Lovers of Note
Business was booming in Ponyville's market square. Well, as much as it could given the population figures.
For everypony except Scootaloo, that is.
She had to find a way to drum up business somehow. Ponies were always saying that most new companies failed in the first year. Or was that just for a certain industry? Regardless, Scootaloo wasn't going to make bank if no bits were coming in. A client, any client, was sorely needed.
Just then, she spotted the perfect potential marks- er, clients- perusing a stall across the plaza. "Vinyl! Octavia! Hey, come over here!"
The cellist heard her name and turn, swiftly spotting Scootaloo. She nudged Vinyl to get the DJ's attention and they both trotted over.
"Good morning, Scootaloo. What did you need?" Octavia asked as they completed the short journey. Vinyl just nodded.
"Oh, but it's not what I need from you," Scootaloo corrected, taking her entire bag of charm and applying thoroughly. "It's more in the line of what I can do for you."
Octavia frowned, realizing the trap an instant too late. "You're referring to your little... service, aren't you?"
"Got it in one! And ponies say musicians can't be smart. Now, today- today only, to be precise- I'm offering a special price reduction on consultations. You'd have to be crazy to not take advantage of this impressive deal." Vinyl bobbed her head, which Scootaloo chose to interpret as an affirmation. Seizing on that she continued, "Awesome! Now as a disclaimer I must remind you that, while your satisfaction is guaranteed, any attempts to disrupt and disengage during the rendering of services will nullify that guarantee."
Surrendering, Octavia simply sighed and said, "Alright, fine. Perform your little consultation."
"There you are!"
Scootaloo and Octavia, but not Vinyl, turned in the direction of the voice and saw Trixie standing there triumphantly, girded for a confrontation. But when Scootaloo looked behind her to see whom Trixie could be addressing she didn't see anypony. With a shrug, she returned her attention to the nascent consultation. "Anyway... Let's start with you, Octavia. The ultimate example of refinement in Ponyville- congratulations on beating out Rarity for that distinction, by the way- and I'm sure you've felt that fact would cause problems when it came to finding your special somepony."
"It has crossed my mind," Octavia admitted.
"Well, allow me to put that fretful mind at ease." Scootaloo hopped over her stall's counter and threw a foreleg around the cellist's shoulders. "For your special somepony has already been found."
"Trixie has heard tell of your incredible prowess and skill at entertaining ponies! A new act can not be tolerated, especially in the midst of Trixie's own comeback tour! So I challenge you, knave, to a showdown!"
Scootaloo kinda wished Trixie would take her theater practice somewhere else. It was totally messing with her rhythm. Never-the-less she pressed on. "They're white-coated, with a blue mane and tail, and a super-stylish pair of shades."
"V-Vinyl?!" Octavia blushed as she realized which pony Scootaloo was talking about. "But we're friends! And roommates!"
"Well that's two-thirds of a relationship covered," Scootaloo quipped.
"But-"
"Just listen." Scootaloo let go and held up a hoof to cut Octavia off. "You both love music, right? You get each other. That's a beautiful thing if you ask this filly. What's the worst thing that could happen?"
"Trixie is impressed with your fortitude, vagabond! This day shall be conceded, but mark Trixie's words. There'll yet be a confrontation!"
Octavia looked at Vinyl, who bobbed her head again, then smiled and turned back to Scootaloo. "You're right, I'd feel worse if I never tried. Maybe this consultation was worth it after all."
She dropped the fee into Scootaloo's lockbox, and as the two mares walked away Scootaloo busted out a grin. Business was picking up.