//------------------------------// // Chapter 21: An Unexpected Visit // Story: Vinyl and Octavia: Ponyville Duet // by generalsnaz //------------------------------// ----{{{{Octavia walked down the street. She held her mother's hoof. They traveled towards the giant cello in the distance. Octavia turned and saw Vinyl in an alleyway. Vinyl played her guitar but her eyes were taped shut. Octavia trotted over to her and from her satchel pulled out three miniscule Pinkie Pies. Octavia dropped them into the patched hat turned up in front of Vinyl. "Thanks for the tip! I need some new sunglasses," Vinyl said as she continued to play. "Your music is lovely," Octavia said. "Thanks! Your mommy is leaving!" Vinyl said. Octavia turned and saw her mother was gone. "I cannot leave yet!" Octavia said. She reached to Vinyl's face and ripped the tape off. Vinyl opened her eyes and said, "Thanks!" Vinyl's eyes were so beautiful that Octavia had to kiss her. Octavia kissed Vinyl and her skin began to feel hot. Octavia boiled. Vinyl melted. Octavia was shocked and ran away. She ran back to her mother but her mother lay dead in the street. A large shadow of a pony stood over her. The large cello was broken. "MOTHER!!!" Octavia screamed.}}}}---- "M... ther..." Octavia mouthed aloud with hardly a sound coming out as she regained consciousness. Bolting up in bed, she quickly covered her mouth after having thought she might have actually screamed the word in real life. Glancing over to her partner, she saw Vinyl was snoring next to her and laying in some hilarious position that would have surely been uncomfortable had she been awake. Octavia sighed in relief. The dream had terrified her in its last moments and her heart was still beating rapidly. -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~- "Oh! Oh! Put in that wubba wubba sound there!" Octavia said gleefully as she sat next to Vinyl, playfully shoving her. "The whatzitwhat?" Vinyl asked, perplexed. She was working on her keyboard, adding effects to a song. Or at least she was trying to, but Octavia was pestering her like a giddy filly. "Oh, Vinyl, you must know what I am talking about," Octavia said as she explained herself. "I do not know the technical name of the effect, however, in the Buckcorral Colt's song, Mare with the Amazing Mane for example, after the pre-chorus line, 'Filly you are everything to me,' there is an energetic tempo change succeeded by a sound that goes wubba wubba dew dewdew dew DEW bwaaah! You, of course, know to what I am referring?" It was incredible how sophisticated and juvenile Octavia was sounding at the same time. "Right... I... think I know what you mean," Vinyl said cautiously, utterly dumbfounded. "Oh, this is so much fun! Why did you not tell me you create your own music with this device earlier! This has been most fascinating! Not to mention enjoyable and fun! Did I say fun twice? Oh, I am beginning to sound like Miss Pinkie Pie!" Octavia giggled and squirmed, contrasting Vinyl, who was the calm, collected one for once. Vinyl had let it slip that she occasionally created her own tracks for use while DJ-ing. Of course, she then had to explain how her keyboard kept the music as a 'file' that could be saved and accessed with magic and how she was able to add layers of sounds and replay it. All of this was captivating to Octavia who was accustomed to pen, ink and paper. She ushered Vinyl to continue at every turn so they had been at it for 4 hours straight. "Pretty sure I mentioned it at some point," Vinyl mumbled as she tried to follow Octavia's request of adding the wubs. It was at lot more complicated now that Vinyl could work in sync with the FiM-9001X and get more complex sounds. Octavia was thoroughly enjoying watching her figure it out, though Vinyl was struggling. "It would have garnered my interest, if you had. Is the adjustment finished? Play it back, please," Octavia commanded with politeness. "Hold your horses, filly! This is harder than it looks," Vinyl complained as she concentrated the magic in her horn to finish up. "There!" She hit play and the two ponies were quiet as they listened to the track. Vinyl's song was very upbeat and had no input from traditional instruments. Octavia had become acquainted to those kinds of artificial sounds from the albums she'd been listening to. It was completely different from what she was accustomed to hearing in Canterlot. Physical instruments versus digital. Old versus new. Each had their own strengths and weaknesses. But they both had the same underlying concept: a love of music. Vinyl's song definitely exemplified that love. Each note had been painstakingly crafted to the right position to have the piece flow as was envisioned by the creator. Despite its vision, the song still stood on the shoulders of all of Vinyl's musical influences: borrowing techniques and learning from them. (That's okay, though. It's hard to be original!) "Mmm... It is not quite what I imagined..." Octavia said with disappointment, after the track finished playing. "I am afraid the wubba wubba did not add the finesse I was expecting." "Did you really just say those words in that order?" Vinyl asked, smirking. Despite the pestering, she was enjoying seeing Octavia so silly. "I thought it sounded fine." "Hmmm..." Octavia pondered as she leaned over and rested her head on Vinyl's shoulder. "Whatcha thinkin'?" Vinyl asked casually after a few moments. "How to improve the song quality..." Octavia muttered. "Well... can I take a break while you're thinking?" Vinyl asked sheepishly as she pointed to her sore-looking horn. "I'm getting kinda tired. I'm not normally at it for this long." Octavia bolted up and said, "Oh dear! How long has it been? Of course, Vinyl! This must be harder on you! By all means, do whatever you need to rest." "Whatever I need, huh?" Vinyl coyly said. She magically saved her progress and turned off the keyboard before swiftly swooping in to peck a quick kiss on Octavia's lips. "Mm!" Octavia recoiled a little in shock. Vinyl smirked and watched her friend's expression for permission to continue. When Octavia's face became relaxed and approachable, Vinyl went in for a more passionate series of kisses. Vinyl slowly wrapped her hooves around Octavia's waist and, even though they were side-by-side already, pulled her even closer. Octavia responded by wrapping her hooves around Vinyl's neck as they swayed. 'This is for Vinyl. This is for Vinyl. This is for Vinyl,' Octavia repeated in her head. 'This is not for me. This is for Vinyl. But... should... should I be doing this???' She thought with nervous concern as she opened and closed her mouth against Vinyl. 'Why shouldn't you?' her voice asked. 'Because... because... mother... would not...' 'Wouldn't what?' Octavia moaned. On that queue, Vinyl took them to the floor as they both took a moment to breathe. "Are you- are you quite sure this is helping you rest?" Octavia asked softly as she laid against the wooden floor, Vinyl above her. Her lips were barely an inch away from Vinyl's as they panted together. "It seems to be doing the opposite for me." "Believe me, you're the best thing for me," Vinyl answered seductively as she started the kissing up again. 'Mother would not approve...' Octavia thought. 'Why wouldn't she?' 'Because... ...this isn't how I'm supposed to be... How can I be a perfect daughter if I do this?' 'That is irrelevant.' 'No, it's not...' 'Yes, it is!' 'I can't do this!' 'You can!' Octavia moaned again. She tugged tightly and rolled on top of Vinyl. She let gravity force her against Vinyl's chest and belly, but Vinyl's grip held her tighter than gravity ever could. 'I... I want this so bad...' 'Then take it.' KNOCK KNOCK!!! The tapping of a hoof on the door to Vinyl's home interrupted the smacking sounds of the make-out session. (Smacky smack!) They were only a few feet from the door so Octavia was startled by the noise. "Mmmff!" Octavia tried to speak with Vinyl's lips still connected to hers. She lifted her head a bit and whispered in a panic, "Vinyl, the door!" "Don't care," Vinyl said as she leaned up to continue, but Octavia resisted her by pulling away. "What if they look in the window!?" Octavia pointed out softly. "What if they see us!?" Vinyl stopped but pleaded with her eyes for more, however Octavia was too stern. "Nnnnn!" Vinyl groaned and let her head fall to the floor in defeat. "...Alright, alright. Fine..." Octavia got up quickly and tried to franticly straighten her hair. Vinyl ruffled her own hair as she got up, but it was so messy all the time anyway nopony would have noticed. "I'll... I will be right back..." Octavia muttered as she quickly left for the bathroom. "...So close..." Vinyl whispered under her breath as she watched her partner leave. After sighing, she cracked her neck and looked around for her sunglasses. She levitated them back on as she opened the door to greet the mystery visitor. In the bathroom, Octavia panted and splashed her face with water. Hooves shaking on the counter, she looked to the mirror and saw how flushed red she was blushing in its reflection. She wasn't entirely sure she recognized the mare staring back at her. 'If that pony did not interrupt... how far would Vinyl and I have gone?' Octavia thought with dread. How far was she really willing to go just for Vinyl's sake? She rubbed her face and breathed deep to calm herself. After quickly patting herself dry and brushing her hair, she returned to the front room just in time to hear Vinyl call out to her. "Hey, Octavia! This guy who talks a lot says he knows you?" "Oh, who could-? Fr- FREDERICK!?" Octavia gasped as Vinyl stepped aside to reveal Frederick Horseshoepin. "Ah, there you are, Octavia," Frederick responded with his calm and sophisticated Canterlot bred demeanor. "It is good to finally see you again." The tall pony with a casual smile stood at the door, waiting. He had an identical bowtie to Octavia's, except the color was a pale pink. "Heavens! What in Equestria are you doing here?" Octavia asked with excitement as she skipped up to her friend and embraced him in a posh hug. "It is good to see you, as well!" "Uh... what is this?" Vinyl asked with startled worry as she watched the hug, but the two classy ponies were too distracted by their reunion to hear her. "How did you know I was here?" Octavia asked, not even waiting for an answer to her first question. "How are you? How is Beauty and dear Parish?" "One question at a time, my dear," Frederick said calmly as he patted Octavia gently on the shoulder. "I have come to simply see how you are faring. Your letter indicated you would be visiting Ponyville, but you did not give a time frame for your return." "What letter?" Vinyl asked while still being ignored. "What's happening?" "Letter? ...Oh, goodness, I almost forgot," Octavia said as she remembered. "I did send you notice of my leave of absence upon my departure from Canterlot. ...That was so long ago, it must have been..." "Just under two weeks," Frederick finished for her. "Is... is that all? I was confident it had been longer..." Octavia pondered. Time had been moving so strangely for her recently. "We had not ever received word you had returned and, well, you know how much Beauty Brass worries about you," Frederick continued. "I must admit I was frightfully worried it would be difficult to locate you but I did find that the citizens in this quaint little village were fascinatingly helpful on indicating your whereabouts. It seems you have made quite the impression on them. Now, not to be intrusive, but may I enter this abode?" "Of course, of course!" Octavia beamed offering Frederick entrance to Vinyl's home. He trotted inside with dignity and Octavia attempted to follow, but Vinyl had had enough and grabbed her shoulder, holding her back. "Octavia, who is this guy?" Vinyl whispered aggressively. "Oh, Vinyl! I forgot!" Octavia blurted, almost dumbfounded that the pony she was making-out with not a minute ago was still present. "Allow me to introduce you. Frederick!" she called to her old friend. Frederick was inspecting the inside of Vinyl's home with much more interest than criticism as the two mares came inside as well. "Dear Frederick, may I introduce you to Miss Vinyl Scratch? She is the owner of this lovely little abode and has been my guide in Ponyville. She and I have become fast... erm... Friends... *Ahem* Yes. And Vinyl? This is Frederick Horseshoepin, leader and pianist of the Horseshoepin Quartet of Canterlot. He is a dear old friend of mine." "Ah, it is indeed a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Scratch," Frederick said with such rehearsed demeanor he had obviously said those words a thousand times before. Bowing slightly, he extended his posh hoof for a customary hoofshake. "...Like-wise... Freddy," Vinyl replied with malice lining her words as she cautiously shook Freddy's genial hoof. "Please, Vinyl. It's FredERICK," Octavia scolded. "Here, have a seat. Have a seat," Octavia offered as she motioned to a modest wooden table and chairs. The little setup was, of course, one of Octavia's additions to the house. (Vinyl's getting all sorts of free stuff out of this arrangement!) Frederick seated himself and Octavia joined him. Vinyl came over as well, but the two chairs were already taken so she just stood beside Octavia, glaring daggers at Frederick. Frederick eyed Vinyl's equipment and keyboard and asked her, "Would it be presumptuous to assume you practice the musical arts as well, Miss Scratch?" "Something like that..." Vinyl replied coldly. "Vinyl is a 'disc jockey,' or a 'DJ' if you are keen on the vernacular," Octavia explained, bubbling up with excitement. "It is a fascinating profession, you must allow me to tell you all about it!" "Ah, a 'Dee-Jay'," Frederick said as he recognized the word. "Would it be correct to presume Miss Scratch here was the replacement for our quartet at Princess Cadence's wedding reception?" His question was innocent enough, but to Vinyl, it appeared smug beyond measure. "Yeah, I was," Vinyl defiantly answered with a triumphant grin. "Got a problem with that?" "No, no. I hold no ill-will. It is all water under the bridge, as they say," Frederick mused. "It is well that the wedding concluded without further incident." "Oh yes, those changelings were dreadful!" Octavia said, remembering the events of the first wedding attempt. "Do you recall how Parish tried to fend them off with a chair?" "Yes, I still remember the expletives he hurled at the beast as he did!" Frederick replied, chuckling. "Oh, and you were so brave defending Beauty and I! Throwing yourself against them so we might flee," Octavia said dreamily. Vinyl's jaw dropped as Octavia praised her friend. "Yes, well. One must rise to the occasion, when the situation demands it," Frederick explained as he straightened his bowtie. "Miss Scratch, how did you fare during that vicious attack?" "...Wasn't there," Vinyl hissed. "...Heard it was bad, though." "Oh, it was," Octavia explained, unable to pick up on Vinyl's condescending attitude at that moment. "Now, where are my manners? I have not offered you a drink yet. Vinyl, could you make us some tea?" "...Uh... Tea?" Vinyl turned to Octavia, confused. "Yes, be a dear, would you?" Octavia dismissed Vinyl with a wave and continued to converse with her older friend. "Now, Frederick, how has Beauty been?" Vinyl groaned as she complied and headed into the kitchen, eyeing them both from behind her sunglasses as she went. "Beauty is well, as always," Frederick answered. "She was especially enthusiastic about our excursion to the Crystal Empire. She veritably howled in delight when we arrived. It was a most charming side of her, I must say." "The Crystal Empire!?" Octavia inquired, astounded. "It has been the talk of the town! You have been there already?" "Yes, to attend the ball Princess Cadence hosted to help reacquaint the crystal ponies with modern day Equestrians. I believe the Princess felt responsible for turning us away at her wedding, so she offered us the exquisite honor of performing alongside an array of traditional crystal musicians. Splendid performers, they were, though I must say their prized flugelhorn was quite, erm... how to describe it..., ...outlandish in its sound." "Oh dear, you mustn't be so crass!" Octavia jested with a posh chuckle. "Yeah, Freddy. Don't be a jerk," Vinyl exclaimed as she returned, magically slamming a glass of water down in front of Frederick, splashing a little bit of the liquid on the new table. "Vinyl? This is tap water," Octavia pointed out as Vinyl gingerly placed her cup in front of her. "I believe I requested tea." "I dunno how to make tea," Vinyl stated matter-of-factly as she stared Frederick down. "For goodness sake, Vinyl. It is not that difficult. Let me explain: you simply..." Octavia started to explain, but gave up. Standing up, she changed her tune. "Never you mind, I will prepare the tea myself. Be a dear and entertain Frederick until I return, would you?" "Yeah, okay," Vinyl huffed as she rolled her eyes. "Pardon me, I will return shortly," Octavia spoke gingerly to Frederick. "Take your time, my dear," Frederick responded pleasantly. Vinyl waited for Octavia to enter the kitchen before turning to the uninvited guest in her house. "So, Freddy! How long you and Octavia known each other?" She asked her question aggressively, though she beamed a smile. "Oh, it has been many years. I suppose I knew her before she was born..." Frederick mused a little. "YOU WHAT!?" Vinyl snapped viciously. "Indeed. Shall I regale you with the tale?" "Sure! Why not!? This has GOT to be good," Vinyl pouted, hooves crossed. "Very well," Frederick continued, seemingly immune to Vinyl's attitude. "I was but a young colt in Softtune's musical theory class years ago ...Eh, Softtune Melody. Octavia's mother?" Frederick pointed out, making sure Vinyl was up to speed. "I KNOW who she is..." Vinyl mumbled aggressively loud. 'I didn't know her name before yesterday though.' Vinyl thought secretly. 'But I'll keep that to myself.' "Ah, well. Being the young impressionable colt that I was, I became quite keen on Softtune. I admired the spark and energy she had for music. It permeated her every being, inspiring me to do the same. After my classes with her were done, I voluntarily followed her career with great interest during the rest of my schooling years. Kind mare that she is, she recognized me after one performance of hers. It became customary for us to speak briefly at every event. During this time, I learned she had given birth to a filly and named her Octavia." Vinyl frowned. Frederick continued, unhindered, "Softtune entertained me with stories of young Octavia as she grew over the years. I finally met Octavia myself when I was attending university. Softtune had come to the school to chaperone a special exhibition performance by her current class, which young Octavia was a part of. I, of course, was in attendance and saw Octavia for the first time. She was such a timid filly at that age. As you know, that was the event where she received her cutie mark during her solo. ...Oh, she has told you that story, correct?" "...N-no," Vinyl said, befuddled. "Not really... She never told me how she got her cutie mark... but you were there to see it..." Vinyl's teeth began to grind. 'This old prick's been following Octavia her whole life!' Vinyl furiously thought. 'PLUS he saw her get her cutie mark!' "Well, you must ask her to share with you the details," Frederick continued. "After I had witnessed Octavia's gift for music, I kept an eye on her progress. Softtune even invited me to help her along with private lessons when she did not have the time herself. I suppose I became a mentor to her until years later when she herself had graduated from university and I was able to invite her to join my quartet as an equal. Oh, I have a hundred different stories I could tell from that time." "I bet you do," Vinyl said bluntly. 'I don't like this guy,' she thought. "Vinyl, why did you hide the teabags with the baking sheets?" Octavia interrupted as she emerged from the kitchen bearing a tray with glasses of tea. "I apologize for the delay, Frederick," she said as she placed one before him. "Ah, there is not need to apologize Octavia, my dear," Frederick spoke with delight. "I had just finished telling Miss Scratch here about our history together." "Oh? Perhaps you can also give her a lesson in civility?" Octavia said with a playful smirk to Vinyl as Frederick took a sip of tea. The DJ, however, was not amused by the nudge, nor of anything that had happened today (after the kissing, of course.) "Octavia, I don't like this guy," Vinyl said, uninhibited. "Huh?" Octavia responded, unsure if she heard correctly. "I don't like this guy!" Vinyl shouted. "Oh, dear. Did I do something to offend?" Frederick asked. "Yeah! Lots of stuff!" Vinyl responded as she pounded the table, knocking Frederick's glass over. The tea ran down an indent in the wood before dripping to the floor. "What in Equestria is wrong, Vinyl!?" Octavia asked, flabbergasted at this outburst. "Octavia, you need to get away from him!" Vinyl demanded as she magically grabbed Octavia and scooted her aside. She then stepped up to Frederick with menace. "He's a creep! I don't want his crusty old pony hooves anywhere near you!" "Whatever gave you that impression!?" Octavia desperately tried to ask, but Vinyl ignored her. "Listen you!" Vinyl addressed Frederick. "She's with ME now, got it!?" Frederick simply watched Vinyl's aggression with a cool temperament before responding, "...It seems that I am not welcome in your home. I shall take my leave, then?" As he stood up from his chair, his towering physique dwarfed his aggressor. "Vinyl, stop this ridiculousness!" Octavia protested. "No, no. I shall not intrude further," Frederick insisted. "It would be rude to overstay my welcome. Octavia. Miss Scratch." Frederick courtly bowed and turned to leave. "Yeah, you better leave. Little colt," Vinyl muttered before Octavia shoved her angrily. "VINYL! I'm ashamed of you!" Octavia lectured. "You apologize to Frederick this instant! "No way, Octavia! He wants you! He's trying to take you away from me!" "He's made no such assertion! Your claim is baseless! You-!" Octavia paused as Frederick opened the door to leave. "...You stay here and THINK about what you have done. I am taking a walk with Frederick." She assertively turned from Vinyl and caught up with Frederick. "FINE! Take your walk! But stay in public where he can't do nothing!" Vinyl hollered after them as Octavia and Frederick stepped out of the stressed house. Octavia gestured to have them walk towards the main roads of Ponyville. "I'm so terribly sorry about Vinyl's behavior, Frederick..." Octavia puttered, trying to rationalize what just happened as they went. "It is... alright my dear," Frederick said halfheartedly. "Although, I am startled by her outlandish claims... I do not mean to criticize the ponies you choose to keep company with but..." "She's not normally like that!" Octavia interrupted with determination. "She's normally very sweet, full of compassion and jubilation. Of course, we've had our little spats, but I've never seen her explode at anypony besides me..." Frederick eyed her with curious worry. Octavia kicked herself for making it seem like Vinyl was violent towards her. "I don't- I mean, I do not mean to say she snaps at me much, we just- have differing opinions and butt heads every now and then. That is all." "...Are you very sure this 'Miss Scratch' is safe? She seems very harsh..." "I know she appears that way, but..." Octavia sighed. How best to describe it? Vinyl had so very little in this world to call her own. She felt like she could not reveal her true self, lest she receive scorn. Octavia was the first to accept her. To Vinyl, that must of meant everything. "She is just overprotective. I think- ... No, I know that I am a very important pony to her. I mean more to her than I can disclose to you." "...Very well, it is your decision," Frederick said, still unsatisfied but keeping it to himself. "I shall not pry any further." The pair walked in silence for a few brief moments. The day around them was bright as it usually was, but an air of heavy unease hung over both of them. "...So how have you been?" Octavia asked, mostly to break the silence, but she was genuinely curious as well. Frederick huffed a little in amusement before he replied, "I am doing fine Octavia. The days come and go without complication. However, we were all disheartened when you could not join us in the Crystal Empire. We had no method of contacting you." "Oh... I... I am terribly sorry... I did not think about how my exodus would affect the quartet..." Octavia apologized, with a sullen heart. "I did not realize how inconvenient it must of been for all of you." "No inconvenience, my dear. We managed well enough. I do have associates whom I can call on to play the cello for us, you know. Though they are not nearly as extraordinary as you," Frederick praised, blushing a little and looking away. Octavia was quiet. She didn't believe the compliment. "...Not to pry further into your personal matters, Octavia, but... why did you leave? So suddenly and with barely a word?" Octavia contemplated for a moment, before answering softly, "...To find something important I wanted... I think. I am not sure," "I see..." Frederick paused extensively. "...Did you find it here, in Ponyville?" Octavia chuckled, then replied with a sheepish smile, repeating, "I am not sure." Frederick smiled a little as well, before growing concern filled his face. "...Since you have been away from Canterlot, have you not heard the news?" "Oh? Whatever are you speaking of?" Octavia asked, blatantly unaware of the goings on in Canterlot. "Well, I believe it is churlish to gossip, however... it is in regards to your family, Octavia." "...What?" Octavia stopped their little journey around Ponyville. "What of my family?" "Well... there have been... rumors. Rumors of the 'Fall of the Mint Coin Fortune,'" Frederick explained in a hushed tone. "...F-father?" Octavia asked, worry beginning to boil in her stomach (for a reason other than Vinyl, for once.) "Just rumors mind you, but there is talk of stock plummets, sour investments, debt collectors... bankruptcy." "Bankruptcy!?" Octavia exclaimed loudly. "Rumors, my dear, just rumors!" Frederick tried to calm her down with a gentle pat on the shoulder. "...And maybe some accusations of bribery and tax evasion..." he added quickly. "What!? Father would never-!" "I am sure he would not either," Frederick assured. "If I know anything about your mother, it is that she is not the type of pony to marry a criminal. This is all speculation of the aristocracy. This hearsay will fade in time, I assure you." "Mmm..." Octavia paused, deeply troubled despite the reassurance. "I might advise you to return home, however," Frederick added. "I am certain your family would appreciate the visit. These rumors must surely be afflicting them with stress, as well." "Return... home? But..." Octavia asked with confusion blocking her thoughts. 'That's right... my home is in Canterlot...' she remembered. She looked back towards Vinyl's house, though it was long out of view. 'For a moment I thought...' With more troubling concerns on her mind, she smiled to Frederick. "I will... think about it. Maybe if it is for just a day..." "I see," Frederick sighed, disappointed. "I suppose this means we should not expect you to return to the quartet anytime soon, then?" "I am sorry, Frederick... I do not feel like I am done here." "I understand. Take your time finding that 'thing' that is so important to you," Frederick said with an earnest smile. Octavia replied in kind. Frederick had been mentoring her for years, in areas besides just music. Like a second father, or an uncle. Although there was much about herself she had never revealed to him, she always felt he knew more than he let on. "Thank you, Frederick. I do not suppose Vinyl will be too upset if we share a quick luncheon, to lighten the mood. Will you join me?" Octavia posed to the question to her old friend. "I would be delighted, my dear," Frederick replied. "Excellent. I would like to hear about your trip to the Crystal Empire!" "Of course. Where shall we dine? Any recommendations?" "I know just the place!" Octavia beamed. Frederick smiled. Octavia was different than he was used to. It was the same pony he had monitored all those years, but... more energetic. More upbeat. More vocal. Her journey to Ponyville had changed her in ways visible and invisible. It was like sunlight had finally shined down on a shadowed place for the first time, revealing a golden flower, eager to bloom. It was satisfying to see Octavia blossoming, for sure. Although, for Frederick, it was a little sad... ...and lonely. -~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~- "I messed up big time, didn't I?" Vinyl asked as she lay moping on the floor when Octavia walked into the house. "You certainly did," Octavia responded, with an annoyed twitch in her eye. "Oooohhh..." Vinyl moaned, covering her face and scrunching up to the fetal position. "I knoooow..." "What on Equestria made you act that way?" Octavia demanded to know, as she approached her. "I... ........maybe I was a tiny, itsy bitsy bit jealous..." Vinyl muttered, admitting guilt. "I am afraid I do not know the 'itsy bitsy' unit of measurement," Octavia verbally jabbed as she physically poked Vinyl playfully. "It's-" Vinyl bolted up. "It's kinda... *sigh* You know what? It's actually a pretty big amount." "So you were very jealous, I take it?" Octavia said as she sat next to Vinyl. "Yeah... You were just so... happy to see him. You got along with him so well. It's like you two were meant to be together or something..." Octavia was shocked. She hadn't ever thought of Frederick other than a mentor, friend, and colleague. "You need not be jealous of Frederick. He's..." Octavia paused, struggling to explain Frederick to a pony that obviously felt suspicious of him. "He is much like my version of Patched Hat," she concluded. Vinyl contemplated for a moment before reaching an epiphany and exclaiming, "Oh. OH! I get it! Patched would never do anything weird to me." "Neither would Frederick," Octavia pointed out, with relief. "Oh, HORSESHOES! I need to apologize! Where is he?" "I am afraid he is already on the train back to Canterlot," Octavia explained. Vinyl pouted in defeat. Taking pity on her, Octavia rested a hoof comfortingly on her and suggested, "Perhaps you can write him a letter?" "A letter? ...I've never written a letter," Vinyl grimaced, apprehensively. "Even you should be able to do it. I will show you the basics," Octavia offered, with a tease. Vinyl scooted over to Octavia and squeezed her, mumbling, "You're so good to me!" "And you to me," Octavia softly said. "When you are not being a complete lunatic." Vinyl just giggled. After some time gathering the stationary, the two ponies sat at the table were the outburst had occurred. After explaining the proper format several times, Octavia watched as Vinyl licked her quill and started. "Dear... Freddy-H," Vinyl read slowly as she magically controlled the quill writing the text on the light brown parchment. "His name is Frederick, I have told you many times already," Octavia pointed out. "Come on, you know I use nicknames for everypony. Everypony but you," Vinyl reminded her as she continued to scribble. 'Because I am special to you,' Octavia thought without hesitation. 'I am the most important pony to you. And you... you are undoubtedly the most important pony to me.' Octavia didn't need to waver on that. But... 'When I am with you, Vinyl, I feel... at home. But... for how long? How long am I going to stay here? How far are we going to go together? How far can I go for you?' She did not have the answer.