from Lyra made her sigh and begin.

        “I went to the hospital, as you both know. I went up to her room and hesitated in front of it. While that was happening the wonderbolt and that other pegasus showed up, and she tackled me down. I said that I wanted to talk to Vi alone, but then she just carried me inside. Well, to say Vi was surprised would be an understatement, but nonetheless she agreed to talk. We talked about a piece of the past, that we’ve known each other for more than a decade and some other things… She told me she missed me and I don’t know what got into me, but I hugged her and told her I missed her too. It was and is the truth, but I’m still surprised that I did that step. “ Octavia paused and Lyra looked at her with a confused expression.

        “Vi?”

        “That’s the nickname for her I used a long time ago.” A small nod from Lyra told her to continue. “Anyways, what was more surprising and shocking, was the question she asked me… She asked me if I would like us to be roommates again…”

        “But what’s so bad about that? She lived here before as far you told us, and it could work.” BonBon stepped in.

        “That is exactly the point. She doesn’t want to live with me here. She wants me to move in into her apartment…” the grey mare answered, ears folding back.

        “And now you don’t know if you can leave everything you’ve built up with this house for her?” Lyra slightly cocked her head.

        “Exactly…”

        “Well, and we thought the answer would be obvious.” Lyra and BonBon said in unison, leaving Octavia shocked.

        “What in Celestia’s name should that mean?”


        The nurse on the desk was a different one while both pegasi walked up to it, causing the blue mare behind it to look up.

        “How may I help you?” she asked with a nice, but annoyed voice. Not surprising at that time.

        “Captain Spitfire, here to see Vinyl Scratch. We were already here earlier.” the yellow pegasus answered her, smiling a bit.

        “Ah yes. Well, you can go up but please wait in front of the doors. The doctor is currently in checking her status.” the mare answered and turned back to her papers, a sign for both mares that they could go.

        Both pegasi went towards the stairs, trotting up to the floor where Vinyl’s room was. They stayed silent until they reached it, waiting in front of the door once they noticed the red sign on the door handle, making it clear that the doctor was inside. They waited several minutes before the doctor came out, seeming angry.

        “You.” he said while pointing with a hoof at Spitfire. “Inside, now!” he turned to Sassaflash “And you stay outside!” with that he went in again.

        Sharing an uneasy look with the turquoise mare, the wonderbolt went inside and closed the door behind her. Vinyl laid in her bed, her expression worried and the doctor looking at both mares.

        “Okay, I want to know what happened now. You told me a story about falling down the stairs from your apartment and you...” he focused on Spitfire. “Told me you didn’t know what happened and that you just found her like that. I can prove that you both lied to me.

        “Doc, please let me explain.” Vinyl started, her voice not very loud.

        “I’m looking forward this explanation Miss Scratch!” came the cold answer.

        “You may already know what happened, and I ask you to be silent about it. I deserved what she did, I hurt her too back in the day.” the unicorn continued.

        “So some kind of revenge? That is still not good behaviour for the Captain of the Wonderbolts!” His gaze burned through Spitfire. “Miss Scratch has several fractures, this is not worth it!”

        “It is…” Vinyl’s voice was only a whisper anymore.

        Sighing, the doctor took his notes from the side table of Vinyl’s bed and turned to leave. “I won’t tell anypony about this, but I can’t hide the report nor can I change it. I really hope that it was worth it.” with that he left and Sassaflash came in.

        “What happened?” she asked.

        “Trouble” Vinyl and Spitfire answered in unison.

        Vinyl looked to the window, seemingly thinking about something, and Spitfire moved next to her, hugging her with a wing.

        “What’s wrong Vi?” the wonderbolt asked, but the mare stayed silent. “Well, I gotta say goodbye for now Vi. Soarin’ ran into us on the street, they need me at the Academy tomorrow.”

        “What?!” Vinyl’s head snapped towards her.

        “I’m sorry Vinyl, I only have barely an hour left before I have to go.” Spitfire said sadly.

        “You don’t have to stay until the last second for me Spits, it’s fine. Just promise me something.” Vinyl smiled a bit.

        “Anything you want.” Spitfire nuzzled her gently on her muzzle.

        “Write me at least every month, every week would be awesome, okay?” the white mare sighed and returned the nuzzle.

        “Promise. I should go now then.” with a small peck on Vinyl’s cheeks Spitfire prepared to leave. “But don’t forget. If you need anything, you know where to find me.” she turned to the turquoise mare and took her into a winged embrace. “And you better watch over Vi, you hear me?”

        “I won’t leave her hanging, you know me.” came the reply and Spitfire went happily towards the door. “See you soon.” and the door went shut.


        “That means, that you should listen to your heart! Usually it’s obvious, but it seems that a mare like you just can’t stop thinking about such things. It’s a decision of your heart, not your brain Octavia.” BonBon stated flatly, looking at the grey mare that winced.

        “But what should I do? I don’t know if it would go well, and if not, I won’t have anything!” Octavia yelled now, jumping off from her couch. “If Vinyl decides to do something stupid, or I can’t stand her anymore I will be homeless!”

        “Okay, now you’re just yelling and not thinking Octavia.” Lyra said, which brought her a confused look from the mare. “You could leave the house for two or three months to try it out.”

        Pouting, Octavia sat down again. “You don’t have any idea how expensive such a house is at this location, do you?” receiving a small shake of the head Octavia sighed. “I couldn’t afford paying Vinyl rent and paying the taxes on this house at the same time.

        BonBon suddenly smiled. “Octavia, did you ask Vinyl to pay rent while she was at your place?”

        “No, but what-”

        The other earth-pony interrupted her again. “Then why do you think Vinyl would demand it? I’m sure she would be okay for it, at least for the first time to try it out. ‘You’ should try it out.”

        Octavia looked at the ground and tried to gather her mind. She couldn’t tell if it was a good idea, but it felt good. Maybe there was a chance to make it work, and maybe also work up the past. While thinking about the white mare, her heart warmed and one sentence appeared in her mind.

        “I’ll try it!”

        “What was that?” Lyra smirked.

        “I’ll try it!” Octavia repeated, standing up and walking to the front door, opening it and left. Lyra and BonBon starred in shock before jumping up and quickly following her.


***

        Knocking on the door, Octavia went in, not even waiting for an answer. What she saw made her heart shutter and made her stop, shocked. Vinyl laid in her bed, sleeping, while the turquoise pegasus sat next to her, holding the white mare in her wing.

        Sassaflash looked annoyed, but slowly whispered in Vinyl’s ear to wake her. “Vi, wake up. Octavia is here.”

        Blinking, the white mare looked around before sitting up and yawning loudly. Then her gaze met Octavia’s “Tavi… you’re back early.”

        “Well…” the grey mare blushed slightly. “I made my decision.”

        “Oh okay.” Vinyl looked deeply worried now. “And who are they?” she nodded towards Lyra and BonBon. “Oh wait, you’re my neighbors.” she added and Lyra nodded.

        “Lyra is an old friend of mine and BonBon is her marefriend. Back to my decision. I’ll move into your apartment, but may I ask something?” a nod made her smile. “We try it and for at least two months, I will keep my house so if anything goes wrong I’m not homeless. After that time I’ll sell my house and pay you the rent properly, sound good?”

        “Tavi… you don’t have to pay me any rent. Despite what happened, you were nice enough to let me stay, even though you were aware of my state and that I wouldn’t be able to afford your room.” the white mare said, smiling a bit.

        “I insist on paying rent once my house is sold Vi.” Octavia made clear and Lyra and BonBon cheered.

        Vinyl looked at the two giggling behind Octavia, but a tear made it’s way into her eye. “You really would move into my place? For real?”

        “Yes Vi, for real” Octavia chuckled before pulling the white mare into an embrace. “When can I move in?”

        “Tomorrow. I’ll have to stay here till the evening, but I could get you from your house once I’m out.” Vinyl returned the embrace, near tears.
        
        She never expected that answer from Octavia, but she thought she could at least try it. Now she was happier than ever before in her life. At least she thought so.

        “I have my rehearsal tomorrow Vi. How about you come to it and listen? I’m guessing you remember where it is?”

        “Of course! I’ll meet you there.” Vinyl cheered, a smile covering her whole muzzle.

        Sassaflash looked over at Octavia before smiling a bit. “Let Vi rest a bit, I’m sure you two can talk tomorrow.”

        The grey mare gave her a thankful look before hugging Vinyl a last time and exiting the room with her friends.. “Sleep well Vi, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

        Octavia just couldn’t believe it. She would move into Vinyl’s apartment. She jumped up and cheered, but hastily tried to move forward as she heard Lyra and BonBon giggle. Her cheeks burning red the grey mare accelerated her steps.

        Both mares were still giggling as they called her to stop and Octavia waited, a sheepish smile on her muzzle.

        “Octavia relax, everything will be alright!” BonBon said, giving her a quick hug. “We should go home and sleep a bit, and you should too. If you need anything, you know where we live and if you should need help tomorrow with your stuff, knock on our door.”

        Lyra nodded and grinned before hugging the grey mare too. “It’s so awesome that you’ll live right next door from now on. Take care of yourself and we’ll see you tomorrow I guess.” with a small wink Lyra and BonBon went to their apartment while Octavia headed to her house.

        Reaching her home, she spared no thoughts to the rehearsal or to anything else. With her mind clearly focused on Vinyl she went to bed, a smile covering her muzzle as she fell into sweet dreams about a future with the white mare that confused her feelings.


***

        It was the start of a great day. Octavia woke up far later than expected, noon long past. She took a shower and ate something, but couldn’t concentrate on anything. In her mind only Vinyl went around, making it tremble. It still filled her with doubts about her decision, but Octavia decided to listen to her friends and the princess: listen to her heart, which clearly said that she likes Vinyl and needs her. She wouldn’t go further than friendship and testing it, but what could go wrong?

        The grey mare looked forward to seeing Vinyl at her rehearsal, maybe she could even play something special? Thinking about some pieces, one fell into her mind and she smiled. She was pretty sure that Vinyl would like it, it was the same piece she played the day the white mare watched her in her practice room. Grinning, she poked at her sandwich, too nervous to eat anymore. Still two hours until rehearsal and nothing left to do. Wait, she forgot to pack! Quickly she went into her bedroom, stuffing everything she would need into saddlebags and a small suitcase.

        After a bit of packing, she looked at the saddlebags and the case, quite worried now. How should she carry all of that, including her cello, to the rehearsal? Her question was answered by a knock on the door. Going to the front door, Octavia saw Toe-Tapper waiting. Opening the door, she smiled, waving him in.

        “Toe-Tapper, how nice to see you. I need your help today.” She stated happily, walking towards her bedroom.

        He gulped and followed her. “O-okay.”

        “Here, could you carry this suitcase for me? I’ll take the saddlebags and my cello.” with that she placed the saddlebags on her back and moved towards her practice room, not leaving Toe-Tapper any time to ask for the reason. He sighed and grabbed the suitcase, following her again.

        “Octavia” he started,

        “Oh, this is splendid! We will be early to rehearsal today and it will be great!” the mare giggled excitedly, something that made Toe confused.

        “Octavia…”

        “Just a perfect day, I tell you! Simply beauti-”

        “Octavia!” he interrupted her. “What in the wide world of Equestria is wrong with you?”

        “Ohh nothing. Come on, let’s go.” she replied while walking out of her house, happily trotting towards the Concert Hall.

        Toe-Tapper just shook his head and tried to keep up, still confused. That didn’t sound like Octavia at all, and he had no clue what happened… She talked the whole way, seemingly forgetting him, and it made him more and more concerned.

Octavia grew a bit more serious at the sight of the Concert Hall, reminding herself that she should concentrate now to play the piece without errors. She looked behind her to see Toe-Tapper walking slowly, seemingly deep in thought.

        “Are you okay?” she asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.

        “Yes, Octavia, I’m fine. Oh, we’re here already.” he answered.

        Octavia gave him an unidentifiable look before turning to the small entrance on the side, which lead to the preparation room.  Baritone and the rest were already waiting, happy that Octavia was there.

        “Octavia! Good to see you” Baritone started. “I really hoped you would show up today. There is a guest for you waiting outside, she asked if she could watch today. She can’t wait to see you playing.” at his last sentence he winked at her and Octavia blushed.

        “Thanks Baritone. Can I ask you for a favour?”

        “Of course” he replied. “What is it?”

        She struggled a bit, chewing nervously on her lips before answering. “I would like to play a special piece at the end, If you’re alright with it.” she blushed even more now.

        Baritone gave her a friendly nod before looking at the clock. “Alright, everypony get your things ready, rehearsal starts in five. All on the stage please.” he telled them, grabbing his stuff and moving past the curtain.

        Octavia left her saddlebags by the wall where Toe-Tapper had placed her suitcase and followed Baritone. She looked around while preparing her place and her cello, soon finding what she was looking for.

        Vinyl sat in one of the middle seats to have a great view on the stage, but be as close as possible at the same time. She waved eagerly towards Octavia, who smiled happily at the sighs of her. The white mare had no idea what the cellist had planned for her.

        The rehearsal went on without any problems, and Vinyl listened eagerly to everything Octavia played. Even though she was more into the electronic genre, she could still enjoy a classical piece. Soon it was getting late, and Baritone nodded towards Octavia who gulped.

        The grey mare focused on Vinyl and started playing the special piece. She caught Vinyl gasping and listening eagerly. Octavia smiled at the look and concentrated on the music, managing to make it perfect, way better than when she played it before. She was surprised by it, but soon she realized another fact. Vinyl being here and listening to her made her happy and calm. It made her happy deep in her heart, but also filled her with a bit of fear.

        She pushed the fear aside and tried to focus on the other feelings, looking forward to making this work. As the last notes were played and she ended the piece, Vinyl clapped her hoofs and Octavia caught a lonely tear on her muzzle. She couldn’t see her eyes because she was wearing her shades again, but she imagined a happy, proud look, and it strengthened her.

        Octavia packed her Cello up just as Vinyl jumped up the stage, surprising her. “Vi! I don’t think you are allowed to-”

        She was interrupted as Vinyl shoved up her shades and looking deep into her eyes before rushing forward and turning her into a tight embrace while nuzzling her neck.

        “You were just awesome Tavi, and the piece! It’s really old, but I love it!” the white mare said while still nuzzling her, making Octavia’s cheeks turn bright red.

        “I’m glad you liked it, but could you please let go? I’m not sure this is appropriate in front of everypony.”

        Vinyl coughed slightly before letting go of the embrace. “Ready to go?”        

        Nodding, Octavia turned to the curtain. “Just getting my things. Would you help me please?”

        “Sure thing, Tavi.” Vinyl replied and followed her.

        They grabbed Octavia’s things and went to the exit, not noticing Baritone watching them and grinning.


        ***


        “Home, sweet home Tavi.” Vinyl said after opening the door with her key.

        The cellist looked around, it looked slightly bigger than Lyra’s apartment, various corridors leading to different rooms.

        “You can leave your stuff here in my bedroom for now.” the white mare said, leading her through one corridor into a big room with a huge bed in it. It was personalized with Vinyl’s cutie mark on the blanket.

        Octavia placed her stuff on the ground and followed Vinyl for a quick tour, getting shown the bathroom, kitchen, living room and at the end the room with the sound proofing.

        “This is my practice room. You can use it too, of course, we should just set some times so we don’t interrupt each other.” Vinyl explained before leading her back to the living-room.

        The grey mare couldn’t do anything other than smile. “Splendid! I can practice here just like at my house! This is great! But where will I sleep Vi?”

        Vinyl sighed, folding her ears back. “I didn’t have the time to prepare the empty room, so you will take my bed and I’ll sleep on the couch.”

        “What?” Octavia’s jaw fell open. “I’m your guest! I will sleep on the couch and you take your bed!”

        “No” came the short reply.

        “But it’s your b-” she wanted to complain, but Vinyl stopped her with a hoof on her muzzle.

        “Tavi, please. Take it as an excuse and to show you that I really want you to stay here and be happy!” the DJ sounded serious.

        ‘She wants me to be happy...’ Octavia’s mind wandered again, but a long yawn interrupted her.

        “You’re tired Tavi, we’ll talk another time. C’mon, let’s get you in bed.” Vinyl giggled and, to her surprise, Octavia showed no resistance as she pushed the grey mare towards the bedroom.

        Too happy to argue, the grey mare hopped onto the bed, the blanket being levitated over her. It was more than comfortable and warm, even better than her own bed. Vinyl looked at her with a smile on her muzzle before giving her a peck on the muzzle that made both mares blush.

        “Good night Tavi, sleep well”

        “Night Vi…”

        With that Vinyl turned the lights off and left the room, closing the door shut softly. Octavia nearly instantly dove into happy dreams, looking forward to her future with Vinyl. The barriers that could stand on that path weren’t in her mind as she fell asleep.