One Year Ago
The smell of fresh coffee permeated the air, mixing with the cool air as the door to the cafe opened once more. The barista was accustomed to the sight of the grey mare who had entered; it was a common place to find Octavia relaxing before or after a performance. It struck him odd that this mare was Octavia, she always came alone, but this time with another mare. Cuppa Joe couldn’t quite place her however, a gaudy pair of sunglasses rested on the bridge of her muzzle; making it very difficult to discern who’s eyes rested behind them. The machines whirred to life as Joe started the process of making her usual order then turning around to take said order. Octavia wasted no time in ordering exactly what he was already making, but her friend took much longer, having gotten caught up in the pretty sight of the pastries in the display window. Taking a pair of tongs, Joe fished out the pastry the unicorn decided on and bagged it. Announcing its arrival with a ding, the coffee maker spat out the rest of Octavia’s coffee, to which he hoofed over to the mare. The distinct clink of bits hitting the counter was heard as the two mares ventured into the cafe to find seating.
“So Miss Scratch, tell me about yourself.” Octavia took a sip of her drink.
“I was unaware that this was an interview, what job am I applying for?” A smirk was barely visible on the other mare’s muzzle.
Octavia’s eyes widened. “Oh no! Was this too formal? Oh dear, I’m not very good at this.”
“Relax, I was joking, plus there’s not that much to tell. Middle class family, college degree in audio engineering, local DJ and artist.” Vinyl replied, taking a bite out of the doughnut. “However I’m a little more interested in your story.”
“Well... I grew up in Trottingham, but now my parents live in Fillidelphia. My sister, Crescendo still lives in our old childhood home. My family have been in the classical scene for quite some time, my father Virtuoso Philharmonica is a violinist, as was his father before him... And you’re asleep aren’t you?”
“Huh, wa? Uh, no, no I wasn’t, just listening so intently I had to shut down other senses.” Vinyl flushed with embarrassment. Noticing that her reply wasn’t going to satisfy, the unicorn shifted in her seat. “Late gig, sorry.”
The steam continued to escape the mugs as the two ponies soaked in the atmosphere around them. A few minutes passed as the two studied every minute detail of the store, hardly glancing at each other, in the awkward sort of way first dates tended to be.
“So, uh, when’s the gig?” Vinyl broke the silence.
“Hm?”
“You said you had a gig tonight, or something.” She clarified.
“Oh yes, although it’s hardly a gig, I’m performing there.” Octavia pointed a hoof towards the window at the rather impressive concert hall down the block.
Vinyl rubbed a hoof along the back of her neck. “Oh yeah, I knew that.” Silence was allowed to reign for a moment more. “Does this mean I need to dress fancy? ‘cause I don’t usually do that sort of thing.”
“Yes, usually the audience would wear dresses or other formal attire.” Octavia smiled as she set down her cup. The smile turned into a laugh at the look of horror that became Vinyl. “However I’m sure you don’t have to... Just do something with that mane.”
“Hey, my mane’s fine.”
“If you were to stick glow sticks in it like a ponified Hearth’s Warming tree.”
“Exactly!” The eyebrow was a reply enough for Vinyl. “Ok, I’ll do something with my mane, when exactly do you perform?”
“In about an hour. I usually come here before concerts.” Octavia explained.
“Leaving me with no time, I’llseeyouthereTrebleClef,bye!” Vinyl said as she exited the store at a rather high velocity. “Oh,” Vinyl reappeared at the door, “I had a fantastic time.”
Helpless but to smile at the energy of the unicorn, Octavia sat for a while; peering out at the busy streets outside her little abode. Reluctantly pulling herself to her hooves, Octavia trotted out the door and in the direction of the Concert Hall.
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The Concert Hall was built around 500 AB* and remained one of Canterlot’s noted buildings since its founding. Sweeping arcs, delicately carved pillars, and woven tapestries all added to the feel of the place. The exact opposite feel that one Vinyl Scratch was used to. A type of quietness was associated with the place, despite the fact that there was a small din raised from the many voices of the aristocracy in conversation.
To be precise Vinyl felt quite overwhelmed. Fancy ponies in fancy clothing, a thousand smug looks on a thousand smug faces, she didn’t know where to begin. All she had was a simple braid done up and her traditional glasses. However she started to feel that it would be best for her to take them off.
“Vinyl!” A voice proclaimed behind her. “You look fantastic!” BonBon trotted up with Lyra on her tail. That was almost quite literal, Lyra was actually sitting on her back, however she didn’t take up much room. “She likes to try new spells,” BonBon explained, “Not all of them work.”
Lyra crossed her tiny little hooves with a look of contempt. Vinyl laughed at the sight, “I know that feeling, sometimes backfires can be quite expensive, at least you got to look cute out of it.”
“Hmph.” A tiny muzzle was pushed up in the air away from Vinyl.
“So I’m guessing Octavia is backstage?” Vinyl inquired, “I’m not used to this whole “formality” thing.”
“Yes, she is. we should probably go find some suitable seating.” BonBon confirmed. They made their way to the main doors, filing in behind the throng of ponies making their way inside.
Curtains opened, the crowd waited as the orchestra readied their instruments. The conductor raised his baton. The music started.
A few hours passed and Vinyl walked into the lobby in a half stupor. “That was amazing!” She exclaimed, only to be hushed by those around her. Lowering her voice, “I didn’t know she played like that.” Vinyl addressed the pair as they walked behind her.
“Yes, she’s very good at what she does.” BonBon smiled.
“In all honesty, she’s one of the best.” Piped up a small voice.
“Speaking of which...” Vinyl trailed off as she trotted toward the archway Octavia had just appeared from. Before she could reach the cellist however, Octavia was more or less swarmed by ponies of all types. Getting a favor or pushing their products seemed to be the major trend, but sometimes it was just getting in her good wishes. The sight was almost sad to Vinyl. A long hard battle of politeness and courtesies ensued, with Octavia finally breaking out of being smothered by high class.
“Treble Clef!" Only to be smothered again, however this one’s a little more bearable. Vinyl let go of the embrace, only to invade personal space once more. Eye to rather large eye, the unicorn exclaimed, “I didn’t know you could play like that!”
Regaining her composure and straightening her bowtie, Octavia replied, “So I see you liked it?”
“I loved it! Other than, you know, it being boring classical stuff.” The sudden change in demeanor brought a laugh from her friends.
“I’m glad you could make it.” The cellist turned to BonBon, subsequently face-hoofing at Lyra.
“We wouldn’t miss it.” BonBon smiled. “You always manage to bring out such emotion in your pieces, I do believe even Vinyl shed a little tear.”
“Did not!”
“Did too!” The little voice spoke up once again
“Thank you girls, now I hate to seem like such a rush, but can we move on out of here? This place is always so tiring.” Octavia proved her point with a yawn. The ponies squeezed through the crowd leaving the building and found themselves in the fresh air on the sidewalks of the city. It was a calm night, slightly chilly however, and the light wind wasn’t helping heat up anyone.
“So which bar do we go to first for the afterparty?” Vinyl inquired.
“I don’t usually spend my nights after concerts getting hammered....” Octavia started.
“Too bad, you are now.” The unicorn took the lead down the sidewalk, moving toward the entertainment side of town.
The rest of that night passed with more or less of a blur. Three ponies downing mugs, the last downing a thimble, and they celebrated Vinyl’s way until early in the morning.
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It was cold. At least there was a source of warmth, otherwise Octavia might have to actually get out of bed. She didn’t want that, being up way too late and with a little too much to drink has that effect on you. There was that blasted cold again. Octavia buried herself in the warmth next to her. Then the warmth did the same. Confused, Octavia’s eyelids fluttered open; greeted by a mop of electric blue hair.
“Good morning Treble Clef.” The electric blue hair remarked, then protested as Octavia tried to get to her hooves. Nothing says good morning like a splitting headache, Octavia winced.
Wait, why is Vinyl in my bed?
Octavia turned around. Vinyl was trying to go back to sleep, Lyra (back to good old full size again) and BonBon were passed out on the couch, and everything seemed peaceful. However that still didn't answer her question.
I don’t have a couch in my bedroom.
She stopped to gather her wits and ultimately her surroundings, and to her surprise, she stood in the middle of a messy hotel room. Bewildered, she opened the curtains, getting quite the protest from Vinyl. She didn’t seem to notice however, because the bright shining Ponyville morning was staring back at her.
“Oh jeez.”