//------------------------------// // Nap Time // Story: A High School Catastrophe // by Cyber Clash //------------------------------// It had been over a week after the party. Currently, the students were in math class. Vinyl Scratch’s hand was cupping her chin as she slept soundly. Her slumber went by unnoticed as her shades covered her tired eyes, and Octavia only heard the occasional soft snore from the desk next to her. “And once we add three, what do we get?” The professor asked, looking among the mostly muzzy students. He then looked toward the corner, and pointed at his blue-haired student, “V-“ “Four point seven metres cubed.” Octavia answered, receiving a raised eyebrow from Mister Pi, “Oh, my apologies. I thought you were going to call on me,” she lied. “Well, you’re correct. Worry not,” he winked before writing the final answer on the chalkboard. The class continued on as usual, and luckily, Mister Pi had no longer called on Vinyl, much to Octavia’s relief. A half hour later, the final bell rang, and everyone, except for a certain shade-wearing girl and her secret admirer, got out of their seats and filed out of the classroom. “Vinyl, get up,” the admirer commanded as she nudged Vinyl’s side. The girl stretched and yawned before asking, “Yeah? Was I asleep?” “Yes, again. Vinyl, that’s the third time in a row I’ve had to cover for you. You can’t keep this up. It isn’t good for you,” the classical musician admonished. “I know, I know. I just…haven’t been sleeping well,” she admitted. “What, really?” Octavia kneeled down to meet face to face with the insomniac, “Vinyl, for how long has this been going on?” “Could we talk about this later? I just need to get home,” the DJ stood up, forcing Octavia to move, and went out into the wild halls to gather her belongings. The cellist stood up as well and followed closely behind her friend. After acquiring her bag and her books, she walked out the door with all of her friends. She wasn’t paying too much attention except when people talked to her, or if there was any sort of interaction with Vinyl Scratch. “Yeah, I’m not too sure,” Neon said, in response to something Octavia didn't hear before changing the subject, “So, Scratch, what are you going to do for the dance?” “Umm, I don’t know,” she answered groggily, “I’m not sure I’m gonna perform there this year.” “Huh. You sure?” he asked, a bit shocked at the girl’s intentions. “Hey, Vinyl, are you okay?” Harpo asked, concerned, “You’ve been a bit quiet lately.” “Yeah, I’ve just been having trouble sleeping. It’s not a big deal, though. I’ve gone through it before,” she shrugged off. A few of them had left to go their own ways, leaving Lyra, who was on her way home, and Neon, who whispered in Octavia’s ear, “She just doesn’t want us to worry about her, but we have to help her, Octavia.” She looked to see the lyrist and the DJ engaged in their own conversation. She turned back to the boy, “I know. I’m not really sure I believe her when she says that she has experienced insomnia before.” “Well, she has, but not like this. Something’s up. I’m not sure what, but she’s hiding something from us,” the spike-haired rocker whispered. “Do you think I could help?” He smiled at the cellist’s enthusiasm, “Yes, actually. I need you to do me a solid, and take care of her just for today. I want her to get plenty of sleep, so I’m going to start monitoring her constantly for a few days, but I need you to do this just for today. I’ve got work to do.” “Of course, Neon. I’ll call my parents and ask them if I could stay with Vinyl for a while,” she assured. “Thanks, Octavia. I owe you big time.” “I would have done it even if it wasn’t upon your request, so worry not,” she smiled before asking slowly, “Hey, I know you said she’s keeping this a secret and all, but do you have any idea at all why she would be having problems sleeping?” “Well, all she does is spin records continuously from eleven to midnight on Thursdays. She had a problem with the manager, but…I don’t think that’s it. She solved it a while ago. You could find out with a bit of time. She opens up after a bit of probing. Like frog dissection.” She frowned at the odd comparison, “Um, okay then...” She moved on, “I’ll see if I can find out, alright?” “Awesome,” he celebrated, holding out his fist for the lavender-eyed girl to bump. Which she did, “Look, I gotta bounce. As soon as Lyra leaves, you’re in charge of Vi, okay?” “Alright, until anon,” she waved. “Bye, guys. See you later,” he said aloud. “Later Neon,” the two girls said in unison. The golden-eyed girl looked at the others, “My turn’s right over here, too. I've gotta go. Bye-bye,” she waved. “Bye, Lyra,” Octavia said, while Vinyl simply waved. The pair walked in silence for a few minutes until the Vinyl spoke, “Hey, um, do we have a lot of work to do? I didn’t really get everything because…you know, I fell asleep in half of my classes.” “We do have a lot of work, but I can help you with it,” she offered before pulling out her cell phone and pressing numbers on the screen. She then held the device to her ear, awaiting an answer. The DJ whispered curiously, “Who are you calling?” “My father. Shh,” she commanded before receiving a greeting from her father, “Yes, Daddy? Hi, I’m going to be staying with a friend for today. She isn’t feeling well, and I’m going to take care of her. Is that alright? …Oh, no, she’s right next door. …Yes, that one. …Okay, thank you, Daddy. Could you tell Mother for me? Thank you. I’ll be back tonight, I promise. …Okay, bye. I love you.” Vinyl Scratch looked at the girl next to her with a look of curiosity, which was strong enough to not get ruined by the shades, “What was that?” “I’m going to take care of you for today. I just asked my father for permission and he said that it’s fine,” she explained simply. “Why the hell would you have to take care of me? I’m fine.” “No,” the cellist disagreed, “You are not fine. Vinyl, you haven't been sleeping, and I have to make sure you get rest because Neon can’t do it right now.” “Okay, just go home. I’ll make sure to get some re-“ The two-toned-haired girl was cut off by a hand on her mouth, “Don’t argue. It’ll make it more difficult to deal with you.” The DJ licked the girl’s palm in response. “Ew. Vinyl, that’s unsanitary,” said the cellist as she wiped off the saliva on the other girl’s shirt. “You're right. Tongues should be used for other things,” she said sultrily while Octavia kept wiping off the spit. “Huh, and you can’t keep your hands off me either.” In response, the cellist jerked her hand away from the voyeur, “And to think, I have to spend the whole day taking care of you. You know, I’m going to do all of your homework for you, so you might as well play nice and quit the harassment.” “Wait, what?” Vinyl Scratch asked in disbelief, “You’re going to do my homework?” The classical musician held back a grin, “Oh, yes. And I was going to make you dinner, let you sleep while I do all the work for you, and do almost anything you asked for. But, you know, I wouldn’t want to bow down to a pervert like you. Besides, you said you don’t really need my help, so I guess I could just stay home while you do your homework, lose more sleep, and make your own dinner.” “Wait, hold on! I can change, Tavi. Or-wait, you hate that name, right? Yeah, umm, just come over, and I swear I’ll behave, Octavia. Please?” she begged. “Hmm…I’m not too sure I’m convinced. Maybe if you got down on your knees and begged me? Yes, that would surely convince me of how desperately you need me,” the girl said playfully. Vinyl Scratch nodded slowly and got down on her knees. She folded her hands together and begged, “Octavia, pleeease, come to my house and take care of me? I’d be so grateful. I’d do anything.” The DJ proceeded to clear her throat use the cutest, softest voice she could and said, “I love you, Tavi.” Those four words made Octavia’s heart burst from cuteness. She got down on her knees to match her friend’s position and pulled her into a tight embrace, “Aww, Vinyl. You know I’d do anything for you!” “Damn, girl. You could kill a puppy with your hugs. I can hardly breathe,” the DJ said in a hoarse voice. “My apologies,” the cellist said before letting her friend go, “I have a weakness for adorable things.” “So…I’m adorable?” the shade-wearing girl asked with a grin. “Sometimes. Other times, you are a demon.” “An adorable demon... Whatever. You know you like me, Tavi,” she said while getting up, and helping her friend to her feet. You don’t even know, Vinyl, thought the cellist. “Come on, the sooner we get to my house, the sooner I sleep,” said the DJ before continuing to walk. The cellist followed behind her. After about five minutes, the two girls finally reached Vinyl’s home. When the owner opened the door, she motioned for her friend to come inside. Octavia was surprised; she had expected her friend’s home to be messier. Instead, it was very neat, save for the dust in a few places. She turned to her tired friend, “I’m impressed with how clean you’ve kept the house. And all by yourself, too.” The girl yawned and grinned at the compliment, “Heh, thanks. I try. Come on, my room's down the hall.” The cellist followed the DJ to the master bedroom. Without even changing, the insomniac took off her bag and collapsed on the bed. “Are you really going to sleep in jeans and shades?” she questioned with a raised eyebrow. “Ah, it’s not like I give a damn,” she said softly, snuggling into her bed. “Well, why not take of your shades at least?” “Nah. You’re gonna see the bags under my eyes, and I don’t want that.” Octavia rolled her eyes, “Oh, just keep your eyes covered while I take them off.” Accepting the groan as an approval, the bowtie-wearing girl removed the shades, as Vinyl slid her hand over her eyes. “There. Now these won’t bother you while you sleep,” the cellist said, smiling. “I’ll start on your homework, okay?” “Wait, Octy,” she said, making sure to keep her eyes closed. “Yes?” “Could you sing me a lullaby?” the DJ requested. “A lullaby? Really, Vinyl?” she asked sceptically. “Hey! Don’t judge me. I can’t fall asleep unless I hear some someone’s voice before falling asleep,” she explained. “Please, just sing me something?” The strings player sighed, “Alright, alright.” She sat on her friend’s bed and softly sang, “Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to go to bed.” The blue-haired girl let her lips form a small smile before falling asleep. The cellist sensed the even breaths and ran her fingers down her friend’s unruly, yet soft hair, “Sweet dreams, my dear.” She then placed a small kiss on the sleeping DJ’s forehead. Octavia exited the room with Vinyl’s bag and began to work on both of their assignments. Upon going through her messy folders in her search for her assignment papers, she found a few tests. Oh my…most of these are such low grades! I knew she wasn’t doing well but…hmm…maybe I could help her with her study habits once she wakes up. After working on homework and studying for two hours, Octavia went into the kitchen to make dinner. Let’s see… she thought, opening up the fridge. Rotten. Spoiled. Chinese leftovers. I…don’t even want to know what that is. Oh! That avocado looks good. Cheese? …Ew! That is not cheese! Oh Luna, that’s disgusting! Snapping out of shock, the cellist walked over to the pantry to find more food. Luckily, there were only a few expired things, but nothing too bad to disgust the girl. She took a can of tomato soup, a small container of rosemary, four pieces of bread, and a can of tuna. Once she had the required ingredients, she opened the can of tomato soup, and heated it up on the stove. She seasoned the soup with some spices, and then put the bread in the toaster. While the bread was toasting, Octavia poured the tomato soup into two bowls. Once the bread popped out, she peeled and sliced the avocado and placed a few pieces on two slices. The cellist opened the can of tuna, drained it, and placed the contents on both sandwiches. Once she had finished the meal, Octavia cut Vinyl’s sandwich into four triangular slices and found a tray to put the food on. She found a bottle of iced tea in the pantry, and two cups in the cupboard. Pleased with her work, she carried the tray upstairs. The black-haired musician quietly entered Vinyl Scratch’s room. She set the tray down on the nightstand, and gently nudged her friend awake, “Vinyl, I brought you dinner.” The girl groaned and rubbed her face, alarmed at the lack of shades covering her eyes. ”Octavia, hand me my shades, please.” “Here,” said the cellist as she placed the sunglasses over her friend’s eyes. “Thanks,” she smiled before stretching. The classical musician gestured toward the tray, “I made you tomato soup and a sandwich. You didn’t have a lot of…edible material.” “Aww, Tavi,” she smiled, “You didn’t have to make me anything. You could have heated up some ramen noodles, and saved yourself all the trouble.” Well, I would have made ramen if I had known there was any! “No, it’s fine. I wanted to make you a high-qua—or…above satisfactory dinner.” The electronic musician chuckled, “Well, thanks a bunch, I guess.” She then took a bite out of the sandwich. Octavia, as well, began to eat. While they munched away at the food, Octavia asked, “Is it any good?” Vinyl slowly nodded and swallowed, “Mm-hmm. 'Above satisfactory' doesn’t even begin to describe it. I think I should just have you take care of me instead of Neon all the time.” “Speaking of which, I have a question, and I hope you won’t mind me asking.” “Shoot,” she said, shrugging. “How close are you with Neon Lights?” the cellist asked. “We’ve been friends since we were kids, actually. Why do you ask?” “Well, I figured maybe you two were…you know,” she trailed off. “If you’re thinking I like him or something, get that out of your head right now. Drag the thought right out of your skull and gut it. Then stuff it with fireworks. And light it on fire. And let it rot in hell,” the DJ ordered, poking Octavia’s glabella, “I actually tried dating him at fourteen, but it just…didn’t feel right. I guess I was just too used to being his friend and…I don’t know.” “Well, that’s good,” the amethyst-eyed cellist said without the intention. “Why? Are you into him? Sorry to break it to you, but he's not into dating.” She said sympathetically. The strings player chuckled, stirring her soup with the spoon, “No, of course not. He isn't my type.” “Then…” Vinyl Scratch asked gently, “Are you into me?” Octavia smiled at her friend’s sympathy, attempting to calm her beating heart, “No. It’s nothing like that. I’m just thinking that you two are good friends, and you really trust each other, so I was just asking.” Vinyl shrugged, “Well, he’s my best friend, so yeah, I tell him everything.” “Huh. I see. Did you ever tell him or anyone why you live alone?” she asked. “Oh, that’s nothing, really. I’m from Ponyville, but my parents wanted to move me to a school in Canterlot. I got accepted, but they couldn’t just move to the capital, so they told me to stay with my grandmother for a while. She was getting old, and she wasn’t able to take care of me anymore right when the school year started. So, I asked my parents for a bit of money, worked a bit, and now I’m here,” the DJ said, finishing her explanation before drinking a spoonful of soup. “I never knew that,” the cellist said, looking down. “Wasn’t it hard leaving your parents, and later, living on your own?” “Not really,” the shade-wearing girl said nonchalantly. “I still write to my parents and visit my grandmother in a nursing home,” she simpered. “Besides, if I hadn’t moved here, you wouldn’t have been my neighbour. And if that had never happened, you wouldn’t have been forced to befriend me and make me this awesome sandwich!” Octavia giggled as her friend ate the last piece of her sandwich humorously, “Well, it was a bit difficult to be your friend, especially when you kept being so dirty with me and everyone else. It took me a while to get used to you, and even now, you are a pain in the arse.” Now it was Vinyl’s turn to giggle, “Sorry, it’s just fun to joke with people. You’re my favourite victim, too. The way you blush is absolutely adorable!” After a bit of conversation, they finished their meal. Vinyl Scratch followed her friend to the kitchen, where they washed everything, and put them back in the cupboard. “So, Vinyl,” Octavia began as they walked upstairs to the game lounge, “While I was looking for your homework, I found a few—actually, more than a few failed assessments.” “Yeah, I’m not really good at studying,” the DJ admitted awkwardly. “That’s okay, I just wanted to offer you a bit of…tutoring.” The blue-haired musician sighed, but smiled, “Yeah. I guess it’d do me some good. When do you want to start?” “We could start right now, if you don’t fall asleep?” she suggested. “Yeah, we might as well get it over with.” After going over social studies, math, and science, which were the three subjects Vinyl was failing the most, they got to her Spanish elective, “Okay, just repeat: La casa es grande,” Octavia said slowly and perfectly, making sure to articulate every word. “La casa es grande,” Vinyl repeated. Unlike Octavia’s non-existent accent, the DJ sounded like she was making up words in English. “Oh come on, you’re not even trying. Just pronounce it like this: La casa es grande,” she tried again. “La casa es gr—agh! Maldita clase con su profesora de mierda!” she retorted without the slightest accent. “Oh, but you can pronounce all that profanity so smoothly, huh?” the tutor questioned with her hand on her hips. Vinyl Scratch lay down on the carpeted floor and groaned, exposing her abdomen to Octavia, “Why do I have to pronounce it perfectly anyway? She just hates me, and gives me bad grades, that butt.” Octavia crawled over to see her friend’s visage, sitting with her knees in front of her, “Vinyl Scratch, while I don’t take her class, I know that Missus Idioma is an absolute sweetheart to all of her pupils, you included. Now, half of the tests are oral, so I’m sure she just gives you the grade you deserve for using long vowels in Spanish,” she assumed. “When you swore in Spanish, I heard you speak like a native, a very angry, vulgar one, but a native, nonetheless. I know you can pronounce it correctly, just try it.” Vinyl Scratch placed her head on Octavia’s lap, sighed, and tried again, “La casa es grande,” she pronounced with perfection. “See? With just a little bit of effort, you can speak perfectly,” she congratulated, awarding her classmate by ruffling her hair. “Now, how about I quiz you on history again? Let’s see…how much time do we have left?” she asked her watch. “Shit. I should have left an hour ago. I guess my parents didn’t mind too much. Do you think you could sleep tonight?” The DJ got up from her friend’s lap and faced her. “Well, maybe. You think you could call me later? To say good night?” she asked in a meek voice, something Octavia had never heard from her. “Of course. I’ll call you once I’m in bed, okay?” “Thanks,” she said, hugging the cellist. “I’ll show you out.” Once she had exited and said goodbye, Octavia pulled out her house keys and entered her own home. She could see her parent’s room lights on from down the hall. The cellist went upstairs, and went straight into the shower, smiling at how she was able to take care of the person she was completely enamoured for. After twenty minutes, Vinyl was getting into bed. While awaiting a certain call, she began to text her friend: Vinyl: Hey Neon: Sup Vinyl: Octavia took care of me Neon: Cool. B) You didnt cause too much trouble did you? Vinyl: I dont think so…she helped a lot Neon: k thats good. Get some rest alright? Vinyl: Wait Vinyl: I need to ask u something. Neon: k go ahead. Vinyl: Do u think i should come out? Neon: Whoa. This is pretty sudden. Neon: Why do you want to come out of the closet now? Vinyl: idk. Its just that i don’t want to keep it a secret anymore Vinyl: But im afraid of how this could change my friendships with others… Neon: Look, I didnt really have problems saying I was ace. Neon: In fact, most people thought I was saying that I could reproduce without anyone. Neon: I dont know how it would go for you. People are okay with Bon-Bon being bi, and we know Lyras gay too. No one really seems to care. Vinyl: Yeah i know but im always making dirty jokes with everyone so what if that freaks the girls out? Neon: The guys didnt give a fuck when you flirted with them. Vinyl: Yeah but guys are guys. Guys don’t give fucks when i play flirty with them. Theyre guys. Neon: I guess youre right. Here, why don’t you just keep it low okay? Neon: you dont say anything but you dont deny it if someone asks. Vinyl: I guess that could work. Thanks. Neon: No prob. If thats all then good night, Vi. Vinyl: Night Almost right after, Vinyl’s cell vibrated with a call. She looked at the screen and saw “Octavia” displayed on the screen. She answered with a smile, “Hey, Tavi. You get in trouble?” “No. My mother just came in to check on me once I was out of the shower.” “Okay.” “So, why did you want me to call?” Octavia asked curiously. Vinyl took a deep breath, “I guess I just wanted to thank you. I really liked having you over. I hope I wasn’t too much trouble.” Octavia giggled and blushed at the compliment, “Thanks. You were no trouble at all. In fact, I thought it was cute how you needed me.” “Yeah, well…” Vinyl blushed. “You’re an awesome friend, and I think we should hang out more often because you’re so cool. Take that!” she countered. The cellist giggled, “Are you honestly challenging me to some sort of compliment war?” Vinyl nodded, “Sort of. I’m not kidding about hanging out, though. How about you sleep over on Saturday?” she then realised how odd that sounded, “I mean, with other girls too—I mean, you guys come to my house and we have fun—like dance and stuff, not…yeah.” A laugh escaped Octavia’s lips before she could control herself, “I never thought I’d hear you get so prudish about something like that. Anyway, I know what you mean. And I think it would be wonderful to have a slumber party with our friends.” “Awesome,” she sighed in relief. “Now, umm…could you sing for me again? You have a really nice voice for lullabies.” “Fine. Here, have this one: Rock-a-bye baby on the treetop. When the wind blows, the cradle will rock. When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall. And down will come the baby, cradle and all.” “Holy shit, Octavia. That is the creepiest lullaby I’ve ever heard.” “Would you like another one, then?” she offered. “Hell no. You’ll probably sing ‘Ring around the Rosie.’” “Hey, at least I sang you something. Do you think you could go to sleep, now that I’ve serenaded you?” “Hehe. You didn’t even have to sing anything for me to go to sleep. I could have put on some music. I just wanted to hear you sing.” “Damn it, Vinyl!” she swore. “Hey, I said your voice was pretty before, no? Calm down. Anyway, good night, and again, thanks for everything.” “It was no problem. Sleep well, okay?” “I’ll try, oh, and Octavia?” she asked, hoping to let out her secret. “Yes, Vinyl?” “Umm...you said you don’t like how you’re parents are against homos, right?” “Yes. Why are we broaching this subject?” “No reason. It’s just that, you know, we’ve got a few gay people at school, and I was just thinking about that. You don’t care about that stuff, right?” “No, I actually support Celestia’s decision to make the law against discrimination. This is kind of random, you know,” she said. “I know. I just wanted to tell you,” Vinyl suddenly felt her heart beat louder. The tension was too much for her liking, and she decided to get out of the situation, “that…you probably shouldn’t tell your parents that there are gay people at out school.” “Okay…? Is that all?” “Y-yeah, that’s it. Good night, Octy.” “Good night, Vinyl. I’ll see you tomorrow. Now get some sleep.” Vinyl hung up and snuggled under her covers. She thought about how Octavia had done so much for her, and how her concern was so adorable. And how she blushes when I tell her sex jokes. I should probably stop though. I don’t want her to remember me as a pervert and freak out if I tell her I’m into girls. I want her to keep talking to me afterward. Maybe I can tell her at the slumber party?